Greece: Island Hopping 101 - Everything You Need to Know

Island hopping in Greece is one of Europe’s unmissable adventures. But with over 200 islands where do you start?

Here’s everything you need to know – including island hopping routes and itineraries, ticket info and some island inspiration.

It’s been a time-honoured travel tradition since the 1960s. But Greece has so many islands it can be overwhelming to plan and difficult to know where to start.

Well – start right here. We’ve got everything you need to know (and a few things you probably don’t).

This guide will cover:

Starting points – airports and ports
Considerations when planning – time/money/seasickness/flexibility
Fast ferry vs slow ferry vs flying
How much do ferry tickets cost? What are the cheapest ferries?
A quick guide to each island group
How to pick your perfect islands (and the best time to go)
Understanding the hub and spoke system
Tickets and schedules
Attica Group Greek Island Ferry Pass
Organised group tours
Yachts, small ship cruises, and international ferries
FAQ

If I could spend the rest of my life doing one thing it would be island-hopping. Nothing beats sitting out on the deck of the ferry in the sunshine, sipping on a frappe, thumbing through a guidebook wondering what adventures await at the next island.

The anticipation as you wait in the crowd to disembark the ferry, the sounds as door ramps down – providing the first glimpse of your chosen destination.

The pure thrill of turning up at Piraeus with no plans and no ticket (seriously – you should try it, just not in August).

Let’s dive in . . .

Island Hopping in Greece – Where to Start?

There are a few important factors that will determine how your island hopping plays out: time, money, and your starting point.

Update for 2022

The events of the past few years have normalised electronic tickets and card payments throughout Greece. I recommend downloading the Ferryhopper app and using it to purchase your tickets.

Requirements for ferry travel (including masks) are prone to change – please read the official requirements and this Ferryhopper guide to requirements which is regularly updated.

Pick Your Entry Point

How do you plan to arrive in Greece? This will most determine which ports/island groups are nearest to you (unless you’re happy to take a domestic flight – we’ll get to that later).

If you’re flying into Greece you’ll most likely land at Athens International airport (Eleftherios Venizelos).

The main ports on the Greek mainland are:

Piraeus. Athens’ main port – click here for directions). This is the biggest port in Greece and you can reach most islands.
Rafina. Athen’s second port – a bit harder to reach than Piraeus (which is something to bear in mind if you’re heading to Mykonos – more on that later) but nearer the airport.
Lavrio. The smallest and furthest away of the Athens ports. You’ll probably only use it if you want to get to Kea or if you’re joining a yacht.
Thessaloniki. Although Greece’s second city is mainly a commercial port, there are ferry connections to the larger Aegean islands.
Kavala. The main ferry port in the north, with connections to Athens and the Aegean islands.
Keromoti. On the north coast, just opposite the island of Thassos.
Volos. Halfway between Thessaloniki and Athens, Volos is the main gateway port for the Sporades (Mamma Mia fans, head here).
Patras. A large port on the west coast, at the entrance to the Gulf of Corinth, for connections to Italy and the Ionian islands.
Igoumenitsa. On the northwest coast, best for connections to Corfu and Italy.

Basically, Piraeus will probably be your starting port unless you have a particular reason for it not to.

Or if you’re flying –

Greek islands with international airports:

Crete (Chania, Heraklion, Sitia) – international
Corfu – international
Kefalonia – international
Zakynthos – international
Kos – international
Lesvos – international
Samos – international
Rhodes – international
Santorini – international
Skiathos – international

Greek islands with domestic airports:

Astypaleia – domestic only
Chios – domestic only
Ikaria – domestic only
Kalymnos – domestic only
Kythira – domestic only
Lemnos – domestic only
Milos – domestic only
Naxos – domestic only
Paros – domestic only
Skyros – domestic only
Syros – domestic only

Plus there are international airports at Preveza (for Lefkada), Volos (for the Sporades), Kalamata, and Thessaloniki.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU HAVE?

Ok, this one is pretty important. The islands are often further apart than they may appear on the map. Ferries can be a slow mode of transport (although there are different types of ferry) so the length of time you have available will determine the type of ferry you should take, and/or the distance you will want to travel.

