GREECE – Island-Hopping Around Beautiful Places In Just 10 Days!

Welcome to Greece, where the views here are to die for! Nestled in southeastern Europe, it is just one of those destinations that will have you returning for more. From its mouth-watering salads to its aesthetically pleasing backdrops, doing Greece an island-hopping trip is a no-brainer.

With over 1200 islands to explore, Greece offers an endless abundance of charm waiting to be discovered. Choosing where to go for your island-hopping adventure can be tricky when so many beautiful islands exist!

In this blog, I will share my tried-and-tested 10-day island-hopping itinerary, which I followed with my mum to the following islands: Crete, Santorini, Naxos, and Mykonos.

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Language: Greek is the official language in Greece, but don’t worry if you’re not fluent—many Greeks speak English, especially in tourist hotspots. It’s commonly taught in schools and used in hospitality, making communication easy. Thanks to international visitors and historical connections, locals often learn other languages like French, German, and Italian.

Currency: Since January 2002, the Euro (EUR) has been king in Greece regarding cash. While contactless payment is widespread, it’s wise to keep some change handy for those unexpected moments.

Ferries & Taxis: We booked our ferries through reputable websites, such as FerryScanner and Direct Ferries. FerryScanner also offers taxi transfers and insurance. I recommend booking taxis in advance (e.g., pick up from the port), as my mum and I made the mistake of not booking and then paying extortionate rates.

I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love Greece!

10-Day Island Hopping Itinerary

When my mum and I went to Greece in July, we booked just a few nights in Crete, leaving the rest open for spontaneity. I picked our next island each night based on ease of transfer, travel time, and must-see attractions.

And let me tell you, the islands we explored over our 10-day adventure did not disappoint! Each had its own unique charm, offering something different yet equally breathtaking. Plus, the route was easy to navigate, making island-hopping stress-free.

With so many incredible Greek islands to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But if you’re looking for a simple, seamless European itinerary packed with beauty and adventure, this 10-day island-hopping route is a winner!

2 Days In Crete

Kicking off our Greek island-hopping journey in Heraklion, Crete was a no-brainer—it’s the perfect mix of history, stunning views, and laid-back island vibes. Over the first two days of our 10-day adventure, we explored ancient ruins, soaked up the Aegean blues, and indulged in mouthwatering Greek cuisine.

Whether you’re strolling through lively streets, diving into Greek mythology at Knossos Palace, or simply lounging under the Mediterranean sun, Crete sets the tone for an unforgettable island-hopping experience. And trust me, this is just the beginning!

Stopped at Zaeri for epic views, cocktails, and delicious crepes in Crete

Places To Stay In Crete

Heraklion. The capital of Crete, Heraklion, is perfect for history lovers and first-time visitors. It is packed with archaeological wonders like Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It also has a lively nightlife scene, bustling markets, and easy access to ferries for island hopping.

🩵 Recommends: The Island Hotel is a stunning 5-star hotel with amazing pool areas, spa services, and a sandy beach just a stone’s throw away.

Chania. Stay in a postcard-perfect Venetian harbour town, Chania, for stunning turquoise beaches, charming old streets, and amazing seafood restaurants. It’s great for couples, photographers, solo travellers, and anyone who loves a blend of history and relaxation.

🩵 Recommends: Avra Imperial Hotel is an UNREAL spacious 5-star resort with upscale, scenic, and gorgeous vibes.

Amoudara Beach. A hidden gem with a mix of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences, Amoundara Beach has a romantic old-town vibe, long sandy beaches, and a more laid-back, authentic feel. It’s ideal for those wanting a balance of culture and beach life without huge crowds!

🩵 Recommends: For a premium, unforgettable experience, Agapi Beach Resort offers the whole package.

Hotel Highlight

My mum and I found our perfect haven at Villaggio Hotel, a charming boutique retreat that made our two-night stay in Heraklion unforgettable. The rooms were boutique but cosy, the staff were so friendly, and the views were just stunning. Plus, it was peaceful, and the town was only a 5 – 10 minute walk, which was convenient.

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3 Days In Santorini

Santorini is the island everyone screams about on Instagram, so it was only right to choose this next island-hopping destination for my mum’s birthday. Boy…it didn’t disappoint! Santorini really is like stepping into heaven. Imagine picture-perfect sunsets, charming cliffside villages, and crystal-clear waters waiting for you to explore.

We spent three days of our ten-day island-hopping adventure in Santorini. Here, you can explore Santorini’s capital, Thira, with its winding streets, cosy cafes, and cute shops blending tradition with cosmopolitan vibes. Whether you plan to lounge on stunning beaches or capture Insta-worthy moments, Santorini has it all for an unforgettable getaway.

Obsessed with the vibes and views from Volcano View in Santorini

Places To Stay In Santorini

Oia. Stay in the ultimate luxury & sunset spot, Oia! Famous for its iconic white-washed buildings and insane caldera views, Oia is perfect for romance, Instagram-worthy shots, and high-end stays.
It’s a pretty location with its narrow streets, boutique shops, and upscale vibes. Just be ready for crowds and premium prices!

🩵 Recommends: Treat yourself to the Secret View Hotel for a 5-star, clean, spacious stay with gorgeous rooms and stunning views.

Fira. For the best all-rounder location, Fira is a great location from which to base yourself. As Santorini’s main town, Fira has affordable stays, buzzing nightlife, and easy transport to explore the island. You’ll still get stunning views with more budget-friendly options than Oia.

