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The best Greek islands to visit in 2024

By Rachel Howard and Condé Nast Traveller

Lord Byron was on to something when he waxed lyrical about the Greek islands. But with more than 200 inhabited to choose from, which ones are the very best Greek islands? Here regular isle-hopper Rachel Howard reveals the ones to get in a speedboat for in 2024, with where to stay recommendations chosen by the editors of Condé Nast Traveller .

Here, we've also ranked the best Greek islands, from 1-29. While we love and highly recommend every island on this list – and advocate visiting all of them throughout your lifetime, if you can – we've also edited the list in order so if it's your first time planning a visit to this magical corner of the world, or you just want to branch out from your usual summer isle trip, we can help you choose where to go next. The order below reflects our well-travelled team's personal opinions, the landscapes, food, beaches, hotels and more.

For more recommendations, see our round up of the best Greek Islands hotels .

Best for: A photogenic and dramatic coastline

Everyone knows the  Venus de Milo (which has stood in the Louvre since the 19th century). Until recently, very few had heard of  Milos , the volcanic island where Aphrodite’s graceful likeness was discovered. Those in the know jealously guard their treasured island, and especially its 70 (or more) beaches — surely the most diverse and dramatic coastline of all the Greek Islands.

Little by little, though, Milos is being discovered. Instagram is saturated with no-filter shots of the undulating white cliffs at Sarakiniko, the bottle-green swimming hole at Papafragas, and colourful, rickety syrmata, tiny boat houses wedged between rock and sea. (You’ll find the best photo opportunities at Klima and Mandrakia). This painterly landscape was shaped by the minerals that have long been a source of wealth – obsidian, alum, barite and sulphur, which still bubbles up in the island’s many hot springs. As the 11,000-year-old mining industry is gradually giving way to tourism, several chic hotels have made an appearance. Go now, before the trickle of visitors turns into a tide.

Where to stay on Milos:

• For romance: Milos Cove or Domes White Coast Milos
• For families: Captain Zeppos
• For an eco-retreat: Skinopi Lodge
• For an authentic stay: Achinos By The Sea

Best for: A long weekend with the art crowd

You know when Dakis Joannou, Greece's foremost art collector, is on Hydra. His yacht,  Guilty , is painted in gaudy 'camouflage' by Jeff Koons. Every summer, Joannou invites big hitters such as Matthew Barney and David Shrigley to create site-specific installations in the Greek island's old slaughterhouse. Even the school is commandeered for exhibitions in the summer holidays. Car-free and protected by a preservation order, Hydra has always been the artists' muse of the Greek Islands. Leonard Cohen set the scene in the 60s; now Brice Marden, Sadie Coles and Juergen Teller have homes here. Athenian artists take up residence at the School of Fine Arts, one of the vast, grey, stone mansions overlooking the horseshoe harbour. Musicians of all stripes rehearse and record at the  Old Carpet Factory , an 18th-century residence whose double-height ceilings and underground cistern have incredible acoustics.

Less than two hours from Athens , Hydra fills up with chic Greeks at weekends. They come to disconnect and slow down, but also to see and be seen. Wily cats and weary donkeys patrol the back alleys, but all the action happens along the waterfront. Oh look! There's Olivia Palermo at The Pirate Bar and Chloë Sevigny shaking her tail feather at Hydronetta beach bar. Who cares if there are barely any beaches? You can always find a slab of sun-baked rock from which to leap rock from which to dive into the clearest water in the world. See our full guide to  Hydra, Greece .

Where to stay in Hydra:

• For a boutique stay: Orloff Boutique Hotel
• For a beachfront stay: Onos Residence
• For a group: Mirkella sleeps 12 people

Best for: Big, fat Greek feasts

Sifnos owes its foodie reputation to its most famous descendant, Nicholas Tselementes, who wrote the first Greek cookbook in 1910. Forget souvlaki and moussaka: here, chickpea croquettes and stewed capers are taverna staples. The island is peppered with potteries that produce the earthenware casseroles used for revitháda (baked chickpeas) and mastelo (lamb with red wine and dill). Traditional dishes are slow-roasted in a wood-fired oven at To Meraki tou Manoli, a local institution on sheltered Vathy bay. (While you’re there, invest in some timeless tableware from Atsonios Ceramics, in business since 1870.) In postcard-pretty Artemonas, all roads lead to Theodorou, purveyors of nougat wafers and almond sweets since 1933. You can eat in your bikini at Omega3 , where locally foraged and fished ingredients are given an exotic twist: baby-calamari tempura, smoked eel in chilled melon soup with wasabi, and chickpea sorbet with wild apricot jam and pine nuts. In 2021, Omega3’s previous energetic head chef Giorgos Samoilis opened Cantina , an equally experimental restaurant in Seralia, a pretty little bay below the beautiful medieval village of Kastro. Lobsters are plucked straight from the sea at Heronissos, then served with spaghetti on the jetty. It's just the right balance of low-key luxury and unspoiled authenticity. Rather like Sifnos itself.

Where to stay in Sifnos:

• For romance:  NÓS
• For a boutique stay:  Verina Astra
• For families:  Verina Terra
• For a laidback stay: Sifnos House
• For something unique:  This windmill Airbnb

4. Santorini

Best for: Honeymooners and first-timers

Cooing American and Chinese honeymooners line up to take selfies as the sun sinks behind  Santorini 's caldera, the flooded volcanic crater. That view may be a romantic cliché, but it still takes your breath away. A volcanic explosion blew out Santorini's heart 3,500 years ago, leaving black-sand beaches, vertiginous cliffs in psychedelic hues, and swirling rumours about Atlantis in its wake. The eruption also preserved the ancient city of Akrotiri under layers of ash, and created fertile ground for exceptional Assyrtiko grapes and Vinsanto wines. (Sample them at Domaine Sigalas and Vassaltis wineries, paired with delicate dishes that let the grapes sing.)

Apart from a boat trip to the smouldering crater of Nea Kameni and hot springs at Palia Kameni, there's not much to do but gaze at the mesmerising views from your suite, dangling on the edge of the caldera. Most places to stay are concentrated in Oia and Imerovigli, but the inland village of Pyrgos is up-and-coming. Go for a twilight Bellini at Franco's Cafe and visit Emporio, with its smattering of old-school coffee shops and Airbnbs. For a glimpse of Santorini before the onslaught of cruise ships and Instagrammers, explore the quieter south (but keep your discoveries to yourself).

Where to stay in Santorini:

• For laidback luxury: Perivolas
• For glamour: Nobu Hotel
• For romance: Andronis Boutique Hotel
• For the wine: The Vasilicos
• For groups: Elilia Superior Villa sleeps 8 people
• For something unique: this cave house

For more recommendations, see our guide to the best hotels in Santorini and the  best Airbnbs in Santorini .

Best Greek island for: Culture and off-season cachet

On Syros, capital of the Cyclades, you won’t find sugar-cube villages and whitewashed lanes. The colourful 19th-century city of Ermoupoli is built on twin peaks – one Orthodox, the other Catholic, the heritage of a long Venetian occupation. There’s still a strong Italian flavour in Ermoupoli’s marble piazzas, princely mansions, and miniature replica of La Scala, the showpiece of a year-round cultural scene. Syros hosts festivals of animation, dance, digital art, film, classical music, jazz and rembetiko, the Greek blues popularised by local musician Markos Vamvakaris. A few rembetiko joints have survived in the upper town, Ano Syros.

Once Greece’s ship-building centre, Syros' industry centres around the yard in Neorio. But the most splendid legacy of the shipping industry are the manor houses in Vaporia and Poseidonia. The beaches are slightly less splendid — with the exception of Delfini, Varvarousa, and Aetos in the wild north. But fabulous seaside tavernas abound:  Iliovassilemar on Galissas beach for samphire and sea-urchin salad and rockfish soup;  Allou Yialou in the pretty seaside village of Kini for lobster with orzo. In Ermoupoli, the finest places to eat and drink are around Androu Street: Ousyra , where the chef plates up Greek-ified pasta and beautifully balanced salads, and  Django Gelato , where the pistachio gelato reigns supreme, and the fig sorbet made in August can sell out in less than half an hour. Perhaps the prettiest restaurant of all is  Mazi , a vine-covered courtyard festooned with bougainvillaea. Before you leave, stock up on loukoumi (rose-tinted Turkish delight) and San Michali cheese from  Prekas delicatessen , and visit Zeyelo for hand-made wooden sunglasses. For more recommendations, see our insider  guide to Syros .

Where to stay on Syros:

• For a boutique stay: Xenon Apollonos
• For glamour: Hotel Ploes
• For romance: Aristide Hotel
• For groups: Villa Syros sleeps 12 people

6. Folegandros

Best Greek island for: Authenticity with a bohemian buzz

The village square should be your first port of call on any Greek island: settle into your favourite café, pick up local gossip, and adjust to the languid pace of life. On Folegandros, this presents a challenge: the cliff-hanger capital, Hora, has not one but three squares, each brimming with a jumble of cafés, tavernas and dinky raki bars. We recommend  Pounta , where the Danish owner makes and sells the lopsided cups and bowls in which your coffee and Greek yogurt are served. From Hora, zigzagging steps lead up, up and away to the only real landmark, Panagia church; make the pilgrimage at sunrise (perhaps after an all-nighter at dimunitive Astarti bar).

Folegandros – which means ‘iron hard’ in ancient Greek – is as barren as its name suggests. Fruit trees are protected from fierce winds by rings of stones. You won’t find sandy beaches lined with sunbeds; only limpid, pebbly coves, such as Katergo, Ambeli and Livadaki. Set in the rocks above Agios Nikolaos bay, Papalagi serves big fat prawns and whole grilled octopus on a wooden deck aligned with the horizon. Water taxis service some beaches in high season; otherwise you’ll have to scramble down rocky footpaths to cool off. On your way home, stop at Mimis or Synantisi in Ano Meria for the island speciality of  matsata (goat or rabbit stew with hand-made pasta).

Where to stay on Folegandros:

• For views: Anemomilos
• For families: Anemi
• For beach access: Blue Sand hotel
• For a private stay: Maistros

Best for: Antiquities, active adventures and sunshine all year round

Greece's largest island, the birthplace of Zeus,  Crete has ancient ruins, snow-capped peaks and beaches galore. Sunshine is pretty much guaranteed year round, but spring is especially lovely for rambling and sightseeing. The Minoan palace of Knossos is glorious, despite the steady stream of coach parties (go early: it opens at 8am); but there are stunning ancient sites, such as Aptera and Malia, peppered all over the island. The 16km-long Samaria Gorge also teems with pilgrims, but there are hundreds more canyons to explore, often with only the elusive kri-kri (wild goats) for company. One of the most staggeringly beautiful hikes is through the Aradena Gorge in the wild and rugged Sfakia region, ending at Marmara, a translucent cove on the Libyan Sea, for a cooling dip and lunch at one of Crete’s finest tavernas, Dialiskari.

With the exception of Elounda – a pocket of bling popular with oligarchs – the north-east coast is scarred by over-development. Head west to the Amari valley or Apokoronas for authentic villages surrounded by olive and orange groves. Or go south, where you'll find the  best beaches in Crete – try Ligres, Sougia, or Kedrodasos. Alternatively, take a back-to-nature break at Milia Mountain Retreat, a 16th-century hamlet powered entirely by solar energy. Everything on the mostly organic menu is grown, caught or reared locally. In fact, it’s almost impossible not to eat well on Crete, which produces superb cheese, honey and olive oil, as well as delicious goat, rabbit and smoked-pork dishes. Time slows almost to a standstill in the mountain villages, where locals with formidable whiskers welcome you with shots of raki (Cretan grappa) for breakfast and celebrate saints' days with a volley of gunshots. Even the road signs are peppered with bullet holes.

Where to stay in Crete:

• For families: The Royal Senses Resort & Spa and Cretan Malia Park
• For romance: Acro Wellness Suites
• For a great location: Blue Palace Resort & Spa
• For a village stay: Kapsaliana Village
• For a private stay: Azure Awe
• For a group: Cien sleeps 16 people

For more, see our edit of the  best hotels in Crete .

Best of the Greek islands for: character and lush landscapes

Corfu is the It Girl of the Ionian islands. The cosmopolitan capital is a charming clash of Venetian, British and French colonial influences. Evenings kick off with cocktails on the Liston (a colonnade modelled on Paris's Rue de Rivoli), followed by dinner at  Salto , an unpretentious wine bar and bistro on the edge of the Old Town.

With its pastel villages, rolling olive groves and grand manor houses, the rest of the island recalls  Tuscany – but with some of the  best beaches in Europe . The smart set stay on Corfu's north-east coast (nicknamed Kensington-on-Sea) where the Rothschilds like to unwind. It's wall-to-wall Sloanes and speedboats at Agni, a tiny fishing village with three rival tavernas (Toula's is the best). From here, you can rent a boat and putter to your own cove: perhaps Nissaki, Agios Stefanos or Kerasia. These idyllic bays still resemble the 'delectable landscape' that  Lawrence Durrell fell for in the 1930s – now back in vogue thanks to the ITV series, The Durrells . Or venture inland to  Ambelonas , an enchanting winery, restaurant and cooking school that specialises in unusual local dishes, such as roast pork with quince and crème brûlée with Corfiot kumquats. Steer clear of the south, especially Kavos – unless you happen to like wet T-shirt contests.

Where to stay in Corfu:

• For a standout spa: Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa
• For all-inclusive: Ikos Dassia
• For romance: Domes Miramare
• For families: Domes of Corfu
• For groups: Emerald Oasis sleeps 10 people

For more, see our pick of the  best hotels in Corfu .

Shannon McMahon

CNT Editors

Sarah James

Alex Postman

Best for: Endless sandy beaches

Naxiots once made considerable fortunes exporting potatoes, cheese, marble and emery. Locals bequeathed undesirable seaside plots – useless for farming – to their laziest offspring. When tourists cottoned on to the island's scores of fabulous beaches, these wastrels found themselves sitting on gold mines. The west coast of Naxos is fringed with mile upon mile of powdery sands. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna delight toddlers and teenagers alike with their shallow waters and beach bars. As you head south, the beaches get wilder: Plaka, where you can gallop across the dunes on horseback, Mikri Vigla for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and crystal-clear Kastraki.

Should you tire of frolicking on the shore, three supersized kouros statues are hidden in the hills and there are dozens of drowsy villages to explore. Try kitron, the local citron liqueur, at the Vallindras distillery in Halki or sample homemade wine and arseniko cheese under the plane trees in Ano Potamia village. No wonder Herodotus described Naxos as “the happiest of islands."

