Greek Island Hopping

Scenic Sporades: Skiathos – Skopelos

The Sporades are a northern archipelago located off the east coast of Greece. These quintessential islands are both lush and unspoilt, making them a haven for relaxing holidays and nature exploration. From the unpretentious food and peaceful villages in Skiathos to the verdant pine forests and soft sandy beaches of Skopelos. A Sporades island hopping holiday brings an authentic taste of Greek island life.

Skiathos

Out of 24 islands, just 4 are inhabited and only one (Skiathos) has an international airport, making it the usual starting point for island hopping in the Sporades. Here you’ll find picturesque views aplenty and beaches in abundance. A large yacht harbour invites A-listers and jet-setters who come to explore the cobbled streets, charming old town and wonderful selection of shops and restaurants. At just 7 miles long, Skiathos may be small, but this charming island certainly packs a punch.

Skopelos

Just one hour by ferry from Skiathos, Skopelos is a mesmerizingly pretty island brought to fame by Mamma Mia! which was filmed there. As well as the wealth of Mamma Mia! related excursions on offer, we recommend spending some time in the island’s lush countryside. Here you’ll find hidden monasteries, Venetian fortresses and rewarding hikes, as well as olive groves, pine forests, vineyards and almond orchards. The beaches are certainly the flagship experience of this island, with long stretches of golden sands, barely a person in sight.

Transfer time: Approximately 80 minutes from Skiathos to Skopelos.

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Delightful Dodecanese: Rhodes – Kos

A Dodecanese island hopping holiday can bring shimmering seas, beautiful beaches and historical ruins. Explore ancient monuments and the magnificent Old Town of Rhodes before heading to Kos for island idyll, jaw-dropping beaches and more ancient historical sites.

Rhodes

From relaxing on turquoise bays and dazzling beaches to walking in the footsteps of ancient civilisations, Rhodes is brimming with picturesque villages and fascinating history. Hailed as the sunniest destination in Greece, time in Rhodes can easily be spent unwinding beach-side or trying out exhilarating watersports. For history lovers, delve in to the charismatic Old Town with its cobbled streets, 7 gates and magnificent Byzantine churches as well as uncovering the location of one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, The Colossus of Rhodes.

Kos

An island of endless treasures, Kos is home to picturesque traditional villages, ancient sites and sensational beaches. In Kos you’ll find everything from the laid-back to the lively, be that water sports and snorkelling or ancient Greek ruins and hiking through landscapes painted with wildflowers. For beach lovers, the warm shallow waters are met with gorgeous stretches of fine white sand and some black volcanic beaches. Watch the bustle of Kos Town fly by from under the 500-year-old tree of Hippocrates or enjoy the refreshing flavours of the local cuisine. Read our post for the top things to do in Kos.

Transfer time: 2.5 hours from Rhodes to Kos

 

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Athens – Santorini – Crete: The ultimate Greek Island hopping holiday

Take in the sites and scenes of Greece’s most loved destinations. Observe ancient monuments and archaeological marvels in Athens before heading to Santorini for sunsets, volcanic sights and swoon-worthy photo opportunities. Add on a relaxing stay in Crete for a sublime finale.

Athens

Being one of the oldest named cities in the world, Athens has shared its history with Olympians, mythical gods and formidable empires. Today the city wears its history on its sleeve alongside its modern and chic ambiance. Spend days delving in to the Acropolis, Parthenon and other historical monuments before an evening spent admiring them from a trendy rooftop bar, cocktail in hand.

Santorini

Prepare for your jaw to drop in complete awe. Santorini is an island of beauty, from its white washed villages, cascading down cliff-sides, to its out-of-this-world sunsets, ready to transfix the most worldly traveller. From Athens, Santorini can be reached by domestic flight or by scenic ferry. Spend days winding through the cobbled streets of Oia and Fira exploring boutique shops, beautiful blue domed churches and spectacular sea views.

Crete

In just 2.5 hours by ferry, you can reach Greece’s largest island, Crete. Known as the birthplace of Minoan civilization and home to ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Turks, the island is brimming with history. As well as its history, Crete is known for its laid-back charm, stunning beaches and supremely luxurious resorts, making it an excellent place to relax and explore before heading home. Spend languid days poolside, with cocktails delivered to your lounger, before relaxed evenings in local tavernas and authentic restaurants. Read our post for the best places to see in Crete.

Transfer times – 8 hours ferry from Athens to Santorini or 50 minutes by flight. Santorini to Crete is a 2.5 hour scenic ferry journey.

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Sensational Cyclades: Mykonos & Santorini

The Cyclades are an island group southeast of the mainland, known for their traditional white washed villages dotted with stark blue roofs. The name Cyclades actually translates to ‘circular islands’ as the islands form a circle around the sacred island of Delos. According to mythology, Poseidon (god of the sea), in his fury, turned the Cyclades nymphs in to islands. Island hopping the Cyclades brings azure blue seas, dazzling traditional villages as well as a sophisticated, modern vibe.

Santorini

Discover wine, romance and dazzling sunsets in Santorini. Located on a volcanic caldera, white washed villages cascade down steep cliffs creating a unique landscape. Meander the cobbled, cliffside streets of Oia and Fira tasting gourmet cuisine, volcanic wines and shopping in stylish boutiques before catching an out-of-this-world sunset. Read our post for a guide on things to do in Santorini.

Did you know? Formerly named ‘Kalliste’, meaning most beautiful one, Santorini was thought to be the legendary lost city of Atlantis.

Mykonos

After a magical break in Santorini, travel to Greece’s most stylish island, Mykonos is filled with upmarket nightclubs, fine dining restaurants and chic lounge bars. Think St Tropez meets Ibiza with a serene Greek twist. Stylish boutique hotels nestle between designer shops and whitewashed Cycladic buildings. Spot A-listers, jet setters, honeymooners and a rogue pelican wandering the streets and soak up the glitz and glamour of this luxurious island. Read our post for a guide to Mykonos Holidays.

Transfer time: 2.5 hours by ferry from Santorini to Mykonos.

 

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Practical Information

Getting around the Greek Islands

A labyrinth of ferry routes keep the Greek islands well connected. There are multiple ferry and hydrofoil options within archipelagos making island hopping effortless. There are also ferry and flight options for those wishing to hop between archipelagos. 25 of the islands have airports meaning internal flights are often as popular as ferries. Ferries and flights are much more frequent in high season, so forward planning is recommended if travelling during low season.

Best time to visit Greece

Greece enjoys hot summers and mild winters. Each island has its own climate and the best time to visit Greece depends on what you are travelling for. For beach holidays May to September is the recommended time to travel although April and October can be very pleasant, particularly in southern islands such as Crete. July and August is the high season and temperatures can be very high, and crowds do tend to build up in popular resorts.