Best Greek Islands To Visit Without A Car

Prices have decreased immensely during Autumn, so do the massive tourist crowds, while the weather remains pleasant. You can find the peace and relaxation that you want all year round and live authentic holidays around Greece. Even if you don't  want to take a car with you this year on the island (because it's expensive to bring it on the ferry, or maybe it exceeds your budget to rent one, or maybe no one in your company has a driver's license, there's no reason for you to feel despair. Below, we have collected some of the top island destinations in Greece, with a reliable bus network making your transportation to the best beaches easy. In this way, you will feel autonomous (not entirely as you would if you had your own car), and you will be left in a better financial position to get the most out of your Greek island vacation. 

Lefkada

In order to reach Lefkada, you do not have to board a ferry. September and October are the best months to enjoy the exotic landscape in all its grandeur without the crowds. Lefkada is one of the most beautiful islands of the Ionian islands and boasts beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters that are frequently featured in the world's best beaches and coastlines. Kathima, Egremni and Porto Katsiki are just a few of them. It is no exaggeration to say that you can find small and big paradises with a Caribbean aroma and Greek air on this marvellous island. This exotic island of the Ionian Sea, not only has an extensive network of routes within the island but it is also the only one of the Ionian Islands which is accessible from mainland Greece by KTEL. You will reach the island by using the daily bus services from Athens, Thessaloniki or Preveza (around 5.30 hours and 58 € round trip). As for the transfers within Lefkada, there are daily routes - with up to 15 departures per day for popular villages - or destinations such as Lygia, Nikiana, Nydri, Vassiliki, Vlychos, Karya, Eglouvi, Agios Petros, Agios Nikitas, Kathisma, Kalamitsi, Tsoukalades, Kastro, Gyra, Katohori, Marantochori, Fterno, Agios Ilias etc. The tickets range from 1.60 to 3.40 € for the more remote villages and beaches. Lefkada is also close to Kefalonia and Ithaca so you could try a bit of Greek island hopping there or maybe take a day-trip to the closest islands. You can find plenty of accommodation offers on this Greek island like studios, apartments, luxury hotels, hostels etc. 

Spetses

The cosmopolitan island of Spetses located in the Argosaronikos Gulf welcomes you in its historic alleys, where the picturesque houses stand proud as you reach the old harbour. You will be introduced to the history of the island at the Museum of Spetses and the House of Bouboulina, you will ride along blooming courtyards and tour the country chapels. The experience of cycling in the harbour, where you will also find no cars, is also enjoyable. Next, to the harbour, you will find Agios Mamas beach, while at the old harbour you can find the pebbled beach of Agios Nikolaos. Do not miss a stop at Agii Anargiri and the beautiful cave of Bekiris. The island of Spetses is well known for its crystal clear waters and lush green hills that are full of countless pine trees. This paradise island is a special place for Princess Tatiana. It is the place where she married her beloved husband, Prince Nicholas - whose father, Constantine II was the last king of Greece - in 2010. There is something magical, like a fairy tale on this island: the picturesque houses, the traditional wagons, the narrow streets and the hidden coves make up an idyllic setting, making it perfect for those who seek relaxation. Spetses is a small island, but there is plenty to do. In addition to strolling in the picturesque harbour, you can extend your exploration further and visit the scattered islands near it, like Dokos and Trikeri, which are located midway between Hydra and Spetses and have crystal clear beaches. They are also ideal for filling your batteries before you return to your everyday life. From Spetses, you can easily get to the rest of the Saronic islands for a bit of island hopping.

Hydra 

Hydra is only a  breath away from Athens and will fascinate you for sure with its picturesqueness and architecture. The tranquillity of the island and its relaxed vibes will travel you to other eras. Most visitors enjoy their strolls in the narrow streets of the island by leaving their cars aside. You can walk until you reach Kontylenia or the Monastery of Prophet Elias and gaze at the beautiful view. Hydra is not famous for its beaches, but you can dive in Mandraki or the rocky Plakes of Vlychos and Kaoumithi, reaching them by sea taxi or boat. Hydra is a favourite destination for Autumn since the dew allows visitors to enjoy the island's alleys. It is one of the most picturesque islands in Greece and what makes it ideal for small excursions is its close distance to Athens. The main feature of the island is that there are no wheeled vehicles and the transportation is done only with the donkeys, a fact that makes Hydra even more picturesque. The night view is very romantic, although the beauty of the island is better understood under the sunlight, though sometimes the clouds make it even more romantic and melancholic in a cute way.

Syros

This noble island of the Cyclades has a central location in the famous island complex. Its architecture will astound you. Syros occupies a special place in the heart of its visitors, who decide to return here every year. The ideal period to visit Syros is autumn because it gives the travellers the opportunity to explore it without the crowds of tourists. You will have the opportunity to observe the details around you with more attention and you will surely experience another side of the beautiful island and its charming capital, Ermoupolis. Syros has the picturesqueness of the Cyclades but also the bourgeois charm of a small state. An enviable architectural dowry with splendid neoclassical manors, but also modern cafés. There are dozens of events and festivals each summer to fill your holiday with pictures, music and movies. Each summer, the Syros International Film Festival is hosted on the island, with Greek and foreign productions being shown in the most special spots of the island, while every autumn you can enjoy animation creations from around the world at the Animasyros festival. The blue of the Aegean will steal your heart away, although its beaches may not be the most famous and impressive of the Cyclades they will still satisfy every taste. Syros is less than four hours away from Athens and welcomes its visitors with its temperament and vivid lifestyle. Syros might be a great location to start your Greek island hopping in the Cyclades. From there you can get to other famous Greek islands like Mykonos, Andros, Paros, Naxos, Santorini etc.

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