Where to stay in Naxos:

• For romance:  Naxian on the Beach
• For laidback luxury:  Kavos
• For a private stay:  Eye of Naxos Sky
• For families: Hidden Hill

10. Cephalonia / Kefalonia

Best Greek island for: Laidback family holidays

Casting Penélope Cruz as a Greek peasant is improbable. Shooting a World War II film on an island flattened by an earthquake in 1953 sounds even crazier. And yet  Captain Corelli's Mandolin put under-the-radar Kefalonia (Cephalonia) in the spotlight in 2001. The dramatic scenery still lives up to the hype: milky-white Myrtos beach, the island's pin-up; pine-fringed Horgota beach; and the giddying heights of Mount Ainos, a national park where wild horses roam. Outdoor Kefalonia organises four-wheel-drive safaris, if you can't face the hairpin bends. Surprisingly, the two prettiest seaside villages – Assos and Fiskardo – didn't make the cut. But the yachting set has discovered their photogenic charm. Everyone from John Galliano to Jon Bon Jovi has jumped ashore to taste the seafood pasta at  Tassia Restaurant in Fiskardo, washed down with local Robola and Muscat wines. (We recommend the organic muscat from the 19th century  Haritatos Vineyard in Lixouri, also an enchanting setting for wine tasting.) The rocky coastline around Fiskardo is deliciously pristine: go snorkelling at tiny Dafnoudi or Emblisi, flanked by slabs of limestone that turn the water electric blue.

Where to stay in Kefalonia:

• For an adult-only retreat:  F Zeen
• For families:  Emelisse Nature Resort
• For groups:  Odyssea sleeps 12 people
• For a private stay:  Wilderness Whisperings house
• For something unique:  This sky high villa

See our guide to the best hotels on Kefalonia for more.

Best Greek island for: Walking trails and wild beaches

Divided by four mountain ranges, Andros is like several islands in one. Lush valleys, rushing streams, handsome villages, and wild, windswept beaches are connected by a well-maintained network of hiking trails, making this an excellent off-season destination. Many of Greece’s powerful shipping dynasties hail from Andros; they have bequeathed the island with grand estates, splendid museums, and an elegant neoclassical capital. The marble-paved streets of Chora are full of unexpected treasures: a tiny, open-air cinema showing black-and-white classics, great pizzas and cocktails in a  converted slaughterhouse , sublime sundresses and sandals at  Waikiki boutique. Inland, there are fortified monasteries, ice-cold waterfalls, and fantastic farm-to-table tavernas like Kosses in Ano Fellos, Fofo’s in Livadia, and Tou Josef in Pitrofos to explore. And then there are the mind-blowing beaches: from the spectacular sandy bays of Zorkos, Vitali, and Vori on the north coast to the mellow beach bars at Apothikes and Chryssi Ammos, or the sunset views and old-school fish taverna at Agia Marina, there are options for whichever way the wind or your mood is blowing. You could spend weeks on Andros and still have more to discover.

Where to stay on Andros:

• For a guesthouse stay: Melisses
• For privacy: Onar
• For a village stay: Touchstone House
• For groups: Five Star Greece

12. Serifos

Best Greek island for: Naturists and purists

The sleeper hit of the Cyclades, Serifos is the summer retreat of interior designers and architects who prefer to keep the sandy beaches to themselves. (One French home-owner is so protective of her hideaway that she tells all her friends she summers on nearby Sifnos.) Even in  August , you’ll find coves where you can skinny dip in blissful solitude. That’s because the best beaches (such as Kalo Ambeli and Skala) are only accessible via bone-rattling dirt roads or donkey tracks. Better still, rent a motor boat from the laidback harbour, Livada. Make sure to moor outside Anna’s taverna on Sikamia beach for freshly caught fish and garden-grown salads.

In the cascading hilltop Hora, there’s barely any nightlife, no smart boutiques or fancy hotels. But who cares when you can kick back with fennel pie and raki at  Stou Stratou , pick up Natassa Kalogeropoulou’s minimalist ceramics at  Kerameio , and listen to Greek folk in the open-air amphitheatre? And all less than three hours from Athens.

Where to stay on Serifos:

• For a boutique stay: Verina Astra
• For romance: Chill & Co.
• For groups: Lenia sleeps 12 people
• For something unique: This 19th century captain’s house

13. Mykonos

Best of the Greek islands for: Decadent parties and five-star hotels

Mykonos had LGBTQ+ clubs and sunrise parties long before rave culture was even invented. Its bohemian allure hasn’t faded since the 1960s, although the once naked beaches now have nail bars, personal trainers and house music pumping out all hours. The influx of supermodels and superyachts has inspired hot new hotels and restaurants. The hippest place to show off your abs is  Scorpios , a louche beach bar that puts Ibiza 's finest in the shade (book a cabana to watch the sunset). After hours, it's always Astra, where you might find Keith Richards chatting up Karolina Kurkova. The LGBTQ+ crowd has dwindled, but drag queens and oiled bodybuilders make a splash at Jackie O' , overlooking Super Paradise beach.

If the glitzy excess gets too much, escape to Fokos taverna for superfood salads and lamb chops, or Kiki's, an off-grid grill-shack overlooking Agios Sostis bay, where even Naomi Campbell has to queue for a table. Or cruise over to the tiny island of Delos, an archaeological sanctuary that once thronged with 30,000 sun worshippers (the temple is dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of light).

Where to stay in Mykonos:

• For romance: Cali Mykonos
• For the party scene: Soho Roc House
• For a laidback stay: Once in Mykonos
• For families: Santa Marina resort
• For groups: Bluewave XL sleeps 36 people

For more recommendations, see our guide to the  best hotels in Mykonos .

14. Zakynthos / Zante

The best Greek Island for: seaside holidays with toddlers or teens

Zakynthos, or Zante, has shrugged off its reputation as a destination for lads on tour (as long as you avoid Lagana and the built-up south coast) by rebranding itself as one of Greece's greenest islands. It's not just the emerald hills sliding into the electric blue Ionian: much of the south coast is a nature reserve where endangered loggerhead turtles hatch in the sand. The turtle beaches are off limits, but there are countless coves in every hue of green and blue. Favourites are tiny Xigia, with its bubbling underwater springs, and craggy Porto Limnionas, with sunbeds wedged between the rocks and palm-frond umbrellas positioned between the pine trees. Skinari is the starting point for boat trips to the most famous landmarks, the Blue Caves and Shipwreck Beach, where a rusting liner leans into the chalky cliffs. From Keri, you can cast away for Marathonisi island, another turtle sanctuary.

The mountainous interior, all sleepy stone villages poking out of pine forests, is great for hikes and bikes. ( Eco Zante can arrange outdoor activities guided by insiders.)  Askos Stone Park is a wildlife sanctuary inhabited by deer, chinchilla, and dozens of other species. After exploring the Venetian castle high above the harbour, treat the kids to thin-crust pizzas (with grown-up toppings like bresaola, aubergine, and gorgonzola) at  Alesta on cute St Mark's Square.

Where to stay in Zante:

• For families: Porto Zante
• For romance: Zante Maris Suites and Olea All Suite Hotel
• For a private stay: Halcyon Seas
• For a group: Ble Kyma sleeps 12 people

15. Amorgos

Best for : Deep-blue seas and wide-open spaces

It’s not easy to get to Amorgos. In high winds, the fast ferries stay grounded and the slow boat takes upwards of eight hours from  Athens . When you disembark at Katapola, a sleepy harbour lined with great little fish tavernas (our favourites are Prekas and Mouragio), a sign announces: 'Welcome to Amorgos. Nobody will find you here.'

That’s just the point. This craggy Cycladic island has always attracted loners, hikers, divers and pilgrims, who shuffle up the cliff face to the Monastery of Hozoviotissa, a sliver of white dangling 300 metres above the sea. The water here is a million shades of blue and so startlingly clear you can see every sea urchin lurking on the rocky shore. Even the sage-scented hiking trails are called Blue Paths, because the sea and sky are visible in all directions.

With a population of under 2,000, the locals are outnumbered by shaggy goats that blend in perfectly with the burnished landscape and hippie vibe. But you don't have to be a recluse to fall for Amorgos. There are plenty of all-day spots and a few late-night bars where Amorgos groupies meet, summer after summer: Jazzmin, in Hora, for backgammon and cocktails; Pergalidi in Langada for herbal infusions and jazzy tunes; Seladi in Tholaria, with giddying views and a telescope for stargazing.

Where to stay on Amorgos: There are very few hotels on Amorgos, beyond basic rooms to let.  Vorina Ktismata is the exception, with seven smart apartments looking out across Hora’s white-washed rooftops.

Best for: The perfect balance of seclusion and sophistication

One of the tiniest Ionian islands, Paxos packs a big punch. Not for its five-star hotels (there are hardly any) or its sandy beaches (practically none), but for its electric blue sea and three dinky harbour towns, each one so pretty it’s impossible to pick a favourite. In laid-back Loggos, on the northeast coast, star-spangled evenings are spent on the waterfront terrace of Taxidi bar, where the owner, Spiros, often jams with local musicians. You could while away days in the waterfront cafés of Lakka, watching lissom sailors hop on and off their  yachts . Protected from the wind but with a lively social scene, the main port of Gaios is characterised by Venetian architecture and a high quota of stylish Italians, who own pale stone villas hidden in the wooded interior or on the crest of the limestone cliffs along the western shoreline. For the many British Paxos aficionados, all roads lead to  Ben’s Bar , a happy-go-lucky hangout on Monodendri beach, where you can laze under the olive trees with French toast and Piña Coladas. Make sure to rent a motor boat to putter along the coast to pebble coves such as Marmari and Kipiadi, or across to Antipaxos, an even smaller island that’s a hit with the yachting set. Paths through vineyards and orchards trickle down to bays with sea so clear it looks retouched.

Where to Stay in Paxos:

• For an authentic stay: Paxos Villa
• For a great location: Oneiro
• For groups: Panayia View sleeps 14 people

17. Lefkada

Best for: Sailors, surfers, and superstar beaches

Lefkada is something of an anomaly. Unlike the other Ionian islands, it’s accessible from the mainland via a causeway on the northern tip. It’s also easily reached from the  UK , with direct flights to Preveza, a 40-minute drive. Lefkada’s main town, flattened by an earthquake in the 1950s, certainly won’t take your breath away, but those famous cliff-backed beaches, Egremni and Porto Katsiki, sure will. You’ll find sheltered beaches no matter which way the wind is blowing; but if you’re here for the swell, the south coast is fantastic for windsurfing (head to Vassiliki or Sivota, home to the world windsurfing championships) and Agios Ioannis bay billows with kite-surfers. At Nidri, ignore the unlovely bars and watersports centres, and hop on a boat to explore the little isles nearby. You can  swim through sea caves near Kalamos; eat seared tuna with tarama at Errikos taverna on Meganisi, a favourite of reclusive billionaires; and watch the sunset with a basil-infused Mastiha and tonic at Mylos bar, a converted windmill on Kastos.

Want to cool down or escape the summer crowds? Drive through forests of chestnut and pine into Lefkada’s mountainous interior to the somnolent villages of Karya (home to an enchanting textile museum), Eglouvi (to play backgammon under plane trees) and Exanthia (to watch the setting sun from up in the clouds at Rachi restaurant). You might even see paragliders leaping off the mountain.

Where to Stay in Lefkada:

• For romance: Ibid
• For views:  New Morning villa

Best Greek island for: A mythical retreat for lovers and loners

Despite its legendary stature, the homeland of Homer's hero, Odysseus, remains surprisingly under the radar. Ithaca’s turquoise and emerald coves are popular with the sailing set, but few visitors venture into the forested hills. So you might be the only person exploring the eighth-century BC ruins of Odysseus’ palace, or making the heady trek to the church of Anogi, covered in Byzantine frescoes (ask for the key at the village coffee shop, where the owner will cook you a set menu of whatever is available – maybe a tomato salad, some local cheese and braised goat – straight from her garden or neighbours’ fields).

From Anogi, it’s an exhilarating two-hire hike down to Kioni, a miniature port where you’ll find  Spavento , the perfect pier-side café-bar. Go any time of day or night for ice-cream sundaes, excellent cocktails, and a soundtrack to make your heart sing. The waterside tavernas at the drowsy fishing port of Frikes are unfailingly delightful, especially  Ageri . The deep, sheltered harbour town of Vathy is barely livelier, but the mood can be deliciously mischievous at Mylos bar. Beaches are mostly small and pebbly, but the sea is as clear and refreshing as gin. Authentic, unspoiled and infuriatingly (or gratifyingly) hard to reach, rugged little Ithaca is somewhere you can still disappear.

Where to stay on Ithaca:

• For a private stay: Ithaca Airbnb house
• For families:  Levendis Estate

Best for: Traditional villages and knockout tavernas

Tinos has more than 50 villages, each vying to be fairest of them all. In Pyrgos, famous for its marble craftsmen, sculpted birds and flowers decorate every doorway. In Volax, basket weavers squat outside cottages surrounded by giant boulders, seemingly flung from the heavens by Zeus in a fit of pique. There's even a village called 'love’, Agapi, where you can tuck into wild-fennel fritters at the only taverna. Tinos takes its food culture seriously: there are artichoke, caper and honey festivals.  Marathia launched the island’s farm- (or fishing-boat-) to-table scene, elevating local ingredients into complex modern dishes. For a perfect meal in perfect surroundings, go for cuttlefish risotto and octopus caramelised in grape must at Thalassaki, served on the jetty in Isternia bay, then watch dusk bleed into the horizon from Exomeria bar.

Tinos is only 20 minutes from Mykonos, so it's a wonder it isn't overrun with tourists. The harbour is swarmed on 15 August, however, when Orthodox pilgrims flock here to kiss the Virgin Mary at the Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria, one of the holiest sites in Greece. Otherwise, the island is miraculously untouched. Solitary chapels and whimsical dovecotes stud thyme-scented hills, dropping to sandy bays whipped by the meltemi wind. There's a nascent surfer scene on Kolibithra bay, where a VW camper van has been converted into a cute beach bar.

Where to stay in Tinos:

• For a guest house stay: Xinara House
• For a private stay:  The Detailor  

Best for: Stark mystique and show-stopping villas

Patmos has an indefinable je ne sais quoi – an otherworldly quality that radiates from its crowning glory, the medieval Monastery of St John. This turreted fortress, bursting with Byzantine relics, is named after John the Divine, who conjured up his apocalyptic revelations in a cave nearby. Pure-white Hora, a World Heritage Site, is where A-listers and fashion editors stay. High walls and heavy doors conceal magnificent mansions dating back to the 16th century. The almighty church has kept nightlife in check. If you must see and be seen, head to quietly glamorous Astivi or Stoa Theo's bar, on miniature Agia Lesbia, in Hora. Beach life is generally languid and low-key; Psili Ammos and Livadi Geranou are our favourite hideouts. Dinner reservations are essential at Benetos, for Med-Asian fusion on an organic farm, and Lambi for grilled fish on a purple pebble beach.

Joining the Patmos in-crowd requires commitment. There's no airport and it's a nine-hour ferry journey from Athens, which keeps the hoi polloi at bay. Seriously reclusive types hop on a fishing boat from Patmos to Marathi and play castaway at Pantelis, a divine taverna with modest rooms to let. Read our full guide to  Patmos , the spiritual Greek island.

