Best Way to See the Greek Islands: Ferries, Sailing & Island-Hopping Explained

There's no single "best" way to see the Greek islands — it depends on your budget, time, and travel style. But here's the honest truth:

Ferries are how most travelers (and all Greeks) island-hop. They're affordable, flexible, and run between almost every inhabited island. If you have 10+ days and enjoy independence, this is the classic approach.

Sailing charters — either skippered or bareboat — offer the ultimate freedom. You anchor in coves that ferries can't reach, swim off the back of your boat, and design your own route. Best for groups of 6–8 willing to split costs.

Organized tours take the logistics off your hands. Multi-day sailing trips, island-hopping packages, and small-group tours exist at every price point.

Cruises work for those with limited time who want maximum island exposure with minimal planning. The trade-off is less depth and more crowds.

Here's my complete breakdown of the best ways to see the Greek islands — with sample itineraries for each approach.

Understanding Your Options

Before diving into specifics, here's how the main island-hopping methods compare:

Method

Budget

Flexibility

Logistics

Best For

Ferries

€–€€

Very High

DIY

Independent travelers, longer trips

Sailing Charter

€€€–€€€€

Maximum

Medium (crew or skills needed)

Groups, couples, adventure seekers

Organized Tours

€€–€€€

Low

Handled for you

First-timers, solo travelers

Cruises

€€€–€€€€

None

Fully organized

Time-limited, older travelers

(For island-specific recommendations, see our guide to the best Greek islands to visit.)

Option 1: Ferry Island-Hopping (The Classic Method)

Ferries are the backbone of Greek island travel. Every inhabited island is connected — it's just a question of how often and how fast.

How It Works

Greece has hundreds of ferry routes operated by multiple companies. You travel from island to island, staying as long as you like at each stop before catching the next ferry onward. It's exactly how Greeks travel, and it offers maximum flexibility.

Types of ferries:

High-speed catamarans — Fast (2–3 hours to most Cyclades), more expensive, often no outdoor deck, can be cancelled in high winds. Best for short hops.

Conventional ferries — Slower (4–6 hours to most Cyclades), cheaper, outdoor decks with views, more stable in rough weather, some have cabins for overnight crossings. Best for longer journeys and budget travelers.

Local ferries — Small vessels connecting nearby islands, often just once daily. Essential for reaching smaller islands.

Practical Logistics

Booking: Use FerryHopper or Ferryscanner to compare routes and book tickets. In peak season (July–August), book high-speed ferries and popular routes at least a few days ahead. Conventional ferries rarely sell out.

Ports: Athens has three ports:

• Piraeus — Largest, serves most islands (Cyclades, Saronic, Dodecanese, Crete)
• Rafina — Closer to the airport, serves Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos
• Lavrio — Serves Kea and some Cyclades

Costs: Expect €30–70 per person for high-speed crossings, €15–40 for conventional ferries. A week of island-hopping might cost €100–200 in ferry tickets alone.

Sample Ferry Itinerary: Classic Cyclades (10 Days)

A classic route that works with ferry schedules:

Day 1–2: Athens → Naxos (2.5 hrs high-speed from Piraeus) Beaches, villages, the Portara at sunset. Good base to acclimatize.

Day 3–4: Naxos → Paros (30–45 min) Beach-hopping, Naoussa nightlife, day trip to Antiparos.

Day 5–6: Paros → Milos (2–3 hrs) The volcanic beaches — Sarakiniko, boat trip to Kleftiko. Book ahead.

Day 7–8: Milos → Santorini (2 hrs) Caldera views, Oia sunset, wine tasting. The famous finale.

Day 9–10: Santorini → Athens (5 hrs ferry or 45 min flight) Return to Athens for departure.

Book ferries on FerryHopper

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Maximum flexibility — stay longer if you love a place
• Most affordable option
• Authentic Greek travel experience
• Ferries themselves are enjoyable (deck views, Greek travelers)

Cons:

• Requires planning and research
• Schedules don't always align perfectly
• High-speed ferries cancelled in strong winds
• Can't reach remote coves or beaches without road access

Option 2: Sailing Charters (The Ultimate Freedom)

Renting a yacht gives you access to a completely different Greece — anchoring in empty coves, swimming off the stern, exploring islands at your own pace without ferry schedules.

Types of Sailing Charters

Bareboat charter — You rent the boat and sail it yourself. Requires sailing qualifications (ICC or equivalent) and experience. Most affordable per person for qualified sailors.

Skippered charter — The boat comes with a captain who handles navigation and sailing. You can participate or just relax. Perfect for groups without sailing experience.

