How to Travel Greece: Your Ultimate Island Guide

Planning a Greek adventure? How To Travel Greece effectively involves navigating a diverse range of islands, each offering unique experiences. At TRAVELS.EDU.VN, we help you discover the best Greek island getaways, from vibrant nightlife to serene beaches, and luxurious hotels to budget-friendly options. We aim to deliver extraordinary Greek travel experiences, covering topics like island hopping, transportation, accommodation, activities and tours.

1. Understanding the Greek Islands: An Overview

Greece has over 200 inhabited islands (and about 6,000 islands and islets in total), divided into several island groups, each with distinct characteristics. Knowing these groups is key to planning how to travel Greece:

Cyclades: Iconic white-and-blue architecture, popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini.
Crete: The largest island, with diverse landscapes and rich history.
Saronic Gulf Islands: Close to Athens, offering scenic and accessible escapes.
Ionian Islands: Lush greenery, Venetian architecture, and unique culture.
Sporades Islands: Green islands with pine forests, known from “Mamma Mia”.
Northeast Aegean Islands: Close to Turkey, with incredible beaches and natural wonders.
Dodecanese Islands: Rich in history, Crusader castles, and diverse landscapes.

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Caption: Explore Crete’s picturesque harbors and stunning coastlines.

2. Planning Your Island Hopping Adventure

2.1. Transportation Options

How to travel Greece often involves island hopping, and there are several transportation options to consider:

Flights: Many islands have airports, but not all have international terminals. Aegean Airlines and other domestic carriers connect the islands to Athens and each other.
Ferries: The most common way to travel between islands. Seajets is a popular high-speed ferry in the Cyclades. Greek Ferries aggregates options for all ferry operators.
Rental Cars: You can rent a car in Athens or on the islands and take it on the ferry, but it’s usually easier to rent directly on each island. Make sure to have an international driver’s license.

2.2. Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Greek islands is during the shoulder seasons:

May, June, and late September: Ideal weather, fewer crowds.
Mid-June to mid-September: High season with more ferry routes, flight options, and open establishments, but also higher prices and more tourists.
November to March: Off-season, some islands get very quiet. Crete is warmest year-round.

2.3. Creating Your Itinerary

When planning how to travel Greece, focus on one island group to simplify logistics. Here’s a sample itinerary:

Cyclades: Start with Mykonos or Santorini for iconic views and experiences.
Crete: Dedicate your trip to exploring this large and diverse island.
Saronic Gulf Islands: Quick and easy access from Athens.
Ionian Islands: Discover lush landscapes and unique culture.
Sporades Islands: Experience the “Mamma Mia” vibe with green scenery.
Northeast Aegean Islands: Explore unique beaches and historical sites.
Dodecanese Islands: Visit Rhodes and Kos, and smaller, quieter islands.

3. Discovering the Cyclades: Mykonos, Santorini, and Beyond

The Cyclades are a must-see for first-time visitors, famous for their white-and-blue architecture.

3.1. Mykonos: Nightlife and Beaches

Mykonos is known for its vibrant nightlife and beaches.

Activities: Explore the Cycladic village with windmills, visit iconic clubs like Scorpios and Super Paradise Beach Club.
Accommodation: The Wild Hotel by Interni offers a luxurious boutique atmosphere with a private beach. Kalesma Mykonos has suites with private infinity-edge pools.

3.2. Santorini: Romance and Luxury

Santorini is perfect for honeymooners, offering romantic and luxurious experiences.

Activities: Visit wineries like Venetsanos and Santo, sail around the islands with Sunset Oia Cruises.
Accommodation: Andronis Luxury Suites in Oia, Andronis Concept Wellness Resort, and Grace Hotel in Imerovigli. Santorini Sky in Pyrgos offers a unique old-town experience.

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Caption: Experience the iconic beauty of Santorini with its dramatic cliffs and blue waters.

3.3. Alternative Islands in the Cyclades

For quieter options, consider:

Milos: Known for otherworldly beaches and sea caves.
Tinos: Famous for the Church of the Virgin Mary.
Lesser Cyclades (Koufonisia, Donousa, Schinoussa, and Iraklia): Great for camping.
Naxos and Syros: Larger islands with less tourism.

4. Crete: A World of Its Own

Crete, the largest Greek island, offers a diverse range of experiences.

4.1. Getting Around Crete

Airports: Two main airports make Crete easily accessible from Athens.
Rental Car: Essential for exploring the island; it takes about six hours to drive from end to end.

