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Ready to spend two weeks island hopping around Greece? From Paros and Naxos to Mykonos, Milos and Santorini, this incredible 14-day Greek island hopping route takes you to some of the most popular islands throughout the Cyclades. Prepare to explore beautiful white-washed villages, lay on stunning beaches, eat delicious Greek food and experience the wonderful Greek culture! Keep scrolling to read.

How to Spend Two Weeks Island Hopping in Greece | The Wanderful Me

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Oh, buddy, am I excited to write about this incredible Greek island hopping itinerary! As someone who has visited Greece every year for the past three years, this is hands down one of my favorite countries to visit in Europe.

With its affordability, delicious food, unique islands, welcoming locals, captivating history and jaw-dropping scenery, Greece is truly one-of-a-kind.

If you are wanting to visit it for yourself, specifically in the warmer months like April through September, this is the ideal Greek island hopping itinerary that’ll help you see the best of popular islands across the Cyclades region.

In my comprehensive guide below, I dive into:

✓ What you should know about the Cyclades region
✓ How long to spend on each Greek island
✓ The best things to do on each island
✓ Where you should stay on the Greek islands
✓ How to get from one island to the next
✓ My must-know Greece travel tips
✓ How to save money in Greece
✓ Local Greek customs (like tipping)

…and so much more! If you are thinking about or in the depths of planning a two-week trip to Greece, this is the ultimate guide on how to experience the best of what Greece has to offer.

When planning your trip, don’t forget to read my guide on 25 things to know before you go to Greece!

Sophie exploring a classic white-washed church on the island of Paros while island hopping in Greece for two weeks.
A gorgeous gold, black and white cat walking against a backdrop of bright pink flowers and a white-washed home with turquoise-colored shutters and doors.

ISLAND HOPPING IN GREECE

Before we jump into the itinerary, there are some key things you should know about the Cyclades, which is the primary region you will be traveling around.

Below, I explain what the Cyclades are and the islands it includes, the best way to get around Greek islands and the best time to visit the Cyclades.

What are the Cyclades?

The Cyclades is one of my favorite regions of Greece! A very popular group of islands in the Aegean Sea, the Cyclades are known for their picturesque white-washed villages, turquoise-blue waters, unique landscapes (hello, Santorini’s volcanic terrain!), beautiful beaches and ancient historical sites.

What islands are in the Cyclades?

While this itinerary focuses on the popular islands of Milos, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos and Santorini, there are around 220 islands throughout the Cyclades (though only a handful are inhabited).

Aside from the islands mentioned in this itinerary, the Cyclades include other well-known islands like Syros, Ios, Antiparos, Kythnos, Folegandros, Serifos, Anafi and Sifnos.

How do you get around the Cyclades?

The best—and easiest—way to get around the Cyclades is by ferry (psst, I use Ferryhopper). Unless you are going off the beaten track and visiting lesser-popular Greek islands, most are going to be directly connected via ferry.

That said, it’s worth noting that ferries can be rather expensive, especially if you are visiting Greece during busy season (i.e. July and August).

Additionally, if you are visiting during the summer months, it’s crucial that you book your transportation ahead of time, as ferry tickets can often sell out.

What is the best time of year to visit the Cyclades?

Personally, I find that shoulder season is the best time to visit Greece as a whole. This includes the end of April, all of May, the beginning of June, all of September and the beginning of October. Not only is the weather often more comfortable, there are far less crowds, lending to a more enjoyable Greece experience.

I’ve also visited Greece in the spring, which was really nice! It wasn’t super warm but it wasn’t really cold either, so it was a nice escape from my winters in the UK and Minnesota.

A view overlooking "Little Venice" in Mykonos, taken from where you can find the Mykonos windmills.

14-DAY GREEK ISLAND HOPPING ITINERARY

Without further adieu, let’s get into my all-encompassing 14-day Greek island hopping itinerary, shall we? Find out how to spend two weeks exploring Athens, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Milos and Santorini.

Here’s a quick summary:

  • Athens (2 nights)
  • Mykonos (2 nights)
  • Naxos (2 nights)
  • Paros (3 nights)
  • Milos (3 nights)
  • Santorini (2 nights)

My top recommendation is to use this Greek island-hopping itinerary as an outline and modify based on your unique travel style!

For instance, if you’re flying into Athens pretty early and will have nearly two days there, make the most of your first day and leave the next to give you one more night on an island!

