North Star Travel Consulting may be somewhat biased, but in our extensive years of traveling, Greece has become one of our favorite destinations. Greece and its hundreds of islands have it all — from history, arts, culture, cuisine, warm and welcoming locals — and all surrounded by amazing beaches and warm seas bursting with life.
Skiathos Island
The Greek Islands are the simply one of the most wonderful destinations anywhere in the world. There’s something for everyone, and the key is finding the right island for your travelers. One can travel to Greece every year and never be at a loss for new place to explore, whether on the mainland or the islands.
When traveling to the Greek Islands the biggest decision to make is which islands and for how long?
Here are our tips to help decide:
1. To really know and get a feel for an island you should plan to spend at least 3 to 5 days there. The longer and more complicated it is to get to an island, consider making that the island to spend more time at. If it is your first island after an international flight add a day to help recover from jet lag.
2. On some islands you can arrive by air and others only by ferry. It’s a good idea to look at those islands that you can fly to as one of your first or last islands and add the others nearby that you can approach by ferry. Transferring by ferry is a fun outdoor day as most ferries have outside space and you can enjoy the Mediterranean, the sun and amazing weather while en-route to your next island. Additionally, an alternative is to have your last island an easy ferry ride to Athens in order to take your international flight home.
Here are the islands you can approach by air (via Athens or in some cases via London):
Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Crete, Rhodes; depending on the time you plan to spend in the islands, plan to use one or two of these as your base and use the ferry to add other islands in. All these islands have airports, although most flights between the islands require you to return to Athens. Since the service between islands is so limited the ideal is to start and end your island stay at an island that allows easy flights or a ferry back to Athens.
3. If you plan to start or end in one of the popular, mainstream islands with easy access to air, how do you decide which one?
Chania, Crete
Mykonos is one of the more upscale of the Greek islands; known as a party until dawn location. Mykonos has a wonderful array of sandy, golden beaches to watch a gorgeous sunrise or sunset or to swim in its beautiful waters. The island also offers sophisticated designer and local craft shops.
Santorini, a romantic honeymoon spot great for couples and newlyweds. The island is volcanic and the beaches are formed from the volcanic rock. A must see for many with picturesque villages and outstanding views whether from the cable car or on top of a donkey. It’s normally crowded in season and definitely worth visiting once but probably not a repeat location. You will see not see a more perfect sunset than those in Santorini.
Rhodes; full of historical sites and Turkey is a 1 hour hydrofoil ride away for a day visit. Rhodes appeals to all singles because it has great nightlife but also to families and the culturally minded. A big island with lots to explore all season long.
Crete, an island with something for everyone. Breathtaking beaches and glorious mountains plus Knossos, the oldest city in Europe which is saying something! Known for its local gastronomy, antiquities and sunshine. Great for hiking, bicycle riding and horse riding.
Corfu, a lush landscape and architecture to match. A wonderful island for families. Lots of character and it beats to music almost everywhere.
4. So choose your “base” and if you have the time choose two! Add a few smaller islands in between. The smaller islands are wonderful too and will provide an authentic Greek experience without the crowds. Below are some islands to consider adding with some guidance on what they’re famous for:
Alonissos, a green island with great camping and excellent for nature lovers. There is ferry access with the ports of Agios Konstantinos and Volos.
Amorgos, true open space and the bluest seas, an unspoiled beauty with great hiking. Try visiting the Hozoviotissa Monastery and take a ferry to or from Piraeus.
Andros for great hiking. Take ferries from the port of Rafina which is north east of Athens
Astypalea to escape the crowds. A ferry ride from Piraeus plus flights from Athens.
·Chios, a unique, off the beaten track island. Amazing seafood, cheese and above all the unique and aromatic mastiha natural gum! Flights from Athens and Thessaloniki
Delos for history and culture via a boat ride from Mykonos.
Folegandros. Authentic, bohemian and an easy ferry from Santorini.
Ikaria. A true blue zone, unexplored and slow paced with a majestic relief, thermal springs; famous for the longevity of its people. Ferry from Piraeus and Samos or fly to and from Athens.
Ithaki. A mythical retreat for lovers and loners. Flights to and from from Athens and the UK.
Hydra. Famous from the 1960’s and Michael Cohen's romance with Michelle. An easy day trip from Athens or via hydrofoil from Piraeus. Be sure to try the souvlaki at Pirofani restaurant.
Ios, an old hippy hangout with lots of hidden caves and bays. A regular ferry connection from Piraeus to the central Cyclades.
Lefkada, a watersports haven, good for sailors and surfers. It is one of the islands that you drive to.
Milos,a truly photogenic coastline, quiet and unspoiled. Flights from Athens and ferries from Piraeus and Crete.
Karpathos, a great example of traditional Greek island life. Flights from Athens and charters from elsewhere.
Kastellorizo, this island is a remote beauty close to Turkey, with unique architecture and a medieval castle. Not the best of beaches. Flights from Athens and Rhodes, the latter of which also provides a boat service.
Kefalonia, a real family island with a gorgeous coast, lakes and mountains. Flights from Athens and a ferry from Kyllini port, Peloponnese.
Kos; the birthplace of Hippocrates with a rich history for wellness. Flights from Athens and ferries from Piraeus and Rhodes.
Koufonissia for real peace and quiet via a ferry from Piraeus or an easy waterborne approach from Naxos.
Naxos, nice beaches with good sand and easy to combine with Santorini. Flights from Athens or a ferry from Piraeus.
Paros; lots of great restaurants with Meze (Greek tapas) and good beaches plus some nightlife. Easy access by ferry to Mykonos or Santorini. Flights from Athens.
Patmos; a stark gem with beautiful amazing villas and great mystique. A UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight ferry from Piraeus or a boat connection with Samos.
Paxoi, seclusion and sophistication. Flights from Athens and local ferries from Corfu.
Poros, close to Athens and with an amazing lemon forest. An easy ferry from Piraeus or a drive through Peloponnese.
Samos; another UNESCO World Heritage site with good biking trails and excellent local wine. Flights from Athens, ferries from Piraeus and a ferry connection with Lesbos and Chios.
Serifos, an island for nature lovers with access via ferry from Piraeus.
Sifnos for food and life, traditional villages and secluded beaches plus great pottery. Ferry access from Piraeus.
Skiathos; quiet and with good beaches plus hiking trails, great artisan shops and restaurants. Flights from Athens and ferries from Ag. Konstantinos and from the port of Volos.
Skopelos, the “Mamma Mia” island. Monasteries, rocky beaches and traditional architecture via an easy ferry from Skiathos.
Skyros for its jagged coastline, sea caves, beaches and seaside villages. A ferry from Kyme in Eubea or flights from Athens.
Syros for ancient culture. An easy ferry from Piraeus or flights from Athens.
Symi, a beautiful location for couples with lots of caves to explore. A picture- perfect island with stunning architecture. An easy ferry from Rhodes
Tinos; beautiful landscapes, traditional villages and tavernas. Be sure to try Tinian cheese and artichokes. An easy ferry from Rafina port or from Piraeus.
Zakynthos. Nice beaches and good for families plus watersports. A nesting site for turtles. Flights from Athens or a ferry from Kyllini port, Peloponnese.
So you decide and choose your off the beaten track island and include the mainstream island that is easiest for access. Or choose your mainstream island and add the islands that connect easily by ferry.
No matter what you choose, by choosing Greece you can’t go wrong. Let North Star Travel Consulting help you plan the perfect Greek getaway for your clients. We can help you with planning itineraries; contracting hotels and transportation, or arranging the perfect local guide or history expert.
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