Greece › Island Hopping
Updated: March 20, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
See Also
The wonderful beaches of Mykonos are a highlight of Greek island hopping.
Island Hopping Guides
- Athens Travel Guide
- Crete Travel Guide
- Mykonos Travel Guide
- Naxos Travel Guide
- Paros Travel Guide
- Santorini Travel Guide
- Athens Ferry Port Guide
- Heraklion Ferry Port Guide
- Mykonos Ferry Port Guide
- Santorini Ferry Port Guide
My wife and I in stunning Santorini.
Island Hopping Essentials
- Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands
- Best Beaches in Greece
- Best Greek Islands
- Greek Islands with Kids
- Greek Ferry Guide
- Paros or Naxos?
- Crete or Santorini?
- Mykonos or Santorini?
Where to Stay
Greek Island Hopping: Tips and Information
Greece is the single best destination on earth for island hopping. However, the geography of the islands and the structure of the ferry network require smart planning. If you try to see everything, you will fail. The key to a successful trip is minimizing travel time to maximize beach time. Focus your itinerary on a single island group for a relaxed and rewarding journey.
My wife and I waiting for a ferry in Naxos.
Here are my eight essential tips for planning a Greek island-hopping adventure.
1. Book Hotels Early and Ferries Once Schedules Are Live
For travel from June through September, book the best hotels as early as you can. Top places in Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Paros, and Athens can sell out many months ahead. Ferry schedules usually appear in phases, 3 to 8 months before departure, with some routes added later. Once your dates are set and your route is clear, book ferries on Ferryhopper or directly with the ferry company. For July and August, do not leave popular routes to the last minute.2. Keep Your Route Tight and Logical
The biggest mistake first-time visitors make is trying to see too much. Every island change takes time: packing, hotel checkout, port transfer, boarding, arrival, and check-in. For most trips, it is better to visit 2 or 3 islands well than rush through 4 or 5. In general, stick mostly to one island group, especially in the Cyclades, where ferry connections are easiest and most frequent.3. Follow the Ferry Network
Plan around the ferry routes that actually run often, not the islands that look close on a map. In the Cyclades, the easiest routes usually connect Athens with Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, and sometimes Milos. More awkward jumps between smaller or less-connected islands can require a connection, a long layover, or an overnight stop. Before locking in hotels, make sure the ferry route you want actually runs on your travel dates.4. Know Which Athens Port You Need
Do not assume every ferry leaves from Piraeus. Piraeus is the main port for Santorini, Naxos, Paros, and many other islands, but Rafina is easier if you are coming straight from the airport and heading to Mykonos, Andros, or Tinos. Rafina is smaller, closer to the airport, and much less confusing than Piraeus. This one detail can save a lot of stress on arrival day.5. Pack Light and Keep Essentials With You
Island hopping is much easier with light luggage. You will be rolling bags on uneven sidewalks, lifting them on and off ferries, and sometimes walking short distances to hotels. A carry-on suitcase or travel backpack is ideal. On ferry days, keep your passport, wallet, phone, charger, medications, and anything valuable in a small day bag with you. Larger bags usually go in a luggage area near the car deck or entry level, and setups vary by vessel.6. Do Not Rely Only on Cards or Only on Cash
Cards and Apple Pay are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and many shops, but it is still smart to carry some cash for buses, small kiosks, some taxis, and occasional beach bars or small businesses. You do not need a huge amount of cash, but you should not arrive with none. A mix of card plus a little cash is the safest approach.7. Download Your E-Tickets, but Still Get to the Port Early
All major ferry companies now use web check-in and mobile boarding passes, available from 48 hours to 2 hours before departure. Download your tickets (usually a QR code) to your phone before heading to the port. Even with an e-ticket, arrive early: about 45-60 minutes ahead for Piraeus (Athens) and 20-30 minutes ahead for the islands. If you are bringing a car, arrive earlier.8. Expect Wind, Delays, and Last-Minute Changes
The Meltemi wind is common in July and August and can make the sea rough, especially on high-speed ferries. Conventional ferries are usually more stable; high-speed ferries are faster but can be bumpier and more weather-sensitive. If you get seasick, choose the larger conventional boats when possible. Most importantly, do not plan a ferry ride back to Athens on the same day as your flight home. Spend your last night in Athens or fly home from your final island if that routing works well.Island Hopping Itineraries
Taking the ferry from Paros to nearby Antiparos makes for a great day trip.
