Island hopping in Greece: 10 Routes for the Greek Islands

Hop on the ferry and dive into the deep blue Aegean Sea! Island hopping is probably the most beautiful way to get to know the Greek islands. The various island groups such as the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Ionian Islands, and the Sporades are ideal for island hopping in Greece.

The islands are well and reliably connected by sea. Numerous ferries, excursion boats, and catamarans sail to the Greek islands every day. Our article Greek Islands Overview provides you with an initial overview of this blue and white paradise.

Organize your own island hopping in Greece

When island hopping in Greece, you have the opportunity to get to know one of the most impressive island worlds in Europe. When you head for a new island and see it from afar, it is an unforgettable experience.

Since the Greek islands are grouped together in archipelagos, it is even easier to put together a route for island hopping. The combination possibilities are endless, and our suggestions are intended to serve as inspiration for your vacation in Greece.

Island hopping often starts on a larger Greek island that can be reached directly by plane from your home country. You can then explore the surrounding islands by ferry.

Of course, you can also start from the ferry port of Piraeus, Greece’s largest seaport. The city of Piraeus is about an hour from Athens Airport and is easily accessible by bus or subway. Most of the large ferries to the various island groups depart from here.

Here is an initial overview of possible island hopping routes that you can use for your travel planning.

#1 Island hopping on the Cyclades

There are countless combinations for island hopping in Greece on the Cyclades islands. We have listed three popular route suggestions for your island hopping, which you can also vary as you wish.

Route 1: Central Cyclades (Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Santorini)

→ Ideal starting point: Mykonos or Santorini

The route along the pearls of the Cyclades is one of the most popular among island hoppers. We personally like to call it the party route, as it includes not only the party island of Mykonos but also Ios and Santorini with their vibrant nightlife.

Certainly not the first choice for those seeking peace and quiet or lovers of authentic Greece. But the islands are all beautiful, and if you want a little more hustle and bustle, then this route is just right for you.

In high season, there are even very fast catamarans operating between the Greek islands. These allow you to reach the individual islands in a much shorter time. However, ferry prices are usually 20% higher.

The starting point is the ferry port of Piraeus or the islands of Santorini or Mykonos, which have international airports.

Mykonos lives up to its reputation as a party island, and the beaches and alleys are crowded in midsummer. People party and dance until the early hours of the morning. At sunset, many vacationers make a pilgrimage to the windmills in the old town. Two to three days are ideal for exploring the island.

From here, we hop over to Paros, where we can recover a little from the party hustle and bustle. The white alleys of Parikia and Naoussa on Paros are picturesque and invite you to stroll around. This is where the chic crowd meets in summer, with elegant boutique hotels and restaurants.

Paros has become a popular Instagram spot in recent years. Nevertheless, the island has managed to retain some of its original character. After a stay of 2-3 days or more, we make a stopover on the beautiful island of Naxos before continuing south.

Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, so there is plenty to discover. Due to its size, you should plan to spend the most time on Naxos; 5-7 days is ideal. From Naxos, you can take the ferry either west to the enchanting island of Amorgos and the Small Cyclades or further south to the South Cyclades towards Ios.

The island of Ios is the party sister of Mykonos and is also very lively in the high season. You should plan at least two days on Ios before continuing to the final destination of this route.

Santorini is a former volcano whose caldera was flooded by the sea. The island’s villages are picturesquely situated on the slopes of the crater. This Greek dream destination is popular almost all year round. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a stroll through the pretty streets of Fira and Oia, especially in the early morning.

If Santorini is not too crowded, you can stay here for at least a week. Away from the tourist spots, there are beautiful hiking trails and magnificent nature. Otherwise, 3-4 days on Santorini are enough.

Overall, the Central Cyclades route is quite short, taking about 12-14 days, but it is quite strenuous. If you want to explore the individual islands more extensively and off the beaten track, you should plan on spending more than 2 weeks.

Route 2: Northern Cyclades (Andros, Tinos, Naxos, Syros)

→ Ideal starting point: Athens (Rafina or Piraeus ferry port)

The route through the Northern Cyclades is a little quieter and ideal for individual explorers. These islands can even be easily combined with an interesting holiday in Athens. Buses run from Athens Airport to the Rafina ferry port. From there, you can take the ferry to the island of Andros.

