Island Hopping in Greece by a Local

Growing up in Greece, I’ve been lucky enough to explore dozens of islands — from famous Santorini sunsets to quiet hidden gems like Lemnos. And if there’s one thing I always tell visitors, it’s this: don’t just pick one island. Go island hopping!

Each island has its own unique personality — some are glamorous and cosmopolitan, others are peaceful and untouched. By visiting more than one, you get to experience the full spectrum of Greek island life.

But with more than 200 inhabited islands, it can feel overwhelming to decide where to go and how to plan your trip. That’s why I put this guide together: to help you choose the right island group, plan your route, and pick the perfect mix of islands for your adventure.

Island hopping is one of the most magical ways to discover Greece, and I’ll share the insider tips I’ve learned over the years to make your trip smooth, fun, and unforgettable.

Watch My Island Hopping Guide
I’ve put together a video with all my best tips on planning the perfect Greek island-hopping trip — from choosing your islands to booking ferries and making the most of your time. If you’re more of a visual person, you’ll find it really helpful:

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Greek Island Hopping: The Fun Part: Pick Your Island Group

When people ask me, “Which Greek island should I visit?”, my answer is always: it depends on what you’re looking for. Greece has six main island groups (plus Crete, which is really a world of its own), and each has a completely different vibe.

If it’s your first time, I recommend starting with one island group and exploring 2–4 islands there, rather than trying to jump between faraway places. It saves you time, money, and energy — and you’ll actually get to enjoy each destination instead of spending half your trip on ferries.

Local Tip: Ferry tickets are cheaper and routes are more frequent if you stay within the same island group.

Here’s a breakdown of the island groups you can choose from:

• The Cyclades – iconic whitewashed villages, blue domes, and some of the most famous islands in Greece (Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Milos).
• The Ionian Islands – lush, green, and with a Venetian flair (Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Lefkada).
• The Argo-Saronic Islands – perfect for a quick escape from Athens (Hydra, Aegina, Poros, Spetses).
• The Dodecanese – full of history and medieval charm (Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, Symi).
• The Sporades – pine forests, turquoise waters, and a relaxed vibe (Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos).
• The Northern Aegean – less touristy, authentic, and full of surprises (Lesvos, Samos, Chios, Lemnos, Ikaria).
• Crete – Greece’s biggest island, so diverse it feels like a country of its own.

The Cyclades

Easily the most famous of the Greek island groups, the Cyclades are where you will find the iconic sugar-cube building villages with the churches with the blue domes overlooking the Aegean Sea.

There are twenty large islands in the Cyclades and seven small ones. The big ones are Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Tinos, and Santorini (Thera). The small ones are Koufonisia, Donousa, Iraklia, Schoinousa, Antiparos, and Thirasia.

Each one of these shares the common elements mentioned already, but they also each have their own unique atmosphere. It will pay off greatly if you take the time to search and find out information on each one and make an informed decision about which ones you will choose to add to your island-hopping menu.

For example, Mykonos is the famous cosmopolitan island with iconic windmills, while Tinos is the island of the Virgin Mary, with a big church overseeing the main town. Santorini (Thera) is a volcanic island with a caldera and rare, unique black beaches that look like they were originally part of another planet, like Mars.

A stark contrast between the whitewashed ‘Ano Syros’ and the neoclassical, affluent ‘Ermoupolis’ of Syros will offer many beautiful promenades. More volcanic rock formations can be found in Milos, while you can relax and kick back in Paros and Naxos. Wild beauty and quiet solitude for meditation and relaxation await you in Koufonisia.

The Cyclades are very easy when it comes to island-hopping because they are close enough together that boat trips are very short.

Local Tip: Combine a famous island (like Santorini or Mykonos) with a quieter one (like Amorgos or Syros) for the perfect balance of energy and relaxation.

The Ionian Islands

The Ionian islands are located on the west coast of Greece. They are completely different in character from the Cyclades. The Venetian occupation, as well as the rolling green hills and lush vegetation, set them apart from what vistas you tend to find in the Aegean.

Each island is a beautiful gem of Italian and Greek styles of architecture, music, food, and temperament. It’s no accident that a few of them retain their Italian names right next to their Greek ones.

There are seven big Ionian islands: Kefalonia, Kerkyra (Corfu), Zakynthos (Zante), Paxos, Ithaca, Lefkada, and Kythira. There are also seven small ones: Meganisi, Antipaxos, Antikythira, Diapondia islands, Echinades islands, Kastos, and Kalamos.

Again, each island has its own personality despite all of them sharing a general feel. The main town of Kerkyra (Corfu) is unique in its beautiful neoclassical style and its history as the preferred island of the famous Austrian Empress Elizabeth (Sisi). Lefkada’s beaches are a gorgeous mix of green and cerulean blue. The world-famous Navagio beach at Zakynthos is also a must-see.

