Santorini

Anyone who’s ever seen a calendar featuring gorgeous shots of Santorini has likely dreamed of doing a little Greek Island hopping. After all, with fabulous scenery, delicious food, and interesting archeological sites, the Greek Islands have a lot to offer.

There are two ways to approach seeing the Greek Islands. Flexible travelers with a spirit of adventure or those on a budget can take the ferries that connect the islands. Those who prefer having all the arrangements taken care of for them can choose from a number of Greek Islands cruises.

Your best bet, if you’re doing it on your own, is to travel between May and September when ferries are frequent and the seas are relatively calm. During this peak season there will be daily service to the most popular islands. After that, the winds pick up and cancellations due to bad weather are more frequent.

It’s important not to try to keep to a tight schedule. Delays are inevitable and the current political situation in Greece means that strikes are a very real possibility too.

If you’re not terribly choosey about accommodations, you won’t need to make reservations in advance. You can just ask what’s available at the tourist office near the dock when you arrive. This will allow you to stay longer than planned in the places you really enjoy.

One mistake many people make is to try to visit too many islands in one trip. You’ll enjoy the experience more if you only try to visit two or three and stay a fair length of time in each place.

You can also base yourself in one place and do day trips to other islands from there.

Santorini and Mykonos are expensive and during August, they can be very crowded with cruise ship passengers. Lesser known islands like Milos, Sifnos, Serifos, and Skiathos are more affordable and more low key.

Several different kinds of ferries are available. Hydrofoils will get you where you going the quickest, but at around twice the price.

Since you’ll be carrying everything with you, you’ll need to pack light. But it’s so casual, that you’ll be fine with a bathing suit and a few pairs of shorts.

Mykonos

Greek Island cruises.

Taking a Greek Island cruise will let you visit several islands in a short span of time. You’ll arrive refreshed, walk down the gangway or take a tender ashore, then be able to spend the day sightseeing or enjoying the beach.

Most Greek Island cruises leave from Athens and end in Istanbul or Venice, although longer cruises leave from many different Mediterranean ports. MSC Cruises offers 7-night sailings from Ancona or Bari, Italy.

Fares for one-week Greek Island cruises can be as low as $499 per person. When you consider that they include not only transportation, but also meals, the right cruise can be almost as inexpensive as doing it yourself.

For the best experience, choose the smallest ship you can afford. A 3,000-passenger vessel can completely overwhelm what would otherwise be a charming place.

Some travel agencies in Greece also arrange Greek Island tours that include ferry tickets and accommodations. For those who want to remain independent, this option can provide a little more structure and usually some cost savings.

Read our list of recommended hotels in Piraeus.

Santorini Image Flickr: photographerglen
Mykonos Image Flickr: BluEyedA73

Corfu -- Many Greek Island Cruises come here

The Greek Islands are some of the most enticing in the world, and the cradle of western civilization. Quaint, white-washed villages draped in bougainvillea, brilliant blue skies, and shimmering coves make this destination unrivaled for its beauty, charm, and hospitality.

There’s no better way to explore the area than by cruise, which lets you enjoy not only the islands, but also the sparkling sea. Cruising lets you unpack once, forget about juggling ferry schedules, and just relax and enjoy the views.

We’ve been lucky enough to do two Greek Island cruises, and we’d do another in a heartbeat. It just never gets old. The people are warm and friendly, the food is terrific and affordable, and you don’t need to sign up for shore excursions – just go ashore and explore on your own. Best of all, the weather is nearly always perfect.

Cruises are available in all price ranges and you can go for as few as seven days or as long as three weeks. Greek Island cruises operate from May through November, and prices will be a little lower at the beginning and end of the season.

Nearly a dozen cruises lines sail in the Greek Islands, and you can choose from luxury lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Sea Dream Yacht Club, or mainstream lines like Princess and Royal Caribbean. For something different, consider taking a cruise on a sailing ship with Windstar or Star Clippers.

The islands are surprisingly varied and you’ll likely visit several on your cruise. Here are the most popular:

1) Santorini
The quintessential Greek Island, Santorini encircles the caldera of an ancient volcano. The best views and the most spectacular scenery in the Greek Islands are here. Ride a donkey or take a cable car up the steep, 1,100-foot cliffs to the town of Fira. Spend the day shopping, rent a car or a cab and go to the charming village of Oia, or explore the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri.