The ideal itinerary balances exploration with relaxation. For first-timers, the Cyclades offer the quintessential Greek experience: white-washed villages, blue-domed churches, and great beaches.
I highly recommend booking an “open-jaw” flight ticket. Fly into your first island (e.g., Santorini) and fly out of your last island (e.g., Mykonos) or back from Athens. This saves a full day of travel backtracking to Athens.
The 7-Day Itinerary: Santorini & Naxos
This pairing offers the best contrast in the Cyclades. You get the dramatic, volcanic scenery and luxury of Santorini followed by the authentic, farm-to-table food and sandy beaches of Naxos.
• Day 1: Arrive in Santorini. Fly directly into Santorini (JTR). Pick up your rental car and head to your hotel in a caldera town like Imerovigli or Firostefani. Catch your first sunset over the volcano.
• Day 2: Santorini Hike. Walk the famous caldera hiking trail from Fira to Oia. It takes 3 to 4 hours and offers the best views in Greece. Spend the afternoon exploring Oia before busing back.
• Day 3: Volcano Boat Tour. Book a catamaran cruise. You will sail the caldera, swim in the volcanic hot springs, and enjoy a BBQ dinner on board during sunset.
• Day 4: Ferry to Naxos. Take a mid-day Blue Star ferry (2 hours) to Naxos. Stay at St. George Beach (near town) or Plaka Beach (more secluded).
• Day 5: Naxos Town. Explore the Chora (main town). Walk up to the Venetian Kastro castle and visit the massive Portara marble gate at sunset.
• Day 6: Mountain Villages. Rent a car and drive inland. Visit the marble streets of Halki, see the Kitron distillery, and have lunch in the village of Apeiranthos.
• Day 7: Depart. Fly out of Naxos airport (domestic only) to Athens for your connection home.The 10-Day Itinerary: Mykonos, Paros, & Santorini
This is the “Greatest Hits” tour. It combines the nightlife and energy of Mykonos, the trendy dining and fishing villages of Paros, and the romance of Santorini.
• Day 1: Arrive in Mykonos. Fly into Mykonos (JMK). Stay in Mykonos Town for nightlife or Platis Gialos for beach access.
• Day 2: Mykonos Town. Get lost in the winding white alleys. Shop on Matoyianni Street and grab a drink in Little Venice as the waves crash against the buildings.
• Day 3: Delos or Beach. Take a morning boat trip to the ancient ruins of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend the afternoon at a beach club on Psarou or Super Paradise.
• Day 4: Ferry to Paros. Take the 45-minute ferry to Paros. Stay in Naoussa, a chic fishing village with excellent dining.
• Day 5: Naoussa & Kolymbithres. Walk the harbor of Naoussa. Take a small caïque boat across the bay to the moon-like granite rock formations of Kolymbithres Beach.
• Day 6: Antiparos Day Trip. Take the 7-minute ferry from Pounta to Antiparos. It is small, laid-back, and has a celebrity-favorite pedestrian strip.
• Day 7: Ferry to Santorini. Take the ferry to Santorini (2 hours). Check into a hotel with a caldera view.
• Day 8: Oia Exploration. Explore the marble streets of Oia. It gets crowded, so go early morning or late evening.
• Day 9: Sailing Cruise. A semi-private sailing cruise is the best way to see the Red Beach and White Beach, which are hard to access by land.
• Day 10: Depart. Fly out of Santorini.The 14-Day Itinerary: Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, & Santorini
Two weeks allows you to see the “Big Four” without rushing. This covers the full spectrum of the Cyclades experience.
• Days 1-3: Mykonos (3 Nights). Focus on the Chora, the windmills, and the south coast beaches. If you like parties, hit Paradise Beach. If you prefer quiet, try Agios Sostis.
• Days 4-6: Paros (3 Nights). Base yourself in Naoussa. Enjoy the cosmopolitan nightlife and taking day trips to the mountain village of Lefkes.
• Days 7-10: Naxos (4 Nights). Naxos is the largest island and deserves the most time. You need a car here. Spend days at Plaka or Agios Prokopios beach. Visit the Temple of Demeter and the mountain village of Filoti. The food in Naxos is the best in the Cyclades.