Or if you want to skip super busy islands, like Mykonos, and focus on the more relaxed ones, like Paros, do it! This two-week Greece itinerary is just a guideline that you can adjust to your liking.

Sunset in Fira on the island of Santorini in Greece. | The Best 14 Day Greek Island Hopping Route | The Wanderful Me

Athens (2 nights)

Athens is one of my favorite cities to visit in Greece! It’s also the easiest destination to fly into, especially if you’re coming from somewhere outside of Europe, as it has a well-connected international airport.

A ridiculously vibrant city, there are a ton of things to do in Athens, from exploring historic ruins and visiting the Acropolis museum to eating allllll the different types of food, wandering around markets, and experiencing one of its many rooftop bars.

On my two-week Greek island hopping trip, I started in Athens and this was the view of the Parthenon when I hiked to Philopappos Hill.
I believe this is the Erechtheion temple, located at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
A view of the Parthenon on the Acropolis historical site in Athens, Greece. Sophie, aka The Wanderful Me, took this while on her one day in Athens, Greece, during her two-week Greek island hopping trip.

Best Things to Do in Athens

While I recommend checking out my blogs on the 13 best things to do in Athens and 5 ridiculously fun things to do in Athens, here’s a snapshot of some things to do with your one full day in the city.

  • Visit the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum (take a peek at this guided tour!)
  • Explore the many different historic ruins around the city
  • Wander through the neighborhood of Plaka—don’t miss Brettos, the oldest distillery in Athens!
  • Check out some of the markets (Monastiraki is great!)
  • Try some cheap gyros (HIGHLY recommend Vegan Beat if you’re veggie!)
  • Visit a rooftop bar during sunset (obvs one that overlooks the Acropolis)

Where to Stay in Athens

How to Get From Athens to Mykonos

Getting from Athens to Mykonos is a piece of cake! Personally, I book all my Greek ferries through Ferryhopper, which has a super easy-to-use app that holds all your e-tickets.

When booking a ferry from Athens to Mykonos, make sure to look at which ferry port you are departing from—it’ll either be Rafina or Piraeus. These two ferry ports are located on complete different sides of Athens so it’s crucial to plan accordingly!

Prices for ferries between Athens and Mykonos tend to hover between €40-90, depending on the speed of the ferry (speed boats cost more). The slow ferries take around 4-5 hours, while the speed boat can get you there in as little as 2.5 hours.

If you are short on time, it may be worth paying extra to get to Mykonos on a faster boat!

Use the little widget below to see how much a ferry from Athens to Mykonos will cost during your island-hopping trip in Greece.

View overlooking Athens city from the Acropolis in Greece.

Mykonos (2 nights)

Aside from Santorini, Mykonos is arguably the most popular island in Greece! And after you explore its stunning white-washed villages, swim in its crystal-clear waters, take in its magnificent views and experience its nightlife, you’ll likely understand why.

While Mykonos isn’t my favorite island due to its expensiveness and excessive crowds, it definitely still has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to food and bar options.

Sophie walking through the gorgeous streets of Mykonos while island hopping through Greece.
View of "Little Venice" on the beautiful island of Mykonos in Greece. | 14-Day Greek Island Hopping Route | The Wanderful Me

Best Things to Do in Mykonos

If you get an earlier ferry from Athens, you can have one and half days on this gorgeous island. With your time on Mykonos, I recommend you:

  • Walk around Mykonos Town, featuring narrow streets, white-washed homes and cute shops.
  • Visit “Little Venice,” a beautiful row of seaside homes surrounded by lots of restaurants and bars.
  • Admire the view from the Mykonos Windmills (go for sunrise to avoid the crowds!).
  • Shop till you drop at one of Mykonos’ many luxury stores.
  • Check out the Church of Panagia Paraportiani.
  • Soak up the sun on one of its many beaches—Paradise Beach and Paralia Kalo Livadi are popular!
  • Visit the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos.
  • Check out the Monastery of Tourliani.
  • Explore the island on a guided highlights tour!

You can get around Mykonos either by bus, taxi, car, scooter, ATV, water taxi or foot! Personally, we got around via bus but I’m wishing we would have rented a car, scooter or ATV for more freedom on where to go.

