The 15 Best Island Day Trips in Greece

1.Crete: Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,416 reviews · 8 - 11 hours · from $44Our pick

Review of Crete’s Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Spinalonga day trip, with boat rides, free time, swim stop, costs, and practical tips.

“What a fantastic day trip. The highlight of our holiday. The tour guides Mannos and Alexandra were lovely, educational and friendly. The bus we traveled on was very comfortable and air conditioned which was a nice touch, Mannos even asked us if we were cool enough, which was appreciated. The stops at Agios Nikolas and Elounda were beautiful, and it was really nice to see that part of the island. Spinalonga was a great experience, the tour guides delivered lots of knowledge about it. Being able to have a swim off the boat was the icing on the cake for a beautiful day. Thank you!”

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2.Day Trip to Elafonisi Island Pink Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,014 reviews · 450 minutes - 12 hours · from $38

Review of the Elafonisi day trip from Chania, with pink sand, clear water, Topolia Gorge, hotel pickup, and practical tips.

“It was a really nice day! We started with a walk to a cave and some refreshments. We then went to Elafonissi, which was beautiful! It was hot, so bring sunscreen, hats, etc. however we were given more than enough time to enjoy and there are some snack shops as well. On the way back we went to a nice little restaurant for lunch and the staff were very hospitable. Overall very happy with the experience and would highly recommend!”

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3.Rhodes: Symi Island & Panormitis Monastery Day Trip by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,784 reviews · 9 hours · from $53

Cruise from Rhodes to colorful Symi, visit Panormitis Monastery, and enjoy four hours of free time for food, photos, and exploring.

“Manos Going offered a very nice, made easy trip to Symi island with plenty of free time to roam and explore. Transport to port was fast and comfortable, we got boarding passes to board Nikolaos X and trip to Symi went smoothly. If the day happens to be windy, the boat will rock quite a lot which can be a problem to those suffering from sea sickness. Nikolaos X itself was a comfortable and clean ship which made passage easy. Our trip back ran long, most likely due to the wind and the waves, but the bus transfer back to the hotels was waiting exactly where it was supposed to…”

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4.From Heraklion/Crete: Santorini Island Guided Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,448 reviews · 9 - 14 hours · from $200

Review of the Santorini day trip from Heraklion, including ferry comfort, Oia and Fira, costs, timing, guides, and practical tips.

“Both our guide and trip was excellent. With tips from our guide, we were able to explore both towns on our own.”

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5.From Mykonos: Delos & Rhenia Islands Half-Day Trip by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 750 reviews · 6.5 hours · from $101

Review of the Mykonos Delos and Rhenia boat trip, with swimming, BBQ lunch, ruins, practical tips, costs, and honest advice.

“It was really fun and I love that the hosts provided a fun time with dancing at the end of the event. The food was really good other than the rice being unseasoned but I understand some people aren't too keen about seasoning but provided salt and pepper at least to make the rice enjoyable to eat! It was a beautiful weather for my wife and I to swim so definitely recommend!!!”

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6.Santorini: Island Highlights Guided Day Trip with Oia Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 713 reviews · 10 hours · from $60

See Santorini’s top sights, Akrotiri, Red Beach, Fira, and Oia sunset on a 10-hour guided bus tour for $60.

“If this is what you want to do…DO IT! You will not be disappointed and Maria will not only exceed your expectations but her personality and passion will surely win you over. I’d tour with them again anytime. Our driver was very courteous, patient, and professional.”

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7.Rhodes: Day Trip to Symi Island by Fast Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 292 reviews · 7 - 10 hours · from $50

Visit Symi from Rhodes by fast boat, with four hours to shop, eat, photograph colorful Gialos, and explore at your own pace.

“The trip was excellent from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the day. no faults at all. I would definitely recommend using this company.”

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8.From Kardamena: Nisyros Island Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 229 reviews · 7 hours · from $23Best value

Review the $23 Nisyros day trip from Kardamena, with Mandraki, volcano views, Panagia Spirani, timing, costs, and practical tips.

“Escursione molto riuscita anche in un giorno coperto e con qualche pioggerella. Trasporto efficiente, sia in traghetto che in pullman anche sui tornanti che portano al cratere. Impressionanti le fumarole e l'odore di zolfo! Io ho apprezzato che non ci fossero guide ma che le visite siano previste in autonomia, sia al cratere che al paese di Mandraki. Tempo per le visite adeguato, in paese si riesce a fare un bel giro, pranzare e salire al monastero (che si visita più che altro internamente, pensavo ci fossero più terrazze/vista)”

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9.Gramvousa Island Day Trip & Balos Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 206 reviews · 11 - 15 hours · from $47

Review of the Heraklion to Gramvousa and Balos day trip, with costs, timing, ferry details, swimming tips, and honest advice.

“Incredible views, 2 islands and 2 different activities that you can enjoy. Long day but worth it if you are an adventure seeker”

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10.Guided Day Trip to Aegina Island with Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 203 reviews · 11 hours · from $57

Review of Aegina’s guided day trip from Athens, with ancient temples, Paleochora, swimming, pistachio tasting, and practical costs.

“Vivian was AMAZING. Very kind, thoughtful and a knowledgeable guide. She was very thorough and made us feel safe. This trip to Aegina was beautiful.”

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11.From Naxos: Round day trip to Mykonos Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 175 reviews · 10 hours · from $82

Review of the $82 Naxos to Mykonos day trip, with ferry timing, six hours in town, beach options, costs, tips, and drawbacks.

“clear directions of meeting point, boarding time and return. Helpful staff on deck. sufficient time to walk around Mykonos”

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12.Hydra Island: Full Day Trip from Athens with Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 103 reviews · 12 hours · from $58

Review of Hydra Island from Athens: luxury coach, Corinth Canal, guided town walk, two swims, seaside lunch, and practical costs.

“We had the best guide she was absolutely amazing very sweet and knowledgeable!!!”

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13.From Rhodes: Symi Island and Panormitis Monastery Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 95 reviews · 1 day · from $53

Review of the Rhodes to Symi day trip, with Panormitis Monastery, ferry details, free time, swimming, costs, and practical tips.

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14.Heraklion Area: Direct Day Trip Elafonisi Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 92 reviews · 15 hours · from $53

Review of the $53 Elafonisi day trip from Heraklion, covering the long bus ride, pink sand, swimming, guides, timing, and practical tips.

“Bellissima giornata a Elafonisi, le guide turistiche gentilissime e spiegano in 4 lingue diverse tutto ciò che si incontra nel tragitto e che riguarda la storia di Creta. Farei durare solo 1 ora in più la permanenza Elafonisi.”

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15.From Mykonos: Full-Day Trip to Tinos Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 51 reviews · 9.5 hours · from $112

Review of the Mykonos to Tinos day trip, with village visits, Panagia Evangelistria, marble art, ferry details, costs, and practical tips.

“Very well organised with exceptional guide and separate driver for small group. Tinos has done beautifully spots and we saw the best. Lovely restaurant on tour and time for exploring on your own . Must say the ferry crossing was quality.”

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