{"id":2788,"date":"2021-02-25T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-25T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/griechenland-inselhopping-santorini-mykonos-kreta\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T14:23:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T14:23:39","slug":"griechenland-inselhopping-santorini-mykonos-kreta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/en\/greece-island-hopping-santorini-mykonos-crete\/","title":{"rendered":"Greek island hopping \u2014 Santorini, Mykonos & Crete"},"content":{"rendered":"

Greek Island Hopping \u2014 The Ultimate Guide to Santorini, Mykonos and Crete<\/h2>\n

Greece has over 6,000 islands, of which around 230 are inhabited. Island hopping\u2014traveling from island to island by ferry\u2014is the best way to discover the diversity of the Greek islands. I spent two weeks in Greece in May 2023 and put together a route connecting three of the most popular islands: Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Here is my complete guide with the route, ferries, costs, and the best photo spots.<\/p>\n

The route \u2014 14 days, 3 islands<\/h2>\n

My route: Athens \u2192 Santorini (4 days) \u2192 Mykonos (3 days) \u2192 Crete (5 days) \u2192 Athens. The ferries connect all three islands directly, and the travel times are manageable (2-5 hours depending on the ferry).<\/p>\n

Santorini (4 days) \u2014 The Icon<\/h3>\n

Santorini is the quintessential Greek postcard island: white houses with blue domes, dramatic cliffs above the volcanic crater, and sunsets that make Instagram explode. But Santorini is also touristy, expensive, and overcrowded in the summer. Here are my tips on how to make the most of it:<\/p>\n

Oia vs. Fira:<\/strong> Oia is the famous postcard image with its blue domes. Fira is the capital and significantly cheaper. I stayed in Fira (60 euros\/night vs. 150+ in Oia) and drove to Oia at 7 a.m., before the cruise ship tourists arrived. The blue domes are deserted by 7:30 a.m.\u2014perfect for photos.<\/p>\n

Red Beach and White Beach:<\/strong> Two of Europe's most photogenic beaches, accessible by boat from Akrotiri. Red Beach boasts spectacular red cliffs right on the water. Caution: Access to Red Beach via the cliff path is officially closed (risk of rockfall). Take the boat from Akrotiri harbor (10 euros).<\/p>\n

Drones on Santorini:<\/strong> Offiziell brauchst du eine Genehmigung der griechischen Luftfahrtbeh\u00f6rde (HCAA). Praktisch habe ich mit der modernste Reisedrohne (unter 250g) keine Probleme gehabt, solange ich nicht direkt \u00fcber Menschenmengen oder Flugh\u00e4fen geflogen bin. Der beste Drohnen-Spot: die Klippen s\u00fcdlich von Oia bei Sonnenaufgang.<\/p>\n

Eat:<\/strong> Tomatokeftedes (deep-fried tomato balls) are Santorini's specialty. Fava (mushy peas) with capers is on every menu. For the best fish: Amoudi Bay below Oia \u2014 you eat right by the water with a view of the cliffs.<\/p>\n

Mykonos (3 days) \u2014 Parties and beaches<\/h3>\n

Mykonos has a reputation as a party island, but there's much more to it than just clubs. The old town (Chora) has winding streets with white houses and colorful doors\u2014one of the most photogenic town centers in Greece. The windmills by the harbor are its landmark.<\/p>\n

Beaches:<\/strong> Paradise Beach is the party beach (sun loungers during the day, DJ in the evening). For peace and quiet: Agios Sostis in the north \u2014 no restaurants, no sun loungers, just nature and turquoise water. Ornos Beach is the family beach with shallow water and good facilities.<\/p>\n

Little Venice:<\/strong> The colorful houses right on the water, where the waves crash against the balconies. Enjoying a cocktail at sunset in the evening\u2014touristy, but beautiful. Reserve a table at Kastro's for the best view.<\/p>\n

Delos:<\/strong> The uninhabited neighboring island (30 minutes by boat) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites of antiquity. It is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis according to Greek mythology. Half-day trip: 20 euros for the ferry plus 12 euros entrance fee.<\/p>\n

Crete (5 days) \u2014 The Diverse<\/h3>\n

Crete is the largest Greek island and feels almost like its own country. Here you'll find everything: beaches, mountains, gorges, ancient ruins, and the best cuisine in Greece.<\/p>\n

Chania:<\/strong> The most beautiful city in Crete. The Venetian harbor with its lighthouse is magical in the evening. The market hall (Agora) has everything from cheese and olives to spices. For drone footage: the lighthouse from above at sunset.<\/p>\n

Samaria Gorge:<\/strong> The longest gorge in Europe (16 km). A day hike from top to bottom (approx. 6 hours), with a boat waiting at the end to take you back to Hora Sfakion. Challenging but doable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. Open only from May to October. Start early (7 am) to avoid the heat.<\/p>\n

Elafonissi Beach:<\/strong> Pink sand and turquoise water \u2014 one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Crowded in summer, but still relaxed in May (when I was there). The drive from Chania takes 90 minutes along winding mountain roads.<\/p>\n

Knossos:<\/strong> The Minoan palace, center of Europe's oldest civilization (3000 BC). Admission: \u20ac15. Arrive at 8 a.m. when it opens\u2014tour buses start arriving at 10 a.m. An audio guide (\u20ac5) is recommended, as the ruins are difficult to understand without context.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Ferries \u2014 booking, prices and tips<\/h2>\n

