Skip the ferries. A helicopter charter route through six Greek islands – Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Milos and Paros.
Above the Aegean: island-hopping by heli in Greece
For many travellers, the Greek islands are experienced from the deck of a ferry. It’s a familiar way to island-hop, but it comes with fixed schedules, transfer times measured in hours rather than minutes, and limited flexibility once you’re on the move.
A helicopter charter offers a different approach. Journeys between islands are shorter, departure times are built around your itinerary rather than a public timetable, and the aerial perspective across the Aegean is one of the genuine highlights of travelling this way.
The route below covers six stops across mainland Greece and the Cyclades. It can be followed as outlined, extended, condensed, or reshaped entirely – your itinerary is built around your plans.
The route at a glance
Athens → Mykonos → Santorini → Crete → Milos → Paros
| Ferry | Helicopter | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Transfer Time | ~12 hours 45 minutes* | ~3 hours 20 minutes* |
| Time Saved | ~9 hours 25 minutes* |
*transfer times are estimates and subject to weather conditions.
Aircraft options: AS365 / H135 / H120*
*options will vary depending on distance and availability.
Athens
Most Greek itineraries begin in the capital, and there’s good reason for that. The Acropolis remains one of the most recognisable sites in the ancient world, and the surrounding neighbourhoods of Monastiraki and Psyrri offer a strong introduction to Athenian food, culture, and pace of life. One or two nights here is a natural starting point before continuing out across the islands.
Athens → Mykonos
Helicopter:
~45 minutes | Ferry: ~2h 40m
Mykonos is one of the most established destinations in the Cyclades, known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, beach clubs, and nightlife. Beyond the headline attractions, Chora’s whitewashed streets, the 16th-century windmills, and the Little Venice waterfront offer a quieter side to the island worth exploring at a slower pace.
Mykonos → Santorini
Helicopter:
~30 minutes | Ferry: ~2h
Santorini’s caldera views from Oia and Fira are among the most photographed in the Mediterranean, and the island’s volcanic beaches and Assyrtiko wineries add further depth to a visit. Arriving by helicopter offers a clear view of the caldera’s full scale on approach – a perspective that’s difficult to appreciate from sea level.
Santorini → Crete
Helicopter:
~45 minutes | Ferry: ~2h 30m*
Greece’s largest island offers more than can be covered in a single visit, so itineraries tend to be shaped around specific interests. The Minoan Palace of Knossos is a draw for those interested in ancient history, while the Venetian harbour of Chania, the beaches at Elafonissi and Balos Lagoon, and the Samaria Gorge each appeal to different kinds of traveller.
*ferry times on this crossing vary significantly by operator and route.
Crete → Milos
Helicopter:
~55m | Ferry: ~4h 40m
This is the longest ferry crossing on the route, and the leg where a helicopter charter offers the most noticeable time saving. Milos itself is one of the more distinctive Cycladic islands, with more than 75 beaches and a volcanic landscape that includes the lunar-like rock formations at Sarakiniko and the sea caves at Kleftiko, which are best reached by boat once on the island.
Milos → Paros
Helicopter:
~25 minutes | Ferry: ~1h 45m
Paros has grown in popularity in recent years, offering the Cycladic character of its better-known neighbours with a quieter pace. Parikia and the Early Christian Panagia Ekatontapiliani provide the historical anchor, while Naoussa in the north has developed a strong dining reputation while retaining its fishing village character. It’s a natural stop on which to close out an island itinerary.
Plan your route
Every itinerary is different, and the route above is a starting point rather than a fixed offering. If you’re considering a helicopter charter for a Greek island trip – whether following this route, adapting it, or building something entirely different – our helicopter division is on hand to talk through the options.