Greek Islands

There are over 200 Greek islands dotted around the Mediterranean and many combinations that work well with connecting ferries and flights.We have narrowed it down to three fantastic and unique islands and three of the most beautiful in the Cyclades. Each with their vey own, unique style and character. They are also very close so easily combined with convenient and short boat trips on a regular ferry service.

SANTORINI

Take your direct flight from the UK - Various airports service Santorini.If you have seen incredible photos of Greece where whitewashed villages cling to impossibly steep cliffs overlooking the bright blue waters of the Med, it is more than likely Oia in Santorini you are looking at. People come from all over the World to stay in the unique and luxurious boutique hotels that cling to cliffs, affording these incredible views over the Caldera from private hot tubs and infinity pools.It truly is a bucket-list destination. you will never forget that evening with cocktail in hand as you watch the sun set over the Med from high up on cliffs. A great place to start your Greek island hopping adventure and add to your Instagram profile.Oia has the best hotels with those incredible views and is the islands prettiest village. Although prices can be somewhat eye-watering sometimes. Imerovigli just down the road is another white-washed clifftop village, similar to Oia but offering slightly lower prices and can be a great alternative. There are a wide range of fantastic hotels available for this trip, so something for every budget, whatever your taste.

PAROS

The fast Speedjet Ferry can get you to Paros from Santorini in just under two hours.Then you can enjoy this sleepy island with its relaxed and laid back vibe, lovely beaches and pretty traditional villages. Compared to Santorini and many of the more developed Greek islands, Paros has a much more authentic Greek feel about it. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the lovely sandy beaches or explore the pretty villages and lovely scenery.Parikia is the main town and there are plenty of bars and restaurants within its pretty whitewashed streets and alleys. The other main town of Naoussa is a more cosmopolitan and upmarket affair with trendy bars and boutique hotels.If Paros is even too busy for you, you can jump on a ferry and spend the day in sleepy Antiparos. Just a mile and a 2 euro ferry ticket away, you really can get away from it all here.

MYKONOS

Just a short 45 minute ferry ride from Paros is your final destination.Mykonos town, or Chora as the locals call it, is truly stunning. Narrow streets and alleys form a labyrinth that lead you though the whitewashed village down to the harbour and waterfront. The old buildings in Little Venice with their colourful balconies, sit precariously on the waters edge, seemingly ready at any moment to topple into the sea. It's best to explore this fascinating town iis early morning when most people are either at the beach or sleeping off last nights fun. In the evening the narrow streets are throbbing with people out to enjoy the numerous restaurants and bars.Away from Mykonos town the island offers some lovely beaches. Ornos is a great spot with fashionable boutique hotels and a lovely sandy bay with crystal clear water. This is a great place to stay as it is less than a ten minute drive from Mykonos town. Another lovely beach option is Platis Gialos where a long stretch of sand is home to some great restaurants and tavernas. Both are great for families.If you are looking for a place to party then head to Paradise or Super-Paradise beaches where the beach parties are.As well as beaches and parties, Mykonos has a lot of fantastic scenery and history. Head over to the East of the island to get away from the crowds and enjoy rugged hills and quiet, uncrowded beaches, sleepy villages an old monastery.At the end of your stay in Mykonos your driver will take you back to the airport for your direct flight home.

HOTELS

All three islands have some amazing hotels. Oia and Imerovigli are by far the best places to stay in Santorini. This is where you get the luxury boutique hotels with those all important views. For the ultimate in luxury you could stay at the stunning 5star Katikies Santorini.In Paros why not stay in or around the chic whitewashed village of Nouassa and enjoy the beach, pretty harbour and all the local tavernas and great restaurants. The Cove Paros is a super stylish and chic 5star boutique hotel close to the beach and the village centre.Mykonos is home to a whole host of amazing luxury designer hotels. There is so much choice the hotels are getting better and better. If you want total luxury then you can't go to far wrong by staying at the Santa Marina. It has the only private beach on the island, stylish contemporary design and the Buddha bar, where tables are highly prized. These island hopping trips are flexible.You can change an island, or add another to the itinerary. Maybe Naxos or Crete?You can pick a completely different island group. Maybe the Ionian islands of Corfu, Kefalonia and Zante?Just contact Paul, your Worldtravelplanner for more information.

Direct Flights from UK

There are direct flights from various UK airports to Mykonos and direct flights back from Santorini.  You can start at either end depending on what you want and flight prices for each island.The ferry from Santorini to Paros takes an hour and forty five minutes, or three hours depending on the boat you catchTo get from Paros to Mykonos just takes just 45 minutes.These trips are best from May to September when weather is best and the ferries and airlines are running a full service. In the winter months some ferries and direct flights may not be available.