Andros has managed to preserve much of its authenticity and tradition. Mass tourism has not yet found its way here. You can expect a picturesque main town, Chora, picturesque bays, wild nature with numerous hiking trails, bizarre cliffs, and fortress-like monasteries. We can stay here for at least 3-4 days.

From Andros, we will cross over to Tinos. The island of Tinos is best known for its beautiful Marian pilgrimage church and picturesque white villages. This island is also quite large, and we recommend planning at least 3-4 days.

From Tinos, we continue on to Naxos. Naxos offers countless dream beaches and the picturesque capital Chora with its Venetian Kastro. Four to five days are almost too short to explore the largest island in the Cyclades.

The last stop on our island hopping tour is Syros. The administrative center of the Cyclades is still an insider tip and unknown to most vacationers. The capital Ermoupoli alone, with its marble streets, is worth a visit. There are numerous cafes, taverns, and shops here. You can indulge in culinary delights or stroll along the harbor promenade.

In the Ano Syros district at the top of the mountain, there are picturesque Cycladic alleys, and in the hinterland, there are beautiful beaches and unspoiled nature for hikers. A stay of at least 2-3 days is also recommended on the island of Syros.

For the island hopping route in the northern Cyclades, you should plan at least 14 days so that you can do something on the islands. As an alternative to Syros, you can also include the easternmost Cycladic island of Amorgos in your Greek island hopping itinerary. Here you will find a wildly romantic island with picturesque villages.

Route 3: Western Cyclades (Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Folegandros)

→ Ideal starting point: Athens (Piraeus or Lavrio ferry port)

The western route is very scenic and takes us to the lesser-known islands of the Cyclades. We start from the ferry port of Piraeus to Serifos. Alternatively, you can also include the islands of Kea and Kythnos in your island hopping tour of Greece from the ferry port of Lavrio.

We visit Serifos for 2-3 days before continuing on to Sifnos. Here, lively traditions, beautiful places such as Kastro, as well as plenty of peace and quiet and beautiful hiking trails await us. You could stay on Sifnos forever, but after 3-4 days we continue on to Milos. In addition to the world-famous colorful Milos boathouses (Syrmata), there is much to discover, and the landscape is very varied due to its volcanic nature.

The island of Milos is always very busy in summer and, thanks to social media, is no longer an insider tip. Since the white rock formations of Sarakiniko became world famous through a music video, thousands of visitors have been drawn to the Cycladic island. You should plan at least 4-5 days for Milos.

The last island on our western route is Folegandros. This small island lies completely secluded in the middle of the Aegean Sea. It is a wild, untouched beauty and still an insider tip among the Greek islands. Here, too, you can spend at least 2-3 days before returning from Milos to Piraeus.

You should allow plenty of time for island hopping on the Western Cyclades. The lesser-known islands in particular can be explored extensively in two weeks. Immerse yourself in traditional island life and be enchanted by the magic of the Cyclades with their white houses and secluded turquoise-blue bays.

Ferries, rental cars, and accommodations on the Cyclades

The following ferry companies operate on the routes described above and some also offer vehicle transport:

• Blue Star Ferries
• Fast Ferries (Northern Cyclades)
• Golden Star Ferries (Northern Cyclades)
• Hellenic Seaways
• Seajets
• Small Cyclades Lines (Express Skopelitis)
• Zante Ferries (Western Cyclades)

We research and book suitable ferries for our Greek island hopping in the Cyclades with the help of the Ferryhopper* search portal. Here you can search for your desired route and check the prices of the individual ferries or book tickets:

➲ Search for ferries with Ferryhopper*

Please note that only your own car may be taken on the ferry. Taking a rental car on the ferry is usually prohibited by contract. We recommend renting a separate vehicle on each island. You can find good deals on Discover Cars*, for example:

➲ To the rental car search for the islands

There is a wide range of different accommodations in the Cyclades. From simple studios to vacation apartments for families to luxurious apartments and boutique hotels, there is something for every type of vacation (links to Booking.com*):

➲ To the accommodations for the archipelago*

#2 Island hopping on the Dodecanese

The islands of the southeastern Aegean are not yet as well known among island hoppers as the Cyclades, but you can still discover many unspoiled islands here. The best way to reach the Dodecanese archipelago is with a direct flight to Rhodes (book on Skyscanner*) or Kos.

