How to Travel to the Greek Islands — Flights, Ferries & Insider Tips

If there’s one thing Greece is known for, it’s its thousands of islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas. From whitewashed villages and turquoise water to incredible food and culture, each island offers something unique.

If you’re wondering how to travel to the Greek islands, knowing the best way to get there is the first step in planning your trip. Whether you choose to fly or take a ferry can shape your entire experience.

Whether you’re visiting popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos or exploring lesser-known gems, choosing the right island makes all the difference, check out my guide to the best Greek islands for different travelers to find the perfect fit.

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Flying to the Greek Islands

One of the quickest and most convenient ways to reach the islands is by flying. Greece’s main international airport, Athens International Airport (ATH), connects to dozens of islands daily through both national and low-cost airlines.

View of Rhodes Old Town walls and harbor from the water in the Greek islands — View of Rhodes Old Town from the harbor, one of the Greek islands easily reached by flight from Athens.

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.

If Crete is on your list, check out my detailed 10-day Crete itinerary to help you plan your route across the island.

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 find 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.

How to Travel to the Greek Islands by Ferry

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.

If you’re planning to visit Naxos, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Naxos, including hidden gems and local favorites.

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.

If you’re planning to explore beyond the islands, check out my mainland Greece itinerary for ideas on how to combine island and mainland travel.

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.

If you’re planning your budget, it’s helpful to understand the overall cost of traveling to Greece, including accommodation, food, and transportation expenses.

Insider Travel Tips

Book flights and ferries early (especially in summer – at least 4-6 months ideally).
Check ferry schedules in advance; they can change seasonally.
Pack light, especially for ferries where storage can be tight (and you may be carrying your luggage up many stairs).
Bring snacks and water if traveling long distances by sea (food options may be limited).
Download offline maps — Wi-Fi can be spotty on ferries.

Traveling with kids? You’ll also find my guide to traveling to Greece with kids helpful for planning a smooth and stress-free trip as a family.

View of Mykonos windmills and coastline from the sea while arriving by ferry in the Greek islands — Arriving by ferry in Mykonos, with views of the iconic windmills along the coast.

Concluding Thoughts: How to Travel to the Greek Islands

With over 200 inhabited Greek islands, exploring them all might take a lifetime, but now that you know the best ways to travel to the Greek islands, you can start planning your dream trip with confidence.

Whether you choose to fly for speed or take the ferry for a more scenic, authentic experience, getting around Greece is part of the adventure. From watching the coastline appear as your ferry approaches port to hopping between islands in the Aegean, the journey itself often becomes one of the most memorable parts of your trip.

The best way to travel to the Greek islands ultimately depends on your itinerary, budget, and travel style. If you’re short on time, flying is often the most efficient option. If you’re planning to visit multiple islands, ferries offer flexibility and a more immersive experience.

And if you’re planning a broader Europe itinerary, you might also enjoy these affordable destinations in Europe for more budget-friendly travel ideas.

No matter how you choose to get there, one thing is certain: the Greek islands are always worth the journey.