Island hopping in Greece

Ferry with an Interrail Pass?

With an Interrail Global Pass, you don’t only get free access to the rail networks of 33 countries, but also discounted or free passage on many ferry routes, bringing even more of Europe within your reach. 

• You can use Pass discounts to travel to distant shores and include islands like Mallorca, Malta, or Sicily in your itinerary. 
• Or you can take a longer excursion around Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, and everywhere in between, enjoying free ferry passage with the Interrail Greek Islands Pass in partnership with Attica Group.

Hop around whichever islands you prefer in Greece, choosing from lively party hubs to secluded vistas.

Zsófia's Island hopping itinerary

Get some Greek Islands inspiration from Zsófia, one of our Eurail colleagues, by following her 16-night island-hopping itinerary to hot destinations like Athens and Santorini, as well as some more secretive spots...

Athens (4 nights): for the culture

Athens is the most logical place to start your journey; it's a must-see for its culture and because most ferries depart from here to the islands. If you're not so much a museum lover (where you could literally spend weeks if you wanted to), you will still delight in the variety of colossal buildings, romantic little streets and spectacular sunsets. Personal tip: to see the sunset, skip the touristy bars in the city centre and head for the Areopagus Hill. It's less busy and more romantic.

Naxos (5 nights): for hiking and windsurfing

Naxos offers hikes with spectacular views, sandy beaches, a lovely old town, and good wind for kitesurfers. If you're up for some more activity, climb up to the top of Mount Zeus. Be prepared for a 1000m hike, which can be pretty challenging in hot weather. Check out Zeus' cave on the way to the top and meet the local wildlife on the slopes (mountain goats!).

If you're someone who prefers some action at sea level, head to one of the many beautiful beaches. Get onto the water with a kite or windsurf, and let those wind gusts carry you far away. Or enjoy a nice book on the beach, whatever floats your boat!

You can't miss Portara, the iconic marble door near the old town, which is actually an unfinished temple. It is only linked to the island by a pathway. Walk back to the old town to get lost on the narrow streets and grab a bite in one of the many restaurants in the evening.

Santorini (2 nights): to see what the fuss is about

We're not going to lie: Santorini is very touristic and the prices are sky-high. One of the best ways to enjoy the famous sunset is if you rent a place that has a view to (the picturesque side of) the sea. You have to dig deeper into your pockets, but there will be no fellow traveller blocking your view. The rest is all true: those white walls with the blue rooftops are really special!

Milos (5 nights): for beaches

Finish your itinerary on a proper beach island, with a laid back vibe that's perfect for the beach bums among us. If you have the budget for it, rent a boat or go on one of the organised trips that take you to Kleftiko, a white rock formation with numerous caves. Those bright turquoise waters are unreal!

Next day, visit the old port of Klima, whose doors will make you feel like you're in a cartoon, and Popeye might pop up from behind one of the doors at any minute. On the other hand, the eroded volcanic plates around Sarakiniko will bring you into a moonlike environment. The contrast of the blue-green waters will make you want to stay there forever...

The climb to the Venetian castle of Plaka, which dates from the 13th century, will treat you to romantic little paths and lovely churches. Enjoy the panorama of the whole island from the top. If you're up for some more romance, stay until sunset. You won't regret it.

Choose your Greek Islands Pass

There are 2 different Interrail Greek Islands Passes on offer. Choosing between them depends on the number of ferry trips you would like to take and if you want to combine your trip with Italy and the rest of Europe, or only visit Greece...

What is the difference between the 2 Passes?

The main difference between the two Passes is the number of ferry trips that you can take. The 6-day Greek Islands Pass includes 2 international trips between Italy and Greece and 4 ferry trips between the Greek islands. Alternatively, the 4-day Greek Islands Pass allows you to make up to 4 domestic ferry trips between the Greek Islands.

What is included in the 6-day Pass?

• Includes ferry trips within a one-month period: 

          - 2 out of the 6 travel days can be used on international routes between Italy and Greece.* 

          - 4 out of the 6 travel days can be used on domestic routes within Greece.**

• Hellenic Train rail/bus transfer from the international port of Patras to the domestic port of Piraeus (and vice versa).  
• Fuel surcharge and port fees. 
• Accommodation in either 1st or 2nd class on international routes.
• Accommodation in 2nd class (Economy Class only) on domestic routes.
• 30% discount on all additional trips*** (Economy Class only).
• 30% reduction on all upgrades in accommodation (except Lux cabins). Valid for international and domestic routes. 

What is included in the 4-day Pass?

• 4 travel days for domestic ferry trips within a one-month period (Economy Class only).
• International trips are not possible on this Pass 
• Fuel surcharge and port fees. 
• 30% discount on all additional trips* (valid in Economy Class only). 
• 30% reduction on all upgrades in accommodation (except Lux cabins). Valid for international and domestic routes. 
• Please be aware that the free transfer between Patras and Piraeus is not included in the 4-day Eurail Greek Islands Pass.

* The Greece-Italy routes are jointly operated by Superfast Ferries & Anek Lines. Tap for more info about the Greek Islands Pass. 

Timetables and reservations

When travelling with your Greek Islands Pass, you must reserve a seat for each ferry you’ll be travelling on. This can be done free of charge. Make sure to do so as early as possible to ensure there are still seats available. You can call the Attica Group Call Centre in Athens (+30 210 8919800) or reserve Domestic ferries via bluestarferries.com or book International ferries via superfast.com.

If you want to view the ferry's timetable, click here for Blue Star Ferries and here for Hellenic Seaways.