Dodecanese Islandhopping – Guide with 12 Islands

Explore the Dodecanese Islands at your own pace: scenic beaches, the best restaurants and handpicked insider tips are waiting for you.

🗺️ 12 Islands with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🔍 Valuable planning tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés

To Dodecanese Travel Guide →

Route 1: Northern Dodecanese (Kos, Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos)

→ Ideal starting point: Kos Island

We start the northern route on Kos. There is a lot to discover on the island of Kos, including beautiful beaches and historical sites. We recommend a minimum stay of 5 days. The neighboring island of Nisyros, about an hour away by ferry, can be integrated into your Greek island hopping trip. The volcanic island will enchant you immediately!

From Kos, we continue to Kalymnos. The island of sponge divers can also be reached by a small ferry from Mastichari on Kos, which runs several times a day during the season. All other ferries depart from Kos Town. Kalymnos is a hiking and climbing paradise and is known for its culinary delights.

You should allow at least 3-4 days for Kalymnos. A day trip to the small neighboring island of Telendos is also worthwhile. From Kalymnos, continue north to Leros.

The island of Leros has also been spared from mass tourism and, with its beautiful coastal villages, offers plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind. You can stay here for at least 2-3 days. Then continue on to the holy island of Patmos.

Patmos is a gem with beautiful bathing bays, a picturesque Chora (old town), and pretty alleys to stroll through. From here, it is worth taking a day trip to the small islands of Lipsi and Arki. These two islands are still very unspoiled. For Patmos and its neighboring islands, we recommend a stay of 4-5 days or more.

You should plan at least 12 days for your island hopping in the northern Dodecanese. If you don’t have that much time, you can also skip one island.

Route 2: Southern Dodecanese (Rhodes, Symi, Chalki, Karpathos, Kasos)

→ Ideal starting point: Rhodes

Island hopping in the southern Dodecanese ideally starts on Rhodes. The island of Rhodes is the largest in the Dodecanese group and it is worth planning at least 5 to 7 days to explore the island. The main attractions of Rhodes are the historic old town and the town of Lindos with its acropolis.

The journey continues to Symi. The small island of Symi is a unique architectural gem. Don’t miss the sunset in Gialos and the Panormitis monastery in the south of the island. You should plan at least two days for Symi. If you have less time, day trips from Rhodes to the beautiful neighboring island are also an option.

From Symi, head back to Rhodes and from there either continue on to Halki or go directly to Karpathos. On the small island of Chalki, you will find peace and relaxation above all else. Take a day to explore the island on foot, as there are not many roads.

From Chalki, we hop on to Karpathos. The island is known for its turquoise blue dream beaches and the traditional mountain village of Olympos, which was spectacularly built on a hillside.

Due to the long journey, you should plan at least 5-7 days for Karpathos. Karpathos is the second largest island in the Dodecanese and there is a lot to discover. If you prefer something a little quieter, we recommend a trip to the small neighboring island of Kasos.

In summary, you should plan at least two weeks for the Dodecanese South route. The more days you spend on each island, the more you will get to know the individual places.

Ferries, rental cars, and accommodations on the Dodecanese

The Dodecanese islands have a very good ferry network. The main islands are served daily by large and small ferries. In addition, excursion boats operate between the neighboring islands in summer. Even lesser-known Dodecanese islands such as Tilos and Lipsi are served up to three times a week.

