Best Greek Island to Go To After Santorini: Top Choices for Your Next Adventure

After visiting Santorini, you might wonder about the best Greek island to go to after Santorini. With over 6,000 islands to choose from, it can be tough to decide. This guide will help you discover incredible options like Mykonos, Folegandros, Milos, and Paros, each offering unique landscapes, beaches, and culture. Where will your next island-hopping adventure take you? Let’s find the perfect Greek island to add to your Santorini experience.

Key Takeaways

• Explore the diverse offerings of the Aegean Sea beyond the iconic Santorini
• Discover hidden gems and lesser-known islands for a more authentic Greek experience
• Plan your island-hopping route with consideration for travel time and connections
• Combine contrasting island experiences for a well-rounded Greek vacation
• Avoid overcrowding by carefully selecting the number of islands to visit

Why Island-Hop in Greece After Visiting Santorini?

Exploring multiple Greek islands after Santorini lets you see their unique charm and beauty. You can enjoy Mykonos’ lively nightlife or Folegandros’ peaceful landscapes. Each island has its own culture, nature, and food, making your trip special.

The Thrill of Discovering New Greek Islands

Visiting different Greek islands means seeing many landscapes. You’ll see Santorini’s caldera, Milos’ volcanic shores, Naxos’ green hills, and Crete’s ancient sites. This mix makes your Greek vacation complete and memorable.

Combining Contrasting Island Experiences

Island-hopping in Greece means experiencing different vibes. You can find Mykonos’ party scene or Folegandros’ quiet villages. It’s a chance to dive into local culture, try amazing food, and see stunning nature, making your trip unforgettable.

Greece has over 3,000 islands, each with its own charm. Island-hopping after Santorini lets you discover these treasures. By mixing different island experiences, you’ll have a Greek vacation that stands out.

Planning Your Greek Island-Hopping Route

When planning a Greek island-hopping itinerary, think about travel time and ferry connections. Some islands, like those in the Cyclades, are easy to hop between. Others, like the Ionian Islands, take more time and effort. Knowing travel times and ferry schedules helps plan a smooth trip.

Considering Travel Time and Island Connections

The Greek island-hopping experience changes based on the islands you visit. For instance, visiting Santorini and Milos in the Cyclades is straightforward, with a 1 hour and 45 minutes ferry ride. But, getting to the Ionian Islands, like Corfu or Kefalonia, takes longer and might involve flights or more ferries.

Booking Ferries and Accommodations in Advance

Booking your ferry tickets and accommodations in advance is key for a great Greek island-hopping trip. In the peak summer, ferries and hotels get booked fast, on islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Early planning and booking ensure a worry-free vacation.

With over 6,000 Greek islands, your island-hopping adventure is limitless. By planning travel and booking early, you can make a smooth itinerary. This lets you enjoy the unique charm of each island fully.

Santorini and Mykonos: The Classic Cycladic Duo

Visiting Santorini and Mykonos is a top choice for island-hopping in Greece. Santorini is famous for its stunning caldera views and romantic sunsets. Mykonos, on the other hand, is known for its lively nightlife and beautiful beaches.

Mykonos is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and charming Cycladic architecture. It has lively beach clubs, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and a picturesque town. The town is known for its whitewashed buildings, windmills, and the “Little Venice” waterfront area.

Mykonos Highlights: Beaches, Nightlife, and Picturesque Towns

Mykonos is all about a thriving social scene, stunning beaches, and a beautiful town. The island is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with lively beach clubs and bars. These spots attract a cosmopolitan crowd.

During the day, explore Mykonos Town’s charming streets. Admire the iconic whitewashed buildings, windmills, and the “Little Venice” waterfront area. The beautiful beaches, like Psarou, Platis Gialos, and Super Paradise, are perfect for relaxation and water sports.

Santorini and Folegandros: Relaxation and Seclusion

Looking for a calm Greek island getaway after Santorini’s crowds? Folegandros is a great pick. It’s small and stunning, with a rugged coast, clear waters, and white villages.

Folegandros: The Unspoiled Gem of the Cyclades

Folegandros has no airport and just one main road. It’s peaceful and perfect for unwinding. It’s known for hiking, quiet spots, and amazing food.

Travel guides say Folegandros is great for those who want quiet and peace. It’s not crowded and has beautiful nature. It’s a great contrast to Santorini’s busy vibe.

Folegandros has great trails, charming villages, and delicious food. It’s a real Greek island experience. After Santorini’s hustle, Folegandros is a peaceful retreat.

Santorini and Milos: Volcanic Landscapes and Beaches

Visiting Santorini and Milos lets you see the Cyclades’ dramatic volcanic landscapes. Milos boasts over 70 beaches, coves, and rock formations. You can explore Sarakiniko’s lunar landscape, Kleftiko’s coves and arches, and the hidden Tsigrado beach.

Milos: Unique Coastlines and Hidden Coves

Milos is a stunning island with a diverse coastline. It features white cliffs at Sarakiniko and secluded coves at Kleftiko. Tsigrado beach, hidden by a steep path, offers a private experience in Milos’s volcanic scenery.

Sailing and Catamaran Tours Around Milos

Boat tours are essential for exploring Milos. Sailing and catamaran tours let you see the island’s coast from the sea. You can swim and snorkel at different spots, enjoying Milos’s beauty from the water.

