4 Greek islands for holidays after graduation

After a demanding senior year with lots of homework and endless study hours, it’s time for a well-deserved break! Greece is an ideal destination for the summer holidays after graduation.

Explore 4 of the best Greek islands for the summer before college, see where to go, what to do, and how to have fun in Greece, and book ferry tickets at the best price on Ferryhopper!

Top 4 islands for graduation vacation

Here’s a list of the best destinations in Greece to visit after your final year in school:

• Ios
• Paros
• Ikaria
• Skiathos

Tip: find more travel tips for travelers on our blog, including the best Greek ferry ticket offers for 2023!

Endless party in Ios

Ios is a beautiful island in the Cyclades, close to Santorini, known as the backpackers’ party island. So it is the ideal destination if you want to dance with your friends by the sea, enjoy the Mediterranean weather and food, and meet new people!

Visiting the beach of Mylopotas is a must in your trip to Ios. There are several beach bars where the music plays all day long and you can dance until the early morning hours. The legendary club FarOut hosts DJ nights and events, and the party atmosphere extends from the dance floor to the pool and the beach. 

But Ios has many more activities to offer! The beautiful alleys of Chora have bars and restaurants that often host live music or even street parties. Young crowds from Greece and all over the world travel every summer to Ios to enjoy its  fun and unique ambiance. 

Transportation across the island is easy and affordable, and there are local buses serving regular routes to the main villages and beaches of the island. For low-budget accommodation, you can stay at one of the camping sites in Mylopotas beach or book a room at the port or the outskirts of Chora. 

The sandy beach of Mylopotas in Ios island

Cosmopolitan life in Paros

Paros is the most cosmopolitan island on our list. It combines delicious food, stylish cafeterias and restaurants, great nightlife, and countless beautiful beaches. 

On the east coast of Paros, you will find Punda beach, which has one of the best beach bars in the Cyclades. Punda Beach Bar organizes DJ nights and parties, and you can also drink your cocktail while sunbathing on the long sandy beach. If you are a water-sports lover, then you should visit the beaches of Santa Maria and Chrysi Akti, to try kite surfing, windsurfing or water ski.

The island’s nightlife offers a variety of options for different tastes and styles. The bars, restaurants and clubs in the coastal village of Naoussa are a popular attraction for young crowds. At the end of the night, it is also a must to grab a bag of fresh donuts with honey or chocolate sauce as a last snack before heading to bed.

August full moon over the village of Naoussa in Paros

Bohemian atmosphere in Ikaria

Ikaria is an unspoilt destination in the North Aegean Sea with great natural beauty and a slow-paced vibe. Travelers who visit Ikaria often describe it as a place where time stands still. So, if you are looking for a relaxing holiday destination after a stressful academic year, then Ikaria is the place to be. 

The island is relatively big and there is a local bus line that connects the 2 island ports, Agios Kirykos and Evdilos, as well as the coastal village of Armenistis and the mountain village of Christos Rachon. If you have a driver's license, you can rent a small car or a Vespa. Bear in mind hitchhiking is a common mode of transport in Ikaria (and a great way of meeting new people)!

Tip: learn everything you need to know about driving in the Greek islands. 

One of the most impressive beaches on the island is Seychelles, which is as beautiful as the name suggests: crystal turquoise waters, white pebbles and sand. Ikaria is also a paradise for surfers, so if you are into waves and the beach lifestyle, then you should definitely visit Messakti. The beach has a chill-out beach bar and a surf school. 

Ikaria is also one of the greatest greek islands for low budget holidays, as it has affordable accommodation, as well as delicious food. When traveling to the island, it is a must to experience the local feasts, panigiria, that take place throughout the summer. Panigiria are popular local celebrations that usually mark religious holidays and involve food, drink, folk music, and a lot of dancing by locals and visitors alike. 

The captivating beach of Seychelles in Ikaria

Beach holidays in Skiathos

Skiathos is one of the most popular Greek destinations for young travelers and holidays after graduation. The island is part of the Sporades group and is generally accessible by ferry from the ports of Volos and Agios Konstantinos in Central Greece. The ferry ride to Skiathos takes around 1 and a half and 2 and a half hours. 

Skiathos has some of the most amazing beaches in the western Aegean Sea. The majority of the beaches in Skiathos are surrounded by pine forests and have clear, blue waters ideal for swimming or snorkeling. The beaches of Koukounaries and Banana are famous for their lively atmosphere with beach bars and water sports facilities. 

There is a local bus that connects the main villages and beaches in Skiathos. In the summer months, buses might get crowded, so a great alternative if you want to have more flexibility is to rent a small car or a motorcycle. The main town of Skiathos has beautiful spots and picturesque alleys for strolling, as well as some great bars and restaurants.

Skiathos has a renowned nightlife with many bars and clubs that stay open until late and often host DJ or Greek music nights. No wonder the island is often called "the Mykonos of the Sporades". 

Colorful fishing boats at the port of Skiathos

Still undecided? Try out a fun way to decide where you'll spend your summer vacation this year? Play our game and find your spirit island!

Choose the best holiday destination for your graduation trip and book cheap ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper. Find the best ferry routes for you on our Map of ferries and get ready for an unforgettable summer in Greece!