Below you will find an overview of the ferry companies that operate in the Dodecanese:

• Blue Star Ferries
• Dodekanisos Seaways
• SAOS Ferries
• Local ferry companies (Anek, ANEM, Sebeco, Leros Express)

We research and book ferry connections for our Greece island hopping in the Dodecanese with the help of the search portal Ferryhopper*. Here you can search for your desired route and check the prices of the individual ferries or book tickets:

➲ Search for ferries with Ferryhopper*

Taking a rental car on the ferry is usually prohibited by contract. We recommend renting a separate car on each island. You can find suitable offers on Discover Cars*:

➲ To the rental car search for the islands*

There is a wide range of different accommodations on the Dodecanese. From simple studios to vacation apartments for families to luxurious apartments and boutique hotels, there is something for every type of vacation (links to Booking.com*):

➲ To the accommodations on these islands*

#3 Island hopping on the Ionian Islands

Due to their proximity to the Greek mainland and their large ferry ports of Igoumenitsa and Patras (connection to Italy), the Ionian Islands are ideal for island hopping with your own car or motorhome.

But the islands of Corfu, Lefkada (Preveza), Kefalonia, and Zakynthos are also easily accessible by plane from Germany and neighboring countries during the summer season. Ferries connect the islands reliably and some also transport vehicles.

Route 1: Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos

→ Ideal starting point: Lefkada Island (Aktio-Preveza Airport)

You can start your island hopping from Lefkada, for example. Like its sister islands, Lefkada offers lush green nature for hiking and beautiful beaches. We recommend planning at least 4-5 days, but longer is always better, of course.

From Lefkada, we hop on to Kefalonia. This island is also large and there is much to discover. If you have a little more time, it is worth taking a detour to the neighboring island of Ithaca with its secluded beaches and caves. A stay of 5-6 days is also recommended for Kefalonia.

The last stop on our island hopping tour is Zakynthos. In addition to the popular Zakynthos Shipwreck at Navagio Beach, there are other beautiful beaches, pretty villages, lush nature, and hiking trails to discover. Three to four days are also recommended for Zakynthos.

In summary, it can be said that at least 14 days are ideal for island hopping in the Ionian Islands. If you have more time, you can of course hop around more relaxed and explore the individual islands more intensively.

Route 2: Island hopping from Corfu via Paxos to Lefkada

→ Ideal starting point: Corfu Island

Island hopping is also possible from Corfu. However, due to its northern location, the island is poorly connected to the other Ionian Islands. From Germany, you can reach Corfu by direct flight (book on Skyscanner*).

As the island is very large, you should plan to stay for at least a week. The capital, Kerkyra, alone offers countless sights. From the port of Corfu Town, you can visit the beautiful island of Paxos and its sister island Antipaxos.

During the season, ferries and excursion boats run to Paxos several times a week. The small island has a very special charm. From Paxos, you can take the Lefkada Palace ferry to Lefkada.

If you prefer something even more unspoiled, you should visit the Diapontian Islands north of Corfu. The main island of Othoni is the epitome of Greek authenticity.

Ferries, rental cars, accommodation on the Ionian Islands

The following ferry companies serve the individual islands in the Ionian Sea, making island hopping in Greece a breeze:

• Lefkada Palace

The Lefkada Palace passenger ferry reliably connects the Ionian Islands from the end of April to the end of September. Several times a week, the ferry travels from Corfu via Paxos to Lefkada and on to Meganisi, Ithaca, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos. You can find the current timetables at: Lefkada Palace

• Ionion Pelagos

Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos are reliably connected by the car ferries of Ionion Pelagos. Information on timetables can be found on the website of: Ionion Pelagos

• West Ferry

Since 2022, the ferry company West Ferry has been operating regular services between Lefkada (Vasiliki) and Kefalonia (Fiskardo). It can also carry a limited number of vehicles. Timetables can be found at: West Ferry

• Levante Ferries

Another way to reach the Ionian Islands is via the mainland ports of Patras and Kyllini (both in the Peloponnese). Here, the Levante Ferries company operates several times a day from the mainland to the islands of Ithaca, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos. Departure times and tickets can be found on the company’s website: Levante Ferries

We research and book connections for our island hopping in the Ionian Islands using the Ferryhopper* search portal. Here you can search for your desired route, check the prices of the individual ferries, and book tickets:

➲ To search for ferries with Ferryhopper*

Please note that only your own vehicle may be taken on the ferry. Taking a rental vehicle on the ferry is usually prohibited by contract. We recommend that you rent a separate car on each island, which can be booked on Discover Cars*:

➲ To rental car offers for the islands*

There is a wide range of different accommodations on the Ionian Islands. From simple studios to vacation apartments for families to luxurious apartments and boutique hotels, there is something for every type of vacation. You can find suitable offers and check prices on Booking.com*:

➲ To hotels & studios on the islands*

#4 Island hopping in the North Aegean

The best way to reach the North Aegean Islands is to take a direct flight to Samos (book on Skyscanner*). Alternatively, you can fly from Germany to Athens. From there, you can continue your journey with a small plane from Olympic Air or Sky Express to Samos, Chios, Ikaria, or Lesbos.

