Planning your first trip island hopping in Greece can be tough. You’ll find many beautiful islands, each with its unique appeal.
To pick the best one, consider the time of year, travel options, and top island picks found in different guides. These factors will help you start well on your exploration.
The best times to visit Greek islands are from April to mid-June and September to October. The weather is perfect, not too hot, with temperatures between 24°C and 28°C1. Plus, these months are less crowded, meaning you can enjoy the islands’ beauty in peace.
Getting to Greece is easy with many international flights. The main airports are in Athens, Heraklion, Thessaloniki, and others1. Once you’re in Greece, getting to the islands is simple. You can take a ferry, with rides that take between 45 minutes to 2 hours1.
Remember, it’s wise to buy your ferry tickets a day before or 10 days early during holidays1.
Many people rent ATVs, motorbikes, or cars to explore the Greek islands2. This gives you the freedom to see their hidden spots at your pace.
Now, let’s look at some top Greek islands. Santorini is perfect for romance, with its stunning views and stylish hotels2. Mykonos is a party island with great nightlife and beautiful beaches that draw big crowds every summer2.
For less hustle, try Milos. It’s calm, with unique beaches and local foods2. Ios, on the other hand, has beautiful beaches, Greek towns, and a lively nightlife, appealing to younger visitors2.
Your best island start depends on what you like. Greece has options for romance, nightlife, family fun, and water sports3. With something for everyone, Greece is ready to welcome you.
In the following parts, we’ll look closer at the best times to visit Greece and top islands for hopping. Finally, we’ll share tips to make your Greek adventure truly memorable.
Best Time to Visit Greece and How to Get There
The best time to visit Greece is from April to mid-June and then again from September to October. You will find warm, pleasant weather. This makes it perfect to explore Greece and its beautiful islands. During these months, beaches are less crowded. This means you can relax and enjoy the sun without a lot of people around. Island-hopping is great between May and October4. The seas are calm, and the weather is good for outdoor fun.
If you like a lot of people around, visit from mid-June to mid-September. But remember, July and August are very busy in Greece, with lots of tourists4. For a quieter and cheaper trip, pick September. School holidays are over, and you can find better prices for flying and staying in hotels4.
March, April, and October are great for seeing Greece’s ancient sites. The weather is cooler, and there are fewer tourists4. If you want to visit Athens and see its ancient places and museums, November to March is a good time. Entrance fees are cheaper then4.
By late October, weather changes start in Greece. The seas may get rough, hotels might be harder to find, and it starts getting colder4. In Athens, November’s average high is about 65°F. December gets a bit colder, around 58.46°F. There’s about 65mm of rain in December
Most people come to Greece by plane. Athens, Heraklion, and Thessaloniki have major airports. There are many flights from around the world to Athens. From Europe, you can also drive or take a train or coach. You will see beautiful views and explore new places on the way to Greece4.
Traveling to Greece is exciting. When you get there, you’ll see the stunning islands and rich history of the mainland. Whether you like quiet times or enjoy busy seasons, Greece welcomes all travelers4.
Best Greek Islands for Island Hopping
When island hopping in Greece, many beautiful islands await you. They offer a mix of experiences. Some top picks are:
Santorini:
Santorini is known for its beautiful sunsets. The island has white houses and blue roofs. Don’t miss its volcanic beaches like the Red Beach. It’s perfect for a romantic trip. You can enjoy luxury stays, great food, and fun nights out. The city of Akrotiri shares the island’s deep history.
Mykonos:
Mykonos is famous for its parties and beaches. It’s lively and draws people from all over. You’ll find pretty narrow streets and windmills too. The island is a favorite of the upscale crowd. Mykonos offers luxury places to stay, shops, and restaurants.
Paros:
Paros attracts many types of visitors. It has beautiful beaches and old villages. Its capital, Parikia, is full of charm. Naoussa is a lively village with a great nightlife. The island is also a hot spot for water sports.
Ios:
Ios is a favorite for its beaches and nightlife. It’s relaxed and draws a young crowd. The island also has ancient history to explore. It’s a great place to party or relax.
Island hopping in Greece is a journey through beauty. Discover places like Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and Ios. Make memories that will stay with you forever.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Greek island to start with is up to you. It all depends on what you like. Paros is famous for its ancient marble at Olympia. Party lovers enjoy Mykonos. Corfu is special for its old town. Each island has its own charm.
The best time to visit is from May to October8. Santorini has beautiful views and sunsets. Naxos is big with lots to see and great beaches. Families will love the activities on the islands. But, prices for stay and food can vary a lot. Make sure you plan your budget well8.
Plan your trip carefully. Give yourself time to see everything. Make sure to visit the lovely beaches at Paros. And don’t forget about Ios. It’s a quiet place with less people and beautiful spots8. The Greek islands have something for everyone. You’re sure to make great memories.
Source Links
- Greek Island Hopping 101: short beginner’s guide
- The Greek Islands: How To Choose Which Ones To Visit – Find Us Lost
- Which Greek Islands Should I Visit? (2024 Update)
- Best time to visit to Greece
- Island Hopping in Greece – How to get around the Greek Islands
- Everything you need to know about island-hopping in Greece
- 5 Greek Islands We Recommend for Extended Island Hopping
- Cyclades Island hopping in Greece – The Ultimate 3-week Itinerary – Sun Chasing Travelers