Crewed charter — Captain plus chef/hostess. Fully catered, luxury experience. Significantly more expensive but genuinely special.

Flotilla sailing — Group of boats traveling together with a lead vessel. Good for newer sailors who want backup support.

Practical Logistics

Booking: Major charter companies include Sunsail, The Moorings, Dream Yacht Charter, and dozens of local Greek operators. Book 3–6 months ahead for peak season.

Typical costs:

• Bareboat (38-42ft catamaran): €4,000–8,000/week in high season
• Skippered: Add €150–200/day for a skipper
• Crewed: €8,000–20,000+/week depending on boat and service level

Split between 6–8 people, even a crewed charter can be comparable to hotel + ferry costs.

Best routes: The Saronic Gulf (protected waters, short distances, close to Athens) is perfect for beginners. The Cyclades offer more variety but require more sailing experience due to meltemi winds.

Sample Sailing Itinerary: Saronic Gulf (7 Days)

Start and end in Athens — perfect for first-time charter groups:

Day 1: Athens Marina → Aegina (15nm) Easy first sail, overnight in Aegina Town. Temple of Aphaia.

Day 2: Aegina → Poros (20nm) Cross to Poros, anchor in the strait, explore the waterfront.

Day 3: Poros → Hydra (15nm) The most beautiful harbor in Greece. No cars, no noise.

Day 4: Hydra → Spetses (12nm) Elegant island, beach swimming, evening in the old harbor.

Day 5: Spetses → Ermioni or Dokos (variable) Mainland stop or uninhabited island anchorage. Wild swimming.

Day 6: Return to Hydra or Poros Second night in a favorite spot, or discover somewhere new.

Day 7: Return to Athens Marina Morning sail back, arrive by midday for checkout.

Book a sailing charter

Sample Sailing Itinerary: Cyclades (10 Days)

For experienced sailors — wind and navigation require more skill:

Day 1: Lavrion → Kea (12nm) Short first sail to acclimatize. Swim, explore Ioulis.

Day 2–3: Kea → Syros (25nm) Ermoupoli is the prettiest port in the Cyclades. Two nights.

Day 4: Syros → Mykonos (25nm) Arrive early, anchor at Ornos or berth in town.

Day 5: Mykonos → Delos → Paros (20nm) Stop at Delos in the morning (no overnight permitted), sail to Paros.

Day 6: Paros → Antiparos (5nm) Easy day, explore the cave, swim in crystal water.

Day 7–8: Antiparos → Ios (20nm) Mylopotas anchorage, beach time, optional nightlife.

Day 9: Ios → Naxos (10nm) Provisioning stop, Portara sunset, farewell dinner ashore.

Day 10: Naxos → Lavrion (40nm) Long final sail back, or break at Kea if preferred.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Ultimate freedom and flexibility
• Access to coves and beaches unreachable by ferry
• Incredible value when split between a group
• Unique experience — sleeping on the water is magical

Cons:

• Requires group organization (6–8 people ideal)
• Bareboat needs qualifications; skippered adds cost
• Weather-dependent (meltemi can disrupt plans)
• Less time ashore than ferry-hopping (unless you like boat life)

Option 3: Organized Tours & Multi-Day Trips

For travelers who want island-hopping without the logistics, organized tours handle everything — ferries, hotels, guides, often meals.

Types of Organized Tours

Multi-day sailing tours — Group trips on traditional wooden boats (gulets) or catamarans. You sleep on board, visit 3–5 islands, swim from the boat. Very social, good for solo travelers.

Island-hopping packages — Travel agency arranges ferries, hotels, and sometimes activities. You travel independently but with everything pre-booked.

Small-group tours — Guided experiences with 8–16 people, often including mainland sites plus islands. Higher-end options with expert guides.

Popular Organized Options

Three-Island Day Trip from Athens: The classic Hydra, Poros, and Aegina cruise covers three Saronic islands in a single day with lunch included. It's not deep exploration, but it's an efficient taste of island life for those with limited time.

Multi-day sailing tours: 5–7 day sailing trips through the Cyclades or Ionian, sleeping on board, with a skipper and often a cook. Companies like SailSterling, MedSailors, and Medsea operate these group trips, particularly popular with solo travelers in their 20s–30s.

Luxury small-group tours: Companies like Butterfield & Robinson, Abercrombie & Kent, and local operators offer 7–14 day curated experiences with top hotels, expert guides, and special access.

