Greece is a country located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula with over two thousand islands under their name. Many people say you can never finish seeing all of the islands in one lifetime, but I know once you visit the Greek Islands, you’ll want to keep exploring them and going back over and over.
The easiest and fastest way to get to Greece from northern Europe is flying. Most people think that taking land travel would be a cheaper alternative but scheduled flights are so competitively priced these days that its not worth the time hunting for anything more.
If there’s one island in the top list of “must visits”, it’ll be Santorini... And the best way to visit this beautiful island would be by ferry. There’s much debate whether you should take it during the morning for the sunrise or in the evening for the sunset as you sail into a giant volcanic caldera that promises you dramatic entrance and start to your holiday.
Another great island to visit would be Mykonos which is actually pretty accessible. Flights from Athens depart multiple times a day to Mykonos or if you prefer the scenic route take a ferry from Pireaus or Rafina. Be warned though the boat ride is about 5hours long, but that more than makes up for it with stops in Tinos and Syros, letting you cover multiple islands in that day trip. If you’re already in Santorini there’re options available from there to Mykonos as well so don’t worry about having to go all the way back to Athens.
For the longer boat rides (10 – 15) hours, get a cabin so you can relax and dine in luxury. It probably costs the same as a flight to that island but with all the comfort and amenities you get on board its worth the splurge.
You’ll have to be careful when you plan to do some island hopping in Greece. Not every island is accessible to another so plan your route well in advance and if you’re ever in doubt, travel agents there will more than be happy to help you out, even if it’s a last minute thing. Oh and if you’re going to Greece in August I suggest you avoid taking the ferries on the days before and after Easter unless you’ve already book your tickets well in advanced as you probably wont be able to get a spot on the ferry.
Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing French holiday rentals and Greece vacation Rentals.