• Days 11-13: Santorini (3 Nights). End your trip with the spectacular views of Santorini. Do the hike, the boat tour, and a wine tasting at a local winery like Santo Wines.
• Day 14: Depart. Fly home from Santorini.Greek Island Hopping – FAQ
1. What is the best time for island hopping in Greece?
Late June and September are usually the sweet spots for most travelers. The weather is warm, the sea is pleasant for swimming, and nearly everything is open, but you avoid some of the peak crowds and prices of August. May and early October can also be excellent, especially for sightseeing and lower hotel rates, though the water is cooler and some ferry frequencies, beach clubs, and seasonal businesses may be reduced. August is lively and fun, but it is also the busiest, hottest, and most expensive month.
2. How many days do I need for a good island-hopping trip?
For most travelers, 7 to 10 days is enough for 2 or 3 islands. The more islands you add, the more time you lose to packing, port transfers, boarding, arrival, and hotel check-in.
- 5 to 7 Days: 2 islands is ideal.
- 8 to 10 Days: 2 or 3 islands works well.
- 10 to 14 Days: 3 or 4 islands is usually the maximum before the trip starts to feel rushed.
3. Which island group is best for first-timers?
The Cyclades are usually the easiest place to start. This group includes Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Milos, and it has the best mix of famous sights, great beaches, charming towns, and frequent ferry connections. If you want the classic whitewashed-village Greece, this is usually the best region for a first island-hopping trip.
4. Should I book my ferries in advance or buy tickets at the port?
Book ahead once your route is set. For July and August, popular routes and high-speed ferries can sell out well before departure. In May, June, September, and October, you have more flexibility, but it is still smarter to book once schedules are live and your hotels are confirmed. I usually use Ferryhopper to compare routes and book e-tickets.
5. When do ferry schedules come out?
Do not panic if you cannot see your route far in advance. Greek ferry schedules are released in phases, especially for spring and summer. Some popular routes appear early (say, 6 to 8 months in advance), while others are added later (3-4 months ahead). It is very common to book hotels first and ferries afterward, once schedules are fully released.
6. Is it better to fly between islands or take the ferry?
Usually, take the ferry. Direct flights between islands are limited, seasonal, or nonexistent on many routes, so flying means connecting through Athens. For most classic island-hopping itineraries, ferries are the simplest and most direct way to travel.
7. Is it better to start in Athens or fly directly to an island?
If a direct flight to an island works well, it can save time. Many European cities have seasonal direct flights to Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. For many travelers, the most efficient plan is an open-jaw trip: fly into one island, ferry through the others, then fly home from your final island or from Athens.
8. Which Athens ferry port should I use?
Do not assume every ferry leaves from the same port. This is one of the most important planning details for first-time visitors.
- Piraeus: The main port for most Cyclades routes, including many ferries to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, and Crete.
- Rafina: Easier if you are arriving from the airport and heading to Mykonos, Andros, or Tinos. It is smaller, closer to the airport, and less confusing than Piraeus.
9. Can I visit different islands on day trips from a central base?
Sometimes, but only on short and easy routes. Most islands are too far apart for enjoyable day trips, especially if the ferry schedule is limited. Good exceptions include:
- Delos from Mykonos
- Antiparos from Paros
- Hydra or Aegina from Athens
In general, island hopping works better when you sleep on each island instead of trying to commute between them.
10. How much does a typical ferry ticket cost?
There is no single standard fare. Prices depend on the route, month, operator, and seat type.
- Conventional ferries are usually cheaper and more stable.
- High-speed ferries are faster but more expensive.
- Children’s discounts vary by company and age, so check the fare rules when booking.
As a rule, longer and faster routes cost more, and summer departures are the most in demand.
11. Are high-speed ferries worth the extra cost?
Sometimes.
- Choose a high-speed ferry if: You want to save time and are comfortable paying more.
- Choose a conventional ferry if: You want a cheaper fare, a more stable ride, outdoor deck space, or a better option for seasickness.
If you get motion sick, the larger conventional ferries are usually the better choice.
