THE ISLANDS OF GREECE HAVE INVITED ZIGZAGGING explorations ever since the days when the heroes of Homer’s epics set sail across the ‘wine-dark sea’. In the 21st century, ferry passes help to reduce the confusion of routes and schedules, and the risk that you’ll end up stranded like Odysseus and his men. Eurail’s Greek Islands Pass has now expanded to cover 53 islands in Greece, up from 28. Most of the Aegean Sea is included, from Crete and Rhodes in the south through to Lemnos in the north. Island-hopping is particularly easy between close-set neighbours such as the islands of the Cyclades, including Paros (pictured) and Mykonos. You’ll still need to make reservations, especially in peak summer season, but the horizons will seem that bit closer.
PHOTOGRAPHS: ADRIENNE PITTS/LONELY PLANET
Greek Islands passes from £80; for details, see
eurail.com