Route 1: Upper North Aegean (Chios, Lesbos, Limnos)

→ Ideal starting point: Chios or Lesbos

You can start your island hopping in the Upper North Aegean from Lesbos, for example. You should allow at least a week for Greece’s third-largest island. Enjoy the unspoiled nature, quaint villages, and beautiful beaches.

From Mytilini, the capital of Lesbos, you can take the ferry north to Limnos or south to Chios. Both Limnos and Chios are still relatively untouched by tourism. Here you can experience the authentic Greece.

Both islands attract visitors with their cozy villages and many culinary specialties. The island of Limnos is known for its excellent wine and many grain fields. A mighty fortress towers above the main town of Myrina.

Chios is even quieter. The medieval villages in particular exude a special charm. The island is home to the mastic tree. The mastic resin extracted from it is said to have healing properties.

It is worth staying on both islands for 4-5 days to immerse yourself in their traditions and culture. We recommend two to three weeks for island hopping in the upper North Aegean.

Route 2: Lower North Aegean (Samos, Fourni, Ikaria, Chios)

→ Ideal starting point: Samos Island

Island hopping in the lower North Aegean usually starts on Samos. The island is not far from the Turkish mainland and offers many archaeological treasures, beautiful beaches, and pretty villages. Samos is considered the green island of the Aegean and is a popular destination for hikers.

From Samos, you can also easily reach the island of Fourni, a real insider tip among the Greek islands. Continue either west to Ikaria or north to Chios.

Both islands are wild and still pretty untouched. Ikaria is a world of its own, though, and it takes time to get into it. We recommend spending at least 4-5 days on both islands. For the lower North Aegean, you can plan on about 10 days.

Ferries, rental cars, and accommodations in the North Aegean

The islands of the northern Aegean are mainly connected by large car ferries. Unlike the Cyclades or the Dodecanese, there are no speedboats or high-speed catamarans operating between the islands. The only exception is the Dodekanisos Seaways high-speed catamaran, which sails to Samos, Ikaria, and Fourni several times a week.

Here is an overview of ferry companies in the North Aegean:

• Blue Star Ferries
• Dodekanisos Seaways
• Hellenic Seaways
• Local ferry companies

We research and book ferries for our Greece island hopping in the North Aegean with the help of the search portal Ferryhopper*. Here you can search for your desired route and check the prices of the individual ferries or book tickets:

➲ Search for ferries with Ferryhopper*

Taking a rental vehicle on the ferry is usually prohibited by the rental company’s contract. We recommend renting a separate car on each island via Discover Cars*:

➲ To the rental car search for the islands*

There is a good selection of different accommodations on the islands of the North Aegean. From simple studios to vacation apartments for families to luxurious apartments and boutique hotels, there is something for every type of vacation. We like to book our accommodations through Booking.com*, where you can also check prices directly:

➲ To the accommodations on the islands*

#5 Island hopping on the Sporades

The islands of the Northern Sporades have so far been of little significance for international tourism. This makes them ideal for individualists looking for quiet and unspoiled Greek islands.

The starting point for island hopping in the Sporades is usually the island of Skiathos. There are several flights a week from Germany.

If you want to include a little mainland in your stay, it’s worth taking a direct flight to Athens or Thessaloniki. From here, you can take a bus or train to the port town of Volos. Ferries to the Northern Sporades depart from Volos.

Sporades route: Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos

→ Ideal starting point: Skiathos Island

We begin our Sporades island hopping on Skiathos. The island of Skiathos is elegant and beautiful, with gorgeous beaches and a lively main town. The Northern Sporades are particularly popular with sailors. You can spend at least 2-3 days on Skiathos during your Greek island hopping trip.

