The Ultimate Greek Island Hopping Guide

Over 6,000 Greek Islands are lying on our shores, however, only 277 are inhabited. These Islands can also be categorised into 6 groups:

• The Ionian Islands
• The Cyclades
• The Sporades
• The Dodecanese
• The Saronic Islands
• The North Aegean Islands

With over 300 sunny days a year, 10+ UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the sheer number of islands and uniqueness of each one, they’re the perfect destination to enjoy an island hopping experience. Read this blog and be sure to feel more than ready to begin your adventure!

What is island hopping?

Island Hopping has quickly become one of the most popular forms of travel, and it’s easy to see why! In short, island hopping is the act of travelling from one island to another often in a shorter space of time than a regular trip.

• It allows you to experience different cultures, food and history across multiple islands
• Travel time is shorter than traditional trips
• It’s comparable to backpacking and isn’t limited to Greece - destinations like Indonesia and the Canary Islands are also ideal

What is the best time of year for Greek island hopping?

When planning a Greek island-hopping adventure, the time of year will likely affect when you go and what you decide to do, so it’s important to know the best time of year to go island-hopping. As with most island hopping experiences, excursions and activities are a must, therefore a cooler temperature may be ideal.

The best time to visit the Greek Islands is late spring or early autumn.

• This is when the temperatures are around 15°C to 22°C
• Perfect for taking a stroll or visiting a local attraction
• There is also the benefit of having fewer crowds during this time

Most people decide to go on holiday to Greece during the summer months when children are off school and the weather is typically warmer. To avoid the masses, why not begin your island hopping journey in April or May?

How to island hop / how to get around?

Stereotypically when you think of island hopping, most will assume that the best form of transport will be via ferries or trains, however, flying is slowly becoming the best way for travellers to hop between the Greek islands.

Compared to travelling by boat, flying is a much faster and more efficient form of transportation when considering how to get around.

• Many hours may ordinarily be spent travelling 10+ hours across the sea, taking up valuable exploring time, so avoiding this might be a good idea
• Catching a flight to the next island also significantly reduces the risk of being delayed or having a journey cancelled
• There are often additional options for different connections
• Not to mention it can also be more scenic and economical in the long run

Best island-to-island airlines

Many of the popular Greek islands come complete with a local airport to transport travellers either regionally or internationally which is good news for those who want to fly whilst island hopping.

The main airlines that fly inter-island routes are Aegean Airlines and Sky Express.

• Between these two airlines, the majority of the popular Greek Islands are covered by air travel
• Sky Express alone covers 34 destinations

Additionally, the Cycladic Project by ifly operates scheduled flights to 9 of the Greek Islands on smaller, regional aircraft.

• Not as much information is known about this airline
• They operate routes between islands such as Santorini, Rhodes, Crete and Mykonos

👉 Find out more about domestic flights within Greece here 👈

What are the best islands to visit?

Kefalonia

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands, sitting just west of mainland Greece. Often called Ionia’s wine country, it’s a favourite for travellers who want a mix of local culture, open landscapes and laid-back beach time.

With flights from Athens and Zakynthos, it’s an easy stop on any island-hopping route.

Things to see and do in Kefalonia

Kefalonia is all about variety. If you’re after a quiet beach day, you’ll find plenty of clear-water spots where you can swim or try water sports. Prefer to keep active? The island’s mountain trails offer some incredible views and are perfect for hiking, especially if you like your walks with a bit of challenge.

What airport do you fly to for Kefalonia?

You’ll fly into Kefalonia International Airport Anna Pollatou (EFL), located about 8 km from the island’s capital, Argostoli. Direct flights run from UK airports including:

• London Gatwick
• Stansted
• East Midlands
• Manchester

The airport is small and can get busy in summer, so if you want to avoid queueing for taxis, it’s worth booking your airport transfer in advance.

Santorini

Santorini is part of the Cyclades and sits on the southern edge of the Aegean Sea. Its clifftop towns and whitewashed buildings are what most people picture when they think of the Greek Islands.

