Yes, we know… once you get in Santorini, you will never want to leave! But what about a short island hopping, just to admire the uniqueness and beauty of the nearby Greek islands? Santorini, due to its privileged location, is a great connection hub, to use as your base to hop on at a handful of lovely Greek islands of Cyclades complex. Some of them, and the most worth-visiting in our opinion, are Mykonos, Naxos, Folegandros, Anafi, Ios, and Milos.

Mykonos island hopping

Starting on with Mykonos, which is undoubtedly the most cosmopolitical destination among the Greek islands, this island stands out mostly for its legendary summer parties, the beautiful sandy beaches, the award-winning exquisite restaurants, and the luxurious lifestyle. A small and easily explored island for those who want to have a… lively time. As it is said, Mykonos is the island that never sleeps! Truth? Well, in contrast with Santorini which is the most romantic destination on earth, Mykonos would be a perfect choice for the youngest or singles or a party of friends! A two days stay is the ideal time to explore Mykonos! Afterward, Santorini will be waiting for you, to offer you a perfect rehabilitation after the never-ending beach parties!  

How to go there?

By boat! The ferry from Santorini takes only around 2.5 hours! You may choose between five different ferries that run daily in the high season period. The price of the ticket ranges between €44-€66. 

Any tip for the island?

• Choose Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach if you are a party lover. Choose Elia and Ornos Beach if you are a peaceful lover!
• Take with you a light jacket, especially for the after-hours & don’t wear hats! The island has super strong northern winds. You will often listen instead of “Mykonos” the name “the island of winds”!
• Preferably rent a car and be patient with the parking as it is quite limited.
• Note that the buses run every approximately 30 minutes and the taxis are quite scarce & expensive.
• While in Mykonos follow the motto: tan, drink, dance, repeat!

Naxos island hopping

Although Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades complex, a short-term getaway there could be a convenient and adventurous idea! Naxos can offer you generously marvelous long sandy beaches, rich archeological history, and charming alleys for singular shots at the picturesque old town, Chora. Naxos is an attractive choice for those who love sports. It offers a surplus of mountainous hiking trails with striking vistas of green uplands and greenish-blue seas. It also has ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing mostly at Laguna, Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, and Plaka beaches! Additionally, note that if you love Greek food then Naxos is your island! The great agricultural activity of the island offers delicious and authentic Greek dishes well-known all over Greece! Last but not least, although Naxos is being considered as a “family” destination, the island’s nightlife will fascinate you. 

 How to go there?

By boat! The ferry from Santorini takes only around 1.5 hours! You may choose between four different ferries that run daily in the high season period. The price of the ticket ranges between €20-€30.

Any tip for the island?

• Taste local delights from its lush lands such as potatoes, cheese, goat meat. Taste citron liqueur, a liqueur made from the leaves of the citron tree.
• Visit “Portata Gate” for the most romantic sunset’s prospection. 
• Preferable rent a car although public transportations are frequent.
• Visit Halki, Filoti, and Apiranthos villages!

Folegandros island hopping

What can we say for this hidden gem of Aegean… A breath away from Santorini, the unknown for many tourists Folegandros, can offer you a tranquil stopover with a bohemian vibe and an authentic Greek beauty you will never forget! Its clifftop Chora town, one of the most picturesque spots of the island, is built 200 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by charming white houses with tiny courtyards that carry a folkloric Cycladic aura! An impressive white Church at the top of the hill offers breathtaking panoramic vistas. Old-fashioned tavernas offer a delicious savoy journey to the island’s specialties like matata (fresh homemade pasta), kalasouna pie (pie with local goats’ cheese and lightly caramelized onions), and souroto cheese! Folegandros is a small, easily explored island. Apart from Hora, it has only two other main settlements, Karavostasi (the port of Folegandros) and Ano Meria.  

How to go there?

By boat! The ferry from Santorini takes less than 1 hour! You may choose between two different ferries that run daily in the high season period. The average price of the ticket is 40€.

Any tip for the island?

• Visit “Katergo” beach by boat (daily excursions several times from the port). Swim into the crystal blue waters, be enchanted by its rich aquatic life bottom, and climb its famous sea rock.
• Don’t rent a car! You can explore almost the entire island on foot. Pack a pair of comfortable shoes!
• Visit the Folkone Museum.
• Be aware that there is no bank on the island only a few ATMs.

