Here’s the truth about island-hopping in Greece: It’s gorgeous, has amazing history and is definitely a bucket list destination. That said, it can be exhausting.
As someone who’s travelled extensively over the years, both personally and professionally, my standard piece of advice is this: Be prepared and well informed – as in very well informed – before you plot out your plans.
My other words of wisdom? Plan for two islands in 10 days – and use that barometer for how ever many days you have.
Two islands gives you time to hang out and feel like a local while also enjoying some of the touristy “must do” activities. This timeframe also takes into account your travel time to get there, as well as the age-old question of do you or don’t you include Athens.
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Is Athens necessary?
If your flight goes in and out of Athens and you’ve never been, stay a day or two MAX to experience its vast history, but not more. (My daughter and I were there for two and a half days.) The Acropolis and Parthenon are your absolute must’s but you can see those in half a day.
If your flight doesn’t stop in Athens and you’re more of an island-girl who wants to de-stress and get into that vacation frame of mind sooner rather than later, skip it. This is a big city that, while it has its charms – the ancient ruins being its primary attraction, along with the cobblestoned streets of Plaka and Monastiraki – it can’t help but play second fiddle to its more gorgeous sister islands.
Decide what kind of trip you want
Are you an on-the-go adventurer who likes packing every few days to visit a new destination? Or do you prefer to stay put and really get to know one (or two) spots really well? There’s no wrong answer. Just plan accordingly, understanding that island-hopping often means long lines waiting for a ferry (in the hot sun), or the expense of taking a taxi to the airport for flights that also involve the usual airplane waits.
There’s no wrong answer; it’s what works best for your time frame, your budget and your personal preferences, keeping in mind those that get seasick may want to opt for the plane.
The best time to visit Greece
To avoid crowds, the best time to visit Greece is mid-September to mid-October. Even later October works. Summer is crazy busy! And you’ll no doubt find yourself weaving between people on narrow walkways. Plus, the sheer numbers of people can make attractions – like the Acropolis in Athens – less attractive.
I went on my mother/daughter trip late August to early September and while we got lucky in some ways with crowds, I heard time and time again from hotel and shop owners how later September/ October were their golden moments. Plus, the weather is still great and many shops and attractions remain open.
Pick your islands
Picking an island depends on the kind of trip you’re looking for as each place has its own personality. Looking for more of a nightlife/party atmosphere? Head to Mykonos. Looking for something more religious and spiritual? Try Tinos. For history and culture there’s Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, that’s basically a living archaeological museum.
Looking for something smaller, quieter and more off-the-beaten track? Plan for Skiathos or Skopelos.
Technically, there are more than 6,000 islands total but only a couple of hundred are inhabited. The six main groups are known as the Cyclades, the Sporades, the Ionian islands, the Dodecanese, the Saronic Islands and the North Aegean Islands.
My favorite picks
Our trip included Athens, Paros, Santorini and Crete. Of those, Paros and Santorini, part of the Cyclades group, were my favorite. We spent three days in Paros, two in Santorini (I would have done three or even four), five days in Crete (too many for me) and two and a half days in Athens.
I had friends that went to – and adored – Naxos, which is near Paros, and which would have been an easy island-hop away from us. Again, I shoulda woulda coulda done better research. In hindsight, I would have done that over Crete. Or, I would have stayed in Santorini longer.
Still: taking in the views (and sunshine!), walking the towns, shopping, going to the beach, eating fresh fish and delicious mezze and discovering old ruins were highlights of each.
Greece packing tips
Pack light
If you’re island hopping, the smaller the bag the easier it is to go from Point A to Point B. My daughter and I each brought a small carry-on suitcase and a purse (for her, a backpack).
Think California
Think of your wardrobe as beachy, easy breezy as in a bathing suit (or two), a cover-up, sandals, t-shirts, shorts, a few sundresses, one light sweater and sneakers, as you’ll be walking a lot. You’ll also want a hat to protect you from the sun and sunscreen. Your reusable water bottle is also a must.
Bring a travel pack of detergent
Do light laundry along the way or bring clothes you don’t mind leaving behind as one way to lighten your load.
Greece tip: Everyone smokes
Europeans smoke; if you’ve travelled to this part of the world before, you know but in Greece, it seemed like EVERYONE smoked – at the beach, by the pool, in restaurants, in hotels. And while you can certainly find areas where they are NOT smoking (often that means indoors at a restaurant), if you have any respiratory issues or smoking really bothers you, consider this your word of caution so you’re prepared. Bring a mask; ask about non-smoking before you book anything. We had no issues at the hotels I mentioned or restaurants (why I mentioned them) but it was constant by the pool in Crete in addition to so many other places that I feel you need a word of warning.
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