Where to stay in Patmos:

• For a guest house stay: Pagostas
• For a private stay: Patmos 360
• For a village stay: Eirini

Best for: Travelling back in time

When the writer Lawrence Durrell arrived in Rhodes after World War II, he found an island devastated by centuries of crusaders and invaders. Like the fallen Colossus, it was 'a Rhodes dispersed into a million fragments, waiting to be built up again.' Since then, Rhodes has reinvented itself as one of Greece's top travel destinations. The big draw is the medieval citadel in Rhodes Old Town: stroll along the battlements and you'll spy Byzantine churches, Roman ruins, synagogues and minarets. In the maze of alleys, seek out Marco Polo Mansion, a 15th-century guest-house decorated like a pasha's harem, with an enchanting restaurant in the garden.

Upmarket hotels are clustered around Lindos, its magnificent acropolis surrounded by slate cliffs and emerald coves. Go for the views – and the sublime octopus ragout at Mavrikos restaurant.

As you head south, high-rise resorts give way to stretches of golden sand, such as Glystra, Tsambika, and Fourni. Inland, you'll find alpine forests (Mount Attavyros), hilltop castles (Monolithos), faded frescoes (Saint Nikolaos Fountoukli) and ancient ruins (Kamiros). Marooned on the southern tip, Prasonisi is a powdery peninsula where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. One side is calm, the other choppy – a metaphor for this island of two halves.

Where to stay in Rhodes:  

• For romance: Casa Cook
• For history: Kókkini Porta Rossa
• For a boutique stay:  Melenos Art Boutique Hotel

Best for: Castaway coves and a picture-perfect port

Little Symi has the prettiest port in Greece. As you round the headland, neoclassical mansions in every shade of apricot and peach rise like a mirage from the sea. Built by 19th-century sponge and spice merchants, the whole town is now a national monument. You need strong legs to explore – it's about 500 steps up to the crumbling acropolis – but you won't need a car. The only proper road peters out at Panormitis monastery, a major pilgrimage site. Ravishing beaches such as Agios Giorgos Dysalona (backed by monumental cliffs) and Marathounda (where goats will try to filch your picnic) are only accessible by boat or on foot. In the rugged hinterland, more than 100 monasteries are hidden among the pine and cypress forests.

With its laid-back glamour, luminous sea and almost tropical microclimate, Symi is a hit with French and Italian yachties. You'll find them eating flash-fried baby shrimp, a local specialty, at Tholos, a sensational taverna where the harbour views almost steal the show.

Where to stay in Symi:

• For a hotel stay: The Old Markets
• For a private stay: On The Rocks

23. Astypalea

Best for: Escaping the crowds

A throwback to a gentler, slower, more elemental way of life, Astypalea is surprisingly easy to get to (daily one-hour flights from Athens). Every gap in the burnished hills frames a different view of Hora, cascading from the Venetian castle to seaside Skala. The scent of saffron biscuits wafts through the whitewashed lanes. Tucked beneath the battlements, Castro bar has a magical terrace that seems to float above the archipelago.

The nearest beach is Livadi, a sort-of-resort surrounded by citrus orchards. The rest of the island is stark and wild. Treacherous tracks hurtle down to shingle bays such as Vatses, with a rocking beach bar, and Kaminakia, where Linda's farm-to-table taverna serves the best roast goat in the Dodecanese. If you really want to be alone, rent a motorboat from Maltezana, an old-time fishing village, and putter to Koutsomiti and Kounoupes, tiny islands connected by a double-sided beach. At Vathy, a lagoon where erotic graffiti was etched into the rocks 2,500 years ago, the only taverna is called Galini (Peace). Which sums up Astypalea perfectly.

Where to stay in Astypalea: Saluti da Stampalia Suites , with seven subdued but very stylish sea-view rooms, has upped the ante on an island where most accommodation is uninspired.

24. Skiathos

Best Greek island for: Flopping onto a sandy beach with a good book

Skiathos may be the smallest of the Sporades islands, which counts among its number sleepy Alonissos and the pretty  Mamma Mia! location of Skopelos, but it’s by far the most popular, especially with families, who come for the baby powder-soft sandy  beaches and laid-back vibe. The island has some of the finest beaches in Greece, with the tree-lined, turquoise-watered Koukounaries in the south the most celebrated and the busiest (forget about getting a sun lounger here in peak season). Those in the north of the island, which can only be accessed by a steep, winding drive through pine groves, are more rugged and windswept but no less idyllic – emerging onto Elia beach on the west coast, with its crystal-clear sea and rickety wooden taverna, is like stepping into a little slice of paradise.

As dusk falls the town starts to liven up, with most of the action centred around Papadiamantis Street, the main shopping drag. Stroll down it on the way to dinner and browse smart boutiques selling handcrafted jewellery and knick-knacks, or pick up local delicacies from the upmarket Ergon deli (reopens in May), which also has outposts in  Athens , Thessaloniki and Mayfair. The buzziest restaurants are clustered around the harbour, with Bourtzi, perched atop a tiny rocky island, the best spot for sundowner  cocktails and The Windmill a favourite for elegant suppers. For the most charming setting, head to Sklithri and book one of the taverna’s tables right on the beach. Order an ice-cold Mythos beer, baked feta and a platter of perfectly-chargrilled and out-of-this-world delicious vegetables then watch the sun set over the Aegean, with your toes in the sand.

Where to stay in Skiathos:

• For a hotels stay: Elivi Skiathos
• For a private stay: Villa Azalea

Best for:  Low-key authenticity all year round

Unusually for Greece, Aegina is truly an island for all seasons. Only about an hour’s ferry ride from Piraeus, the unpretentious port (briefly the first capital of modern Greece) has a lived-in charm. Athenian weekenders come for the excellent seaside ouzeris; Skotadis, on the harbourfront is the standout. Classicists come to explore the portside antiquities of Kolona, the hilltop temple of Aphaia (allegedly the template for the Parthenon) and the ghostly Byzantine chapels at Paleochora. Canny ex-pats have snapped up properties in Pachia Rachi, a stone village with sensational views across the straits to the Peloponnese. The Dumas family, heirs to the Hermès fortune, have been discreetly spending their summers here for decades. With its soft light and gentle landscapes, Aegina has always been a muse for Greek artists and writers, including the prolific painter Nikos Nikolaou, whose former home and atelier is now an  enchanting guesthouse and museum (open on Saturdays by appointment). Thanks to a tight-knit community of locals, Athenian escapees, and cosmopolitan emigrés, there’s always something interesting afoot: live music at Proka bar or  Il Posto , a cosy Italian restaurant in Kypseli village, an exhibition in the 17th century Markellos Tower, or a travel writing and ceramics retreat at  Oikia Karapanou , one of many stately homes in various states of ruin and repair that dot this incredibly diverse island. The only thing Aegina doesn’t have is great beaches — perhaps that’s what has spared this accessible island from over-development. This is an island that doesn’t depend on foreign tourists and is all the better for it.

Where to stay on Aegina:

• For a hotel stay: Nikolaou Residence
• For something unique: this bohemian artist's house
• For a group: Villa Calypso sleeps 11 people

26. Kastellorizo

Best of the Greek islands for:  Castaway dreams and swimming through caves

Michael Anastassiades, Lynda Benglis, Savvas Laz, Silvia and Nicoletta Fiorucci… the number of artists, designers and their patrons who summer on tiny Kastellorizo is remarkable. Covering less than 5 square miles, with fewer than 500 inhabitants, this sun-blistered fleck lies just over one nautical mile from Turkey’s Anatolian coast. You can sail across to the town of Kaş for kofte and a trawl though the flea market and be back in time for a sundowner at Faros, a day-to-night hangout in the old lighthouse beside the mosque. A confluence of Levantine influences draws a culturally curious crowd to this remote Aegean outpost. Once a thriving maritime economy, Kastellorizo was bombed during World War II and then virtually abandoned. Gradually, the handsome sponge and spice merchants’ houses in vibrant shades of turquoise and terracotta are being revived as artists’ residences (such as Fiorucci’s 4Rooms), or enchanting guesthouses like  Mediterraneo . You can dive straight from Mediterraneo’s sundeck into the port, where sea turtles bob alongside colourful fishing boats. There’s not much action beyond the waterfront strip known as the  kordoni , or shoelace: a little snorkelling, cave swimming, or boat-watching, a ramble along goat tracks, a slow supper of stuffed onions under the fairy-lit plane trees at Ta Platania, or perhaps some yoga in the wild on the even tinier islet of Ro. This is a pure and simple Greece.

Where to stay on Kastellorizo:

• For a boutique stay:  Casa Mediterraneo
• For romance:  Mediterraneo
• For groups:  The Admiral’s House

27. Antiparos

Best for:  Relaxed cool

This tiny island packs a surprisingly hip scene into its low-slung hills and shallow coves. Most of the action centres around the dinky port, where life drifts by in the waterfront cafés and the lively strip that leads to the square. Every season, more upmarket restaurants ( Yam ,  Lollo’s ) and boutiques ( More than This ,  Zali ) spring up alongside classic dive bars like  Doors and Lucky Luke. At dusk, all roads predictably lead to  Sunset bar for a spritz; after hours, everyone stumbles to cult disco La Luna, where both the décor and music are stuck in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

By day, the scene is way more mellow: brunch at  Margarita’s in town or  Time Marine  on Psaralyki, one of a string of shallow, narrow beaches along the southern coastline. Beyond the modest, boxy houses of the harbour town are dozens of sensational villas designed by in-demand architects. The fanciest properties are scattered around Soros and Agios Georgios bays, where you’ll also find two of the island’s best tavernas,  Peramataki and  Captain Pipinos . The latter is a short boat or kayak ride from Despotiko island, where goats roam around the semi-excavated sanctuary of Apollo. The beauty of Antiparos is that nothing is more than ten minutes away, and after a couple of days, you’ll feel like a regular, bumping into the same good-looking faces wherever you go. If you get cabin fever, you can hop on the 7-minute ferry to Paros for kite surfing, windsurfing, fine dining, or village hopping.

Where to stay on Antiparos:  

• For a hotel stay: The Rooster
• For a private stay: Antiparos Escape Villas  and Oliaros

Best of the Greek islands for:  Distinctive architecture and good vibes

Long overlooked because of its chequered history – this Dodecanese Island was an Italian naval base from 1912-1943, and later became the site of a notorious insane asylum — Leros is all the better for flying under the radar. The vast natural harbour of Lakki (an excellent marina for sailboats) still bears the surreal hallmarks of Fascist rationalism, an Art Deco mirage that’s like a faded version of Miami on the Med. The colourful neoclassical houses of Agia Marina and Platanos have a more lived-in feel, peppered with appealing patisseries, antique shops, and B&Bs. Italian cognoscenti and Turkish yachties have discovered Leros for one very good reason:  Mylos by the Sea , arguably the best seafood restaurant in Greece, with a hopelessly romantic setting overlooking a windmill jutting out to sea. Sunset watchers converge on  Harris Bar , another windmill poised between the medieval castle of Panagia and Panteli’s pebbly beach. Most beaches on Leros may be small and scrappy, but the water is luminous and there are just enough low-key beach bars like  Zephyros  and  Lime . Since restaurants cater mainly to Greeks, the food scene is authentic and affordable: Thea Artemis taverna on gentle Blefouti bay, Lychnari in Lakki, and the cult souvlaki joint Yparxo in Platanos are local favourites. Although there’s a tiny domestic airport, there are no international flights or big, branded resorts on Leros. Instead, there are family-run guesthouses brimming with character, where you feel more like a friend than a room number.

Where to stay on Leros:

• For glamour:  Villa Clara
• For (vegan) romance:  Archondiko Angelou
• For a private stay:  Lakki Old Farmhouse

29. Spetses

Best of the Greek islands for:   Family holidays with the smart society set

If it weren’t for Sotirios Anargyros, Spetses might be as barren as its more bohemian neighbour, Hydra. In the early 20th century, after making a killing in tobacco, Anargyros bought up huge swathes of the island and planted thousands of pine trees. Anargyos also founded the famous boarding school (whose grounds are a lovely spot for an evening stroll) that inspired a certain English teacher to write ‘The Magus’, and built the Poseidonion, a grand harbourfront hotel that has been gloriously restored (there’s no finer place for an aperitivo). From the heirloom-filled mansions built on shipping fortunes to the horse-drawn carriages and tasteful yachts, the whole place reeks of old money. But there’s plenty of new-fangled fun too: late-night bars ( Bikini  or retro-cool  Bar Spetsa ), two open-air cinemas, stylish boutiques ( The Closet , whose resident cats are an attraction) and expensive restaurants ( Patralis  and  Tarsanas  vie for the best fish soup). In the summer, Spetses is a sociable place to see and be seen. But it’s also lovely off-season, when you can hike the gentle green hills or cycle the coastal road that circles the island (there’s even a Tweed Run in October). Compact, well-kept, and easily accessible from Athens (2-3 hours by catamaran), Spetses is a people-pleaser for all ages and seasons.

Where to stay on Spetses:

• For glamour:  Poseidonion Grand Hotel
• For families:  Orloff Resort
• For a private stay:  Magus House

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The 31 best Greek islands to visit in 2024

From the gastronomic specialties of Sifnos to the enigmatic ruins of the Dodecanese, each Greek island has its own distinct character. Choose your own adventure and discover them yourself.

From the gastronomic isles of the Cyclades to the enigmatic ruins of the Dodecanese, each of the six main Greek island groups has its own distinct character. Yet, look closely and you’ll find that more unites than sets them apart: there are secluded towns loved by local gourmands, hidden coves brimming with mythical associations and, above all, a natural splendour that’s captured the minds of artists and adventurers through the ages.  

1. Nisyros: Walk on a volcano

According to Greek mythology, it was Poseidon who seized a chunk of Kos and hurled it on top of a fiery Titan called Polyvotis — creating the volcanic island of Nisyros, with its enormous, sulphurous caldera. The volcano is active, but travellers can still walk across its warm crust — it last erupted in 1888 and is carefully monitored. It can be visited on a day trip from nearby Kos, but it’s worth sticking around to explore the island’s little capital, Mandraki, with its colourful houses and Byzantine churches; the nearby thermal spring at Loutra; and the lofty village of Emporios, with its ruined Byzantine castle, natural cave sauna and mesmerising views over the caldera.

2. Kalymnos: Reach new heights

For a long time, the island of Kalymnos was famous for one thing: sponge-diving. But in 1996, a new focus emerged, when Italian rock climber Andrea di Bari, on holiday with his family, observed the island’s towering limestone cliffs. Before long, this isle emerged as a capital for climbing. Kalymnos now has over 4,000 routes for all abilities, and companies such as Climb in Kalymnos offer dedicated beginners’ courses. But it’s not all about sports here, as the island has retained its old-world charm. Wander the ruins of the Byzantine town of Kastro, high on the mountainside, or head east to Vathys and its fjord-like valley, flanked by fragrant citrus groves.

