The Best Greek Island-Hopping Itineraries

Located on the eastern coast of mainland Greece and more specifically, northeast of the island of Evia (or Euboea), the Sporades island group features dense vegetation, rocky landscapes and stunning blue waters. Less accessible than the Cyclades, these are the perfect alternative destinations if you want to avoid the packed ferries to more popular horizons. Our itinerary takes you along the magnificent islands of Skyros, Alonissos, Skopelos and Skiathos. If you opt for a tour with a sailing company, chances are you will be able to stay in one or two islands according to your preferences.

The verdant Ionian islands, located on the western part of Greece, in the Ionian Sea, are famous for their turquoise waters, breathtaking beaches and picturesque villages. These were not so easily connected in the past, but since May 2018, a new ferry line connecting has revolutionized island hopping in the Ionian Sea. All summer long, the company Joy Cruises offers three departures per week from Corfu (Kerkyra) and allow visitors to stop Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaki, Kefalonia and Zakynthos. A great news for those longing to explore these magical islands.

The epitome of the Greek islands, the Cycladic islands are world-famous for their whitewashed houses, blue doors and windows and their pristine beaches. The most popular include majestic Santorini and cosmopolitan Mykonos, but it boasts a few gems such as Syros, Tinos, Sifnos, Amorgos, Paros, Milos, and the lesser-known islands of Koufonissia, Iraklia, Schoinoussa and Keros. You can definitely enjoy a week-long trip around the closest islands or take full advantage of a sailing charter company and take it easy on the yacht deck for an afternoon.

A bit further to the east of Greece and close to the Turkish mainland lie the Dodecanese islands, which includes Rhodes, Patmos, Kos, Astypalea, Kalymnos; and the lesser-known, though still enchanting, Symi and Kastellorizo. The archipelago includes a few uninhabited islets as well which offer the same charm as the more popular destinations, if not a more authentic appeal. Ideal for scuba divers, hikers and those loving water and wind sports, the Dodecanese islands are filled with historic centers and a traditional culture which will seduce the more discerning travelers.

Perfect for those pressed by time, the Argo-Saronic islands are the islands closer to Athens and the Attic peninsula. Conveniently connected to the Greek capital, they still offer relaxation, tranquility and a touch of exoticism. Whether you opt to visit the most famous islands of Aegina and Hydra or want to explore the pine-covered islands of Poros and Spetses, you are sure to find plenty of beaches and secret coves to explore.

Situated off the coast of Turkey, the far-flung islands of the northeastern Aegean Sea (which include Chios, Samos, Lemnos, Lesvos and Ikaria) have been shielded from mass tourism, and therefore, remained virtually unchanged throughout the decades. The archipelago can be explored by ferry although connections are few and not always convenient. You would be better off booking a sailing boat as the area counts a few dozen people-free islets where you can escape reality. Lemnos will seduce you with its fascinating volcanic formations dotting the island and you will fall in love with Chios and its mastic-producing villages. Lesvos is the place to be for divers and Ikaria will enchant those seeking an authentic way of life. Larger than the Cycladic islands, the Northeastern Aegean islands can be visited over several days, as they offer a wide choice of activities and options.

Finally, if you opt for traditional ferry routes, we highly recommend you take advantage of the website Ferryhopper, which allow you to find the best ferry connections according to where you want to go.