The Perfect Greek Island Holiday
Island-hopping in Greece offers an unparalleled adventure: sailing across the poetic "wine-dark" seas of Homer on majestic ferries, resisting the urge to disembark at every enchanting, pine-dotted island you pass; witnessing elderly women in traditional attire clutching bags of syrupy baklava and old men gripping their aged komboloi beads as they board.
This voyage is as much about the journey as the destinations themselves, presenting the opportunity to explore a mix of islands from the lesser-trodden spots visited sporadically by ships to bustling hubs that welcome throngs of party-goers daily. Each island is distinct, with over 227 inhabited ones to explore, ensuring endless adventures.
For those new to the Greek islands, an 11-day journey is a brilliant start, balancing well-known spots with hidden gems.
Your travels will take you to the iconic marble Parthenon in Athens and its glamorous Riviera, the breathtaking blue-domed churches and the dramatic caldera of Santorini, Crete with its splendid landscapes, culinary delights, and warm people, and Karpathos, where pristine beaches, secluded bays, and quaint villages await. It’s a culinary and cultural sampler platter of what Greece has to offer.
Athens - Days 1 & 2
Ancient wonders
Fly into Athens, the vibrant and bustling capital of Greece (accessible by BA, easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, Wizz, and Aegean from the UK). To ensure a seamless transition, book a transfer with Greece Private Transfers for a comfortable, air-conditioned ride to Divani Palace Acropolis. This refined hotel is nestled under the Acropolis, incorporating parts of the ancient city walls visible in its basement, and features a verdant courtyard pool.
Explore the verdant pathways of the Plaka district leading to Melina Mercouri Café, a quaint spot brimming with photographs and memorabilia of the famed actress from the iconic Greek movie "Never On A Sunday." Enjoy a manitaropita (mushroom pie) before ascending to The Acropolis to marvel at the ancient Parthenon, which dates back 2,400 years. Post-visit, take in the treasures at the Acropolis Museum, then meander through bougainvillea-lined lanes to the traditional kafeneion Glykis for a selection of meze. Conclude your Athenian adventure with cocktails on the rooftop at Odos Lysiou.
Culinary capital
Athens is celebrated for its exceptional, largely wholesome cuisine, featuring a wide array of dining options from quaint family-run koutoukia and simple ouzeris to contemporary haute cuisine establishments. Greeks typically dine late, with lunch around 2pm and dinner at 10pm, giving you ample time to build an appetite.
Experience Athens’ culinary best by joining a neighborhood food tour led by Culinary Backstreets, which highlights areas like the vibrant northern Exarchia district, known for its murals and record stores, and Plaka.
Alternatively, visit Gastone near the Varvakios food market for modern takes on Greek street food like tzatziki with creamy gorgonzola, crafted by the Liakos brothers, or head to Dopios, where chef Christoforos Peskias serves innovative dishes like shrimp popcorn.
Mykonos - Day 3
Escape the city
Piraeus, once merely a scruffy port of call, has evolved into an attraction itself. Spend a few hours exploring its avant-garde art galleries set in converted warehouses—a new metro connection from Syntagma Square gets you there in just 15 minutes. Start your culinary day with freshly grilled octopus and golden fava at the quaint kafeneio Riris on Klisovis Street.
For your initial island visit, choose Mykonos, with ferries departing throughout the morning. For a swifter journey, opt for the mid-afternoon high-speed service, which gets you to the island by 5 pm.
Arrive and check into the chic Bill and Coo Suites, a designer hotel offering stunning ocean views and a restaurant known for its exquisite Mediterranean fusion cuisine. After settling in, explore the iconic Kato Mili windmills, then enjoy a drink in Little Venice, where the waterfront bars provide the perfect backdrop for a sunset cocktail.
Later, immerse yourself in the island's vibrant nightlife, possibly rubbing shoulders with celebrities at the fashionable clubs along Psarou Bay's soft sands.
Santorini - Days 4 & 5
Sumptuous sunsets
While Mykonos offers a lively atmosphere, the enchanting island of Santorini deserves a more extended stay. Catch a high-speed catamaran from Seajets, reaching Santorini in just an hour. The scenic entry into the island's dramatic caldera, framed by picturesque villages, is a breathtaking experience that can soothe any remnants of the previous night's festivities.
Choose from several splendid accommodations, such as the luxurious Magma, located conveniently close to Oia yet away from the tourist crowds. This opulent hotel features a spa, private pool suites, and a fine dining restaurant. Explore the ancient Minoan site of Akrotiri, often dubbed the 'Greek Pompeii,' just a 20-minute journey from the hotel.
Santorini is famous for its sunsets, but avoid the crowded scenes in Oia. Instead, join a sunset cruise with Santorini Yachting Club from Vlychada's pebble beach, a brief bus ride from Akrotiri. After swimming in thermal springs, you'll conclude the day on your yacht in Ammoudi Bay, a prime spot to witness the sky blush over the celebrated caldera.
Conclude your day at the unpretentious To Psaraki in Vlychada, where the island’s finest seafood awaits, crafted by chef Thanasis Sfougaris.
Turn back the clock
A quick water taxi from the bustling port of Ammoudi takes you to Thirasia, a quaint island reminiscent of Santorini half a century ago. This less-touristed gem features a single road connecting its villages, with locals often traveling by moped or mule.
Embark on a hiking adventure with Explore Thirasia to uncover hidden gems like the deserted cave dwellings in Agrilia, climb the steep steps to the panoramic views in Manolas, and enjoy local delicacies and raki in a seaside taverna in the small port of Korfas.
Back in Santorini, skip the pricey eateries in Oia for a more authentic experience at the beloved local taverna Tou Steki Tou Nikou in Imerovigli, offering hearty, home-style dishes at reasonable prices.