From Skiathos, we hop on to Skopelos. A beautiful island with a picture-perfect main town, Chora, characterized by pretty white houses with red roofs. In the hinterland, hidden monasteries and lush green nature await you. Scenes from the movie “Mamma Mia!” were also filmed on Skopelos.

After four to five days, continue on to the neighboring island of Alonissos (also Alonnisos). The island is a natural paradise and very popular with hikers. Turquoise blue bays invite you to swim and linger. You can plan to spend about 3-4 days here to visit the small neighboring islands on a day trip.

Skyros is the largest island in the Sporades, yet unknown to most international tourists. Unfortunately, there has been no ferry connection between Alonnisos and Skyros for several years.

You can currently only reach this insider tip of an island via the port town of Kymi on the opposite island of Euboea. In addition to beautiful beaches, Skyros offers photogenic old town streets and traditional handicrafts. The island even has its own horse breed, the Skyros pony. The perfect island for all nature and animal lovers who like it quiet even in the high season.

Ferries, rental cars, and accommodations on the Sporades

The Sporades islands are connected by numerous ferry companies. Starting points on the mainland are the port city of Volos, the port towns on the island of Euboea, and the coastal town of Ag. Konstantinos near Thermopylae.

Here is an overview of ferry companies in the Sporades:

• Seajets
• Aegean Flying Dolphins
• Sporades Lines (Petroula)
• Local ferry companies (e.g., Skyros Shipping, Olympian Ferries, Mantoudi Lines)

The spring/summer timetables for the Sporades are usually not available until the end of February for the current year. The fall timetable is usually not published before August.

We research and book possible ferry connections for our island hopping in the Sporades using the Ferryhopper* search portal. Here you can search for your desired route and check the prices of the individual ferries or book tickets:

➲ To the ferry search with Ferryhopper*

Taking a rental car on the ferry is usually prohibited by contract. We recommend renting a separate vehicle on each island. You can find suitable offers for the Sporades on Discover Cars*:

➲ To rental car offers for the islands*

There is a good selection of different accommodations on the Sporades islands. From simple studios to vacation apartments for families to luxurious apartments and boutique hotels, there is something for every type of vacation (links to Booking.com*):

➲ To hotels and studios on the islands*

Important information for your island hopping in Greece

Ferry connections for your island hopping

Enter your desired ferry connection in the search mask of our partner Ferryhopper (advertisement*). This allows you to check availability and prices for your island hopping directly:

Almost all ferry companies now send tickets to your specified email address after purchase or offer online check-in with downloadable tickets.

With some shipping companies, you may have to pick up your ferry tickets from a sales partner at the port of departure. After purchasing your ticket, you will receive a booking confirmation with all the important information.

Tour operators or car rental companies are usually the official partners of the ferry companies. Of course, you can also buy ferry tickets for your island hopping in Greece directly here. Ticket prices are usually identical online and at the agencies (Central Agency).

Costs for island hopping in Greece

The most important costs for island hopping in Greece are basically made up of three main factors:

1. Duration and time of your trip (number of weeks and season)
2. Number of islands to visit
3. Travel standard (budget, comfort, or luxury)

The costs for food and transport are at European levels, with the exception of a few exclusive islands (e.g. Mykonos and Santorini). As a general rule, the more remote the islands, the more authentic and, in some cases, cheaper island hopping in Greece is.

Please note that the island hopping routes are our personal suggestions. We cannot guarantee that the prices quoted are the same everywhere in Greece. Below is a price example for island hopping on non-touristy islands.

→ 14 days of island hopping for two people in June:

• Ferry tickets (3 islands): 200 euros
• Accommodation (comfort): 980 euros (14 days at 70 euros per night)
• Meals (dinner only): 560 euros (14 days at 40 euros per dinner)
• Transportation (rental car): 400 euros (10 days at 40 euros per day)
• Total cost: 2,140 euros (excluding flights, meals, excursions)

How much do ferries cost in Greece?

Ferry tickets in Greece are not subject to major price fluctuations. Ferry prices are usually similar in the low and high seasons. Prices on the internet do not differ from those at the port. There are only price differences between the individual ferry companies.