2) Mykonos
Known for its nightlife and picturesque windmills, Mykonos is a pretty sophisticated place. It has winding, marble streets with upscale shopping and great beaches. The waterfront Little Venice section is a charming spot for lunch or a glass of wine. But be careful not to let one of the big pink pelicans run off with your fish. From here, you can take a sidetrip to Delos – the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis – to see the ancient ruins, especially the magnificent Avenue of the Lions.

Mykonos

3) Corfu
The most developed Greek Island, Corfu is also the lushest with green mountains, pine forests, and olive groves. Corfu town is the most cosmopolitan place in the islands and the stylish shops, restaurants, and hotels rival those of other Mediterranean resorts. A variety of architectural styles reveal the many cultural influences over the centuries.

4) Rhodes
The largest island in the Dodecanese, Rhodes gets 300 days of sunshine every year. The home of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus, Rhodes has a rich history that’s still much in evidence. Take in the views from the town of Ialysso atop 1,000-foot Mt. Philerimos, visit the Acropolis of Lindos, which dates back to 1100 B.C., or just enjoy the shops and restaurants around Mandraki Harbor.

5) Crete
The home of King Minos and the Minoan civilization – Europe’s oldest – Crete has snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, and amazing architecture and artifacts dating back many millennia. In addition to the ancient Minoan sites, there are also many traces of the Venetian occupation, including an old castle and the port of Chania.

Find more places to visit in Greece.

Corfu — Many Greek Island Cruises come here Image Flickr: mickpix
Mykonos Image Flickr: Allan Henderson

Skiathos

While you’ve probably heard of Santorini and Mykonos, you may not have heard of Skiathos. It was first developed in the 1970s and today, its sandy beaches, quaint villages, and vibrant nightlife make it a popular vacation destination. And Skiathos hotels take advantage of the stunning scenery.

If you’ve ever seen a calendar with photos of the Greek Islands, you know that the water here is crystal clear and absolutely gorgeous. The main town, also called Skiathos, is filled with cafes, bars, and sophisticated shops, especially along the seafront. The red-tiled roofs of the houses here are brilliant against the azure blue sky.

Flights are available from Athens to Skiathos, but a ferry or hydrofoil trip is more scenic. There’s service from Volos and Ayios Konstandinos. Skiathos is packed in summer, so avoid July and August if you can.

Skiathos attractions.

The 13th-century Bourtzi fortress guards the harbor in Skiathos, and you can visit the home of poet Alexandros Papadiamantis. Inside the 140-year-old house, there’s a small museum. And for a memorable tour, take a horse-drawn carriage ride around town.

Once you leave town, you’ll find most of the island in its natural state with olive and pine groves, a jagged coastline, and turquoise water. About an hour away, Skiathos Castle sits atop a rocky cliff overlooking the north coast of the island. Part of the old town walls and Turkish bath are also in the area.

Two monasteries – Panagia Kounistra and Evangelistria – provide an interesting look at religious life on the island. Evangelistria has a small library and a museum with religious relics.

Skiathos has more than 60 fabulous beaches, with fine, white sand and cool pine forests. The most popular are Banana, Vromolimnos, and Koukounaries, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas there.

If you don’t have a car and don’t want one, you can take a public bus or local boat to lots of great beaches.

The Skiathos Sea Caves can only be reached by boat, but they’re fun to explore. And the waters around Skiathos are great for sailing.

Skiathos hotels.

A member of the Small Luxury Hotels group, Aegean Suites is just outside town adjacent to Magali Ammos Beach. Each of the rooms here is a suite and they‘re outfitted with private teak decks or patios, ocean-view Jacuzzis, mini bars, and CD players. They’re located in four contemporary buildings spread across the property among the olive groves. There’s a pool-side restaurant, a fine-dining restaurant, and a Champagne bar. Watersports, tennis, sailing, and scuba diving can be arranged.

Named for the local fortress, the Bourtzi Hotel is in the center of town near the harbor and old town. The pedestrian shopping area is nearby. Each of the 38 rooms has air conditioning, a mini fridge, and small safe. Many have private balconies or terraces. There’s an outdoor swimming pool and bar. This is a good choice for travelers who like to be in the heart of the action.

On a sandy beach that overlooks Vasilias Bay, the five-star Kassandra Bay Hotel is about ten minutes from Skiathos. The hotel is surrounded by olive trees and pretty gardens, which make it feel secluded. With three outdoor pools – two reserved for adults – a fitness center, and a nice Greek restaurant, Kassandra Bay is pretty self-inclusive. Guests here can settle in and never leave. The hotel has several environmental certifications, so it’s also a responsible choice.

