Explore a wide variety of tours that include Greek Island Hopping. Compare trip itineraries, reviews and photos to find the best option for your holiday.
The Saronic Islands are closest to Athens, with car-free Hydra featuring a large cute town and four sandy beaches, while family friendly Poros is framed by green pine trees. Corfu has an Old Town protected by UNESCO and Shipwreck Beach, while Lefkada has woodland villages and iconic blue caves.
Samos
Samos is a hidden gem of the Aegean Sea. The birthplace of the ancient mathematician Pythagoras, it is a place where nature and culture combine to create a truly magical experience. Tropical seashores with azure waters, fertile valleys blessed with lush vegetation and evocative archaeological sites of UNESCO create a landscape of nobility that is also home to a rich tradition of wine-making.
The north of the island is a hiker’s paradise of sweeping valleys, vineyards and shady forests. The area around the village of Vourliotes across to the Platanakia grotto monastery is especially beautiful.
A day trip by boat to the virgin islet of Samiopoula allows you to explore a natural marine habitat, see herons and Dalmatian pelicans in their natural environment and swim in the emerald waters. A visit to the Sanctuary of Hera is also a must-do.
If you are planning to travel to Samos, book your ferry tickets online in advance. This will allow you to choose the route and schedule that best suits your plans. You can also find out more about the ports and destinations served by the Samos ferry routes and connect with other islands in the Aegean Sea, the Greece mainland and Turkey. This will save you time and money while ensuring that you get your preferred ferry tickets to Samos.
Chios
Chios, along with the smaller islands of Oinousses and Psara, is one of Greece’s hidden gems. Fragrant and hospitable year-round, the island offers a palimpsest of experiences. Take a stroll around the medieval streets of Kampos or visit castles and palaces. Sample the tangy local mastic or join the locals for a rousing traditional event like the rocket war at Easter. Visit the Nea Moni monastery – designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and sink into Greek culture.
Its geographical position at the crossroads of East and West has resulted in an amazingly diverse flora on the island. Some of its most distinctive species are the kerm oak, common myrtle and strawberry tree. The island is also dotted with rare plants such as the white bellflower, oleander and euphorbia.
You can reach Chios via ferries that run daily from Piraeus and Kavala to the port of Mesta in Chios Town. There are also connections to Lesvos / Mytilene, Samos and Ikaria. If you plan on doing some island-hopping, check out our map of ferries and find all available routes with the help of our booking platform. Ferry schedules change seasonally, so it’s best to book your ferry tickets as soon as possible. The process only takes a few minutes and it’s easy to cancel or amend your reservation!
Ikaria
Dangling in the eastern Aegean Sea, Ikaria has been getting a lot of press lately as one of the world’s Blue Zones – places where people tend to live long and healthy lives. One in three Ikarians make it to their 90s and rates of dementia and other chronic diseases are very low.
The island’s remote location, its high mountains, clean air and water, organic local food and a therapeutic natural environment all contribute to the Ikarians’ exceptional health and longevity. But there’s also the culture: Ikarians are relaxed and unstressed, and villages throw a series of wild local feasts (the Panagiria) that bring young and old together for wine, food and dancing.
Ikaria’s landscape offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, and there are a number of secluded coastal villages, pristine beaches, caves, mystifying rock formations and therapeutic hot mineral springs to explore. The bird-watching is excellent too, with the rare aigaioglaros and shag among the many species to see.
The island’s folklore museum in the village of Vrakades reflects the island’s social and cultural history, with objects and artifacts from the time when Ikaria was part of the Free State of Greece. There are also exhibits related to Ikaria’s natural and cultural heritage, including items from the archaeological site at Drakano. The museum is open daily from 10am to 3pm.
The Sporades
The northern Aegean island group of Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros is adorned with lush landscapes. The islands are often uncrowded and many of their beaches offer golden sands. The Sporades are also known as the ‘green islands’ and they attract nature lovers with their luscious forests, beaches and local culture.
The cosmopolitan Skiathos is home to a beautiful bay and is lined with fragrant pine trees, while Skopelos abounds with picturesque villages and the famous Kastani Beach. The tranquil Alonissos is renowned for its natural beauty and is the center of a National Marine Park with crystal clear waters and pebbled beaches. The largest uninhabited island, Pelagonisi (aka Kyra Panagia) is home to a monastery and offers the opportunity for a day of peace and quiet.
Skyros is a study in contrasts, with the northern half of the island offering the pine forests and serene beauty familiar from its siblings but the southern part of the island offers a wilder and slightly severe charm in its rocky and barren landscape. The island is also known for its unique breed of miniature Skyrian horses that are reminiscent of Shetland ponies. The island is a great place to hike with its rugged coastlines and mountain views but there are also plenty of other activities to enjoy. You can take a wine tasting tour of the vineyards, experience the local way of life on a walking and cooking adventure or drive around the island’s mountains in a jeep safari.