Some considerations include:

Your travel style – pack it in or take it slow?
Do you get seasick?
How flexible is your schedule?
Is it cheaper/quicker to fly?
What’s your budget?

It’s best to allow a bit of flexibility in your planning because a) strikes happen, b) storms happen. The big slow car ferries are the most reliable and least likely to be cancelled.

Pro tip: Many of the ferries from Athens leave early in the morning and return late at night. You can use this to your advantage when planning.

FAST FERRY VS SLOW FERRY VS FLYING

What’s your travel style? Are you a speed freak, who likes to pack in as much as possible?

There are several different types of ferry:

Closed Deck Car Ferry. The biggest and cheapest. Most stable. Best for seasickness. Tend to have cabins, restaurants, cafes and sometimes entertainment.
Open Deck Car Ferry. More popular on short routes.
Hi-Speed Catamaran. These can be quite large. Some have open decks, some don’t. Most have seating.
Hydrofoil (also known as Flying Dolphins). The smallest and quickest type of ferry. Prone to cancellation and delays in bad weather though. No open deck, not great if you get seasick.

Length of journey

Flying makes sense for long routes (8 hours +; for example, Athens to Crete, Rhodes, or any of the Northern Aegean) where the price is comparable, if not cheaper. Ferry journeys of this length can be uncomfortable unless you’re happy to pay for a cabin. And at certain times of year you can pick up bargain flights.

Departure/arrival times

Instead of looking exclusively at journey times or cost, I recommend comparing departure and arrival times to figure out whether its best to fly or take the ferry.

Most ferries from Athens leave early in the morning, or in the evening for overnight routes. Let’s say, for example, the Blue Star car ferry to Mykonos leaves at 7:30am and arrives at 12:45pm. On the way, you can sit out on the sun deck, watch the islands go by, and drink some frappes. You’ll be there in time for your lunch. Whereas the cheaper flights might require you to be at the airport by 6am (never fun), or arrive late at night.

Conversely, some ferries might arrive at unsociable hours (hello Amorgos) and you might be better off flying to the nearest airport and taking a ferry from there. These tend to be the quieter stops half way through overnight routes.

If you’re a slow traveller, who enjoys the journey as much as the destination and wants to explore off the beaten track whilst you’re there, then the big car ferries are perfect. Just think of it as a mini cruise. I find the big car ferries (particularly the Blue Star line) very pleasant to travel on. My own personal boredom threshold for ferry journeys is about 7 hours – any longer than that and I’ll look at flights. Your threshold may well be less.

Seasickness

If you get seasick, it’s worth sticking to the big slow car ferries though. These are the most stable and you’re less likely to experience seasickness. The small hydrofoils are the worst as you can’t go on deck, and often they don’t have proper windows. I’m not a big fan. But many people are prepared to put up with this in order to cut their travel time.

Reliability

The big, closed-deck car ferries are also the most reliable – and least likely to be cancelled in the event of rough seas. In bad weather, hydrofoil journeys can take twice as long as advertised.

Fast ferry routes are often aimed at tourists so there are extra routes available over July and August.

What’s Your Budget?

How much are ferry tickets?

The slower the ferry (and the shorter the route) the cheaper the ticket. As a rough rule, car ferries are twice the time but half the cost. I’ve included some example prices in the island sections below.

On long car ferry journeys, it might be worth paying extra for a designated seat (these are airport-style and recline a little bit) or a cabin.

More and more of routes in the Cyclades seem to have been taken over by Sea Jets who operate the expensive fast catamarans.

On a budget?

Your best bet is to limit the number of islands you’re visiting and make sure they’re close together, or base your trip around one of the cheaper ferry lines such as:

Maistros Santorini – (Santorini – Ios – Sikinos – Folegandros)
F/B Prevelis (Pireaus – Cyclades – Crete – Rhodes)
Dionisios Solomos (Pireaus – Cyclades)
F/B Artemis (Lavrio – Cyclades)
All Blue Star routes
All Hellenic Seaways routes
All Golden Star Ferries routes

Looking for the cheapest island hopping route? Athens – Aegina – Agistri – Athens will cost you just €15.60 using the lowest price tickets.

Keep reading for ferry pass information which will help if you have a few overnight ferries planned.

How much are flights?

Don’t assume flying is necessarily more expensive than taking the ferry.