12. What happens if my ferry is delayed or canceled due to wind?
Weather disruptions do happen, especially in the Aegean during the windy summer period. High-speed ferries are generally more weather-sensitive than large conventional ferries. If your ferry is delayed or canceled, the company will usually offer rebooking or refund options, depending on the circumstances and ticket rules. The key advice: never plan a ferry back to Athens on the same day as your international flight home. Spend your final night in Athens, or fly home from your last island if that routing makes sense.
13. How early do I need to be at the port?
It depends on the ferry company and the port, but arriving about 1 hour before departure is a good target for most travelers, especially in summer or at large ports like Piraeus. If you are traveling with a car, arrive earlier. Even with an e-ticket, the port can be busy and the departure gate may not be obvious.
14. Do I need printed ferry tickets?
Usually no. All major ferry companies now use web check-in and mobile boarding passes. Download your tickets (QR code) to your phone before you leave for the port, and keep them easy to access. It is still smart to double-check the instructions on your confirmation in case a specific operator handles boarding differently.
15. How do I handle luggage on the ferries?
You carry your own luggage on and off the ferry. Large suitcases are usually left in a designated luggage area near the entry level or vehicle deck, though the setup varies by vessel. Keep your passport, wallet, phone, charger, medications, and valuables with you in a small bag. On arrival, be ready a little early, especially on high-speed ferries where disembarking can feel rushed.
16. Do I need to rent a car on every island?
No. It depends on the island and how you like to travel.
- Car often helpful: Naxos, Milos, Crete, Rhodes, and other larger islands with spread-out beaches and villages.
- Car often unnecessary: Mykonos and Santorini in peak season, especially if you stay in a central area and use buses or taxis.
- No car at all: Hydra, where private cars are banned.
It is usually easiest to rent separately on each island rather than trying to take one rental car across multiple ferries.
17. Can I take a rental car on the ferry?
Sometimes, but never assume you can. Some rental companies allow it with advance permission, while others restrict it or apply special conditions. Even when it is allowed, ferrying a car adds cost and complexity. In most cases, renting separately on each island is the simpler plan.
18. Can I island hop with young children?
Yes, but keep the route simple. For families, Naxos and Paros are especially easy because they have sandy beaches, good family hotels, and relatively straightforward layouts. Large conventional ferries are also more comfortable with kids because there is more room to move around. If you are traveling with a stroller, be aware that some towns, especially on Santorini, have lots of steps and uneven walking surfaces.
19. What is the biggest mistake first-time visitors make?
Trying to do too much. The best island-hopping trips are simple: choose nearby islands, minimize backtracking, and leave enough time to actually enjoy each place. Two or three islands done well is almost always better than racing through five.
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
Hi Dave! My wife and I are looking to book our trip this coming May. 6th-16th. We would like to visit Santorini, Hydra, and Athens. Fly into Santorini? Fly to Hydra, and then fly out of Athens back home? Tips/advice? Thanks Dave!
Hi Michael. There’s a logistical catch you should know about right away: Hydra has no airport. It is a car-free island where the only way in is by sea.
Since you are traveling in May, the weather will be perfect – warm enough for outdoor dining and hiking but without the crushing heat or the peak summer crowds.
The Best Route: Santorini → Hydra → Athens
I almost always recommend doing Athens at the end of a trip. It’s a built in buffer and less stressful to be in Athens the night before your international flight home to avoid any ferry delays or weather issues that could make you miss your flight.
1. Fly into Santorini (JTR) – Don’t bother flying into Athens first just to take a ferry. Look for a flight that connects through Athens or another European hub (like London or Frankfurt) directly to Santorini.
• May 6–10 (4 Nights): Stay in Oia or Imerovigli for the best caldera views. In early May, you won’t need a pool to be heated, but it’s still nice to have.
2. Santorini to Hydra – There are no direct ferries between the Cyclades (Santorini) and the Saronic Islands (Hydra). You have to go through the port of Piraeus (Athens).
• The Fast Way: Fly from Santorini to Athens (50 minutes), take a taxi to Piraeus (45–60 minutes), then hop on a high-speed ferry to Hydra (1.5 to 2 hours).
• The Scenic Way: Take a high-speed ferry from Santorini to Piraeus (about 5 hours), then transfer to the Hydra ferry. It’s a long day of travel, but easier than dealing with airport-ferry-port transfers.
