If you are dreaming of visiting the Greek islands, you might be wondering how to plan your trip and what resources and websites to use. The Greek islands are a diverse and fascinating destination, with more than 200 inhabited islands to choose from, each with its own character, culture and attractions. Whether you want to explore the ancient ruins of Crete, the volcanic landscapes of Santorini, the party scene of Mykonos, or the hidden gems of the lesser-known islands, you will need some guidance and inspiration to make the most of your trip.
In this blog post, we will share some of the best resources and websites to use when planning your trip to the Greek islands, including guides, blogs, apps and booking platforms. We will also give you some tips on how to travel between the islands, when to go and what to pack. By the end of this post, you will have all the information you need to start planning your perfect Greek islands vacation.
Guides
One of the best ways to get an overview of the Greek islands and decide which ones to visit is to consult a guidebook or a website that offers comprehensive and up-to-date information on each island group. Some of the best guides for the Greek islands are:
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Lonely Planet Greece
: This guide covers all the main island groups, as well as mainland Greece, with detailed maps, practical tips, cultural insights and recommendations for every budget. You can also find specific guides for Crete, Santorini and Mykonos. -
Fodor’s The Greek Islands
: This guide offers in-depth coverage of 24 islands, with expert advice on where to stay, eat, drink and explore. You can also find online articles and reviews on their website. -
Greeka.com
: This website is a comprehensive online guide for all things related to Greece and its islands. You can find information on each island group, as well as photos, videos, maps, tours, activities and more.
Blogs
If you want to get some inspiration and tips from travelers who have visited the Greek islands before, you can check out some of the many blogs that feature stories, photos and advice on various aspects of island-hopping in Greece. Some of the best blogs for the Greek islands are:
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Dave’s Travel Pages
: Dave is a travel blogger who has been living in Greece since 2015 and has visited over 50 Greek islands. On his blog, you can find detailed guides for each island group, as well as tips on how to travel by ferry or sailboat. -
The Wanderlust Within
: Roshni is a travel blogger who has visited 15 Greek islands and shares her experiences and recommendations on her blog. You can find guides for popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos, as well as hidden gems like Milos and Folegandros. -
My Greece My Travels
: Marissa is a travel blogger who has been living in Athens since 2012 and has explored many of the Greek islands. On her blog, you can find guides for each island group, as well as cultural insights, food tips and personal stories.
Apps
If you want to have some handy tools and resources on your phone or tablet while traveling in the Greek islands, you can download some of the useful apps that can help you with various aspects of your trip. Some of the best apps for the Greek islands are:
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Ferryhopper
: This app allows you to search for ferry routes and schedules between the Greek islands and book your tickets online. You can also compare prices, check availability and plan multi-leg journeys. -
Visit Greece
: This app is the official travel guide for Greece by the Greek National Tourism Organization. You can find information on each island group, as well as attractions, events, weather, maps and more. -
TripAdvisor
: This app is a popular platform for travelers to find and book hotels, restaurants, tours and activities in the Greek islands. You can also read reviews, ratings and photos from other travelers and get tips from the community.
Booking platforms
If you want to book your accommodation, flights, ferries or tours in the Greek islands, you can use some of the reliable and user-friendly booking platforms that offer a wide range of options and deals. Some of the best booking platforms for the Greek islands are:
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Booking.com
: This platform offers a huge selection of hotels, apartments, villas and other types of accommodation in the Greek islands. You can filter by price, location, amenities, rating and more. -
Skyscanner
: This platform allows you to search for flights to and from the Greek islands, as well as compare prices, dates, airlines and airports. You can also find deals on car rentals and hotels. -
Danae Travel
: This platform is a good site for booking boat tickets to and from the Greek islands. You can search by destination, date, company and type of boat. You can also find information on ports, timetables and offers. -
GetYourGuide
: This platform offers a variety of tours and activities in the Greek islands, such as sailing trips, wine tastings, hiking tours, cooking classes and more. You can filter by price, duration, rating and category.
Tips for traveling in the Greek islands
Now that you have some of the best resources and websites to use when planning your trip to the Greek islands, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- The best time to visit the Greek islands is from May to October, when the weather is warm and sunny and the sea is calm and clear. However, June to August can be very crowded and expensive on the most popular islands, so you might want to avoid them or book well in advance.
- The easiest way to travel between the islands is by ferry or plane. Ferries are cheaper and more scenic, but they can be slow and unreliable. Planes are faster and more convenient, but they can be more expensive and limited. You can also charter a sailboat or join a cruise if you want more flexibility and adventure.
- The best way to choose which islands to visit is to decide what kind of experience you are looking for. Do you want to see historical sites, natural wonders, nightlife or local culture? Do you prefer big or small islands? Do you want to stay in one place or hop around? You can also check out some of the island pairings that offer a varied trip.
- The best way to get around each island is by public transport, car rental or scooter rental. Public transport is cheap and convenient, but it can be infrequent and limited. Car rental is more comfortable and flexible, but it can be expensive and challenging. Scooter rental is fun and easy, but it can be dangerous and restricted.
- The best way to pack for the Greek islands is to bring light and comfortable clothes that suit the climate and culture. You will need a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat and sandals for the beach; a jacket, pants and shoes for the evenings; a dress or shirt for visiting churches or monasteries; and a backpack or suitcase for traveling.
Conclusion
The Greek islands are a wonderful destination for travelers who want to enjoy the sun, sea and scenery of this Mediterranean paradise. With so many islands to choose from, each with its own charm and attractions, you will need some guidance and inspiration to plan your trip. In this blog post, we have shared some of the best resources and websites to use when planning your trip to the Greek islands, including guides, blogs, apps and booking platforms. We have also given you some tips on how to travel between the islands, when to go and what to pack. We hope this post has helped you get started on your Greek islands adventure.