Where to Stay in Mykonos

When visiting Mykonos on your 14-day Greece trip, I recommend staying in either Mykonos Town or Ornos! While Mykonos town offers a ton of restaurant and bar options, Ornos has amazing beach access and stunning hotels.

How to Get From Mykonos to Naxos

Getting the ferry from Mykonos to Naxos can be a super quick at only 30 minutes if you take the speed boat! The regular ferry takes around 1.5 hours but is about 60% cheaper, which is ideal for those traveling Greece on a budget.

Click here to view your ferry options and costs.

Since you will only have one day on the island of Naxos, I recommend getting the earliest ferry you can. This gives you more time on Naxos, which is a rather large Greek island!

White-washed buildings with blue shutters and vibrant red doors on the island of Mykonos in Greece.
Sophie walking down some steps in Mykonos Town. | The Best Greek Island Hopping Route - The Wanderful Me

Naxos (2 nights)

The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos features an incredibly hilly landscape, countless beaches with turquoise waters, a charming town with lots of great restaurants and shops, and the amazing Temple of Apollo that features stunning views.

Becoming more and more popular, especially among families, now is the time to visit Naxos before it gets too crowded! Here’s my top tips on how to visit Naxos and what to do when island-hopping in Greece.

Naxos Town or "Chora," a must-visit when island hopping in Greece for two weeks.

Best Things to Do in Naxos

Naxos is pretty big, so don’t expect to see all of it with only one full day on the island! That said, there are still so many things you can do to make the most of your time here.

  • Visit the iconic Portara, a massive marble doorway dating back to ancient times, located at the Temple of Apollo.
  • Walk up to the Kastro (Castle) of Old Town, built in the 13th century.
  • Relax on the Naxos’ pristine beaches, like Agios Prokopios, Agios Georgios and Plaka.
  • Hike to the summit of Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades, for breathtaking views.
  • Experience traditional Greek cuisine at local tavernas and seaside restaurants.
  • Windsurf or kitesurf (Naxos is known for being a very windy island).
  • Explore the picturesque villages of Halki, Apirantho and Filoti.
  • Visit Vallindras Kitron Distillery—kitron is a citron liqueur unique to Naxos island.
  • Check out the oldest church on Naxos, the Church of Panagia Drosiani.

To make getting around Naxos easy, you can rent a car but public transport is also available.

View from the Temple of Apollo overlooking the hilly and dramatic landscape of Naxos island in Greece.
Walking along the sea with the "Portara" standing tall in the background. This is a must-visit when you're in Naxos during your island hopping trip to Greece.
Sophie standing on the Temple of Apollo hill with Naxos Town in the background.

Where to Stay in Naxos

I recommend staying in Naxos town (Naxos Chora)! This gives you access to tons of restaurants, shops, the castle, Temple of Apollo, Agios Georgos beach and the ferry port.

How to Get From Naxos to Paros

Next up on this 14-day Greek island-hopping itinerary is Paros, a personal favorite of mine! To get to Paros from Naxos, you’ll grab a short 30 minute ferry ride (if you take the speed boat). Prices for the Paros-Naxos ferry range between €15-35, depending on the type of ferry.

To see prices for your specific dates, use the handy Ferryhopper widget below.

The Temple of Apollo and its Portara ruins standing tall on the island of Naxos in Greece, one of my favorite spots on my two-week Greek island hopping trip.

Paros (3 nights)

Paros is by far one of my favorite Greek islands due to its stunning beaches, beautiful villages, affordable prices and delicious restaurants! Plus, it’s super easy to get around via rental car or ATV, which I think is one of the best ways to explore the island.

Sophie on an ATV while visiting Paros on her 14-day Greek island hopping route. This was her absolute favorite way to get around the island!
View of Lefkes village on the island of Paros with the sea peeking out in the distance.

