Greek Islands from Colombia: how to plan a route that actually makes sense

Some trips start with a photo. 📸 A white street in Santorini, a table by the sea in Paros, a hidden beach in Milos, or a sunset that seems too perfect to be real.

But when the trip starts in Colombia, the Greek islands need more than just desire. They also need good planning. Not because it's an impossible destination, but because Greece isn't explored well in a hurry: there are long flights, layovers, ferries, very different seasons, and decisions that can completely change the experience.

That's why, before buying the first package that appears or filling the itinerary with five islands in seven days, it's worth understanding how this trip truly plays out. Because the Greek islands can be romantic, tranquil, family-friendly, party-oriented, or adventurous. It all depends on the route you choose.✨

✈️ First: how do you get to the Greek islands from Colombia?

To travel to the Greek islands from Colombia, the most common way is to first make a connection in Europe. One of the most common routes is usually Bogota – Madrid-Barajas – Athens, as direct flights to Athens or the Greek islands are not common from Colombia.

Once in Athens, you can continue to the islands by ferry or domestic flights, depending on the route you want to take. For example, if your trip includes Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, or Naxos, Athens serves as a practical gateway for organizing transfers.

In recent searches, some platforms show Bogota–Athens flights with one stop and round-trip fares from COP $3,368,247, which is approximately USD 842. One-way flights also appear from COP $2,271,871, around USD 568. These values change depending on the date, airline, layovers, and availability, but they serve as a starting point to understand the search range.

The recommendation for Colombian travelers is to compare with flexible dates and not commit to a single route. Sometimes it's better to arrive in Athens; other times, if the price allows, it might work to enter through an island like Santorini or Mykonos and return from Athens.

However, when buying flights separately, you need to allow enough time between connections, because a delay in Europe can affect the rest of your itinerary.

☀️ The best time to travel isn't always the most popular

July and August are the months many imagine when they think of Greece: lively beaches, warm sea, open bars, parties, and long days. And yes, they are spectacular months, but they are also the most crowded.

For those traveling from Colombia and wanting to enjoy without feeling everything is at its limit, May, June, September, and early October tend to be better options. The weather is good, the islands are still active, and the experience feels more pleasant. Furthermore, in mid-season, it's easier to find charming accommodations, better ferry schedules, and less saturated restaurants.

If the idea is to travel as a couple, September can be one of the most beautiful months: the sea still retains the summer warmth, but the islands begin to breathe more calmly.

On the other hand, if the plan is parties with friends, beach clubs, and nightlife, Mykonos in July or August might make more sense, provided you book in advance.

🏝️ Which islands to choose if it's your first time

One of the most common mistakes is wanting to see too many islands in a few days. On the map, everything seems close, but each transfer takes time: leaving the hotel, getting to the port, waiting for the ferry, sailing, arriving at the new island, checking in, and getting settled again.

Therefore, for a first trip, it's ideal to choose two or three islands and allow at least one or two nights in Athens.

⛴️ Mykonos and Paros: a practical ferry route for the Cyclades

If your trip includes Mykonos and Paros, the ferry connection is one of the most practical in the Cyclades, which is the group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea that also includes Santorini, Naxos, and Milos.

The route operates between April and November, can have up to 10 daily connections during high season, and the journey usually lasts between 35 minutes and 2 and a half hours, depending on the type of ferry.

Prices can start from USD 39 or COP $156,000.

For this route, it's most important to carefully check the departure port, arrive with enough time, and not leave critical transfers until the last minute. During high season, ports can feel chaotic, especially in Mykonos.

Additionally, Aegean winds can affect some departures, so it's not advisable to take a ferry on the same day as an international flight.

🧳 Travel agency or self-planned trip?

When traveling to the Greek islands from Colombia, there isn't one single correct way to organize your trip. It all depends on the type of experience you want to have, the time you have for planning, and how comfortable you feel resolving changes on the fly.

In any case, the most important thing is not whether you travel with an agency or on your own, but that the route makes sense. For a short trip, it's better to visit fewer islands and enjoy them thoroughly than to spend more time traveling than experiencing the destination.