The Ionian islands aren’t as cosmopolitan as some of the islands in the Cyclades, but they have a low-key, relaxed Caribbean flair to them, combined with a taste of history and lush natural beauty that will charm you.

Local Tip: Rent a car — distances are longer here, and some of the best beaches and villages can only be reached by driving.

The Argo-Saronic Islands

These islands are close enough to Athens to save you a long trip by boat or the need to fly to them, but they retain their countryside, island feel. They are beautiful islands with a range of different vistas, from lushly forested pine tree beaches to gorgeous beaches.

They aren’t very high on the tourist destination list, so they are your chance to experience real Greek island life and go where the Athenians usually do for a quick, beautiful, relaxed recharge from city life without straying too far from home.

There are six islands in the group: Salamina, Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses.

Of these six, Hydra and Spetses are the most famous ones and thus the priciest ones in the group. They are islands where famous Greek movies were shot during the golden age of Greek cinema.

The Argo-Saronic islands are the easiest to go island-hopping in because they are so close to the mainland ports. You can visit them all in the span of a few days and enjoy the unique features in each one: lush beaches in Agistri, cosmopolitan nights in Spetses, and traditional glamour in Hydra, as well as historical sites and archaeological ruins you shouldn’t miss in Spetses, Aegina, and Poros.

Local Tip: These islands are perfect for short hops from Athens — great for day trips.

The Dodecanese

If you are a lover of history and love a medieval flavor, then the Dodecanese is the island group for you.  Not only will you have the chance to visit famous, high-profile islands like Rhodes, but also discover several others, big and small, which hold unique, rarely seen natural and historical treasures for those who seek them out, such as Kastellorizo and Symi.

There are ten big islands: Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kastellorizo, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Symi, Tilos, and Rhodes. There are also eight small ones: Agathonisi, Pserimos, Chalki, Arki, Kasos, Telendos, Marathi, and Lipsi.

Visiting the Dodecanese, you will walk the streets of Rhodes, which is a time capsule to medieval times, visit castles left behind by crusaders in Kos, experience the religious heritage at Patmos, and enjoy the gorgeous beaches scattered across all islands with their golden sand and crystal clear, blue waters.

Except for Rhodes, most of the other islands of the Dodecanese have fewer crowds to wade through if you choose to go during high season.

Local Tip: Spend at least one night on the smaller islands (like Symi or Nisyros) to enjoy them after the day-trippers leave.

The Sporades

A perfect combination of lush green natural beauty and gorgeous beaches for relaxation in the morning, with an extensive and vibrant nightlife, will be found in the Sporades island group. The famous film Mamma Mia was filmed on two of the islands in this group, to give you an idea.

There are four islands in the Sporades: Skiathos, Skyros, Skopelos, and Alonnisos.

The lush natural beauty of all the islands offers several sea sports, like snorkeling and sea skiing. There are beautiful monasteries to visit, famous beaches to lounge at, and gorgeous hiking paths to take before indulging in the delicious local cuisine. The Sporades are a great choice if you are looking to relax and enjoy nature, both above and below the sea surface.

Local Tip: Plan around the ferry schedules — they’re less frequent than in the Cyclades, but worth it for the lush landscapes.

The Northern Aegean

The Northern Aegean islands are rich with modern Greek history and a proud legacy, especially from the Greek War of Independence. They are also gorgeous and lush with unique elements you won’t find elsewhere. As they are generally less visited by the big touristy crowds, you will enjoy more authentic, rustic hospitality and beauty in the towns.

There are nine islands in the group: Chios, Ikaria, Fourni, Lesvos, Lemnos, Samos, Samothraki, Thassos, and Psara.

Take the time to learn about each of them to time your island hopping just right, so you can partake in the amazing summer festivals in Ikaria, sample the unique wines of Samos, taste the delectable dishes of Thassos and Samothraki, walk in the mastic forest of Chios, and learn about the history of Psara. Most of these islands are a paradise for those who value slow tourism and a strong connection to authentic practices and experiences.

Local Tip: These islands are less touristy — give yourself extra time to connect with the slower, more authentic pace of life.

Crete

Crete is the biggest island in Greece and such a diverse place that it warrants its own section. Home to the famous proto-Hellenic civilization of the Minoans, Crete is a gorgeous island with diverse vistas, amazing beaches, and a lush history throughout the millennia. Crete is worth staying at for a good few days to savor. Going to its different regions equals island-hopping, as they are quite different and diverse!

Rethymno is the historic castle-town with a gorgeous medieval feel, while Chania is the Venetian city, and Heraklion is the beautiful port city to enjoy a mix of history and modernity. The ancient palaces of Knossos and Phaistos await the history buffs, while naturalists will enjoy the breathtaking Samaria Gorge.

