Visiting the Greek Islands with direct flights from Ireland

Direct flights from Ireland to Greece are somewhat more limited than those from the UK, but there are options. Of the airports served Thessaloniki Corfu and Zante serve areas that Hidden Greece do not (such as the Sporades or the Ionian Islands). So that means we are looking at Athens, Rhodes, Kos and Crete (Chania and/or Heraklion).

From Dublin, Ryanair fly direct to Chania, TUI have one or two flights a week (Wednesday sometimes Saturday) direct to Rhodes, and one flight a week (Wednesday) to Kos plus a Tuesday flight to Heraklion. These options mostly therefore limit you to 7 or 14 days.

A good option for those willing to take the red-eye is Aegean Airlines whose flights from Dublin to Athens leave at midnight and arrive at 6am local time, connecting to early morning flights at a number of onward destinations including Naxos and Paros. The return flights generally leave in the evening from Athens, so its often possible to take a holiday without overnighting at your gateway island - which would generally be necessary for flights to Kos and Rhodes - sometimes in both directions.

Kos is not really 'Hidden' territory, neither is Santorini or even Mykonos now. This is not to say they should be neglected (well maybe Kos). But Santorini is hideously overdeveloped (short bucket-list visits only recommended) and Mykonos really only Hidden territory in May or late September.

But there are still a good selection of islands reachable. For example you could leave Dublin at 1155pm and be with Nikitas at Villa Ostria in Koufonissia (where?) by 3pm after a leisurely harbourside lunch in Naxos port. And get back to Ireland without overnighting anywhere. Or at Rosy's Little Village on Agistri in time for coffee.

So work away (see - we're Irish) and we will put together some suggestions for you
Voicemail: 00-353-16571909 from Ireland: 016571909

Not sure which island is best for you? Try our Where for What guide or do it interactively at Which Greek Island?