• May 10–13 (3 Nights): Hydra is magical. Since there are no cars, you’ll walk or take a water taxi. Stay near the harbor so you don’t have to haul luggage up too many stone steps.
3. Hydra to Athens – This is the easiest leg.
• May 13–16 (3 Nights): Take the high-speed ferry back to Piraeus. It’s a short trip. From Piraeus, it’s a quick taxi or metro ride into central Athens (stay in Plaka or Psirri to be near the Acropolis).
• May 16: Fly out of Athens International (ATH).
A Few Tips for Your Trip
• Ferry Tickets: For the Piraeus to Hydra leg, you definitely want to book in advance. Those boats are smaller “Flying Dolphins” or “Catamarans” and they do sell out, even in May.
• Hydra Luggage: Since there are no cars, your “taxi” from the ferry to your hotel might be a donkey or a handcart. It’s charming, but keep your bags manageable!
• Santorini Hiking: May is the absolute best month to do the Fira to Oia hike. It takes about 3 hours and the wildflowers are still blooming. In July it’s too hot; in May it’s perfect.
• Athens Logistics: If you have an early flight home on the 16th, stay at a hotel like A for Athens – you’ll be right in the heart of things but close to the metro.
Hi Dave
Looking at approximately 17 nights dedicated to the Cyclades for me, my Mum, and 16-year-old twin daughters. What are your thoughts on:
Paros/Anitparos 3 / 4 nights
Milos 3 / 4 nights
Syros 3 nights
Santorini 3 nights
Crete 4 nights
If we fly out from Crete back to Athens for our departure to Australia all on the same day, is that too risky?
Would love your advice.
Michelle
I think that’s a great itinerary. I would check ferry schedules and likely make Syros my first stop, otherwise looks great. One night in Athens before the flight home would be what I recommend. Lots to see in central Athens too!
Hi Dave, My wife and I are flying in from London & planning 1 month island hopping from mid August. Which is best island to fly into to start? Which islands do you suggest? We would like to visit one of the smaller remoter islands too while we are there. Hoping to do mix of self catering and hotel. Like to do some mild hiking mixed with beach days and lots of historic sightseeing.
Thanks in advance
Joe & Kay
I would fly into Mykonos and out of Crete or vice versa. In between there are popular islands like Santorini, Paros, and Naxos and less popular islands like Milos, Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos (most of these in the Western Cyclades). If you wanted a shorter trip you could arrive and depart from Santorini and Mykonos and save Crete for a visit of its own.
Hi Dave!
I am planning my honeymoon and flying from Los Angeles, CA. We have 14 days and we want to do Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, & Milos. Do you think this is enough time for all 4 islands? What’s the best route/order to do for these?
With 14 days I typically recommend visiting 3 or 4 islands. So, you’ll be moving around a bit but it’s completely doable. There are so many different routes for those 4 islands that there is no “best order”. You’ll just have to do the research on ferry schedules and see what works with your dates.
Hi Dave,
Do ferries run from Santorini to Mykonos in November? Couldn’t find one on Ferryhopper.
Thanks!
Ferries between Santorini and Mykonos run until the end of October (for sure) and sometimes into the first week of November. After that you’ll need to travel via Naxos, Paros, or Syros.
Hi!!!! This page is AMAZING!!! I have some questions since I’m building my first trip to Greece.
I think I could do 10-12 days last 2 weeks of August and would love to visit Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Naxos and/or Corfu or Milos, not sure if this is possible. From there then fly to Croatia.
My question is what would be the best routes/island for this?
Thank you!
I recommend dropping Zakynthos and Corfu as they’re a long ways from Athens and the Cyclades. I think you’re better to focus on Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Milos with only 10 to 12 days. Try flying directly into Santorini from a large airport in western Europe, then ferry to Milos or Naxos (you won’t have time to do both), ferry to Mykonos, and ferry to Athens. From Athens, you’ll be able to fly to Croatia.
Hi Dave, we have 9 nights for island hopping and will be leaving from Athens. Can you suggest a good itinerary ending with our last night in Santorini, as we will fly out from there. I have been to Santorini and Ios before and want to steer clear of Mykonos as we are more into the less touristy islands. Thinking of 2 nights per island. Thanks
I recommend Paros to Naxos to Santorini. Milos if you want to do a boat tour (similar to a Santorini caldera boat tour but with more snorkeling). Or Sifnos if you want something off the beaten track.
