How to Plan a Trip to the Greek Islands

A visit to the Greek Islands conjures up images of whitewashed buildings with bright blue roofs nestled into the cliffs, quaint walkways, beaches, famous cuisine and relaxed lifestyle. Whether you enjoy the party scene in Mykonos or prefer the beauty of Santorini, here's how to plan your trip to the magical islands of Greece.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Passport

1. Get to know the Greek islands, comprised of several groups of islands that include Ionian, Saronic, Cyclades, Dodecanese Northern Aegean and more. Some of the more popular Greek Islands include Crete, Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos. Read about the different moods and attractions on each island as you plan an itinerary.
2. Decide how you will travel between the islands. You will most likely begin your journey in Athens. From there choose from a variety of ways to get around: fly, use the ferry system, take a cruise or charter a yacht. Base your decision on your budget, timeline and which islands you would like to see.
3. Jump on an airplane. Most of the larger Greek islands have an airport. Flights typically arrive from Athens and a few other European cities. It is less common to find flights between the different Greek Islands. If you have limited time, start your journey by flying from Athens to the most distant island and work your way back by ferry.
4. Take a ferry. The islands have an extensive ferry system. In many cases, the ferry ride can be part of the fun. Before you decide to travel by ferry, learn about the schedules and prices. Some islands are easy to reach by ferry and others are not. Some ferries do not travel every day. The method to purchase tickets also varies by location.
5. See the islands on a cruise, a convenient way to see several islands. You unpack one time and don't have to worry about airplanes and ferries. A potential drawback is that you will only have limited time on each island. Most major cruise lines offer Greek island itineraries. Compare various cruises to select a company that fits your taste and budget. For an economical option, check out Easy Cruise.
6. See the islands on a cruise, a convenient way to see several islands. You unpack one time and don't have to worry about airplanes and ferries. A potential drawback is that you will only have limited time on each island. Most major cruise lines offer Greek island itineraries. Compare various cruises to select a company that fits your taste and budget. For an economical option, check out Easy Cruise.