When is the best time to go island hopping from Athens?

Plan your trip between May and September when the weather is ideal - around 75-85°F (24-29°C). Keep in mind that July and August get really crowded and hot. If you want a more relaxed experience with great weather, try going in spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October). A recent traveler told us: "We went in September and had perfect weather without the peak summer crowds." June through September offers the most tour options, with about 30 departures each month.

How long do Athens island hopping tours usually last?

Most tours run between 7 and 11 days, spending 2-3 nights on each island. Many travelers enjoy the 11-day Greek island tour that takes you to Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, and Santorini. You'll stay at nice places like the Poseidon Hotel in Athens and Paradise Beach Resort in Mykonos.

Which islands will I visit on tours from Athens?

Most tours take you to Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos and Paros. Each island has its own personality - you can watch the famous sunset in Oia on Santorini, enjoy Mykonos's lively nightlife, explore old villages like Aperathos on Naxos, or relax on Paros's beautiful beaches like Chrissi Akti and Santa Maria.

What kind of hotels can I expect on these tours?

You'll stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels like the Acropolis Hill Hotel in Athens and Belle Etoile Villas in Santorini. One traveler mentioned: "The hotels were always clean and close to everything, with the Athens' hotel offering beautiful Acropolis views." The hotels are usually right in the middle of things, making it easy to explore.

How do I get between Athens and the islands?

You'll leave from Athens' Piraeus port by either regular or fast ferry. Regular ferries take about 5-7 hours to reach islands like Mykonos (leaving at 7:30 AM, getting there at 12:45 PM). Fast ferries are 2-3 hours quicker. Many travelers stay at places like the Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens before early morning departures. One traveler noted: "All transfers were well organized, though the SeaJet ferry ride can be quite bumpy in rougher seas."

Which island combinations can I visit from Athens?

The most popular combinations are Mykonos and Santorini, Naxos and Santorini, or Paros and Santorini. On Mykonos, you can see the famous windmills and enjoy the nightlife. Santorini offers amazing views of its volcanic caldera and sunsets. Naxos and Paros give you a more authentic Greek island feel. Tours often include stays at places like the El Greco Resort in Santorini and Manoulas Beach Resort in Mykonos.

Island Hopping Tours from Athens

Greek island hopping from Athens is something everyone should do once. Imagine exploring the Acropolis and ancient sites, ferrying to Mykonos' beaches, discovering Santorini's caldera, visiting Crete's palaces, and enjoying island diversity. Swim in glittering Aegean waters, watch sunsets, and taste Greek cuisine. It’s the perfect combination of history, city life, and total R&R.