You can often pick up bargain basement tickets to popular islands such as Crete, Santorini, Kos and Rhodes – particularly at the beginning or end of the season. These are short flights but long (and expensive) ferry journeys. I’ve paid as little as €10 for flights in April and October.

Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights.

The best time of year to buy cheap flights to the Greek islands is early in the year – January – March. This is when most of the seats are released. The closer you leave it to the summer the more expensive the tickets become. And a common trick budget airlines use is to draw you in with a cheap flight out, but make the return leg really expensive (or vice versa).

This can make it worth while to fly out and island hop back to Athens.

Which are the best Greek islands to visit?

The Island Groups

Here is the fun bit – deciding where to go.

There are 5 main island groups in Greece, plus a few outliers.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect in the different island groups:

Ionian Islands

Over on the west coast of the Greek mainland, the Ionian islands have quite a different feel to the Aegean islands thanks to their Italian heritage and green landscapes. Some of the islands have two names – that’s because they still go by both their Italian and Greek names.

Main Islands: Corfu (Kerkyra), Kefalonia, Zakynthos (Zante), Paxos, Ithaca, Lefkada, and technically Kythira – although it’s nearer to Crete than the rest of the Ionians.

Tiny Islands: Meganisi, Antipaxos, Antikythira, Diapondia islands, Echinades islands, Kastos, Kalamos.

Highlights: Corfu Town, Navagio Bay and Turtle Island on Zakynthos, Assos and Fiskardo on Kefalonia, the north coast of Corfu, Porto Katsiki and Egremni beaches on Lefkada, Myrtos beach on Kefalonia, Melissani blue cave on Kefalonia, boat trips and watersports.

Best for: Dramatic and lush mountainous scenery, fantastic sandy beaches, turtles, handsome Venetian architecture, wine, low key beach resorts, sailing and windsurfing.

Airports: The Ionians are well served by air, with international airports on Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, as well as nearby Preveza on the mainly (closest for Lefkada).

Need to know: Island hopping in the Ionians is not common. The islands are big and geared towards beached-based package tourism, with lots of purpose-built resorts, and the yachting industry. Laganas on Zakynthos is the mass tourism and party capital of the Ionians if you’re after nightlife.

Travelling the islands by ferry is made difficult by the lack of connections between Corfu/Paxos and the rest of the islands. Instead, you must go via Igoumenitsa on the mainland. Connections between Kefalonia and Zakynthos also often go via the mainland. There are several ports on in use on most islands and they are not all served by public transport, services are geared towards locals with cars. If travelling to Corfu via the mainland then use the opportunity to visit nearby Parga and Syvota.

However the past few years have seen a small ferry connect all of the islands during the high summer (June-September) by either Azimut or Kamelia ferries.

Example travel times and costs (prices and schedules vary):

ROUTE	Distance	Fast Ferry Time	Cost	Slow Ferry Time	Cost
Corfu - Igoumenitsa	21 miles	-	-	1 hr 30	€5
Corfu - Paxos	80 miles	1 hr	€10	-	-
Kefalonia - Zakynthos	15 miles	-	-	1 hr	€8

Read more about the Ionian Islands:

Argo-Saronic Islands

The name refers to the islands in the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs, and these are the islands closest to Athens. Perfect if you’re short of time or don’t want to stray too far from the airport.

Islands: Salamina, Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses

Highlights: The Temple of Aphaia at Aegina. The car-free streets of Hydra and Spetses Town. Watching the ships pass Poros Town. Hiking on Hydra. Pine forests and snorkelling on Poros and Agistri.

Best for: proximity to Athens. You don’t have to go far to feel the island vibe. Otherwise known as ‘the ones near Athens’, these islands are often skipped by visitors making a beeline for the Cyclades but less than an hour from Piraeus you can find pine-covered islands, ancient temples, pistachios, and some good beaches. The islands popular with weekending Athenians and yachties – Aegina and Hydra both have a lively nightlife in the summer months.

Need to know: Most of the ferry connections are high speed ferries – either hydrofoils or fast catamarans. There are no car ferries to Hydra at all. This is great news if you like to travel fast, but not so great if you’re prone to seasickness. Poros is just 200m from the Greek mainland at its closest point and is connected by a bridge, so is ideal if you’re worried about rough seas. Hydra and Spetses are the priciest of the islands.