3. Kos: Pedal the ‘bicycle island’

Greece’s ‘bicycle island’, Kos has over 6,500 bikes to hire and is also crisscrossed with cycling trails, including a new eight-mile path that takes in the coast. When Kos’s Italian colonisers departed in 1943, they left their bikes behind, which were swiftly adopted by the locals. One of the best sights to explore by bike are the ruins of Asklepion, two miles outside Kos Town and easy to reach on two wheels. In 430BC, Kos native Hippocrates, the ‘Founder of Medicine’, created this healing sanctuary, which is arranged in terraces along the hillside. But you don’t have to be a keen cyclist to enjoy Kos — the island is also generously endowed with sandy beaches, and Kos Town is known for its crusader, Ottoman and Italian architecture set beneath clouds of fuchsia bougainvillea.

4. Tilos: Wander a ghost village

For centuries, the residents of Tilos built their homes inland, safe from marauders. But in the 1950s, when the villagers of Mikro Chorio found their wells running dry, they decided to relocate to the island’s port area — taking their roofs, doors and windows with them. Until recently, the only signs that Mikro Chorio ever existed were the whitewashed church and fawn-coloured stone walls, which snake over the hillside and act as a playground for goats. Now, though, one ruined home has been renovated and turned into an atmospheric summer bar. From 11pm when it opens, a shuttle bus runs here from nearby Livadia — and the sound of chatter and clinking glasses once again fills this ghostly village.  

5. Rhodes: Explore a woodland oasis

The island of Rhodes is best known for two historic sites — walled Old Rhodes Town, built by the crusading Knights of St John; and Lindos, a pretty 15th-century sea captains’ town set beneath an ancient, vertigo-inducing acropolis. But it’s also popular for its broad, sandy beaches, and the fact it receives over 300 days of sunshine each year. If you can tear yourself away from the sea, visit Seven Springs , a refreshing woodland oasis in the north east of the island, reached by wading through a dark, 180m-long irrigation tunnel. The effort is worth it: refreshing swims, a tall waterfall and pine-shaded hiking trails await, and there’s a taverna frequented by roaming peacocks.

6. Symi: Hike through old donkey trails

Pint-sized, little-known Symi beckons day-trippers from nearby Rhodes with its neoclassical, colourful main town and the revered, frescoed Panormitis Monastery, set in a small settlement on the opposite corner of the island. Linking the two through the forested interior are some near-forgotten mule paths, which fell into disuse after a road running the length of the island was paved in the 1960s. Choose to spend a few days in this Dodecanese destination and walk these storied dirt roads — at times, hardly more than a suggestion of a trail — to get to viewpoints rarely reached by foreign visitors.

( Why you should go hiking in Symi, Greece . )

7. Karpathos: Travel through time

One of the Dodecanese’s highest mountains effectively divides Karpathos in two. At the island’s northern end, the remote hamlet of Olympos was isolated until 1979, when a road was built through the wild terrain. Local women still wear flowery scarves and long skirts — plus enormous necklaces of gold coins on special occasions — and they keep to many traditional ways, baking bread in communal ovens and embroidering textiles. Stay overnight here, in a cosy apartment at Irene’s House or Olympos Archipelagos , with its sea views, to get a feel for Olympos’s old-world magic, and don’t miss a traditional laouto (lute) performance in the taverna.  

8. Lefkada: Set sail for the islets

Mountainous, wooded Lefkada, with its craggy coast, was a late-comer to tourism, so it can feel more authentically Greek than some of the most popular isles. And for those dreaming of sailing the islands, its port of Nydri is the best place to start: sheltered from winds, its bay is scalloped with secluded coves and its own archipelago of emerald islets. You can hire anything from a licence-free dinghy up to a large sailing yacht here, with which you can explore the secret inlets.  

9. Paxos: Jump into the blue

Renting boats, whether solo or with a skipper, is something you can do on stretches of most Greek islands. But the size of Pazos, a seven-mile by two-and-a-half-mile blot off the south coast of Corfu, means it can be circled in its entirety in just a few hours. This makes it perfect for beach-hopping and the chance to discover a number of Greece’s most secluded coves — some lined with olive and cypress trees, others barely wide enough for a couple of towels, all lapped by inviting, crystal-clear water. Summer days in this corner of the Ionian are mostly spent dropping anchor at whichever one takes your fancy, stretching out beneath the sun on the deck, then cooling off by diving straight into the water.

( Why you should try beach-hopping by boat around Paxos, Greece .)

10. Corfu: Head for the hills  

With its Venetian-style capital and sandy beaches, Corfu is one of Greece’s most-visited islands. It’s worth heading for the hills here. Old Perithia , the island’s highest village, was founded in the 14th century, but by the 1950s its inhabitants had left, leaving only a taverna for hikers. In 2010, a couple from the UK fell in love with the village, buying a property (now a boutique B & B ) and kicking off its slow restoration. Today, it’s a riot of wildflowers in spring.    

11. Zakynthos: See the blue caves  

This is an island of white-sand beaches, but its north coast, with sheer cliffs rising out of the sea, is truly spectacular. The best-known precipices surround ‘Shipwreck Beach’, where a rusting cargo ship rests, slowly sinking into sands — though it’s currently only accessible to view from afar due to the risk of landslides. Other cliffs help form the Blue Caves, a labyrinth of pale rock that reflects the shimmering electric blue of the waters. Boats can enter the largest cave, where you can dive in for full immersion.

12. Kefalonia: Kayak secret coves

The biggest Ionian island, mountainous and green like a vast turtle’s shell, is surrounded by cliffs and coves — including the deep blue Melissani Cave on the east coast — and many of them are only accessible from the sea. In a kayak , you can paddle between the beaches at leisure, or embark on a longer guided trip, staying in inns on the way. For a challenge of a different kind, drive 1,628m up Mount Ainos, the highest peak in the area, for an eagle’s-eye view of the Ionians.  

13. Samothraki: Meet the Great Gods

Samothraki, in the far northeast Aegean, is a small island with a mythical past. The Greek sea god Poseidon is said to have sat on Mount Fengari here — at 1,664m, the second highest in the Aegean — to watch the Trojan War, while in ancient times, numerous pilgrims would make the difficult voyage here to worship at the Sanctuary of the Cabeiri, or Great Gods. Now in ruins, this temple complex was home to a mystery religion, and very little is known about its secret rites. Anyone, from kings to slaves, could be initiated, and historical figures are thought to have been members — among them Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. After, head to the village of Therma, a 10-minute drive along the coast to the east, for its hot springs and nearby waterfalls so bucolic, you’d almost expect to come across a nymph.  

14. Lemnos: Explore a Greek desert  

It can be difficult to believe that, in among the pretty harbour towns, the Greek islands are also home to one of Europe’s only deserts. Pachies Ammoudies, on Lemnos, one of the largest islands, resembles the Sahara on a smaller scale, its soft dunes constantly shifting with the wind. The best way to explore it is by hiring a 4WD in the capital, Myrina, and heading out at dawn or dusk, when the sand takes on an orange glow. Myrina itself was named after the Queen of the Amazons — the   island is believed to have once been the home of the warrior women visited by the Argonauts — and you can spend hours exploring its traditional coffeeshops and colourful harbour. Also don’t miss the ruins of Poliochni, a settlement thought to be older than nearby Troy on the Turkish mainland.

15. Ikaria: Dance until dawn  

Ikaria, in the far east of the Aegean, is closer to Izmir in Turkey than Athens. It is known for lying in a Blue Zone — an area where people have a longer, healthier life expectancy — with about one in three living into their 90s. The list of potential reasons is long, ranging from the healthy local diet to the lack of stress, but visit this island between May and September, and it’s likely you’ll discover one more — nobody wants to miss the next paniyiri. The island’s saint’s day festivals happen almost daily in different villages. Fuelled by the island’s heady natural wine, they involve all ages dancing in unison together — placing their hands on each other’s shoulders and spiralling in time to traditional violins. When you’re partying until dawn, it can be easy to lose all track of time.

16. Lesbos: Discover the ouzo effect  

Ouzo, Greece’s favourite anise-flavoured spirit, is largely produced on Lesbos, with its traditional villages and gnarled olive groves, where 16 dedicated distilleries work to make over half of the national supply. And for fans of the spirit, Plomari, on the south coast, shines like the North Star — it’s here that travellers can find the Ouzo Museum , and learn about the drink’s history and the variety of Greek herbs that go into making it, alongside tours of the copper stills. Each brand is different, and some are difficult to find beyond the island, so it’s also where you’ll find the best opportunities for tastings. Order with water on the side to observe the famous ‘ouzo effect’ — despite both liquids being clear, when combined the result turns milky-white.  

17. Santorini: Sip volcanic wines

This island may be best known for its vertiginous villages on the edge of the caldera, but it’s also one of Greece’s top wine producers. Because of its volcanic soil, Santorini was spared from the lice epidemic that decimated Europe’s vineyards in the 19th century, and its indigenous white grapes, Assyrtiko, Athiri and Aidani, flourish, their vines pruned to resemble baskets to protect them from the wind. The resulting wine is bone dry and mineral rich — but you can also find the naturally sweet Vinsanto here, made from sun-dried grapes to produce a tipple that was popular in the Middle Ages. Try both kinds at the Santo , the island’s largest cooperative in Pyrgos. Or visit the organic Hatzidakis estate, located inside a cave.    

18. Syros: Listen to Greek blues

Rebetiko, known as the Greek blues and often featuring soulful lyrics on migration, poverty, misfortune and unrequited love, has roots in the years of mass unemployment following the Greece-Turkey Population Exchange in 1923. One of the genre’s greatest composers, Markos Vamvakaris, came from Ermoupoli on Syros, and live performances still ring out from bars on balmy nights here, especially during the summer Rebetiko Festival. Visit Ermoupoli itself, the neo-classical capital of the Cyclades, with its Catholic and Orthodox hilltop neighbourhoods, marble-paved Miaoulis Square and opera house. Don’t miss its speciality loukoumia (Turkish delight), introduced to the island by refugees from the then-Ottoman ruled islands of Chios and Psara.

19. Sifnos: Cook like a Greek

Sifnos is where the father of modern Greek cuisine, Nikolaos Tselementes, was born in 1878. The island’s specialities are worth looking out for, with chickpea stews and braised lamb mastelo still slow cooked in the traditional way in stoneware pots. Learn some of the island’s recipes by helping to prepare a typical meal at Narlis Farm , just outside Apollonia, where farmers have produced organic fruit and vegetables for generations according to traditional Cycladic methods, using very little water. Sifnos is exceptionally pretty, with the whitewashed villages Apollonia, Artemonas and Kastro, sandy beaches with seaside churches, and landscapes dotted with chapels, crisscrossed by miles of trails.

20. Tinos: Embark on a food weekend

In recent years, Cycladic Tinos has become famous among Greeks as an island of gastronomy. Blessed with fertile land and a resulting bounty of locally grown produce, it’s a magnet for chefs from nearby Athens, who’ll often leave their city restaurants in the warmer months to head here. Tinos Food Paths, a festival of gastronomy celebrated each year in the second week of May, marks the beginning of the season of indulgence. Come to join in the summer feast: start the morning sipping silty Greek coffee with a crispy filo pastry; recharge mid-afternoon with an acai bowl of wild strawberries; and round the day up trying local specialities, from fourtalia — a fluffy omelette made with potatoes — to louza , the island’s spice-cured pork.

( How to plan a food weekend on the Greek island of Tinos . )

21. Milos: Stay in a syrmata  

Volcanic Milos is an island of colour, with rock formations in shades of red, yellow and blinding white. Similarly bright doors and windows adorn its traditional syrmata — the huts found only around Milos and neighbouring Kimolos, carved into the soft volcanic cliffs by fishermen sheltering their boats for the winter. Some have been converted into quirky places to stay — a bit cramped, with just a bed and bathroom, but right on the water’s edge. On land, seek out the catacombs (the only ones on a Greek island), the ancient theatre and the replica of the Venus de Milo, marking the spot where the original was found.

22. Naxos: Find the marbles

Fine, white marble has been quarried and sculpted on Naxos since prehistoric times; the archaeology museum , in the Venetian castle on top of Naxos Town, is packed with remarkably well-preserved marble Cycladic idols from 3200-2300 BCE, smoothed with the island’s native emery. Elsewhere on the island, giant kouros (naked male youth) statues, carved in the 6th century BCE, were abandoned when flaws in the marble were discovered: today, two lie near the quarries in Apollonas. Naxos has a relaxed and family-friendly vibe, with walking trails and swathes of sand south of Naxos Town.

23. Agistri: Snorkel in clear coves

Less than an hour from Athens’ port city of Piraeus, Agistri is the smallest of the inhabited Saronics. Surrounded by twinkling waters, its pine trees cling to the cliffs that curl around its mainly pebbly beaches. Aim for the little peninsula of Aponisos, with its turquoise coves perfect for snorkelling, just a short bus ride from Skala and Megalochori, Agistri’s main towns. Or head out with Interdive and sail in its traditional wooden ship to the uninhabited islet of Dorousa, whose fish-rich waters and shipwrecks are exciting terrain for experienced divers.

24. Poros: Wander in a lemon forest  

Poros is so close to the Peloponnese that the 400-metre-wide channel separating the two is nicknamed Greece’s Grand Canal. A favourite past time in pretty Poros Town is lingering in a waterfront taverna and watching all the ships pass by, including ferries zipping across to Galatas, a port town on the mainland. Near there is a lemon forest that becomes intoxicating in May, when the trees are in bloom and the citrusy scent drifts across the channel on the breeze. For a perfect day out, hike up to the pretty blue-and-white clocktower in Poros Town for views over the lemon forests.  

25. Spetses: Get to know Bouboulina

Thought to be the world’s first female admiral, Laskarina Bouboulina, who grew up in Spetses, raised a small fleet during the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s and won Greece’s first naval battle aboard her flagship, Agamemnon. Her bronze statue stands near the harbour, and now her descendants run the charming Bouboulina Museum in her former mansion — where she was assassinated in a family dispute. Pine-clad Spetses later became the summer retreat of wealthy Athenians and, in 1914, was the first Greek island to get a hotel, the luxurious Poseidonion Grand Hotel , which still dominates the harbour today. The rest of the waterfront, still bristling with cannons, is filled with neoclassical former captains’ mansions, villas, black-and-white pebble mosaics and horse-drawn carriages. Visitors can cycle to the beaches — many sandy — and later dine in the bars and restaurants in the Old Harbour.

26. Aegina: Trace ancient Greece

Outside of Athens, surviving ancient peristyle temples are rare in Greece, but you can find a beautiful one just an hour from Piraeus by ferry — the Temple of Aphaia, on Aegina. Isolated on a pine-covered hill overlooking the island’s biggest beach resort, Agia Marina, the temple was built around 500 BCE — decades before the Parthenon. Sadly, like the Parthenon, it was stripped of its marble friezes by antiquarians, inspired by Elgin, who shipped them to Munich. Aegina has many other feathers in its cap: pretty Aegina Town, the first capital of Greece, where the scent of roasting pistachios fills the air. A remnant of this can be explored at the Archaeological Site of Kolona nearby, which contains the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, and a neighbouring archaeology museum. The ruins of another former capital, Byzantine Paleochora, can be found to the east above Agios Nektarios, one of the biggest churches in Greece, built for the most recent Greek Orthodox saint, who died in 1920.  

