A GUIDE FOR GREEK ISLAND HOPPING

Greece is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in the world, attracting millions of travelers every year; Typically, the best time to visit Greece is during the shoulder seasons, meaning from April until mid-June and from September to October. During these periods, the weather is warm, but not too hot (with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28°C) and there are fewer tourists around, which gives you the freedom to explore on your own time and to relax on the beach with less crowds around. If you want to kickstart your Greek island-hopping adventure, the best way to get to Greece is by plane. Airports most commonly used in Greece are Athens, Heraklion, Thessaloniki, Chania, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, Zante, and Kos. The best method of Greek island hopping is by ferry. The travel time between them ranges from 45 minutes – 2 hours. Ferry tickets need to be bought in advance, at least 24 hours before departure. When it comes to Holidays and other peak times, however, these need to be booked at least ten days in advance. Ticket prices vary depending on the route and on the distance. A great website for checking out prices, ferry schedules, and for buying your ticket is Ferryhopper.com. 

Greece has one of the most comprehensive ferry networks in the world. There are long-haul overnight boats that connect major destinations right down to tiny inter-island ferries that are no more than glorified fishing skiffs. Athens is very much the hub of the whole thing. Its huge – and ancient – port at Piraeus is the meeting point for most of the boats going across the Aegean Sea, as far as Rhodes and as close as Aegina. Other port towns offer stepping stones to different parts of Greece, like Igoumenitsa for the Ionian Islands and Thessaloniki for the northern Aegean. On top of that, every individual island group usually has its own 'mini hub'. That allows for quick transfers onto smaller boats to lesser-known islands, for example from Paros (the mini hub of the Cyclades) to untrodden Koufonisia. It's always a good idea to plan island-hopping routes by looking at the map and checking the ferry links in that particular region. Picking stops along the same course means you won't have to double back on yourself and sailing legs are kept to a minimum.

Greek Island Groups

One of the best ways to make sense of the 6,000 or more islands that speckle the seas around Greece is to break them into separate groups. Thankfully, that's already been done. Here are some of the most popular among island hoppers.

Cyclades

Cyclades are the most famous set of Greek isles out there. Scattered through the very middle of the Aegean Sea, they are known for their strange volcanic makeup. You get the uber-dramatic likes of Santorini here, where deluxe cave hotels peer over the cliffs. You also get lesser-known gems like Milos, a land of carved white stone and crystal-clear snorkeling waters. Mykonos and Ios bring up the party side of things, while Naxos and Paxos are there for families. The variety makes it a top region for island hopping.

Ionian

The Ionian Islands dash along the western side of Greece, going from the borderlands with Albania to the edges of the Peloponnese. They are characterized by soaring cliffs of chalk-white stone, sun-blazed beaches, and pebble coves. The history is fascinating, with Corfu especially bringing tastes of Italy through its Baroque architecture and old Venetian fortresses. Ionia is a vacationer's dream – still, seas and picture-perfect bays abound from Zante to Kefalonia.

Sporades

Stringing out through the northern Aegean Sea over the far side of Attica from the Cyclades and Athens, the Sporades take a bit of influence from the Greek highlands. They're crumpled by big mountains and clad in fragrant pine and fir forests. That makes for wonderful walking, but also rocky shorelines that draw in scuba folk with the promise of 30-metre visibilities. Skiathos is probably the best known of the bunch, Alonnios is fast becoming a popular destination for adventure travelers.

Dodecanese

The 15 main Dodecanese Islands are about as close as it's possible to get to Turkey while staying in Greece. Expect cobalt blue waters and towns painted in pastel colors, with Orthodox church domes blazing in teal overhead. The mainstays in these parts are the ultra-historic land of Rhodes, the sleepy harbor isle of Symi, and hedonistic Kos.

Saronic

The Saronic Islands lie in the Saronic Gulf, just west and south of Athens. Some of them can be accessed in less than 30 minutes out of the capital, which is why these are among the busiest island-hopping destinations in Greece come the high summer. They're also a good choice for winter trips because the ferry links run throughout the low season. Hydra really steals the show with its stoop stone cottages and mystical Orthodox monastery, but Poros is a yachter's hotspot with a charming marina area riddled with tavernas.

Best Islands to Visit

Here are some of the Islands you Must visit when island hopping through Greece.

Mykonos

There’s no better way to start your Greek island-hopping adventures than with Mykonos. This enchanting Greek island is famous for its vibrant nightlife, pebbled streets, whitewashed houses, and, of course, some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. Mykonos has been known as the island of the winds, and it’s located in the heart of the Cyclades group. Its fame has spread across the world, as a cosmopolitan and luxurious holiday destination.  Bathed in the bright sunlight of the Aegean by day, she dresses in charm and mystery by night, beckoning its visitors to dance and have fun in the beach bars and clubs, go for a shopping spree in luxury stores, visit its art venues, and -in short- have a truly memorable stay! What makes this island special is that it can cover a variety of demands: you can visit it for its archaeological sites;  get to know the local traditions in its picture-perfect villages; and you can explore its amazing beaches, considered by many as the top ones in the Aegean Sea. For a taste of culture and history, take a boat trip to nearby Delos Island; it’s a big and impressive archaeological site.

