It’s no secret that traveling around Greece can offer you a holiday of a lifetime. With a mix of endless coasts immersed by the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean Sea, ancient historical sites, mouth-watering cuisine. And not forgetting several islands scattered across the turquoise waters of the Ionian and Aegean Seas ideal for Greece island hopping!
There are plenty of Greek holiday options; whether you want to watch the sunset in Santorini or explore the ancient history in Athens or go on a Greece island hopping tour, you’ll find everything you need for the perfect holiday.
Traveling around Greece and island hopping
Deciding which islands to visit when traveling around Greece can be overwhelming, which is why many holidaymakers arrive in Greece without a plan and then go with the flow.
Surely, with Greece’s ferry frequency and hotel offers, you can throw in some spontaneity. However, it’s best to pre-plan your Greece trips, as last-minute prices can spike, and the best accommodation options can be grabbed early.
It’s all about soft sand beaches, whitewashed houses, and turquoise waters in Greece. Plus, who wouldn’t like to escape from all the hustle and bustle and soak up some bliss?
Hopping from island to island, each with its own unique characteristics and cultural history—that’s why island hopping is so popular when traveling around Greece. Take your pick from this Greek island-hopping guide.
What you need to know about the Greek islands
First, you should know the basics of Greece.
- There are less than 250 populated islands out of 3000+ islands scattered across two seas, the Aegean and the Ionian.
- There are six significant island clusters plus Crete.
The Cyclades – The Cyclades are some of the most beautiful Greek Islands, ranging from some lesser-known and well-known islands. They are located centrally to the rest of the island clusters.
- Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Sifnos, Andros, Ios, Milos, Folegandros, Koufonisi and Serifos
The Ionian Islands – Located Northwest of the mainland, these islands offer lush, green interiors and lots of vegetation.
- Corfu, Paxos, Zakynthos, Kefalonia
The Sporades – These islands are located east of the Greece mainland.
- Skiathos
The North Aegean Islands – The North Agean Islands, located further East and include Greek and Turkish Islands.
- Samos
The Dodecanese Islands – The Dodecanese, perched in the Southeast, is very close to Turkey. So, they offer Middle Eastern characteristics.
- Rhodes, Kos, Symi, Karpathos, Patmos
Soranic – These islands are nearest to the Greece mainland and perfect for a day trip or overnight stay as many Greeks who live on the mainland own holiday homes here.
- Hydra, Salamina, Aegina, Poros, Spetses, and Agistri
Crete – Crete is the most populated and most significant island in Greece.
READ MORE: https://turtleverse.com/the-ultimate-guide-for-thailand-island-hopping/
The best island-hopping routes when traveling around Greece
These Greece island hopping routes have been tried and tested to give you the benefit of choosing the perfect islands. This way, it is easier for you can make the best out of your Greek island-hopping holiday!
Mykonos, for a glimpse of iconic Greece
Mykonos is a famous island with beautiful beaches, whitewashed houses, luxury resorts, and wild beach parties. And if you think it has all that Greece represents, well, you’re right! So, if you’re looking for a typical Greek holiday, Mykonos has everything you need for a great holiday.
Things to do
- Revel in one of the famous Mykonos beach parties.
- See the hillside windmills.
- Do some shopping and take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.
- Enjoy a meal and have an authentic Greek Bistro overlooking the Aegean Sea.
- Visit the tip of the island for a view of an insane sunset.
Syros Island, for a bit of traditional Greece
The island of Syros is local, very traditional, and is less-visited. It has everything needed for a holiday that slows down your pace. From vibrant streets, rolling hills to charming fishing villages, Syros is a must on your itinerary when traveling around Greece!
Things to do
- Travel around the island and visit small pristine beaches and bays.
- Trek through the rolling hills of Syros.
- Visit the blue-domed church of Saint Nicolas and explore the streets of Ermoupoli.
Paros Island, for diverse landscapes
Paros is a surprisingly large island surrounded by lush nature, stunningly beautiful, diverse landscapes that are quiet and secluded. It’s the type of place you dream about when traveling around Greece with gorgeous golden sand beaches, cute villages, parks, great food, and much more!
Things to do
- Stay in Naousa, a beautiful sea village.
- Hire a scooter and go beach hopping around the island.
- Indulge in some of the best local meals and decadent desserts.
- Hit the Golden beach for some adventurous activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding.
- Pay a visit to the mountain village of Lefkes.
- Go on a day trip to the island of Antiparos.
Naxos Island, for beaches and sunshine
If there’s one place you’d want to visit when traveling around Greece, it would be to Naxos, and I’m sure that you’ll agree with me! This charming island, known for its striking blue water, and soft sandy beaches are lined with one gorgeous beach after the other. This warm sunny island is a definite must-visit!
Things to do
- Visit traditional villages of Melanes and Halki.
- Beach hop down the entire west coast.
- Climb the highest summit of the Cyclades at Mount Zeus.
- Explore the Juniper Forest of Aliko.
Ios Island, for the best parties
Yet again, like most of the Greek islands, Ios is all about soft sandy beaches, cobblestone streets, and spectacular sunsets. However, this island is much more than that. It is dubbed as the Greek party island that throws some of the wildest beach parties!
Things to do
- Hop on an ATV and ride to Homer’s Tomb
- Chill at Manganari Beach.
- Visit the church of Chora to view a fantastic sunset.
- Party all night at one of the many glitzy nightclubs and beach bars.
Folegandros Island, an island less traveled
Many tourists often overlook Folegandros Island when traveling around Greece, but it is a huge mistake. This tiny paradise is an untouched island that offers you a quiet break with an authentic local experience. An idyllic place to enjoy some fantastic nature and secluded bliss all to yourself!
Things to do
- Go on a hike or take a boat tour to the beaches of Katergo, Livadaki, and Ambeli.
- Go snorkeling and engage in many other activities at the beach.
- Take a relaxing stroll around the town rested high on the cliffs.
- Visit and climb up to the old church of Panagia for sweeping views of the island.
Milos Island, for otherworldly beauty
Milos, known as ‘the island of color’, is a tiny volcanic island in the Cyclades and a fantastic place to enjoy some quality beach time. It offers a laid-back vibe mixed with a spectacular lunar-like landscape and all the beach activities and adventure one could desire, making it an unmissable island-hopping destination when traveling around Greece!
Things to do
- Go on a sailing trip to see the far reaches of the island’s otherworldly beauty.
- Try cliff jumping at Moon Beach.
- Pay a visit to the Venus of Milos statue and The Ancient Theatre.
- Check out the Milos Mining Museum
- Explore and take a dip at the three Sea Caves of Papafragka.
Santorini Island, for luxury, fun & sun
I know what you are thinking! Yes, Santorini is a major tourist hub, but don’t let that fact deter you. Being one of the most beautiful places on earth, Santorini is a great place to add to your island-hopping itinerary when traveling around Greece! Honestly, there’s no place like it, and your trip to Greece wouldn’t be complete without hopping into Santorini!
Things to do
- Spend the day at an incredible beach.
- Take a swim in the Volcanic thermal springs.
- Go on a scenic hike from Oia to Fira.
- Enjoy a local wine tasting tour at Santo Winery.
- Go on a sunset cruise.
FOR MORE TRAVEL INSPIRATION: https://www.travelcenter.uk/
So, there you go, the best island-hopping routes when traveling around Greece. If you’ve got any recommendations for other Greece island hopping destinations, let us know in the comments below!