Just 35 minutes’ boat-ride from here is Hydra, a tiny but glamorous speck which has attracted artists, musicians and photographers since the Sixties. Bask in its romantic port and sunset bars, then walk the coast road to find secret pebble bays, or take a boat trip to its quietest corners.
Next up is Spetses, 40 minutes away – the mellow, car-free island where recent film The Lost Daughter was shot. Seek out its Cave of Bekiris, tiny whitewashed churches and one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece; then take the 2hr 50min catamaran all the way back to Piraeus for a flight out of Athens.
When to go
These undiscovered islands don’t get as much footfall as the Cyclades (below) so you can go in peak July and not feel too much of a crush. However, September is a delightful, quieter time to visit.
Where to stay
In Athens, historic Asomaton is walking distance from the sights.
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On Poros, try the mellow Saga Hotel for a bougainvillea-draped pool.
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On Hydra, guesthouse Hydra Icons has 360-degree views from its rooftop.
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On Spetses, Niriides Guesthouse is a chic three-star with a family-run feel.
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For classic looks: The Cyclades
Route: Santorini-Milos-Sifnos-Serifos-Paros-Mykonos
There are two key ingredients for a successful island-hopping adventure: cheap and plentiful flights into and out of your start and end point, and plenty of ferry links in between. In the Cyclades, where the houses are tiny and whitewashed and the cliffs and bays dramatic and undeveloped, there are UK flights to both Mykonos and Santorini – so compare prices and consider flying into one and out of the other. You could start on Santorini for its jaw-dropping cliffside views, killer sunsets and upmarket dinners, taking the two-hour Seajets ferry on to Milos after two or three days.
Santorini for its jaw-dropping cliffside views (YSkoulas)
Klima’s brightly painted fisherman’s houses are the top sight here, but head to lunar-like Sarakiniko Beach, too (this island is beach central) and take a boat to the Caves of Milos. Next up is Sifnos, 40 minutes away, where you’re spoilt for pretty whitewashed villages to potter around (don’t miss Chrissopigi Monastery); then to Serifos, 20 minutes on, an unspoiled spot with a particularly beautiful Chora, or port town. You’ve just got time for a stop on Paros (a 90-minute service that runs every few days) – which has a slightly more modern feel and a bit of nightlife – before a 40-minute boat on to Mykonos, for ample flights home.
Best time to go
These islands fill up during July and August, so go in early June or mid-September for the best combo of weather and quiet-ish landscapes.
Where to stay
On Santorini, the delightful Vasilicos guesthouse is family-run and tailored to you.
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On Milos, Milos Summer Time is all cerulean-painted shutters and sea views; on Sifnos, the Sigma Residences are the trendy pad du jour.
On Serifos, the team at stylish Nostos Boutique Hotel will help you get out and explore
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On Paros, affordable Ayeri Hotel is slightly out of the port crush.
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On Mykonos, Marisso Hotel is a chilled overnight before a flight home.
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For unspoiled nature: The Ionians
Route: Lefkada-Kefalonia-Ithaca-Kefalonia-Zakynthos
Substantially larger, with more towns and trails to dig into, these forested isles are some of the nearest to the UK. Flights into Preveza (connected to Lefkada island), Kefalonia and Zakynthos give you flexibility on route and order. We’d suggest flying into Preveza for the first few nights on Lefkada, staying in relaxed Nidri or Vasiliki for boat trips out to its mind-blowingly beautiful beaches. From Vasiliki you can take the West Ferry to Fiskardo on Kefalonia’s north coast (1hr 45m), then spend up to a week seeing undeveloped beaches, pine forests and gorgeous Venetian towns on this dazzling island.
Agiofili Beach on Lefkada (Lucy Thackray)
Heading east to Sami port, take the 20-minute boat on to Ithaca, a petite, forgotten-feeling speck of gorgeous wild beaches, tiny port towns and chic guesthouses. From here, you could nip back to Kefalonia and fly home; or voyage 3hr 45m onward to Zakynthos, home to some of the Ionians’ most beautiful beaches. Take in its poster-child “Shipwreck Beach”, Navagio, snorkel with loggerhead turtles or take boats to vivid caves before flying home.
Best time to go
Ferries run between May and September, so go May to early June or September for the best chance of quieter bays and plenty of ferry seats.
Where to stay
On Lefkada, chilled out apartments like Santa Emelia cost from as little as £75 a night.
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On Kefalonia, Anthi’s Beach Apartments fit in with the tranquil vibe of Fiskardo.
Further south on Kefalonia, southerly F Zeen is a fitness-focused splurge.
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On Ithaca, Korina Gallery Hotel is near the restaurants and boats of Vathy harbour.
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On Zakynthos, try the chic Tsamis Zante Suites.
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Read more: The best hotels in Athens
Source link : https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/greece/greece-island-hopping-route-best-santorini-skiathos-b2533369.html
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Publish date : 2024-04-23 07:00:00
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