# A New Seaplane Network Set to Unlock the Greek Islands

> A new seaplane network is set to connect the Greek islands. Find out how travel across Greece will change and why getting around will be faster and more affordable.

- URL: https://langandtrip.com.ua/en/article/novi-hydrosamolet-otkroet-hrecheskye-ostrova/
- Language: en
- Published: 2025-08-02
- Categories: Historic Sites, Leisure, Beaches, Greece, Relaxation, Seas & Oceans

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If island-hopping across Greece is the dream, then Greek ferry timetables are usually the reality.

How many travelers have set off on an adventure from Athens' port of Piraeus, planning to explore the Cyclades, Ionian and Dodecanese archipelagos, only to discover they barely have time to squeeze in a Greek salad on Santorini before catching the ferry back?

And that's if the seasonal winds don't throw the ferries off schedule.

All of this could change over the next two years, if one Greek aviation company's vision for a new, affordable seaplane network takes off.

Hellenic Seaplanes says it wants to connect more than 100 destinations across Greece by 2016, with the first routes due to launch in May 2015.

The company, headquartered in Athens, was founded in May 2013.

It claims that tickets for its seaplanes are likely to be affordable, making them a viable and far quicker alternative to the ferry.

Because its fleet, currently made up of 12-seat Dornier Seastars and 19-seat Twin Otter amphibious aircraft, can land on water, the service will be able to reach smaller islands that have no air connection today, all without the need for expensive infrastructure.

The plan is, of course, still on the drawing board, and the initial launch dates have already been pushed back from this year.

Given Greece's economic upheavals of recent years, rapid business expansion is hardly plain sailing (or flying).

That shouldn't stop anyone from planning their ideal island trip using Hellenic's list of planned destinations, which link far-flung corners from the northern Aegean to the Libyan Sea in a journey that would take a month to explore by boat.

Here are a few tempting options for your travels.

**Crete**

The largest and much-loved Greek island needs no introduction.

If Crete were a resort, its northern part would be the buzzing reception area, while the south would be the VIP zone, open only to those willing to experience its authentic heart.

The Hellenic Seaplanes network is expected to make the harder-to-reach south more accessible, connecting places like Sitia, Ierapetra and Sfakia with the hubs of Chania, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.

Southern discoveries include hidden villages facing the Libyan Sea, such as Lentas and Loutro.

Then there's historic Sfakia and the castle of Frangokastello, lesser-known archaeological sites like the Minoan palace of Zakros, the striking gorges of Orino and Kato Zakros, secluded islets right off the coast such as Chrisi, and wonderful monasteries like Preveli and Chrissoskalitissa.

**Affordable luxury**: The five-star St. Nicolas Bay resort hotel and villas sit on a private beach just 1.5 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos, overlooking the enchanting Mirabello Bay.

*Thesi Nissi Agios Nikolaos, Crete; +30 28410 90200*

**Pelion**

For those torn between a mountain and a seaside getaway, there's Pelion.

Forming a peninsula in central Greece between the Pagasitikos Gulf and the Aegean Sea, Mount Pelion is already a year-round favorite among locals, and in ancient times it was the summer home of the Twelve Olympian Gods and the dwelling place of the mythical Centaurs.

The mountain and coastal villages stand out for their traditional architecture and charming squares full of flowers, with the hydrangea seemingly reigning as queen here.

The forest is laced with well-marked hiking trails that can also turn into a hunt for mushrooms, herbs or wild strawberries, ending with a dip in the sea.

Sandy and pebble beaches lead into clear waters, watched over by humble beach bars or traditional seaside tavernas serving delicious local food.

**Affordable luxury:** Volos, the coastal port town that serves as the main gateway to Pelion, is home to the team behind Greek startup Incrediblue.

Described as "the Airbnb for boats," it offers sailboats, catamarans or private yacht charters for a sailing experience.

*Oktovriou 219, Volos; +30 2421 076182*

**Skyros**

Skyros is expected to be one of the first islands in the Sporades chain to welcome seaplanes, with a waterway being built at the port of Linaria.

This is an island with a split personality.

Northern Skyros features the greenery typical of the Sporades to its north.

On the other side of the island, you'll find the rugged wilderness typical of the Cyclades to the south.

Here it's all about calm, tradition and scenery, and many who visit come back again.

Chora, the island's capital, is known for its traditional white houses on a slope that leads up to a Byzantine castle.

To the north there are near-private beaches such as Atsitsa, Pefkos and Agios Fokas, while boat trips around the hard-to-reach south take in sea caves filled with stalactites and the small island of Sarakiniko, set in the crystal-clear azure waters of the sea.

One of its most recognizable residents is the Skyrian horse, a small-bodied Greek breed and one of the rarest horse breeds in the world, currently under protection.

**Affordable luxury:** The list of accommodation on Skyros is modest, yet luxury villas can be had at relatively good prices through sites like Greek Luxury Villas and Five Star Greece.

Otherwise, the Ammos hotel is an excellent alternative, offering stylish rooms with lovely sea views, just steps from the sandy beach of Magazia.

*Magazia, Skyros; +30 22220 91 234*

**Kavala**

Built like an amphitheater on the slopes of Mount Symvolo, Kavala is one of the liveliest coastal cities in northern Greece.

The city makes a wonderful base for a getaway all year round, but it's at its best in summer.

Mornings can be spent diving into aquamarine waters from beaches like Ammolofoi (which means sand dunes), Batis and Toska.

Evenings are made for strolling the picturesque lanes and castle of the Old Town, the restored tobacco warehouses and neoclassical mansions of the modern city, or wandering among the fish tavernas and lively cafes of the port.

This is a place to mingle with the locals and pair seaside leisure with the discovery of traditional villages, walking trails and wineries on nearby Mount Pangaio.

Not far away, the unspoiled island of Thasos, a rough diamond of the northern Aegean, is well worth a visit, though you'll have to give up the planes for a 90-minute boat ride.

**Affordable luxury**: Imaret, an impeccably restored historic landmark in Kavala, offers unique and luxurious accommodation.

Its restaurant is a standout, serving regional and Mediterranean cuisine paired with panoramic views over the city.

*Th. Poulidou 30-32, Kavala; +30 2510 620151*

**Lefkada**

This island in the Ionian Sea, linked to mainland Greece by a floating pontoon, has a many-sided character, blending elements of the mountainous mainland with some of the most stunning turquoise waters in the entire country

The main town of Lefkada stands out with its modern marinas and colorful two-story houses, while the gently sloping eastern shore is already developed for tourism.

Further on, it gets even more interesting.

The port of Vasiliki in the south is excellent for windsurfing, while the wilder western shore is fringed with emerald waters and breathtaking beaches such as Egremni, Kathisma or Porto Katsiki.

It's not easy to leave these places, but those who make the effort will find, among scattered olive, pine and cypress trees, soulful inland mountain villages like Exanthia, Karya and Englouvi.

The island also hosts the International Folklore Festival, a celebration of art, dance and music held here every August.

The online Lefkada Slow Guide is a great resource for planning a visit.

**Affordable luxury:** Pavezzo Country Retreat is a cluster of restored houses that share a pool, striking gardens and verandas in the village of Katouna.

Two independent villas, Myrtia and Honeymoon, come with private pools and a secluded atmosphere.

*Katouna, Lefkada; +30 26450 71782*