Wake up each morning to a new island view. The sun rises over sparkling blue seas as your boat gently rocks in a serene bay. This is island hopping - one of the best ways to see multiple islands on one holiday.
What Is Island Hopping?
Island hopping is a journey in which you visit several islands on one holiday, usually by boat. It's a travel style where you move from island to island, spending time on each before continuing to the next. It's essentially a road trip by water. It's popular in Greece because the islands are close to each other, making it easy to visit multiple destinations in one trip.
"Island hopping lets you visit lots of different places without the hassle of airports or ferries," says Anna Petridis, who runs Greek island holidays for 15 years. "You only unpack once on your boat and your accommodation follows you."
The Greek islands are among the world's best island-hopping destinations. With over 200 islands to island-hop to, you will never have time enough. Here are some of the reasons why so many people like to explore this way:
- You'll see a lot of islands on one trip
- Your "hotel" accompanies you - no unpacking and packing
- You visit beaches and coves that regular land tourists can't
- Every day offers new scenery and adventures
- You determine your own pace and itinerary
Mark Thompson, blogger for SailingGreece.com, comments: "After a decade of island hopping in Greece, I still discover new secret treasures. Each island is different, with its own personality, cuisine, and customs."
Is Island Hopping a Good Idea?
Yes, island hopping is a good idea. It's perfect for curious travelers who want variety instead of staying in one place. You'll experience multiple islands, beaches, and cultures in a single trip. With island hopping, you can wake up to new scenery every morning while only unpacking once.
It offers excellent value compared to traditional single-destination holidays. It's appropriate for:
- Friends traveling as a group
- Couples in search of romantic scenery
- Families in need of safe adventures
- Individual travelers who need to meet other people
- Photography enthusiasts who desire diverse landscapes
Island-hopping for a week will be about the same price as staying in a good hotel, but with much more diversity. Budget or luxury options are available to fit your budget.
Was island hopping a good idea historically? Absolutely, and it remains so today. Island hopping provides excellent value for money and you can choose from budget-friendly options to ultra-luxury experiences depending on your preferences.
Best Islands in Greece to Hop
The Greek islands are divided into different groups. Each offers something unique:
Cyclades Islands
These are the blue and white world-famous islands like Santorini and Mykonos. They're close by, making them perfect for island-hopping. Don't miss:
- Santorini for stunning sunsets and volcano views
- Mykonos for beautiful beaches and nightlife
- Paros for historic villages and water sports
- Naxos for welcoming beaches and ancient ruins
- Milos for colorful beaches and unique rock formations
Dodecanese Islands
Off the coast of Turkey, these islands have a mix of Greek and Turkish influences:
- Rhodes for lively towns and medieval history
- Kos for long beaches and ancient ruins
- Symi island for colorful harbor scenery and tranquil bays
- Patmos for religious history and tranquil ambiance
Ionian Islands
On Greece's west coast, these islands are greener and offer alternative views:
- Corfu for Venetian buildings and olive groves
- Zakynthos for the famous Shipwreck Beach
- Kefalonia for wild mountains and crystal waters
When to Island Hop
May-June are the best months for Greek islands yacht charter tours:
- May-June: Mild but not hot, less crowd, low prices
- July-August: Hottest weather, everything on offer, high season
- September-October: Warm, calm seas, fewer tourists
Athens Sailing Adventures' Captain Nikos Mavros says: "June or September is best. You can swim in warm water, and you won't have August crowds."
Choosing Your Boat
You have a couple of options for island-hopping:
- Sailing yacht: Best for authentic experience and smaller groups
- Motor yacht: Faster travel between islands, more luxury
- Catamaran: Stable, spacious, good for families and those prone to seasickness
- Gulet boat: Traditional wooden boats with lots of deck space
"For first-timers, I suggest a skippered catamaran," says Maria Koroneos, yacht charter expert. "They're stable, spacious, and you've got a captain to handle navigation so you can relax and enjoy the islands."