Visit three islands in one day: The best way to see a lot in a short time is the One Day Island Cruise. It runs every day of the year and is one of the most popular day trips from Athens, stopping at Hydra, Poros and Aegina. It departs at 8 am and includes live music and a buffet lunch. Island stops are between 1-2.5 hours and there are extra excursions available at Hydra and Aegina.

Or if you prefer to escape the crowds there’s a One Day Sail to Aegina, Agistri and beautiful little Moni Island during the summer.

Example travel times and costs (prices and schedules vary):

Route	Distance	Fast Ferry Time	Cost	Slow Ferry Time	Cost
Athens - Aegina	18 miles	40 mins	€16.50	1 hr 20	€9
Athens - Hydra	46 miles	2 hrs	€35	-	-
Aegina - Poros	29 miles	-	-	1 hr 20	€10

Cycladic Islands

The most famous of the Greek island groups, the Cyclades are will fulfil all your romantic notions of a Greek vacation. Most tourists head straight to the most popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos, but there are plenty more islands to spread out and find your own piece of paradise.

Islands: Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Tinos, and Santorini.

Tiny Islands: Koufonisia, Donousa, Iraklia, Schoinousa, Antiparos, Kimolos, Thirasia.

Highlights: Santorini’s iconic caldera villages, fancy nightlife on Mykonos, budget nightlife on Ios, the ancient island of Delos, handsome neoclassical Ermoupoli on Syros, whitewashed villages on Paros, volcanic rock formations on Milos, hiking on Andros, food on Serifos, the laid-back beaches on Naxos, a mini island hop around the Little Cyclades.

Best for: The famous vistas of white sugar-cube buildings, white sandy beaches, rugged barren landscapes, beach bars, easy island-hopping, jaw-dropping sunsets, hedonistic pleasures, scootering around to remote beaches, tiny white churches.

Airports: International – Santorini and Mykonos, domestic – Naxos, Paros, Syros

Need to know: Santorini and Mykonos are considerably more commercial and expensive than most other Greek islands, and heaving with tourists in the summer, but you will find the best hotels and clubs in Greece in both destinations. I recommend combining them with at least one quieter island to get a feel of real Greece – Paros and/or Naxos are perfect.

Example travel times and costs (prices and schedules vary):

Route	Distance	Fast Ferry Time	Cost	Slow Ferry Time	Cost
Athens - Santorini	162 miles	4 hrs 30	€84.70	8 hrs 5	€51.50
Athens - Mykonos	46 miles	2 hrs 25	€60	4 hrs 20	€35
Santorini - Mykonos	90 miles	2 hrs	€89.20	3 hrs 25	€59
Naxos - Paros	12 miles	30 mins	€28	1 hr	€13.50

Read more about the Cyclades:

Crete

Crete is such a large island that it deserves its own section – it’s the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean.

It’s also a popular destination thanks to its beaches and history – it was home of the Minoans (the earliest known civilisation in Europe), and there are buildings from Venetian, Byzantine and Ottoman rule.

Resorts line the north coast which is well developed and easy to travel. The south is more remote and wild, and the two sides are divided by mountains. The tackiest beach resorts (and loudest nightlife) are on the coast around Heraklion. The west is probably the most beautiful part of the island and ideal for independent travel.

Tiny Islands: Gavdos, Spinalonga, Dia, Chrysi, Paximadia.

Famous bits: The ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos. Beautiful Venetian cities Chania and Rethymnon. Walk the Samaria gorge. Lagoon beaches at Elafonisi and Balos – 2 of the best beaches in Greece – plus palm trees at Vai, and hippie vibes at Matala, and the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion.

Best for: Variety, incredible beaches, food, hiking, remote mountain villages, ancient palaces, traditional music, marine life, quiet plains, long summers and mild winters.

Airports: There are international airports at Chania, Heraklion, and a smaller airport at Sitia.

Ports: The main ferry ports are at Chania, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia, with some ferries also departing from Kissamos and Rethymnon.

Need to know: Crete is so large that you’re better off treating it as a separate country when it comes to planning – it’s too big to cram the whole country into a short visit. Best to stick to one area. There are good public transport connections along the main towns of the north. From the main towns, you can catch buses south. The main ferry connections to other islands are Kythira, Santorini, Karpathos and Rhodes.

