Guide to Planning Your Perfect Greek Island Getaway
With over 6,000 islands and islets scattered throughout the Aegean and Ionian Sea, how do you know which Greek islands to visit? Well, the good news is only 227 are inhabited, but that’s still a lot to choose from when planning your gorgeous Greek getaway. So how can we narrow that down even more?
There are 6 main island groups in Greece: Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian, Saronic, Sporades, and North Aegean Islands. These islands are grouped by distinct character and appeal, with the exception of Crete that remains a standalone island. Now that we’ve begun to narrow down our list of islands, things are starting to seem a little more manageable right?
Language: The national language in Greece is Greek (Ελληνικά).
Currency: The currency in Greece is the Euro.
Electrical Plugs: Greece operates on 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.Two types of plugs are associated with Spain, types C, and F. We recommend a universal adapter to prepare you for any outlet type you come across.
In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the Greek islands, decide which island or islands are perfect for you, and share our 3 day starter itinerary.
Atmosphere: What are your travel preferences? By defining your priorities it will narrow down your focus on what island really aligns with your personal preferences. If you don’t know where to start try asking yourself these questions: Are you looking for a lively nightlife? Are you a beach lover, seeking peaceful pristine beaches? Or are you a daredevil seeking outdoor adventure?
Accessibility: How you plan to get to an island you’ve chosen is a major factor to consider when selecting an island. Islands like Santorini and Crete have international airports, while others are easily accessible by ferry by mainland Greece (like from Athens). If you are looking to island-hop, which we highly recommend, we love Omio. Their user-friendly app allows you to easily plan your trip via ferry and download your tickets right to your phone.
Budget: Staying on a budget can be difficult for so many people, but it is so important to set a budget and stick to it. Visiting the Greek islands can get expensive but there are so many ways you can make it affordable. Determine what you’re able to spend for your accommodations, activities, and dining. If you’re operating with a small budget, we would recommend avoiding popular destinations like Santorini or Mykonos which can definitely put a dent in your wallet.
Activities: Every island offers a blend of iconic landscapes, local culture and ancient history. The islands offer beaches, hiking, historical sites, nightlife and more. After nailing down a budget start to identify what actives are right for you.
Recommendations: Have you asked for suggestions? Reach out to fellow travelers, check out blogs like this, and seek advice from the locals. Talking with others might help you discover an island that maybe you hadn't quite considered.
When to Visit
If you’re hoping to get nice weather while avoiding tourists, May, June, and late September are ideal months. Having visited in early June we can confirm the weather was incredible and the crowds were sparse. However, it is worth noting that there are a wider array of ferry routes, flight options, and bars and restaurants in operation during peak season. During this time there is an uptick in the amount of tourists and elevated prices.
Weather patterns are specific to each island group, for example Crete is warm year round making it a viable choice for visiting in fall or winter while places like Santorini are quiet in the off-season from November to March. To be safe once you’ve selected the island(s) you’d like to visit, be sure to double check the weather so you can enjoy your time, soaking up the sun.
3 Day Starter Itinerary for the Greek Islands
We’re getting ready to set sail! If you’re not on board for the Greek islands you will be soon enough! Our Greek island adventure sets sail from Athens and included a bonus island, Ephesus. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Day 1: Mykonos
Island: Cyclades Islands
Known for: Lavish Parties and 5-star hotels
Getting around: Water Taxi, Rental Car and ATV, Public Bus, Taxi
Grab your dancing shoes – or maybe grecian sandals – we’re headed to Mykonos! Turquoise water greets you, splashing upon the sandy beaches as you enter the island. One of the more commonly known Greek islands, Mykonos is a popular summer destination. A picture perfect atmosphere with its white buildings and blue roofs, it is impossible to be sad here.
An island that never sleeps, Mykonos is known to dance until the sun comes up. With beach clubs serving up drinks and energy ‘til dawn, hotspots for sun tanners turn into sandy dance floors each night. Due to the influx of visitors the island has during peak season (mid-June to mid-September) the cost of visiting here can be a little expensive. Filled with upscale restaurants, luxury hotels, and lively clubs visiting here can be quite costly if not budgeted properly. There are more budget-friendly options for accommodations, clubs, and dining that can help you experience all the island has to offer.
