Greece is a fantastic destination for those looking for sun-soaked coastlines, charming villages, ancient history, and much more. There are a ton of amazing things to do and see here, making it a great place for an array of travel itineraries. Plus, with its exquisite selection of islands, visitors will find an array of unique places to explore, providing more than enough spots to uncover.
One of the best ways to explore Greece is by embarking on a Greek island-hopping adventure. Whether you’re looking to scour the iconic Cyclades, the historic Argo-Saronics, the natural beauty throughout the Ionian, or many other incredible isles, there are hundreds to choose from in this pretty part of Europe. These archipelagos each have something to offer, catering to varying tastes and preferences.
If you want to start planning your next Greek Island trip, you’re in the right place. We’re aware this process may seem a little overwhelming, so we’ve done all the work for you. Get ready to discover some of the best routes for island hopping in Greece, alongside what to expect from your time here. This way, you can choose the best spots for you!
Which Greek Island Group Is Best for Island Hopping?
Choosing the best destinations for Greek Island hopping ultimately depends on personal preference. With so many incredible places to choose from, you’ll find something for all throughout this stunning country.
Whether you’re pursuing a break brimming with ancient history, iconic scenery, natural wonders or endless adventures, the Greek islands have something for everyone. When choosing your ideal route, it’s important first to determine what you want to get from your time here. To help get you started, keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from each of the most popular Greek Island groups.
The Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands are known for their natural beauty, making them an excellent choice for those planning to spend much of their time in Greece in the great outdoors. With lush landscapes and stunning turquoise waters, you’re sure to find more than enough places here to relax and unwind.
The Cyclades
If you’re looking for a classic Greek Island getaway, the Cyclades Islands are the perfect choice. Scour whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, romantic surroundings and more. The archipelago is a perfect option for those visiting Greece for the first time, allowing for an authentic experience.
The Dodecanese
With pristine beaches, medieval architecture and a quieter atmosphere, the Dodecanese Islands make for an excellent choice for visitors seeking a peaceful break in Greece. There are often fewer crowds throughout these islands, great for those hoping to navigate the intriguing sites and attractions here with ease.
The Sporades
Some of the lesser-visited islands in Greece are the Sporades. This beautiful archipelago comprises stunning natural beauty, a quiet atmosphere, a rich culture, impressive historical sites and never-ending wildlife. Those planning a break in utter serenity should explore the Sporades, perfect for anyone looking to uncover some of the country’s hidden gems.
The Argo-Sarconics
Just off the coast of Athens, you’ll find the beautiful Argo-Sarconics. These islands offer an array of exciting activities, especially for the history buffs among us. Explore ancient ruins, charming villages, stunning beach fronts and an authentic Greek atmosphere during your time here. Offering visitors some of the best archaeological sites in Greece, you’ll discover an array of amazing places to visit throughout the Argo-Sarconics.
The Best Greek Island Hopping Routes
Now you know a little more about some of the best Greek Island groups, let’s move on to the finest routes for your next adventure. With each of the itineraries below having something unique to offer, you’re to find an array of fantastic places to explore for varying travel preferences.
Greek Island Hopping Routes - The Ionian
Zakynthos - Ithaca - Corfu - Kastos - Kefalonia - Lefkada
Ionian Island hopping is a popular choice for many. This route comprises some of the best that Greece has to offer, allowing visitors to explore an array of favoured destinations. We’ve included some of the best spots to experience when choosing this beautiful archipelago for your next Greek island-hopping voyage.
You’ll find the Ionian Islands located west of mainland Greece and are known for their lush greenery, mighty mountains, stunning coastlines and impressive natural beauty. These isles are often wetter than some of the other favoured destinations in the country, allowing for a cooler climate for those planning to get out and be active.
When exploring the Ionian Islands, be sure to stop off at Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefalonia, and Lefkada. Each of these beautiful islands has an array of excellent activities and attractions to enjoy, making them great for a wide range of travellers.
Zakynthos and Ithaca are great for those looking to uncover some of Greece’s archaeological treasures, with a ton of ancient ruins and historic churches to marvel at. If you’d prefer more of a cosmopolitan vibe, you’ll want to head to Corfu with its excellent shops, restaurants and bars.
Kefalonia offers natural beauty in abundance alongside a peaceful atmosphere, great for those planning to sit back and relax during their time here. Whereas Kastos is much smaller than some of the other islands, offering a slice of paradise with its unspoilt landscapes and fewer tourists.
No matter where you decide to go, the Ionian Islands offer an array of breathtaking terrains and exceptional activities to enjoy.
Greek Island Hopping Routes - The Cyclades
Santorini - Milos - Sifnos - Serifos - Paros - Mykonos
The Cyclades provide some of the easiest Greek Islands to get to and with their excellent ferry links and flight connections, you can visit here hassle-free.
