Your Ultimate Greek Island Hopping Guide

Santorini boats its serene caldera, and Mykonos shows its hospitality by hosting parties until dawn, Crete, Rhodes, there is never a shortage of islands to visit in Greece, diverse in charms and cultures, the best match to highlight your Greece vacation. Below is the ultimate guide for your Greek island hopping, featuring the best times to go and an itinerary for your reference. Read on to discover the best way to hop between these captivating Greek islands.

The Best Time for Greek Island Hopping

The best time for Greek island-hopping tours can run the gamut from April to October, even the winter months offer the opportunity to enjoy the lush islands and waves.

Blessed with endless sunny days and lush greenery, the summer heat brings the peak season for Greek island hopping, with the most holiday atmosphere to take advantage of the perfect beaches and countless parties.

Another ideal time to experience the island-hopping adventure is the shoulder season between late spring and early autumn, the fantastic time to avoid crowds and sweaty clothes, ideal for perfect photos and comfortable prices.

As for the winter days, the drop in temperature caused by winds also makes more waves in the ocean. Though the decrease in flights between the mainland and the islands will also be a bit inconvenient for further adventures, coastal destinations near Athens, such as Hydra, Poros, and Aegina, offer convenient options for island exploration.

Top Greek Islands to Visit

Santorini

Santorini, renowned for its serene caldera and fertile land yielding delicious wines, boasts colorful cliffs adorned with white villages and black or red beaches. It's the perfect honeymoon destination, offering unforgettable experiences like sunset catamaran cruises.

Santorini

Mykonos

Known as the Island of Winds, Mykonos features iconic windmills lining its coastline, adding a unique charm to its diverse sides between day and night. Explore its Cycladic buildings along the cobblestone alleys then join those parties that light up this island all night long.

Crete

Crete, a sprawling island in southern Greece, holds numerous mysteries as the birthplace of the Minoan Civilization, Zeus, and legendary tales of the Minotaur, labyrinth, and Theseus. It's a destination that beckons exploration to unravel its captivating stories and enchanting landscapes.

Rhodes

Located close to Turkey, Rhodes is a historic island famous for being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes. In addition to its idyllic beaches, Rhodes serves as an open-air museum that takes you back to the Middle Ages with its well-preserved historical sites.

How to Get Around the Greek Islands

You can take advantage of Greece's extensive ferry networks, which link the mainland to the islands dotted around the Aegean Sea. These ferries offer reasonable speeds, allowing you to hop from island to island in just 1 or 2 hours. In addition, some popular islands can also be reached by seasonal flights during the high season, making it even easier to plan your island-hopping adventures.

Sample Itinerary #1: Essential Greek Island Vacation

From easily accessible coastal islands to the iconic destinations of Mykonos and Santorini, this 11-day itinerary blending coastal serenity with the classic highlights of ancient Greece and Rome, promises a leisurely exploration of ancient sites and idyllic islands.

Day	Things to Do	Overnight
Day 1	Arrival in Athens	Athens
Day 2	Syntagma Square, Presidential Palace, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Acropolis of Athens	Athens
Day 3	Temple of Apollo, Arachova	Kalabaka
Day 4	UNESCO Byzantine Monasteries	Athens
Day 5	Full-Day Cruise to Aegina, Poros, and Hydra Islands	Athens
Day 6	Relaxing Time on Cycladic Island	Mykonos
Day 7	Cruise to the Island of Delos	Mykonos
Day 8	Hike Through the Villages of Oia & Fira	Santorini
Day 9	Sunset Catamaran Cruises	Santorini
Day 10	Free Day in Santorini	Santorini
Day 11	Departure Greece - End of Trip	-

Begin your journey at Syntagma Square, where the distinctive Evzones stand guard in front of the Old Royal Palace. Pass through the Arch of Hadrian and continue to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, once home to colossal cult statues. Finally, ascend to the Acropolis of Athens, the pinnacle of today's exploration, where you can delve deeper into its history at the accompanying museum.

Acropolis of Athens

Followed by a day tour to Delphi, where you'll encounter the legendary Omphalos, symbolizing the navel of the earth, nestled within the Temple of Apollo. Take a leisurely break in Arachova, a serene Greek-style village nestled beneath the majestic Mt. Parnassus. Here, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind with picturesque views as you enjoy a delightful afternoon tea.