Ferry tickets for large car ferries

As a rule of thumb for a single ferry ticket: 1 hour of travel time costs approx. 10 euros (2 hours = approx. 20 euros, 3 hours = approx. 30 euros, etc.). For travel times of six hours or more, the prices do not increase as much. For long crossings, e.g., from Piraeus to Rhodes (17 hours), tickets are available from €90 (without a cabin).

However, ferry prices vary from island to island. Single trips to the islands are also available for €8 to €10. You should also include the return trip to the island of departure in your calculation. You can usually reach the first island by plane, and from there you can usually fly back to Germany.

Tickets for speedboats and catamarans

The much faster catamarans are more expensive than the slightly slower and larger car ferries. But of course, you’ll get from A to B much faster. On average, you can expect to pay at least 30% more.

For example, the crossing from Rhodes to Patmos takes about 7.5 hours on the large ferry and costs about €36 per person. By speedboat, the trip takes only 4.5 hours, but costs at least €54.

➲ Find cheap ferry tickets on Ferryhopper*

Example of an island hopping route with 3 islands
(each about 1 hour apart)

• 2 ferry crossings (e.g., Mykonos-Naxos-Paros): approximately $60
• Return trip to the starting island (Paros-Mykonos): approx. 54 euros
• Total cost: approx. 114 euros (ferry tickets for one person)

How much does accommodation cost in Greece?

If you have the opportunity, you should avoid the high season in Greece. Between mid-July and early September, some Greek islands can become extremely hectic and crowded.

With temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius, it’s not only the hottest time of the year, but prices also rise to dizzying heights. On many islands, almost all accommodations are fully booked during this time.

→ Accommodation for your island hopping can be found here: Hotels & Studios on Booking.com*

The cost of accommodation for island hopping depends primarily on your travel time and also on your travel standards. For example, we stayed in an apartment in Mykonos in January for 60 euros per night, which costs ten times as much per night in summer.

Below, we have listed approximate costs for budget, comfort, and luxury travel styles as examples. We have listed room prices in Greece for two people in a double room without meals.

Travel standard Budget – Twin room with bathroom, little comfort, simple furnishings

• Low season (October to May): 25 – 45 euros per night
• High season (June to September): 50 – 80 euros per night
• Hostels from 15 euros per night

Travel standard Comfort
– Double room with bathroom, good comfort, modern facilities

• Low season (October to May): 50 – 80 euros per night
• High season (June to September): €80–120 per night

Travel standard
:
luxury
– superior room or suite with bathroom, high level of comfort, luxurious amenities

• Low season (October to May): 90 – 120 euros per night
• High season (June to September): over 150 euros per night

Meals during island hopping

As Greece uses the euro, restaurant prices are in line with the European average. Compared to restaurant prices in Germany, Greece is slightly cheaper on average. However, there are sometimes considerable differences in price levels between the individual Greek islands.

On less touristy islands or in places such as mountain villages, you can expect to pay around 25 to 30 euros (for two people) for a hearty meal of typical Greek cuisine, including wine. On a popular island or in a tourist hotspot, the same meal can cost over 50 euros or more.

Supermarket prices for packaged food and cosmetics, on the other hand, are slightly more expensive than in Germany due to transport costs. Local seasonal fruit and vegetables are an exception. These are usually cheaper because they are grown locally.

→ Cost example Tavern prices:

Tavern in a tourist hotspot

• Water 1.5L from €3
• Beer 0.33L from €5
• House wine 0.5L from €9
• Greek salad from €12
• Moussaka from €14

Tavern away from the tourist areas

• Water 1.5L from €1.50
• Beer 0.33L from €3.50
• House wine 0.5L from €6
• Greek salad from €8
• Moussaka from €10

Getting around and transportation on the islands

Even if you hop from island to island by ferry, you will need a vehicle once you arrive. Some islands also have inexpensive buses that will take you from A to B, but the timetables and departure times are not always reliable.

Bus service on the larger islands works very well and usually costs only a few euros. However, you will be most flexible if you always rent a scooter or quad bike at the island’s port, or a rental car depending on your luggage.

