Everything you need to know about visiting the Greek islands

Are you ready to set off on your backpacking adventure across the idyllic islands of Greece?

The Greek islands are famous for their lush natural landscapes and the rich traces of ancient Greek history. The pleasant Mediterranean climate, with its mild temperatures and low rainfall, as well as the rich Greek cuisine – which is both healthy and delicious – are also major attractions for tourists. What’s more, the Greeks are hospitable, lively and very proud of their culture, so you’ll feel welcome and ready to have fun and celebrate.

Whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple or in a group with friends and family, you’re sure to have a unique experience that will leave a lasting impression on your life. And believe me, with 6,000 islands and islets scattered across all the Greek archipelagos in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, you’re sure to find a place that suits your backpacking style. And to make your search easier, we’ve put together a list of the islands that are easiest to reach from the port of Piraeus. This way, you can put together a personalised itinerary that’s perfect for having fun and making the most of your time (and money) during your holiday.

For those travelling with their partner

Those who prefer a more romantic experience will be enchanted by the island of Santorini, with its breathtaking views of the world’s most famous sunset from the little white houses of the village of Oia, set against the magnificent backdrop of the volcanic caldera. A real contrast of dramatic and exciting landscapes that is not to be missed. You can also visit Black Beach, White Beach and Red Beach, which are distinguished by the colour of their volcanically formed sand. And if you’re still a fan of white wine, don’t forget to try the island’s native Assyrtiko.

Getting there: Undoubtedly the most popular Greek island, Santorini is also very easy to reach. There are regular ferry services from Piraeus or Crete, taking between 3 and 4 hours, as well as regular flights from Athens, including with the national airline Aegean Airlines.

Where to stay: The Anna Pension is an excellent choice if you’re looking for accommodation that’s well-located (from here you can walk to the shopping centre, restaurants and bars in Fira, the island’s capital) whilst also being quiet and featuring a lovely pool and a private balcony. And best of all is the guesthouse’s affordable price, starting at 30 per night. It’s a very family-friendly setting, perfect for soaking up the Greek sun.

This ‘Love is in the Air’ category also includes the islands of Milos (known for its landscapes, formed by successive underwater volcanic eruptions over hundreds of thousands of years, such as Sarakiniko Beach), Astypalea (with a stunning medieval castle) and Kythira. The latter is famous as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, and for its breathtaking landscape dotted with rustic ruins. Ferries run daily to all three islands from the port of Piraeus.

For those looking to party

If you’re a party traveller or would like to complement your holiday with a taste of Greek nightlife alongside lush beaches with pink sunsets, we have some great party island recommendations for you. And the enchanting island of Mykonos, with its numerous bars and beach clubs, is undoubtedly the most renowned in this category. The most popular beaches on Mykonos are Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach and Platis Gialos, but Aghia Anna Beach and Fokos are also worth a visit, as they are beautiful, less crowded and more unspoilt. And the best thing is that there’s every kind of party scene there: local tavernas, quieter bars, more danceable sounds like reggaeton, and large, lively clubs playing house and techno-electronica where you can dance until the sun comes up. These clubs don’t just attract young people; they’re also very gay-friendly. The best beach clubs and bars on the island are: Scorpions, Kalua Beach Bar, Pasaji, SantAnna, Jackie O, Astra, Super Paradise Beach Club and Cavo Paradiso. The latter was where I celebrated my 30th birthday with my friends, and it was absolutely hilarious! It’s one of the island’s most legendary clubs, with sea views, a large open-air dance floor and sets that run from the early hours until dawn. What’s more, during the summer in Mykonos – the peak season from late June to mid-September – there are major festivals featuring international DJs.

Getting there: The best way to travel depends on where in Greece you’re coming from. If you’re coming from Athens or Santorini, travelling by ferry is cheaper and offers beautiful views of the islands along the way. However, if you’re coming from another country or, for example, from Crete, flying is the best option.

Where to stay: Studio Eleni is an excellent placeto stay , close to the historic and commercial centre, as well as the windmills and ‘Little Venice’. As well as its superb location, the guesthouse is praised by our travellers for its excellent service and cleanliness, and can be booked at very reasonable prices. A suite with up to 4 single beds will cost you less than 100 euros.

