Greek Island Hopper

Here are a few more details to help you before you start your trip. If you would like to meet fellow travellers and get top tips from Busabout crew then log-on to Chatabout - our online forum - for all the info you need to plan your awesome adventure.

Travel options

Fixed itinerary (9 days): A Busabout Guide will escort each group, staying two nights on each island. If you have not advised us otherwise (at least two weeks prior to departure), we will assume this is what you wish to do and book your ferry tickets accordingly.

Flexible trip: If you would like to stay longer on any of the islands you can select/change your travel dates through MyTrip up to two weeks before your departure from Athens. You can increase the number of nights you stay in each island too - we have departures every two days and you can join up with different Busabout groups along the way.

NOTE: Two weeks before you are due to depart Athens all ferry tickets will be booked and ticketed. No further date changes will be possible. Due to group size restrictions, the minimum stay on each island is two nights (and an even number of nights if staying longer – 2,4,6, etc).

Onward travel

The Greeks can have a pretty relaxed outlook on timetables; 'island time' they call it. This 'island time' can mean that last minute changes can occur to the timetable, and because of this we cannot guarantee what time you will get back to Athens on the last day of the trip.  It can be anywhere from 12 noon on the last day to early the following morning and therefore it is advised that you do not organise to leave Athens until the day after your trip finishes.

Check out our sample itinerary below - based on 9 days, the minimum amount of time to get round.  You have the option to extend the number of nights you spend in the islands for as long as you like (in multiples of 2) within the season's departure dates and can change your dates up to 15 days before you travel.

Day 1 - Athens To Mykonos

The first day of the best 9 days of your life!  Head down to the port in the early morning sunshine to meet your guide and hop on our first ferry over to the stunning island of Mykonos, famous for gorgeous Cycladic architecture, stunning sun-kissed beaches and an awesome party scene.

The afternoon sees us chilling out at Paradise Beach, our recommended accommodation for the island and home to some of the best partying around.  Grab a cocktail and your beach towel and spend the afternoon working on your tan before we head out tonight to Mykonos town for a walking tour of all this amazing island has to offer – famous windmills, white washed, cobbled streets, fab shopping and super friendly locals.  After the tour try some local cuisine with an optional dinner at a local restaurant before we hit up some of the best bars and clubs in town and get to know our trip mates over a few drinks and some serious tunes, the perfect end to our first day on tour.

Day 2: Mykonos

Today is yours to explore all this island paradise has to offer.  Take an optional half day trip out to Delos, the birth place of Apollo and Artemis and a sacred ancient centre of Greek culture, for a taste of the historical side of the islands.  If sun, sea and sex on the beach (the cocktail) is more your thing, laze the day away sunbathing at Paradise Beach or explore some of the other beautiful secluded beaches nearby.  Shopaholics can head to the winding streets of Mykonos town for some retail therapy, whilst the water babies amongst you can spend the day frolicking in the waves – pure bliss!

The party kicks off in the early afternoon at Paradise Beach, so chuck on your sarong and hit the table tops, as pumping beats and fab cocktails make for the best party this side of sunset.  Head in to town tonight or stay at the beach with your trip mates, then head up to the onsite club or up to club Cavo Paradiso, where pools, podiums and the world's best DJs keep the party going way past sunrise.

Day 3: Mykonos - Paros

Next up Paros - a beautifully chilled out island and the perfect place to kick back and relax in true Greek islander style. This afternoon there’s free time when you can head off on horseback or have a relaxing massage with our optional excursions, then this evening we’ll explore with an orientation walk.  Tonight you can sample delicious Greek cuisine at a local restaurant, before letting loose your inner kefi (the spirit of joy, passion and high spirits) with a local tradition – plate smashing!  Plates smashed and kefi released, it’s time to head out in to the night to try some local bars, and get to know the spirit of Paros after dark….