Example travel times and costs (prices and schedules vary):

Route	Distance	Fast Ferry Time	Cost	Slow Ferry Time	Cost
Athens - Chania	171 miles	-	-	8 hrs	€46
Athens - Heraklion	211 miles	-	-	9 hrs	€34
Heraklion - Santorini	63 miles	1 hr 50	€78.70	-	-

Read more about Crete:

Dodecanese Islands

Main Islands: Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kastellorizo, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Symi, Tilos, and Rhodes.

Tiny Islands: Agathonisi, Pserimos, Chalki, Arki, Kasos, Telendos, Marathi, Lipsi.

Highlights: Rhodes and its medieval old town. Beautiful neoclassical towns on Symi, Chalki and Kastellorizo. Rock climbing on Kalymnos. Crusader fortresses on Rhodes, Kos and Patmos. The volcanic landscape of Nisyros. Sandy beaches on Rhodes and Kos. The whitewashed hilltop Chora on remote Astypalea.

Best for: A variety of historic and geological influences. A good mix of popular and under-the-radar islands. Golden beaches and gulet trips in turquoise waters. Island hopping over to Turkey. Less crowds than the Cyclades (except Rhodes).

Airports. Kos and Rhodes have international airports. Karpathos, Leros and Kalymnos have domestic airports.

Need to know: Party fiends will find their flavour on Rhodes and Kos, where package tourism prevails (but it’s still easy to get off the beaten path). Patmos is the boutique capital of the group, with smart restaurants and a serene vibe thanks to its religious legacy (the Book of Revelation was written here). The ferry journey to Athens is long so consider booking a cabin or catching a flight.

Example travel times and costs (prices and schedules vary):

Route	Distance	Fast Ferry Time	Min. Cost	Slow Ferry Time	Min. Cost
Athens - Rhodes	348 miles	-	-	15 hrs	€65.50
Kos - Rhodes	61 miles	2 hrs 5	€32.50	3 hrs 45	€23.50
Rhodes - Symi	28 miles	1 hr	€8	1 hr 20	€10.80

Read more about the Dodecanese:

Sporades Islands and Evia

Charming and evergreen, the Sporades (meaning ‘scattered’) islands are situated north of the Cyclades. Largest island Skiathos is a prime destination for summer holidays thanks to its gorgeous sandy beaches and lively nightlife. Scenes from the film Mamma Mia were filmed on Skiathos and Skopelos, which have boosted the popularity of the area.

Not far from the Sporades is Evia – the second largest island in Greece, and one of the least known (this is because you might mistake it as part of the mainland unless you’re looking closely at the map). It’s separated from the mainland by a small strait.

Islands: Skiathos, Skyros, Skopelos, Alonnisos, Skyros (although you can only get there via Evia)

Highlights: Skiathos Town. Snorkelling in Alonnisos National Marine Park. The famous beaches of Vromolimnos, Koukounaries and Lalaria on Skiathos. Skopelos Town. Ayios Ioannis Kastri (the hilltop church from Mamma Mia). Dhimosari Gorge and the paradise beaches of Lichadonisia on Evia.

Airports: Skiathos has an international airport. Skyros has a domestic airport.

Best for: Mamma Mia fans, sailors, outdoors lovers and beach bums. Green islands, clear seas, great beaches, cute monasteries, and a smattering of lovely hiking trails. Skyros and Evia are quiet and mostly domestic tourists, alternative types and wild campers.

Need to know: Skiathos and Skopelos are pretty close together – it’s easy to hop between them and nearby Alonnisos too.

But the Sporades are difficult to combine with other islands. Ferries to the Sporades are from Volos, which is a 2hr drive from Athens – although most agents sell tickets which include the bus to Volos. The ferry to Skyros departs from Evia.

Whilst you’re in the area, don’t miss the stunning Pelion Peninsula on the mainland.

