Hi Dave

I was in the same circumstances as you two years ago and headed off in early August for Greece, leaving the rest of the family behind. The first few days felt weird but soon enough I settled down and began to enjoy my first island hopping experience.

I had decided to travel in the Cyclades which are closer to Athens (my starting point) and allowed me to the have the last few days in the city (recommended when island hopping as ferries can be cancelled due to strong winds).

I took the first ferry from Rafina to Andros. The journey was about 3 hours. I stayed here for 3 days in the town of Batsi. Great beach, and the village itself wasn't too quiet which meant it was easy to get chatting to folks, especially in the evenings over a meal.

From Andros I sailed to Syros (about 2 hours). I loved this island, great port town and very much a workign island. Not too many tourists. Plenty to do here, and again it was easy to meet folks and feel sociable. I stayed here 3 days.

From Syros I sailed to Tinos (1.5 hours) and spent 2 days here. Beautiful island, and a complete contrast to the other two. Again, not too many tourists although there were a large number of Greeks fron Athens visiting.

From Tinos I sailed to Mykonos. Expensive island. cosmopolitan and classy but very busy. This is picture postcard Greece. Windmills and dovecots. I think everyone needs to visit this island at least once in their lives. The best beaches I'd found so far. I stayed 2 days here.

I sailed from Mykonos to Santorini and spent 2 days here also. A spectacular island, especially when arriving by boat. It was very very busy though and thought some of the shops were a bit too tourist orientated. The beaches have black sand and may not look as attractive as some on the other islands but that didnt really bother me.

From Santorini I flew Aegean Airways back to Athens (the ticket was close to £50) and then spent the final two days in the city which I enjoyed very much. It was great exploring places I had read about as a kid.

I bought the ferry tickets usually on the morning of travel. Never had a problem getting them. I had already booked all the accomodation for the whole trip as I had been told that this is the busiest time on the islands and accommodation may have been a problem had I waited until i got there.

Maximum of 3 days and usually 2 days per island was Ok for me. That might not suit some but it gave me a chance to see how different the islands can be.

Go for it mate! You'll have a great time.

Bill

Hi-season makes things difficult, lack of 'on the spot accomodation availability', high prices, very hot.

I never go in Hi-season so cannot really comment, but out of Hi-season, during May/June/Sept/Oct it is very worthwhile, more variety of islands and resorts, not necessary to pre-book ferries or accomodation, and it is cheaper than a package.

Some easy island hopping routes, including your requested islands:

Skiathos-Skopelos-Alonissos, very easy 3/day catamaran/hydrofoil connection.
Athens/Santorini-Naxos-Paros, very easy 4/day ferries.
Samos-Patmos-Lipsi-Leros-Kalymnos-Kos(any way you wish), reasonable 1/day ferries/hydrofoils.
Kos-Nyssiros-Tilos-Symi-Rodos, maybe no daily ferry connection.

There are package operators which can arrange multi-island hopping holidays but only in areas where ferries are regular.

A good guide book is 'Greek Island Hopping, by Thomas Cook'.

Hi
I have been island hopping many times and I am doing the same this year goint to Santorini/paros/naxos/ios.

Island wandering is a good place to look or first chioce do island hopping as well.

Good luck
and have fun

Johnandfran