From rare wildlife to ancient ruins, each idyllic Greek Island offers something different...
For every swimmer there's a Greek Island seemingly made for your needs. In this blog, we explore each one with a view to delivering you to your own personal paradise.
From lunar-like Milos to the sun-drenched Sporades, we delve deeper into the attractions and features of each location. What makes each island so special? And, where exactly should you travel based on the style of swimming you appreciate most?
Greek Cyclades
Where It All Began...
For those of you unfamiliar with SwimTrek history, we ran our very first trip to the Greek Cyclades back in 2003. It's the longest-running location in our calendar, which gives testimony to how enchanting these islands truly are.
If you're looking for the postcard-version of a Greek Island, the Cyclades are sure to deliver. Expect volcanic landscapes, dwarfed by Mount Zeus - birthplace of the Thunder God and highest point in the archipelago. Also, look forward to diving into azure depths and wandering through villages painted white with blue-domed churches.
“I enjoyed the week so much! The guides and the group made every swim so enjoyable - I cannot wait for the next trip...” - E. Brand, 2025 (United Kingdom)
During our trip, you'll visit Náxos, which is the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands. There you'll discover vast beaches and meadows that sprawl to cliffs overlooking the Aegean. If island-hopping and strolling among wild natural beauty is your thing, the Cyclades are sure to deliver. Based in Schinoussa, we have an incredible launching point to reach the unspoilt islands of Fidousa, Iraklia, Kato Koufonisi and Keros as well.
Trip Variants
Greek Cyclades - Short Swims
- Join a smaller group for shorter island-hopping swims around some of the most scenic islands in the Mediterranean
Crete
The Remote Village Of Porto Loutro
Our most accomodating pick for all species of swimmers, Crete is also an island with many treasures to uncover. It may be the largest and most populous of the Greek Islands, sitting between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, but there is plenty to discover if you swim away from the crowds - like we do!
Crete is one of Europe's southernmost travel destinations, defined by cliff-fringed coastlines, canyons, mountains and crystalline waters that are always warm and inviting. Swim alongside dramatic coastlines and find isolated coves, bays and beaches as part of this adventure.
“The location is absolutely lovely. The whole experience has made me rethink certain aspects of my life so I look forward to making positive changes.” - R. Thomson, 2025 (United Kingdom)
Another reason we escape the crowds is the fact we are based for the week in remote Porto Loutro. This seaside village can only be reached by boat, which makes it the perfect spot to soak up the tranquillity of your new island paradise. Also, Crete's rich history winds all the way back to the Minoan islanders of 3,650 BC - you’ll have plenty to learn on this fascinating speck of land!
Trip Variants
Crete Discovery - Short Swims
- Enjoy a week of shorter daily swims based in the remote village of Porto Loutro, which can only be reached by boat
Crete Discovery With Teens
- Dive into a week of adventures from remote Porto Loutro on this family-friendly swimming holiday
YogaSwim Crete
- Combine your stunning swims in southernmost Europe with restorative yoga sessions, enhanced by the region’s natural tranquillity.
Ithaca NEW FOR 2025
Home Of Odysseus
When it comes to Greek mythology, the island of Ithaca is a site of such significance it is sure to enthrall even the most disinterested. Shrouded in mysticism and rich in history, this was once the hilly homeland of the seafaring Odysseus, who famously struggled to return here for 10 years.
For those of you who love a good story to inspire your swims, Ithaca serves up plenty of Homeric inspiration, which will launch you into the calm Ionian Sea, ready to duel with Sirens and six-headed sea monsters.
“According to the myth, one who drinks water from a spring in the village of Kalamos, will return to Ithaca. We didn't have to, we are sure to return soon!” - L. Malatesta, 2025 (Netherlands)
On a map, you'll find Ithaca just off Kefalonia’s north-eastern coast. The island is known for its hospitality, as well as the local harbour town of Vathy, with its colourful seafront buildings and friendly bustle. During this Greek island trip, we will swim through sunlit surrounds, finding many scattered secrets between Kefalonia and the mainland. We’ll also explore the mountainous northern coast, where sheer, chalky cliffs plunge to the sea floor.
Greek Sporades
The 24-island Archipelago
These islands are ideal for wildlife lovers! The Greek Sporades comprise 24 islands cast adrift in the Aegean Sea - each known for their lush vegetation, mountainous terrain, and blue-green coastal waters. Your swims will also be staged in Europe's largest marine protected area: the National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades.
During the course of our adventure we hope to encounter a variety of local marine life, including: various species of dolphins, sea turtles, and even the endangered mediterranean monk seal.