Example travel times and costs (prices and schedules vary):

Route	Distance	Fast Ferry Time	Cost	Slow Ferry Time	Cost
Volos - Skiathos	32 miles	1 hr 40	€41	2 hrs 45	€24.50
Skiathos - Skopelos Town	26 miles	15 mins	€14.50	1 hr	€13.50
Skopelos - Alonissos	15 miles	20 mins	€12	30 mins	€8

Read more about the Sporades:

NORTHERN AEGEAN

Not so much a chain of islands, as the collective name given to the remaining islands in the Aegean Sea. The long travel times involved in reaching these islands from Athens means they’re a bit more off the beaten track. A bit more rustic. Chios, Lesvos and Samos have ferry crossings to Turkey.

Islands: Chios, Ikaria, Forni, Lesvos, Lemnos, Samos, Samothraki, Thassos, Psara

Highlights: Mytilene in Lesvos, Marble Beach on Thassos, the patterned village of Pyrgi on Chios, Ikaria’s unique summer festivals, the sweet wines of Samos and Lesvos, hippie vibes on Lesvos and Samothraki. The towns of Pythagorion and Vathi on Samos. The strange Fascist utopia of Lakki, built during Italian rule.

Best for: Escaping the crowds. Alternative and slow travel, agritourism, and discovering foodie delights, waterfalls and a traditional way of life.

Need to know: Their dispersed nature means some planning is required for island hopping as ferry connections are not all that frequent in comparison to other island groups.

Example travel times and costs (prices and schedules vary):

Route	Distance	Fast Ferry Time	Cost	Slow Ferry Time	Cost
Athens - Lesvos	253 miles	-	-	13 hrs 45	€43
Kavala - Lesvos	191 miles	-	-	10 hrs	€28
Samos - Chios	63 miles	-	-	2 hrs	€10.50

Which Greek Islands are Best for You?

Still can’t decide? Check out these posts for more inspiration:

When is the Best Time to Go?

The best time of year for Greek island hopping is May to mid-July, and then again in September. Mid-July through to the end of August is crazy busy and crazy hot. Accommodation and ferries book up due to the number of foreign and domestic tourists on their summer breaks.

Greek Orthodox Easter usually signals the start of the tourist season in Greece (you can check the dates here), and it winds down again in October as soon as the weather starts to change.

In the low season, ferries are less frequent and there can be a surprising amount of lashing wind and rain. Also, many hotels and resorts shut down completely and become ghost towns over the winter. But if you have time and flexibility on your side then island hopping during the off-season can be a great way to experience the islands at their most authentic.

Check out this post for more information on visiting the Greek islands over autumn and winter:

Best Greek Islands to Visit During Low Season

The Hub & Spoke System

To understand the Greek ferry system, you must first understand the hub and spoke system.

Imagine a bicycle wheel. At the centre of the wheel is the hub (Athens), and going out in every direction from the hub are spokes (ferry routes).

This is because ferry routes are geared to local needs which generally means travelling to Athens and back, or to the local administrative centre.

Each island group has one or two mini-hubs, these tend to be larger islands with good connections to the surrounding islands.

For the easy and reliable island hopping, pick several islands along one car ferry route. This is easiest in the Cyclades.

It’s possible to hop between Crete, the Cyclades, and the Dodecanese, particularly in the summer, although these ferries are not necessarily daily. Otherwise, there are few connections between island groups and you may have to backtrack via Athens, either by ferry or plane.

Some places that might be considered mini-hubs are:

Syros (for the Cyclades)
Naxos (for the Cyclades)
Paros (for the Cyclades
Mykonos (connecting the Cyclades and the North Aegean)
Skiathos (for the Sporades)
Igoumenitsa and Patras on the mainland (for the Ionian)
Rhodes (for the Dodecanese)
Kos (for the Dodecanese)
Samos (for the Northern Aegean)
Lesvos (for the Northern Aegean)

The islands closest to Athens tend to have frequent fast ferry connections.

Buying Your Ferry Tickets

If you want to buy your tickets in advance, or just check the ferry schedules, you can use the Ferryhopper website or app to purchase electronic tickets.

If you’re already in Greece, you can buy ferry tickets from any travel agent.

This is approximately every third shop front in some parts of Athens. It’s not really worth shopping around, you’ll pay pretty much the same everywhere as prices are regulated by the government. Travel agents will add on – at most – a couple of euros commission, and quite often none at all, so that’s the most you’ll be able to get the tickets down.