Perched on a hillside above Agia Paraskevi Bay, the Magic Hotel has 36 rooms and suites with large ocean-view balconies. Guests can choose between the swimming pool or Platanias Beach, which is five minutes away on foot. The restaurant’s terrace is wonderful at night.

Find the Best Deals at hotels.com!

In the same area, the Atrium Hotel is one of the most architecturally dramatic resorts on the island. The center of the property is the swimming pool which is on a large terrace with sweeping views of the seas below. The 75 rooms here are decorated with natural stone and wood and have either a balcony or a terrace. There’s a fitness center, sauna, tennis, and water sports rentals are available. The bar and restaurant here are quite good, and you can dine on the terrace. Atrium Hotel is the top hotel in Skiathos for well-heeled travelers who can afford the best. Service is top drawer and they’ll be happy to arrange any excursion or activity you could want.

About 15 minutes from Skiathos on Agia Paraskevi beach, Skiathos Princess is a four-star property with 133 luxurious room, three restaurants, and three bars. It provides easy access to the Marine Park, which is a protected sanctuary. They have programs for kids from six months to twelve years old. A 72’ wooden boat is available for charter.

Travelers looking for an affordable hotel in Skiathos will like the Eye Q Resort. The hotel provides free transfers to and from the airport and it’s about a ten minute walk from town, so you won’t need a car. A dozen studios and apartments are available. They’re clean and well laid out and many have balconies with good views. There’s a sauna, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and free WiFi access.

If Skiapos looks appealing, you might also like Hvar. Read more about it here.

1) Aegean Suites
2) Bourtzi Hotel
3) Kassandra Bay Hotel
4) Magic Hotel
5) Atrium Hotel
6) Skiathos Princess
7) Eye Q Hotel

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Skiathos Image Flickr: Anders Ljungberg

Piraeus Lion

Piraeus isn’t exactly the most scenic city in Greece, but if you’re trying to catch an early-morning ferry to the islands, or getting in late, it’s a convenient place to overnight.

It’s been the port of Athens since ancient times, and the commercial port since 1834. There are actually three harbors here, so make sure you know which one your boat leaves from and leave yourself plenty of time to find the berth. The port is huge.

Getting to Piraeus from Athens is easy. Express buses leave every twenty minutes and the train leaves every half hour.

Piraeus attractions.

There isn’t a lot to do in Piraeus, aside from enjoying the cafes down at the old Turkish Harbor. But if you have a morning or afternoon on your hands, check out the Maritime Museum or Akti Themistokleous. With a classical war ship and models of ships from ancient times to the present, it brings to light Greece’s lengthy seafaring history.

Although it doesn’t compare to the museum in Athens, the Archaeological Museum has several impressive bronze statues, a reconstructed mausoleum, Roman and Hellenistic sculpture, and many ancient artifacts.

Piraeus hotels.

A member of the Great Hotels of the World Group, the Piraeus Theoxenia is the most deluxe hotel in Piraeus. The 9-story building combines modern and classical themes. With conference facilities, a business center, and high-speed Internet access, it’s a good choice for business travelers too. The 76 rooms have bathrobes, slippers, high-speed Internet access, satellite TV, and mini bars. There’s a fitness center, a bar with sweeping views, and an Italian restaurant.

Piraeus

The Efplias Hotel has 23 apartments that include kitchenettes, 26” LCD TVs, and free high-speed Internet access. The location is convenient and there’s an on-site parking garage. The complex, which was built in 2008, features a gym and Jacuzzi, and a continental breakfast is served each morning.

Very close to the port, the Piraeus Dream Hotel is one of the most affordable hotels in Piraeus. Although there’s no restaurant at the property, there are several within walking distance and an American breakfast buffet is served. There’s free WiFi and satellite TV in all 47 rooms.

Faros I was renovated recently and the 40 rooms here, though basic, are clean and well designed. The hotel has a bar, a breakfast room and a tour desk that will make ferry reservations for you.

Rooms at the Hotel Noufara have double-paned windows, mini bars, and satellite TV, and many have balconies overlooking the harbor. Laundry service is a nice extra. There’s an attractive bar, And a good breakfast is served each morning. Noufara is a nice, three-star hotel in a good location.

1) Hellenic Maritime Museum
2) Archaeological Museum
3) Piraeus Theoxenia Hotel
4) Efplias Hotel Piraeus
5) Piraeus Dream Hotel
6) Faros I Hotel
7) Hotel Noufara

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Piraeus Lion Image Flickr: mararie
Piraeus Image Flickr: gorjan123