Updated: 2 October, 2024
All the transport options on how to get to the Greek islands, where to buy tickets at a good price and many tips.
The Greek islands are among the top Mediterranean destinations for travelers, thanks to their stunning landscapes with cliffs, crystal-clear waters, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals.
In this guide, I'll walk you through how to get to the Greek islands and go island hopping, ensuring you have an amazing vacation experience.
How to Get to the Greek islands?
If you're headed to the Greek islands, your main options for getting there are by ferry or catching a flight to some islands with airports.
Once you're there, hopping between nearby islands is easiest by ferry. But if you're looking to switch up island groups, flying is your best bet to save time and sometimes cash.
Down below, I'll fill you in on all the nitty-gritty details about getting to the Greek islands, moving between them, and even some fancier alternatives.
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Flying to the Greek Islands
1. Which Greek Islands have an Airport?
There are a total of 24 Greek islands with airports.
The key airports in the Greek islands are located in Corfu, Zakynthos, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Crete, which boasts 3 airports.
Down below, you can see the map with all the airports:
* To check the legend for each place, click the button in the top left corner of the map. To view this map on your phone or computer, tap the star on the right side of the title. Then go to Google Maps, select "Your Places" and "Maps" from the menu.
2. How to travel to the Greek islands from Europe? Are there inexpensive flights available?
The main Greek islands have direct flights from most European capitals and major cities, allowing you to bypass Athens.
The islands with the highest number of international flights include Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Mykonos.
Additionally, you can find some very affordable flights with several low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, Tui, Transavia, Vueling, and others.
Just keep in mind that some routes are only operational during peak season. 😉
If you're traveling from outside Europe, you'll have to make a stopover.
If you're looking for affordable flights to the Greek islands, I recommend using this website.
👍 Friend's tip: if you're looking to secure inexpensive flights, especially for travel in July or August, it's best to book tickets several months in advance.
3. Flights from Athens to the Greek Islands
Athens serves as the country's main airport, conveniently located just 20 km from the city.
I highly recommend this transfer from Athens airport to the city, which are typically more cost-effective than a taxi and provide the convenience of having your driver awaiting you with your name.
Numerous airlines operate out of Athens Airport, with the most popular Greek carriers including Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express.
Here are some additional details about flights departing from Athens:
- Frequency: Flights to the most popular Greek islands run daily during peak season; their frequency decreases afterward.
- Duration: Flight durations are generally short, typically lasting no more than an hour even for the more distant islands.
- Affordable flights from Athens to the Greek islands: While Sky Express is Greece's largest low-cost carrier, you can also find competitive fares with Aegean Airlines if you plan ahead. Additionally, several foreign budget airlines, such as Ryanair and Volotea, connect Athens to the islands.
- Prices: Flight prices can vary significantly depending on the season, so it's advisable to book in advance to secure the best deals. For example, flights from Athens to Santorini in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) may cost around 40 euros (44 USD) with advance booking, but prices can soar above 250 euros (272 USD) during peak season if booked at the last minute.
- Where to buy tickets: this searcher is a top choice for finding affordable flights to the Greek islands.
⭐ You may also be interested in this detailed article on How to Get from Athens to Santorini: ferry or plane.
How to get around the Greek islands by plane?
When it comes to getting around the Greek islands, especially if you're exploring different island groups, flying is your best bet.
On the map of the Greek islands below, you can check out the various island groups.
Here are some of the most popular direct flights between various Greek islands:
- Crete (Heraklion): to Santorini, Rhodes and Kos
- Mykonos: to Kos, Rhodes and Santorini
- Rhodes: to Kos, Samos and Crete
- Santorini: to Crete and Mykonos
- Zakynthos: to Corfu and Crete
After that, you'll notice that some smaller islands, such as Milos and Naxos, only have connections to Athens. On the other hand, Corfu Island offers flights solely to the mainland, including Athens.
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Traveling by Sea to the Greek Islands
1. Ferry to the Greek Islands
Ferries are one of the most popular ways to reach the Greek islands and travel between them, but there are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Distance between the Greek islands: Some islands are quite far apart, like Crete, so it might be worth considering other options such as flying to reach them.
- Types of boats: Not all boats are alike; you'll come across catamarans, which are fast, and larger boats that move at a slower pace. Therefore, sometimes, even for relatively short distances, the journey can take some time.
– Ferry Departure Ports from Athens to the Greek Islands
- Piraeus: Athens has a port that is Piraeus just 12 km from the city, easily accessible by metro. This is Greece's main port, so the options are quite extensive, with departures to most islands, including the most famous ones like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, and Zakynthos.
- Rafina: Another option is the Rafina port which is 30 km from the center of Athens and well connected by buses. Since travel time to get there depends on traffic, I advise you to leave with plenty of time. This port mainly has ferry departures to the Cyclades islands and the northern Aegean islands.
- Lavrio: Finally, there's the port of Lavrio, located 60 km from Athens, which you can reach by buses that take at least 1 hour. There are departures to several islands there, including some of the Cyclades.
I recommend this affordable and convenient transfer from Athens to Piraeus or the other ports.
– Island Hopping in Greece
Island hopping is a fantastic way to discover the neighboring Greek islands, thanks to their comfortable, reasonably priced, and highly efficient ferry services.
Additionally, for certain islands, the sole means of access is by boat.
The most popular island-hopping route in Greece takes you through the Cyclades, starting from Santorini and Mykonos, to visit Milos, Naxos, Paros, and other islands, each more beautiful than the last.
Keep in mind that island hopping ferries typically travel within the same island group, except for the most popular or important islands.
