Each island has its own charm and it’s very hard to choose only couple of them to visit. Trying to avoid the obvious clichés when it comes to island hopping in Greece, here is an itinerary which will appeal to both budget travelers and those who want to see the real Greece (some touristy places, as well as some hidden ones).

Additionally, if you are trying to escape the crowds, your best bet is to check out the Top 5 Secret Greek Islands : Evia, Kalymnos, Kea, Nisyros and Spetses.

And, of course, many won’t even consider they’ve visited the Greek Islands unless they spend time on Mykonos , Rhodes or Crete . Yes, these are the major destinations but they are not only very crowded during the season but also very expensive.

Note: some ferry connections are not available from October until March/April.

2 days in Corfu

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Corfu is the most developed of the Ionian Islands and one of the touristy places as well. However, the combination of cosmopolitan island and Greek charm makes it a more relaxed destination than Mykonos or Rhodes.

Assuming you’ll be flying into the Town of Corfu, you can spend your first day here checking out one of the largest public squares in Greece (yes, it’s here!). On the west part of the square lies the Old Venetian Port: intriguing and imposing at the same time, it’s a great place to enjoy beautiful views of the city and sea.

Spend the second day on Corfu checking out the beautiful beaches and relaxing. Enjoy the day walking from place to place to discover the hidden jewels (like authentic tavernas or shops, as well as churches).

Fly into Athens (flight takes 1 hour) and then take a ferry from Athens into Patmos (journey takes about 8 hours).

>>more information on Ferries from Athens to Patmos

1 day in Patmos

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Patmos (a Dodecanese island) is famous for the impressive fortress-monastery which dominates the hill above the port, overlooking the city. When you arrive (most likely during the night) check in and prepare for the next day.

Explore the port, with its fish tavernas, restaurants and shops, all creating a lively atmosphere. Then head to the fortress and spend the rest of the day exploring the site.

Catch a ferry to Kos (about 2 hours) for your next destination.

2 days in Kos

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You’ll be arriving in Kos in the morning. Check in, grab a bite to eat and start to explore the capital. Around the port one can still see the ruins of the old city and fortress. Excavations revealed the ancient Agora as well as many buildings both from Roman and Hellenic times. You can see the foundations of a temple dedicated to Aphrodite.

Then go to the modern part of the city and explore the temple of Asklepios, a Doric temple erected in the 2nd century B.C. Along with other important buildings, they form what’s known as the Asklepieion.

Spend your second day in Kos exploring the small traditional villages scattered on the island. A scooter will serve you well.

Prepare yourself for a long ferry ride to Athens (11 hours).

2 days in Athens with 1 day trip to Aegina

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I know, Athens is not an island but it’s the best place to start exploring the small islands near-by. So, since we arrived back in Athens (for the second time on this itinerary) let’s explore the city a bit. Prepare for a day exploring the Acropolis of Athens and the surrounding areas.

Don’t forget to plan visiting some of the free attractions in Athens. Before heading to the port you can watch the changing of the guard at the Parliament, for example.

Next day you’ll be catching a short (40 min) ferry ride to Aegina, a small picturesque island near Athens. It combines so well the traditional harbor with the taverns and market with the modern city, that we cannot ignore it. By the way: make sure to buy some pistachio.

In the evening, catch a ferry back to Athens and prepare for your flight back home.

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