Island hopping in Greece is among the most exciting ways to spend a holiday. The excitement of visiting different islands and immersing yourself in their distinct cultures allows for an insightful vacation. Furthermore, with the help of Ferryscanner, it is possible to book tickets for an island hopping adventure easily and well in advance.
However, limiting your destinations is the trick to making the most of your island hopping in Greece escapade. A seven-day holiday should ideally include three stopovers. Moreover, pick islands roughly within four hours by ferry from each other.
One such popular and somewhat offbeat route for an island hopping trip from Athens is to Sifnos and Milos in the Cyclades.
Day One – Athens
Athens makes for a convenient starting and end-point when planning an island hopping in Greece holiday. The capital has excellent flight connections with major cities around the world. Furthermore, it is the central hub of all ferry traffic in the country.
It’s important to keep your first day of the trip in Athens for two reasons. Firstly, in case of any flight delays, you won’t miss out on your connecting ferry to Sifnos. Secondly, rather than rushing through, you can use the day to relax, get over your jet lag, and possibly visit the most famous attraction in Athens.
The Acropolis is a sight to behold. Atop a 156-meter-high hill, the ancient citadel is visible from around the city. The site consists of several archaeological findings from the Parthenon and the Erechtheion to the Ancient Agora of Athens. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a grand Roman theatre, is a favorite with tourists and the venue of many music events.
It takes roughly three hours to stroll around the Acropolis that stays open till late. The best time to visit the site is in the morning or the evening. You should combine your visit here with a stop at the Acropolis Museum. A treasure trove full of antique findings, it houses over 4000 artifacts. Moreover, the museum acts as a knowledge-filled escape from the harsh afternoon sun.
Day Two and Three – Sifnos
Start day two of your island hopping in Greece journey early and take the first ferry to Sifnos. Leaving around 7 AM, the ferry takes about two hours and thirty minutes to reach the island.
Sifnos is a romantic getaway that is still under the tourist radar. Upon arriving, you can either use the local bus service or, better yet, rent a car or a scooter for the next two days.
Once on the island, there are quite a few things to do in Sifnos. The most popular attraction, though, is the stunning whitewashed Chrisopigi Monastery, located on an islet nearby. Inside this quaint place of worship, you’ll find a remarkable wooden statue of the Virgin Mary.
Also, not to miss during your time in Sifnos is a pottery workshop. The tradition of pottery on the island goes back to 3000 BC. In Vathi, Atsonios Handmade Ceramics is a century-old family-owned shop that sells decorative and functional pottery in modern and traditional designs.
Days will whizz past once you factor in hours spent under the sun on the island’s sandy coastline. The family-friendly Apokoftas Beach near Chrisopigi and the more secluded Vroulidia Beach near Hersonissos are two must-visit beaches in Sifnos.
The local food is one more reason to add Sifnos to your island hopping in Greece tour. The birthplace of famous chef Nikolaos Tselementes, Sifnos amazes first-timers with its delectable regional cuisine. The island is known, in particular, for revithada and mastelo. The former is a chickpea stew, while the latter is lamb meat in wine. Slow-cooked in clay pots, both dishes promise robust finger-licking flavors.
Day Four and Five – Milos
The ferry transfer from Sifnos to Milos takes less than an hour. Tickets for the journey during the summer months cost around €25 one way.
A small, volcanic island in the Cyclades, Milos is famous for having a beach for each day of the month. Moreover, the barren landscape of the island, its dramatic cliffs, and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean create unforgettably scenic coves along the shoreline.
Sarakiniko, around 4km from Plaka, is the most popular beach in Milos, ideal for a bit of cliff jumping. On the other hand, Agios Ioannis is a secluded strip on the western coast, reachable by boat or a dirt road.
When in Milos, a day walking around the capital city of Plaka promises many surprises. From pretty cafes to churches and the folklore museum, there is much to do and see here.
However, the Catacombs of Milos are an unavoidable excursion for the more eccentric travelers. These underground Christian cemeteries date back to the 1st-century. While a walk here is a little claustrophobic, it’s truly a memorable experience.
Now, before you start packing for the last leg of the holiday, try and plan half a day at Klima. This picturesque fishing village is world-renowned for its colorful syrmatas – traditional boat garages and homes cut into the rock next to the water.
Day Six and Seven – Athens
The voyage from Milos to Athens takes three and a half hours. There are more connections to Piraeus than Lavrio every day. Once in Athens, it’s time to let the charm of Greece’s capital sweep you away.
Since you’ve already visited the Acropolis, spend the next two days of your island hopping in Greece vacation discovering the city’s eclectic attractions. For gourmands, one option to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Athens is a pub crawl. Otherwise, visit Varvakios Central Municipal Market early in the morning. Boasting the best and freshest food in Athens, the marketplace is a bustling center where you can observe locals and taste delicious Greek delicacies.
Since you are at the end of your island hopping trip, it’s the best time to indulge in some retail therapy. The oldest part of town, Monastiraki, while touristic is where you will find a range of traditional shops, souvenir stalls, and cafes.
History in Athens does not end with the Acropolis. You’ll see it in every nook and corner of the city. Therefore, another place to visit in Athens for history enthusiasts is the National Archaeological Museum, home to the most extensive collection of Greek antiques.
For a hint of culture, though, don’t skip going to Syntagma Square. The location of the Parliament, it is here that you can catch the famous changing of the guard, done in traditional Greek costumes.
And if you wish to end your vacation in a cinematically romantic manner, head on over to Cine Paris. Open since the 1920s, the rooftop cinema with views of the Acropolis plays Greek and foreign films and is a summertime must.