Island Hopping in Greece: Where to Go and What to Know

Island hopping through Greece isn’t just a trip—it’s a full-sensory experience of ancient ruins, crystal-blue waters, sun-drenched beaches, and whitewashed villages that tumble down cliff sides. Thanks to a web of high-speed ferries and classic sea routes, embarking on this dream journey is more accessible than ever. Here’s how to plan the kind of Greek getaway that postcards envy. 

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Mykonos

Mykonos is one of the most popular islands in the country and is easily accessible from Athens by ferry. It's dubbed the St. Tropez of Greece. In just a few hours, you’ll arrive at the port filled and disembark into a vision of white Cycladic houses and maze-like alleys designed to confuse pirates, and now Instagrammers. 

This island, like so many, has stunning beaches on different parts of the island. Some of the most popular are: 

• Glyfadi: A peaceful cove ideal for lowkey sunbathing. 

• Psarou: This is where the private jet touches down. Lavish beach clubs and yacht-dotted horizons await. 

• Kalafatis: A windsurfing paradise, where the Aegean breeze puts on a show. 

Whether you enjoy swimming, windsurfing, or simply sunbathing, there’s a beach for every interest in Mykonos. 

Of course, no trip to this island is complete without experiencing the nightlife. At night, the island completely transforms. Think beach bonfires, cocktails with a sunset backdrop, and dancing under the stars with partygoers from around the world at legendary clubs like Scorpios and Cavo Paradiso. 

Naxos and Paros

From Mykonos, you can hop on a ferry and stop in Naxos and Paros, two nearby islands that offer the quintessential Greek Island experience but with fewer crowds. Both islands gift you with unspoiled beaches, traditional cuisine, and a sense that time has forgotten to rush. 

In Naxos, wander past ancient marble ruins like the Portara (Temple of Apollo), sip ouzo in sleepy harbors, and explore fertile valleys filled with citrus groves and Byzantine churches. 

Paros offers a balance of style and soul. In Naoussa, fishermen untangle their nets as the harbor hums with lively tavernas and boutiques. Inland, Lefkes enchants with cobblestone lanes and panoramic views of the sea. 

Santorini

Next stop, Santorini, where mythology and magic intertwine.  

Every year, thousands of people make the trip to see the magical sunset across the caldera, as the sky and sea reflect shades of pink, orange, blue, and red. The two main towns, Oia and Fira, are on top of cliffs and offer great vantage points to take it all in. 

But there’s far more to Santorini than its famous view. Visit Red Beach, where crimson cliffs tower over a shoreline of volcanic pebbles. The beach’s unique color comes directly from the eruption that shaped the island thousands of years ago. For a deeper dive into history, explore the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri, an archaeological site preserved under volcanic ash. Wander through paved streets, multi-story buildings and frescoes that echo a lost world. 

If you’re looking for adventure, hike from Fira to Oia along the caldera rim for panoramic views. Or take a boat out to Nea Kameni, the black lava islet at the center of the ancient volcano, where you can hike to the crater and swim in nearby hot springs. Back in Fira, shop for handcrafted jewelry and ceramics at local boutiques. Make shopping easy by ordering euros from Currency Exchange International before your trip and having them delivered right to your door. Then wind down your day with a wine tasting at a cliffside vineyard. Santorini’s volcanic soil produces distinctive white wines like Assyrtiko, crisp and perfect with local seafood.  

Crete

Crete is the largest Greek island and an excellent last stop on your tour. You can take a conventional or high-speed ferry from Santorini and be there in a few hours. It has several villages, but the two biggest are Heraklion and Chania.  

One thing you cannot miss is Knossos Palace, near Heraklion, the remains of King Minos and the mythical Minotaur from Greek legends. In Chania you’ll find colorful Venetian architecture that lines the old harbor as the narrow alleys are filled with the scent of grilled herbs and freshly baked bread.  

Crete is also quite famous for its local cuisine, so have fun trying authentic dishes and delicious wine in different restaurants and traditional tavernas in the villages. 

You’ll find signature dishes like dakos, which is sort of like a Greek bruschetta. It’s a crisp barley rusk topped with chopped tomatoes, feta and oregano, drizzled with golden Cretan olive oil. You also must try the lamb tsigariasto, a dish that is slow cooked in a rich garlic and wine sauce and really brings out the flavor of the lamb itself. Or you can savor a plate of kalitsounia, a traditional Cretan delight, a delicate cheese-filled pastry served sweet or savory.  In the villages, meals are a way of life. Dining is slow, generous and deeply rooted in tradition.

Whether you're sipping mountain herb tea with fresh honey or enjoying a seafood feast along the coast, the flavors of Crete tell stories as old as the island itself. 

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