Greece has 227 inhabited islands and six main island regions, each with its own unique appeal. Here are a few suggestions for a Greek Island-hopping adventure.
Old town landscape in Kerkyra, capital of Corfu island, Greece.
Couples and families looking to de-stress and spend quality time together will prefer the Saronic Islands, such as Hydra and Aegina (don’t miss the chance to savour a meal inside a traditional seafood tavern!), whereas the younger crowd looking for a party vibe will find it in spades on the Cyclades, such as Mykonos and Ios – both known for their beach clubs.
But how to get around and explore these islands? You’re in luck. There’s a pretty complex network of ferries in constant operation, along with daily flights from Greece’s 15 airports. However, it’s a good idea to plan your holiday route carefully if you have specific islands in mind.
READ: Reasons to visit Greece this year
‘Take the ferry schedules and travel times between islands into account. Most islands are well-connected by ferries, but some routes may require multiple stops or overnight stays. You can also consider booking a guided tour, cruise or hiring a private boat for a more customised experience,’ advises Antoinette Turner, General Manager of Flight Centre South Africa.
Island hopping is exciting, and it’s certainly a fantastic way to get a taste of as much beauty, culture, history, architecture and, of course, local cuisine as possible on your trip.
Top 5 Greek Islands
1. Kefalonia
Assos village in Kefalonia, Greece
The largest of the Ionian islands, Kefalonia was recently named the ‘best Greek island’ in a Which? Travel survey, scoring an overall 85% rating, and five stars in the peace and quiet category.
Kefalonia is also popular amongst foodies, serving up various unique dishes like Kefalonian meat pie and sea urchin salad. Pair your meal with Robola wine. It’s produced using the Robola grape variety, grown exclusively on the island.
2. Mykonos
Traditional windmills, the symbol of Mykonos at sunset, Greece
As mentioned, Mykonos is party central for anyone looking for a good time. It’s also a mecca for the LGBTQ+ community, with a reputation for being one of the most LGBT-friendly destinations in Europe.
Aside from living your best life on the beach, take some time to snap a selfie in front of the island’s famous windmills, which were once used to grind wheat.
3. Santorini
Whitewashed staircases on Santorini Island, Greece. The view toward Caldera Sea.
Santorini is an excellent base for honeymooners and first-time visitors to Greece. It’s well-known for its unique landscapes: black and red sand beaches, rugged cliffs and dramatic views of the caldera – a massive crater caused by a volcanic eruption approximately 3,500 years ago.
The island’s sunsets are also pretty iconic, as is its clifftop town of Oia, often hailed as the ‘Sunset Capital of the World’.
4. Syros
looking onto the famous Vaporia district at Ermoupoli, Syros island, Cyclades, Greece
Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, is a go-to for culture vultures and anyone interested in architecture (Syros is crammed with neoclassical buildings). Slightly lesser known compared to some of the other islands, it promises fewer crowds and the chance to explore freely.
Be sure to catch the Syros International Film Festival and the Syros Jazz Festival if you’re a film or music fan.
5. Corfu
Corfu’s main selling point, aside from its picture-perfect forests and olive groves, is its Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.
Corfu’s cuisine is also memorable, known for its unique blend of Greek and Italian flavours.
Don’t forget your visa!
Gearing up to get to Greece and its gorgeous islands as soon as possible? Don’t forget to leave yourself enough time to get your visa sorted.
If travelling on a South African passport, you’ll need a short-stay Schengen visa (valid for 90 days and available as a single or multiple entry visa). Most applications are processed within 15 – 30 days, but it’s worthwhile applying at least six weeks in advance just to be safe!
καλό ταξίδι (Have a nice trip!)
Before embarking on your Greek island-hopping adventure, be sure to explore the rich culinary scene in Cape Town by checking out the top Greek restaurants in the city. From traditional flavors to modern interpretations, Cape Town has a lot to offer to food enthusiasts. Bon appétit!
Pictures: Getty Images
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