Almost always, the longer you rent your vehicle, the cheaper the daily rate. You can get a scooter for 20 euros per day. For three days or more, you may only pay 15 euros per day. The same applies to rental cars, which you can book cheaply on comparison websites such as Billiger-Mietwagen or Discover Cars.

Daily rates for a small car start at €30 (high season from €50). You can get a good bargain on long-term rentals. Friendly negotiation always helps and is never considered rude by (small) car rental companies.

Excursions on the Greek islands

There is so much to discover on the Greek islands! Most activities are very affordable and often even free. Beaches, hikes, and city trips only require a suitable means of transportation.

Tour operators offer excursions (e.g., jeep safaris) away from the crowds. Sailing trips along the coast are also popular. We like to use the GetYourGuide* portal to book guided tours on the islands:

➲ Overview of the most beautiful excursions*

→ We have compiled the most popular excursions and guided tours on the following islands:

• Mykonos excursions
• Kos excursions
• Crete excursions
• Rhodes excursions
• Santorini excursions

You should expect to pay a few euros for visiting historical sites and boat trips. Museums and archaeological sites usually cost between €3 and €12. Organized bus and boat trips cost between €20 and €50 per person, depending on their duration.

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FAQ Island hopping in Greece

When is the best time for island hopping in Greece?

The ideal time for island hopping is from May to June and September to October. During these months, the islands are not overcrowded, prices are moderate, and the weather is pleasant. July and August are peak season, which means the ferries are full, prices are high, and temperatures are around 40 degrees Celsius. We personally love May and September!

How many islands should you visit when island hopping?

Less is often more! We recommend planning at least 3 to 4 days per island. Two weeks is perfect for exploring three or four islands. This gives you enough time to really explore each island and means you don’t have to pack your bags all the time. Intensive is better than rushed.

How much does island hopping in Greece cost per person?

For 14 days, you can expect to pay around €1,000–1,500 per person (excluding flights). This includes ferries (€100–150), accommodation (€500–700), food (€300–400), and car rental (€200–250). On party islands such as Mykonos or Santorini, prices can be extremely high.

Do I have to book ferry tickets for island hopping in advance?

During the high season (July/August) and on public holidays such as Easter or Assumption Day (August 15), you should definitely book ferry tickets online in advance. In the low season, you can often buy tickets directly at the port. We book with “Ferryhopper” because it allows you to easily compare all connections.

Which Greek islands are best for island hopping?

The most popular are the Cyclades (Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Milos). This is because there are good ferry connections and the islands are very diverse. The Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos, Symi, Patmos) is also great for island hopping. The Ionian Islands (Lefkada, Kefalonia, Zakynthos) are perfect for those traveling with their own car or motorhome. If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet, we can recommend the North Aegean (Samos, Ikaria, Chios).

Which island hopping route for 10 days in Greece?

We recommend exploring 3 islands in depth rather than rushing through many. If you’re looking for a solid island hopping trip, we can recommend a trip from Mykonos (3 days) via Naxos (4 days) to Santorini (3 days) in the Cyclades. Or in the Dodecanese: Rhodes (4 days) – Symi (2 days) – Kos (4 days).

Greece: Island hopping in 2 weeks, what can I see?

In two weeks, you can explore 3-4 islands. If we were to choose the Cyclades, we would do the following: We would spend three days on Paros, then four days on Naxos, three days on Amorgos, and four days on Santorini. Another option is the West Cyclades route: Sifnos (3 days) – Milos (4 days) – Folegandros (3 days) – Serifos (3 days) or in the Dodecanese: Kos (4 days) – Kalymnos (3 days) – Leros (3 days) – Patmos (4 days).

Island hopping in Greece for 3 weeks – which route is ideal?

With 21 days, you can really immerse yourself in the Greek island world! We recommend 5 to 6 islands, with 3 to 4 days per island. Here is a really great route for the Cyclades: Mykonos (3 days) – Paros (5 days) – Naxos (5 days) – Amorgos (5 days) – Small Cyclades (4 days) Or you can combine several island groups: Athens (1 day) – Santorini (4 days) – Naxos (5 days) – Paros (3 days) – Rhodes (4 days) – Symi (2 days) – Kos (2 days).

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