Paros

Aside from the large variety of beaches (quiet, sandy, breezy, etc.), Paros is a great destination for watersports. From kayaking, jet skiing, and kite surfing, there’s an abundance of water-related activities that adventure-seekers can practice here, so if you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline, Paros is the right island for you. There are beaches for everyone on Paros—families, partiers, watersports enthusiasts, honeymooners. Anyone can find their perfect stretch of golden sand. The same breeze that rustles orange and pomegranate trees will power your kitesurfing or windsurfing session. In the capital city of Parikia, make sure to pay your respects at the Byzantine "church of 100 doors" (Panagia Ekatontapillani) and visit the seaside ruins of a medieval castle built from the marble remains of an ancient temple.

Santorini

Santorini is one of the most popular islands in the world and one of the best places to visit in Greece, so it’s essential that you add it to your Greek Island Hopping itinerary. From delicious cuisine to sun-kissed beaches and picturesque views, this Greek hotspot has it all. Witness the sunset on the island, swim in the healing waters of Nea Kameni, and make sure to visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri. Even if you’ve never been to this Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea, you’d still recognize it immediately—its candy-colored houses carved into cliffs, sapphire waters, and chalk-white buildings topped with cobalt-blue domes. Roam the peaceful black-sand beaches or wander the streets of a provincial village like Imerovigli. Beautiful Oia is world famous for its sunsets, which seem to dial through a kaleidoscope of colors before fading to starlight.

Ios

Ios is a popular Cycladic island, which should definitely be on your Greek island-hopping list. Known for its all-night partying, loud music, festivals, and water sports, this island is a great choice for active people who are looking for beach vibes, but also non-stop entertainment. Ios embodies that classic Greek island ambiance—hillside clusters of blue-roofed white buildings, an amphitheater, and golden beaches that spill into the sapphire sea. The spindly windmills of Ios are like something from a storybook, and a visit to the Tomb of Homer (yep, that Homer) is an exercise in awed contemplation. When the sun goes down, party it up at one of Ios’ many electrifying nightspots. My favorites are Astra Cocktail Bar and the (kind of insane) alt-rock scene, The Orange Bar.

Crete

Far away on the edge of the Aegean and Libyan seas, Crete is like nowhere else in the country. It's the largest island of the lot, measuring 160 miles from one end to the other. You won't even have to go island hopping if you come here, because there's so much to see – the tropical-esque lagoon of Balos, the pink-sanded beaches of Elafonisi, the summits of the White Mountains dotted with wild thyme and goat herds. That said, Crete is a good starting point for getting to the Cyclades, as direct boats go from Heraklion to Santorini. The birthplace of both the king of the Olympian gods and of modern European civilization, Crete is a Mediterranean jewel. It’s rich with archaeological and mythological history that’s reflected in its ancient ruins and cultural attractions. Soak up the charming atmosphere of Chania Town’s Old Venetian Harbor or the fortresses and monasteries of Rethymnon. The awesome Minoan ruins of Malia date to 1900 BC, and the majestic Mt. Ida is said to be home to the cave where Zeus was born.

Corfu

Mountains rise in the heart of Corfu to mark it out on the very frontier of Greece. One step more and you'd be in the Adriatic Sea, another to the east and you'd wash up in Albania. The location means there's an interesting mix of culture and history, with old Greek temple ruins meeting tavernas that serve Italian- and Balkan-tasting fare. Corfu is also hailed as a true looker – just check out the idyllic bluffs of Palaiokastritsa and the sculpted headlands of the Sidari capes. Corfu is studded with whitewashed houses, Byzantine churches, and the remains of Venetian fortresses and Greek temples. Wander the ancient streets of the Roman village of Kassiopi or explore the central Esplanade of the eponymous Corfu Town. For a DIY spa experience, lather yourself in mineral mud on the shore of the Canal D’Amour. Legend has it that the waterfalls of Nymphes used to attract the mythological beauties of the same name, who would flock to the village to bathe in the pristine waters.

Rhodes

Rhodes is the main island of the Dodecanese; you will be enthralled with its rich Crusader history and beautiful hinterland. You could spend whole stops on your Greek island hopping wandering the UNESCO-tagged fortresses of Rhodes Town. Or you can whiz out along the coast roads on the hunt for beaches in Lindos and Prasonisi. Oh, and there's loads of partying thanks to thumping Faliraki, which is one of the liveliest resort towns of all. The largest of the twelve Dodecanese islands on the Aegean's eastern edge, Rhodes is also its most popular. The well-preserved medieval city of Rhodes sits at the north of the island of the same name. High-rise hotels line the northern and eastern coastlines. Small villages and resorts dot the island's other shores. Whether your interests are beaches, bars, or ancient sites, Rhodes offers an abundance of all three. Authentic Greece can be found in the hilly interior of the 50-mile-long island.