“The holiday was a great opportunity to befriend people from all over the world and swim in beautiful sea with them, sharing stories and laughing together...” - Lata R., 2024 (United Kingdom)
You will have plenty of time to swim over sea meadows, island-hop to remote destinations (Alonissos, Agios Georgios, Mikro, and Skopelos), and gorge yourselves at beachside tavernas. On land, you can also hike on popular trails to secluded beaches and monasteries.
Perhaps the most exciting swim of the week-long trip is the crossing to Skopelos. Mountains dominate the island with cliffs that fall sheer to the sea. Look forward to strikingly clear water and fantastic swimming in warm waters.
Trip Variants
Greek Sporades - Short Swims
- Meander through shorter swims in the sunlit waters of Europe’s largest marine protected area
Ionian Islands
Heart Of The Ionian Sea
Salt-loving explorers will surely lap up the Ionian islands. Our trip is based in the picturesque town of Sivota. We have the Ionian Sea on our doorstep and plenty of time to venture off into and over it, seeking out lesser-known sea caves, arches and tunnels along the coastline.
These islands are famous for their stunning underwater topography and marine life. There is always something new to discover on each day, which makes for a wonderful open water swimming adventure.
“This was my first Liveaboard trip and won't be my last. I loved having the boat as our home for the week. Brilliant holiday...” - D. Williams, 2025 (United Kingdom)
The quiet town of Sivota is the perfect spot to relax after each day's adventures. Our base on Greece’s western coast allows us to watch the sun's daily rise and fall over the Ionian rollers. Your hillside setting offers a sea-facing perch on the craggy coastline. The surrounding landscape is also spoilt for coves, beaches and neighbouring islands - namely, Mourtemeno, Agios Nikolaos and Mavro Oros, which sit between the mainland and nearby Corfu.
Trip Variants
Ionian Liveaboard
- Set sail on a Liveaboard, riding in our traditional gulet, as we explore the surrounds of the second-largest Ionian island
Milos
A Moon-like Wonder
If you're looking for an island that offers something a little different, Milos could be the perfect location for you. Its volcanic scenery is impossible to forget - many times it has been described as lunar-like due to its smooth, white rock formations, sculpted by waves and wind.
The backdrop for your swims is crowded with curious attractions put on display by this geological museum. Pillars, sea caves, and arches invite the most exciting swim-throughs. The sun fills the shallows with radial light, piercing the surface from above as you dive and spiral underwater. Before you surface into secret coves and caves, framed by greyish-white rock. There's a reason we often associate Milos with magic - this setting is truly otherworldly!
“SwimTrek offers a world class, small group swimming experience for every interest and level of ability. Do yourself a favor and get onboard...” - Dorothy P., 2024 (USA)
The clear waters, white sand beaches and incredible geology combine to make this trip stand out. Its an island unlike any other in the Mediterranean. Above water, Milos could be easily mistaken for the moon, and underwater you will likely feel like an astronaut too, floating among star-like motes, suspended over the murk.
Trip Variants
Milos Explorer - Long Swims
- Challenge yourself with longer daily swim distances and complete a range of coastal swims and adventurous crossings between both inhabited and uninhabited islands
Milos Explorer - Short Swims
- Enjoy shorter daily swim distances on an unforgettable swimming holiday in the clear, turquoise waters of the Greek Islands
Milos Explorer With Teens
- Experience an unforgettable Milos trip with your family, including children from 12 years old
Patmos NEW FOR 2025
Refuge Of The Northern Dodecanese
Again, this is another island for those of you in need of local history and mythology, as well as being a new location for us, freshly launch in 2025. Circled by the calm Aegean, Patmos is a stunning island entangled with historic stories and enriched by mythology. Ancient Greeks, Romans and medieval knights once walked these sandy shores. Millenia ago, the surrounding waters were also sailed by Odysseus and Alexander.
Often known as a ‘sacred isle’, Patmos belongs to the Dodecanese archipelago - not far from Leros and Lipsi - in the southeastern Aegean. The island is well-loved for its religious significance. It was here St John the Apostle supposedly wrote the ‘Book of Revelation’ and was said to have finished his work in a cave (the ‘Cave of the Apocalypse’) near a hilltop monastery, which was later named in his honour and turned into a small chapel.
Our swims unfold in clear waters as we explore coastlines edged by sandy beaches, passing yachts anchored in sleepy bays. Out the water, foodies will have plenty to sink their teeth into - the island's culinary scene is quite famous, serving up everything from Patmian cheese to fresh seafood, like the delicious lobster spaghetti. You will also have time to roam cobblestone streets, soaking up local Greek architecture and drifting into cafes and tavernas.
