How difficult is it to island hop in Greece?

A bit of planning can definitely take you a long way. Deciding where you want to go and understanding the ferry schedules before you go will take the work out of your vacation. Having said that, Greece is known for its laid-back attitude, and it's worth emulating this while island-hopping.



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Is island hopping in Greece expensive? It depends on the duration of your trip and how much you're willing to spend, but generally it will be around 140-150 Euros per day for accommodation, food, transportation, and various activities included.

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Having your own car will give you the freedom to get off the beaten track and explore Greece at your own pace. The road network is decent, although there are few highways, so the going can be slow. Regular car-ferry services go to almost all islands, so a car is not an impediment to island-hopping.

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The 3 ports of Athens serve frequent ferry routes to many destinations. Most ferries to the Greek islands depart from the port of Piraeus, but there are also year-round routes from Lavrio and Rafina, making island-hopping trips from Athens easier than ever!

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The perfect Greek island hopping starting point for people is usually in Athens. It is typical to spend a few days, no more than 3, to see the Acropolis, shop, and eat traditional food.

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I have read over and over not to do the Hop on Hop off bus in Athens. We have used them in other cities, like Barcelona, where they are very useful. Athens is extremely walkable with most sites within an easy walk of each other. Plus traffic is bad and many of the sites are not accessible by cars or busses.

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You can book your ferry in Greece online (through a website or a mobile app) or buy them from a ticket office at the port. However, it's better to book your ferry tickets online as you avoid the long queues while also getting the best ferry price.

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Buses are the primary mode of transportation for intercity travel, serving both major cities and remote areas. Greek Ferries are essential for traveling between the mainland and Greek islands.

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Gavdos. Gavdos is the ideal destination for freedom and relaxation. You can explore the island by bike or on foot. Trails connect beaches and settlements, while in Tripiti, the southernmost tip of Europe with the famous chair, you can reach by hiking for about an hour or by boat.

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While the Greek islands are stunning at any time of year, aim to visit between Orthodox Easter (usually April) and the end of May, or from September to mid-October. During these times, services and amenities are up and running, temperatures are balmy and crowds are thinner.

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Ferries. The best method of Greek island hopping is by ferry. The travel time between them ranges from 45 minutes – 2 hours. Ferry tickets need to be bought in advance, at least 24 hours before departure.

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Not all Greek ferries sell out fast but if you're planning to take your vehicle aboard, book a cabin or get an early booking offer, it's better to book your ferry tickets in advance. Also, you should note that some Greek island ferries are seasonal with limited onboard seating.

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The ferry crossing from Athens to Santorini is approximately 5 hours on ferries servicing this route. Athens to Santorini ferry duration can range between 4 hours 45 minutes and 11 hours 50 minutes depending on the operator you are sailing with.

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The easiest – and cheapest – way to get around the Greek Islands is by taking the Greek ferries, which can cost as little as 7 Euros.

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