Day 4: Paros

Today you have the option to get on-board the best day trip EVER and take to the high seas!  A full day boat cruise, we’ll visit Paros’s most spectacular swim stops and splash, snorkel and sunbathe the day away.  Wine, soft drinks and delicious beach bbq included, this day trip has deservedly become legend amongst Greek island adventurers. Try char-grilled octopus washed down with Ouzo (in true Greek style) and then dig in to souvlaki, tzatiki, Greek salad and fresh bread with a bit more wine before more swimming, more tunes and maybe even a beach bar or two.   As the light begins to fade we return to shore in the early evening ready for a hot shower and an evening at leisure on our final night in Paros.  If boat trips aren’t your thing there are loads of other optional extras available today, including scuba diving and horse riding, and your guide can advise on all the things to see and do to make the most of your time in Paros.

Day 5: Paros - Santorini

From the turquoise caldera at the centre of the island (a souvenir from a massive volcanic eruption over three and a half thousand years ago) to whitewashed, blue-domed churches, cloudless blue skies and red and black sand beaches, Santorini is a feast for the senses.  Arguably the most beautiful island of the Cyclades, with great food, amazing wines and some very decent nightlife, Santorini is a firm favourite amongst Busabouters - this evening after arrival we’ll go on an orientation walk to show you why!  Tonight there’s an optional sunset dinner overlooking the lagoon, then it’s on to a few bars to celebrate our first night in Santorini in top Grecian style.

Day 6: Santorini

Free time today and with so much to see and do there’s an optional bucket list bus trip showing you the top highlights of this awesome island.  Check out the Monastery at Mount Profitis Ilias for stunning views of the island, taste local wines, cheese and olives at the Santo winery, visit historic Akrotiri, check out the beautiful red and black beaches and then grab a late lunch before returning to Fira Town. As part of the bus tour tonight we head for a sunset picnic in Oia, the most beautiful village with the most famous view point on the island – probably the romance capital of Greece and home to some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world…

Day 7: Santorini - Ios

Ios - party capital of the Greek islands and in a world all its own…  Our recommended accommodation, Far Out Beach Club, is the most happening resort on the island and whether it’s pool, beach or bar you’re after you won’t be disappointed.  Cocktails, water sports and relaxing on the golden sands this afternoon, then tonight there’s an optional meal and a few drinks before we head in to Ios town; its tiny winding streets hide an amazing array of clubs and bars so be prepared for the club crawl to end all club crawls!

Day 8: Ios

The sun will be shining and the head might be thumping, but for a no fail guaranteed hangover cure head down to the beach this morning and get in to some water sports (tried and tested, it works!)   Chill out to some top tunes by the pool, walk the sun dappled streets of Ios town or head out and explore some of Ios’s white sandy beaches and secret hidden coves.  Get back in the saddle tonight with a cocktail or two, grab dinner at the campsite barbeque or head into town for a meal before our final night in Ios, finishing in bar-hopping style with the chance to check out the clubs again, just in case we missed one!

Day 9: Ios - Athens

Today our tour comes to an end as we leave Ios for Athens. 

Please note:  Your arrival time back into Athens is not finalised until two weeks before your departure. You will get back into Athens anywhere from 12 noon on the last day or early the following morning. Please be advised ferries can be delayed due to weather conditions and therefore it is advised that you do not organise to leave Athens until the day after your trip finishes.

Accommodation is not included in the cost of the Greek Island Hopper, as it’s a flexible product (so you can extend the number of nights you stay in each island).  We know where you hang out is just as important as how you got there though, and have chosen a recommended accommodation on each island which offers fab value accommodation, great facilities and an awesome vibe!

Your accommodation in Athens and the Greek Islands can be guaranteed by pre-booking through My Trip – you just log in, select the room type and number of nights and then put down a 10% deposit online (the rest is due on arrival).  Availability will be limited in peak season (July and August) so make sure you book your accommodation at least two weeks before you jump onto your first ferry (or as soon as you’re sure of your dates).  Prices vary, but are generally between €10-€45 per person per night, depending on the type of room you book, and each property is run by local super stars who love our travellers to bits, so we're sure you'll come away smiling.