4.2. Activities and Attractions

Beaches: Elafonissi (pink sand), Elounda (five-star beach clubs).
Hiking: Samaria Gorge, mountain villages.
Historical Sites: Knossos Palace (Minoan ruins).
Wineries: Boutari Winery.
Day Trip: Spinalonga (former leper colony).

4.3. Where to Stay in Crete

Elounda: Elounda Mare (Relais & Chateaux), Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa.
Heraklion: Amirandes (family-friendly beachfront resort).
Rethymno: Kapsaliana Village Hotel (18th-century olive oil mill), Casa Delfino (17th-century mansion).

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Caption: Discover the tranquil beauty of Agia Peladia on Crete.

5. Saronic Gulf Islands: A Quick Escape from Athens

The Saronic Gulf Islands are the closest to Athens, ideal for a short trip.

5.1. Island Highlights

Hydra: Car-free, scenic, the “Nantucket of Greece.”
Spetses: Green pine trees, yachts, horse-drawn carriages.
Poros: Family-friendly, tree-shaded beaches.
Aegina: Sandy beaches, Temple of Aphaia.

5.2. Transportation

Hydrofoils from Piraeus (Athens) provide easy access to these islands.

5.3. Accommodation

Hydra: Cotommatae.
Spetses: Orloff Resort, Poseidonion Grand Hotel.
Poros: Sto Roloi, Sirene Blue Luxury Beach Resort.
Aegina: Villa rentals through Five Star Greece.

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Caption: Explore the car-free island of Hydra, known for its scenic beauty and historic architecture.

6. Ionian Islands: Lush and Green Landscapes

The Ionian Islands offer a unique blend of culture, music, and architecture.

6.1. Key Islands

Corfu: UNESCO-protected Old Town.
Paxos: Olive trees, charming bays.
Kefalonia: One of the most beautiful places in Greece, semi-wild horses.
Zakynthos: Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), blue caves.
Lefkada: Woodland villages, great beaches.
Ithaka: Undiscovered, home of Odysseus.
Kythera: Cycladic-like, easily reached from the Peloponnese.

6.2. Transportation

Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Kythera have airports with domestic and international flights.

6.3. Accommodation

Corfu: Grecotel Corfu Imperial, Pelecas Country Club, Angsana Corfu.
Kefalonia: Tesoro Blu, Emelisse Nature Resort.
Ithaka: Perantzada.
Paxos: Agali Hotel Paxos, Paxos Club Resort & Spa.
Zakynthos: Porto Zante Villas & Spa, Nobelos.

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Caption: Discover the unique landscapes of Corfu with rocky cliffs.

7. Sporades Islands: The “Mamma Mia” Experience

The Sporades Islands, known from the movie “Mamma Mia,” offer green landscapes and sandy beaches.

7.1. Island Highlights

Skiathos: Gold-sand beaches, nightlife.
Skopelos: White pebble coves, monasteries.
Alonissos: National Marine Park, fishing, bird-watching.
Skyros: Ceramics, local crafts, Venetian castle.

7.2. Transportation

Fly to Skiathos and Skyros from Athens. Ferries connect the islands and Thessaloniki.

7.3. Activities

Sailing, swimming, mountain biking, sea kayaking, and hiking. Visit the beaches: Ambelakia (Skiathos), Kalamitsa (Skyros), Hovolo (Skopelos). Explore the National Marine Park.

7.4. Accommodation

Alonissos: Poikilma Villas.
Skiathos: Atrium Hotel.
Skopelos: Adrina Resort & Spa.

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Caption: Relax on the serene Tzortzi Gialos Beach.

8. Northeast Aegean Islands: Close to Turkey

The Northeast Aegean Islands are known for their incredible beaches and natural wonders.

8.1. Key Islands

Ikaria: Thermal springs.
Samos: Archaeological sites, beaches.
Lemnos: Volcanic rocks, sand dunes, water sports.
Lesvos: Petrified forest.
Chios: Unique history and culture.

8.2. Transportation

Lemnos, Lesvos, and Samos have international airports. Chios and Ikaria have domestic ones. Ferries from Piraeus connect to these islands.

8.3. Activities and Attractions

Visit the Temple of Hera on Samos, the acropolis on Thassos, and the ancient city of Ifestia on Lemnos. Water sports on Keros Beach (Lemnos), swimming at Seitani coves (Samos), Kipos beach (Samothrace), Seychelles (Ikaria), and Vatera (Lesvos).

8.4. Accommodation

Chios: Argentikon Luxury Suites.
Samos: Armonia Bay Hotel.
Ikaria: Toxotis Villas.
Lemnos: Surf Club Limnos (luxury safari tent).

