Getting to Trizonia means a bus, a water taxi, and a fair bit of faith in Greek public transport connecting up. Once there, this tiny car-free island in the Corinthian Gulf turns out to be less about sightseeing and more about learning to stop.
A ferry sprint, an unexpected bus connection, and a return to Patras nine years after volunteering there with a refugee charity. Zakynthos to Patras isn’t glamorous, but it comes with forts, a windy crossing to Antirrio, and a sunset at Mare Mare worth chasing down.
I’ve thrown myself into a frenzy of projects since reaching retirement age. The latest? Building an Android app for independent travellers to Greece. Plan Your Greece is now on Google Play.
6 week itinerary – Eastern Aegean and Dodecanese itinerary covers Samos, Agathonisi, Ikaria, Fourni, Arki, Marathi, Patmos, Leros, and Kalymnos by ferry. Best time: late June to early September. Highlights: beach-bar culture on Ikaria, pristine isolation on Arki, Italian art deco architecture on Leros, stunning Telendos sunsets from Kalymnos. No car rental needed.
7 week itinerary – a journey from Crete through the Southern Dodecanese: Kasos, Karpathos, Rhodes, Nisyros, Tilos, Symi, and Chalki. This comprehensive itinerary covers volcanoes and traditional villages, hidden beaches and neoclassical harbours, authentic island life and UNESCO-listed old towns. Designed around ferry schedules with detailed destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and honest reflections. Note: This trip took place August-October 2018; prices and services may have changed.
18-day itinerary – sland hopping adventure through the Lesser Cyclades—Naxos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissi and Amorgos—plus Santorini. Discover islands where the legendary Express Skopelitis ferry is a lifeline, sunrises paint the Aegean gold, and fava beans have their own festival. This route explores Greece’s best-kept secrets: tiny islands with golden beaches, hilltop Choras, and authentic Greek hospitality. Best time: May-June or September. Note: This trip took place in June-July 2015; prices and some services may have changed.
