Greek Island Hopping: Three Easy 7-Day Routes

Island hopping is one of the great pleasures of a Greek holiday. Ferries link the islands with remarkable regularity, and a week is long enough to sample two or three very different places without rushing. The trick is to keep your route short and logical, so you spend more time swimming, eating and wandering and less time waiting at ports. Below are three routes that work well for first-time visitors, each built around a simple sequence of neighbouring islands.

Route One: The Classic Cyclades Sampler

The Cyclades are the postcard Greece most people picture: whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches and sunsets that draw crowds every evening. A good first route combines Santorini, Milos and Paros, or swaps one of them for Naxos if you prefer greener landscapes and less nightlife.

Start with two or three nights on Santorini. The caldera views from Fira and Oia are spectacular, though the villages can be very busy at sunset, so consider staying a little away from the main viewpoints and walking in early or late. Santorini's black and red sand beaches, such as Kamari and Perissa, are a useful contrast to the cliffs above.

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From Santorini, take a ferry to Milos, which has some of the most varied coastline in the Cyclades. Kleftiko, reached by boat from Milos port, is famous for its sea caves and turquoise water, and the fishing village of Klima is charming to wander. Milos is also an easy place to eat well, with fresh fish tavernas near the harbour.

Finish on Paros, which is larger, greener and more relaxed than many of its neighbours. Naoussa, its old fishing harbour, is one of the prettiest spots in the islands, and Paros makes an excellent base for day trips to Antiparos by short ferry. Ferry frequency varies by season, so check locally before you commit to a particular sailing.

Route Two: Ionian Calm and Green Hills

If you prefer lush scenery, quieter coves and a slower pace, the Ionian islands are an excellent choice. Their Venetian and British influences show in the architecture, and their cooking is distinctive, with more baked dishes and rich sauces than you find further east. This route links Corfu, Paxos and Lefkada, a combination that suits travellers who enjoy driving and beach-hopping.

Begin on Corfu, the most cosmopolitan of the group. The Old Town, a UNESCO-listed warren of arcades and churches, is worth a full morning, and the north and west coasts offer some of the greenest and most dramatic swimming in Greece. Corfu also has a strong tradition of local dishes such as pastitsada, a slow-cooked meat stew, so look for it on taverna menus.

Next, take a short ferry to Paxos, a tiny island where the pace is gentle and the water is famously clear. Gaios is the main harbour town. Paxos is best enjoyed simply: rent a boat or join an excursion to the nearby sea caves and the Antipaxos coves, and linger over an evening meal by the water.

End on Lefkada, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge and therefore reachable by car. Its west coast beaches, including Porto Katsiki and Egremni, are among the most celebrated in the Ionian, though the cliff paths down to them are steep, so wear sturdy shoes. Lefkada is also a convenient place to pick up onward transport to the mainland or other islands.

Route Three: Aegean Variety from Athens

For a route that starts and ends near the capital, try the Saronic Gulf islands. Aegina, Hydra and Spetses are all within easy reach of Athens, and their ferries are frequent, which makes them ideal for a short trip with a lot of variety. Hydra bans cars and is famous for its harbour, while Spetses has elegant mansions and pine-shaded beaches.

Start with a couple of nights on Aegina, the closest and most practical stop. Aegina is known for its pistachios, and the island has a relaxed seaside atmosphere that makes a gentle introduction to island life. From there, continue to Hydra, where you can spend a day or two walking the rocky paths, swimming from the harbour rocks and eating grilled seafood. Donkeys still carry luggage through the lanes, a memorable sight for many visitors.

Finish on Spetses, which is a short ferry ride from Hydra and noticeably greener. Bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are a pleasant way to get around, and the beaches on the south side are a good place to spend your last afternoon. Ferries back to Athens or to the Peloponnese are regular, though schedules change with the seasons, so check locally before booking.

Choosing the Right Route for You

• Choose the Cyclades if you want dramatic scenery, lively nightlife and iconic sunsets.
• Choose the Ionian if you prefer greenery, calm water and a more relaxed, family-friendly feel.
• Choose the Saronic islands if you are short on time and want to start or end in Athens.

Practical Tips for Island Hopping

• Book ferries in advance during July and August, when the most popular sailings fill quickly.
• Allow a travel day between islands, as ferries can be slower than they look on a map.
• Pack light: many island ports and village streets involve stairs and cobbles.
• Check schedules, fares and sailing days locally, as they change by season and weather can cause cancellations.
• Carry some cash for small tavernas and beach facilities, though most places also accept cards.
• Try local specialities on every island, from fresh grilled fish to regional cheeses and wines.