A Typical Day Island Hopping
Morning:
- Wake up with ocean vistas
- Breakfast on deck
- Swim stop at a secluded cove
- Sail to a new island (2-3 hours)
Afternoon:
- Anchor near a new island
- Lunch onboard or at a local taverna
- Explore the island, visit beaches, or see ancient sites
- Shop for local products or relax
Evening:
- Watch the sunset from your boat
- Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant
- Return to your boat or enjoy local nightlife
- Sleep in the stars or in your cabin
Top Trip Tips
- Travel light: No space on boats. Use soft bags, not hard suitcases.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, and light clothes are essentials.
- Be prepared for motion: In case you are prone to seasickness, take medication.
- Budget for extras: Some holidays include food, others not. Check before booking.
- Learn a few Greek words: Locals will appreciate the effort.
Island Hopping Routes
For a 7-day holiday, these routes are good:
Cyclades Classic Route:
- Day 1: Athens → Kea
- Day 2: Kea → Syros
- Day 3: Syros → Mykonos
- Day 4: Mykonos → Paros
- Day 5: Paros → Ios
- Day 6: Ios → Santorini
- Day 7: Discover Santorini
Dodecanese Discovery:
- Day 1: Rhodes → Symi
- Day 2: Symi → Tilos
- Day 3: Tilos → Nisyros
- Day 4: Nisyros → Kos
- Day 5: Kos → Leros
- Day 6: Leros → Patmos
- Day 7: Patmos → Lipsi → Patmos
Elena Papadaki, who has island-hopped among these islands over 50 times, says this: "The Cyclades suffer from strong winds during summer but the Dodecanese is usually quiet to sail. The newcomers tend to prefer the Dodecanese on that account."
Island Hopping with Kids
Island hopping is adored by families as it merges adventure with safety. Kids like:
- Snorkeling in transparent waters
- Visiting new beaches on a daily basis
- Understanding sailing
- Seeing dolphins and sea creatures
- Discovering tiny villages
The most secure boats for families are catamarans or large yachts with safety nets. Consider a family yacht charter that includes water toys and child-friendly equipment.
What to Eat When Island Hopping
One of the joys of island hopping is to enjoy fresh local food on each island:
- Fresh seafood and fish caught in the morning
- Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta
- Local cheeses which vary from island to island
- Island specialties like Santorini's tomato fritters or Symi's shrimp
"Each Greek island is different in food specialties," says Chef Dimitris Kostalas, who conducts cooking classes on some islands. "The same dish is tasted differently on each island due to local ingredients."
Costs and Budgeting
Island hopping costs vary significantly:
- Budget: Shared yacht charter (from €700/person/week)
- Mid-range: Yacht skippered (from €2,500/week for the yacht)
- Luxury: Crewed yacht with full facilities (from €10,000/week)
Other expenses are:
- Marina fees (€20-100/night based on size and location)
- Fuel (€200-500/week depending on distance traveled)
- Food and drinks (€30-50/person/day)
- Activities and entrance fees
Conclusion
Island hopping offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. You'll have more in one trip than most tourists experience in multiple visits. The island-hopping experience of visiting beautiful islands, discovering hidden beaches, and experiencing Greek culture will be etched in your memory forever.
As Captain Yannis, a veteran Greek sailor, says: "The islands have existed for thousands of years. When you come by boat, you see them as the ancient Greeks saw them. There's no better way to feel part of this special place."
Whether you choose the world-renowned white islands of the Cyclades or the ancient Dodecanese off the coast of Turkey, island hopping will present you with the best of Greece - one island at a time.
References
- Rick Steves Travel - "Greek Island-Hopping Basics" https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/greek-island-hopping-basics
- Lonely Planet - "Island-hopping in Greece: everything you need to know" https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/tips-greece-island-hopping
- Yacht Sailing - "Safety Tips for Sailing in Greece" https://yachtsailing.com/blog/articles/safety-sailing-greece/
- Road Scholar - "Island Hopping in Greece" https://www.roadscholar.org/find-an-adventure/20916/The-Best-of-Greece-Island-Hopping-in-the-Aegean
I have over ten years of experience in luxury yacht charters. I focus on creating amazing sailing experiences along the Turkish Riviera. As the CEO of De Yachting since 2010, I have managed many successful charters. I know Turkey's most beautiful coastal spots very well.
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