Island-hopping in Greece is one of the most remarkable ways to see the country. While not discounting the charms of Mainland Greece, a journey zig-zagging around the Greek isles has a unique appeal that mixes romance and excitement with pure adventure.
Making this novel experience easy to plan is Ferryscanner. As the best ferry booking website, it offers a search feature that allows you to reserve tickets specifically for an island-hopping vacation.
However, before you book your tickets to explore the fascinating history, culture, and foods of various Greek isles, read the following top tips for island-hopping in Greece. These pointers will help plan a carefree holiday where you can focus on enjoying the many wonders of an exceptional destination.
Choose the Best Time
Although Greece is a year-round destination, things tend to mellow down from November to March. On many islands, this is when locals shutter their businesses and go away for holidays. July and August are the polar opposite. Everything is more expensive during this time, from ferries and restaurants to hotels and excursions.
When planning on island-hopping in Greece, the best time to visit is April to June or September to October. During these months, the water is warm enough for a comfortable swim, there aren’t too many people, and prices tend to be pocket-friendly.
Book Ahead… Or Not!
Typically, most guides for island-hopping in Greece will tell you to book everything in advance. While that is true, plenty depends on when you are traveling. Are you vacationing during the tourist season? Then yes, go ahead and book your hotels, ferries, and even excursions before getting on a plane.
But if you are touring at any other time of the year and feeling intrepid, it’s possible to wing it and not book a hotel in advance. Instead, upon arriving at the harbor of an island, you’ll find local B&B hosts vying for your attention with pictures of their abodes in hand.
It’s an ideal occasion for adventurous travelers without a fixed itinerary to get last-minute accommodation. Moreover, you can often get a good bargain as hosts are equally eager to rent their rooms.
Pick the Right Ferry Seat
If you decide not to have a fixed itinerary, Ferryscanner can help you with last-minute ferry bookings. However, always keep a nearby island as a backup if you cannot get a hotel or a ferry for a particular place.
Either way, choosing the right ferry seat also matters. Island-hopping in Greece involves taking several boat rides. Therefore, make sure you are comfortable during the voyages. This way, you are sure to reach your destination fresh and ready for exploration.
For shorter distances, deck seats are the best. Being the cheapest tickets, they give you access to the deck and some indoor areas. It’s always nice to get on board early and take a seat on the top deck. The views are incredible from here. Also, you remain safe from direct sunlight since the seats are in the shade.
Invest in an indoor seat, cabin, or guestroom when taking an overnight ferry or an extended voyage. Most ferries sailing in Greece have excellent accommodations and dining facilities.
It is pertinent to note that while ferries do get delayed due to weather and technical issues, they do not wait for passengers. So, always reach the port a good hour before your departure time.
Limit Your Travel
Greece is a fascinating country that promises many exciting moments. However, it is also an extensive nation that requires time and patience to explore. Distances between the islands and the mainland can seem short on the map. But traveling from one to another in real eats into your vacation time, whether using flights or ferries.
So, even though you might wish to include several places during island-hopping in Greece, it is best not to. If holidaying for a week, stick to two islands and Athens. If in the country for two weeks, go with five locations in total.
Furthermore, to make the most of your holiday, try and stick to one region. Greece is a collection of several island groups, some more tourist famous than the others. The Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Ionian archipelagos offer a diverse set of inhabited isles ideal for island-hopping in Greece. By visiting islands closer to each other, you save time, resulting in extra days enjoying on-land attractions.
Among the top routes in Greece are Athens-Santorini-Naxos- Mykonos, Corfu-Paxos-Lefkos-Gaios, and Athens-Naxos–Paros. Once you have a basic itinerary, you can always take day trips to nearby islands.
Include Athens in Your Itinerary
Piraeus is the most significant port in the country. Unless taking a flight to a large Greek island, there is a good chance you will start your island-hopping in Greece vacation here. Located only 10km from Athens, it thus makes sense to include the capital of Greece into your itinerary.
Athens is a city unlike any other and demands leisurely exploration. Therefore, set aside one day at the start and two days in the end to appreciate the city’s many historical sites, museums, bookshops, restaurants, and shopping districts.
Adding Athens also has an ulterior motive. Since flights and ferries do get delayed, it’s best to have a day or two at the beginning and end to fall back on if it happens.
Rent a Car
Greek islands are brimming with incredible locations, from quaint mountain villages and hidden beaches to cliffside monasteries and ancient ruins. Add a diverse topography that is more often than not flat, and walking around an island becomes a troublesome option. Moreover, public transport differs from one place to another and isn’t always the most convenient.
Therefore, the best way to travel on most islands is by renting a car, ATV, or moped. When island-hopping in Greece, it is advisable to pre-book your vehicle, especially during the tourist season. An international driving license comes in handy, as does having insurance. Since locals know that most tourists come for a limited time, they are more than happy to rent out cars for a short 2-3-day period.
Make a Packing List
A packing list for Greece typically consists of many objects. However, when you are island-hopping in Greece, you’ll need some items that are a must-carry. For starters, keep a few snacks handy for your ferry ride. Although food is typically available on board, having a bottle of water and something to munch helps during any delays.
Medication is another necessity, especially since every Greek isle might not have a proper chemist or health center. Besides your personal medicines, carry charcoal tablets for your stomach. More importantly, bring seasickness pills even if you usually do not get nauseous. If you feel uneasy, sit outside in the fresh air and look at the horizon and not the sea. Paracetamol and sunscreen are the other medicinal must-haves while taking a ferry in Greece.
Now, tourists can just about manage a Greek holiday using only credit cards. Still, when island-hopping in Greece, you’ll likely visit smaller islands where local businesses only accept cash. Therefore, always carry some banknotes. Alternatively, you can withdraw money from ATMs, available on most islands.
Lastly, a camera is a given must-have for any vacation in Greece. But when jumping around islands famous for an array of adventurous land and water attractions like snorkeling, diving, coasteering, you’ll need a good action camera.
Travel Light
Packing essentials aside, it’s a good idea to travel as light as possible when island-hopping in Greece. Thus, instead of conventional luggage, try to bring backpacks. Or at least bags with wheels that you can easily pull. While taking ferries and on islands with a hilly disposition, having something convenient and light to carry makes it easy to travel around.
Read-up on the Islands
The wonderful part about Greek isles is that each one brings something new to the table. Santorini and Mykonos, for example, are very popular, have a lively atmosphere, and a thriving nightlife. On the other hand, Amorgos is quieter, a favorite among locals, and appeals more to couples.
Even if you decide to spend a few days on every island, it is still too short a time to appreciate them all in their entirety. That is why, always read about the island attractions, mythology, beaches, villages, and excursions before arriving.
Consequently, you’ll need less time planning activities based on your interests once there. However, don’t forget to ask the locals about sights to see. They are forever a treasure trove of information, especially when it comes to revealing the hidden gems of their island.