Greece, the birthplace of democracy and philosophy, beckons travellers with its ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, and turquoise waters. Beyond these, the true beauty and essence of Greece lies in its islands.
What’s alluring is that each island boasts its personality and charm, something that will surely blow your mind. Planning an island hopping might involve taking a ferry from Milos to Santorini or the island of your choice.
If you want to optimize the island-hopping experience in Greece, it makes sense that you need to plan things ahead of time.
When Should You Go?
One of the most important aspects of island hopping in Greece is deciding when you should plan the trip. This enables you to secure the best deals when it comes to your travel itinerary.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Shoulder Seasons (May-June & September-October): Shoulder seasons offer the best balance. The weather is warm and sunny, with fewer crowds and slightly lower prices.
- Peak Season (July-August): Brace yourself for throngs of tourists and scorching temperatures. However, the islands come alive with vibrant energy, and the Aegean Sea is at its calmest.
- Off-Season (November-April): While many islands become quieter with some ferries stopping service, this is the time for budget travellers and those seeking solitude.
What is an Ideal Island Itinerary?
Greece, as we mentioned, has a variety of islands, each catering to the likes and dislikes of people across the world. If you are considering making that deep dive into exploring one of these islands, you have to plan things ahead of time.
With 6000+ islands, choosing one can be a challenge. However, having a proper itinerary ensures that you aren’t left in the dark, confused about what to do next.
Here’s a breakdown of the main category of islands:
- The Cyclades
This quintessential island group includes Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, and Ios. Renowned for their whitewashed houses, blue domes, and vibrant nightlife (especially Mykonos), they offer a classic Greek island experience.
- The Dodecanese
Further east lie Rhodes, Kos, and Symi. These islands boast a rich history influenced by the Ottomans and Italians, with Rhodes being a particular highlight for its medieval old town.
- The Ionian Islands
Off the mainland’s west coast, Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos, and Zakynthos offer lush greenery, Venetian architecture, and stunning beaches.
Depending on your preferences, budget, likes and dislikes, you can choose an island of your liking and then sort out an itinerary that best aligns with your interests. We’d typically recommend that you take your time to adjust to the local culture and traditions if you wish to make the most out of the experience.
Some factors that you should consider when crafting your itinerary are:
- What kind of experiences are you craving? For example, if you want a happening nightlife, Mykonos is a great option. If you want something aesthetic, Santorini is a pleasant experience. If you want pristine beaches, Zakynthos is a great choice.
- Another factor is the ferry travel times between the islands. The journey time is a factor that you should keep into consideration.
- Lastly, decide on the logistics as in the starting and the ending point of your trip. This enables you to plan things a lot better as well.
How to Island Hop in Greece on a Budget?
When you are planning for a vacation, there are high chances that you have a set budget that you have to work around. If the budget is tight, it’s ideal to look into travelling during the shoulder or off-season.
Besides that, we’d recommend you take the following into account:
- Choose budget-friendly islands: Opt for islands like Naxos or Amorgos instead of pricier Santorini or Mykonos.
- Utilize local ferries: While slower, conventional ferries are significantly cheaper than high-speed options.
- Explore local eats: Skip tourist traps and seek out tavernas serving delicious and affordable Greek cuisine.
- Take advantage of free activities: Hiking, swimming in hidden coves, and exploring charming villages are all free to enjoy.
At the end of the day, it is about the kind of experiences that you get to explore when you are travelling to Greece on a budget.
Closing Thoughts
Greek islands are a treat and just as special as you must have read about them in books or seen in movies. If you have been planning your trip, the key is to prioritize a well-curated plan for your trip. Bookaway helps you schedule your bookings and simplify the way you travel through the varying Greek islands with ease. Deciding the time of your travel also helps you secure the bookings for Santorini to Mykonos ferry or other islands that you might be travelling to.
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