Getting There and Around
Package Holidays
Most visitors arrive on a package organized by a holiday company that includes inward and outward flights, accommodation and transfers to and from the airports. Package holidays tend to be beach or resort orientated, but specialist walking, sailing, diving and wedding packages are also available.
By Scheduled Flight
The Greek Islands are served directly by many European airlines and by intercontinental companies via domestic connections from the Elefthérios Venizélos international airport in Athens. Most flights arrive at the main airports, such as Corfu, Kefalloniá and Zákynthos in the Ionians, Haniá and Iráklio on Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Sámos and Skiáthos. Domestic flights link the islands.
By Charter Flight
Tour operators specializing in beach and resort holidays, weddings and activity holidays fly charter flights into the main airports of the Ionians, Cyclades, Aegean, Dodecanese and Crete from key locations around Europe. Some fly throughout the year, while others offer a limited service in winter.
By Boat
The island groups are well served by ferries. Many routes start in Athens and the city’s Piraeus Port has dozens of boats leaving for Crete, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the North and South Aegean, and the Saronic Gulf, while other ports such as Igoumenítsa, Pátra and Kyllíni serve the Ionians.
By Yacht
There is a wide choice of marinas and anchorages for yachtsmen to disembark and come ashore. Among them are the Gouviá Marina and Limín Kérkyra Marina on Corfu, the Kos Marina, Ágios Nikólaos at Lassíthi on Crete, the Marina Mandráki on Rhodes and the marinas at Skiáthos and Sýros.
By Cruise Ship
The islands appear on many cruise ship itineraries. These floating hotels can often be seen anchored a little way off Corfu Town’s coastline or at the harbour of Zákynthos. Other popular ports of call include Rhodes and Pátmos in the Dodecanese, Santoríni and Mýkonos in the Cyclades and Crete.
Car Hire
All airports, resorts and many smaller towns have car hire company offices. You can hire a 4WD if planning to explore off-road or a minibus, if travelling with a group. Family cars are also available. A full driving licence held for at least a year is required. US licence holders must have an International Driving Permit.
Rules of the Road
Driving is on the right, with priority from the right at junctions. Observe speed limits and be especially careful while driving in mountainous areas or villages. Highways tend to be in good order. Children under 12 must not travel in the front.
By Bus
Most bus services are operated by local companies. Town harbours usually house bus stations. A journey can feel a little like stepping back in time, as many vehicles are older models. There are intercity buses linking major island capitals to Athens, which include the cost of the ferry.
By Taxi
It is generally easy to find a taxi on any of the islands. The main towns have taxi ranks and even the smallest villages have a vehicle available to hire. Taxis are metered and inexpensive, but if hiring a taxi for a day’s sightseeing, it is a good idea to negotiate a fixed price beforehand.