If you’re planning a trip to Greece, one of the best ways to make the most of your holiday is to island hop. This is especially true for those who want to explore the country’s different regions, with each offering its own distinct culture and special charm.
Cyclades
Island hopping in Greece is a fun way to see many islands in one trip. Cyclades is one of the best Greek island groups to visit. The islands are beautiful and have a very mild Mediterranean climate. These islands offer plenty of sightseeing, beaches, and outdoor adventure. However, the islands can get very busy during the summer months, and can be expensive.
Some of the most popular islands in the Cyclades include Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos. You can find cheap flights to the islands from several Greek cities. In addition, you can take a ferry to the islands.
For a relaxing stay, you can choose to stay in a hotel. The Nissaki Beach Hotel in Naxos is the perfect choice. It has a pool and is located near the Agios Georgios beach. Prices start at about 220EUR for a double room, with breakfast included.
If you are looking for a more active vacation, you can visit Paros or Antiparos. Both are small and less-developed islands. The Paros windmill is an excellent place to watch the sunset, and the Church of Zoodochos Pigi is worth a visit.
During the day, you can relax on the beaches. Naxos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades. Ammos beach in Chora has turquoise waters. Other great beaches include Plaka, Aliko, and Agios Prokopios.
One of the most exciting ways to travel through the Cyclades is to book a cruise. Your cruise will bring you to the island from the sea, and you’ll visit a number of sites along the way.
While you’re on the cruise, you can also visit the Kouros of Naxos. Afterwards, you can spend a day at the beach.
Ionian Islands
Island hopping is a great way to see Greece. The islands offer visitors beautiful scenery and a plethora of activities. You can also sample Greek food and drink.
If you’re planning on island hopping, you’ll want to pick at least two islands to visit. This will allow you to spend time at each island while avoiding the stress of trying to fit it all in on a single trip.
The most popular islands for island hopping in Greece are in the Cyclades. These islands include Mykonos, Santorini, and Milos.
Getting to the islands is not as difficult as you may think. While most of the larger Greek islands have their own airports, you can also reach them from mainland cities. Depending on the island you’re looking to visit, you may be able to get a direct flight or you may need to take a connecting ferry.
The easiest way to island hop in Greece is to fly from Athens. Many European airlines have direct flights to Greece from other countries. When booking your ticket, make sure you check whether or not your chosen airport is in operation during your stay.
Most ferries have limited seating. It’s wise to arrive early at the port to avoid paying extra for seats. Some of the cheapest flights are offered by budget airlines. However, if you’re not in a rush, it’s often worth it to book your tickets in advance.
Unlike the Cyclades, island hopping is not a common practice on the Ionian islands. Rather, these islands are geared towards package tourism. They have low key beach resorts and handsome Venetian architecture.
You may find that there are many ferries between islands. You’ll need to decide which one is best for you. Generally, the ones in the area of Athens tend to be the fastest.
Sporades Islands
Island hopping is a great way to see the islands of Greece. The country offers a variety of pristine beaches, quaint villages and lively marinas.
There are thousands of Greek islands to choose from. You can visit one for the day or take a weeklong tour. Whether you want to stay in a luxury resort or a rustic guesthouse, you’ll find it all in Greece.
Island hopping is a fun and affordable way to explore the Greek islands. However, you must first decide which islands you want to visit. In general, you will find that each island is unique. So, your itinerary should include several islands in order to experience the best of the Greek islands.
It is also important to choose a landing point. Most island groups have mini hubs. These are usually larger islands, which have good connections to the other islands in the cluster. If you are looking to visit more than one island, you can always use the ferry to get you from island to island.
Ferry schedules are often unpredictable and can be hard to get ahold of. To make sure you have a smooth ride, check the timetables at your travel agency.
Another good tip is to visit during off-season. That way you won’t have to worry about getting a ticket for a high-ticket flight. Some islands are popular during the summer, but this may not be the case during the off-season.
One of the most interesting Greek islands is Santorini. Located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, it boasts stunning cliffs and a beautiful sunset view.
Other notable Greek islands are Mykonos and Crete. Mykonos is known for its windmills and cafes.
Dodecanese Islands
Island hopping in Greece can be a great way to see a variety of islands in a short space of time. The best way to do this is to plan out an itinerary. Each island is different, so you’ll need to choose which ones to visit, as well as how to get there.
If you’re visiting a group of islands, the easiest method is to hop between them via ferry. A huge network of ferries runs daily in the summer, zipping between islands.
You may want to consider using domestic flights to get around, if your budget allows it. This can save you time and money, and is also more scenic. There are several airlines that offer cheap flights. But be sure to book early, especially if you’re visiting during the high season.
The Cyclades are the most popular group of Greek islands. Many of these islands have sand and crystal-clear waters. Some of the islands have unique volcanic makeup. Others, such as Paros, have fun towns and beaches. Those looking to explore ancient history should check out Rhodes, which is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands.
The Dodecanese Islands are a smaller group of islands that are near Turkey. They are ideal for a laid back getaway with family or friends. These small islands offer beautiful beaches, and are less crowded than some of the other popular destinations in the Cyclades.
You can also island hop in Greece by ferry. Ferry services are available from Crete to the Dodecanese and between the islands of the Cyclades. However, you’ll need to be prepared for rough seas.
In the winter, Greece is still a great destination. Although some of the most popular islands haven’t yet seen the summer crowds, it’s still a good time to visit.
North Aegean Islands
Island hopping is a great way to see Greece. There are over 6,000 islands scattered throughout the Aegean Sea. Many of them are accessible by ferry, while others are a bit harder to reach.
If you are planning a trip to the Aegean Islands, then it is important to understand what kind of transportation you will need. Ferries, planes, and cars all play a role. Some islands have international airports, while others are not.
While it is tempting to hop around the island chain, it is more practical to break it down into smaller groups. The islands of the Cyclades are a good example of this. They are scattered throughout the middle of the Aegean Sea, and they offer an array of high-profile cosmopolitan islands. You can choose to spend your time on the quieter, more picturesque islands.
Depending on your budget and timing, you can get around the island chain using various forms of transport. Whether you prefer to fly, sail, or drive, you’ll want to have a plan. Using an app or website such as Ferryhopper, you can book and manage your entire island-hopping route.
The most efficient way to move between islands is by boat. You can also take a domestic flight, which is cheaper and more scenic. However, bringing your car on the ferry can be expensive.
Ferry schedules can be confusing and changes are often made due to inclement weather. It’s best to arrive at the port as early as possible. Don’t forget to pack your valuables and make sure to take seasickness pills before you leave.
If you aren’t keen on the prospect of ferry travel, then you can fly to Athens, the capital of Greece, and head straight to the island you want to visit. Most Athens-based ferries depart early in the morning.