Island hopping in Greece might sound overwhelming at first. With the country having over 200 inhabited islands, it can be hard to know where to start! That’s why expertly planned tours are your best friend. Not only will you enjoy the gorgeous Greek islands, you’ll save yourself the hassle of researching ferries, booking accommodations on each island, and making sure you hit all the top attractions. Thus, leaving you to relax and create lasting memories with friends old and new.
Here are some tips and top tours to consider when planning your next adventure to Greece:
About the Greek Islands
Greece includes 6,000 islands and islets, which make up seven clusters in the Aegean and Ionian Seas. These clusters are: the Saronic Islands, Northern Sporades, Ionian Islands, Dodecanese Islands, Aegean Islands, Cyclades, and Cretan Islands.
The larger islands, such as Rhodes, have international airports. While a little over a dozen islands have national airports.
By far, the best way to travel through the Greek islands are ferries.
Tips
It’s important to note that if you are traveling during the off-season in Greece (November - March) the majority of ferries will be unavailable. However, if you are traveling on a pre-planned tour you won’t need to worry about that!
Since you are likely to be on a ferry or boat every day of your trip, you will want to prepare for potential sea sickness, which can affect even expert travelers. To combat sea sickness there are a variety of remedies, including sea sickness bracelets and lenses, and over the counter or prescription medicines.
Always remember sunscreen, as Greece is sunny year round and you will often be in direct sunlight.
Don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes! Many tours are done on foot, and you may want to explore the unique towns on your own.
You should pack according to your comfort, keeping in mind the Greek islands have your typical Mediterranean summer weather: hot and humid. Winters in Greece are mild, with average temperatures being 60ºF.
Top Tours
Relaxed Travel Style:
Spectacular Greece with Island Cruise This 11 day tour takes you to 10 different destinations, including Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes. You will experience a 4-night Aegean Sea cruise, a professional guide for sightseeing in Athens, Olympia, and Delphi, and accomodations at first class and deluxe hotels.
Yachting in Greece This 8 day yacht tour of the Aegean coast takes you through 8 different destinations including Santorini, Naxos, and Mykonos. You will experience several swimming stops, professionally guided sightseeing, and spectacular views.
Greece Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands This 10 day yacht tour of the Cyclades takes you to 9 different destinations including Amorgos, Mykonos, and Sifnos. You will experience the local way of life, a local guide for the duration of the tour, and several swimming stops along the way.
Mixed Travel Style:
9 Day Story of Greece This tour of Greece splits time in Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. You will experience sightseeing in Athens, professionally guided and private tours of Mykonos, and wine tasting in Santorini.
Walking on the Greek Islands This 8 day tour takes you to the islands of Naxos, Santorini, and Paros. You will experience a professional guide for the duration of the tour, sightseeing in Athens, and a trek through the lush valley of Tragea.
Athens to Santorini This 8 day tour takes you on stops to Syros, Delos, and Mykonos before arriving in Santorini. You will experience professionally guided tours, swimming and snorkeling in the Aegean Sea, and beautiful beaches.
More of a history buff? Check out our post on Traveling Through Ancient Greece!