Best Things to Do in Paros

  • Visit the charming fishing village of Naoussa for its white-washed buildings and picturesque harbor.
  • Explore the adorable villages of Lefkes, Kostos and Marpissa. (Lefkes is my fav.)
  • Check out the historic Panagia Ekatontapiliani aka the Church of 100 Doors.
  • Soak up the sun at the beach—Παραλία Φάραγκα, Kolympethres Beach and Paralia Parikia are popular but I can personally recommend Paralía Molos (small but insanely beautiful and quiet).
  • Wander through the quaint, narrow alleys of Parikia, the island’s capital.
  • Take a day trip to the gorgeous, uninhabited island of Antiparos. (Check out this boat tour!)
  • Eat your fill of local food at cute tavernas—try the slow-roasted chickpeas, a Paros delight!
  • Visit the ancient marble quarries of Marathi and marvel at the colossal unfinished sculptures.
Sunset on the island of Paros in Greece, with a view of white-washed buildings in the distance.
Sophie strolling through the gorgeous village of Lefkes on Paros island, a must-visit when exploring the Cyclades for two weeks.
A picture of Naoussa port at sunset. Naoussa is a small fishing village on the island of Paros and a great place to stay when you're traveling the Greek islands.

Where to Stay in Paros

I recommend staying in Naoussa, the cute seaside fishing village just north of Paros town! There are also some really gorgeous beaches around this area that are easily accessed via ATV or car.

How to Get From Paros to Milos

At just under two hours, the direct ferry ride from Paros to Milos is easy and efficient. However, note that while this ferry goes daily, it seems to only go in the evening (around 6 PM).

To view the Paros to Milos ferry schedule and prices, click here.

Sophie smiling up at the camera while in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of Paralía Molos, a small yet beautiful beach on the island of Paros.
Sophie walking up the steps of Katerina Rooms, her accommodation in Paros while on her two-week Greek island hopping trip.

Milos (3 nights)

Milos is becoming more and more popular! With its otherworldly landscapes, bright blue waters, breathtaking beaches, classic Greek island experience, ancient ruins and white-washed villages that the Cyclades are known for, it’s no wonder that more travelers are flocking here than ever before.

I have no doubt that once you visit, Milos will rise to the top of your favorite Greek islands list!

Best Things to Do in Milos

  • Marvel at the lunar-like landscape of Sarakiniko Beach and swim in its super blue waters.
  • Explore the Catacombs of Milos, one of the largest early Christian cemeteries in Greece.
  • Relax at Tsigrado Beach, a secluded paradise surrounded by cliffs.
  • Wander through the picturesque fishing village of Firopotamos, as well as the stunning Plaka, Milos’ capital.
  • Embark on a hike to the top of Profitis Ilias, the highest peak on Milos, for amazing panoramic views.
  • Check out the Milos Mining Museum, chronicling the island’s mining history.
  • Go on a boat tour around the island. (Take a peek at this highly-rated tour that has an open bar!)
The otherworldly landscape of Milos. This is Sarakiniko Beach, one of the most popular beaches to visit when visiting Milos and island hopping in Greece.

Where to Stay in Milos

When on the island of Milos, I recommend staying in either its capital, Plaka, or Adamantas (where the ferries dock). These are both well-connected to the rest of the island via local bus! Or you can get a rental car or ATV to get around.

How to Get From Milos to Santorini

Onto your final island in this 14-day Greece itinerary—Santorini! Getting from Milos to Santorini is easy, as there is a direct ferry route that takes around 2 hours.

However, this is one of the most expensive ferry tickets at around €100 per person. That said, I think it’s definitely worth it, as Santorini is one of the most beautiful and unique Greek islands.

To view ferry times and prices for your dates, use the Ferryhopper widget below!

View of a small seaside village on the island of Milos in Greece.

Santorini (2 nights)

Santorini is arguably the most popular island in Greece, as its volcanic landscape, incredible views and stunning architecture draws millions of tourists each year.

From couples and families to solo backpackers, friends and everyone in between, Santorini truly offers something for every type of traveler.

Sunset on the island of Santorini with a church and its rooftop cross standing tall in the foreground, while Fira and Santorini's famous volcanic landscape glows bright in the background.

Best Things to Do in Santorini

There are many things you can do on Santorini with only one day! While not a ton of time, this island will no doubt blow you away.

  • Watch the breathtaking sunset in Oia, known for its iconic views over the caldera.
  • Take a boat tour or hike along the caldera rim for stunning volcanic landscapes. (Check out this one!)
  • Explore the ancient Minoan city ruins at Akrotiri, nicknamed the “Pompeii of the Aegean.”
  • Relax on the unique red sands and clear waters of Red Beach or on the strange black sands of Perissa Beach.
  • Go wine tasting in Pyrgos village, offering delicious local wines and panoramic views.
  • Wander about Fira village’s charming alleys, boutiques and cafes.
  • Soak in the natural hot springs near Nea Kameni.

