GREEK ISLAND HOPPING: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Ever since our travels through Greece earlier this year we have been non-stop daydreaming about going back. It was absolutely love at first sight and has become one our favourite destinations that we have ever travelled to! I seriously wouldn't be surprised if you see us returning in 2018.
After spending over three weeks exploring the islands we thought we would share with you everything we learnt about island hopping here in the Greek Islands.
Getting Around
Our favourite way to get around Greece to explore the many beautiful islands is via ferry. Rather than wasting time waiting around at airports we prefered to jump on a ferry and enjoy cruising across the adriatic sea to get from island to island.
The website HostelBay has an exclusive Greek Island Hopping Ferry e-Pass where you can book one ticket which will take you to multiple islands. It's a super easy and convenient way to get yourself to the different islands without having to book multiple tickets.
Mykonos
Mykonos is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Greek islands and is hands down our favourite island we have visited (but we may be biased as this is the very place we got married). It is well-known for it's beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts and wild nightlife.
Read more:Exploring the Streets of Mykonos
Where To Stay
If you are looking for a gorgeous place to stay for a couple's getaway in the perfect location you need to check out Theoxenia. This luxurious Greek hotel is located right behind the iconic Mykonos Windmills, has a stunning pool with ocean views and the Greek best breakfast we have ever had! Read all about our stay through this article.
If you are travelling with a group of friends or family we suggest going for an Airbnb. As we were getting married in Mykonos and travelling with a large group we booked an incredible 5 bedroom cliffside villa, with full kitchen, lounge and stunning outdoor areas to all hang out together. It was such a great idea - totally recommend this option too! Discover more to read all about our Airbnb experience.
Things To Do
Eat: Out of all the Greek Islands we visited hands down Mykonos had the best food.I could not get enough of the fresh Greek food! We basically ate our weight in feta cheese, olives, gyros, grilled Mediterranean fish and Greek yogurt and honey.
Wake up for Sunrise & Explore Old Town: Old Town is such a beautiful area, however if you get there in the middle of the day it is already full to the brim of tourists. We highly recommend waking up at least once just as the sun comes up and explore the streets while no one else is around. Getting lost in the white and blue alleyways, thinking you have found the prettiest street until you turn the next corner and your mouth drops (yet, again) – you'll never want to leave!
Visit the Iconic Windmills at Sunset: These iconic windmills overlooking Little Venice date back to the 16th century when islanders used wind power to grind grain.
Have some drinks at Paradise Beach: Mykonos is known for its stunning beaches & crazy parties -- and Paradise Beach has both of these things! Soft sands, azure seas and a rowdy atmosphere have made Paradise one of the most popular places on the island.
Chill Out at Psarou Beach: If you're looking to a more relaxing beach experience without having to put up with rowdy parties and nude bathers, skip Paradise in favor of Psarou Beach. Located northwest of Paradise Beach along the coast, Psarou's powdery sand, clear blue waves and more relaxing atmosphere make this beach popular among families and honeymooners.
Santorini
Santorini is everything we dreamt it was (and more). Rugged cliffs rise from the Aegean Sea toward white washed villages perched overlooking a volcanic caldera – what more could you ask for. Santorini is the shining star of the Greek Islands. It’s iconic, strikingly beautiful and one of the most photographic places we have ever travelled to.
Read more:Santorini Sunrises | Top Instagram Spots in Oia
Where To Stay
Santorini has oddles of incredible places to stay - it all depends on your budget. For the budget traveller we recommend Santorini Traditional Suites, for an amazing view check out Kirini Suites & Spa and for the luxury traveller we suggest staying at Canaves Oia Hotel.
During our stay however we opted for an Airbnb. Have you stayed in an Airbnb rental before? If not and you would like to sign up to Airbnb why not use this link here so you can receive a $50 Airbnb travel credit!
Things To Do
Visit the many Colourful Beaches: Santorini is home to red, black and white sand beaches. Spend your days at Red Beach where the volcanic red rocks and sand lead you to the crystal blue waters or head to Perissa Beach where you will experience black sand beaches. Simply take your pick!
Go cliff jumping at Amoudi Bay: Santorini is known for some epci cliff jumping, and the best spot has to be Amoudi Bay. Spend an afternoon jumping straight into the clear waters of the Mediterranean!
Hike the Fira Trail: This 3 hour long walk will find you hiking past stunning scenery, white chapels, and beautiful sea views as you walk from Fira all the way to Oia. We recommend starting just before sunset, arriving in time to watch the most beautiful sunset you will ever see from The Castle in Oia.
Rent an ATV: It's seriously the best way to explore any Greek Island!
Dinner with a view: It’s not every day you’re able to have dinner with a view like the one in Santorini. At least one night, splurge on a fancy dinner with a view.
Paros
If you are looking for an island that is a little less crowded than the rest, but still full of beauty and things to see and do you need to head to Paros. We chose this island as our last stop of our Greek Island hopping adventure to unwind from the craziness of Mykonos & Santorini and spend some downtime relaxing by the pool, swimming in the sea and eating lots of food!
Read more:Tops Things to See & Do in Paros
Where To Stay
Stay at a local Bed & Breakfast! Nothing can beat Greek hospitality. We have found the Greek’s to be some of the most loveliest people we have ever met throughout our travels. Paros has a bunch of cute, ma and pa style B&B’s to stay at. We stayed at Swiss Home Hotel which offered panoramic views over the bay of Naoussa from our room. It is just a 5-minute ATV ride from the beaches of Kolibithres and Monastiri, and has the cutest Greek design and a huge swimming pool!
Things To Do
Naoussa: Naoussa is a picturesque fishing town and a place to go if you are looking for some vibrant nightlife. Taverns and small eateries surround the port area and serve good food and great coffee (totally recommend the waffles from Meltemi Cafe). If you are a party person there are plenty of bars and nightclubs that stay open till dawn scattered throughout the area.
Hire ATV’s and go Explore: Our favourite way to see the Greek islands is by ATV. They are cheap, easy to use and are a great way to find hidden gems. Paros isn’t very big, you could easily drive around the entire island while making stops at cool sights and beaches.
Have a Beach Day: Paros has some of the best beaches in all of Greece. Our favourite days during our time in Paros were the ones spent by the sea, sun bathing and taking it easy. Our favourite beaches include Kolymbithres, Santa Maria, Ai Yannis & Ambelas.
A big thank you to HostelBay for sponsoring this post!