We really wish we would have spent more than one day here. It was a great place to meet fellow travelers and it is on the top of our list to return to one day. Wave goodbye to Mykonos, we're off to a new location!
A Cycladic Gem of Sun, Sea, and Style
The blue roof tops of Mykonos are an iconic feature deeply rooted in the islands tradition and aesthetic. Characterized by their whitewashed exteriors the window frames, shutters, doors, and roofs are accented with vibrant blue colors.
Day 2 : Ephesus and Patmos
We started our second day by stopping in Ephesus. Check out our blog How to Spend 1 Day in Ephesus, Turkey to learn more about this incredible ancient city.
Patmos
Island: Dodecanese Islands
Known for: Fascinating scenery and breathtaking villas
Getting around: Public Bus, Taxi, Rental Car, Scooter, Boat Tour
After our morning stop in Ephesus, we the afternoon is spent traveling to our second Greek island is Patmos! A small, spiritual island on the Aegean Sea, Patmos is full of history and natural beauty. Widely known for being the location where Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation, the Holy island is filled with shops and the nicest locals. If you are interest in a relaxing vacation Patmos a perfect place to relax on the beach and savor fresh seafood.
After hitting some local shops and cafes, catch the sunset and prepare for the next day’s journey.
Sacred Splendor of Patmos
Immersed in centuries of spiritual history, the tranquil beauty of Patmos' monastery is a testament to the island's timeless allure.
Day 3: Crete and Santorini
Crete
Island: Crete is a stand alone island
Known for: Historical treasures and perpetual sunshine
Getting around: International airport, Public Bus, Taxi, Rental Car, Ferry
Spend the morning in exploring Crete. The fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, our stop in Crete is brief, but beautiful nonetheless. The largest of the islands, Koules Fortress will greet you at the port. A Venetian fortress in Heraklion (largest city in Crete), you can stroll down the pier to the fort and observe the beautiful ocean views.
If you are looking for romantic beaches and white washed buildings with blue roofs, this is not for you. The terrain here includes many mountains, valleys, and gorges. After wandering through the ancient streets, grab some lunch, and get ready to be swept off your feet — next stop, Santorini!
The Treasures of Greece's Largest Island
Standing tall amidst centuries of history, the fortresses of Crete guards the Aegean beckoning visitors to explore their storied past.
Santorini
Island: Cyclades Islands
Known for: Honeymoons and first time visitors
Getting around: International airport, Public Bus, Taxi, Rental Car, Water Taxi, Cable Car, Donkey
Santorini will take your breath away. This romantic island is perfect for first time visitors. Wine is plentiful here and there were so many cute cafes to stop at and enjoy the view. The narrow streets were filled with handcrafted jewelry and artwork of the locals. Even the breeze and warmth from the sea is enough to make you fall in love here.
If you plan to visit Santorini like us, pack smart. When you arrive on the island, especially by boat, there are many, many steep hills to navigate. This is not ideal for dragging or wheeling luggage behind you.
Descending Santorini: A Journey Down the Cliffside
To ascend or descend the cliffs in Santorini there are multiple methods of transportation. You can take a cable car, hike or ride a donkey. Of course we wanted the cultural experience so we chose to ride the donkeys.
It’s important to note that the stairs the donkeys walk on are slippery and these animals are not led by guides. This means that the donkeys can slip. If you choose to take a donkey we recommend taking the donkey up the cliff and then riding the cable car or hiking on the way back down to minimize risk.
Also, if you choose to ride a donkey be sure to treat them with kindness and respect. If you are concerned about the welfare of the donkeys used for transportation there are alternative methods of transportation.
Enjoy your final night in Santorini by enjoying a nice dinner and soaking up your final views. Tomorrow we travel back to the mainland, Greece.
Choosing the perfect Greek island(s) is part of an exciting planning process. Remember, narrow down your travel preferences, think about accessibility, and research island groups. Use our island-hopping itinerary or create your own. No matter what you decide you are bound to have a trip of a lifetime.
Safe Travels!
Did You Know
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