For a more comprehensive Santorini travel guide that talks about how to get around the island and what to do with one day on the island, click here!

View of Santorini's volcanic landscape and Oia, with its white-washed buildings perching on dramatic cliffs.

Where to Stay in Santorini

There are SO many accommodation options on Santorini! While many stay in either Fira or Oia, these villages can be super expensive, so I recommend Kamari or Mesaria if you’re on a budget.

Where to Go After Santorini

Santorini has a really well-connected airport to both Athens and the rest of Europe—which is why this two-week Greek island-hopping itinerary ended here! My guess is you’ll likely fly back to Athens, where there are countless international flights to all over the world.

Alternatively, if you have more time in Greece, why not go to Crete? Crete is incredibly beautiful and also has two well-connected airports—Chania and Heraklion. It also has a direct ferry from Santorini.

To see what Crete is like, check out my blog on how I spent one week exploring Chania, Balos Beach, Loutro and Sougia.

Stunning view overlooking the sea in front of Fira, a must-visit town when exploring Santorini island on your two-week Greek island hopping trip.

GREECE TRAVEL TIPS

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is incredibly important for staying protected while you’re exploring! In my personal—and sometimes controversial—opinion, I don’t think anyone should travel if they can’t include travel insurance in their overall budget.

Personally, I use either World Nomads, SafetyWing or Travelex travel insurance.

  • World Nomads is for the more adventurous traveler who plans on doing a lot of activities, like hiking, ATV riding, scootering, swimming, boating and the likes. It also comes with your expected travel insurance coverage like trip interruption, baggage delay and medical stuff. A little bit more expensive but good coverage.
  • SafetyWing is ideal for digital nomads who need both medical and travel insurance, like emergency dental, travel delay, baggage loss and unexpected medical treatment. This is ideal if you’re already traveling, as you can start a new plan from wherever (some travel insurances don’t allow this). It’s also pretty affordable.
  • Travelex is your classic travel insurance built for the everyday American tourist. It covers you for trip cancellation and interruption, trip delay, emergency medical and dental, missed connections and baggage loss or damage.

Book Tours in Advance

Greece can—and does—get incredibly busy, especially during the summer! I recommend you book all tours in advance to ensure you get to do everything you want. This includes things like boat tours (a must do in my opinion), city tours and island tours.

When searching for tours in Greece, I tend to always book with GetYourGuide. There’s always a ton of options and they’re rated by real travelers.

Buy Ferry Tickets Early

It’s an absolute MUST to buy ferry tickets in advance if you’re island-hopping around Greece during the summer months! Ferry tickets can sell out quick and if there’s only one ferry going per day (like from Paros to Milos), then you’re out of luck if they run out.

Again, I recommend using Ferryhopper to buy and hold your Greek ferry tickets. The app is super easy to use, too.

Riding a Blue Star Ferry with a view of the Aegean sea and Greek islands in the distance. | 14-Day Greek Island Hopping Route - The Wanderful Me
A Blue Star Ferry docked on Paros island, getting ready to depart for Naxos. This is the most common way to between islands when island hopping in Greece.

Book Local Accommodation

Forget inauthentic chain hotels like Best Western, Hyatt and Hilton—book local accommodation where you will not only be supporting the local economy, you’ll also have a far better experience.

For instance, when I stayed at Katerina Rooms in Naoussa, Paros, the lovely lady who runs the place brought us little local treats every morning, like loukoumades, warm sweet rolls and fresh orange juice! It was so cute.

Personally, I always book with Booking.com, as I find it has the best prices (especially when you’re on a mobile device or you’re part of the Genius program where you get 10% off).

To explore your local hotel options for Cyclades island hopping, click here.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens with hills rising up in the background.

GREECE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

What is the best Greek island hopping route?

As you can guess, I recommend my 14-day Greek island hopping itinerary explained above! The route goes from Athens to Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Milos and Santorini, all of which have direct ferry connections between them, making it super easy to follow.

You also have at least one full day on each island, which I think is enough time to get a feel for the uniqueness of each destination. (These islands aren’t massive.)

However, if you want to check out lesser-visited Greek islands, I recommend swapping out Mykonos for Syros and Naxos and Santorini for Crete. Here’s an example of what that Greek island hopping itinerary could look like:

  • Athens – 2 nights
  • Syros – 2 nights
  • Paros – 3 nights
  • Milos – 3 nights
  • Crete – 4 nights

If you have a specific Greek island hopping route you want some feedback on, ask in the comments below!