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Caption: Enjoy the charm of Pythagorion harbor on Samos.

9. Dodecanese Islands: History and Adventure

The Dodecanese Islands offer a mix of history, culture, and adventure.

9.1. Key Islands

Rhodes: Walled city, Crusader castles, ancient synagogue.
Kos: Beaches, historical sites.
Astypalaia: Hilltop Chora, one of the prettiest villages in Greece.
Karpathos: Hiking, windsurfing.
Leros: World War II wrecks for scuba diving.

9.2. Transportation

Rhodes and Kos have international airports. Astypalaia, Kalymnos, and Karpathos have domestic flights. Ferries from Piraeus serve all 12 main islands.

9.3. Activities and Attractions

Explore the walled city of Rhodes, the acropolis in Lindos, and the mansions of Kasos. Hike or windsurf in Karpathos, scuba dive in Leros.

9.4. Accommodation

Rhodes: Melenos Lindos.
Astypalaia: Pylaia Boutique Hotel & Spa.
Patmos: The Petra.

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Caption: Discover the historical Acropolis of Lindos on Rhodes.

10. Sample Itineraries for Exploring Greece

Here are a few sample itineraries to help you plan how to travel Greece effectively:

Itinerary 1: Cycladic Charm (7 Days)

Day 1-3: Santorini – Explore Oia, Imerovigli, visit wineries, and enjoy caldera views.
Day 4-6: Mykonos – Experience the nightlife, relax on the beaches, and explore Mykonos Town.
Day 7: Travel back to Athens.

Itinerary 2: Cretan Adventure (10 Days)

Day 1-3: Heraklion – Visit Knossos Palace, explore the city.
Day 4-5: Elounda – Relax on the beaches, visit Spinalonga.
Day 6-7: Rethymno – Explore the Venetian town, visit historic sites.
Day 8-10: Chania – Wander through the old town, hike in the Samaria Gorge.

Itinerary 3: Ionian Exploration (7 Days)

Day 1-3: Corfu – Explore the Old Town, relax on the beaches.
Day 4-5: Kefalonia – Visit Myrtos Beach, explore Fiscardo.
Day 6-7: Zakynthos – Visit Navagio Beach, swim in the blue caves.

Itinerary 4: Saronic Escape (5 Days)

Day 1: Athens – Arrive in Athens, explore the city.
Day 2: Hydra – Visit Hydra, explore the car-free island.
Day 3: Spetses – Discover Spetses, relax on the beaches.
Day 4: Aegina – Explore Aegina, visit the Temple of Aphaia.
Day 5: Return to Athens.

11. Travel Tips for Greece

Learn Basic Greek Phrases: Locals appreciate the effort.
Try Local Cuisine: Sample dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood.
Stay Hydrated: Especially during the summer months.
Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Bargain at Markets: It’s common to negotiate prices.
Be Aware of Scams: Watch out for overpriced taxis and tourist traps.

12. Essential Packing List for Your Greek Island Trip

Light Clothing: Linen, cotton, and breathable fabrics.
Swimwear: Multiple sets for beach days.
Sunscreen: High SPF to protect from the strong sun.
Hat and Sunglasses: To shield yourself from the sun.
Comfortable Shoes: For walking and hiking.
Sandals: For the beach.
Travel Adapter: Greece uses European-style plugs.
First-Aid Kit: With essentials like pain relievers and bandages.
Insect Repellent: To ward off mosquitoes.

13. FAQs about Traveling in Greece

Q1: What is the best way to get around the Greek Islands?

Ferries are the most common way to travel between the islands. Flights are also an option, especially for longer distances.

Q2: Do I need a visa to visit Greece?

If you are a citizen of the US, Canada, Australia, or the EU, you do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.

Q3: What is the currency in Greece?

The currency in Greece is the Euro (€).

Q4: What is the local language in Greece?

The local language is Greek, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Q5: Are credit cards widely accepted in Greece?

Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller establishments and markets.

Q6: What is the tipping etiquette in Greece?

Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. A tip of 5-10% is common in restaurants and taxis.

Q7: Is it safe to drink tap water in Greece?

It is generally safe to drink tap water in major cities, but bottled water is recommended on the islands.

Q8: What are some must-try Greek foods?

Moussaka, souvlaki, gyros, spanakopita, and fresh seafood are must-try dishes.

Q9: What is the best time to visit Greece for swimming?

The best time for swimming is from June to September when the sea temperatures are warmest.

Q10: Are there any cultural norms I should be aware of?

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and be respectful of local customs. Greeks are generally hospitable and appreciate politeness.

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