Hi Dave. Such a great website, thanks. We’re coming from London I’m looking for two weeks in Greece with kids 6 and 8. I really want to see the white-washed buildings against bright blue seas and skies. We’re thinking of doing an inclusive resort for 1 week so the kids can make friends and have kids club, then looking for hotels/villas for a little island hopping. We’re not really sure where to start. Any recommendations? Is Crete a good base for the resort week?
There are very few all-inclusive resorts on the Greek islands. Crete might have a few, but Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros have none that I know of. All the Cycladic islands are great for kids and families. Check out Antiparos if you’re looking for something smaller and quieter where you’ll almost know everyone on the island after a week.
For first-timers, would you recommend Naxos, Paros, Crete, or Corfu? We are definitely flying into Athens to explore and then Mykonos and Santorini.
I find Paros to be the most like Mykonos. Crete really deserves a week or more (and I’m assuming you just have a few more days to fill). Corfu is a long way from Mykonos and Santorini (and would require flying via Athens). So I would go with Naxos. Great beaches, local food, and small traditional villages.
Hello,
We are planning an ‘island hopping’ trip next year with our three young (Ranging 2-12) , but well travelled children. We’re after a mix of beaches, nice hotels with pools, and a few days exploring towns. Would you please be able to recommend the islands best suited to this. We’re after a duration of around two weeks, probably staying 3/4 nights most places and would be flying from London.
Many thanks 🙏- this site has been such a source of travel inspiration!
My favorite islands for kids and island hopping: Naxos, Paros, Milos, Sifnos, Serifos. Santorini and Mykonos are also good but busier and more expensive. Both Santorini and Mykonos have direct flights from western Europe which makes them great bookends to your trip. Fly into one. Island hop through a few other islands. Then finish at the other and fly home.
My friend and I would like to do 10 days in Greece on our way to Turkey in May. We will fly into Athens and would like to do Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Sifnos if possible. Which route would you recommend?
I recommend ferrying from Athens to Sifnos to Mykonos to Santorini to Crete. Could also fly to Crete to start and then ferry back to Athens in reverse order as above. (Most likely you’ll need to fly from Athens to Turkey.)
HELP!!!
We are a family of four in need of island transfer from Crete, preferably Chania but at this point any port will do, to Paros on May 2nd. I prefer to ferry rather than fly but am having difficulty finding a company that does this route. Is it too early, perhaps they don’t start until June ?? We’d also be up for going to Santorini, spending the day, and ferry to Paros in the evening.
Can you point me in the right direction?
Thanks so much for your help.
There should be a daily Heraklion to Paros ferry (with stops in Santorini and Naxos) in early May. I would check Ferryhopper.com for details. You would need to spend the night in Santorini to have time to see the island (as there is no evening ferry on this route).
I have found your information so helpful! Starting with 4 days in Athens, and then 10 nights in the Cyclades. Travelling with 2 adults and well traveled 9yo. For the “islands” portion of our trip (10 nights), I am wondering if just Naxos/Santorini will be a little too long at 5 days each. Maybe cut down to 4 nights each with two nights somewhere else. Plan is to fly back to Athens from Santorini. Any insight very much appreciated!
I don’t think that’s too long on Naxos and Santorini. But yes, you could easily add a two-day stop in Paros, Mykonos, or Ios. Or if you’re wanting to do a boat tour then Milos and do the full day boat tour around the island.
We are taking a short trip for my big 4-0 birthday. It is on my bucket list to see the Greek islands. Santorini is too on the list. What itinerary would you recommend from Chicago for 7 days in Greece?
I recommend Santorini for 3 days, Naxos (beaches and traditional villages), or Mykonos (beaches and trendy nightlife and restaurants) for 3 days, and 1 day in Athens.
Hi Dave
We have set our hearts on Athens to Hydra for 2 days then Spetses for 2 days then back to Athens for our flight home. But can’t find any ferries, is that because its not doable.
Karen
The Athens/Hydra/Spetses ferries run year round. If you’re looking too far in advance they might not be listed yet. But there will definitely be ferries running that route. I recommend booking tickets a month or two in advance just to be safe but there are many daily ferries and they rarely sell out.