Is Greece cheap for travelers?

Yes… and no. As with many destinations, Greece caters to both budget and luxury travelers.

However, there is a pretty wide range of prices across the Cyclades, as you will find that islands like Paros and Naxos are more affordable than Mykonos and Santorini.

For budget travelers, like budget backpackers, you can find affordable hostels and hotels that start around €30-40 per person. Hotels are cheaper if you are splitting with someone, as many local hotels start at €50-70 per night.

With regards to food, I find that Greece has some of the most affordable food prices out of most European countries, especially if you are eating vegan and vegetarian food like me. Generally, you can find eat a cheap lunch or dinner at a local taverna for around €15-20 per person.

How much money should I save for two weeks in Greece?

For this 14-day Greek island hopping itinerary, I recommend saving at least $2,000 (around €1,800 and £1,600). This is per person and does not include the cost of your flights, as I don’t know where you are coming from.

If you’re a semi-budget traveler like me—one who likes to stay in affordable hotels but occasionally indulges in luxury and drinks pretty regularly (e.g. glass of wine at dinner)—then this should be more than enough for your Greece trip.

On the flip side, if you’re more of a luxurious traveler who is here to have a good time on a once-in-a-lifetime Greek island hopping trip, then I recommend saving at least $4,000.

Beautiful, 4- and 5-star hotels in Greece tend to hover between €250-1,000+, depending on which island you’re visiting. As you can imagine, the luxury hotels in Santorini are the most expensive (but also the most extraordinary).

Food at high-end or very popular, highly-rated restaurants (like those with a good view) tend to have main dishes ranging from €20-50. Local seafood dishes seem to cost the most.

Can Greece be traveled on a budget?

Yes, absolutely! I have traveled to Greece every year over the last three years and each of those times were on a budget. Here are my tips for traveling Greece on a budget:

  • Travel during off or shoulder season—this is by my money-saving tip that’ll make the biggest difference, as high season comes with high prices no matter where you go.
  • Stay at local hotels or hostels and split your accommodation costs with another person.
  • Choose small, local tavernas—these can often be found away from the main tourist area.
  • Pick up breakfast items from the local grocery store or bakery and eat it at your hotel in the morning.
  • Grab a small lunch from a local gyro shop, bakery or street vendor.
  • Book your ferries in advance to get the best prices (I use Ferryhopper).
  • Use public transportation, like local island buses—renting a car or an ATV can be expensive (an ATV rental on Paros costs around €80-100 for the day).
  • Avoid tourist traps like expensive souvenir shops, scams and sketchy tours.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle to avoid paying for water—I love my GRAYL filtering water bottle, as this allows me to drink tap water on any island, even if it’s not recommended. Find it here on the GRAYL website or on Amazon.
  • Negotiate prices for things like tours and souvenirs, especially at markets and when you’re offered a tour on the streets of Greece. (Don’t do this if you’re in a store or something—that’s tacky.)

For more tips, check out my blog on 25 things you should know before traveling to Greece.

Ragoussis Bakery, one of my favorite Greek bakeries to eat while traveling around Paros for a few days.
Ragoussis Bakery in Naoussa on the island of Paros! Great place to grab a cheap lunch.

What are the best Greek foods to try?

As a vegan, I have SO many food options in Greece! It’s amazing and why Greece is one of my favorite European countries. Personally, I think every traveler should try:

  • Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves)
  • Gemista (stuffed tomatoes and peppers)
  • Melitzanosalata (smokey eggplant dip)
  • Hummus (creamy chickpea dip)
  • Fasolada (hearty white bean soup)
  • Spanakopita (savory spinach pie—often made with feta but not always)
  • Briam (roasted vegetable casserole)
  • Fava (creamy split pea or lentil dip)
  • Athoi Gemistoi (stuffed zucchini flowers)
  • Stewed chickpeas (Cyclades local dish)
  • Loukoumades (sweet Greek donut balls)

If I had to choose my favorites, it would be gemista, stewed chickpeas and fava with warm bread!

A vegan Greek gyro from Vegan Beat, an absolutely amazing vegan restaurant in Athens, Greece.
Vegan gyro from Vegan Beat in Athens, Greece! SO good and super cheap.

