It all starts with booking a flight to Athens so that you can stay at one of the ideally located hotel options near Syntagma Square. However, most travelers want to also visit one (or several) other island destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, Kefalonia, Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Rhodes, Crete, Milos, Lesbos, Lemnos, Samos, or Karpathos.

So, how should you begin the process of making your travel plans? We have you covered, and will help make this a smooth island hopping travel experience that you will not soon forget. It all begins with a stay at Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel. The hotel has a lot to offer, including the newly remodeled Executive Club Suite, Luxury Club Rooms, Luxury Rooms, and refreshed public spaces. This hotel is the perfect solution for the first and last night in Greece, complete with plenty of island hopping in the middle.

Start & End in Athens

Enjoy a few days in Athens. Then hire a cab to the airport the night before your first island hopping flight. Check-in to Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel so you will already be ready to fly the following day, but note that this is a very popular option so reservations are a must. This hotel is the only one at Athens International Airport, and directly across the street from arrivals, so you are only a short walk away. By staying overnight before your flight, you will avoid the morning traffic and the 30-minute ride (or more) from Athens. You can easily catch a morning flight to an island paradise of your choice, and will be enjoying the pool and views of the sea before lunchtime.

Flights To The Greek Islands

Many Greek Islands have airports, although some islands are only accessible by ferry. For example, to visit the island of Ios you can fly into Santorini and catch a short scheduled ferry to Ios, or a longer ferry ride will get you there from Pireus, the port of Athens. The number of flights to choose from depends on popularity, so an island like Santorini has more flights available. The two main airlines to research for your flight reservations from Athens International (ATH) to the different islands are Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines. Your options are endless…

About Sofitel Athens

Arriving during the warm temperatures of summer or fall, and stepping onto the hotel’s air conditioning and cool tile floors is one of the simple pleasures of Greece travel. Friendly staff is there to greet you, followed by an efficient and quick check-in. The hotel has completed an impressive renovation of the rooms, suites and public areas that now showcase a sleek style with clean lines. All 345 rooms are soundproof to cut down on the airport noise, and there are two executive floors that we highly recommend, as well as 12 suites, and one presidential suite. The beds are the incredibly comfortable, but supportive signature Sofitel “MyBed” that you are sure to love. You can settle into this chic room and relax after an elegant dinner at Karavi, or bistro fare at the Artemis Bar & Pergola. The Executive Lounge is perfect for a quiet getaway to enjoy a cocktail. You must be booked in Executive Lounge room type for access to the lounge, but it is such a great amenity to make the most of your stay.

Tips & Tricks

If you are traveling with large suitcases, be warned that the airlines for these Island flights are often very strict regarding the size of your carry-on and checked-in bags. If you have not pre-paid for your checked bag before arriving to the airport, you will pay more at the airport. It is best to downsize to a smaller bag. Take only what you need for your island getaway, and leave a large bag secured at the luggage storage service at Athens International in Care4Bag storage. It is located in the Arrivals Hall, which operates 24-hours. Note that Sofitel Athens is not equipped to hold your bags after you checkout. It is currently 7 euros per bag, per day… and it is worth every euro.

When reserving your room at Sofitel Athens, inquire about the Breakfast Buffet Package if you think you want a bit more than what is offered in the Executive Lounge. You will feast on an amazing morning buffet, which also offers the traditional Greek breakfast of meats, vegetables, several types of creamy Greek yogurts, fruits, and local stewed fruits, and jams. This buffet is served in the beautiful Mesoghaia Restaurant, just off the main lobby. Insider tip: Check the website when booking as they sometimes offer the buffet as a gratis incentive.

When you return to Athens from your island getaway, retrieve your bag as you walk through the Athens Airport on your way to check-in at the Sofitel Athens. Flights to the United States usually depart early in the morning, so enjoy a restful night of sleep, buffet breakfast and then only have a short walk to the airport for your morning flight. Do you have favorite Island getaways when in Greece? Leave us your comments and let us know where you recommend for our readers to consider for their Greece experience…