Planning
Island Hopping
Island hopping is the classic Greece trip — and the easiest thing to overplan. A few rules keep it sane.
Fewer islands, more nights
The most common mistake is too many islands in too few days. Two islands in a week is a relaxed trip; four is a logistics exercise. Aim for at least three nights per island, and never count a travel day as a full day on an island.
Follow a ferry line
Hopping along a single ferry route (e.g. Paros–Naxos–Santorini, or a Cyclades loop) is far smoother than jumping between groups. Crossing between island groups (Cyclades to Ionian) usually means back through Athens. Use the central Cyclades hub islands — Paros and Naxos — to make connections easier.
Always buffer the way home
Never take the last ferry before your flight home. Weather cancellations happen. Spend your final night on the island with the airport, or back in Athens, rather than racing a sailing.
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