At first sight, looming into view as the ferry approaches its harbour, Hydra might seem like any other Greek island: fluttering white-and-azure flags, whitewashed houses, busy tavernas. Except the B & B owners who gather beside its dock, ready to pick up visitors and whisk them to their premises, don’t wait in their cars, like they would elsewhere. This mountainous island, off the east coast of the Peloponnese, is entirely pedestrian. Even bicycles are banned, thanks to a 1950s law that sought to keep it as it’s always been — a labyrinth of alleys to be explored on foot, by boat or, better yet, in the saddle. As you discover hilltop monasteries, cliffs paths and sandy beaches, you’ll find it’s a destination where the journey really does make the experience.

( How to explore the car-free island of Hydra, Greece . )

28. Skopelos: Hike wildflower trails

The emerald sea reflects the pine trees covering Skopelos, a serene island of pebble-strewn coves that’s great for walks and views. Near the town of Skopelos, piled high in the shadow of a Venetian castle, wildflower-dotted trails lead to six Byzantine monasteries on Mount Palouki. You can also hike to the Sedoukia, a collection of Neolithic tombs, or to the wedding chapel of Agios Ioannis — of Mamma Mia! film fame — perched high on a rock overlooking the sea near the island’s second town, Glossa.

29. Skyros: Meet Skyrian horses

Isolated from its sisters, Skyros has a whitewashed capital, Chora, that curls around a castle-crowned crag overlooking a vast beach. The northern half of the island is wooded, while the wild, rocky south is where a few of the last little Skyrian horses roam. Introduced in the fifth century BCE by Athenian colonists and isolated ever since, they’re the descendants of the horses depicted in the Parthenon Marbles. With only around 200 left, they’re one of the rarest breeds in the world.

30. Skiathos: Hit the beach

Cosmopolitan Skiathos, beside Skopelos, owes its popularity to its 62 beaches, which offer a stretch of sand for every taste. Koukounaries and Vromolimnos are best for watersports, while Aselinos is ideal for those after a quieter time, with just a few places to eat. Lalaria, meanwhile, is spectacular and silvery, and Kechria, with its sunbeds amid the olive trees, is perfect for a lazy afternoon punctuated by lunch in the taverna. As the sun sets, pretty, fun-loving Skiathos Town buzzes into life.

31. Alonnisos: Enjoy aquatic adventures

From May to October, boats head out on day trips to explore the waters off Alonnisos, which is part of Europe’s largest marine park. Here, endangered monk seals are protected along with dolphins and over 80 species of bird. Experienced divers can tour the ‘Parthenon of shipwrecks’, a fifth-century BCE vessel laden with amphoras that sunk off the coast of nearby islet Peristera and now forms the core of Greece’s first underwater museum .  

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Which greek island should you visit our 2024 top picks.

With more than 200 inhabited islands in Greece, each with its own attractions, brilliant sunsets, postcard-worthy beaches and aquamarine waters, it can be a tall order to decide which one is best suited for your island-hopping vacation. That's why U.S. News took into account sights, seasonality, traveler sentiment and more to come up with this list of the best Greek islands. Now the only decision you'll need to make is which beach hat to pack. Have a favorite Greek island? Vote below to help determine next year's ranking.

Folegandros

Through the ages, Corfu's natural beauty has caught the eye of famous writers like Homer and Shakespeare, as well as ancient Venetian, French and British armies that fought to control the island. Today, it's a picturesque haven for travelers seeking some serious rest and relaxation. There are plenty of resorts overlooking the Ionian Sea and restaurants, bars and shops lining the streets in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Corfu. Here, you'll also find plenty of museums, palaces and historic estates to keep you busy. Also budget time for visiting Paleokastritsa, a tranquil seaside village home to a 13th-century monastery and top-notch scuba diving sites.

Santorini's classic Cycladic architecture (think: whitewashed buildings with blue-domed roofs) makes this archipelago one of the most stunning and frequented of all of the Greek isles. On the main island of Thira, you'll find beautiful red and black sand beaches and well-preserved archaeological sites thanks to its volcanic history. After exploring Thira's busy tourist sights, take a day trip to quieter Thirassia to experience its quaint villages and untouched wilderness. You'll also want to visit Santorini's acclaimed wineries. Most are concentrated in central Santorini and can be seen during a winery tour. And don't miss catching the sunset from Oia for a postcard-perfect view.

One of the most popular Dodecanese islands, Rhodes hugs Turkey's coastline. Rhodes' large footprint allows for a wide range of activities for vacationers to enjoy. The island's namesake medieval city, which historically hosted the Knights of Saint John, showcases its rich history with well-preserved Gothic structures and several museums. Meanwhile, turquoise waters and sandy stretches like Lindos Beach (which sits alongside a scenic seaside village) and Agathi Beach (set in a picturesque cove) will suit any beach bum, and nature lovers can delight in the verdant Valley of Butterflies. What's more, Rhodes' many villages and cities boast flavorful food offerings and lively nightlife scenes.

Since only a portion of Karpathos is developed for tourism, this Dodecanese island is a haven for those seeking a secluded, low-key getaway. Spend days swimming in crystal-clear water and lounging on unspoiled beaches like Apella and Kyra Panagia. Adventurers can try their hand at windsurfing, a popular activity in the southern bay of Afiartis, or hike some of the island's mountainous trails. Travelers who really want to get away from it all can also take a day trip via boat to Saria or Sokastro, uninhabited and undisturbed islets that were once connected to Karpathos.

Greece's largest island offers something for every traveler. Sun-seekers can lounge on Crete's sandy beaches (such as Vai and the pink sand Elafonisi), and nature lovers can hike through Samaria Gorge in White Mountains National Park. History buffs can explore ancient sites like the Venetian Fortezza in Rethymnon, or visit Heraklion to see the Palace of Knossos (where the mythical Minotaur reportedly roamed) and check out the esteemed Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Everyone will enjoy savoring authentic Cretan fare – including graviera (a Gruyere-like cheese) and dakos (barley rusk topped with tomato, oregano and olive oil) – at the island's tavernas.

Although much of Kefalonia's impressive Venetian architecture was destroyed during an earthquake in 1953, the island still feels magical thanks to its diverse landscape. Wander through charming villages like Assos and Fiscardo to see colorful houses and beautiful churches. Then, soak up some sun on one of the island's pebbly or sandy beaches (Myrtos is the most popular), or take a dip in the clear turquoise water to snorkel or scuba dive. If you'd rather get an adrenaline rush, hike to the top of Megas Soros (the highest point in the Ionian Islands) in Mount Ainos National Park or explore one of Kefalonia's underground caves.

Head to Zakynthos for its breathtaking yet rugged coastline full of hidden cove beaches, some of which are home to the endangered caretta caretta sea turtle species. Popular spots include Navagio (or Shipwreck) Beach – which can only be admired from a distance during a boat tour  – and the magical Blue Caves, where the reflection of the sky and the white limestone turns the water an ethereal shade of blue. Check out the Venetian Castle that overlooks Zakynthos' main town, then visit the Post-Byzantine Art Museum of Zakynthos to peruse art exhibits.

This small island's proximity to Athens makes it a popular weekend getaway for city-dwelling Greeks. But since Serifos is less visited by international crowds, the island retains a distinct authenticity and an opportunity to unwind. Here, visitors should embrace the art of doing nothing. But don't worry, the island's secluded stretches of sand like Ganema Beach (popular with the yacht crowd) and Psili Ammos (known for its soft sand) are perfect for doing just that. More social vacationers can also shop for souvenirs or sip ouzo at open-air cafes in the villages of Chora and Livadi.

Most Greek islands are known for their beaches, but Skiathos features some of the region's best. Here, you'll find more than 60 awe-inspiring options, including secluded Lalaria Beach and clothing-optional Banana Beach. Skiathos' vibrant blue water also makes it a terrific place to go sailing. Or, get picture-perfect views from above by hiking some of the island's 120-plus miles of trails. When you've gotten your fill of sun and sand, spend some time admiring the historic Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria. No visit would be complete without heading to Skiathos Town to eat authentic Greek cuisine and party at a local nightclub.

Spend your next vacation in Syros if you want to be surrounded by history and culture without rubbing elbows with hordes of tourists. Syros offers a quieter scene than other Cycladic islands, making it easy to leisurely meander through its charming towns. Check out Ermoupoli's architectural marvels, such as its town hall and the Apollon Theater, then climb the hill above Ermoupoli to Ano Syros, where you'll discover medieval fortifications and panoramic city views. After a few hours of sightseeing, unwind on one of Syros' sandy beaches.

Gorgeous scenery is available everywhere you turn on the Cycladic island of Milos. This volcanic island boasts more than 40 beaches surrounded by jaw-dropping rock formations (check out the lunar landscape at Sarakiniko), as well as houses sporting a variety of vibrant colors. Plus, Milos features multiple caves (including underwater options for scuba diving), hot springs and hiking trails. For a dose of local history, check out the island's catacombs, ancient theater and Archaeological Museum. The latter houses a life-size replica of Alexandros of Antioch's world-renowned Venus de Milo sculpture, which was discovered on the island in 1820.

An ideal spot for slow travel, Astypalea was made for long days of sunning on the sand, hiking through rocky countryside and perusing quaint villages. Shorelines here range from the sandy cove of Agios Konstantinos, which offers spectacular views of the hilltop village of Chora, to the rugged Kaminakia, which is worth the extra effort it takes to get there. Visitors can spend time hiking between beaches while passing Byzantine chapels and scenic monasteries along the way. What's more, the main village of Chora features a Venetian castle, idyllic old town streets to stroll through and a variety of locally produced cheeses and honey to sample.

Part of the Saronic Gulf, Hydra is one of the closest Greek islands to Athens and immediately stands out from its neighbors for its lack of motor vehicles. That's right – you'll have to meander your way around the car-free cobblestone streets on foot or on one of the many mules and horses that reside on the island. But such romanticism is a large part of Hydra's appeal to travelers. While here, walk the island's pebbly shorelines and explore its charming seaside towns like Hydra Town, where you'll discover lavish mansions (many now turned into museums) of elite families of yore and some of Hydra's best nightlife venues.

Folegandros offers a completely different experience than its Cycladic neighbor, Santorini. Here, you'll find undeveloped, hard-to-reach beaches surrounded by steep cliffs, lending a quiet remoteness far from the beach clubs of more touristy islands. Rugged beaches like Katergo and Livadaki are must-visits for their scenery and seclusion, while Agali is a top spot for its nearby tavernas. The clifftop old town of Chora, the largest village on the island, is also worth exploring for its whitewashed architecture, local culture and unbeatable sunset views.

Koufonisia's islands may be among the smallest of the Cyclades, but they offer everything you need for a relaxing seaside getaway. Pano Koufonisi (Koufonisia's only inhabited island) is where you'll find the destination's most beautiful beaches, some of which are clothing optional. After the day's adventures, eat, drink and shop in Chora, the island's capital. For a more secluded feel, take a day trip to Kato Koufonisi to swim or sightsee by boat. A third island, Keros, is not accessible because of its status as a protected archaeological site, but you'll likely see it from afar while traveling.

Paros, one of the most central Cycladic islands, is a mecca for water sports activities. At the island's sun-drenched beaches, travelers can windsurf, kitesurf, scuba dive and go boating, among other pursuits. Away from the water, visitors will find bustling Parikia, which boasts numerous boutiques, restaurants and bars. Paros' capital also features several noteworthy historical sites, including the sixth-century Panagia Ekatontapiliani (which means "Church with 100 Gates" in English) and a 13th-century Venetian castle. Arrive in summer to attend the Festival at the Park, a popular event held annually at the island's 800-acre Paros Park.

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades, meaning there's a lot more shore to go around. On this unassuming island, you'll find plenty of beaches to write home about, from popular Plaka to scenic Agios Prokopios, and lots of water sports activities. Due to the Meltemi wind that blows from the north, Naxos is an excellent destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing, so be sure to sign up for a lesson. Also save time for exploring ancient ruins like the temples of Apollo, Demeter and Dionysus.

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Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Perfect Greek Islands Vacation

From choosing the right hotel to getting around, here's how to plan the ultimate island-hopping adventure in Greece.

Planning a trip to the Greek islands can be intimidating, even for the most seasoned travelers. With more than 200 inhabited isles (and about 6,000 islands and islets in total), the magnitude of the archipelagos is astounding. Each has its own character and aesthetic, from Cyclades islands dotted with white-and-blue houses to the lush and green Ionian Islands to the castle-lined Dodecanese.

Overall, Greece has six main island groups, plus a significant stand-alone: Crete. It's generally easiest to travel between islands within one group than to hop between archipelagos. In this guide, we'll break down the best Greek islands to visit, including what each island group is known for, and how to travel within each archipelago.

Getting Around the Greek Islands

While many of the Greek islands have airports, not all of them have international terminals. Many are serviced solely by domestic carriers like Aegean Airlines , and you can only fly from neighboring islands or Athens. However, some of the most popular islands (including Crete and Santorini) have international airports, where you can fly directly from cities in Europe or the Middle East.

Traveling by ferry simplifies island hopping, especially if you're just exploring one archipelago. In the Cyclades, Seajets is the high-speed ferry, though travelers can find all options (including less expensive ferries) via Greek Ferries . It is possible, of course, to rent a car in Athens — or on one of the islands — and drive it onto the ferry, essentially turning your island-hopping excursion into a seafaring road trip. However, it's easy to rent a car on the islands, too, provided you have an international driver's license with you.

When to Visit the Greek Isles

May, June, and late September are great times to travel if you're looking for nice weather but still hoping to avoid the crowds. The high season (mid-June to mid-September) offers more ferry routes, flight options, and open restaurants and beach bars, but it also means more tourists and higher prices. Each island group has its own weather to look into — Crete is warmest year-round, making it a great choice for late fall or winter. And while some Greek islands, such as Hydra, are full of locals and see tourists year-round, others, such as Santorini, get very quiet in the off-season (November to March). Here, we've put together an overview of each group of islands (and the highlights of each archipelago) to help you plan your next Grecian adventure.

The Cyclades Islands

Monica Farber/Travel + Leisure

This archipelago is the most common first stop for American travelers in Greece, with two of the most-visited islands: Mykonos and Santorini. A group of about two dozen inhabited islands (and 220 total isles), this bunch looks like all the postcards of Greece you've seen: white churches with blue domes and pink bougainvillea vines shading secluded side streets.

