Island hopping in Greece

Comprising more than 6,000 islands, Greece has become synonymous with unforgettable island-hopping adventures, where locals and tourists alike travel between the archipelago by ferry. 

Planning your own island-hopping escape? Read on to discover everything you need to know – from how the country's ferry network works to practical tips and potential itineraries.

Contents

• The benefits of island hopping
• How the ferry network works in Greece
• How to plan your island-hopping adventure
• Practical tips for island hopping
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
• Island hopping itineraries
• Ferry routes between Greece and neighbouring countries

The benefits of island hopping

• Convenience: Booking ferry crossings is quick and easy, even at short notice or on the same day, especially via our website or the Direct Ferries app, where you can manage all your journeys in one place.
• Extensive connections: While only the larger Greek islands have airports, the ferry network links almost all islands together, giving you far greater freedom to explore multiple destinations in a single trip.
• Flexible travel: Ferry travel offers a lot more flexibility than flying. You can usually bring more luggage than you can on flights, travel with your pet, and even take your own vehicle, allowing you to explore each island how you wish.

How the ferry network works in Greece

As many of the Greek islands are only accessible by ferry, Greece has one of the most extensive ferry networks in Europe. As a result, ferries play a vital role in connecting the mainland with the islands, as well as linking the islands to one another.

Broadly speaking, there are two main types of ferry services:

• Conventional ferries: These are the classic, larger vessels, typically used on longer routes. They generally offer greater comfort and more onboard facilities, such as restaurants, lounges and cabins. In most cases, you can also take your vehicle and pets on board.
• High-speed ferries and hydrofoils: These are smaller vessels designed for faster journeys. They are often used on popular routes or for shorter journeys that are well suited to a day trips.

You can find a complete overview of all connections on our Greece page.

The main port cities

Some of Greece’s largest cities serve as key transport hubs, from which you can embark on day trips or begin your island-hopping adventure.

• Athens, with its three ports: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio
• Thessaloniki
• Igoumenitsa
• Patras

The archipelagos

Many of the Greek Islands are grouped into specific archipelagos, which sit relatively close to one another, which makes travelling between them easy. Although some islands have airports, ferries remain the primary mode of transport within and between these island groups.

• Cyclades (e.g. Mykonos, Santorini or Naxos)
• Dodecanese (e.g. Rhodes, Kos or Symi)
• Aegean Islands (e.g. Chios or Limnos)
• Ionian Islands (e.g. Corfu, Kefalonia or Zakynthos)
• Saronic Islands (e.g. Aegina or Hydra)
• Sporades (e.g. Skiathos and Skopelos)

There are also some Greek Islands don't belong to a specific group though, such as Crete, Samos, and Ikaria.

Ferry services between the islands run much more frequently during peak season (June to September). In winter, however, less popular routes may be reduced or temporarily suspended.

How to plan your island-hopping adventure

Planning an itinerary across several islands may sound complicated, but with a little preparation, it's actually quite straightforward:

When to book

If you're visiting Greece during the peak season, we recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance, especially for longer journeys or connections you don't want to miss. If your itinerary is fixed, it's a good idea to secure your tickets as early as possible, ideally when you find a good deal. However, if your plans are more flexible, just keep an eye on your preferred routes on our website and book once your travel dates are confirmed.

Itinerary planning

As a general rule, spending one or two nights on each island gives you enough time to explore without feeling rushed. Depending on the size of the island and the amount of things to do, you may want to stay longer. Of course, there’s no fixed rule and it all depends on your travel style. When planning your itinerary, remember that ferry travel takes more time than just the crossing itself - you'll usually need to be at the port a bit earlier and occasionally, strong winds can cause delays or cancellations, so allow extra time where possible.

Use our price finder or the Direct Ferries app

With the Direct Ferries price finder or app, you can search, compare, and book all your ferry crossings in one place – even if your itinerary includes multiple routes, different ferry operators, or separate outbound and return journeys.

Once booked, you can manage your trip via your personal account. There you'll find your digital tickets, along with all the key travel information you need, including check-in times, booking details, and the exact location of your departure terminal.

Practical tips for island hopping

• Stay flexible: Create a rough itinerary, but leave room for spontaneity. You might fall in love with an island and decide to stay longer, or discover a destination that wasn't on your original list thanks to a local recommendation.
• Keep an eye on the weather: Strong winds, particularly in the Cyclades, can sometimes cause ferry delays or cancellations. Alongside standard weather apps, maritime weather forecasts are often a better way to assess the situation.
• Pack light: If you're moving between islands frequently, bulky luggage can be impractical. A backpack or compact suitcase will make travelling between ports, accommodation, and ferry terminals much easier.
• Choose realistic departure times: Avoid tight connections between ferry crossings. Allowing extra time between departures reduces stress and gives you more flexibility if plans change.
• Make use of local knowledge: It's worthwhile talking to travel agencies, port offices, or local residents as they can often recommend lesser-known islands, day trips, and experiences that don't appear in guidebooks.
• Consider overnight ferries: For longer journeys, an overnight ferry with a cabin can be a good option. You'll save on accommodation, make the most of your holiday time, and arrive at your destination refreshed the next morning.
• Choose the right time to travel: Summer is the peak season in Greece, when demand and prices are at their highest. To save money and avoid the crowds, consider travelling in the off-season. However, during this time, ferry timetables may be reduced or cancelled and some restaurants and hotels may close.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How does the ferry crossing work?

