The Complete Greek Island Hopping Guide: How to Do the Greek Islands by Proximity
Greece isn’t one destination — it’s multiple island groups spread across different seas. The biggest mistake travellers make is picking islands based on popularity rather than location, which leads to long ferry days, flights, and wasted time.
This guide shows you every major Greek island group, the closest islands to visit together, and how to move between seas properly. Follow these routes and you’ll island hop Greece the smart way.
The Golden Rule of Greek Island Hopping
Never mix island groups unless you are flying.
Greek islands are divided into groups based on geography. Ferries mostly operate within these groups — not between them. If you want a smooth trip, you pick one group and follow its natural routes.
Where Most People Start:
Athens
Athens is the main gateway to Greece. From here, ferries depart to the Cyclades, Saronic Islands, and some Sporades, while flights connect you to every other island group.
ISLAND GROUP ROUTES
1. The Cyclades (Most Popular & Best Connected)
Why Choose This Group:
Whitewashed villages, blue domes, beaches, nightlife and culture — this is classic Greece.
The Ultimate Cyclades Route (All-in-One, Minimal Backtracking)
Athens → Syros → Mykonos → Paros → Naxos → Milos → Santorini
Where to Start
Start in Athens (Piraeus Port).
Syros
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) — 3.5–4 hours.
Elegant, authentic and relaxed — a great first stop before the busier islands.
Mykonos
Cost Rating: (5/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Syros — 45 minutes.
Famous for beach clubs, nightlife and cosmopolitan energy.
Paros
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Mykonos — 45 minutes–1 hour.
Charming villages, beautiful beaches and a lively but laid-back feel.
Naxos
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Paros — 30–45 minutes.
Great value with long sandy beaches, mountain villages and local culture.
Milos
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Naxos — 3–4 hours.
Dramatic landscapes and some of Greece’s most unique beaches.
Santorini
Cost Rating: (5/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Milos — 2–2.5 hours.
Iconic caldera views, cliffside towns and unforgettable sunsets — the perfect finale.
2. The Saronic Islands (Closest to Athens)
Why Choose This Group:
Perfect if you’re short on time or want minimal travel. These islands are all very close to Athens and ideal for short trips.
Athens → Aegina → Poros → Hydra → Spetses
Aegina
Cost Rating: (2/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) — 40 minutes.
Historic, easy-going and close to Athens — great for a first quick stop.
Poros
Cost Rating: (2/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Aegina — 1 hour.
Green and quiet, ideal for a peaceful day trip or overnight.
Hydra
Cost Rating: (4/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Poros — 30–45 minutes.
Car-free, chic and picturesque — a favorite for day trips from Athens or Poros.
Spetses
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Hydra — 1 hour.
Elegant, refined and full of character — perfect for relaxing at the end of the route.
3. The Ionian Islands (Lush & Green)
Why Choose This Group:
Italian-influenced culture, dramatic coastlines and crystal-clear waters make the Ionian Islands perfect for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts.
Corfu → Paxos → Lefkada → Kefalonia → Zakynthos
Corfu
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Flight from Athens or ferry from Igoumenitsa — varies by transport.
Cultural richness, lush greenery and lively old town. Great starting point with airports and ferries.
Paxos
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Corfu — 1–1.5 hours.
Small, boutique island known for quiet beaches and charming villages.
Lefkada
Cost Rating: (2/5)
Getting here: Ferry or drive from Paxos — 1.5–2 hours via Lefkada port.
Famous for stunning beaches and water sports, easily accessible by road via bridge from mainland.
Kefalonia
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Lefkada — 2–3 hours.
Spacious, scenic and perfect for beach-hopping and nature exploration.
Zakynthos
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Kefalonia — 1.5–2 hours.
Famous beaches, cliffs, and lively towns — best for relaxing at the end of the route.
4. The Dodecanese (History & Authentic Greece)
Why Choose This Group:
Less touristy, rich in history, and close to Turkey. Ideal for travelers seeking authentic Greek culture and picturesque medieval towns.
Rhodes → Symi → Kos → Kalymnos → Patmos
Rhodes
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Flight from Athens — 1 hour.
Historic old town, ancient ruins and sandy beaches — perfect starting point with major airport and ferry connections.
Symi
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Rhodes — 1–1.5 hours.
Small, colourful and calm, known for neoclassical architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
Kos
Cost Rating: (2/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Symi — 1.5–2 hours.
Relaxed, easy-going island with beaches and historical sites.
Kalymnos
Cost Rating: (2/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Kos — 30–45 minutes.
Adventure-focused island famous for rock climbing and diving.
Patmos
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Kalymnos — 1–1.5 hours.
Spiritual and serene, home of the Monastery of St. John and beautiful quiet beaches.
5. The Sporades (Green & Laid-Back)
Why Choose This Group:
Forested islands with crystal-clear waters and a relaxed vibe. Perfect for nature lovers and quieter trips.
Skiathos → Skopelos → Alonissos
Skiathos
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Flight from Athens — 45 minutes.
Famous for beautiful beaches and lively town — great for a starting point in the Sporades.
Skopelos
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Skiathos — 1–1.5 hours.
Green, charming and less crowded, ideal for relaxing and exploring nature.
Alonissos
Cost Rating: (2/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Skopelos — 30–45 minutes.
Quiet, natural, and perfect for peace and wildlife (National Marine Park).
6. The North Aegean Islands (Off-the-Beaten-Path)
Why Choose This Group:
Authentic, cultural and far less crowded — perfect for travelers seeking a truly Greek experience away from the tourist trail.
Lesvos → Chios → Samos → Ikaria
Lesvos
Cost Rating: (2/5)
Getting here: Flight from Athens — 1 hour.
Cultural, local and traditional — great for authentic experiences and olive oil tasting.
Chios
Cost Rating: (2/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Lesvos — 1.5–2 hours.
Medieval villages and unique mastiha heritage — quiet and charming.
Samos
Cost Rating: (3/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Chios — 2–3 hours.
Green, historic, with beautiful landscapes and beaches.
Ikaria
Cost Rating: (2/5)
Getting here: Ferry from Samos — 1–1.5 hours.
Famous for slow living, longevity and peaceful villages — ideal to unwind.