Mykonos is known for its nightlife and see-and-be-seen beaches, but it also has a gorgeous Cycladic village in its center, with windmills and winding lanes designed to confuse pirates centuries ago. Santorini is romantic and luxurious, beloved by honeymooners lounging in their private pools overlooking the caldera. For those looking for alternatives to Mykonos and Santorini, options abound. Up-and-coming Milos has otherworldly beaches and the famed sea caves, Tinos is the site of a famous Church of the Virgin Mary, and the rustic Lesser Cyclades (Koufonisia, Donousa, Schinoussa, and Iraklia) are great for camping. There are large islands, like Naxos and Syros, the archipelago's capital, and tiny ones with very little tourism, like Sikinos.

How to Travel the Cyclades Islands

The tourist season on the Cycladic islands runs from mid-April to mid-October (peaking in June, July, and August). If it's your first time in the area, you'll want to start by visiting Mykonos or Santorini. On Santorini, you'll find great wineries, like Venetsanos and Santo , while on Mykonos, it's the nightlife that will keep you coming back, with iconic clubs like Scorpios and Super Paradise Beach Club . When exploring some of the smaller islands, like Ios, Folegandros, and Milos, swim, snorkel, and wander the fortress-like capital of each island. The cobbled alleyways are home to shops, galleries, bars, and tavernas (on most islands the main town is called "Chora"; on Milos, it's "Plaka"). And don't miss sailing adventures around the Cycladic islands — look into companies like Polco Sailing on Milos and Sunset Oia Cruises on Santorini.

Where to Stay

On Santorini, start your trip by staying amid the iconic white-and-blue cliffside houses of Oia at Andronis Luxury Suites . Next, move along the caldera to the village of Imerovigli, where you'll find some of the most over-the-top and romantic hotels, including Andronis Concept Wellness Resort and Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection . Finally, stay a night in the old town of Pyrgos at Santorini Sky .

On Mykonos, start your vacation at The Wild Hotel by Interni , which has a luxurious boutique atmosphere and a private beach for guests. For an ideal honeymoon in Greece , spend a few exceptionally romantic nights at Kalesma Mykonos , where each suite has its own infinity-edge pool.

Elsewhere in the Cyclades, look for luxury boutique hotels (many, like The Wild and Kalesma, are family owned). Try Milos Breeze on Milos, Coco-Mat Eco Residences on Serifos, Calilo on Ios, and the Naxian Collection Luxury Villas & Suites on Naxos.

The largest Greek island (and the southernmost, roughly halfway between Europe and Africa), Crete could be its own country. Because there's so much to explore, many travelers focus their energy on the 160-mile-long island rather than straying to other archipelagos.

How to Travel on Crete

The island has two main airports, making Crete very easy to get to from Athens. Once you're on the island, it's a good idea to rent a car; it takes about six hours to drive from one end of Crete to the other.

The island boasts some of the best beaches in Greece , including Elafonissi, with its unparalleled pink sand, and Elounda, known for its five-star beach clubs. Hike the Samaria Gorge (which takes five to seven hours through streams and between cliffs), or walk through wildflowers along paths in the mountain villages. Visit the ruins of the Knossos Palace, home of the Minoan empire (and the dreaded Minotaur monster), and the Boutari Winery if you're interested in sampling Cretan wines. Finally, if you have time for a day trip, the isle of Spinalonga, off the coast of Elounda, is worth visiting for its wild beauty and tragic history — it was home to a colony of people affected by leprosy until 1957.

Where to Stay on Crete

With picturesque olive groves sloping down to sandy beaches, Elounda has become something of a Cretan Riviera. This stretch along the island's northeast coast is lined with swanky resorts including Crete's only Relais & Chateaux property, the Elounda Mare , and the contemporary Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa .

Outside the island's capital city of Heraklion is the family-friendly five-star beachfront resort Amirandes , part of the national Grecotel chain (take a detour to have dinner on their farm, Agreco ). Moving west, you'll find the well-preserved Venetian town of Rethymno, and more historic boutique hotel options like Kapsaliana Village Hotel , built around an 18th-century olive oil mill, and Casa Delfino , a renovated 17th-century mansion inside the walled old town of Chania.

Saronic Gulf Islands

The closest island group to Athens is also home to some of the most scenic, under-the-radar isles. Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Aegina, and little Agistri are popular with Greek weekenders and European visitors but are less known to Americans.

How to Travel the Saronic Gulf Islands

The Nantucket of Greece, car-free Hydra is tiny but mighty. Spetses has green pine trees, yachts parked in the harbor, and traditional horse-drawn carriages along its waterfronts. Family-friendly Poros, with tree-shaded beaches and a charming town dominated by a clock tower, is popular among sailing aficionados. Aegina, the closest island to Athens, has a large port town, sandy beaches, and the ancient Temple of Aphaia dedicated to the goddess of Athena. Because the Saronic Gulf islands are so close to Athens, getting here is simple — a hydrofoil from the port of Piraeus ferries you from Athens to each of these destinations.

Hydra and Spetses are brimming with converted captains' homes (we like the Cotommatae on Hydra and Orloff Resort on Spetses). On Poros, Sto Roloi is a collection of traditional island houses turned into holiday villas, while Sirene Blue Luxury Beach Resort offers plush suites and villas with access to swimming pools and a private beach. Renting a villa through Five Star Greece is also an option, especially on Aegina where weekend homes outshine the hotels. The crown jewel of the Saronic Gulf is Spetses' harborfront Poseidonion Grand Hotel, established in 1914, which is just as lavish as its name suggests.

The Ionian Islands

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Lush and green, the Ionian Islands (also known as "Eptanissia" or the "seven islands") offer unique local culture, music, art, cuisine, and architecture. While the Ionians are known, first and foremost, for Corfu, the six other main islands hold their own and attract their fair share of tourists, too.

How to Travel the Ionian Islands

On Corfu, you'll want to wander the streets of the island's UNESCO-protected Old Town . Near Corfu, tiny Paxos is covered in olive trees, with three charming bays and a satellite island, Antipaxos, known for its translucent waters. The largest of the Ionian Islands in size, Kefalonia is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Greece and has semi-wild horses running around Mount Ainos in its center. Zakynthos is home to Navagio Beach (also known as Shipwreck Beach), accessible only by sea, and iconic blue caves you can swim through. Lefkada, connected to the mainland by a bridge, has woodland villages and some of Greece's best beaches along its shores. Small Ithaka, known to Homer fans as the home of Odysseus, is still relatively undiscovered. Finally, Kythera is the outlier — it looks more Cycladic than Ionian and is more easily reached from the Peloponnese.

Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Kythera all have airports, which receive domestic flights from Athens as well as international charters and airlines.

On Corfu, options range from stylish seaside resorts like the Grecotel Corfu Imperial to historic 18th-century estates in the Tuscan-like interior such as the Pelecas Country Club . Near the Old Town, the first Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts property in Europe, Angsana Corfu , offers a gorgeous seaside enclave with 159 rooms and lavish pool villas.

On Kefalonia, the ultra-modern Tesoro Blu is an adults-only oasis just outside the village of Skala, and the Emelisse Nature Resort is a gem outside the picture-perfect town of Fiscardo. Its sister property on Ithaka, the Perantzada , is a contemporary hotel within a 19th-century mansion on the harbor in Vathy. Little Paxos is all villa rentals and rooms to rent except for a few intimate hotels, like Agali Hotel Paxos and Paxos Club Resort & Spa . On Zakynthos, Porto Zante Villas & Spa is a swanky oasis on the busy eastern coast, and in the quiet north of the island, near the blue caves, Nobelos is a four-suite, family-run hotel beloved for its organic restaurant.

The Sporades Islands

There are 24 of these green islands off of the northeastern coast of mainland Greece, but only four are inhabited — and if you've seen "Mamma Mia , " you know what they look like. Dark green pine trees, white churches, and lots of sand, rocks, and singing. It's all part of the Sporades experience.

How to Travel the Sporades Islands

Buzzy Skiathos is famous for its gold-sand beaches and nightlife, while low-key Skopelos is a natural paradise of white pebble coves, oak forests, monasteries, traditional villages, and lots of shipwrecks off the coast in the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades . Alonissos is at the center of the National Marine Park, a great base for fishing, bird-watching, and spotting the protected Mediterranean monk seal. Finally, Skyros is known for its ceramics and local crafts, churches, and gorgeous Chora, a mountaintop capital crowned by a Venetian castle.

To get to the Sporades, you can fly directly from Athens to Skiathos and Skyros. Skiathos is also served by a ferry from Thessaloniki. In summer, hydrofoils sail to all four islands from the port of Agios Konstantinos on the mainland. You can travel between the islands by ferry or private boat.

On these four islands, tourism is all about sailing, swimming, mountain biking, sea kayaking, and hiking. Hit the beaches — Skiathos's swanky Ambelakia to see and be seen, Skyros's Kalamitsa for wind-surfing, Skopelos's Hovolo for pine-scented breezes. Above all, do not miss sailing, swimming, or scuba diving in the marine park.

There are villas to rent all over the islands (like the ones with private pools run by Poikilma Villas on Alonissos). For a more full-service hotel, try the family-run Atrium Hotel above Agia Paraskevi beach in Skiathos, or the Adrina Resort & Spa on the beach in Skopelos.

The Northeast Aegean Islands

This collection of more than a dozen islands (the five most notable being Ikaria, Samos, Lemnos, Lesvos, and Chios) is the area of Greece closest to Turkey. For your journey here, you'll be richly rewarded with incredible beaches and natural wonders (a petrified forest on Lesvos, volcanic rocks and sand dunes on Limnos, and thermal springs on Ikaria).

How to Travel the Northeast Aegean Islands

Lemnos, Lesvos (also known as Mytilene), and Samos all have international airports, and Chios and Ikaria have domestic ones. There are several ferries from the port of Piraeus in Athens that can take you to these islands as well.

Visit the archaeological sites of the Temple of Hera on Samos, the acropolis on Thassos, the ancient city of Ifestia on Lemnos, and the magnificent castle atop Lesvos. While these islands are famous for their history, they're also known for their water sports. Keros Beach on Lemnos is one of the best places to kite- or windsurf in Europe. As for swimming, it's hard to beat the Seitani coves on Samos, Kipos beach on Samothrace, white-sand Seychelles on Ikaria, and Vatera on Lesvos.

Time-travel back to when Genovese nobility ruled Chios and stay at the majestic Argentikon Luxury Suites in a 16th-century estate. Sleep above popular Tsamadou beach at the Armonia Bay Hotel on Samos, overlooking the sea at Toxotis Villas on Ikaria, or on the beach in a luxury safari tent through Surf Club Limnos .

The Dodecanese Islands

This archipelago gets its name from the Greek number 12 (dodeca) because it contains — you guessed it — a dozen main islands and multiple smaller ones. Rhodes and Kos are the two largest islands, while the smaller 10 are quieter and less discovered.

How to Travel the Dodecanese Islands

Rhodes and Kos have international airports (making them popular among travelers who fly in from England and Germany), and Astypalaia, Kalymnos, and Karpathos receive domestic flights. All 12 main islands are served by ferries from the port of Athens, Piraeus.

Rhodes is known for its beautifully preserved walled city with Crusader castles and an ancient synagogue. And in the town of Lindos, there's an ancient Greek acropolis at the top of the hill, a medieval village in the middle, and a modern town on the beach at the bottom. Highlights on adjacent islands include the mansions of Kasos, the brightly painted houses of Kastellorizo, and the hilltop Chora (historic center) of Astypalea, one of the prettiest fortified villages in all of Greece. For a more active Greek isles experience, retreat to Karpathos to hike or windsurf, or scuba dive amid the World War II wrecks on Leros.

On Rhodes, soak in the atmosphere at Melenos Lindos , a 17th-century building with a pebbled mosaic roof deck offering sea views, set into the hill just under the acropolis. On Astypalaia, the island's breathtaking Chora is both the inspiration for, and the location of, Pylaia Boutique Hotel & Spa , which has a pool, spa, and ocean views from the Plori restaurant at its peak. And finally, on Patmos, overlooking the sea (and the famous Kalikatsou rock), The Petra offers luxurious suites equally convenient for the beach and the Monastery of St. John the Theologian .

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Greek Islands and beyond

The Best Greek Islands to visit this Summer

Updated: January 5, 2023

Greece , Europe

written by: Steph Kloeckener

The Greek islands are a dream combination of turquoise waters, picturesque villages and amazing food. Discover the best Greek islands and plan your island dream.

It is no secret, that the Greek Islands are amazing. After all, they are perfect combinations of natural beauty with sand and pebble beaches and crystal-clear water in dreamlike shades of blue and green. And of course, there is also the stunning architecture that ranges from picturesque white villages to old monasteries and ruins with a rich history like the Minoan palace of Knossos. And let’s not forget the stunning sunsets you get to see while exploring the islands of Greece or the opportunity to indulge in Greek food.

Exploring the Greek islands is a unique experience that makes you feel like you somehow stumbled into ‘Mamma Mia’. And every single island has its own charm, so you should add island hopping in Greece to your bucket list. Be sure to rent a small motorboat and explore the waters just off the coast or go on a catamaran cruise to explore more remote locations. You are bound to stumble upon beaches that are more amazing than your wildest imagination. After all, there are around 7500 kilometers of coastline on the Greek islands, so you are bound to find the beach of your dreams.

My own love story with the Greek islands had a rather unexpected start. While the country had been on my top 10 travel list for more than a decade, I did not make it there until I somehow ended up planning a girls trip with strangers.

I flew to Corfu and was blown away by the nature, the architecture, the people, and of course the amazing Greek food. I fell in love with the country, and it should not surprise you, that I cannot wait to explore all islands and islets on this list that I have yet to explore and many more.

Table of Contents

The Amazing Greek Islands

It is hard to say how many Greek islands there are, as estimates vary a lot. However, there are at least 1200 bigger islands and according to some estimates even five times as many if you choose to include the smallest islets. Of these, only 227 are inhabited.

Based on their location, the islands are split into groups. Hereby, the most popular island group is the Cyclades which include Mykonos and Santorini. Other Greek island groups are the Argo-Saronic Islands, the North Aegean Islands, the Dodecanese Islands, the Sporades, and the Ionian Islands. Only the biggest Greek island, Crete, and Evia are not part of an island group.

With their Mediterranean climate, the Greek islands have hot and dry summers. And while mainland Greece tends to have cold winters that cover the landscape in snow, the islands typically have mild winters.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see the full disclosure for further information.

The Cyclades

Everyone knows the popular Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete, but hardly anyone has ever heard of Tinos. Tinos is an underrated yet beautiful island between the two Cycladic islands Andros and Mykonos. Even though it offers stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and serene beaches, it is a non-touristy and quiet island.

The best & easiest way to get there is by ferry from Athens which is a 3-hour ride. Optionally, you can also fly to the popular neighbor island Mykonos and take the ferry from there.

Numerous rocky or sandy beaches are perfect if you want to have a relaxing day. If you prefer to experience the local life, head to some of the many villages on the island.

