What island is the one hour ferry from Athens?

One of Greece's unparalleled advantages is the bounty of islands it offers, with countless places to explore, all set against the backdrop of the endless blue sea. However, figuring out where each of these islands is located can be tricky. The purpose of this guide, therefore, is to provide a simple and easy-to-understand overview of Greece's island groups.

It's a sensible thing to check before you start house-hunting, and the answer is a qualified yes. There is a train, but it only reaches the northern edge of the Peloponnese. Athens connects by rail to Kiato, and on towards Aigio, with a bus completing the run to Patras while the line is being finished. Beyond that, the peninsula has very little passenger rail, so the popular spots like Nafplio, Kalamata, and the Mani are reached by road. For most buyers, that makes the bus or the car the practical choice. Here's the full picture, and what it means if you're thinking of a home here.

If you're weighing up where to buy in Crete, Rethymno makes a strong case, and for many international buyers the answer is a clear yes. Sitting between Chania and Heraklion, it offers easy access to two major cities while keeping its own relaxed rhythm, historic charm, and a close connection to the sea. From restored village homes to modern villas near the coast, it draws buyers who want more than a summer base: a balanced life with beaches, mountain villages, restaurants, shops, and year-round services all within reach. It's often seen as Crete's smart middle ground, less busy than Chania, more intimate than Heraklion, and still well connected. Here's why it appeals, what makes it stand out, and who it suits best.

Yes, and a growing number of international professionals are proving it: they are choosing Thessaloniki as their European base, drawn by its rare combination of cultural richness, affordability, and Mediterranean lifestyle. As Greece's second-largest city, Thessaloniki offers significantly lower living costs compared to many major European cities, while still providing a high quality of life, strong urban character, and easy access to the sea.

Lefkada is connected to mainland Greece by a floating bridge near Lefkada Town, at the narrow Lefkada Canal. This road connection is one of the island’s most practical advantages, as visitors and property owners can reach Lefkada by car without taking a ferry. The bridge opens at scheduled times to allow boats to pass through the canal. For drivers, this can occasionally mean a short wait, especially during the summer season, so it is wise to allow a little extra time when arriving on or leaving the island. This connection makes Lefkada different from many other Greek island destinations. While islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, and Crete require either a ferry or a flight, Lefkada can be reached directly by road from mainland Greece.

Chania is one of Crete's most beautiful corners, and many buyers find that the villages around it, rather than the city itself, offer the best of it: authentic Cretan life, sea or mountain views, and easy access to everything Chania provides. There's no single best village, but a handful stand out, and we have the most to offer in a few clear areas: the green Apokoronas region to the east, the lively coast to the west around Platanias and Maleme, and a scattering of characterful spots in between. Here's a guide to the villages worth knowing, and how to think about choosing one.

The Greek islands are a classic destination of romance, offering intimate caldera dinners and sunset sails to charming village squares, where every moment feels timeless. If you're searching for "Greece Travel Ideas", these islands provide endless options for couples, whether it's your first visit or the start of a future life embraced by the Aegean breeze.