Experience multiple holidays in one with island hopping in Greece

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. Give yourself at least two days on each island to make the most of it.

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 which 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 on 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 archaeological sites and pretty, traditional-style towns. This summer, Kos becomes even easier to reach, with Finnair launching a new direct route from Helsinki.

Rhodes, on the other hand, is a great choice if you're looking for things to do. 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 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 celebrities and offer plenty of options for high-end accommodation, fancy restaurants and vibrant nightlife.

This summer season, Finnair begins flying to Thessaloniki. Northern Greece's largest city is steeped in history, rich in food culture, and has an energy the islands rarely offer. There is a direct ferry connection from Thessaloniki to Mykonos, while the other islands in this guide are most easily reached via Athens. Thessaloniki works well as its own chapter of a Greek trip, before or after your time on the islands.

Small tips and tricks

Make sure you pack light. You will carry your bags on and off ferries and between places to stay, however you travel. 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 arriving with time to spare makes for a calmer start. Also note that there can be surprises on the way: what looks like a short walk on the map can sometimes take longer 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 minutes along the shoreline. Also, the most wonderful meals can be found outside the city centre, where local cooks often serve a daily seasonal offering.

One trip, many holidays. Explore all our Greek destinations, including our new destinations Kos and Thessaloniki, at finnair.com.