Next, journey to Meteora for an exhilarating experience. Ascend to the hanging gardens perched on the cliffs to behold the UNESCO-listed Byzantine Monasteries suspended in midair. Then, return to Athens for final preparations before embarking on the next leg of your island-hopping adventure.

Begin with a full-day cruise around the Saronic Islands, traversing from north to south. Indulge in the pistachio-flavored snacks of Aegina, hike the verdant hills of Poros to capture its picturesque landscape, and, best of all, take a unique horse ride to explore the entirety of Hydra.

A little further afield, Mykonos is on your itinerary for the next two days. Take time to wander the winding alleys of the chora, decorated with wooden balconies and vibrant flowers, where you might stumble upon quaint whitewashed churches or seaside cafes. Relax in Little Venice with a refreshing drink to capture the iconic windmills turning gracefully in the breeze. Consider a cruise to nearby Delos to explore its historic sites before returning to Paradise Beach to enjoy the vibrant parties that echo through the night.

Conclude your journey on the enchanting island of Santorini. Awaken to the soothing rhythm of waves gently lapping against the shore, and indulge in a delightful breakfast on the rooftop balcony. Take a leisurely hike through the cliffside villages of Oia and Fira against the backdrop of azure skies and sea, and treat yourself to a catamaran cruise to the serene caldera. Let your Greek island-hopping adventure be filled with memories to treasure.

Sample Itinerary #2: Cyclades for Classic Greece

This 9-day itinerary, encompassing the captivating city of Athens, offers an exhilarating island-hopping experience across the renowned Cyclades Islands, such as Paros, Naxos, and Santorini, traversing the picturesque landscapes of the eastern Aegean Sea.

Day	Things to Do	Overnight
Day 1	Arrival in Athens	Athens
Day 2	Acropolis of Athens, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Food Tour at Local Market	Athens
Day 3	Transfers to Paros	Paros
Day 4	Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani	Paros
Day 5	Transfers to Naxos	Naxos
Day 6	Venetian Castle, Catholic Cathedral, Local Market Visit	Naxos
Day 7	Transfers to Santorini	Santorini
Day 8	Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner	Santorini
Day 9	Departure Greece - End of Trip	-

Once in Athens, immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient Greece and Rome. Capture the Acropolis of Athens at a distant hilltop for a unique angle, and feel the smooth marble of the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympics. Afterward, explore the local markets filled with delicious aromas and flavors, always ready to satisfy your appetite.

Jump on the ferry to Paros, your next destination for a 2-day adventure. Settle in Parikia and uncover the secret gate of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, or venture into the tranquil village of Lefkes for a taste of slow living. Journey north to Naoussa for vibrant nightlife, where a plethora of shops and bars await. Don't miss Kolymbithres Beach, known for its lunar-like landscape, perfect for capturing unforgettable memories.

Paros

Head over to nearby Naxos, a fairly large island worth exploring over 2 days. Climb the Venetian Castle and visit the whitewashed Catholic cathedral. Take advantage of the strong winds for some exhilarating windsurfing, or climb a hilltop before sunset to witness the breathtaking moment when the iconic Portara frames the sun's descent, signaling the awakening of the island.

Finish your island-hopping adventure in Greece with Santorini, which boasts an international airport for easy access. Kick off your sandals and stroll along the coastline, feeling the touch of red and black sand under your toes. Take a catamaran cruise to the central caldera, where the sun meets the horizon, and enjoy a delicious dinner of local wine and tomatoes under the starry night sky.

Tips for Island Hopping in Greece

Be Sure to Have Seasickness Medication on Hand

While traveling in Greece, there are over 6000 individual islands scattered across the ocean unveiling a treasure trove of unique gems awaiting discovery. Yet, the broader your list of destinations, the greater the time spent navigating the sea and its waves, making seasickness medicine an essential companion for your island-hopping adventure, especially during the season rough to boot.

Remember to Pack Your Hiking Shoes

Beaches can always be your main course during your island-hopping Greece holiday, but as the cradle of European civilization, hiking boots could be more suitable for exploring these sites that have recorded their glorious history, which is also your best match for enjoying a hike through the valleys and hills.

Find Your Best Way to Hop Greek Islands

From the top honeymoon islands to the ideal one for family-friendly destinations perfect for kids or more sample itinerary ideas from 1 week to 10 days, Odynovo has more sample itinerary ideas to inspire your next Greece vacation.