🩵 Recommends: Aqua Luxury Suites is a 5-star stay on the cliffs of Fira with jaw-dropping views!

Perissa. Think of Perissa as beach life on a budget. If you prefer black sand beaches, chill vibes, and cheaper accommodation, Perissa is a solid choice. It’s a little further from the famous caldera views, but it’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the island without breaking the bank.

🩵 Recommends: Meltemi Village Hotel is a fantastic 4-star hotel with great rates, rooms, and vibes.

Hotel Highlight

My mum and I absolutely loved our stay at the Volcano View by Caldera Collection. We were more than impressed, and this hotel exceeded all our expectations. This stunning hotel offers incredible views, luxurious rooms, and delicious dining options—a perfect sanctuary for an unforgettable Santorini getaway.

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Fun Things To Do In Santorini

3 Days In Naxos

I’m not going to lie. After Santorini, we thought that other islands would be untoppable. However, all the islands bring something unique, and Naxos is no different. As the largest of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, Naxos offers a delightful blend of history and relaxation.

We initially decided to spend two days on this island-hopping trip, but then stayed three nights instead because we loved our hotel and the vibe of the island. We were here for the chilled vibes instead of the alternative nightlife of the town centre.

Naxos, Greece, chilling at Seven Suites Boutique Villa, having the best time!

Places To Stay In Naxos

Naxos Town. The capital and main port of Naxos Town (Chora) is a bustling hub with a mix of traditional Cycladic architecture, lively waterfront tavernas, and vibrant nightlife. Staying in Naxos Town provides easy access to the historic Old Town, the Portara monument, and the Archaeological Museum.

🩵 Recommends: Naxos Evillion Luxury is a charming boutique apartment with GORGEOUS rooms and a whole lot of character – the vibes.

Agios Prokopios. Beach lovers, this one’s for you! Just a short ride from Chora, the Agios Prokopios area has one of the best beaches in Greece! Think crystal-clear waters, and a chilled-out vibe—ideal for a relaxing stay with plenty of restaurants and beach bars nearby.

🩵 Recommends: Mitos Suites is a boujee 4-star hotel, offering a boutique stay, great rates and only 8 villas, making it a peaceful retreat.

Plaka Beach. Plaka is your go-to if you’re all about peace, nature, and endless sandy shores. It’s quieter than Agios Prokopios but still has great beachfront tavernas and boutique stays, making it a dreamy spot for unwinding.

🩵 Recommends: Cycladic Islands Hotel & Spa offers a 4-star luxury on a budget stay.

Travelling alone but feeling nervous? The How To Travel Solo Ebook has tips for planning safe, confident, and unforgettable adventures!

Hotel Highlight

My mum and I stayed at Seven Suites, a gorgeous, cosy villa. It was just unreal, with tranquility and friendly staff, perfect for our stay. Plus, the food was so good—they make the best salad ever! We had only booked one night but extended for another three nights; it was just too lush to leave.

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Fun Things To Do In Naxos

2 Days In Mykonos

Last but definitely not least, we wrapped up our island-hopping adventure in style with two unforgettable days in Mykonos. With stunning views, boujee vibes, and a picture-perfect atmosphere, this was the ultimate way to end the trip!

The island order couldn’t have been better—we ended on a high! Spend your final moments soaking up the sun at Paradise & Super Paradise Beach, indulging in luxurious resorts, and getting lost in the vibrant energy of Mykonos Town. Whether you’re after relaxation, nightlife, or jaw-dropping sunsets, Mykonos delivers, leaving you with unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.

Spending our final island-hopping days in boujee style at Ubud Mykonos

Places To Stay In Mykonos

Mykonos Town. Mykonos Town is the heart of the action, perfect for nightlife, boutique shopping, and classic Cycladic charm. Its iconic whitewashed buildings, vibrant bars, and easy access to the island’s best restaurants make it a popular spot with good reason!

🩵 Recommends: Myconian Kema is a stunning 5-star with gorgeous aesthetics and boujee vibes.

Ornos. For a more laid-back and family-friendly area with a stunning beach, trendy beach clubs, and great local tavernas, stay in Ornos. It’s a short drive from Mykonos Town, making it ideal for those who want a mix of relaxation and easy access to the island’s hotspots.

🩵 Recommends: Amazon Mykonos Resort & Spa is an UNREAL stay with fantastic views and offers reasonable rates.

Psarrou. The luxury hotspot, Psarrou, is home to high-end resorts, fine dining, and the famous Nammos Beach Club. If you’re looking for glamour, celebrity sightings, and a VIP experience, this prestigious location is the place to be!

🩵 Recommends: Myconian Ambassador offers top-notch service, stunning rooms, jacuzzis, and friendly staff.

Hotel Highlight

My mum and I stayed at Ubud Mykonos, a stunning boutique hotel with fantastic sunset views overlooking the sea. We absolutely loved this stay, and it was the perfect hotel choice to end our trip as it offered relaxation, tranquility, and incredible views.

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Things To Do In Mykonos

That’s A Wrap!

And just like that, our Greek island-hopping adventure ended—but the memories will last forever! From the ancient wonders of Crete to the boujee vibes of Mykonos, every island has its own magic, making this the perfect mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure.

Whether you’re craving sun-soaked beaches, iconic landmarks, or the best gyros of your life, Greece delivers big time! If you dream of island-hopping but are unsure where to start, let this 10-day itinerary guide you. One thing’s for sure—you’ll be planning your return before you even leave! Enjoy!