As well as Mykonos, other popular islands for night owls looking to enjoy the lively nightlife include Ios – with its laid-back party districts of Chora and Mylopotas – Kos – with the nightlife district of Kardamena – Skiathos with the famous Kahlua Club, Corfu – with its great bars in Kavos and Sidari – and Zakynthos, with the centres of Tsilivi and Laganas, are further popular islands for night owls looking to enjoy the lively nightlife. The latter two islands are also known for their well-preserved natural landscapes.

For those who want to explore nature

If you’re looking for sunshine, natural beauty and a more peaceful atmosphere in remote areas with fewer tourists and more local culture, you should take a look at our tips. Visit the island of Zakynthos ( or Zante), an island that isn’t yet as popular with the tourist crowds as Mykonos and Santorini. This is my favourite island in Greece, a beautiful place with many unspoilt beaches. Whilst you’re there, you really must visit:

– Shipwreck Beach (or Navagio) was ranked last year by Forbes and other international rankings as one of the three most beautiful beaches in the world and as Greece’s most famous beach. No wonder, as it is surrounded by magnificent cliffs and lies right by the clear, turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. It consists of fine white sand, and its unrivalled wild beauty is complemented by the wreck of an old ship, which is a hallmark of this spot. It is believed that the shipwreck of the Panagiotis was caused by terrible weather conditions in 1982, when it was involved in smuggling activities and had to be brought ashore quickly. The shipwreck beach is only accessible by small excursion boats (costing between 10 and 15 euros for the guided boat trip, which offers views of the cliffs and caves along the way; the round trip takes between two and three hours); the nearest ports are Agios Nikolaos and Porto Vromi.

Do also take the opportunity to walk to the Shipwreck Beach viewpoint near the village of Anafonitria and admire this beauty from above. The view will be breathtaking.

As well as Navagio, the following beaches are also worth a visit:

– Gerakas Beach and Dafni Beach, which are best known for being sea turtle nesting sites and are therefore even more unspoilt, with few tourist facilities. During the nesting season, the beaches are usually closed at dawn and dusk. Both beaches, with their shallow, turquoise waters, are ideal for swimming, long walks along the coast or simply relaxing.

– Xygia Beach (or Ksigia) – popularly known as Sulphur Beach because sulphurous water springs from the rocks of the surrounding cliffs. The water has healing properties, but be prepared for the smell (it takes a while to get used to it!)

– Marathonisi Beach – with its white sand and clear blue water, this beach is simply beautiful! It is situated on the small, uninhabited Turtle Island, which is easily accessible by boat.

– Makris Gialos Beach – a peaceful setting with deep water.

– Agios Nikolaos – in the north-west of the island, near the Blue Caves, where you can also go diving with qualified instructors.

Where to stay: The family-run Villa Spiros Family Apts was undoubtedly the best choice of accommodation we made on our trip to Greece. We were warmly welcomed by the Spiros family, who even waited anxiously for us in the middle of the night (because our ferry was delayed) and offered us every possible assistance to make our days on this island unforgettable. Each flat has air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a TV, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom, a laundry service and a barbecue. Bicycle and car hire are also available. The hostel is located in Laganas, the commercial and nightlife hub (clubs and bars), and two beautiful beaches are within walking distance. You can book a day’s stay in an apartment between the two beaches from 30 euros

How to get there: The options are to fly with Aegean Airlines, which costs between 50 and 70 euros one way, or to take the bus or drive for 3 hours from Athens to the port of Kyllini and then take a ferry for a further 3 hours, which costs an average of 30 euros.

As well as Zakynthos, adventurous travellers will be drawn to the islands of Corfu, with its sapphire-blue sea and romantic trails, Milos – which remains largely unexplored and, with landscapes such as Sarakiniko Beach, gives the feeling of being on the surface of the moon – and the island of Kefalonia, with its fascinating beaches featuring sparkling blue waters and emerald-green mountains, as well as the reputation of its spirited inhabitants. And all this amidst unspoilt nature and local culture.

Unforgettable culinary experiences in Greece

Greek cuisine is rich in unique flavours and boasts typical Mediterranean culinary traditions featuring fresh ingredients, which are the hallmark of Greece’s delicious and healthy dishes. The mix of different peoples who have settled in the Greek region has undoubtedly enriched the culture, which is also reflected in the rich flavours of the traditional cuisine. So, if you’re visiting one of the Greek islands or the mainland, you simply must discover this diverse and delicious cuisine for yourself and find out why the Greeks love to eat so well.