Santorini and Paros: Beaches, Villages, and Turquoise Waters

If you’re looking for a quintessential Cycladic island after Santorini, Paros is perfect. This Greek island offers beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, and turquoise waters. It will capture your senses.

Paros is an ideal Greek island to visit after Santorini, with its beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, and turquoise waters. It has amazing sandy beaches, charming white-washed towns, and a laidback atmosphere.

Naoussa town is a highlight of Paros. The town of Naoussa is considered one of the best places to stay on the island. It has traditional Greek tavernas, lively bars, and quaint shops. This creates a captivating atmosphere for visitors.

Paros offers something for every traveler. It has amazing sandy beaches, charming white-washed towns, and a laidback, authentic atmosphere.

Santorini and Naxos: Diversity and Authenticity

When you’re ready to move past Santorini, think about visiting Naxos. Naxos is a standout in the Cyclades for its beauty and variety. It has real villages, top-notch food, and gorgeous beaches.

The island is famous for its mountains, traditional buildings, and amazing food. It’s perfect for those wanting a true Greek island feel.

Naxos: Villages, Beaches, and Exceptional Cuisine

Check out Naxos’s villages, with their white houses and blue churches. The streets are narrow and the locals are friendly. Chora, the main town, has tavernas with tasty Greek dishes.

Naxos is known for its beautiful beaches. You can find everything from busy Agios Georgios to quiet Plaka Beach. Enjoy water sports, relax on the sand, or just soak up the sun.

Trying the local food is a must in Naxos. The island is full of fresh ingredients like olives and grapes. You’ll love the traditional dishes and the lively food scene.

Naxos offers a real cultural experience, a beach vacation, or a food adventure. Add it to your Greece trip and see the beauty beyond Santorini’s crowds.

Crete: The Largest and Most Diverse Greek Island

Crete is the biggest and most varied Greek island. It’s perfect for those who want to see everything after visiting Santorini. It has amazing beaches like Elafonissi with pink sand and the famous Elounda beach clubs. You can also see the stunning Samaria Gorge and the ancient Knossos Palace.

Crete is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food. It’s a great place for a deep dive into Greek island life.

Exploring Crete’s Beaches, Gorges, and Ancient Sites

Crete has a lot to offer, from beautiful beaches to ancient ruins. You can visit Elafonissi beach with its pink sand or explore the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest canyons. History lovers will enjoy the Knossos Palace, the heart of the Minoan civilization.

Don’t miss the chance to see the Venetian and Ottoman-era buildings in Chania and Rethymnon. These cities are full of history and charm.

Luxury Resorts and Historic Hotels in Crete

Crete has many luxury places to stay, from modern beachfront resorts to historic hotels in quaint towns. You can stay at the Elounda Mare, the only Relais & Châteaux in Crete, or the family-friendly Amirandes resort. There’s also the 17th-century Casa Delfino in Chania‘s old town.

Crete is known for its great service. It’s the ideal place for a luxurious Greek island trip.

The Saronic Gulf Islands: Proximity to Athens

The Saronic Gulf islands are close to Athens and perfect for island-hopping after Santorini. Places like Hydra, Spetses, and Poros are car-free and have beautiful towns. They offer a calm island vibe, adding to a great Greek vacation.

Hydra, Spetses, and Poros: Car-Free Islands and Seaside Towns

Hydra, Spetses, and Poros are famous for being car-free and having lovely seaside towns. You can walk around these places, enjoying the local atmosphere and the slow island life.

• Hydra is a small island with under 3,000 people. It’s a 1.5-2 hour ferry ride from Athens. The island’s old buildings and no cars make it peaceful.
• Spetses is also car-free and rich in history, tied to the Greek War of Independence. The Flyingcat 4 ferry gets you there in under two hours.
• Poros is just an hour from Athens by ferry. It’s a calm seaside spot with nice streets and a busy harbor.

These Saronic Gulf islands are close to Athens and have unique charm. They’re great for island-hopping after Santorini.

The Ionian Islands: Lush Landscapes and Unique Culture

The Ionian Islands are off the northwest coast of Greece. They offer a special cultural and natural experience. Islands like Corfu, Paxos, and Kefalonia each have their own charm.

Corfu, Paxos, and Kefalonia: Highlights of the Ionian Archipelago

Corfu is known for its Venetian architecture. Paxos has turquoise waters and olive groves. Kefalonia, the biggest island, has Myrtos Beach, a top beach in Europe.

The Ionian Islands are green and beautiful. They have charming towns by the sea and an Italian influence. The best time to visit is late June to late August. But, late April to early June and mid-September to October are less busy and cheaper.

Looking for lush landscapes and beautiful towns? The Ionian Islands are a great choice. They offer a unique Greek island experience.

Conclusion

Santorini is a top Greek island, but there’s more to see in the Aegean Sea. By visiting places like Santorini and Mykonos, or Folegandros and Milos, you get a full Greek experience. You’ll see different landscapes, cultures, and adventures.

Planning ahead makes your trip special. You can see ancient ruins, try great food, and enjoy the outdoors. Each Greek island has its own charm, from lively Mykonos to peaceful Folegandros.

Exploring after Santorini is a journey you won’t forget. You’ll see the beauty of Greece’s islands. It’s a chance to dive into the country’s history, nature, and culture.