A Beginner’s Guide to Island-Hopping in Greece

From stunning beaches with crystal blue waters to breathtaking ancient ruins, Greece is a holiday destination that caters to everyone. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, mouthwatering fresh cuisine, and rich culture, the European summer sees tourists flocking to its 200+ inhabited islands for a taste of the Mediterranean.

With so many islands to explore, island-hopping is a popular activity, allowing you to visit multiple spots, each with its own unique culture, history, and landscape. Whether you’re keen to visit the more popular islands like Santorini or Mykonos, or some of the lesser-known islands like Syros or Kalymnos, we’ve put together a beginner’s guide for the ultimate Greek island-hopping experience.

The Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands

If you’re an Aussie, chances are you’ll be familiar with the FOMO you get scrolling Instagram between June and August while all your mates are living it up in Europe. However, the best time to visit the Greek Islands is actually in the shoulder seasons (April to May and September to October). Not only will the crowds be thinner, everything will be cheaper, and you won’t have to battle dry winds which can impact the ferry schedule. The temperature will still be warm and you’ll have more freedom to explore the beautiful islands without the hordes of tourists.

Getting Around the Greek Islands

Ferry

The best way to island-hop around Greece is by ferry. High-speed ferries cover most popular routes, with local journeys ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours. Prices vary depending on distance, whether you’re bringing a vehicle or require a bed for an overnight journey, but most companies will give you a discount for booking in advance. Check out FerryHopper or GreekFerries for availability and pricing.

Car

Driving around Greece is another great option for exploring the beauty of each island. As mentioned above, you can bring your car with you on the ferry, or alternatively hire a car on each island. Car rental is relatively cheap and available on the majority of the islands..

Plane

If you have less time and more money up your sleeve, you might choose to fly from island to island. However, out of the 227 inhabited islands, only 26 of them have airports. Use Skyscanner to check whether your desired destination has an airport and if there are direct flights between your chosen islands or if you’ll have to fly back to Athens to catch a connecting flight.

Cyclades Islands

When you picture Greek islands, chances are you’re picturing the Cyclades. Everything about this group of islands in the Aegean Sea is iconic - from the blue-domed churches to the stunning sunsets.

Most popular: Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos

Lesser-known: Syros, Milos, Sifnos

Ionian Islands

Located west of mainland Greece in the Ionian Sea, this group of islands is known for its lush vegetation, natural beauty, and cosmopolitan vibe.

Most popular: Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia
Lesser-known: Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaca

Saronic Islands

Situated in the Saronic Gulf, this island group is the closest to Athens. It is one of the most diverse groups with a range of rich history, neoclassical architecture, monasteries, and churches. Two of the most popular islands in this group (Hydra and Spetses) are even car-free!

Most popular: Hydra, Spetses, Aegina
Lesser-known: Poros, Agistri, Salamina

Dodecanese Islands

The Dodecanese are sprinkled with Italian influence, after only being released to Greece by Italy in 1948. Boasting picturesque landscapes and quaint villages, this group of islands is a real treat.

Most popular: Rhodes, Kos, Patmos
Lesser-known: Karpathos, Kalymnos, Symi

Sporades Islands

Made up of four main islands and several smaller uninhabited islands, this group is located almost in the centre of the Aegean Sea. With stunning seashores and picturesque villages, these islands are great for a relaxed family holiday.

Most popular: Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos
Lesser-known: Skyros

North Aegean Islands

With wild and rugged landscapes and traditional architecture throughout the villages, this group of islands represents an authentic side of Greece many of the other island groups have lost.

Most popular: Lesvos, Samos, Lemnos
Lesser-known: Chios, Ikaria, Samothraki

Planning Your Itinerary

With so many islands to explore and only so much annual leave saved up, you’ll want to plan your trip in a way that maximises your island-hopping experience. We recommend staying 3 days per island to really immerse yourself in the culture and give yourself some downtime too - travelling (particularly island-hopping) is tiring!

You should also account for some extra days in your itinerary to allow for some schedule flexibility due to weather, strikes or one of the many Greek festivals which could hinder your travel plans.

Read our ultimate European summer travel checklist to help you prepare for your trip.

Quick Tips Before You Travel to Greece

Book a ferry in advance if you want a cabin, plan to bring a car onboard or are travelling on popular dates such as public holidays
Food on ferries is generally expensive, so bring some snacks or save your appetite for the local fare when you reach your destination
As of November 2021, individuals who hold a valid Australian driver licence no longer need to have an International Driving Permit to drive in Greece
English is widely spoken across Greece but its best to learn some simple Greek phrases
Petty theft is common in populous places including the beach so keep your valuables back in the hotel safe
Australian Citizens can stay in Greece for up to 90 days in any six-month period without a visa
ATMs are available in most tourist areas, but ATMs on the islands have been known to lose their connection for days at a time. It’s best to keep some backup cash on you just in case
Tipping is not expected but always appreciated, and service charges at restaurants are generally already included in the bill

Budgeting for Island Hopping

How much money you need will depend on the activities you have planned for your trip. If you’re after a laid-back holiday spent lounging on the beach, you’ll only need money each day for accommodation, transport, food, and drinks. If you’re looking to find adventure on your trip, you’ll need to consider the cost of activities including watersports, entry to museums, and access to historical sites.

A rough guide is 150 euros per person per day. You can load Euros directly onto your Travelex Money Card, and easily manage and check your balance using the Travelex Travel Money app.

Although cards are widely accepted throughout Greece, with the aforementioned issues with ATMs and some smaller islands being cash only, it’s best to carry some cash at all times. You can buy Euros in cash online and collect at your nearest Travelex store or at your local Australia Post office before you leave.

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