The ferries used for island hopping in Greece are essentially the same as those found elsewhere in the world. As mentioned, there are two main types: conventional ferries and high-speed ferries. Conventional ferries are larger, slower, and generally more comfortable. They offer a wider range of onboard facilities, often including restaurants, lounges, and cabins, making longer or overnight crossings a more enjoyable experience. Some also accommodate vehicles and pets. On the other hand, high-speed ferries are typically smaller, faster and have fewer onboard amenities, and are best suited to shorter journeys.

Can I bring a vehicle on board?

In most cases, yes. On many routes, you can travel with your car, motorcycle, and sometimes even motorhomes or caravans. Bicycles are often allowed too. Taking your own vehicle is popular, as it gives you greater flexibility when exploring the islands. When booking your ferry, you'll be able to see which vehicle types are accepted on your chosen route and reserve a space accordingly.

Are pets allowed on board?

Yes, pets are permitted on many ferry routes. Depending on the ferry operator and the length of the journey, animals can either stay in your vehicle or in designated areas on board. Our customer service team will be happy to provide further information on the conditions that apply to your chosen route.

How do I manage my booking? Do I need to print my ticket?

You can access your booking at any time via your personal customer account. There you will find all the important information, such as check-in times, digital tickets, and the exact terminal address. In most cases, a printout is not required and you'll just need to present your digital ticket along with a valid form of identification.

Island hopping itineraries

The Cyclades Islands (7–10 days)

Mykonos – Paros – Naxos – Santorini

This route begins in Athens, at the port of Piraeus. The city is easily accessible by air, with direct flights available from many UK cities, making it the ideal starting point for exploring the Cyclades. On this route you'll get to experience some of Greece's most popular island-hopping destinations.

First stop is Mykonos, an island famous for its glamorous nightlife and picture-perfect streets. From there, continue to Paros and Naxos, where you can enjoy traditional villages, beautiful beaches and authentic Greek hospitality. The route ends in Santorini, renowned for its whitewashed houses and incredible sunsets.

The Dodecanese Islands (10–14 days)

Rhodes – Symi – Kos – Patmos – Leros

Combining history, culture and natural beauty, the Dodecanese make a great choice for an island-hopping adventure. Start your trip in Athens and continue to Rhodes, the heart of the Dodecanese. The island is famous for its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its connection to the legendary Colossus of Rhodes.

From Rhodes, it's easy to continue to neighbouring islands such as Symi, which is just over an hour away by ferry and is famous for its colourful neoclassical architecture and crystal-clear waters. Further north, Kos combines a buzzing atmosphere with beautiful beaches and important archaeological sites, whilst Patmos is known for its spiritual significance. Leros offers the ideal end to a Dodecanese adventure with its laid-back villages, rich history and delicious culinary scene.

The Sporades Islands (5–7 days)

Skiathos – Skopelos – Alonnisos

With their lush green landscapes, turquoise waters and relaxing atmosphere, the Sporades feel like a world of their own. Skiathos has a small airport with direct flights from the UK or you can reach the island via seasonal ferry service from Thessaloniki (June to September).

Skiathos and Skopelos are so close together that you can easily visit both, regardless of where you choose to stay. Both were used as filming locations for the movie "Mamma Mia!", with Skopelos being the main setting. Alonnisos, on the other hand, is primarily known for its unspoilt natural beauty. The island lies in the heart of the National Marine Park, which helps protect rare wildlife, including the Mediterranean monk seal.

Ferry routes between Greece and neighbouring countries

Thanks to its strategic location, Greece is not only ideal for island hopping within its own archipelagos, but also offers a number of international ferry connections to neighbouring countries:

Ferries between Italy and Greece

There are a range of ferry routes between Italy and Greece, offering a convenient way to travel between the two countries. Depending on the route, crossings typically take between 6 and 30 hours, with ferries arriving at Greek ports such as Igoumenitsa. These routes are particularly popular with travellers who wish to bring their own vehicle, making it easy to continue exploring once you've arrived.

Ferries between Greece and Albania

Greece and Albania are connected by a short stretch of sea between Corfu and the Albanian port city of Saranda. With its vibrant atmosphere, historical sites and beaches nearby, Saranda is one of Albania's most popular destinations. If you're exploring the Ionian Islands, it's easy to include a day trip to Albania in your itinerary as the crossing only takes around 20-30 minutes.

Ferries between Greece and Turkey

Turkey is easy to reach by ferry from the Greek islands. The Turkish west coast lies just opposite the Dodecanese, making making short crossings particularly popular for day trips. One of the most popular routes is from Kos to Bodrum, which is ideal for a quick visit to the Turkish coast. Rhodes also offers convenient connections, including sailings to Fethiye and Marmaris, making it easy to combine both countries in a single trip.

Time to set sail: Discover the best of the Greek islands with Direct Ferries

With our guide, planning your next island-hopping adventure is easy. Use our price finder to explore routes, compare options, and book your journey with ease – then set sail and experience the Greek islands your way.