One of the largest and definitely one of the most beautiful ones is Pyrgos, also called Panormos, in the northern part of the island. The village is a real arts center, being the home place of many famous Greek artists. Marble workshops, galleries, and the School of Fine Arts are only a few of the many activities Pyrgos has to offer.

Another very typical thing of Tinos is the great number of dovecotes located all over the island. These white buildings with geometrical patterns can be found on a few other Cyclades islands but neither of them has as many as Tinos.

If you visit Tinos Town, make your way to the restaurant called To Koutouki tis Elenis that offers typical Greek cuisine. The grilled aubergines are seriously to die for!

Where to stay

Just a short 5-minute drive from Tinos Town is the hotel called Big Blue Tinos which is – thanks to its great location, amazing pool, and fantastic service – the perfect place to stay on the island. Plus you’ll have the chance to experience an epic sunset every day!

Explored by Lina from World of Lina

There are numerous islands in Greece, making it the perfect spot if you’re looking to hop islands and spend a while doing this. One of the best Greek islands where you can have a good time and spend a few days in  Mykonos . 

Located about 45 minutes away by ferry from Santorini, Mykonos is the perfect island if you’re into partying; however, that does not imply it isn’t for families or couples. You could also directly fly to Mykonos as there are numerous direct flights here from most European cities , especially in summer. 

There is a lot to do here for all types of travelers. The Chora windmills are very picturesque and instagrammable. Paraportiani Church is located a quick 2-minute walk away and has been seen in many movies too. 

The streets here make for a great walk around, and the shops sell many souvenirs and light clothing. Restaurants here have some of the best local food, and the Greek salads are worth trying.

Little Venice is the most popular spot here and is one of the best for sunsets. Ornos beach is great for multi-generational families. 

For those who also like history, architecture, and culture, the island of Delos, considered the location where the Greek God Apollo was born, is an hour away or so by ferry and can be visited while here too. Alternatively, you can book a yacht cruise to Delos .

Where to stay in Mykonos

Petasos Beach Resort and Spa and Cavo Tagoo are two hotels worth a stay in Mykonos. 

Recommended by Lavina from Continent Hop

3. Santorini

When you think of Greek islands, Santorini is sure to come to mind – and rightfully so, Santorini has earned its spot as one of the best Greek islands to visit! With its whitewashed villages, the caldera located against the incredibly beautiful sea, and amazing Greek food, Santorini does not disappoint.

The best way to explore the island is to rent a car and take in the charming towns and villages, the beaches, and the historical sites. The towns of Fira & Oia are the quintessential Greek villages that you see on postcards & travel brochures. Cobblestoned streets lined with whitewashed buildings and lovely small shops will entice you to spend entire days here.

Enjoy the gorgeous Aegean sea around this Greek island & the majestic Caldera through boat tours or take a dip at one of its beaches. Red Beach and Amoudi Bay are perfect to enjoy the crystal clear waters.

One of the best things to do in Santorini is to hike the caldera path from Fira to Oia – an absolutely incredible walk with spectacular views of the island and the sea – and then enjoy the sunset at Oia.

Santorini is one of those Greek islands which is the easiest to visit – it has an international airport with good connectivity to most European cities. You could also take a ferry from Athens.

Where to stay in Santorini

During your visit to Santorini, base yourself at the towns of Fira, Firostefani, or Imerovigli – these are quite centrally located and have bus connections to other parts of the island.  Santorini Princess Spa Hotel in Imerovigli and Galini Hotel in Firostefani are both excellent choices – these are cave hotels with incredible views over the sea and wonderful service.

Island explored by Smita from My Faulty Compass

One of the best Greek islands to visit this summer is Milos. Milos is an island that is part of the Cyclades island group. This means that there are many other great islands near the island as well, such as Santorini and Paros, which makes it possible to combine a visit to several of them!

A visit to the island of Milos is a great experience. Going here allows you to better experience local life on a Greek island, in comparison to many other Greek islands, such as Santorini. That’s because fewer tourists visit the island and thus it is much more authentic! There are many things to do on the island of Milos. You can see the highlights during  one day in Milos , but more time on the island is great as well!

One of these is going to the fishing village of Klima. This is a very small village where you can find a lot of colorful houses next to the sea. Another one of the best things to do on the island is to visit Sarakiniko Beach. This is an incredible beach that is very unique. At the beach, you find a lot of volcanic stone that has a white color. Moreover, this stone has a shape that is very lunar-like! It got its shape from the wind and water, and you should definitely see it when going to Milos.

Furthermore, exploring Plaka is another thing you can do on the island. This is the capital of Milos! You find here lots of small Greek houses that look very picturesque. This makes it a wonderful place to go for a stroll!

Getting to the island of Milos is very easy and you can do so by ferry or by airplane from several places in Greece.

Panorama Hotel

Island explored by Dymphe from Dymabroad

There’s something magical about going off the beaten path, which is why Paros is one of the best islands to visit in Greece!  Paros is a small island in the Aegean Sea. It’s known for its beaches, traditional villages, and one of the oldest churches in the country. It’s also a great place to party the night away. Spending 3-4 days in Paros will allow you to explore the island’s beauty at a leisurely pace with enough time to chill on the beaches as well!

September is probably one of the best times to visit. The weather is still hot and the tourist crowds have left Paros (and Greece). The prices will also be lower than during the high-season. Getting around the island is easy if you’re using public transportation – You have the bus and  water taxis that hop around the beaches, attractions and ports.

While on the island, there are a ton of different beaches where you can either chill or party. Take a stroll through Naoussa, a port village, with tons of amazing restaurants to choose from, cute shops, and alleys to get lost in.

Also, be sure to check out Lefkes, a traditional village on top of the hill, at the center of Paros. And make sure you end each day with a sunset. The show the sky puts on in Paros is one of the best we’ve seen in the world! A great spot to view one is right by Piperi beach. 

The best way to get to the island is by taking a ferry from Athens, Naxos, or Santorini, which are the closest ports. The ferry will drop you off in Parikia. If you’re looking to party, pick accommodations in Parikia, where you just landed with the ferry. If you want a more relaxing stay, we recommend the Naoussa area. Either way, you will find something for every budget. 

Suggested by Carine from We did it our way

Andros Island lies close to Athens and as it has no airport, visitors need to catch the ferry from Rafina, which takes just two hours.  Andros is the most northern of the Cyclades Islands and unlike the others, it is fertile with lush vegetation. It is well known for its spectacular sunsets best seen on its western coast.

The island is a wonderful mixture of mountains, beaches, and charming villages and is ideal for hikers with 18 hiking trails – 100 km of paths.  There is the Dipotama Gorge and the monasteries of Agios Nikolaos and Agios Panachrantos to explore and Aghia Marina contains a famous icon of the Virgin Mary. Additionally, there are numerous little villages including Sireti with its windmills and Apikia with the Sariza spring, which provides the island’s famous mineral water.

Chora is the charming main town which is located on a narrow inlet with neoclassical mansions with red-tiled roofs. The mansions were once owned by wealthy Greek Shipowners. There is the Maritime Museum tracing the island’s rich maritime heritage and Kairis Library with its impressive collection of manuscripts and rare publications. There are the ruins of the Venetian castle and numerous winding streets for wandering.

Andros has many beautiful sandy beaches  with crystal clear waters including some with tavernas. Korthi beach is well known for its windsurfing competitions. There are the island foods to try which include Doppio – the local cheese, Froutalia omelet, and kaltsounia and amygdalota – two irresistible sweets made with crushed nuts.  

Where to stay in Andros

A great place to stay is Blue Era Apartments at the seaside resort of Batsi.

Explored by Chrysoula from Greece Travel Ideas

The island of Naxos, found in the heart of the Aegean Sea, is sought-after for its striking beaches, warm waters, interesting history, and archeological ruins. It is the largest of the Cyclades and offers a host of things to do and sights to see.

Top attractions include Mikro Vigla, Ano Koufonisi, the Temple of Demeter, and the Archeological Museum of Naxos. Don’t miss a chance to explore the Apollo Temple and the streets of the Old Town.

Blessed with good weather and beaches to match, beach hopping is a popular activity. The best ones to visit are Agios Prokopios, Plaka Beach, and Cedar Forest of Alyko. Must-try meals include kokoras me makaronia, melachrino, and kouneli riganato.

Because the island is so large, it is recommended to spend at least a couple of days here to really experience it all. Fortunately, this cheap island to visit is easily reached by direct flight from Athens by ferry from the port of Piraeus. It is also well connected to the adjacent islands. Offering a unique mix of island life, beach culture, and ancient ruins, Naxos has it all and should not be missed. 

Explored by Rai from A Rai of Light

Ionian Islands

Corfu is located in the Ionian Sea and is one of the best Greek islands. It offers a large variety of amazing things to see and do. There are monasteries and the old Town of Corfu which is a UNESCO world heritage site and stunning natural sights. And if you want to party, the south of the island is perfect for you. All in all, Corfu is a great destination for a girls trip as this island has it all. Surprisingly, the daily costs in Corfu are lower than on other Greek Islands, so you can get a luxurious vacation for less.

This amazing island in Greece has turquoise water and a lot of beaches and coves. Hereby, the best beaches of Corfu are Bararia Beach in Kassiopi, Canal d’Amour Beach in Sidari, Loggas Beach in Peroulades, Porto Timoni Beach, Agios Spiridon Beach in Palaiokastritsa and Rovina Beach in Liapades.

If you want a break from the beaches, you can explore the mountainous area in the center of the island. Alternatively, you can also explore Corfu Old Town with its historic buildings like the Old and the New Venetian Fortress or the Achilleion.

If you want amazing food in Corfu, Thymari in Corfu Old Town is amazing. The outside sitting area of the restaurant is situated on the stairs of a plaza and the atmosphere there only enhances the already amazing food. And if you dream of sipping cocktails while enjoying an incredible view, you should head to Paleokastrites where you will find the Golden Fox and the Bellavista restaurants.

The best time to visit Corfu is from June to September. You can fly into Corfu International Airport or take the ferry from the mainland. There are several ferries per day.

Where to stay in Corfu

It is best to split your trip between two accommodations in different parts of the island if you want to make the most of your trip. Spend a few days in Corfu Old Town in a studio, like the beautiful  Kâmara Old Town Studios , and then head towards the northern beaches. The best hotels for a beachside stay are in Sidari , Kassiopi and Paleokastritsa .

9. Zakynthos

Zakynthos is a Greek Island within the stunning turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. Also known as Zante, this island is most famous for its iconic Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) and the surrounding white cliffs and blue lagoons. A trip to Zakynthos would not be complete without a boat trip to this beautiful beach. White sands and the crystal-clear bright blue ocean are enough to draw you in on their own. However, the humongous shipwreck certainly makes a unique photo opportunity.

As Zakynthos is an Island, there are several different beaches you can explore. Banana beach is a must as it has soft sand and various beach bars and facilities to enjoy while you relax.

However, if you’re looking for a beautiful sunset, then head to the top of the mountains. The Garden, Argassi is a brilliant location to see the sunset from. The décor is absolutely fabulous, and the view is just as spectacular. Drink a glass of wine and enjoy tapas as you watch the sunset over the beach and ocean below.  

If you’re looking to  explore Zante Zakynthos  then it would be best to rent a car. You can pick one up easily at the international airport and be on your way in no time. Laganas is the most popular area of ‘Zante’ and this district is known for its nightlife and party scene.

If you choose to stay in the area of Laganas but don’t want to be too close to the strip, you should stay at Litore Luxury Living hotel. It is clean, modern, and within walking distance. You feel as though you could easily be somewhere else.

Otherwise, consider staying near Dafni beach. If you are lucky enough, you might see sea turtles lay their eggs!

Recommended by Kerry Hanson from VeggTravel  

Other Greek Islands

If you are open to visiting the islands around Greece then consider one of the largest in the Cyclades at Crete. Crete has so much history, gorgeous beaches, old cities, and stunning landscape to visit around the island that it is worth a relatively short flight from the international airport at Athens to get to Crete.

For outdoor lovers, there are plenty of beach scenes, outdoor hiking and visiting Unesco sites around the island and even taking some wonderful road trips around the island to discover.

You should consider basing yourself around Unesco town of Chania with so many options for inns, hotels, and Air Bnb accommodations, and walking around the historic district is easy enough to enjoy the harbor and old town city without a car. 

Outside of visiting historic Chania you can visit so many amazing places that are historic, gorgeous landscapes and road trips and other unique only in Crete venues including:

Knossos – the historic Minoan palace with amazing ruins that have been partially restored

Heraklion – explore the bustling port city and unique architecture, food, and attractions in the city

The old town of  Rethymno – explore the cool alleyways, streets, and markets in the historic old district

Imbrose Gorge – beautiful hiking trail, gorgeous vistas, and a sleepy village to explore in this fun outdoor hiking venue You’ll find so many unique and wonderful things to do and explore around the island and Crete shines with so much history, amazing local foods, and wines and beautiful landscapes and beaches that really are special and unique to experience.

Suggested by Noel Morata from Oahu Travel Now

Dodecanese Islands

Rhodes is one of the great Greek islands to visit. One of its particular strengths is its wonderfully diverse landscape. You can go here from deep forests to spectacular mountains and with a really beautiful coastline.

There is so much history in Rhodes too and one of the great places to visit is Lindos Acropolis which sits high on top of the clifftops. It’s a great place for a wander with inscribed tablets and fallen pillars dotted across the site.

It is worth visiting the town of Lindos, far below too, which is full of the sweetest whitewashed houses.

Don’t miss a chance to visit Rhodes Town too which exudes Medieval charm. Stroll through the cobbled streets with buildings that look like they’re out of a film set. Rhodes is ideal for outdoor pursuits too with kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, and surfing being perfect activities on this island.

The best way to get to Rhodes is to fly in. You can get a combination of ferries across from Athens but it’s a fairly long trek. Ladiko, while fairly small is a lovely beach as is Fourni Beach which is a great spot to watch the sunset from.

Where to stay in Rhodes

There are some fantastic places to stay in Rhodes. If you’re taking a Rhodes family holiday then Levante Beach Resort is perfect. Otherwise, Mitsis La Vita Beach Hotel is a great choice.

Explored by Nicola from Family Hotel Expert

Kos is one of the Greek islands within the Aegean Sea. It is well known because it is settled just in front of Turkey, which makes it possible to also visit the gorgeous Turkish town of Bodrum. On the other hand, you’ll be able to additionally spend a day or two on Kos if are spending some time in Bodrum. The ferry presently costs about 20€.

Kos isn’t a small island which is why you can relax on the beach or hike through the beautiful mountains with no problems. If you would like to travel directly to Kos, you can use the island’s own airport. Make sure to check out this  Greece packing list  for additional helpful info and tips before leaving. After you arrive on Kos, these are our top three suggestions:

Visit the sunset in Zia and eat at a very special restaurant – One of the highlights is a visit to the mountain village of Zia. The village itself is incredibly popular with several souvenir stores and restaurants. However, all are very charming!

One among the upper restaurants includes a breathtakingly stunning terrace from where you will be able to admire one of the foremost beautiful sunsets in Greece.

