As the summer holiday season approaches, many Greek Australians are preparing for their annual trips to Greece. The picturesque islands, with their crystal-clear waters and charming villages, have always been a top destination. However, reaching some of these islands can be a challenge. Enter hoper, a company transforming the way travellers experience the Greek archipelago.

The first of its kind in Greece, hoper offers short scheduled flights in Greece, usually no longer than 45 minutes, or the time it takes to a board a flight, to a network of 10 islands (Antiparos, Folegandros, Ios, Kea, Mykonos, Patmos, Santorini, Sifnos, Spetses and Tinos) in addition to Athens. New mainland destinations will be announced later this year.

The company introduces a new option in air transport, offering fast, comfortable and safe travel to and from Aegean islands, focusing on those that do not have an airport. Prices start from €156 (AU$ 252.25) each way, with an average price of €350 (AU$ 565.95).

hoper was founded by Dimitris Memos, co-founder of marinetraffic and currently CEO of hoper, Costas Gerardos, CEO of Plaisio, George Papaioannidis, Partner of Saronic Ferries, and BORRN, led by CEO Mathilda Nathan.

“We have included in our network mainly islands that are not served by plane, for which a complex and long-hours journey is required. With hoper, we turn hours into minutes, and aim to give back travellers up to a full day of vacation,” says Memos.

The company operates a fleet of five Robinson helicopters, providing daily flights to numerous islands that are typically harder to reach and have no airport connectivity. This not only saves time but also offers a breathtaking aerial view of the Aegean Sea, adding an extra layer of excitement to the journey.

Affordability is another critical focus for hoper. Dimitris Kossyfas, CCO of hoper, said: “We focus on affordability and making helicopter travel more accessible to a wider range of passengers. This allows passengers to book flights and individual seats without having to charter an entire helicopter.” This approach democratises air travel, making it possible for more people to enjoy the convenience of helicopter flights without breaking the bank.

hoper’s service is designed with flexibility in mind. Travelers can book flights at flyhoper.com that suit their schedules, ensuring they make the most of their time in Greece. This is particularly beneficial for those with limited vacation days, as it maximizes the time spent on the islands rather than in transit.

The ease of booking, combined with the reduced travel time, positions hoper as a game-changer in the Greek tourism industry. For Greek Australians planning their summer getaways, hoper promises a seamless, enjoyable, and affordable travel experience.

With hoper, the dream of hopping from one idyllic island to another is no longer a daunting logistical challenge but a smooth, efficient, and exciting reality. As the Greek summer beckons, hoper stands ready to elevate the travel experience, ensuring that vacationers spend more time soaking up the sun and less time navigating travel complexities.