Sample Organized Tour: 7-Day Cyclades Package

A typical island-hopping package might include:

Day 1: Arrive Athens, transfer to hotel Day 2: Morning flight to Santorini, afternoon caldera tour Day 3: Santorini free day — wine tasting, beaches Day 4: Ferry to Naxos, village tour included Day 5: Naxos free day — beaches, Portara Day 6: Ferry to Mykonos, walking tour Day 7: Flight to Athens, departure

Everything pre-booked, transfers included, local contacts for issues. Prices typically €1,500–3,000+ per person depending on hotel level.

Find organized Greek island tours

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Zero logistics — everything handled
• Good for first-timers or anxious planners
• Solo-traveler friendly (group tours)
• Expert local knowledge often included

Cons:

• Less flexibility than DIY
• More expensive than independent travel
• Fixed itineraries may not match your interests
• Group dynamics can vary

Option 4: Cruises (Maximum Efficiency)

Traditional cruises stop at multiple islands but rarely overnight — you get a taste of each destination without depth.

Types of Cruises

Large cruise ships (1,000+ passengers) — Think Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity. Multiple Greek islands plus sometimes Turkey or other countries. You dock for 4–8 hours, explore briefly, return to the ship.

Small ship cruises (50–200 passengers) — Companies like Variety Cruises, Star Clippers, and Celestyal offer more intimate experiences with better port access and more focused itineraries.

Expedition cruises — Higher-end experiences with naturalists, historians, and access to less-visited islands.

What to Expect

A typical 7-day Greek Islands cruise might include:

• Athens (Piraeus) — embarkation
• Mykonos — 6 hours ashore
• Kusadasi (Turkey) — 8 hours, Ephesus day trip
• Patmos — 4 hours ashore
• Rhodes — 8 hours ashore
• Santorini — 6 hours (often tendered, time-consuming)
• Crete (Heraklion) — 8 hours ashore
• Athens — disembarkation

The advantage is seeing many places efficiently. The disadvantage is seeing them superficially and arriving when 2,000+ other cruise passengers are also exploring.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Maximum number of islands in limited time
• All logistics handled completely
• Good for those with mobility concerns
• Predictable costs (often all-inclusive)

Cons:

• Very limited time at each destination
• Ports crowded when ships arrive
• Little authentic Greek experience
• Not for independent travelers

Costs Breakdown by Method

Here's what to expect for a 7-day Greek island experience:

Budget Ferry-Hopping (Per Person)

Category

Cost Range

Ferries (4–5 crossings)

€100–180

Accommodation (budget hotels/hostels)

€280–420

Food (tavernas, self-catering)

€210–350

Activities & transport

€50–100

Total

€640–1,050

Mid-Range Ferry-Hopping (Per Person)

Category

Cost Range

Ferries (high-speed, 4–5 crossings)

€150–250

Accommodation (3-star hotels, boutique stays)

€500–800

Food (restaurants, occasional splurge)

€350–500

Activities, tours, transport

€100–200

Total

€1,100–1,750

Sailing Charter (Per Person, 8-Person Group)

Category

Cost Range

Skippered catamaran (1/8 share)

€750–1,000

Provisioning (food aboard)

€200–350

Marina fees & fuel (shared)

€50–100

Meals ashore

€100–200

Total

€1,100–1,650

Organized Tour Package (Per Person)

Category

Cost Range

Package (hotels, ferries, some meals)

€1,500–3,500+

Additional food & drinks

€150–300

Optional activities

€50–200

Total

€1,700–4,000+

How to Choose Your Method

You have 7+ days and want flexibility → Ferry island-hopping

You're traveling with a group of 6+ → Sailing charter (split costs make it surprisingly affordable)

You're a solo traveler wanting social experience → Multi-day sailing tour

You're a first-timer and want zero stress → Organized island-hopping package

You have limited time but want multiple islands → Day trip cruise or short cruise

You have sailing experience and love the water → Bareboat charter

You want ultimate luxury → Crewed charter or high-end small-ship cruise

Sample Itineraries by Method

7 Days — Budget Ferry Trip (Cyclades)

Approximate cost: €800–1,200/person including ferries, budget accommodation, food

Day 1–2: Athens → Naxos Day 3–4: Paros Day 5–6: Santorini Day 7: Santorini → Athens (ferry or flight)

10 Days — Mid-Range Island Hopping

Approximate cost: €1,500–2,500/person

Day 1–2: Athens Day 3–4: Milos Day 5–6: Folegandros Day 7–8: Santorini Day 9: Naxos Day 10: Athens

7 Days — Sailing Charter (Saronic)

Approximate cost: €600–1,000/person (8-person group, skippered catamaran)

See Saronic itinerary above — Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses

14 Days — Ultimate Greek Islands

Approximate cost: €2,500–4,000/person

Day 1–3: Athens + Delphi day trip Day 4–5: Naxos Day 6–7: Milos Day 8–9: Santorini Day 10–12: Crete (fly Santorini → Heraklion) Day 13–14: Athens

For more itinerary ideas, see our 7-day Greece itinerary and 10-day Greece itinerary.