Do you tip in Greece?

Usually, but this depends on the situation. Tipping in restaurants is very normal and often expected, but not the same amount as you would in America!

Often, it’s only around 5-10%—I just round up the bill to make it easy. For instance, if your bill came to €37, you would just round it up to €40. That said, a service charge (aka a tip) is sometimes included in the bill, so make sure to check before tipping!

Tipping in cafes and bars, as well as taxi drivers, hotel staff, tour guides and drivers, is appreciated but not required or expected.

Are there any Greek customs I should know?

For sure! One thing you will notice when visiting Greece for two weeks is how hospitable and welcoming Greeks are. They are incredibly kind and will go out of their way to help you. (That said, I did get stared a lot in Greece by older men but I think that’s just the norm.)

Additionally, Greece is a very religious country, and many customs and traditions are associated with the Greek Orthodox Church. When visiting a church or monastery, show your respect by wearing modest clothing and refrain from swearing or loud behavior.

When you’re at dinner, you may be given ouzo or raki, both of which are often served as a complimentary aperitif before a meal or as a digestif after a meal. If you’re offered ouzo or raki, it’s polite to accept and enjoy the drink as a gesture of goodwill and friendship!

I definitely recommend trying it! Though not for everyone, these two alcohol beverages are made from distilled grapes and are very common throughout Greece. Raki is more so found around Crete but ouzo is found nearly everywhere in Greece.

Also, don’t forget to say “yamas!” Or cheers in Greek before taking your first sip of ouzo or raki!

Lastly, when island-hopping around Greece for two weeks, you may notice how expressive and passionate the Greeks are. Don’t be surprised if you find Greeks stand closer to you or touch your arm during conversation—it’s a sign of friendliness and engagement!

Which words should I know for my two-week Greek island-hopping trip?

There are a few Greek words that every traveler should know before going to Greece! These include:

  • Ne — “yes”
  • Ohi — “no”
  • Yassas — “hello” or a casual greeting
  • Kalimera — “good morning”
  • Yamas — “cheers!”
  • Efharisto — “thank you”
  • Parakaló — “please” or “you’re welcome”

Watch this video on YouTube to see how these Greek words are pronounced!

The incredibly beautiful white-washed village of Loutro on the island of Crete. This is only accessible via foot or boat, making it really great to explore.
The incredible village of Loutro on the island of Crete, a lesser-visited Greek island compared to Mykonos or Santorini and an amazing place to explore if you have additional time.

What are lesser-visited Greek islands?

If you’re interested in visiting a few lesser-known Greek islands, I’d highly recommend Syros, Sifnos, Kithnos or Folegandros.

Syros, in particular, is lovely due to its more colorful buildings—think pastel pinks and yellows and varying shades of red, blue and white. It’s also known as the capital of the Cyclades, so it’s super easy to get to from Athens, Myknonos, Naxos and Paros.

Additionally, Crete is another really great island, which can be reached via direct ferry from Santorini, Naxos, Milos and Paros.

It’s the largest Greek island, so it’s really easy to escape the crowds and find some hidden gems. Plus, I have found that it’s one of the more affordable Greek islands, as there is a wide array of accommodations, restaurants and things to do.

Get inspired to travel to Crete by reading my blogs on visiting Chania, Sougia and Loutro; visiting the incredible Balos Beach; and staying at the sensational Monastery Estate Retreat Hotel.

Is Greece worth the hype?

Yes, yes and heck yes. Greece is one of my favorite countries due to its friendly locals, delicious food, gorgeous landscapes, amazing beaches and wide array of Greek islands that offer very different experiences.

If you plan on island hopping around Greece for two weeks, you will not regret your trip! It’ll arguably be one of the best things you have ever done (especially when done right).

Naxos Town and its white-washed buildings glistening in the afternoon sun. This is a great place to stay when visiting Naxos on your two-week Greek island hopping trip.

With that said, I hope you got some value and inspiration from this 14-day Greek island hopping itinerary! If you have any questions about traveling or backpacking Greece, don’t hesitate to ask them below in the comments. 😊

Safe travels,

Sophie xx

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The Wanderful Me's guide on how to spend two week's island hopping around Greece. This include the Greek islands of Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Milos and Santorini.
The Wanderful Me's guide to the best Greek island hopping route, taking you to Athens, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Milos and Santorini!

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