Island-hopping in Greece is about to become quicker and more accessible this summer. Hoper, the first helicopter airline in the country offering scheduled flights, has launched routes to 11 destinations, including less accessible locations such as Antiparos, Folegandros, Ios, Kea, Patmos, Sifnos, and Spetses. These flights connect through major hubs like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos.
Ticket prices begin at €160 ($172) for a one-way journey, but high demand can push fares higher. A mid-August flight from Athens to Tinos is priced at €380 for a 42-minute journey, compared to the four-hour ferry that costs €35.
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The new helicopter service dramatically cuts travel times. While the quickest ferry from Athens to Santorini takes over four hours, Hoper’s choppers make the journey in just one hour. “We turn hours into minutes,” stated Demitris Memos, CEO of Hoper. “Travelers earn up to a full day of vacation.”
Some luxury hotels, like One&Only Kéa Island, provide helicopter transfers for an additional fee. Hoper’s scheduled flights offer a more cost-effective option. A private charter from Athens to Mykonos can cost €2,775 per seat in high season, whereas a family of four can fly with Hoper for approximately €1,490.
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Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni described the service as a “unique step” for the country’s tourism industry. However, ferries may still be more convenient on certain occasions, with Hoper operating flights to Mykonos from Athens only three times a week in August, compared to four daily ferries in high season.
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Hoper’s fleet consists of five Robinson R44 and R66 helicopters, each with three or four passenger seats, providing panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Departures are from Koropi, a mere 10-minute drive from Athens International Airport, offering greater convenience than the 50-minute trip to the main ferry port, Piraeus.
This helicopter service arrives as Greece basks in a tourism boom. With a record-breaking 2023 season attracting nearly 33 million visitors, Hoper aims to further propel the industry that accounts for 18% of the GDP.
