The Ultimate Greek island-hopping tours

With plenty of Greek ferry schedules for 2025 already available, it’s the perfect time to start planning your vacation in Greece and explore various islands with ease. From the iconic Cyclades route featuring Mykonos, Santorini and Crete to the stunning Sporades, the historically rich Dodecanese, and the verdant Ionian Islands, Greece offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

Find all the information you need on how to organize your Greek island-hopping trip on Ferryhopper and discover ferry routes to Greece’s most stunning island destinations.

• Cyclades island-hopping tour
• Sporades island-hopping experience
• Dodecanese island-hopping itinerary
• Ionian island-hopping adventure

Cyclades island-hopping tour: Mykonos - Santorini - Crete

Mykonos, Santorini and Crete are some of the most popular Greek islands that attract many visitors from all over the world. Organizing a Greek island-hopping tour around these destinations is a great way to experience the wonders of a summer vacation in Greece.

Ferry operators serve multiple ferry routes to these islands all year round, with increased frequency in summer.

So, would you like to know more about the ultimate island-hopping tour in Greece and how to visit these 3 top destinations consecutively? Let’s go through the options for each part of your journey.

Ferry from Athens to Mykonos

Athens is connected to Mykonos through the ports of Piraeus and Rafina. Piraeus is the main port of Athens and is located near the city center, making it easily accessible. To travel to Mykonos, however, we recommend catching a ferry that departs from Rafina.

There are more ferry crossings available from Rafina to Mykonos, which are also shorter in duration. If you plan to take a taxi from Athens International Airport to your point of departure, getting to Rafina is also faster and cheaper.

In summer, there are up to 8 daily ferries departing from Rafina to Mykonos. The ferry companies that serve this connection are Seajets, Golden Star Ferries and Fast Ferries.

The duration of the ferry trip from Rafina to Mykonos depends on the ferry company and the type of vessel you’ve chosen. High-speed ferries reach the port in around 2.5 hours, while traveling by conventional ferry takes 4-4.5 hours.

The price of a standard economy seat for the Rafina - Mykonos ferry trip usually starts at €38. The final cost may vary depending on discounts, offers, seat type, vehicle selection, and the ferry company.

Tip: the port of Rafina is rather busy during summer, especially in the morning. Therefore, we suggest you arrive at the port well in advance to avoid delays. Close to the port of Rafina, you can find shops, coffee bars and various services.

Scenic café right by the sea in Mykonos

Ferry from Mykonos to Santorini

The Mykonos - Santorini ferry route is rather popular in the summer months, with around 7-8 daily trips from morning to afternoon. The ferry companies that operate on the connection between Mykonos and Santorini are Seajets, Golden Star Ferries, and Fast Ferries.

The duration of the ferry ride depends on the ferry company, type of vessel (mainly high-speed) and any intermediate stops. The shortest crossing lasts a bit less than 2 hours, while the longest lasts 2.5-3.5 hours.

The price of a standard ferry ticket can be up to €89. If you want to bring along your car, make sure to book a route that allows the transportation of vehicles.

Tip 1: instead of departing early in the morning, take some time to experience the vivid nightlife of Mykonos before leaving the island. You can choose to travel in the afternoon and arrive in Santorini later in the day, the best time to enjoy the island’s world-famous sunset! To find out more about Santorini ferries, check out our detailed post.

Tip 2: check out our Athens - Mykonos - Santorini ferry guide, and find out all about schedules, prices, and fast ferry options for your island-hopping trip in the Cyclades. 

Magnificent sea view from Santorini

Ferry from Santorini to Heraklion (Crete)

The ferry route between Santorini and Heraklion is available with up to 1-3 daily sailings and is operated by 3 companies: Seajets, Fast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries.

The Santorini to Heraklion ferry ride lasts less than 2 hours and a standard ferry ticket starts from around €80 for high-speed ferries. Keep in mind that Santorini to Crete ferries usually depart in the afternoon. By arriving at the port of Heraklion early in the evening, there is plenty of time to leave your luggage at the hotel and enjoy a nice walk around the city.

