Everything you need to know about Greek Island hopping

Greece has 227 inhabited islands and 6 predominant island areas, every with its personal distinctive attraction. Listed here are a number of recommendations for a Greek Island-hopping journey.

{Couples} and households trying to de-stress and spend high quality time collectively will want the Saronic Islands, akin to Hydra and Aegina (don’t miss the prospect to savour a meal inside a standard seafood tavern!), whereas the youthful crowd in search of a celebration vibe will discover it in spades on the Cyclades, akin to Mykonos and Ios – each recognized for his or her seashore golf equipment.

However tips on how to get round and discover these islands? You’re in luck. There’s a fairly complicated community of ferries in fixed operation, together with day by day flights from Greece’s 15 airports. Nevertheless, it’s a good suggestion to plan your vacation route rigorously you probably have particular islands in thoughts.

READ: Causes to go to Greece this yr

‘Take the ferry schedules and journey occasions between islands under consideration. Most islands are well-connected by ferries, however some routes might require a number of stops or in a single day stays. You can even think about reserving a guided tour, cruise or hiring a non-public boat for a extra customised expertise,’ advises Antoinette Turner, Normal Supervisor of Flight Centre South Africa.

Island hopping is thrilling, and it’s actually a unbelievable strategy to get a style of as a lot magnificence, tradition, historical past, structure and, in fact, native delicacies as potential in your journey.

High 5 Greek Islands

1. Kefalonia

Assos village in Kefalonia, Greece

The most important of the Ionian islands, Kefalonia was not too long ago named the ‘finest Greek island’ in a Which? Journey survey, scoring an general 85% ranking, and 5 stars within the peace and quiet class.

Kefalonia can also be standard amongst foodies, serving up numerous distinctive dishes like Kefalonian meat pie and sea urchin salad. Pair your meal with Robola wine. It’s produced utilizing the Robola grape selection, grown solely on the island.

2. Mykonos

Conventional windmills, the image of Mykonos at sundown, Greece

As talked about, Mykonos is social gathering central for anybody in search of a very good time. It’s additionally a mecca for the LGBTQ+ group, with a popularity for being one of the LGBT-friendly locations in Europe.

Other than residing your finest life on the seashore, take a while to snap a selfie in entrance of the island’s well-known windmills, which have been as soon as used to grind wheat.

3. Santorini

Whitewashed staircases on Santorini Island, Greece. The view towards Caldera Sea.

Santorini is a superb base for honeymooners and first-time guests to Greece. It’s well-known for its distinctive landscapes: black and pink sand seashores, rugged cliffs and dramatic views of the caldera – a large crater attributable to a volcanic eruption roughly 3,500 years in the past.

The island’s sunsets are additionally fairly iconic, as is its clifftop city of Oia, typically hailed because the ‘Sundown Capital of the World’.

4. Syros

 wanting onto the well-known Vaporia district at Ermoupoli, Syros island, Cyclades, Greece

Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, is a go-to for tradition vultures and anybody inquisitive about structure (Syros is full of neoclassical buildings). Barely lesser recognized in comparison with among the different islands, it guarantees fewer crowds and the prospect to discover freely.

You should definitely catch the Syros Worldwide Movie Pageant and the Syros Jazz Pageant in the event you’re a movie or music fan.

5. Corfu

Corfu’s predominant promoting level, apart from its picture-perfect forests and olive groves, is its Outdated City – a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and one of many best-preserved medieval cities in Europe.

Corfu’s delicacies can also be memorable, recognized for its distinctive mix of Greek and Italian flavours.

Don’t overlook your visa!

Gearing as much as get to Greece and its attractive islands as quickly as potential? Don’t overlook to go away your self sufficient time to get your visa sorted.

If travelling on a South African passport, you’ll want a short-stay Schengen visa (legitimate for 90 days and obtainable as a single or a number of entry visa). Most functions are processed inside 15 – 30 days, but it surely’s worthwhile making use of at the very least six weeks prematurely simply to be secure!

καλό ταξίδι (Have a pleasant journey!)

Photos: Getty Photos

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