If you know exactly which ferry you can also book directly on some ferry websites. The websites are of varying quality but special offers can sometimes be found.

Some of the smallest local routes aren’t online and you’ll have to check locally.

Do I need to buy my tickets in advance?

In general, no.

These days I tend to buy my tickets a day or two in advance using Ferryhopper or through a local travel agent.

There are a few situations where I recommend you buy your ferry tickets in advance:

If you’re travelling on or around a public holiday.
If you’re travelling during the 6-week peak period between mid-July and the end of August when all of Europe is taking their summer vacation – including the Greeks (even the large ferries can book up around August 15th which is an important national holiday).
If you’re travelling a popular route on small high-speed ferries (such as Athens to Hydra, Mykonos or Santorini over summer).
If you’re on a strict schedule.

Ferry Schedules

There are plenty of online booking platforms where you can check ferry schedules and book tickets. I find Ferryhopper is the easiest to use.

Ferry schedules are usually published a few months in advance, and vary year-to-year.

You can compare routes, ships, and travel times.

10 Example Island Hopping Routes

Here are some islands which are easily combined:

Athens – Crete – Santorini – Mykonos
Athens – Serifos – Sifnos – Milos – Folegandros – Santorini
Athens – Santorini – Ios – Paros – Mykonos
Athens – Paros – Naxos – Ios – Santorini
Athens – Andros – Tinos – Mykonos
Rhodes – Symi – Tilos – Nisyros – Kos
Athens – Aegina – Agistri – Poros – Athens
Athens – Poros – Hydra – Spetses
Samos – Patmos – Kalymnos – Kos
Volos – Skiathos – Skopelos – Alonnisos – Volos

Greek Island Ferry Pass

Wondering if there’s such a thing as a ferry pass? Yes! There is a little-known Greek Island Pass which is offered by Eurail/Interrail (and you don’t need to go anywhere near a train).

Interrail is for EU citizens, Eurail for those from outside the EU. There are further discounts for youth and senior (with youth generously categorised as up to 27).

Also known as the Greek Island Pass, Rail & Sail, or the Attica Pass, this has existed since 2016 and is valid for most routes operated by Superfast Ferries/Anek Lines/Blue Star (the big car ferries). Plus it gets you a 30% discount on any additional journeys.

I think this pass can a good option if you’re flexible and planning to do some extensive island hopping BUT definitely check it’s worth it for route you have in mind. Many of the Cyclades routes are now operated by Seajets which are not included in the pass.

If you’re planning on taking two or more medium-long distance journeys on the car ferries then it’s worth checking out.

Prices are for deck tickets:

Domestic Pass (€90 for 2022) entitles holders to 4 days within one month
International Pass (€176 for 2022) entitles holders to 6 days within one month, including up to 2 between Greece and Italy (including bus travel between Patras and Athens)

You will still have to pick up your boarding passes, subject to availability.

Read more about the Greek Island Ferry Pass (including a comparison with single tickets).

Group Tours

Fancy exploring the Greek islands but don’t want to do it on your own? The good news is there are plenty of organised tour options, whether you’re solo or in a group.

Here are some of the most popular.

BEST BUDGET/PARTY GREEK ISLAND TOURS

Contiki. Budget tours for 18-35s. Mykonos, Santorini and Ios in 15 days. Check out the website.
Busabout. Budget operator offering rapid-fire trips popular with younger travellers. Mykonos, Paros, Antiparos, Santorini and Ios in 11 days. Fixed itinerary and flexible passes available. Check out the website.
Travel Talk has a range of competitively priced island hopping options, including short breaks. Check out the website.
Med Experience offers 9 and 11-day island hopping options for 18-35s. Check out the website.

BEST MID-RANGE TOURS

Intrepid has a classic Athens – Syros – Mykonos – Santorini route. Check out the website.
GAdventures‘ Best of Greece tour takes in highlights from Crete and Santorini. Check out the website.
Macs Adventures do walking and cycling holidays on various islands. Check out the website.

Sailing the Greek Islands on a Yacht

Of course, the best way to see the Greek islands is by sea – and sailing on a yacht means you can access tiny coves, bays and marinas that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Plus, you get to spend your days drifting along in the wine-dark sea rather than scrambling to catch buses or taxis.