Anafi island hopping

Anafi is a small, peaceful, and less touristic island. It is positioned in the south of the Cyclades among Santorini and Astypalaia. According to mythology, Anafi owes its name to Apollo God who created the island from the waters of the Aegean to protect the Argonauts, who suffered from the strong storms. Its beautiful and truly unspoiled main town, Chora, is built amphitheatrically on the hill, at an altitude of 200 m. It mostly stands out for the all-white traditional houses with the domes on the roof, the kalderimia -narrow stone streets, and the ruins of the ancient Venetian castle. A dreamy island for those who desire a simple way of life and for those who seek genuine contact with nature, close to its hospitable inhabitants! An island with a great wild natural environment, crystal clear waters, and serene sunsets. 

As far as the beaches, on the south side of Anafi, the shores are sandy, windless, and more popular while on the north side of the island the beaches are rockier and quieter. Last but not least, Naxos is an interesting choice for those who love fishing as it offers a wide variety of fish!

How to go there?

By boat! The ferry from Santorini takes around 1,5 hours! You may choose between 2 different ferries that run daily in the high season period. The average price of the ticket is €20.

Any tip for the island?

• Note that there is no bank on the island only one ATM at the port.
• Hike to Kalamos in the south-east of the island, the top of the second-highest monolith in Europe. 
• Watch the sunset at the old Venetian Castle.
• Book your accommodation as early as possible, as the hotels are limited.

Ios island hopping

If we have to describe Ios with three words, that would be fun, fun, and fun! Ios is the closest to Santorini island. It took its name from the word “ion” -which means flower-, since the island was full of flowers in the past. Ios can offer you all-day dancing against the backdrop of impressive Cycladic landscapes.

Once a paradise of hippies back in the 70s, Ios is still more appealing mainly to younger ages, however, this shouldn’t prevent anyone from visiting it. The main village, Chora, is amphitheatrically built on a hillside filled with charming whitewashed houses. It is a tranquil neighborhood bursting with shops and restaurants during the day while during the night is surprisingly transformed into one big party! Not even to mention that a lot of the nightclubs at Ios open the doors after 3:00 am when the party officially gets started! The island features around 33 long and small golden beaches. Blue flags are almost yearly awarded to its spotless crystal blue waters! Milopotas, Magganari, and Plakes are the most notable beaches on which water sport’s lovers can have a great time!

How to go there?

By boat! The ferry from Santorini takes less than 1 hour! You may choose between two different ferries that run daily in the high season period. The average price of the ticket is 30€.

Any tip for the island?

• Rent a car if you want to visit the beaches that are away from Chora. However, note that Chora is comfortably approachable and explorable on foot.
• Taste local cheeses like “skotyri” (soft goat cheese with herbs), “sougli” (small pancakes made of flour, water, and olive oil), the traditional sweet of watermelon, and definitely “matsi” (a kind of handmade pasta).
• Book your accommodation away from the party centers (Chora & Mylopotas) if you are a traveler who looks for quietness.
• Do scuba diving! Τhe almost transparent seabed under the clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea will enchant you!

Milos island hopping

Just like Santorini, Milos, a spectacular volcanic island with a horseshoe shape, was created after an eruption and it is mostly famous for the almost 70 heavenly, turquoise, and white-gold unearthly beaches. The island on which the famous statue of Aphrodite was discovered and now is being presented in the Louvre Museum, is the perfect getaway for romantic couples, families with kids, swimming, diving, snorkeling, and trekking lovers! Plaka, the island’s capital city, follows respectfully the typical Cycladic architecture. Sarakiniko, on the northeastern part of the island, is the most / visited and photographed destination of the island. What makes Sarakiniko unique? Its exquisite crystal blue water makes swimming an unforgettable experience. Its geological particularity gives visitors the impression of standing on the surface of a moon!

How to go there?

By boat! The ferry from Santorini takes around 5 hours! You may choose between four different ferries that run daily in the high season period. The average price of the ticket is €75.

Any tip for the island?

• If you have more than one day on the island try an organized sailing. It is the best way to explore all the beautiful beaches of Milos and to swim to Kleftiko caves!
• Visit Klima, the most famous and colorful village on the island, and don’t stop shooting!
• Watch the sunset from the Castle in Plaka.
• Visit the Milos Mining Museum and spend an interesting and educational evening.

Overall, although Santorini is one of the most striking and distinct Greek islands, visiting one of its neighbors will make your Greek island hopping experience much more fun! However, if you are looking for a day trip from Santorini, the only island we do recommend visiting is Anafi whereas, for all the remaining, at least one night of stay is highly recommended. Βon voyage!