| Q: Hi Jack and friends! My best friend and I are hoping to score a 9 or 10-day trip to Greece this May, hopefully squeezing in a few days in cultural Athens and at least one island too. Ideally, we don’t want to fly between places while we’re out there, preferring to slow travel on public transport.
Are there any particular islands you would recommend, or a 10-day itinerary that would make the most of the beauty of Greece? Thank you!
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Η επιθυμία σου, διαταγή, dear reader! It’s all Greek to us, but we believe that translates loosely as "Your wish is my command".
We’re big fans of the Greek Islands here at JFC, but we’re rarely fans of the cost of direct flights there, especially to the smaller and lesser-known islands. You’ve already got a few days in Athens in mind, so we’d recommend starting and ending your trip there, and joining the Aegean dots in between.
The main thing you need to know is that ferryhopper.com is your ultimate trip mapper for this kind of holiday. Zoom in on the map over Greece and play around with the different route options departing from ports near Athens. Piraeus is closest, and links you to the west and south, while Rafina is around 1hr 40 mins away by public transport and opens up more islands to the east as well.
Staying close by in the Saronic Gulf
Around an hour’s ride from Piraeus, Aegina is a popular weekend getaway for Athens locals and, come summer, day-tripping tourists. All ferries arrive in colourful Aegina Town, where you’ll be greeted by tavernas, shops and cafés lining the waterfront. And probably some pistachios, too.
Getting around the island to the ancient Temple of Aphaia or the medieval town of Paleachora and its 365 churches is easy by bus or taxi. Top tip: Arriving in the beautiful fishing town of Perdika is best appreciated from a water taxi.
Get a taste of the Cyclades
15 miles of culinary delights—that’s what you’ll get on Sifnos. Chickpeas are king in local cuisine, whether you’re going for stews or finger food, and the island has a reputation for producing the region’s best cheeses. And then there’s the melopita and halvadopita for afters…
Between meals, you can spend your time slipping into the sea at remote beaches and hidden coves, or wandering the winding alleyways of the fortified medieval village of Kastro. And of course, you’ll have to stop in at one of the local fish taverns for the catch of the day and a glass of ouzo…
The trip there is only 2.5-hours long on the Superjet ferry from Piraeus. But you can always embrace the slow travel vibes and take the 5.5-hour route, which stops off at both Kythnos and Serifos en route. We’re island hopping, baby!
Long haul into the depths
The easternmost Cycladic island of Amorgos sells its real charm in one simple sign that reads, "Welcome to Amorgos. Nobody will find you here." We’re not sure how many fugitives use the island as a hide-out, but at least you won’t be fighting off hordes of tourists to take in the dramatic views over Ancient Arkesini.
You’ll have to invest around 6–7 hours on a ferry to get there, but it all pays off when you’re greeted by quaint whitewashed towns, familiar Cycladic windmills, unfathomable cliff-face monasteries, and unspoilt beaches. Plus, you’ll technically be meeting a movie star, since Amorgos played the starring role in 1988 Film The Big Blue.
Those are just three of our favourites, but really, the options are nearly endless (there are 227 inhabited Greek Islands, after all). We highly recommend taking a look at CN Traveller’s 26 top picks to fill in the gaps on your Aegean voyage and find exactly what you’re looking for.
And then we demand that you send us snaps and tips from your trip when you get back! Happy sailing ⛵
