Experience multiple holidays in one with island hopping in Greece
There are hundreds of stunning islands dotted across the Aegean and Ionian seas. The best way to explore them is on an island hopping adventure. With our one-way flights you can plan your route easily by choosing a different start and end point to your trip.
How to plan your trip
Think about how much time you have for your trip and choose the number of islands to explore based on that. Even though some of the distances between the islands are very short, you don't want to travel every single day. Consider having at least two days on each island to make the most of them.
When you have a rough idea of how many places to visit, choose your start destination and the islands that you definitely want to stay on. If some of the distances between them look quite long, think of adding an extra island here and there. Once you know your start and end destinations, book your Finnair one-way flights.
To hop between islands, the easiest way is to use local ferries. They are reliable, affordable, and fast. Check out Ferry Scanner that shows you options with all the ferry companies. You might want to book some of these tickets in advance. Also make sure you book your accommodation beforehand if you are travelling during peak season, especially to the most popular islands such as Santorini, Kos, and Corfu. During the off-season, you can usually find accommodation on arrival.
Choose your perfect islands
The Greek islands all have their very own character and to get the greatest experience, consider choosing a varied mix. Pick islands that are popular and authentic, big and small, bustling and quiet.
Santorini is the number one island most travellers will try to see, and no wonder. The island is known for its differences in altitude, incredible scenery over the turquoise sea, white villas, and some of the best sunsets in the world. Santorini is also a popular cruise and honeymoon destination, so crowds and tourist price tags are hard to avoid - especially in the cities of Thera and Oia.
Kos, near the coast of Turkey, is another favourite. It is a great beach holiday destination and suits families well. As a historically important island, it also has many archeological sites and pretty, traditional-style towns.
Rhodes, on the other hand, is a great choice if you're looking for action and activities. In addition to beaches and historic sites, it has a vibrant restaurant scene and nightlife. There are also a lot of options for day trips on the island, from wineries to water sports.
Crete, the largest island in Greece, offers something for everyone. Visit Elafonissi Beach to discover its pink-hued sand, explore the Palace of Knossos to travel back in time to Minoan civilisation, hike the Samaria Gorge National Park, and taste the local specialty, thyme honey. Chania is a great choice for families, while Heraklion offers architecture, art, and culture.
Make sure to include some of the smaller islands on your itinerary, too. If you’re looking for the ultimate quaint village experience, Paros is a perfect choice. It has the perfect white-washed houses, tiny tavernas, and shaded alleyways that you’d expect to find. The nearby Naxos offers laid-back, beachside fishing village vibes, along with some of the best real Greek food you’ll find anywhere.
If you'd rather have a sense of exclusive luxury, check out the islands of Mykonos and Ios. Both attract flocks of celebrities and offer plenty of options for high-end accommodation, fancy restaurants, and glittering nightlife.
Small tips and tricks
Make sure you pack light – even if you plan to get around by taxi, you'll still need to carry your luggage when getting on and off ferries and moving between accommodations. A good backpack and a minimalist wardrobe will be your best bet.
Be at the ferry port on time. The ferries tend to be punctual, and the guards have no mercy if you show up too late, so give yourself some extra time to get onboard. Also note that there can be surprises on the way, such as a steep descend to the port. What looks like a short stroll on the map, could require a bit more time and effort than expected.
To experience the best beaches, accommodation, and restaurants, it’s usually a good idea to wander away from the busiest tourist crowds. You can often find a lovely, private swimming cove if you walk an extra couple of metres along the shoreline. Also, the most wonderful meals can be found outside the city centre, where local cooks often serve a daily seasonal offering, without a menu in sight.
You can explore all Finnair’s Greek destinations on Finnair.com.