Revisit same Island groupings or move on to new group?

Of course you could stay in the Cyclades — there are some great ones (Amorgos, Folegandros, Sifnos) that you haven’t yet visited, but none have an airport.

The real problem you have is that there are so many other islands!

If you want to go to Corfu, that’s probably where you should go next. Look at a guidebook or website & see what other island might pair well with it. Not a lot of posters on this forum go to Corfu — mainly Brits, I think. You could go & report back.

As for me, one of my favorite islands is Lesvos. The third largest Greek island, you can spend your entire trip there, changing location every few days, and feel like you are on different islands — without the need for ferries. Lesvos has lots of friendly people & small villages. It has an airport. I could give you lots of information if you’re interested.

Another great trip combined Samos & Ikaria (the blue zone island). Both have airports. From Samos you could take a day trip to Ephesus in Turkey — an incredible sight. And maybe add Patmos (the monastery of St John & cave of the Apocalypse) depending on how much time you have.

Or you could visit the Dodecanese islands. I’m not personally a fan of Rhodes but we spent a day or two and then visited Tilos (birdwatching) and especially enjoyed Nisyros, which has an active but not erupting volcano that you can hike into. Fascinating. My favorite Dodecanese island was Kastellorizo, which is absolutely gorgeous & tiny & has a daily ferry to the markets at Kas in Turkey.

I suggest doing a little research on whichever islands look interesting to you. Come back with questions.

Here are some ideas and examples of flights to the Dodecanese and North Aegean islands with a small airport.

These islands are less well-known than the famous Cyclades, but just as good (or even better, depending on your preferences).

These are short flights that stop for a few minutes at each island to disembark/pick up passengers and luggage (just like a bus).

From Thessaloniki:

Thessaloniki - Limnos - Ikaria (30-minute stopover in Limnos)

From Athens

Athens - Ikaria - Limnos (20-minute stopover in Ikaria)

or :

Athens - Astypalaia - Leros - Kalymnos - Kos (20 minutes at each stopover island)

From Rhodes

Rhodes - Kos - Kalymnos - Leros ( 20-minute stopover on each island.

Kythera is also a very nice island (with a Cycladic touch), which has an airport and can also be combined with a trip to the Peloponnese by taking a ferry from the ports of Neapoli or Gythio

There are other options, depending on the time of year and the airline (Olympic or Sky Express).

Like the Ionian Islands, the Sporades Islands (Skiathos, Skopelos) are very popular with British tourists. Pubs where you can drink pints of Guinness are now part of the local tradition :)

Limnos (or Lemnos)

https://www.traveltolimnos.gr/

Astypalea

https://www.astypalaia.com/

Leros:

https://www.lerosisland.com/

Kalymnos

https://www.kalymnos-isl.gr/en/

Ikaria:

https://www.island-ikaria.com/

Kythera

https://www.kythera.gr/en/

Jolui,
Thanks for your detailed insight. I like "just as good". Can't wait to begin researching these areas.

Charlene B,
I almost visited Fologandros but got the sense that it was not as habitable... Maybe a photo that I saw. I will continue more research. Who knows, it might be a favorite. I'll report back with questions and let you know the outcome of my trip and future trips.

A few yrs ago I had no idea how to visit Greece or even attempt a "solo" ferry trip to an island. (who does that?!) now I'm on my third exciting trip!
Thank you both!

A question: is Agean the"go to" airline to use when traveling from Athens or within the islands?
Ps, I travel with a backpack.

If you concentrate only on islands that have airports you may be missing out on a number of lovely islands that don't and are not overly touristy.

Some of my favorites are:

Amorgos and Tinos both classified in the Cyclades.

Amorgos my photos:
https://tinyurl.com/y7bqwfma

Tinos my photos:
https://tinyurl.com/y6w5ncb8

There are numerous other Greek Islands that have just as much to offer as any Cyclades Island and even more that have airports that don't see as much tourism as the Big Name Ones:

My photos:

Chios
https://tinyurl.com/ycgkrqza

Lesvos

Kythira
https://tinyurl.com/Kythira-Greece

Skyros

Ikaria
https://tinyurl.com/y4e5dsj6

Astypalea
https://tinyurl.com/y7mdg7rv

Don't limit yourself as there are so many islands in Greece to experience.

Also don't overlook the Peloponnese which just as much to offer as any island and even more options that most islands.

One of the hardest decisions about going to Greece is where to go!

is Agean the"go to" airline to use when traveling from Athens or
within the islands?

Aegean is one of two Greek airlines that operate flights to the islands. Aegean's domestic flights are actually Olympic Air, which was the national airline and is now a subsidiary of Aegean. You can book your tickets on either Aegean or Olympic; it's the same system. Aegean is regularly ranked among the best European airlines.

The other Greek airline that operates domestic flights (and international flights to Europe) is Sky Express. I fly with both airlines without any particular preference. Aegean is a Star Alliance member and participates in the mileage programs you can earn by flying with a Star Alliance member airline.

You should carefully read the weight and size restrictions for carry-on baggage. Many flights to the islands or within them are operated by small ATR42 or 72 turboprops.

In summer, there are a few flights to the most touristy islands operated by low-cost airlines like Ryanair, an airline that should be avoided at all costs.

Thanks everyone for your detailed info and photos!
This will help not only for this 2026 trip but also for many more to follow.