Best Islands for Island Hopping (and Why It’s Worth It)
- Sarah Shafer
- Jan 28
- 3 min read
Island hopping isn’t just a vacation style—it’s a mindset. Instead of committing to one destination, you get to experience multiple islands, cultures, beaches, and vibes in a single trip. More variety, more adventure, and way more “wow” moments.
Whether you’re chasing turquoise water, historic towns, nightlife, or quiet hidden coves, these are some of the best places in the world for island hopping, plus how to do it right.
Why Go Island Hopping?
Island hopping lets you:
Experience different landscapes and cultures in one trip
Avoid boredom by mixing beach days, sightseeing, and nightlife
Discover less touristy islands alongside famous ones
Customize your trip (luxury, adventure, romantic, or laid-back)
It’s perfect for travelers who love variety—and hate feeling like they “missed something.”
How to Island Hop (Without Stress)
You don’t need to wing it. Island hopping can be surprisingly easy when planned well.
Most common ways to island hop:
🚤 Ferries (most popular and affordable)
✈️ Short domestic flights
⛵ Private boats or catamarans
🚢 Small cruises or sailing trips
Best Island Hopping Destinations in the World
🇬🇷 Island Hopping in Greece
Best Route
Athens → Paros → Naxos → Santorini
Why This Route Works
Central Cyclades first (easy ferries, relaxed vibe), iconic Santorini last.
Where to Stay
Paros: Parilio Hotel, Cosme Paros
Naxos: Nissaki Beach Hotel, 18 Grapes
Santorini: Katikies, Canaves Oia (or boutique cave hotels)
Where to Eat
Paros: Barbarossa, Sigi Ikthios
Naxos: To Elliniko, Axiotissa
Santorini: Metaxi Mas, Lycabettus
What to Do
Beach hop in Paros
Explore old town + beaches in Naxos
Sunset in Oia, wine tasting in Santorini
Ideal length: 8–10 days
🇮🇹 Island Hopping in Italy
Best Route
Naples → Procida → Ischia → Capri → Sorrento
Why This Route Works
Authentic islands first, glamour at the end. Short ferry rides throughout.
Where to Stay
Procida: La Suite Boutique Hotel
Ischia: Mezzatorre, San Montano Resort
Capri: Hotel La Minerva, Capri Tiberio Palace
Where to Eat
Procida: La Lampara
Ischia: Daní Maison
Capri: Da Paolino, Il Riccio
What to Do
Wander colorful Procida
Thermal spas + beaches in Ischia
Boat around Capri, Blue Grotto (early morning)
Ideal length: 7–9 days
🇹🇭 Island Hopping in Thailand
Best Route
Krabi → Phi Phi → Koh Lanta
Why This Route Works
Active sightseeing first, quiet beaches last.
Where to Stay
Krabi: Rayavadee, Phulay Bay
Phi Phi: Zeavola Resort
Koh Lanta: Pimalai Resort
Where to Eat
Krabi: Lae Lay Grill
Phi Phi: Zeavola dining
Koh Lanta: Same Same But Different
What to Do
Railay Beach & limestone cliffs
Phi Phi snorkeling tours
Slow beach days and sunsets in Koh Lanta
Ideal length: 8–10 days
🇭🇷 Island Hopping in Croatia
Best Route
Split → Hvar → Korčula → Dubrovnik
Why This Route Works
Straight southbound route with no backtracking.
Where to Stay
Hvar: Palace Elisabeth
Korčula: Lešić Dimitri Palace
Dubrovnik: Hotel Excelsior
Where to Eat
Hvar: Gariful, Dalmatino
Korčula: LD Restaurant
Dubrovnik: Nautika
What to Do
Beach clubs in Hvar
Wine tasting in Korčula
Walk the city walls in Dubrovnik
Ideal length: 7–10 days
🇵🇭 Island Hopping in the Philippines
Best Route
El Nido → Coron (via boat expedition)
Why This Route Works
The journey is the highlight — remote islands you can’t reach otherwise.
Where to Stay
El Nido: Miniloc Island Resort, Seda Lio
Coron: Two Seasons Coron Bayside
Where to Eat
El Nido: Artcafé
Coron: Santino’s Grill
What to Do
Lagoon hopping in El Nido
Multi-day island expedition
Kayangan Lake in Coron
Ideal length: 8–10 days
The difference between a good island-hopping trip and an unforgettable one is strategy.
From choosing the right islands to booking the smoothest transfers, I’ll design a custom itinerary that flows effortlessly from one island to the next.
Comments