Hi Dave,
We’re planning a honeymoon in Greece through Athens (1-2 Nights), Santorini (3 Nights), Mykonos (3 Nights), and Kreta or Rhodos (3-4 Nights), but we’re not sure which island is better and which island has more beautiful beaches: Kreta or Rhodos? How would you divide and plan the route from Germany ?
Thanks
Both Rhodes and Crete have great beaches and interesting towns. The biggest difference (for your itinerary) is that Crete is a short daily ferry ride from Santorini and Rhodes is a long 2/weekly ferry ride from Santorini. So I would definitely do Crete (ferry to Heraklion and then spend most of your time in Chania). Then fly home from either Heraklion or Chania airports – hopefully without having to fly via Athens.
Hi Dave, We are a family of 6 going to Greece for the first time. I am flying into Athens. I want to see Santorini and Mykonos. What do you recommend as far as which Island to go first and what means of transportation to use, Ferry or fly. We have 8-9 days to spend in Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. We will be flying back to U.S. after vacation. We have kids as young as 6.
Thank you.
I would ferry from Athens to Mykonos, ferry from Mykonos to Santorini, then either fly Santorini to Athens or (even better) fly Santorini to Western Europe (Paris, London, Amsterdam, or Rome) and fly directly home from there.
Hello. We will be visiting Greece in January. We would like to do some Island Hopping from Athens. What Islands do you recommend at this time of year. We would like to see Santorini, do you think we should? If so, what islands should we stop at along the way? We want to visit islands for about 7 days. We have to finish in Athens because we are flying to Morocco next. Thank you very much for your help.
I’d recommend Santorini and Naxos or Paros in January, mainly because of the ferry connections.
Hi Dave,
We’ve narrowed down our islands to Naxos, Santorini and Milos. We’re able to stay 3-nights on 2 of those islands and 4-nights on 1 off them. Which island would you recommend to spend the 4-nights on? I’m thinking Naxos or Milos. Of those 2, what has more to do where an extra day would be beneficial? Thanks so much.
Of Naxos and Milos, I think Naxos has more to see and do. Though Milos has more interesting boat tours.
Hi Dave.
Quick question on how would you divide and route flying to Greece from San Francisco? 14 nights in Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos and would it be sufficient time to see most highlights of Greece. Thanks a bunch. Any info is greatly appreciated.
It of course depends on what flights are available which varies greatly depending on the time of year. But most likely you’ll need to fly via London, Paris, or Amsterdam. From these western European hubs I would recommend flying to Athens but returning from Mykonos or Santorini – or even Heraklion in Crete. For example, fly SFO to London, fly London to Athens, ferry to Mykonos, ferry to Santorini, fly Santorini to London, fly London to SFO. This does require a fair bit of flight searching to see what’s available on each route – but it’s worth the effort so that you don’t have to retrace your steps to Athens and waste time and money. 14 days is enough time to see some of the highlights of Greece – but all of them? Not even close. I recommend focusing on 3 or 4 destinations so you don’t feel rushed.
Hello, I am traveling from New York to Greece for the 2nd time. I traveled to Greece about 5 years ago and split my trip between Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. This year I’m in between Paros, Ios, and Crete and confused if I should all three or which to do and the order. Was hoping you can provide expert travel advice and let me know what would be ideal for us to do. We are looking to relax on the beach, nightlife, party, and restaurants. Have about 10 days. Thank u
I’m thinking you love Greece and will likely make another visit in the coming years. If that’s accurate then visit Paros and Ios on one trip (best for the high season summer months of late May to early September) and Crete on the other trip (great in summer but also fine in the shoulder season of April, early May, late September, October, and early November). Both are good destinations for 10 days but visiting all 3 in ten days would be rushed.
We are planning a honeymoon through the Cyclades. Our plan is to stop in Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Ios. Is there a “best-route” for these 5 islands. We have not booked any flights or ferries yet so are open to any itinerary. We’ll be flying from NYC and visiting London and Paris on the same trip.
My recommended route would be
• Paris fly to Athens
• Athens ferry to Mykonos
• Mykonos ferry to Paros
• Paros ferry to Naxos
• Naxos ferry to Ios
• Ios ferry to Santorini
• Santorini fly to London
The reverse order is fine too. This has the quickest, most direct ferry routes and the largest choice of flights.