Chania, Crete - Days 6 & 7
To the Big Island
A two-hour ferry from Santorini brings you to Crete, a stark contrast to the earlier part of your journey with its rustic mountain villages, pristine beaches, and quiet historical sites. Known as the 'big island,' Crete stretches over 260 kilometers, necessitating a vehicle for exploration, which Cretarent can provide upon your arrival in Heraklion.
Drive west on the rugged old road that snakes through the mountains to the coastal city of Chania. Check into a spacious suite at the centrally located Samaria Hotel, then wander the maze-like streets around the Venetian harbour, shopping for traditional Cretan crafts like silver jewelry and stivani boots.
When hunger strikes, settle at a table by the harbour at Ta Xalkina, where you can indulge in traditional Cretan music and a variety of meze, including the local specialty xochloi (snails) in a savory garlic sauce.
Eagles and Vultures
Set off early for a drive through the daunting mountain roads to Hora Sfakion, where boats ferry visitors to the secluded Agia Roumeli beach. This spot marks the southern entrance to the renowned Samaria Gorge. Trek as far as you like along the gorge, keeping an eye out for native wildlife such as mountain goats and majestic birds like eagles and griffon vultures. After your hike, cool off with a swim in the clear waters.
Return to Hora Sfakion and cross the island to Rethymnon. History enthusiasts might stop at the WWII-themed Askifou War Museum. Enjoy a lunch of tsigariasto, a lamb dish slowly cooked in a clay pot, at the family-run Othonas in the old town, adorned with bougainvillea. Later, explore the aromatic, jasmine-lined streets to discover Rethymnon's historic mosques and Venetian loggias, and visit the workshop of the last traditional phyllo pastry master in Crete, Giorgos Hatziparaschos. Conclude your day at the tranquil Kapsaliana Village Hotel, a beautifully restored complex that was part of a 16th-century monastery.
Sitia, Crete - Day 8
The Home of the Minotaur
Start your day leisurely with bougatsa (custard pie) under the shade of olive trees at your hotel's restaurant, then take the scenic coastal road to Heraklion. Despite debates over its restoration, the Palace of Knossos—believed to be the labyrinthine home of the legendary Minotaur—demands a visit. Post exploration, be amazed by ancient Minoan frescoes at the newly refurbished Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. Then, drive to the bustling village of Archanes, nine miles south, and dine at Kritamon where chef Dimitris Mavrakis reimagines Cretan cuisine with flair.
A two-hour drive through remote mountain villages leads you to Sitia, a gem with untouched beaches and steep lanes lined with laid-back tavernas along the seafront. Check into the quaint Porto Kaza, which offers spectacular views of the harbor. For dinner, head to Meraki to enjoy dishes like squid in a rich wine sauce and kritharoto pasta with asparagus and Cretan graviera cheese, all while watching the locals stroll the waterfront during their evening volta (walk).
Karpathos - Days 9, 10 & 11
A Palm-fringed Paradise
Catch the early afternoon ferry from Sitia to Karpathos. If time allows, drive to Vai beach in the morning to relax on its iconic palm-lined sands, famously featured in Bounty chocolate bar commercials. Before boarding, pick up some snacks like spinach-stuffed spanakopita and hortopita pies filled with wild greens from Savoidakis bakery in Sitia to enjoy during the five-hour journey.
Karpathos, stretching 30 miles from the small port of Diafani in the north to the windsurfer's haven of Makrigialos and the unassuming capital, Pigadia, in the south, remains largely off the tourist trail. Pre-arrange a rental car with Mixalis Reisis of Karpathos Travel and navigate the island’s serpentine mountain roads to reach Afoti Beach Hotel. This chic boutique hotel overlooks a popular sandy stretch and offers fresh seafood and a variety of cocktails at its cozy taverna.
Go Off-grid
Karpathos is known for its beautiful, secluded beaches, many accessible only by rugged dirt tracks. Spend your day at Apella beach, lying beneath a small 13th-century church, or swimming in the secluded coves of Diakofti. Later, explore Olympos, a village that remained isolated until the 1980s and where women, often seen in vibrant traditional dresses, play a dominant community role. Although simple, the Olympos Archipelagos offers clean, comfortable two-story villas with stunning views over Fisses Bay.
Conclude your Greek island adventure with dinner at O Mylos, set in a former windmill in Olympos. The venue offers traditional dishes like hand-rolled makarounes topped with goat cheese, which are as delightful as the panoramic views.
Return To The Real World
Karpathos Airport, just eight miles from Pigadia, offers daily flights back to Athens, where you can connect easily to major UK airports.
How to do it
When To Go
Optimal travel times are between May and mid-October when ferries are more frequent. June or September offer great weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds outside the busy Easter period.
What To Book
Book ferry tickets in advance using platforms like ferryscanner and ferryhopper. Note the Sitia to Karpathos ferry runs just twice a week. For a hassle-free experience, consider Sunvil’s island-hopping packages or Star Clippers' stylish, eco-friendly cruises in the Sporades.
What To Pack
Pack casually with swimwear, shorts, T-shirts, and an extra layer for evenings. Include appropriate attire for church visits. Consider warmer clothing like jumpers and jeans for off-season travel.
Expert Tips
Prepare for less clean conditions on diesel ferries and bring a warm coat for chilly ferry decks. Ferries can be delayed or canceled; ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance. For an insightful visit to Knossos, book a guided tour. Despite inflation, dining in Greek tavernas remains affordable, especially in less touristic areas like Karpathos or eastern Crete. Watch for overcharging in places like Mykonos and verify menu prices and bills carefully.