– 7 Ferry Travel Tips for Visiting the Greek Islands
1. Ferry Companies: Some of the most reputable ones include Blue Star Ferries, and SeaJets.
While riding a Blue Star ferry to the Greek islands offers a relaxed and romantic experience, SeaJets provide speedy arrivals with their catamarans and small boats.
2. Travel During Off-Peak Season: Keep in mind that some ferry routes operate with reduced frequency. It's wise to plan your trip in advance to avoid any unexpected surprises.
3. Arrive Promptly for Boarding: Be sure to arrive at the ferry terminal between 30 minutes and 1 hour before departure.
4. Bring Warm Clothing: Depending on the type of vessel and the region you're traveling in, you may experience chilly temperatures, so it's advisable to pack a light jacket or sweater.
5. Combat Motion Sickness: If you're susceptible to motion sickness, consider taking medication before your journey. Opt for a seat in the central area of the boat, particularly on catamarans, which tend to rock more
6. Book Tickets in Advance: During the year there is not much problem with ferry tickets, but in high season it is better that you buy your tickets in advance, they are usually available 3 or 4 months in advance.
7. Where to Purchase Tickets: The easiest way to buy tickets is through this ferry search engine or you can use the one provided below. This platform allow you to compare prices, schedules, and trip durations across all ferry companies.
Plus, they often offer discounts, especially for bookings made several weeks in advance.
2. Boat Rental
Renting a boat offers one of the most flexible ways to explore the Greek islands at your own pace.
In Greece, you'll find boat rentals at very reasonable prices and in excellent condition on the main islands, offering everything from motor yachts to sailboats and catamarans.
Another perk is that some boats can be rented without a license (depending on the type and size of the boat).
For instance, you can rent this boat in Santorini starting from 165 euros (180 USD) per day. It's a BlueWater 170, 5 meters in length, and can comfortably accommodate up to 6 people without requiring a boat license.
– Tips for Renting a Boat in Greece:
- Rent from reputable sites to avoid any issues. I recommend using this boat rental searcher for Greece, which partners with trusted providers available to assist you whenever needed.
- Check all the requirements before renting.
- Plan your sailing itinerary and keep an eye on the weather forecast in advance.
3. Cruise
Embarking on a cruise is another wonderful way to discover the Greek islands. The beauty of it is that you can explore multiple islands without any worries.
When you opt for a cruise around the Greek islands, you'll have both transportation and accommodation on the same ship. Additionally, you'll enjoy onboard meals, entertainment, various amenities like spa services, and other perks depending on the cruise.
Furthermore, some Greek island cruises include stops in Turkey, offering you the chance to visit another country.
– Tips for Enjoying a Cruise around Greece:
- The more flexible you can be, the better deals you'll find.
- To secure good prices and avoid crowds, consider traveling outside of peak season.
- Book in Advance: It's wise to book your Greek island cruises well in advance, as the most popular ones tend to sell out quickly.
- Use this cruise search engine to find affordable cruises from reputable cruise companies. The ones listed in the link are among the most popular, with prices starting from 46 euros (50 USD) per day.
- If it's within your budget, opt for a cabin with a view. Having a cabin with balcony or ocean views will enhance your experience.
4. Sailing Tour around the Greek Islands
A great alternative to cruises is sailing tours, where you can explore the islands at a more relaxed pace without arriving on a giant ship.
Sailing boats are quite small, with typically fewer than 12 spots available, but you'll have your own cabin. What's truly amazing about this exclusive experience is that it only costs slightly more than many cruises.
This is one of the most popular Cyclades sailing tours, with stops at Santorini, Mykonos, and several other islands.
How to Plan an Itinerary for the Greek Islands?
When planning your route through the Greek islands, consider the following:
- Stay flexible with your transportation options, whether by air or sea, as daily departures may not always be available depending on the season or the popularity of the island.
- Take into account the varying transportation times which can differ between flights and boats, as well as among different types of ferries.
- Explore the transportation choices available for traveling to the Greek islands. While many tourists only consider boats due to perceived expensive flights, this isn't always the case. You can find affordable flights here and ferries on this one.
- Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time..
- Lastly, consider the weather; winters in the Greek islands can be quite cold. You can find more information on this topic in an article about When to Travel to the Greek islands.
Here's a video of Santorini, and if you keep watching the playlist, you'll find more videos of Athens and the Greek islands.
Final Thoughts
These are all the available options for reaching the Greek islands to enjoy their breathtaking landscapes.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘
More about the Greek Islands and Greece
- Free Museum Entry Days in Athens and Greece
- What to see in Rhodes: 27 essentials
- 32 Surprising Facts About Greece
- How to Get to Athens from the Airport + Map
Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I’m a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler. I’m passionate about good food and always looking for new adventures.
Hello, how are you doing, I wanted some advice on a sailboat to recommend to visit the islands of Greece, thank you very much.
Hello Alejandro, everything is fine here 🙂 I hope you are well too.
Well, what I recommend is that you look into this search engine (it is the same one that I left a link above).
The boats are in good condition and the people who rent them are serious.
If you want to leave from Athens, it is best to leave from the Alimos marina.
There you find boats for less than 230 euros per day, such as this one from the link and you have the option of going with or without a skipper.
It is a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey, which I personally like very much, because they are very comfortable.
There are also other sailboats that are good like the Bénéteau Oceanis, it all depends on each person's tastes.
By the way, when comparing boats, look at the mandatory extras that each one charges. 😉
Another good option is to first look at which group of islands you want to visit and leave from one of them.
For example, in Santorini and Mykonos there is a wide range of boats, and the area of the Cyclades islands is very beautiful.