For those with the cash to pay for it, there’s now an express service that cuts hops between Greek islands and the mainland from hours to minutes by using helicopters instead of ferries.
The new airline, Hoper, calls the service a “shortcut” that connects the Athens area with eleven island destinations including Kea, Tinos, Antiparos, Folegandros, Sifnos, Patmos, Ios and Spetses. It also has island bases at Mykonos and Santorini from which passengers can fly to other island sites.
Hoper’s mainland base is a private heliport about a 15-minute drive from Athens International Airport. Elsewhere it uses public heliports.
But, the service is not cheap compared to the traditional inter-island ferries that cost about €37 but take up to five hours. Fares on Hoper start at €160 depending on demand. The website shows a 45-minute flight from Athens to Sinfos in August at €328.
