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Greek Island Hopping: The Complete 2026 Guide

Greece › Island Hopping
Updated: January 11, 2026 • By Santorini Dave

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Beach on Greek Island.

The wonderful beaches of Mykonos are a highlight of Greek island hopping.

Island Hopping Guides

My wife and I in Santorini.

My wife and I in stunning Santorini.

Island Hopping Essentials

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 boarding a Greek ferry as we island hop around the Cyclades.

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 Ferries and Hotels Well in Advance
This is critical for travel between June and September. The best Santorini hotels, Mykonos hotels, Crete hotels, Paros hotels, and Athens hotels often sell out 6 to 9 months ahead. While ferry schedules for the summer are often not finalized until spring, popular routes and high-speed vessels sell out weeks in advance. I recommend booking ferries on ferryhopper.com as soon as your dates are firm. This locks in your transport and prevents the stress of last-minute scrambles at the port.

2. Pick One Island Group and Stick to It
Do not attempt to visit Mykonos (Cyclades), Crete, and Corfu (Ionian) on the same trip. You will waste days on long overnight ferries or in airport terminals connecting through Athens. The secret to a seamless trip is choosing one island chain and exploring it thoroughly. The Cyclades (Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini) are the most popular and possess the most frequent ferry connections. The Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos, Symi) and Ionian islands are fantastic alternatives but should be done as separate trips.

3. Follow the Ferry Routes (Don’t Fight Them)
Greek ferries operate like a subway system on water. They run on established “lines” rather than crisscrossing randomly. Plan your itinerary along these main routes. For the Cyclades, a logical route is Athens to Mykonos, then Naxos or Paros, and finishing in Santorini (or the reverse). This ensures frequent connections and shorter travel times. Trying to jump from a small western island like Milos directly to a remote eastern island like Amorgos is logistically difficult and usually requires a connection in Athens.

4. Pack Light: The Carry-On is Your Best Friend
You will be hauling luggage on and off chaotic ferry ramps, dragging it up steep cobblestone streets, and navigating narrow hotel staircases. Heavy luggage is a nightmare in Greece. A rolling carry-on suitcase or a high-quality travel backpack is mandatory for a stress-free trip. You will spend 90% of your time in swimwear and light clothing, so you need less than you think.

5. Carry Cash (Euros)
While Greece has modernized significantly and credit cards/ApplePay are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants, cash remains king for small transactions. You will need Euros for public buses, taxi drivers, small kiosks, beach beds on remote islands, and tipping staff. Do not rely exclusively on cards. Withdraw cash at an ATM at the Athens airport immediately upon arrival.

6. Less is More: Don’t Rush Your Trip
The most common mistake first-time visitors make is overpacking their itinerary. Every time you change islands, you lose half a day to packing, checking out, port transfers, ferry delays, and checking in. My rule is simple: stay a minimum of three nights on major islands (Naxos, Paros, Santorini) and two nights on smaller ones. A 10-day trip is perfect for three islands. It is a disaster if you try to squeeze in five.

7. Be Flexible and Expect Wind
The “Meltemi” is a strong northern wind that blows through the Aegean in July and August. While large ferries (Blue Star) rarely cancel, smaller high-speed catamarans (SeaJets) can be delayed or canceled due to rough seas. If you are prone to seasickness, book the larger, slower ferries. Crucially, do not book a ferry back to Athens on the same day as your flight home. Always schedule a buffer night in Athens at the end of your trip to ensure you make your connection.

8. Don’t Do a Greek Island Cruise
Greek cruises suck. Don’t do them. You spend very little time on the islands, usually arriving at peak heat with thousands of other cruisers, and leave before the magical sunset hours. It is much better to island hop independently. Use Booking.com for hotels, Kayak.com for flights, and Ferryhopper.com for ferries.

Island Hopping Itineraries

My wife and I on a ferry in Paros, Greece.

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 month for island hopping in Greece?

Late June and early September are the absolute best times. The weather is hot, the sea is warmest (especially in September), and everything is open, but you avoid the crushing crowds of August. May and October are good for sightseeing and lower prices, but ferry schedules are reduced, the water is cool, and some beach bars will be closed. Avoid August if you dislike crowds and peak pricing.

2. How many days do I need for a good island hopping trip?

The rule of thumb: 10 days for 3 islands. Do not rush. Every time you switch islands, you lose half a day to packing, transfers, and ferry delays.

  • 7 Days: Visit 2 islands max (e.g., Santorini & Naxos).
  • 10-14 Days: Visit 3 or 4 islands (e.g., Mykonos, Paros, Santorini).