Popular Greek Island Itineraries

The Quintessential Greek island-hopping tour: Mykonos - Santorini - Crete

A very popular Greek island-hopping ferry combination that many travelers choose, includes Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete are some of the most popular Greek islands that attract many visitors from all over the world. Organizing an island-hopping tour around these destinations is a great way to experience the wonders of a summer vacation in Greece. Ferry operators serve multiple ferry routes to these islands all year round, with increased frequency in summer. Athens is connected to Mykonos through the ports of Piraeus and Rafina. Piraeus is the main port of Athens and is located near the city center, making it easily accessible. To travel to Mykonos, however, we recommend catching a ferry that departs from Rafina. In summer, there are up to 10 daily ferries departing from Rafina to Mykonos. The ferry companies that serve this connection are Seajets, Golden Star Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, and Fast Ferries. Most ferries depart early in the morning, between 07:00 and 08:00. However, there are usually additional ferry crossings scheduled in the afternoon and the evening, between 14:30 and 22:45. The price of a standard economy seat for the Rafina - Mykonos ferry trip usually starts at €38. The final cost may vary depending on discounts, offers, seat type, car-deck space, and the ferry company. 

Ferry from Mykonos to Santorini

The Mykonos - Santorini ferry route is rather popular in the summer months, with around 7 daily trips from morning to afternoon. The ferry companies that operate on the connection between Mykonos and Santorini are Seajets, Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, and Minoan Lines. The first ferry departs at 09:50 in the morning, while the last one leaves at around 13:00. The duration of the ferry ride depends on the ferry company, type of vessel (mainly high-speed), and any intermediate stops. The shortest crossing lasts 1.5 hours, while the longest lasts 2.5-3.5 hours. The price of a standard ferry ticket ranges between €67 and €90. If you want to bring along your car, make sure to book a route that allows the transportation of vehicles.

Ferry from Santorini to Heraklion (Crete)

The ferry route between Santorini and Heraklion is available with up to 3 daily sailings and is operated by 4 companies: Seajets, Fast Ferries, Minoan Lines, and Blue Star Ferries. The ferry ride lasts less than 2 hours and a standard ferry ticket costs between €16 and at around €78 for high-speed ferries. Keep in mind that Santorini to Crete ferries usually depart in the afternoon. The first ferry crossing from Santorini to Heraklion is at 14:55 and the latest at 16:40. By arriving at the port of Heraklion early in the evening, there is plenty of time to leave your luggage at the hotel and enjoy a nice walk around the city.

Ferry from Heraklion to Athens

Getting back to Athens can be tricky, but Ferryhopper is here to make it easier for you. While Rafina is the suggested starting point for this island-hopping journey, your return trip will be to Piraeus instead, the only port connecting Crete to Athens. There are up to 5 daily ferry crossings between Heraklion and Piraeus. The first ferry usually departs around 07:00 and arrives at the port of Piraeus (Athens) at 16:10, while the last ferry leaves the port of Heraklion (Crete) at 21:00 and reaches Piraeus at around 06:30 the following morning. The ferry ride normally lasts 9-9.5 hours. The 4 ferry companies operating on this route are Minoan Lines, Anek Lines, Fast Ferries, and Blue Star Ferries. Ferry tickets for this route start at around €36, though the final cost may vary depending on seasonality, offers, and discounts. Ferries from Heraklion to Piraeus are large conventional vessels with car decks and plenty of cabins. We strongly suggest booking a cabin for a comfortable return to Athens. As most ferries from Heraklion to Piraeus travel at night, you can sit back and relax after your Greek island-hopping in the Aegean Sea.

Selecting your island-hopping ferries

Using Ferryhopper’s booking engine for island hopping, you can include 4 different trips in one go. All you need to do is select the “Island hopping” option in our search bar, add your destinations and dates, and click the “Search” button. In a couple of seconds, all available ferry connections between your selected locations should appear. Each ferry route includes information about trip duration, departure/arrival times, intermediate stops, seat/cabin availability, vehicle transportation, and prices. Easy and quick, right? Let’s go through the options for each part of your journey.

Why should you Island Hop?

Greek island hopping is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It will whisk you away to the very end of southern Europe, to a place where the land fragments into shimmering islets and bays and pine-clad mountains rise over perfectly azure seas. There are a whopping 6,000+ individual islands in Greece as a whole, so you're going to be spoiled for choice. They run the gamut from uninhabited rocks jutting from the Aegean Sea to vast lands scored by mountains and threaded with gorgeous stretches of golden sand. Each is different, too, so there's really no saying whether that next stop will be a buzzing harbor town filled with tavernas or a secret inlet where it's just you and the paint-peeling fishing skiffs.