Island-Hopping in Greece
With over 200 inhabited islands, you really can't go wrong.
Even though several of Greece's most popular islands have airports, the best way to island-hop is via the sea. You could take often-delayed high-speed ferries from port to port, or you could turn the transportation into a vacation of its own on a five-star cruise, on one of many Mediterranean itineraries by Explora Journeys. The benefits of a floating hotel speak for themselves: a different island each day, without having to pack your bags each night. Throw in the best cuisine at sea, incredible service, brand new ships, and unique, off-the-beaten-path itineraries that have something for everyone - and you'll be just as excited to get back on the ship as you are to explore on land.
Athens
No matter how you choose to journey through Greece's incredible islands, chances are your adventure will start in its antiquity-soaked capital, Athens. From the Acropolis to the Agora, from the tavernas to the Michelin-starred gastronomical experiences, from the art and theatre to the incredible hospitality, Athens is worthy of its own trip.
Pylos
Not actually an island of its own, Pylos is a small town on Navarino Bay, on the southwestern coast of Greece's mainland. In addition to being home to some fabulous resorts (Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino for one), it is also the site of some truly ancient history: the ruins of Nestor's Palace, more than 3000 years old.
Not only does Telemachus (Odysseus's son) visit Pylos in The Odyssey, but the infamous Cyclops cave scenes in Christopher Nolan's film The Odyssey were shot in Pylos!
Lefkada
Theorized as the true Ithaca of Homerian tales, Lefkada is a peaceful, idyllic island in the Ionian Sea, known for incredible beaches and swimming pigs. Nydri, the main port of the island, is a tiny little harbor town, anchored by two parallel streets, lined with shops and eateries. From there, you can hop on a sailboat or just find a nice little slice of beach where you can while the day away.
Amorgos
Less than 50 miles from Santorini sits Amorgos, a small fishing island with fewer than 2,000 full-time residents. It's the perfect place to slow down and embrace authentic Greek culture. If you're feeling particularly active, you can hike all the way from the port town of Katapola to the scenic town of Chora, perched atop the island and crowned with beautiful (if defunct) windmills.
Delos
Just a quick 30-minute ferry from Mykonos sits Delos, home to the largest excavated archaeological site in Greece. Nearly 2200 years ago, Delos was the biggest port in the world, where traders from the Mediterranean and beyond exchanged goods, stories, and drinks. Ironically, it has been deserted since the 8th century CE; the result is a stunning, sprawling landscape of a former city, complete with homes, religious temples, and a whole theatre district. If you pass through Mykonos, you must take a day trip to Delos!
These islands are just a glimpse of what Greece has to offer. From pristine beaches, to tiny towns, to history almost too old to fathom, every port offers something different. And with so many islands to choose from, there are endless reasons to keep coming back.
