Rather than worrying about booking accommodations and ferry transfers, consider joining a guided tour where the logistics are taken care of. They can also offer better value, especially during the off-season between October and April.
Island hopping in Greece is possible any season but the best time for wildlife and beaches is summer between May and September.
Ios
Located in the heart of the Cyclades, Ios is the perfect place to begin or end your island-hopping adventure. It’s also a great base to explore the other, quieter islands around it. Explore secluded beaches, coves and caves. Take a hike to Kartergo beach with its picturesque views. Or visit the museums – the Archaeological Museum which exhibits Neolithic, Mycenaean and Roman treasures; or the Ethnomuseum that highlights traditional Greek crafts.
The Saronic Islands are a short hydrofoil ride from Athens and include the Nantucket of Greece, car-free Hydra; the Neptune’s Prize, Spetses; a large and cute town on Aegina dominated by its clock tower; and family friendly Poros, with its tree-shaded beaches and very own ruins.
Ferry routes to the Northeastern Aegean Islands are operated all year round, with 1-2 crossings per day in summer. There are conventional Blue Star Ferries and Seajets ferries, with tickets starting at around EUR40.
Unlike some other ferries, the ferries to the Aegean Islands only check your ticket once you get on board – rather like being on a train! This means you can get off at any time you wish – although some ferries may require extra charges for baggage or pets. Ferry prices for specific journeys are only listed on the ferries themselves and won’t be displayed in our search results.
Kephalonia
Explore the natural wonders of Kefalonia on this full-day private tour. The largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is home to sleepy villages, picturesque castles and spectacular monasteries. The island is also known for its famous beaches, including Antisamos and Myrtos.
Uncover the beauty of Kefalonia by getting off the beaten path with this full-day jeep safari tour. Get close to the island’s unique landscapes, including vineyards and olive groves. Visit a few of the secluded beaches, as well as Santa Barbara’s cliff near Argostoli and Melissani Lake and Cave. The Drogarati Cave is another must-see attraction. This unique cave features delicate stalactites and stalagmites, estimated to be about 150 million years old.
Get to know the island’s unique flora and fauna by exploring its mountain scenery, wildlife and plant life. Take in the views of Mount Ainos National Park, including a rare black fir (Abies Cephalonica), the Viola Cephalonica, and unique flowers and shrubs. During your hike, you can also see holm oak, eucalyptus and carob trees and watch for wild horses in their natural habitat.
Sun umbrellas and beach mats are provided on this full-day private tour, making it easy for travelers to relax at the island’s stunning beaches. Plus, the tour includes snacks and meals to keep guests fueled throughout their adventure.
Zakynthos
Often referred to as the ‘boomerang island’ thanks to its role in numerous blockbuster movies, Zakynthos is one of the most popular Greek Islands. Its cliffside beach views and incredible sunsets are enough to keep many visitors coming back.
Located in the Ionian Sea it’s part of the western Peloponnese and is home to wild horses, woodland villages, and some of Greece’s best beaches. With a large number of luxury villas it’s also a great spot to explore on a yacht cruise or take a boat trip to the famous Blue Caves.
It has a laidback atmosphere with a spirited nightlife and some of the best restaurants in the country. Among the highlights is Nobelos Restaurant on the edge of the sea which has fantastic views and a surprisingly good menu for such a low cost. Naxian on the Beach is another great choice and a sister hotel to the Naxian Collection with boho chic decor and a prime location right on Plaka beach.
It’s easy to get here as flights from Athens and several European cities arrive daily. There’s a ferry service from Killini on the mainland, as well as from Cephalonia and Italy, that connects to the main port of Zakynthos. There are also multiple ferry services that leave from Pireaus to the Saronic Islands, with most trips taking between 1 and 3 hours.
Crete
The largest island in the Greek archipelago, Crete offers a cosmopolitan vibe with wild nature and amazing beaches. It’s a popular destination for families, honeymooners, and anyone seeking an island escape.
Experience Crete’s wild beauty on this thrilling off-road adventure. Ride quiet roads on the outskirts of bustling port towns, visit charming Cretan villages, and learn about local culture from your guide as you make your way through remote destinations.
Explore secluded coves and beautiful beaches on this full-day tour. Get to know the island’s natural wonders on a hike to Kartergo Beach, a beach known for its light pink sand and crystal clear waters. Learn about the island’s history and culture from your expert guide while enjoying the pristine surroundings of the White Mountains.
The Sporades are the closest Greek islands to Athens and have a more inland feel than other islands in the Cyclades. Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Aegina, and many other islands in this group offer gorgeous scenery, great shopping, and plenty of things to do.
The Dodecanese, which translates to “the twelve”, includes 15 main islands and multiple smaller ones. This diverse grouping near Turkey has a distinct flavor to it and features some of Greece’s most historic attractions, like Rhodes and Kos.