Want to book a hopping trip around the Greek Islands but don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Greece is among the top travel destinations in the world, attracting many tourists every year, and it’s no wonder why. From its silky sandy beaches to delicious food and vibrant nightlife, there’s so much to love about this wonderful place. We know you can’t wait to start planning your trip, so let’s dive into it!
When should you visit the Greek Islands?
It’s best to go to Greece between April to mid-June or during September-October. The periods are most favourable because it is warm, with the temperatures ranging from 24 ° C to 28 ° C. Plus, not many tourists are around during these seasons, so you can relax on the beach without being surrounded by large crowds. Holidays in luxury villas in Greece will make your island-hopping trip to Greece unforgettable, so make sure to book exclusive accommodation.
What are the best routes for the island-hopping trip?
You can choose some options from different groups of Greek islands and build your own route. However, ferry lines service particular island groups, which means it will be easier to plan when you stick to only one area. All flights take you to Athens, and once you arrive in Greece’s capital, you can admire its jaw-dropping sights. Plus, you’ll be close to the Saronic Gulf Islands, the port of Piraeus and remote island groups such as the Dodecanese.
Athens also adjoins the port of Rafina, where you can take a route to the eastern Cyclades. If you want to explore the beautiful Northeastern Aegean islands, you can land in the second city of Greece – Thessaloniki. Suppose you have a specific island group in mind; in that case, we recommend catching a domestic flight from Athens to save money and time.
Which Greek Islands are worth visiting?
Cyclades:
The Cyclades is incredibly appealing, as it has some of the best islands in Greece. You can hop on a ferry from Piraeus to Mykonos, the fanciest Greek island. Once you arrive there, you can explore the cafes, boutique shops, and the lanes filled with beautiful flowers. From here, you can take a day trip to the island of Delos and discover its ancient sun-bleached ruins. Finally, you can carry on to Naxos and then reach Santorini further south, which will mesmerise you with its black-sand beaches and iconic sunsets.
Ionian Islands:
The Ionian Islands are located in the Ionian Sea along the coast of the Peloponnese. They have a cooler climate and are known for their abundant forests and olive and cypress trees. Corfu, which you can reach by flying from Athens, is one of the largest islands in the group and features a mix of Parisian-style arcades, Italian-inspired cuisine and Venetian alleyways. Paxi is the next island, famous for its picturesque harbour villages, olive groves, and rolling hills. You can also visit Lefkada, renowned for its sandy beaches, and Kefalonia, where you can kayak in the stunning cobalt-blue bays.
Dodecanese:
The Dodecanese islands in Greece showcase the historical influences of various cultures, including the Romans and Ottoman rulers and mediaeval knights. This is reflected in the local cuisine, with a mix of pasta, sweet baklava, and mountain top castles. You can start by flying to Rhodes, which will impress you with its sandy beaches, rich history and vibrant city life. If you love hiking, visit Nisyros, a volcanic island where you can explore verdant forests. Patmos is another popular destination – especially during Orthodox Easter, giving off a spiritual vibe with a focus on monastic life. Finally, Kos also has a lot to offer, from its easy-to-cycle roads to brown-sugar sand beaches.
As you can see, there are many destinations you can choose from, so what are you waiting for? Start creating your itinerary and have the time of your life while discovering the beauty of Greek islands.
How to Island Hop Around the Greek Islands Luxury Travel Blogger - Carmen Edelson