Everyone needs to go to the rare pink sand beaches of Elafonisi and Balos, see the palm tree forest at Vai, and hike along the slopes of the White Mountains. Cretan cuisine is, of course, renowned, and so are Cretan festivals, dances, and hospitality!

Crete can be easily combined with some of the popular Cycladic islands, such as Santorini and Milos, as there is a direct ferry connecting them.

Local Tip: Think of Crete as several trips in one — each region (Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno, Lassithi) has a completely different character.

Click here for more information on the Greek Island Groups.

Pick the Right Island Depending on Your Interests

Most Beautiful Greek Islands

Best Greek Islands for Foodies

Best Greek Islands for Partying

Best Cheap Greek Islands

Best Greek Islands for Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Best Greek Islands for History

Best Greek Islands to Visit in Winter

Best Greek Islands to Visit in May

Best Greek Islands for Hiking

The Necessary Part: Plan Your Itinerary

How many days do you have?

The number of days you have for island hopping is extremely important because it will determine what mode of transportation you will use to go from one island to the next. It will also determine how many islands you will put in your itinerary.

It is hard, but you must keep yourself from cramming in too many! No matter how fun, traveling is tiring, and you will need downtime on some islands so you can rest and regroup before moving on to the next.

Be strategic with your choice of where to spend more time to rest and where to go for a quick visit. On some islands, boats come and go early in the morning and late at night, so you can make a day trip to visit them. Make sure you’re aware of which ones they are!

Always when you plan, you must keep your itinerary and schedule flexible enough to account for the weather and for unforeseen circumstances, such as strikes. Both can keep boats and planes from taking you places. Especially if you go to the Cyclades, be aware that fierce winds might keep you grounded on an island for more time than you bargained for.

Lastly, make sure that you make good choices on what type of transport to choose. Flying is generally pricier than going by boat, but it might be quicker and save you precious time.

Local Tip: Stick to 2 islands for a week and 3–4 for two weeks — less is more when it comes to enjoying island life.

Where will you start from?

Before you start on your island hopping, you will first need to get to Greece. Choosing where to land first and how to get there must be a strategic choice that will get you closer to the island group you have chosen.

The Airports

While it’s often the rule of thumb that you first land in Athens and then take the boat to the islands, you can get to several of them by plane. There are a lot of islands that have international airports and some others with domestic airports, and you can use them once you’re already in Greece.

Keep in mind that you must check if the airports are in operation if you are going island-hopping off-season.

There are international airports in all five groups:

• Cyclades
  • Mykonos
  • Santorini (Thera)
• Ionian
  • Kerkyra (Corfu)
  • Kefallonia
  • Zakynthos
  • Lefkada
• Dodecanese
  • Rhodes
  • Karpathos
  • Kos
• Sporades
  • Skiathos
• North Aegean
  • Lesvos
  • Lemnos
  • Samos
• Crete
  • Chania
  • Heraklion

There are domestic airports on the following islands:

• Chios (Northern Aegean)
• Ikaria (Northern Aegean)
• Kalymnos (Dodecanese)
• Kythira (Ionian)
• Milos (Cyclades)
• Paros (Cyclades)
• Naxos (Cyclades)
• Syros (Cyclades)
• Skyros (Sporades)

Check here my post for the Greek islands with airports.

You can also use the international airports in the mainland cities of Kalamata, Preveza, and Volos to get to either the Ionian or the Sporades island group.

Local Tip: Check if your first island has an airport — flying directly there can save you a whole day of travel from Athens.

The Ports

Greece’s biggest cities that you’re most likely to first land at are Athens, the capital, and Thessaloniki aptly dubbed the ‘second capital’. Landing at Athens gives you access to the ports of Piraeus and Rafina, which are the ones closest to several groups, like the Cyclades and the Argo-Saronic groups.

Generally, Piraeus is your go-to port to access the islands unless you plan to hit the Cyclades starting with Mykonos or Syros, whereupon you probably want to leave from Rafina.

If you land at Thessaloniki, its port gets you closer to the Northern Aegean islands.

If you want to go to the Sporades, then you should go to the city of Volos, and use its port.

For the Ionian islands, you want the ports of the cities of Patra and Igoumenitsa.

There are a few more ports to use, like Kavala, Lavrio, and Keramoti, but those are good choices only if you are heading to specific islands or your Aegean island itinerary warrants it.

Local Tip: Always arrive at the port early; traffic and long lines can make boarding stressful.

Know Your Boats

There are several types of sea transportation to choose from when you go island hopping. Your choices will vary depending on whether you get seasick easily, your budget, and the time you got to spend commuting.