You can fly from Athens to Santorini daily, and get around via ferry or helicopter, though most routes require a connection through Athens.

Things to see and do in Santorini

Santorini gets a lot of attention and for good reason. The village of Oia is one of the most photographed places in Greece, known for its sunset views and cliffside restaurants. It’s also a solid pick for a girls’ trip - picture boutique hotels, long lunches and a laid-back atmosphere with a bit of luxury.

The island has become a destination for food lovers too. From casual tavernas to high-end restaurants, the focus is on fresh seafood and Greek flavours. Two standout spots are Selene and To Psaraki. If you're looking for somewhere quieter, Ammoudi, a small fishing village just below Oia, is a great place for a boat trip or a relaxed meal by the harbour.

What airport do you fly to for Santorini?

Santorini National Airport (JTR), also called Thira Airport, is the island’s only airport. It’s near Kamari, about:

• 6 km from the capital, Fira
• 17 km from Oia

Taxis are easy to find outside arrivals and there’s an ATM nearby if you need to grab some cash.

Mykonos

Perhaps Mykonos is next on the agenda? If you’re looking for somewhere with energy and a bit of glamour, Mykonos fits the brief. It’s right in the middle of the Cyclades and has an international airport that connects with Athens and major cities across Europe. If you’re including it in your island-hopping plan, you can also get there by ferry or helicopter from nearby islands.

Things to see and do in Mykonos

Even if you're only stopping in for a day or two, Mykonos gives you plenty to do. The main town, Chora, is a lively mix of beach bars, restaurants and nightlife that stays buzzing well into the early hours.

• For clubs, Cavo Paradiso and Jackie O Seaside are two of the most well-known - popular with both locals and travellers.
• If your trip’s more about winding down than dancing, Little Venice is one of the most scenic spots on the island. It’s ideal for a quieter drink and a front-row view of the sea.

What airport do you fly to for Mykonos?

You’ll land at Mykonos Airport (JMK), which is the island’s only airport.

• It’s located about 18 minutes from Agios Stefanos, where you can catch ferries to other islands
• There’s a taxi rank outside, but it’s often cheaper to take an Uber or hop on a local bus

Corfu

Corfu is part of the Ionian Islands, located to the northwest of mainland Greece. It’s grown in popularity over the years, thanks to its mix of coastal charm, cultural history and easy accessibility. You’ll notice influences from French, Venetian and British rule all over the island, from the architecture to the food.

The island is well connected, with an international airport offering flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, Preveza and various European destinations.

Things to see and do in Corfu

If you like a mix of history and atmosphere, Corfu Town is a great place to base yourself. There’s plenty to explore on foot, including:

• The Liston promenade
• The Old Fortress
• The Church of Saint Spyridon

Away from the centre, the island’s dramatic landscapes have made it a filming location for everything from Bond movies to British TV series like The Durrells. If you’re into film or TV, there are guided tours, like Corfu Walking & Food Tours, that focus on these sites and offer a local’s take on the island’s best spots.

What airport do you fly to for Corfu?

Corfu’s airport is Corfu International Airport (CFU), also known as Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport. It’s on the eastern side of the island, close to the capital.

Taxis run 24/7, so even if you land in the early hours after a delay, you’ll still be able to get where you need to go

Buy Now Pay Later Options

At Alternative Airlines, we want to give you as much flexibility when buying flights to Greece as possible. Our Buy Now Pay Later options allow you to spread the cost of your booking over time in affordable instalments.

• Book unplanned travel without needing to pay the full amount upfront
• Split the cost into manageable payments that suit your budget
• Enjoy a friction-free trip to the Greek Islands without financial pressure

Whether you’re planning a last-minute escape or a longer island-hopping adventure, our range of payment options makes booking your flights easier.

Want to know more about the Greek islands?

The Greek Islands listed in this blog are just a few of our top picks for island hopping, however, there are so many more that are worth exploring!

Check out our other blog, ‘A Local’s Guide to the Greek Islands’ for more information on these beautiful island groups.