❤️ Santorini: where to stay if you're traveling as a couple

Santorini is not the cheapest island, but it can be one of the most memorable if you choose the right area.

Oia has the classic postcard views and the most famous sunsets. It's one of those WOW moments in Santorini: as the sun sets, cruises arrive at the island, and thousands of tourists look for a spot on the cliffs, in bars, or restaurants with a privileged view to watch the spectacle. Therefore, although it's an unforgettable experience, it can also be very crowded.

If the trip is for relaxation, views, and a more contemplative experience, it's worth prioritizing boutique hotels or accommodations with private terraces.

The decision depends on what you want to experience: waking up in front of the caldera, walking to restaurants and shops, being close to the beach, or moving more easily around the island.

🏨 Hotels near the beach: recommended areas and examples to better guide you

In the Greek islands, sleeping near the beach can be a great idea, but it doesn't always mean being in the most famous area. The key is to understand what kind of experience each area offers before booking: some are more romantic, others more practical for getting around, and others work better if you want beach, restaurants, and social life without relying heavily on transportation.

🌅 Santorini

If you prefer to be near the sea and have a more relaxed experience, Kamari can be an excellent base.

A reference hotel is Santorini Kastelli Resort, located a few steps from Kamari's black sand beach.

In addition to the beach, it offers a practical location for reaching the airport, port, and Fira.

🏖️ Mykonos

Areas like Ornos, Platis Gialos, or Agios Ioannis allow you to combine beach, restaurants, and easy access to the center.

An example is Mykonos Ammos Hotel, a boutique hotel facing the sea located on Ornos Beach.

Between June and September, rates tend to be higher, so it's advisable to book in advance.

⚓ Paros

Naoussa is one of the most charming areas to stay thanks to its white streets, restaurants, and harbor atmosphere.

For reference, Stelia Mare Boutique Hotel is located a few steps from the beach and the center of Naoussa.

If you're looking for practicality to move between islands, Parikia might be a better alternative due to its main port.

⛵ Is it worth renting a yacht or catamaran?

Renting a boat in Greece sounds like a luxury reserved for a few, but there are different ways to experience it.

A half-day catamaran trip around Santorini or Paros can be enough to see the island from the water, swim in coves, and have a special experience without turning the whole trip into a nautical journey.

It's also important to remember that if you don't have a boating license, you'll usually need to hire a certified captain. This is not only a practical requirement, but it can also enhance the experience, as a skipper knows routes, anchoring spots, and sea conditions.

📶 Connectivity: the detail that makes everything flow

On an island-hopping trip, having internet isn't just for uploading photos. It's for checking if the ferry schedule has changed, confirming the hotel address, ordering transportation, opening maps, translating a menu, or letting loved ones know you arrived safely after a long journey.

This is where Conecty becomes an ally for traveling with greater peace of mind from Colombia. With an international eSIM, you can arrive in Greece with active data, without depending on airport Wi-Fi or having to search for a local SIM card as soon as you land.

Plus, you can install it before your trip and activate it once you reach your destination.

📄 Requirements and details you shouldn't leave until the last minute

Colombian travelers should always review current immigration requirements before traveling.

For short stays in the Schengen area, the general rule allows visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but conditions can change, and it's important to verify all documentation before flying.

✨ Final tips to make your trip a breeze

Don't try to see all the islands in one trip. Greece is best enjoyed when there's time to walk unhurriedly, revisit a beach, sit down to eat without watching the clock, and let the day find its own rhythm.

Pack light. Stairs, ports, ferries, and cobblestone streets are not friends with a giant suitcase.

Book in advance if you travel between June and September. The best accommodations, ferries, and experiences sell out quickly, especially in Santorini and Mykonos.

And don't underestimate Athens. Many people see it only as a layover, but one or two nights there help ground the trip, visit the Acropolis, walk Plaka, and understand that Greece doesn't begin in the islands: it begins in its history.