Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!
If there’s one thing Greece is famous for, it’s the thousands of Greek islands scattered around its coastline. From the Aegean Sea in the east to the Ionian Sea in the west, each island offers its own charm — whitewashed villages, turquoise waters, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Whether you’re visiting Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, or one of the lesser-known gems, the first step to any unforgettable island adventure is figuring out the best way to travel to the Greek Islands.
✈️ Flying to the Greek Islands
One of the quickest and most convenient ways to reach the islands is by plane. Greece’s main international airport, Athens International Airport (ATH), connects to dozens of islands daily through both national and low-cost airlines.
If you book early, you can often find fantastic deals — for example, round-trip flights from Athens to Santorini for as low as €50. Flying is ideal if you’re short on time and want to maximize your days on the beach rather than in transit.
Pros of Flying:
- Fast and convenient (most flights are under an hour).
- Affordable if booked early.
- Ideal for long-distance islands like Crete or Rhodes.
Cons of Flying:
- Many budget airlines charge extra for checked baggage.
- No direct flights between most islands (you’ll need to return to Athens).
- Flight prices increase significantly closer to departure.
If you’re unsure where to find the best airfare, check out my guide on how to get the cheapest flights. I always recommend using SkyScanner, as they search thousands of sites so you can get the best deal without having to manually search countless different sites.
⛴️ Taking the Ferry to the Greek Islands
If flying isn’t your style or you plan to island-hop, ferries are the best way to explore. Greece has an extensive ferry network connecting hundreds of islands — from the Cyclades to the Dodecanese and Ionian groups.
I’ve been visiting Greece for almost 30 years, and I’ve tried many ferry companies. This past summer, I traveled with Seajets, and it was one of the best ferry experiences I’ve had.
Why I Recommend Seajets:
- Their ferries are faster than most, taking around 5 hours from Piraeus to Santorini (compared to 7–8 hours on standard routes).
- Comfortable seating — similar to first-class airplane seats.
- Organized luggage system and onboard service (food delivered right to your seat!).
- Clean and efficient, with staff maintaining the ship throughout the journey.
Although Seajets isn’t the cheapest, the time saved and overall comfort made it well worth the slightly higher fare.
🚗 Driving to Islands Connected by Bridge
Not all Greek islands require a ferry or flight. A few are connected to the mainland by bridges, making them easily accessible by car or bus. Always make sure you compare prices to get the best rental price. Discover Cars searches 100s of car rental agency so you easily compare prices to get the best deals.
- Evia (Euboea): A large island near Athens, perfect for a weekend getaway.
- Lefkada: Located on the Ionian coast, around 3–4 hours from Athens, known for its stunning beaches and clear blue waters.
These destinations are ideal for travelers who prefer flexibility and want to explore at their own pace.
🏝️ Choosing the Best Way to Travel
Ultimately, the best way to travel to the Greek Islands depends on:
- Which islands you’re visiting
- Your budget and travel style
- When you book (early bookings often mean cheaper prices)
For example:
- First-time visitors heading to Santorini or Mykonos may prefer flying to save time.
- Island-hoppers will love the experience of traveling by ferry and enjoying sea views.
- Road trippers might choose bridge-connected islands like Evia or Lefkada.
💡 Insider Travel Tips
- Book flights and ferries early (especially in summer).
- Check ferry schedules in advance; they can change seasonally.
- Pack light, especially for ferries where storage can be tight.
- Bring snacks and water if traveling long distances by sea.
- Download offline maps — Wi-Fi can be spotty on ferries.
🌅 Final Thoughts
With over 200 inhabited Greek islands, exploring them all might take a lifetime — but now that you know the best ways to travel, you can start planning your dream trip. Whether you’re flying above the Aegean or sailing through it, each journey to the islands is an adventure in itself.
What Greek island have you always dreamed of visiting? Let me know in the comments below!
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, and subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss any of my posts.
#flight #ferry #island #greece #greekislands #seajets #santorini #mykonos
Leave a Reply