Best Routes for Different Island Groups

Understanding Greece's geography helps you plan efficient routes:

The Cyclades (Most Popular)

The Cyclades radiate from hub islands like Naxos, Paros, and Syros. Efficient routes typically follow one of these patterns:

The Classic Circle: Athens → Naxos → Paros → Antiparos → Milos → Santorini → Athens This route flows well with daily ferry connections and logical progression.

The Romantic Route: Athens → Folegandros → Santorini → Athens Skip the busier islands for intimate Folegandros plus the famous caldera.

The Beach Route: Athens → Milos → Koufonisia → Naxos → Athens Volcanic Milos beaches plus the tiny paradise of Koufonisia.

The Saronic Gulf (Closest to Athens)

Perfect for short trips — all islands are 1–2 hours from Piraeus:

Day Trip Circuit: Athens → Aegina → Poros → Hydra → Athens Can be done in a single day via organized cruise or DIY ferries.

Weekend Route: Athens → Hydra (2 nights) → Spetses (1 night) → Athens The car-free islands combined make a perfect long weekend.

The Dodecanese (Eastern Aegean)

Starting from Rhodes, the Dodecanese offer fewer crowds and more history:

Classic Route: Rhodes → Symi → Kos → Patmos Medieval history, stunning harbors, and religious significance.

The Ionian Islands (Western Greece)

Less connected than the Aegean, but ferries exist:

Island Pair: Corfu + Paxos (day trip or overnight) Venetian beauty plus tiny, car-free Paxos.

Beach Route: Kefalonia → Ithaca → Lefkada The best Ionian beaches connected by local ferries.

Essential Tips for Any Method

Book ferries in advance for high season. July–August weekends sell out, especially high-speed routes to popular Cyclades.

Build buffer time. Ferries get cancelled in strong winds. Don't schedule a flight home the same day as a ferry arrival.

Pack light. You'll be carrying your bags onto ferries, up harbor stairs, across cobblestones. Wheeled luggage works; giant suitcases don't.

Check connections before booking. Not all islands connect directly — some routes require backtracking through hub islands.

Consider flying one direction. Athens to Santorini is a 45-minute flight vs. an 8-hour ferry. Mix methods for efficiency.

Mind the Meltemi. Strong summer winds (mid-June to early September) can cancel ferries and make sailing challenging in the Cyclades. The Saronic and Ionian are more sheltered.

Use island hubs strategically. Naxos, Paros, and Syros are Cycladic hubs with connections to most islands. Rhodes is the Dodecanese hub. Planning routes through these makes connections easier.

Download offline maps. Ferry Wi-Fi is unreliable, and you'll want to navigate without data at each new arrival.

For more planning advice, see our guide on how to plan a trip to Greece.

FAQ

What is the best way to see multiple Greek islands?

For most travelers, ferry island-hopping offers the best balance of flexibility, cost, and authentic experience. You set your own pace, stay as long as you want at each island, and travel the way Greeks do. If you're traveling with a group of 6+, sailing charters become surprisingly affordable and offer access to coves and beaches that ferries can't reach. For first-timers or those who prefer zero logistics, organized multi-day sailing tours or island-hopping packages handle everything for you.

How many days do you need to island-hop in Greece?

A minimum of 7 days allows you to see 3–4 islands at a reasonable pace — don't try to squeeze in more or you'll spend all your time on ferries. 10–14 days is ideal for comfortable island-hopping, giving you 2–3 nights per island and time to actually relax. For a single island trip (combining with Athens), 5 days is workable. Remember: island-hopping is about slowing down, not checking boxes.

Is it worth renting a sailboat in Greece?

Yes — especially if you're traveling with a group. A skippered catamaran for 8 people costs roughly €6,000–8,000/week in high season, which works out to €750–1,000 per person for a week of sailing, accommodation, and access to places ferries can't reach. When you factor in saved hotel costs, it's competitive with mid-range island-hopping. The experience itself — swimming from the boat, anchoring in private coves, sleeping on the water — is genuinely special and completely different from ferry travel.