10 best Island Hopping tour packages from Athens

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Island Hopping
Athens & 3 Greek Islands Explorer with Guided Tours - Standard
4.8 (38 reviews)
"Hotel selections were great, comfortable and close to main attractions and eateries. I have noted the hotels down so I can visit again in the future as I immediately fell in love with Greece (especially Paros Island)."
Louise, traveled in June
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Athens, Paros, Parikia, Antiparos, Lefkes, Náousa, Naxos,Damalas,Chalki,Apiranthos,Apollonas,Chora,Santorini,Nea Kameni Island,Palea Kameni Island,Thirasia,Oia,Piraeus+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Greek Islands
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Zone
25% Off
From $2,969
US$2,227per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
Greece Discovery & Island Hopping - 10 Days
4.6 (7 reviews)
"Excellent tour, we had a wonderful time."
Janis, traveled in May
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Athens, Delphi, Kalabaka, Metéora, Thermopylae, Santorini,Nea Kameni Island,Palea Kameni Island,Mykonos,Chora,Piraeus+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
From $3,690
US$2,362per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
Mykonos & Santorini Tour: 5-Day Greek Island Escape
4.9 (21 reviews)
"I absolutely loved this! This really took the guess work out the whole trip."
Allison, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Delos, Nisí Ríneia, Santorini, Oia, Thera,Nea Kameni Island,Akrotiri+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceAthens Santorini & Mykonos+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Private Tours Greece
25% Off
From $2,145
US$1,608per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Island Hopping
Greek Island Hopping (Standard)
4.8 (813 reviews)
"If your thinking about going do it! You won't regret it."
Sophie, traveled in August
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Ios
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
25% Off
From
US$1,825per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Island Hopping
Geluxe: Greece: Athens and Walking in the Greek Islands
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Athens, Tinos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Thera, Oia
Age Range
Ages 18+
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From $5,599
US$4,479per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
Greek Island Wanderer
4.3 (70 reviews)
"Beach at Syros, the whole of Naxos!, cooking in Paros, the Byzantine road, walks on Naxos, Paros boat trip."
Sharon, traveled in September
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Athens, Syros, Ermoupolis, Galissas, Azolimnos, Vari,Ermoupouli,Paros,Náousa,Parikia,Lefkes,Naxos,Delos,Mykonos,Kinidaros,Eggares,Santorini,Nea Kameni Island,Palea Kameni Island,Thirasia,Thera,Oia+16 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Islands
Greek IslandsCyclades Greece+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
9% Off
From $3,090
US$2,810per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
Athens to Santorini
4.6 (36 reviews)
"Amazing spots and dinner areas that made the whole trip one of a kind."
Brianna, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Athens, Syros, Ermoupolis, Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, Thera,Akrotiri,Perissa,Oia,Nea Kameni Island,Palea Kameni Island+5 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
From $3,520
US$2,640per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
Island Hopping: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini
3.0 (1 review)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Oia, Thirasia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceAthens Santorini & Mykonos+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Destination Services Greece
10% Off
From $1,196
US$1,076per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
Greek Island Hopping: Paros, Ios & Santorini Sunsets
5.0 (39 reviews)
"Boating in the sea, spending time celebrating with the group, and lounging on beaches were my favorite parts."
Katherine, traveled in October
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Athens, Paros, Ios, Santorini
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
30% Off
From $1,659
US$1,161per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Island Hopping
Paros, Naxos, Santorini & Milos with Guided Tours - Premium
4.5 (4 reviews)
"A perfect family holiday in Greece! Safe, well planned, and with enough free time to relax."
Emily, traveled in September
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Athens, Paros, Antiparos, Naxos, Santorini, Milos
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Zone
15% Off
From $3,948
US$3,356per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
Cultural Athens & Island Hopping Mykonos - Santorini (Self-guided)
4.6 (104 reviews)
"Excellent tour and so well organised. This made the trip easy and the best experience."
Paul, traveled in June
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Oia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceSantoriniAthens Santorini & Mykonos+4 more
Operated in
English, German,French,Dutch+2 more
Operator
Dot Travel
15% Off
From $1,129
US$960per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
Greek Island Hopping | Semi guided Tour | 11 Days
4.7 (134 reviews)
"Really good service and wonderful experience overall. Highly recommend."
Lisa, traveled in August
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Zone
30% Off
From $3,171
US$2,220per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
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Ancient Wonders
Best of Greece (15 days) Athens & 4 Islands in 15 days (Self-Guided)
4.5 (70 reviews) award winner
"Hotels were great. we had the trip of a lifetime."
John, traveled in April
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Athens, Syros, Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, Oia, Perissa,Akrotiri,Crete,Heraklion,Knossos,Chania,Samariá+6 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Islands
Greek IslandsCyclades Greece+1 more
Operated in
English, German,French,Dutch+2 more
Operator
Dot Travel
25% Off
From $2,270
US$1,703per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
3-Day Mykonos & Santorini for Couples: Oia Sunset & Little Venice
4.7 (28 reviews)
"The 3 day semi-private tour from Athens in Santorini and Mykonos was really a magical experience!"
Vallerie, traveled in September
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Thera, Oia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceSantoriniAthens Santorini & Mykonos+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Private Tours Greece
25% Off
From $1,198
US$898per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
Greece Island Hopper
4.7 (167 reviews)
"My first trip with TruTravels was AMAZING, and so much better than I could've ever dreamed of!"
ANNA, traveled in June
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Ios, Santorini, Kamari, Thera, Perissa, Oia
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceSantorini+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
TruTravels
25% Off
From $2,195
US$1,646per person
Price based on Shared Room
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