Among the most typical and popular Greek specialities and drinks that you simply must try are:

– Frappé: This ice-cold drink, invented by chance six decades ago by a Nescafé employee, is very popular on the country’s streets, even on hot days. It’s even worth trying the cinnamon-flavoured frappé (average price: 2 euros).

– Olives, olive oil and Greek honey: artisanal , aromatic and high-quality products that rank among the best in the world.

– Goat’s and sheep’s cheese: Greek cheeses have a distinctive flavour, which is due to the varied diet of the goats and sheep – consisting of shrubs and various aromatic herbs – which is reflected in the taste of the milk. They are very popular as fresh cheeses, and their natural whiteness complements their low fat content. The most typical and popular cheese is feta.

– Seafood: various types of fish, squid, cuttlefish, prawns, crayfish and mussels, which are always very fresh and served fried, grilled or baked.

– Moussaka: Undoubtedly the most popular and delicious Greek dish. It is a sort of aubergine lasagne with minced meat, sometimes served with potatoes or pasticio (Greek pasta). The seasoning is very distinctive and the Greek béchamel sauce is unmistakable. (Average price: 9 euros).

– Greek yoghurt: a thicker and less sweet yoghurt than the products of the same name found in Brazilian supermarkets. In its country of origin, this dairy product is served plain, with fruit or honey, frozen as ice cream, and also in a savoury version as a sauce to accompany meat and bread.

– Tzatziki: Greek yoghurt dip with cucumber, garlic, salt, olive oil, black pepper and dill. Lemon juice, parsley, mint and coriander are sometimes added too. It is usually served as a dip with souvlaki and gyros (average price: 4 euros).

– Souvlaki: Chicken, lamb or pork skewers, usually served with salad, sauce, bread and chips. (Average price: 3 euros).

– Gyros: A Greek fast-food version of the kebab, but served with souvlaki and flatbread, accompanied by salad and sauces. The souvlaki, made from pork or lamb, is served on rotating skewers (hence the name gyros). (Average price: 6 euros).

– Ouzo: a refreshing drink with an alcohol content of 44 per cent. It is made from fermented grape skins and flavoured with aniseed. It is served neat or with ice and water (when mixed with water, the drink takes on a milky colour). (Average price per bottle: 8 euros).

Important information

Here are some tips for a backpacking holiday on the Greek islands whilst making the most of your time and money:

– If you’re flexible, want to save money and enjoy a quieter holiday at lower prices, it’s a good idea to travel in April–May or September–October. This way, you’ll not only avoid the sweltering heat but also the crowds of the European peak season (between June and August).

– Look for budget accommodation and stay in youth hostels. Not only can you save money by cooking for yourself and staying in a shared dorm, but you’ll also have the chance to meet people from all over the world and plan excursions!

– Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Olympic Airlines offer excellent connections between Thessaloniki and Athens. For the more remote Greek islands, it’s worth looking out for flight deals from Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and even Poland if you’re travelling there directly from another country.

– There is public transport on the islands, costing on average between 0.50 cents and 2 euros per journey. Services aren’t very frequent, but it’s a great way to mingle with the locals and explore the islands’ small villages. Some parts of the island cannot be reached by bus, such as the remote beaches or the olive groves and sheep farms. One option is to hire a car or a quad bike; prices start at 25 euros per day. You also have the option of travelling between the islands by ferry, but at an extra cost of 40 euros, this isn’t always worth it if you have the option of hiring a car on each island you visit.

– Respect the local culture. The Greeks are very proud of their history, architecture, cuisine and customs, and will be happy to explain and show you everything they know, as long as you don’t make them feel undervalued. And don’t be surprised if a few Greeks from the small villages on the islands ask you excitedly (albeit with just a few words of English) where you’re from, and are delighted to meet a Brazilian and want to start talking about football, capoeira or our traditional dances and music. They don’t often come across Brazilians there, are very hospitable and curious about tourists, and have a very positive view of the Brazilian people.

📚 About the author 📚

A citizen of the world from São Paulo and Potiguar, she has lived in five different countries and explored 30 more. She has learnt that you have to have the courage to lose sight of the land to cross an ocean. And once you’ve discovered the world, you never quite feel at home again. Travelling has taught her to appreciate diversity and the extraordinary, and to develop a passion for the smallest details in life.