For a taste of the recommended accommodations and all they have to offer check out the below:

Paradise Beach - Mykonos

Justifiably the most famous resort on the island, Paradise Beach is a guaranteed great time. Choose from clean, cosy cabins or bungalows with a choice of communal or ensuite facilities – there are loads of different room types so you can pick the one that suits your budget best.  The accommodation is located right on the beach, with restaurants, cafes, bars, pumping tunes and a couple of awesome clubs hosting some of the best DJs around all on site or just a few steps away.  It’s the perfect base for our time on the island and from full moon parties to the small, more secluded beaches nestled nearby it has something for everyone. 

Elizabeth Pension - Paros

Paros is the perfect chill out island, and our recommended accommodation - the Elisabeth Pension - is the perfect place to unwind. The rooms are clean and comfy, with ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning and balconies to make your stay that little bit more luxurious.  The lovely Lily and Mikhailis, a local couple with loads of local character, make this a home away from home, and with the main streets, seafront cafes, restaurants, beaches and nightlife located just a short walk away, it’s an ideal location from which to explore this most chilled of Cycladic islands.

Hotel Antonia - Santorini

Super central and super welcoming, Hotel Antonia is a favourite amongst Busabouters and the owners, Lefteris and Vasso, will go out of their way to make your stay awesome!  Clean as whistle, the room also have private balconies, air conditioners and fridges (and for the long-locked lovelies amongst you, they even have hairdryers), and is also smack bang in the centre of Fira, which means the main shopping streets, bars, restaurants and transport to all of the beaches are just a few minutes’ walk away – perfect!

Far Out - Ios

Ios is backpacker heaven! Situated right on Mylopotas beach, Far Out is the most popular place to be on the island. With a choice of different styles of accommodation, all within a stone's throw of each other, you can choose from the chilled-out Far Out Village or the more happening Far Out Beach Club. The Beach Club cabins have simple bamboo roofs and a fan so they're light, airy and perfect for those on a budget. The Village rooms are built in traditional Cycladic style with fridges and air-conditioning, offering a bit more luxury for a few extra Euros. Both are far enough away from the party to get a good night's sleep, but near enough to get involved whenever you fancy, and with pools, beach bars, restaurants, cafes, a mini-market and water sports all at your fingertips (plus a bus stop right outside which takes us to the heart of the clubbing action in under ten minutes) it’s the perfect location to get your party on!

NOTE: Transfers to and from the port on these islands will only be provided to Busabout passengers who book accommodation at these properties through MyTrip. If you book any of the other recommended properties you will not be eligible for the transfer service.

If you’re travelling with us before you get to Greece (e.g. on a hop on, hop off pass) and need to get from Italy to Greece or vice versa on a budget then you can purchase your Busabout Athen's Link as an add-on to your Hop-on Hop-off pass or Greek Island Flexi-Hopper through your On Board Guide. There are two routes to choose from and you can purchase either single or return tickets. A single is €59.

Option 1: Venice (Italy) to Patras (Greece) – or vice versa

Option 2: Ancona (Italy) to Patras (Greece) – or vice versa

Patras is approximately 3 hours by bus or train to Athens centre (€15 approx.)

Your guide will issue you with a Busabout voucher which you must then exchange for your deck boarding pass at the Minoan Lines office in Patras, Venice or Ancona ports.  The voucher must be exchanged for a boarding pass here and will not be valid for travel on its own.  Please keep in mind that you have to exchange the voucher at least 2 hours before departure at the very latest.

PLEASE double check the Minoan timetables BEFORE purchasing the Athens Link www.minoan.gr.  The Busabout Athen's Link is only valid on Minoan Lines Ferries on the given routes.

The journey will take 24 – 30 hours but with restaurants, bar, shops, internet and sundecks onboard it’s the perfect way to catch up on sleep and top up your tan before hitting the islands!  Your Athen's Link will entitle you to a full deck pass however sleeper cabin upgrades are available to purchase direct from Minoan lines on the day (subject to availability and vessel).