Tip: if you are hungry after your ferry trip, we suggest you try out the delicious local cuisine of Crete. Don’t forget to taste the legendary souvlaki of Heraklion.

The impressive Koules Fortress of Heraklion

Ferry from Heraklion to Athens

Getting back to Athens can be tricky, but Ferryhopper is here to make it easier for you. While Rafina is the suggested starting point for this island-hopping journey, your return trip will be to Piraeus instead, the only port connecting Crete to Athens.

There are up to 5 daily ferry crossings between Heraklion and Piraeus. The ferry ride normally lasts 9-9.5 hours.

The 3 ferry companies operating on this route are Minoan Lines, Fast Ferries and Blue Star Ferries. Ferry tickets for this route start at around €40, though the final cost may vary depending on seasonality, offers and discounts.

Tip: as this route gets rather busy in the high season, we recommend planning your trip well in advance.

Sporades island-hopping experience: Skiathos - Skopelos - Alonissos

The Sporades Islands - Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos - offer an ideal island-hopping adventure for anyone seeking a combination of unspoiled nature and vibrant nightlife. These islands are famous for their lush forests, turquoise waters and tranquil ambiance, making them ideal for both relaxation and exploration.

Ferry from Volos to Skiathos

Skiathos is the most accessible island in the Sporades and is well connected to the mainland. The port of Volos is the most popular departure point, however, there are also ferry connections from other mainland ports, such as Agios Konstantinos and Mantoudi in Evia.

Ferries from Volos to Skiathos run multiple times per day, operated by Seajets and Aegean Flying Dolphins. The journey takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on the type of ferry. Tickets start at around €35. If you're looking for more details on ferry routes and schedules from/to Skiathos, take a look at our Skiathos ferries page.

Tip: before boarding the ferry, take some time to explore the charming waterfront of Volos and enjoy fresh seafood by the sea. 

A breathtaking panoramic view of the old harbor and town of Skiathos

Ferry from Skiathos to Skopelos

After exploring Skiathos, take a ferry to Skopelos, an island known for its beautiful beaches and its role as a filming location for the movie Mamma Mia! The ferry from Skiathos to Skopelos takes between 15 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on the route and ferry type. Tickets usually start at €15.

Tip: visit Kastani beach, one of Skopelos’ most picturesque places, featured significantly in Mamma Mia! 

Ferry from Skopelos to Alonissos

From Skopelos, the final stop is Alonissos, an island famous for its Marine Park, home to the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. The ferry ride from Skopelos to Alonissos lasts around 30 minutes tο 1.5 hours and is operated by Seajets and Aegean Flying Dolphins. Standard tickets cost between €12 and €17.

Tip: don’t miss out on exploring Alonissos Town, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.

A breathtaking aerial view of the historic Chora of Alonissos island

Dodecanese island-hopping itinerary: Rhodes - Kos - Patmos

While the Cyclades offer iconic experiences with islands like Mykonos, Santorini and Crete, there are plenty of other Greek island-hopping opportunities. If you're keen to experience a different side of Greek island life, the Dodecanese islands provide an enticing alternative. Known for their rich history, vibrant ports and stunning landscapes, islands such as Rhodes, Kos and Patmos offer a distinctive charm and equally convenient ferry connections.

Ferry from Rhodes to Kos

Rhodes is the perfect starting point for this Dodecanese island-hopping adventure. The ferry route between Rhodes and Kos is available 2-4 times per day, from morning through late afternoon. Major ferry operators on this route include Dodekanisos Seaways, Saos Ferries and Blue Star Ferries. 

The fastest ferry crossings from Rhodes to Kos take 2.5 hours, while others can range from 4 to 7 hours. Standard ticket prices range from around €23 to €39.