Sailing trips in the Greek islands have really exploded in popularity of the past few years. Previously the domain of exclusive charters, exploring Greece on a yacht is more accessible now more than ever. There are numerous companies offering sailing experiences where you share the boat or cabin with other travellers.

I love sailing and truly think it’s the best way to see this beautiful country. But it’s not for everyone. It’s hot and space is at a premium. Yachts vary a lot in comfort and amenities. Best to consider it an adventure. Pack light, stay flexible, and do your research on what’s involved before booking.

Cabin charters in Greece:

Yacht Week Greece. Festival-style hedonism in the Saronic islands. Check out the website.
Sail Greece. Budget sailing weeks in the Ionian for 18-39s. Check out the website.
G Adventures. Routes will take you from Athens to Mykonos or Santorini, or all around the Cyclades. Check out the website.
Med Sailors. Routes in the Ionian and Saronic for 20-35s. Check out the website.
Intrepid. Various routes in Greece including Mykonos to Santorini, and Hidden Treasures of the Cyclades. Check out the website.
Jack and Jenny. Themed sailing weeks including rock climbing, yoga and diving. Check out the website.

Small Ship Cruises in Greece

If sailing doesn’t appeal and you’d rather not have to keep packing/unpacking then consider a small ship cruise. Much better than the large cruise ships in terms of environmental and social impact, small ships can also visit smaller harbours that are out of reach to the bigger ships.

Peter Sommers offers luxury gulet cruises around the Cyclades, Aegean and Dodecanese islands, with a focus on food and culture . Check out the website.
Variety Cruises. has mini cruises as well as the longer Jewels of the Cyclades. Check out the website.

International Ferries

Note that for 2022 some international routes are restricted and will have different entry requirements to domestic ferries.

Ferries To/From Turkey

The Greek islands with ferry connections/border crossings to Turkey are:

Lesvos – Ayvalik
Chios – Cesme
Symi – Bodrum*
Samos – Kusadasi
Rhodes – Marmaris / Fethiye*
Kos – Bodrum / Turgutreis
Kastellorizo – Kas*

*high season only

Ferries To/From Italy

Go to sleep in Italy and wake up in Greece (I’ve done this – it’s great).

International ferry routes to/from Italy include:

Bari – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras / Zakynthos / Kefalonia
Brindisi – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras / Zakynthos / Kefalonia
Ancona – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras
Venice – Corfu / Igoumenitsa / Patras

Ferries To/From Croatia

There are currently no direct ferries to/from Croatia. You can travel via Italy or Albania.

Ferries To/From Albania

Corfu – Sarande

Check Ionian Seaways for schedules.

FAQS

What about booking accommodation and transport on the islands?

For booking accommodation, I recommend Booking.com for the largest selection of places. It also has a free cancellation policy. There are many family-run guesthouses in Greece called domatia which are increasingly using booking platforms.

It’s not a good idea to turn up without accommodation booked during high season. Outside the July-September peak you might be able to find rooms by asking around in cafes and tavernas. It’s rare these days to find people offering rooms as you disembark the ferry, everything has moved online over the past few years.

Bear in mind that accommodation on really small islands can be very limited and so book up quickly.

When are the Greek public holidays?

You can check this list of national holidays in Greece.

How do I find out about strikes?

The best resource is Strikes and Work Stoppages which covers ferries and port workers as well as public transport.

Will I get seasick?

If you’re prone to seasickness then choose the larger, slower car ferries which will move less in the water and which have open decks for you to walk around and look at the horizon. Anti-seasickness medication can also help.

Travel Insurance

Don’t forget your travel insurance, and make sure that your insurance covers any adventures activities that you might do (including watersports).

UK readers – I recommend using Money Saving Expert to find the cheapest cover.

How long should I stay in Athens before/after visiting the islands?

Many visitors to Greece skip through Athens quickly in their rush to visit the islands.

I think this is a great shame – Athens is one of my favourite cities and I reckon it needs a minimum of 2 days. In the summer it’s a hot and busy city; not pleasant to rush around despite the relatively small size of its centre. It is atmospheric and fascinating if you can slow your pace down a little

Here are some of my top tips for Athens:

Found this post useful? Click to save to Pinterest:

Image credits:

Share this post:

X (Twitter)Facebook Pinterest