3. Should I book my ferries in advance or buy tickets at the port?

Book in advance. For travel in July and August, book 2 to 3 months ahead. Popular high-speed routes (like Santorini to Mykonos) and large car-ferry tickets sell out first. Buying at the port is stressful and risky; you often get stuck with the most expensive seats or inconvenient departure times. I use Ferryhopper to book e-tickets in advance.

4. Is it better to fly between islands or take the ferry?

Take the ferry. There are almost no direct flights between islands (e.g., there is no flight from Mykonos to Santorini). To fly, you must connect through Athens, turning a 2-hour ferry trip into a 6-hour travel day. Ferries are the bus system of the Aegean; they are efficient, scenic, and the only direct way to travel between islands.

5. Which island group is best for first-timers?

The Cyclades. This group includes the “big names”: Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Milos. It offers the classic Greek aesthetic (white sugar-cube houses, blue domes) and has the most frequent and reliable ferry connections, making it the easiest region for island hopping.

6. Can I visit different islands on day trips from a central base?

Generally, no. Most islands are too far apart (2+ hours each way) to make a day trip enjoyable. You spend all day on a boat and only 2 hours on the island.
The Exceptions:
• Delos: Easy day trip from Mykonos (20 mins).
• Antiparos: Easy day trip from Paros (7 mins).
• Hydra/Aegina: Doable day trips from Athens.

7. How much does a typical ferry ticket cost?

Prices vary by vessel speed and distance.

  • Blue Star (Conventional): €30–€50. Slower, stable, allows deck access.
  • SeaJets (High Speed): €60–€90. Fast, bumpy, no deck access.
  • Kids: usually 50% off; Infants are often free.

8. Do I need to rent a car on every island?

No, it depends on the island. However, if you do plan to drive, you must rent a separate car on each island. Never rent a car in Athens and try to ferry it to multiple islands. Ferry tickets for vehicles are expensive (€100+), and most rental insurance policies are void the moment you drive onto a ferry.

  • Car Recommended: Naxos, Paros, Milos, Crete, Rhodes (large islands with spread-out beaches).
  • Car Not Needed: Santorini and Mykonos (excellent bus systems, impossible parking), Hydra (cars are banned).

9. What happens if my ferry is canceled due to wind?

The Meltemi wind (common in July/August) can cancel small high-speed catamarans. Large ferries like Blue Star rarely cancel. If canceled, you are entitled to a full refund or a seat on the next boat. Pro Tip: Never book your ferry back to Athens on the same day as your flight home. Always have a buffer night in Athens.

10. Is it better to start my trip in Athens or fly directly to an island?

Fly directly to an island if possible. Many European hubs fly direct to Santorini (JTR), Mykonos (JMK), and Crete (HER). By landing on an island, you skip the hassle of the Athens ferry port and save a travel day. A perfect route is “Open Jaw”: Fly into Santorini, ferry north to Naxos and Mykonos, and fly home from Mykonos or Athens.

11. How do I handle luggage on the ferries?

You must carry your own bags. When you board, you leave large suitcases on the lower car deck in designated racks. You take your valuables and hand luggage upstairs to your seat.
Note: It looks chaotic, but theft is extremely rare. On high-speed ferries, get to the door early before arrival so you aren’t buried in the crush of people disembarking.

12. Are high-speed ferries worth the extra cost?

It depends.

  • Choose High-Speed (SeaJets) if: You are short on time. It cuts travel time in half (e.g., Athens to Santorini is 5 hours vs. 8 hours).
  • Choose Conventional (Blue Star) if: You get seasick (they are much more stable), you want to save money, or you want to sit outside and take photos.

13. Can I island hop with young children?

Yes, but optimize for comfort.

  • Ferries: Book Blue Star (large ferries). They have space to walk around and are stable. High-speeds confine kids to seats.
  • Islands: Choose Naxos or Paros (sandy beaches, flat towns). Avoid the cliffs of Santorini with a stroller.

14. How early do I need to be at the port?

  • Foot Passengers: 30–45 minutes before departure.
  • With a Car: 60 minutes before departure.

Ferries are surprisingly punctual. They do not wait. Port gates can be confusing, so give yourself a buffer to find the right dock.

15. Should I buy an island-hopping pass?

No. “Eurail” style ferry passes are rarely a good value. They are complicated to use, often exclude popular high-speed vessels, and still require you to pay supplements or book specific seats in person. Booking point-to-point tickets via Ferryhopper is cheaper, easier, and more flexible.

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece 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 Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.