Island Hopping in Greece

The ‘Cyclades Islands’ are located south-east of mainland Greece. The name of the island group refers to the islands that ‘circle’ the sacred island of Delos. Whilst Mykonos and Santorini are by far the most popular islands within this group, the lesser-known islands should not be ignored. Most of the Cycladic islands are peaks of mountainous land that are now submerged under the Aegean Sea, and the islands of Santorini and Milos are volcanic. Given the islands’ geology, most of their terrain is hilly and therefore offers some incredible panoramic vistas. You can fly directly to Mykonos or Santorini, where there are excellent connections to the other islands. Alternatively, from Athens, there are domestic flight connections to the islands of Milos, Syros, Mykonos and Santorini.

Andros
Kea
Kythnos
Milos
Mykonos
Naxos
Paros
Santorini
Syros
Tinos

The ‘Dodecanese Islands’ are situated in the south-easternmost region of the Aegean Sea. The most well-known and popular islands within this group include Rhodes, Kos, Patmos and Leros, with Kalymnos, Symi and Astypalea offering excellent island-hopping opportunities on quieter islands. Given the islands’ proximity to Turkey, there is a history of Ottoman, Turkish, and even Roman rule, with influences from this rich history evident on the islands today. The most convenient way to explore the Dodecanese islands is to fly to Rhodes or Kos, where you will be able to visit the other islands by ferry.

Astypalaia
Kalymnos
Kos
Leros
Patmos
Rhodos
Symi

Unlike most of Greece’s islands, the ‘Ionian Islands’ are located to the west of mainland Greece. As the Ionian islands do not offer regular ferry services between each other & are also inaccessible to Greece’s other islands by ferry, they are not known for island hopping, despite these islands being very popular in their own right. To explore the Ionian islands, it is best to fly to Corfu, Zakynthos or Kefalonia. There are fewer ferry links to the other Ionian islands, with many routes being indirect.

Corfu
Kephalonia
Ithaca
Kythira
Lefkada
Paxos
Zakynthos

The Saronic Islands, sometimes referred to as the Argo-Saronic Islands, are named after the Saronic Gulf and Argolic Gulf, both of which are formed by mainland Greece, in which the islands are situated. The most popular island is Aegina, while the island of Hydra is renowned for its no-motor-vehicle policy and its beauty, which attracts and inspires artists and poets. Given the islands’ proximity and convenience to the mainland, as well as one of Athens’ main ports, Piraeus, these islands are popular with holidaymakers staying on the mainland, as well as mainland locals. Daily ferries from Athens make visiting the Saronic islands very easy.

Aegina
Agistri
Dokos
Hydra
Poros
Salamina
Spetses

The Sporades Islands are a beautiful group of islands located in the northwest Aegean Sea, off the eastern coast of Greece. This archipelago comprises 24 islands, but only four, Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, and Skyros, are inhabited. Skiathos is popular for its sandy beaches and lively nightlife, while Skopelos and Alonissos are known for their pine forests and traditional charm. Skyros, the largest, boasts rich folklore and the unique Skyrian pony. With easy access from Volos and Agios Konstantinos, the Sporades are a favoured destination for both locals and visitors, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Skiathos
Skopelos
Alonissos
Skyros

The North-East Aegean Islands, also known as the North Aegean Islands, are a dispersed group of Greek islands situated in the northeastern Aegean Sea, near the coast of Asia Minor. Major islands include Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria, Limnos, Thassos, and Samothrace. Lesvos, the largest island, is famous for its olive groves and the town of Molyvos. Chios is renowned for its medieval mastic villages, and Samos is celebrated for its lush landscapes, which are associated with Pythagoras. Ikaria is recognised for its residents’ longevity and relaxed lifestyle. Although farther from Athens than other island groups, the North-East Aegean Islands are well-connected by ferries from Piraeus and Rafina, as well as by domestic flights. Their unspoiled landscapes and rich cultural history attract travellers seeking a more authentic Greek island experience.

Chios
Ikaria
Lemnos
Lesvos
Samos
Thassos