Tip: while in Rhodes, don’t miss the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town and the stunning ancient Acropolis of Lindos before taking the ferry to Kos. For a detailed breakdown of ferry routes, operators and ticket prices, check out our ferries Rhodes page.

Ferry from Kos to Patmos

Ferries from Kos to Patmos operate up to 3 times per day, with travel times ranging from around 2.5 to 4 hours. The 2 ferry companies operating on this route are Dodekanisos Seaways and Blue Star Ferries, with standard ticket prices starting at €20.

Patmos, famously known as the "Island of the Apocalypse," is a quieter destination famous for the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse. 

Tip: take time to explore the picturesque port town of Skala in Patmos and enjoy the freshly caught local seafood before taking a hike up to the monastery for breathtaking panoramic views of the island.

The picturesque town of Chora on the Greek island of Patmos

Ionian island-hopping adventure: Corfu - Paxos - Lefkada

The Ionian Islands offer a completely different experience, characterized by lush greenery, Venetian influences, captivating landscapes, and pristine waters. For those seeking relaxation and a chance to immerse themselves in natural beauty, the Corfu - Paxos - Lefkada route is a must for any Greek island-hopping adventure.

Ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu

The journey starts at the mainland port of Igoumenitsa, a gateway to the beautiful Ionian Sea. Ferries to Corfu from Igoumenitsa operate over 20 times daily in the high season, with travel times of around 1.5 hours. The ferry companies that operate on the connection between Igoumenitsa and Corfu are Kerkyra Lines and Kerkyra Seaways. Tickets generally start at around €6 for a standard seat.

Tip: before taking the ferry to Paxos, stroll through the UNESCO-listed Corfu Old Town and enjoy a coffee at Liston Square. If you're planning your trip and need more details about ferry schedules and tickets, take a look at our complete guide on ferries Corfu.

Ferry from Corfu to Paxos

From Corfu, the journey continues to the serene island of Paxos. Ferries from Corfu to Paxos operated by Lefkada Palace, Joy Cruises, Kamelia Lines, and Kerkyra Lines make the trip in 45 minutes to 2.5 hours. Tickets typically cost around €15-€40.

Paxos is renowned for its lush olive groves, picturesque villages and azure waters. Make sure to visit Gaios, the island’s bustling main port, and explore the sea caves along its coastline.

The mesmerizing Blue Cave on the island of Paxos

Ferry from Paxos to Lefkada

Continuing your journey from Paxos, the next destination is the enchanting island of Lefkada. During the summer months, you can travel directly from Paxos to Lefkada, thanks to the ferry service operated by Lefkada Palace. The Paxos to Lefkada ferry route runs 3 times per week and takes approximately 3 hours.

Useful info: want to discover more ferry routes starting from Paxi? Read our blog on island hopping from Paxi.

Trail leading down to Porto Katsiki beach in Lefkada

How to book the "Unicorn" island-hopping itinerary

On Ferryhopper, you can plan your Greek island-hopping holidays easily and quickly! Our fare search engine has updated and real-time data regarding ferry schedules for these islands.

Selecting your island-hopping ferries

Using Ferryhopper’s booking engine for island hopping, you can include 4 different trips in one go. All you need to do is select the “Multi destination” option in our search bar, add your destinations and dates, and click the “Search” button.

In a couple of seconds, all available ferry connections between your selected locations should appear. Each ferry route includes information about trip duration, departure/arrival times, intermediate stops, seat/cabin availability, vehicle transportation, and prices. Easy and quick, right?

Corfu's Old Town, showcasing its picturesque waterfront

Find all ferry schedules, compare prices and book your ferry tickets with no hidden fees! You can also check our Map of ferries for more ideas to plan your next Greek island-hopping journey in the Cyclades, Sporades, Dodecanese, or Ionian Islands.

Tip: you can now find all ferry information and your booking details on your mobile phone with the Ferryhopper App! Check in online, get your e-ticket and check the location of your ferry live on the day of your trip!