Famous for its white sand beaches and bluer-than-blue seas; Greece is one country that is definitely best seen by boat.

There are many ways of doing this: from taking multiple ferries or hire vessels to take you to specific locations including the mainland, or hiring a boat of your own and cruising around the islands.

Greece's capital and industrial centre, Athens, has a very busy port. This is also the main destination for ferry trips to most of the islands, particularly the Cyclades islands. Although some beauty spots are further than they might at first seem, there is a variety of transport methods to choose from – including those with overnight accommodation.

One of the most common experiences of Greece-by-boat is the journey from Italy's east coast (Bari or Brindisi) to Patras. However, this journey is a very practical one and if you're continuing your trip from Italy by boat, do not expect a luxurious ride. You can buy faster passage on one of the smaller, high speed craft, but you will certainly have to pay more for it.

On the trips I have made, there were a lot of passengers who can only have been refugees, travelling with most of their worldly belongings in entire families. The corridors became makeshift houses for the duration of the overnight voyage, an incident which we gathered was not uncommon. Although not particularly chic, this did at least reassure us that we probably couldn't have bought a cheaper ticket.

If you are prone to seasickness, do not bother with the reclining seats accommodation on any of the ferry trips around Greece. The seating is usually so close to the back and bottom of the boat that it will make your delicate stomach feel even worse. We slept on deck in preference. If you cannot afford a cabin or a sleeping bunk, the deck is as good as anywhere and doesn't get very cold – although you will definitely need a camping mat.

One huge advantage of travelling by boat around the islands has to be the difference that it will make to your budgetary spending. While prices appear cheap at the best of times, the sure-fire way to a beautiful Greek island holiday on a shoestring is to arrive at the port of your choice on a ferry from Athens.

It is quite normal for the hoteliers and those offering accommodation to find guests by arriving at the port in their hoards and bundling a few bemused tourists into the back of their car. As well as being quite fun, there is a real danger of being whisked away to a stunning location far from anywhere that you wouldn't otherwise have discovered.

It also gives you the opportunity to haggle the price of the room; something not to be passed up lightly. It may not be a good idea if you're travelling on your own however, and there is always the slight possibility of not finding anywhere – although in this situation, it is acceptable in Greece to camp on the beach.

For the world's most romantic trip, hire a sailing boat and see the islands port-by-port. If you are no sailor, you could either invest in a quick lesson before you go, or hire one of the crewed ships that litter the coast. Each island has beauties and treasures, much of the seas around and about are suitable for swimming in and you are almost guaranteed constant sunshine, cool breezes and beachfront bars where the Ouzo runs freely.

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