Exploring the Greek Islands: A Comprehensive Guide
Scattered like pearls across the shimmering Aegean and Ionian seas, the Greek islands have lured many travelers. From Jason and his adventuring Argonauts to Frankish Crusaders and Mamma Mia film crews, myth and enchantment envelop the islands much like their ribbons of sugar-soft sand.
There’s nothing quite like spotting the shoreline from a sun-drenched ferry deck or sailing into a vibrant port. In Greece, getting there is an essential part of the adventure and, thankfully, island hopping is a breeze.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands?
While the Greek islands are stunning at any time of year, aim to visit between Orthodox Easter (usually April) and the end of May, or from September to mid-October. During these times, you will find that services and amenities are robust, temperatures are balmy, and crowds are thinner. From June until the end of August, you will definitely enjoy warm sea water and hot weather; however, you’ll be sharing it with the masses, paying premium rates, and the meltemi (dry northerly wind) may disrupt ferry schedules. In the low winter season, many ferry routes cease to operate, and hotels and restaurants shut up shop.
Moreover, depending on which Greek islands you’re eager to visit, it’s wise to check local calendars for panigyria. These Greek summer festivals are unique cultural experiences that can be a lot of fun, but they might affect ferry schedules, opening hours at attractions, and create crowds and parades that can complicate travel logistics.
Should You Plan Your Greek Island-Hopping Trip in Advance?
In reality, it’s best to plan a little and leave a little to chance. A bit of planning can definitely take you a long way. Deciding where you want to go and understanding the ferry schedules beforehand will ease your vacation experience. Furthermore, Greece is renowned for its laid-back attitude, and it’s beneficial to emulate this vibe while island-hopping. Ferry schedules are always subject to change—delays or cancellations can occur at short notice due to anything from windy weather to worker strikes. Building a little flexibility into your schedule is indeed wise.
What are the Best Greek Island-Hopping Routes?
Tourists can create their own routes when choosing from various groups of Greek islands; however, many ferry lines service specific island groups. This makes planning easier when sticking to a single area. All flights lead to Athens – or so it seems – and arriving in the capital not only offers jaw-dropping sights but also proximity to the port of Piraeus for ferries to the Cyclades, Saronic Gulf islands, and even more remote island groups like the Dodecanese. Athens also neighbors the port of Rafina for routes to the eastern Cyclades and beyond. To visit the Northeastern Aegean islands, land in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city.
If you’re planning to spend most of your time in a specific island group, it’s worth catching a domestic flight from Athens to get you started – saving both time and money. Some island destinations are even served by international flights during the high season.
Which Greek Islands are Best to Visit?
Cyclades
The appeal of the Cyclades is undeniable, home to some of the most popular islands. Be prepared to share, especially in high season. From Piraeus, hop on a ferry to Mykonos, the most glamorous of the Greek islands. Overlooked by its iconic windmills, here you will rub shoulders with the famous while exploring flower-filled lanes and boutique shops.
Next, take a day trip to the tiny island of Delos, known for its ancient ruins. Continue your journey to Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, with a stunning seaside capital surrounding a hilltop castle. Even further south lies Santorini with its iconic sunsets, black-sand beaches, and incredible vineyards. Complete the loop with a stop at laid-back Milos, known for its charming villages and varied beaches.
Dodecanese
In the Dodecanese, historical influences merge into a rich cultural tapestry from Romans and medieval knights to Byzantine and Ottoman rulers. Expect a variety of culinary delights, stunning city architecture, and remnants of ancient societies. The catamaran services that regularly connect the islands make island-hopping simple and efficient. Begin by flying to Rhodes, known for its sandy beaches and vibrant city life.
Explore volcanic Nisyros with its verdant forests and then visit Karpathos for charming hilltop villages. Kalymnos will attract climbers and divers with its undersea wrecks and limestone cliffs, while Patmos offers an ethereal atmosphere where life reverberates in tune with the monastery bells. If visiting around Orthodox Easter, Patmos is a must-see. Return to popular Kos for endless beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Ionian Islands
Located along the coast of the Peloponnese in the Ionian Sea, the Ionian Islands feature a cooler climate, lush forests, and abundant olive groves. From Athens, fly to Corfu, where the architectural beauty meets Italian-influenced cuisine. Corfu’s size allows visitors to escape the crowds into peaceful hills and hidden coves.
Next, discover tiny Paxi with its picturesque harbor villages and ancient olive groves. Visit Lefkada for sandy beaches and Kefallonia for stunning bays. For a remote experience, consider Kythira with its unspoiled wilderness. You can ferry back to Piraeus from this southern region.
How to Buy Ferry Tickets
The Greek ferry system is vast and varied, with options that cover every inhabited island. The high-speed ferries are increasingly common, serving most popular routes, whereas local ferries and excursion boats can connect smaller islands. For long-haul ferry travel, comfort is often a significant advantage.
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Danae Travel: A reliable site for ferry travel logistics.
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Greek Travel Pages: Helpful for searching ferry routes.
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Greekferries: Find schedules, accommodation options, and multi-leg journeys.
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Open Seas: A dependable resource for exploring ferry routes.
Travel Tips for the Greek Islands
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When you purchase a ticket, make sure to understand that deck-class gives you access to deck and interior but no permanent beds. You will typically be assigned deck-class unless specified otherwise.
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For overnight ferries, prices can rival budget airline tickets, making it essential to compare and consider your options based on comfort and budget.
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Traveling with children? Generally, kids under five travel for free on many ferry routes, while those aged between five and 10 often receive discounted tickets.
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Food on ferries can be quite overpriced; consider bringing your own snacks or saving your appetite for the great culinary scenes in cities like Rhodes and Symi.
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If seasickness is a concern, try to stay on deck for fresh air and avoid reading or focusing too closely on nearby objects.
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Bringing a car on ferries tends to be expensive; however, car rentals on the islands are generally affordable and widely available.
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Remember that Piraeus offers more than ferries; it presents opportunities to explore its vibrant night scene at popular clubs like Beluga and Madama.
This article was originally published in September 2019.