The ferries between the islands are operated by several shipping companies: Blue Star Ferries (the large, slow, cheap ones), SeaJets and Hellenic Seaways (the fast catamarans, more expensive).<\/p>\n

| Route | Duration (fast ferry) | Price |
\n|\u2014\u2014\u2014|\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014|\u2014\u2014-|
\n| Athens (Piraeus) \u2192 Santorini | 5h (ferry) \/ 2h (catamaran) | 40-70 \u20ac |
\n| Santorini \u2192 Mykonos | 2-3h | 35-60 \u20ac |
\n| Mykonos \u2192 Crete (Heraklion) | 4-5h | 45-75 \u20ac |
\nCrete (Heraklion) \u2192 Athens | 9h (overnight ferry) \/ 4h (flight) | \u20ac35-50 (ferry) |<\/p>\n

Book via Ferryhopper.com or DirectFerries.com. During peak season (July-August), book at least two weeks in advance\u2014fast ferries sell out quickly. The slower Blue Star Ferries are never fully booked and have outside decks with sea views.<\/p>\n

Tip:<\/strong> The overnight ferry from Crete to Athens (Blue Star, departing at 9 pm, arriving at 6 am) is perfect: you save a hotel night and arrive in Athens refreshed in the morning. Book a cabin (50-80 euros) instead of seats (35 euros) \u2014 the sleeping comfort makes the extra cost worthwhile.<\/p>\n

Cost \u2014 14 days of island hopping in Greece<\/h2>\n

| Items | Costs |
\n|\u2014\u2014\u2013|\u2014\u2014\u2013|
\n| Flight DE \u2192 Athens Round Trip | \u20ac100-200 |
\n| Ferries (4 routes) | \u20ac160-250 |
\n| Accommodation (13 nights, mid-range) | \u20ac650-1,000 |
\n| Food (restaurant + supermarket) | \u20ac350-500 |
\n| Scooter rental (Santorini + Crete) | \u20ac120-180 |
\n| Entrance fees and activities | \u20ac80-120 |
\n| In total<\/strong> | 1.460-2.250 \u20ac<\/strong> |<\/p>\n

Money-saving tips: Book accommodations with a kitchen and cook your own breakfast (Greek yogurt + honey + fruit from the market). Avoid restaurants directly at the port\u2014it's cheaper one street over at 30%. Rent a scooter instead of a car on Santorini (25 euros\/day vs. 50 euros). Drink local house wine instead of imported wine (3 euros vs. 8 euros).<\/p>\n\n\n

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Best time to travel to Greece for island hopping<\/h2>\n

May and June:<\/strong> My recommendation: Warm weather (25-30\u00b0C), sea already warm enough for swimming, significantly fewer tourists than in the height of summer. Prices 30-40% below peak season.<\/p>\n

July and August:<\/strong> Peak season. 35\u00b0C+, everything is full and expensive. Only if you like the heat and book early.<\/p>\n

September and October:<\/strong> Still warm, the sea is at its warmest (26\u00b0C), tourists are thinning out. Ferries are still full. My second choice after May.<\/p>\n

November to April:<\/strong> Many hotels and restaurants are closed. Ferries run less frequently. Only makes sense for Crete (mild winters, inhabited year-round).<\/p>\n

FAQ \u2014 Greece Island Hopping<\/h2>\n

Do I need a rental car on the islands?<\/h3>\n

On Santorini: A scooter is sufficient. On Mykonos: Bus or taxi. On Crete: Yes, definitely rent a car \u2014 the island is too big for buses. From \u20ac25\/day.<\/p>\n

Can I go island hopping spontaneously or do I have to book everything in advance?<\/h3>\n

In May, June, and September, you can travel spontaneously. In July and August, you absolutely must book ferries and accommodations in advance. The Santorini-Mykonos fast ferries are often fully booked a week ahead in August.<\/p>\n

Is Greece expensive?<\/h3>\n

Santorini and Mykonos: Yes, comparable to the South of France or the Amalfi Coast. Crete: Significantly cheaper, comparable to Portugal or Croatia. Athens: Inexpensive.<\/p>\n

Which islands are alternatives to Santorini and Mykonos?<\/h3>\n

Naxos (larger, more authentic, cheaper than Mykonos), Milos (volcanic landscape, less touristy), Paros (good mix of beach and culture), the Ionian Islands Corfu and Kefalonia (greener, less Cycladic look).<\/p>\n

Am I allowed to fly my drone on the Greek islands?<\/h3>\n

Offiziell brauchst du eine Genehmigung der HCAA f\u00fcr jede Drohne. Unter 250g (kompakte Reisedrohne-Serie) wird selten kontrolliert. Nie \u00fcber arch\u00e4ologische St\u00e4tten, Milit\u00e4ranlagen oder Menschenmengen fliegen. Auf Mykonos ist Drohnenfliegen in der Altstadt komplett verboten.<\/p>\n

About the author:<\/strong> Max Haase is Germany's most influential travel influencer with over 4.2 million followers. He specializes in drone footage and luxury travel. Cooperation requests here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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