Mykonos and Santorini are the two islands that you will want to book your flights to and from when visiting the Cyclades. With this in mind, it’s worth planning your route here starting at one of these destinations and ending at the other. You can then travel between while stopping off at some of the other favoured spots including Milos, Sifnos, Serifos and Paros.
When exploring the Cyclades, you will encounter the very best of Greece, allowing for an authentic experience. Marvel over whitewashed buildings, blue-domed roofs and romantic settings in abundance here. Santorini is known for being one of the best isles for couples looking for beautiful surroundings and lots to see and do. Whereas, Mykonos is known for its lively nightlife and narrow streets.
Known for being one of the best places in Greece for island hopping, the Cyclades are a must-visit for anyone planning to explore the beautiful isles throughout the country. Plus, with plenty of rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, traditional architecture and much more, you’ll find more than enough fantastic excursions throughout the Cyclades.
Greek Island Hopping Routes - The Dodecanese
Rhodes - Lipsi - Patmos - Leros
When planning your Greek Island itinerary, the Dodecanese has much to offer. The chain of 12 islands has more than enough fantastic places to explore with Rhodes and Kos being the most well known out of the destinations here.
However, there are plenty of other incredible islands to uncover throughout the Dodecanese including Lipsi, Patmos, Leros and many more. Enjoy an array of activities throughout these islands with opportunities to go hiking through rugged mountains, explore secluded beaches, traditional villages and much more.
Rhodes is a great place to start when island hopping in the Dodecanese as it offers easy transport links alongside an international airport. There are also plenty of historical sites throughout the island, with Rhodes Old Town being a noteworthy destination to explore during your time here.
After seeing all that Rhodes has in store, hop on the boat ride to Symi for a quieter atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Enjoy the exceptional beaches here alongside traditional Greek culture and pretty architecture.
The journey from Symi to Lipso usually takes place overnight as it takes around 7 hours to get to one island from the other. This is another of the more peaceful destinations in Greece, great for those seeking a little tranquillity. Being one of the less popular islands, Lipsi allows for a welcomed break and the opportunity to truly unwind during your island hopping adventure.
Next, you’ll want to head to Patmos, just a 30-minute ferry ride from Lipsi. The island holds significant religious importance in Greece, providing visitors with lots of history and cultural insight to uncover. Plus, there are also some great towns to explore, as well as more beautiful beaches.
The last stop on the Dodecanese island-hopping route is Leros, which is about an hour away on the ferry from Patmos. This destination is an ideal stop-off for outdoor lovers with its endless hiking trails and impressive natural beauty. You’ll also find an airport on Leros, with flights to some of the other islands in Greece, great for those looking to continue their journey or head back to the mainland to catch a flight home.
Greek Island Hopping Routes - Sporades
Skiathos - Skopelos - Alonissos
Another fantastic choice for those looking for island hopping around Greece is the incredible Sporades. The archipelago is an ideal option for those visiting Thessaloniki, with excellent ferry links from here to some of these favoured islands.
Skiathos is a great place to start when exploring the Sporades as it has much to offer an array of travel itineraries. Discover the plethora of jaw-dropping beaches on the island with excellent watersport activities for the whole family to enjoy. There are also a ton of cultural sites in Skiathos, explore ancient castles, hillside monasteries and much more during your time in this outstanding part of Greece.
After seeing all that Skiathos has to offer, island hoppers can take the 1-hour ferry ride to Skopelas for a contrasting vibe. This island isn’t as developed as Skiathos, making it great for those seeking natural wonders in abundance. Enjoy an authentic experience when visiting Skopelas, Mamma Mia fans will also be excited to know that this is one of the filming locations for the popular movie.
Another short ferry ride, taking around 30 minutes, is the journey from Skopelas to Alonissos. The island is frequented for its endless wilderness and peaceful aura, providing an excellent way to end a jam-packed island hopping experience. There are also opportunities to enjoy snorkelling and diving in Alonissos, alongside the country’s first underwater museum.
With so many incredible cultural experiences to enjoy in the Sporades, it comes as no surprise that so many choose these beautiful islands when planning a Greek Island hopping excursion.
Summary
A Greek Island hopping adventure allows visitors to uncover some of the best destinations throughout the country, all while seeing more of what these fantastic places have to offer in one trip. With so many incredible isles to explore, you’ll find yourself needing more time just to experience it all. However, we hope that after reading this article, you now have a better understanding of what each of the archipelagos has to offer, allowing you to choose your next destination with ease.
If you’re planning a Greek Island hopping excursion, Olympic Holidays can assist in ensuring you get the most out of your time here. With bespoke island hopping and twin-centre holidays on offer, we’ll help take the stress out of planning your break. Take a look at our island hopping page for more information or browse our latest holiday deals here.