Here are the types of sea transportation available, and elements to consider:

• Closed deck car ferry: this is the cheapest and most reliable way to travel. However, it will also be the slowest. If you get seasick, however, it’s the best option you have. These boat trips are the last to be canceled in the event of rough seas.
• Open deck car ferry: you will find these mostly for short routes.
• Catamaran: Also called “high-speed” or “high-speed catamaran” these are large swift vessels with seating.
• Flying Dolphins: Small hydrofoils with seating that speed over the waves to get you to your destination at a fraction of the time. However, when the sea is rough, they’re the first to be canceled and, if they aren’t, their speed drops dramatically.

Make sure that you take care to see departure and arrival times so that you are prepared if your ferry arrives when everything is closed, or if there is only one ferry per day which will ground you at the island for that long at least.

Also, consider your journey times. Unless you think of going by boat for routes that last several hours (i.e. more than seven or eight) as a mini-cruise, you may benefit from booking a flight. Don’t shy away from looking up flights as several are quite cheap or compatible with sea fares.

Local Tip: If you get seasick, avoid the smaller high-speed ferries and stick to larger conventional ones.

Know Your Budget

Depending on your budget, you should choose not only your mode of transportation but also the months you will be going island hopping to get the most value out of your money. The most expensive time is during the high season, which lasts from mid-May to August. You may want to choose September or May for cheaper rates all around. Consider that September is still summer in Greece, and with a lot fewer tourists to crowd around you.

If you choose to go completely off-season, you will have the unique experience of authenticity everywhere you go at great value for money, but you will also need to be a lot more studious in your planning: Many boat routes stop during the off-season, and often the remaining ones may get suspended or canceled due to very rough seas. Hotels and other tourist resorts close off-season, so you must also account for that.

That aside, plan your trip well in advance, to get better rates for everything, including fares. There are several sites you can use, such as Skyscanner for flights and Ferryhopper for ferries to help you plan. The general rule of thumb is to choose the big, closed-deck car ferry for the cheapest tickets for routes under five hours or so. Consider flying for routes that require more hours than that.

Local Tips: Travel in May, June, or September for lower prices and fewer crowds while still enjoying summer weather.

Where to buy your ferry tickets?

The best website to use for booking your ferry tickets in Greece is Ferryhopper. It’s easy to use, convenient and has all the timetables and prices to help you make a decision. You can manage all your ferry bookings through there and you can also book your whole island-hopping route t once.

For more information on how to get your tickets and the booking fees click here.

Alternatively, you can either get your ticket from the airport at the arrivals hall at the Athens International Airport, from the Aktina travel agent. If you intend to stay a few days in Athens before you take the ferry, you can buy your ticket at many travel agents all over Athens, or you can go straight to the port and book your ticket on the spot, or even on the metro station near Piraeus.

Shall you book your ferry ticket in advance?

You usually don’t need to book your ferry tickets in advance.

I would suggest that you do in the following cases:

• If you need to take a specific ferry on a specific date.
• If you want a cabin.
• If you are traveling by car.
• If you are traveling the first weekend of August, the week around the 15th of August, Orthodox Easter week, and public holidays in Greece.

Local Tip: Book tickets in advance only for peak dates (August 15, Easter week, or if you need a cabin/car space).

General tips and information

• Arrive at the port early. There is usually a lot of traffic, and you might miss the ferry.
• Most of the time, ferries arrive late, so I suggest that you book the return flight home the next day.
• Don’t take the superfast (Sea Jet ferries) as you will get seasick. If you do get them, take seasickness pills before traveling and try to sit at the back of the ferry.
• In most cases, you will have to leave your luggage in a storage room as you enter the ferry. Take all valuables with you.

Popular Greece Island Hopping Itineraries

Here are some samples of Greek island-hopping itineraries to inspire you. Of course, you can create your own, as the possibilities are endless.

1. Skiathos – Skopelos – Alonnisos
2. Mykonos – Santorini – Ios – Milos
3. Andros – Tinos – Mykonos – Santorini
4. Serifos – Sifnos- Kimolos – Milos
5. Syros – Paros – Naxos – Ios – Santorini – Anafi
6. Naxos – Iraklia – Schoinousa – Koufonisi – Donousa – Amorgos
7. Rhodes – Halki – Karpathos – Kasos
8. Kos – Nisyros- Tilos – Symi – Rhodes – Kastelorizo
9. Crete – Milos – Ios – Santorini
10. Kefalonia – Ithaca – Lefkada
11. Aegina – Poros – Hydra
12. Lesvos – Chios – Oinousses – Psara
13. Samos – Patmos – Kalymnos – Kos

Even after years of traveling around Greece, I still find new islands that surprise me. That’s the magic of island hopping — it’s never the same trip twice.

If you have any questions regarding your island hopping in Greece? Let me know in the comments.

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