Island Hopping in Greece

Argo-Saronic Cluster of Greek Islands, in the Saronic Gulf near Athens.
Cyclades cluster, in the central part of the Aegean Sea.
North Aegean islands, off the west coast of Turkey.
Dodecanese cluster, in the southeast between Crete (Cretan cluster) and Turkey.
Sporades, off the coast of Euboea (Euboean cluster).
Ionian Islands, west of the mainland in the Ionian Sea.

Check out our list of islands (further down the page) grouped into the different clusters – it makes it super easy to do island hopping!

Crete and Euboea, the 2 largest Greek Islands

Why Create and Euboea islands do not fall into a cluster

Crete and Euboea are geographically substantial islands that are large and distinct enough to be considered individual regions rather than being part of a specific island cluster or group. Crete, being the largest of the Greek islands, is situated in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. As for Euboea, though close to the mainland, it’s the second-largest Greek island and is considered separate due to its size and location. While they aren’t grouped within a specific cluster like the Dodecanese or Cyclades, they do have their own unique characteristics and geographical significance.

For island hopping purposes it’s good to know that both Crete and Euboea are closest to the Cyclades island cluster. While Crete is situated to the south of the Cyclades, Euboea lies to the east of this island group in the Aegean Sea.

The Cyclades group includes famous islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Ios, Kythnos, Milos, Kea, Amorgos, Tinos, Paros, Naxos, and Andros.

Crete

Also known as Kriti, or Krete

Euboea

or Evia (Greek: Εύβοια, Evvoia, pronounced [ˈevia]; Ancient Greek: Εὔβοια, Eúboia, [eúboja])

Euboea island has it all. Like history, mythology, gastronomic delights, cocktail inspirations, coffee corners, the most gorgeous sunsets, promenades and villages to lose yourself in, museums, churches, monasteries, castles, fortresses, archeological sites and so much more. I can go on and on. (Lookout for a soon-to-be-published article on the beautiful Evia Island – Euboea – in the Aegean Sea)

Activities in Euboea, or Evia, include hiking in the Ochi or Dirfi (highest peak on the island with spectacular sea views) mountains. Of the 40 different and amazingly beautiful beaches along the coastline of this fabulous island, Kalamos beach, consisting of two bays, stands out to me. I love it for the combination of nature on the 2nd bay and then the 1st bay lined with cafeterias and restaurants.

Getting to Euboea

Euboea does not have an airport.

From Athens, the best and fastest way is to drive 55 km to Agia Marina. Then, there is a car ferry 3 times a week to Almiropotamos (about 35 minutes). The last leg to Euboea will take you around 50 minutes by car (42 km).

Travel Tip(s)

If you’re planning to hop between Greek islands, knowing about island groups helps you save money while enjoying awesome adventures. It’s like smart travel on a budget without missing out on amazing experiences.

Tinos

Tinos is known by worshipers as the spiritual heart of Greece. Therefore, a visit to Panagia Megalochari church is a must-do activity. This charming island is a perfect combination of picturesque villages, Cycladic dovecotes, stone-made houses, little squares, and churches.

Getting to Tinos

The nearest airport to Tinos is in Mykonos, namely Mykonos International Airport.

From the port of Piraeus or from Rafina port, it will take you between 4 to 5 hours by ferry. You can also reach Tinos from the port of Mykonos.

Wheelchair Accessible Beaches

Agios Romanos Beach

Mykonos

Milos

Milos is the typical ideal Greek island holiday. Spectacular beaches with the most amazing sunsets, white-washed villages, fascinating history, excellent Greek cuisine, and amazing people with good hearts! Forget about nightlife, here you have a proper city-escape.

Getting to Milos

Milos has a small airport. However, our suggestion is to take an early morning Sea Jet (about 4 to 5 hours cruise) from Athens to Milos. Coupled with a return journey combined and a stop-over (island-hopping) at one or two islands on your way to Athens makes for a stunning holiday experience.

Kea

Also known as Tzia

Kea’s location so near to Athens makes it a popular weekend getaway. Similarly, it’s a perfect day trip from Athens.

This beautiful unsung hidden gem has one of the best walking paths and trails systems of any Greek island. IN addition to that, Kea has a uniqueness of its own with its wild western slopes.

It’s not just the beautiful beaches they have, they also have olive groves, and oh yes, shipwrecks! Subsequently, scuba diving is a popular activity around the many shipwrecks submerged beside Kea.

Getting to Kea

Kea does not have an airport. Your shortest transfer (about 1 hour) from Athens is to buy a ferry ticket(s) from Lavrion port, Athens.

Amorgos

From Amorgos, you have plenty of ferries to choose from to visit more of Greece’s beautiful islands. For instance, Mykonos, Naxos, Syros, and many more.

The 1988 movie “The Big Blue” was filmed here. The island not only has fabulous beaches, but it also has mysterious caves and mind-blowing natural landscapes.

Getting to Amorgos

Amorgos does not have an airport. Therefore you need to book a ferry from Piraeus port in Athens to Amorgos. The island has 2 ports. Namely, Aegialis and Katapola.

Naxos

166 sq. miles / 429.8 sq. km, Cyclades

Kythnos

This mountainous island with its wild natural landscape is known for its stunning beaches, of which all are suitable for swimming. Loutra and Merihas have the most tourist facilities.

Also, beautiful traditional architecture and churches, narrow alleys, and the fact that it’s in close distance to Athens make this island a popular choice for tourists.

Getting to Kythnos

Kythnos does not have an airport. Book a transfer from Athens airport to Piraeus port, or to Lavrion port. In both options, the trip is about 45 minutes long. Then hop on a ferry to Kythnos. The duration of the ferry trip is about 3 hours.

Andros

Greek: Άνδρος, pronounced [ˈanðros]

Although Andros is the largest island of the Bahama Archipelago. The Bahama Archipelago consists of more than 700 islands and kind of overlooked by travelers. Andros is a lovely quiet island, and not at all touristy; one of the most authentic and untouched islands.

The island is known for its rich network (from 150 km to 300 km) of hiking trails, in many cases, paved. You can’t miss the signposts for the various hiking trails, starting out from the center of the town. There is no shortage of variety on Andros’ hiking trails. For instance, explore beautiful mountainous villages, or secluded beaches, or forgotten chapels, amazing waterfalls, to name but a few.

Three beaches immediately come to mind as absolutely stunning, and they are Vitali Beach, Zorkos Beach, and Achla Beach. That said, just as nice are Chrissi Ammos Beach, Fellos Beach, and Agios Beach. Agios Beach has a lovely seaside tavern. Most bars and clubs have a lounge atmosphere, which is a welcome change from the usual loudness of bars and clubs.

Ormos beach is great for windsurfing.

Getting to Andros

Andros does not have an airport. Book a ferry from Rafina port (take note, not from Piraeus port), Athens. From Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” it will take you about 30 minutes by bus to Rafina port. The ferry ride is about 2 hours, making it an ideal weekend getaway from Athens in Greece.

Paros

With its crystal-clear waters, charming villages, and sun-kissed beaches, Paros is a slice of paradise waiting to be explored. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, indulge in delicious Greek cuisine, and soak up the laid-back island vibes. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Paros has something for everyone. Dive into the turquoise sea, explore ancient ruins, or simply unwind with a cocktail as you watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea.

Getting to Paros

To get to Paros Island, you have a couple of options. Paros has an airport called Paros National Airport (PAS). You can fly there directly from Athens International Airport (ATH) or other airports in Greece. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Athens’ Piraeus port or other nearby islands like Mykonos or Santorini. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and usually takes around 4-5 hours depending on the type of ferry you choose.