4. Not Researching Island Connections
Greece has over 200 inhabited islands, but ferries don’t directly connect all of them. Many travelers assume that they can hop between islands freely, only to find themselves stuck due to limited schedules or long travel times. Unlike in some other countries, ferry routes in Greece are not always straightforward, and some islands require a return trip to Athens before continuing elsewhere.
For example, if you’re visiting Santorini and want to go to Corfu, you’ll likely need to return to Athens first, as there is no direct ferry. Islands in different groups—such as the Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos) and the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia)—rarely have direct connections. To avoid frustration, research ferry routes in advance and consider booking tickets ahead of time, especially in peak season when ferries sell out quickly. The website FerryHopper is an excellent resource for checking schedules and planning your island-hopping adventure.
If ferries are inconvenient, domestic flights can be a faster alternative, especially for reaching far-off islands like Crete, Rhodes, or Lesvos. Planning ahead will help you make the most of your time without unnecessary delays.