Do some water activities at Marmari Beach – If you had to decide on one beach, you should go to Marmari Beach, but hopefully you’ll never be forced to decide on only 1 beach in Kos. The reason: Marmari Beach includes a attractive white sandy beach with beautiful blue water. The various activities there make it the perfect beach to spend the entire day.

Taste the Greek hospitality – If at all possible, eat outside of your hotel and you may even get lucky and be invited to a Greek family’s home. Keep in mind that a little gift is common in Greece. It is best to not eat beforehand. This is not solely because you will get a lot of food, but also because it is unbelievably delicious and you will certainly want to try as much as possible.

Kos Aktis Art Hotel – Here you’ll find rooms directly on the beachfront with a stunning view!

Recommended by x from x

Aegean Islands

13. Thassos

Thassos is one of the lesser-known Greek islands, somewhat of a hidden gem in the Northern Aegean Sea. However, it is very easy to access on a short ferry ride, from either Kavala or Keramoti on the mainland. 

As opposed to most Greek islands, Thassos is a green one, with lush vegetation. The best about  Thassos island  is that it is very diverse. You can spend your time relaxing on the best beaches, but also hiking in the forests to find a waterfall, exploring the traditional villages or the ancient ruins in Limenas or Aliki for example.

Rent a scooter or a bike and start exploring. Theologos and Panagia are two beautiful villages, where time stood still. Stop in Theologos for lunch and try the famous roasted lamb, a local specialty.

You can rent your equipment and try kayaking or other watersports at Golden Beach, Skala Rachoni Beach in the north, or Pefkari or Potos Beach in the southern part of the island. Some other beautiful beaches are Paradise Beach or Marble Beach. And if you’re looking for a spectacular place to take a dip in, go to Giola lagoon, a gorgeous natural pool in southern Thassos.

You can also spend a perfect day if you rent a small boat and explore the coastline in search of the most beautiful bay on the island. From the southern part of Thassos, you will see beautiful sunsets with Mount Athos in the background.

Where to stay on Thassos

Villa Teresa Luxury Suites and Akti Belvedere Color & Essence are amazing accommodations.

Suggested by Anda from Travel for a while

Saronic Islands

Aegina belongs to the Argo-Saronic group of Greek islands. Ferries and speed boats to Aegina depart multiple times a day from Piraeus and reach the island within one hour, more or less. It is an island that is famous for its pistachios. They are considered among the best in the world and late August or early September is the right time to visit Aegina if you want to taste fresh pistachios.

Among the must-see  highlights of Aegina Island  there are the Temple of Aphaia, the Archeological Site of Kolona, the Agios Nektarios Monastery, and the Tower of Markellos. As the island is small, one or two days are enough to cover all these.

Aegina isn’t one of those Greek islands that are famous for their beaches. Nevertheless, it has some good ones. Marathonas beach is probably the best. Also, the beach on Moni, an islet you can reach by water taxi, is perfect for spending one day in nature, sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and even hiking.

The best sunset spot on Aegina is the coastline between Aegina Town and Souvala. Marathonas Beach is another great spot to enjoy some amazing sunsets.

Where to stay on Aegina

Danae Hotel   is one of the best mid-price accommodation options on Aegina. Conveniently located on the coastal road at about 10 minutes walk from the center of Aegina Town, this hotel is the ideal place to stay if you want to enjoy the promenade and the restaurants in the city center without the need for hiring a car.

Those who prefer luxury accommodation may be better off at  Lalibay Resort and Spa , the newest resort on the island, with a private beach area and a very beautiful garden. 

Explored by Violeta from Offbeat Greece

Planning a trip?

Check out these useful websites and resources I use to plan my own adventures.

Which Greek Island will you visit this summer?

Every single island is great, but which one is the best Greek island for you? Has it already been on your travel bucket list for a while or did you add further islands to the list after reading this list?

More about Greek Islands

If you are making plans for your next Greece trip, these travel guides might be useful to you: Corfu Travel Budget Corfu Images

Which Greek island is your Favorite One?

Let me know in the comments down below!

Still not sure which island in Greece is your next destination? Pin this post for later!

I am the founder of A Nomad's Passport and a solo traveling digital nomad, photographer, and writer. Originally from Germany, I have lived in several countries including Australia & Mexico.

As an outdoor lover and culture enthusiast, I love writing about all forms of adventure travel ranging from outdoor activities like scuba diving and hiking to cultural experiences, alongside road trips and itineraries that combine these elements.

A Nomad's Passport is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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6 must-visit Greek islands and what you can do on each

The islands of Greece are renowned for their unrivaled beauty and island-hopping is one of the best ways to experience the unique landscapes. Few things are better than wandering through the cobblestone walkways, swimming in the crystal blue sea and tucking into delicious Greek food.

However, with over 227 inhabited islands, choosing which islands to visit can be overwhelming. Here, we've listed some of the best Greek islands to add to your itinerary.

Best for: Lush greenery and history

Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and luscious greenery, Corfu is one of the most beloved destinations among both locals and travelers. Corfu offers plenty of nature, hiking trails, and opportunities to rest and relax. Two to three days is enough to tour the island’s highlights, but to explore different parts of Corfu, we recommend no less than five days.

Corfu Old Town is one of the top visited places and a good starting point for your trip. Some of the famous landmarks include the Spianada Square , Church of Saint Spiridon , The Liston and the Statue of Georgios Theotokis . If you like history, the Archeological Museum of Corfu has a good collection of artifacts from the different periods.

Located 14 miles from Corfu Town, the beaches at Paleokastritsa boast incredibly clear waters perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Rent a boat or take a private tour to visit the beaches. If time permits, take a day trip from Corfu to discover Paxos’ Blue Caves and Antipaxos.

Where to stay: For somewhere with lots to do, see and eat, Corfu Town will fit your bill. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed town features stunning Venetian architecture; check out the unmissable Siora Vittoria Boutique Hotel .

For a family-friendly coastal resort, head to Kontokali . There are many places to choose from and if budget is not an issue, stay at the magnificent Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa .

2. Santorini

Best for: First-timers and honeymooners

Santorini is the most spectacular island and a must-visit when in Greece. We recommend sticking around for a minimum of three days, but it’s easy to linger for five to seven days.

Santorini’s gorgeous coastline is best admired from the water. Go on a catamaran cruise to beaches and other hidden gems only accessible by boat, and visit the island’s volcanic hot springs. During your trip, be sure to visit Fira , Santorini’s capital.

Here, discover the famous white and blue houses and wander through picturesque narrow alleys. Oia is another must-see spot. You can hike from Fira to Oia and enjoy magnificent views of the island along the way. Time your hike to arrive in Oia for the sunset—you can thank us later. There are also half-day hiking tours with a guide.

Where to stay: The four main towns located along the caldera–Fira, Oia, Imerovigli , and Firostefani —are the best places to stay in Santorini . Oia is the most picturesque town in Santorini and is filled with great restaurants and shopping. Imerovigli is a small village that’s quiet and peaceful.

Firostefani, which sits between Imerovigli and Fira, offers amazing caldera views and is less touristy. Fira is centrally located and has good public transportation. However, it tends to be busy and noisy.

Best for: Nature, beaches and food

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is packed with ancient ruins and natural beauty. It’s said that Crete should be a country on its own (yes, it’s that big); we don’t recommend anything less than seven days to fully explore the island.

For the avid hiker, the Samaria Gorge National Park is one of the most scenic national parks in Europe . To save the hassle of arranging your own transportation, consider a hiking tour that includes a guide, and hotel pick-up and drop-off.

For beach bums, explore world famous beaches like Elafonissi or the breathtaking Balos Lagoon . There’s also something for history buffs: take a tour to Knossos Palace and the Heraklion city, including a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum .

Where to stay: Chania Town is one of the most popular places, offering plenty of excellent restaurants, bars and shops. The town is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to get to other places. Heraklion is another great area with a bustling nightlife.

Best for: Escaping the crowd

While still bearing the idyllic stone streets and white-washed building, Paros is definitely worth a visit for travelers looking to escape the buzz of Mykonos and Santorini. Two to three days is enough to discover the best of Paros, but you can spend more time enjoying the serenity of the place if you wish.

Parikia is where the majority of Paros’ landmarks are located, such as the Panagia Ekatontapiliani , the Frankish Castle ruins and the Archaeological Museum . Spend a lazy afternoon sipping wine at Moraitis Winery , or take a dip in the clear waters of Lageri beach .

For a truly traditional Greek village experience, head to Lefkes . Popular things to do include walking the Byzantine Road from Lefkes to Prodromos , stopping by Kallitechniko Kafenio , and visiting the town of Marpissa .

Where to stay: The best areas are the two main villages, Parikia and Naoussa . Parikia is a budget-friendly option; it’s also well connected by public transportation. For a more upscale and modern feel, Naoussa is a good bet. There are also more luxury hotels or villas to choose from in the area.

Best for: Families

While the Greek islands are often great for partying, there are family-friendly options like Naxos . It’s a large laid-back island with long and sandy beaches (sans the crowd) and plenty of family-friendly attractions, from ruins to museums.

For a fuss-free introduction to Naxos, hop on a bus tour to explore the island and experience top attractions such as the ancient Temple of Demeter , the Archaeological Museum of Apiranthos , and the church of Agios Georgios Disasoritis . You can also see Greek mythologies come to life on a Naxos mythology tour . Also, don’t miss out on the views from the top of Kastro of Naxos .

Agios Georgios Beach (St. George Beach) is one of the most family-friendly beaches with activities for everyone. Lounge under an umbrella and enjoy the Aegean sun while the kids splash and play in the shallow waters. The shallow lagoon is also popular with windsurfers. If you need windsurfing lessons, head to Laguna Beach Park where Naxos’s premier windsurfing school is located.

Where to stay: Chora is the main town on Naxos and it’s the most convenient area to stay with good bus services to other parts of the island. For a picturesque beach getaway, stay in Plaka , a laid-back seaside town; Agia Anna or Agios Prokopios are also popular locations for a secluded getaway.

Best for: Nightlife and beaches

Known as the Greek party island, Mykonos is certainly the most cosmopolitan (and luxurious) island destination in Greece. Two to three days in Mykonos is enough to take in some history and culture, while four to five days will allow you to experience the island in a whole different way.

With so much to see and do in Mykonos, a half-day tour will cover the main highlights of the island, such as Little Venice , Panagia Paraportiani , and Monastery of Panayia Tourliani . You can also tailor your itinerary according to your interest with this private tour .

From Mykonos, take a half-day trip to Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. In summer, head for the pristine beaches in Mykonos. For a challenging (but fun) surf in the summer winds, check out Kalafatis, Platis Gialos or Ftelia . Hopping on a cruise is another great way to discover the beauty of the south coast. Plus, you get to hit some of the best beaches in Mykonos along the way.

Where to stay: Most of the action takes place in and around Mykonos Town , Ornos Beach and Platis Gialos Beach. Mykonos town offers lots of nightlife, restaurants and shopping, and it’s compact and walkable. There are also buses running regularly from Mykonos Town to the beaches.

Recommended tours and activities

15 Reasons to Visit the Greek Islands

By Caitlin Morton

Greece has more than 6,000 islands and islets , so it's no surprise, then, that there's a little something for everyone. Whether you're looking for culture and nightlife, fresh seafood, or some of the best beaches in the world, you'll be able to find it in one idyllic trip. Need more convincing? Here are 15 reasons to visit the Greek islands now.

The charming, bloom-filled village of Assos on Kefalonia.

The fresh-from-the-Aegean seafood on Naxos.

The gorgeous, off-the-beaten-path Porto Katsiki beach below the cliffs on Lefkada.

The sunrises in Mykonos (most likely after a long night out).

Hannah Towey

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

Steph Koyfman

The ancient ruins of the Lindos Acropolis on Rhodes.

The stunning beaches of Zakynthos, including the cliff-lined Navagio, aka "Shipwreck Beach."

The crowd-free tavernas and quaint bed-and-breakfasts of Paros.

The sound of silence on Hydra (former home of Leonard Cohen), where no cars or scooters are allowed.

The unpretentious accommodations and world-class views of Skopelos—plus the chance to sing ABBA songs all day (the film Mamma Mia! was shot on island).

The seaside tavernas and mountain eateries of Lesbos, which also happens to be the ouzo capital of Greece—so be prepared for a little liquid with your diet.

The feeling of being transported to the moon on Sarakiniko Beach, Milos.

The medieval architecture and painted houses of Pyrgi, Chios.

The epic hiking (and views) in Crete's Samariá Gorge.

The iconic blue domes and whitewashed facades of Oia, Santorini...

...with the added bonus of cats tucked all throughout the streets.

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33 Best Greek Islands to Visit Right Now

• 5 Pinterest

The Greek islands are some of the world’s most idyllic holiday destinations.

Characterized by clear turquoise water, pristine beaches and dramatic mountainous landscapes there’s an abundance of natural wonders here just waiting to be discovered!

Some of the islands are major tourist destinations enticing millions of visitors each year and others are barely explored by tourists at all. All are rich in history with ruins and archeological sites dating back over 5,000 years.

Dance the night away at some of Europe’s top party islands, including Corfu, Kos, Paros and Ios or live it up at the exclusive resorts of Mykonos and the fabulous volcanic island of Santorini. These are some of the best Greek islands for those in search of a party that never ends.

Nightlife is not your thing? Check out the gorgeous tranquil islands of Chios, Kalymnos and Karpathos which offer a fantastic adventure destination, exotic beauty and abundant outdoor pursuits for those who like to vacation without the crowds.

All are great places to discover the traditional dishes of the region, including delicious fresh seafood, peppery olive oils, rich moussakas and fruity salads. From the fanciest five-star restaurants to the humble and ubiquitous tavernas, you are sure to fall in love with the region’s cuisine.

Ready? Let’s explore the best Greek islands to visit right now.

1 – Crete

Greece’s largest island and one of its most popular tourist destinations, Crete has been charming visitors for thousands of years. Whether searching for history, outdoor adventure or lazy beach days, this sun-drenched island is the perfect destination.

With seemingly endless white sandy beaches and over 600 miles of stunning coastline to explore, Crete is one of the jewels of the Mediterranean.

The island is strewn with locations that are both historic and fascinating such as the ancient Knossos Palace, which dates back to prehistory and is thought to be the home of the fabled Minotaur.

For a more in-depth look at the history of the island, check out the Heraklion Archeological Museum to glimpse ancient artifacts and reconstructions of its famous locations.

Hot tip: Don’t miss our selection of fun things to do in Heraklion .

Explore the natural beauty of Crete’s rugged canyons, including the impressive Samaria Gorge Trail in the White Mountain’s National Park. Climb up the island’s highest peak Mount Ida Psiloritis for some of the most captivating views in the world.

Discover the old town of Chania with its magnificent architecture as well as the island capital Heraklion. Tour the cobbled streets and lively bars of Rethymnon and dip your feet into the crystal waters of Balos Lagoon and Elafonnissi Beach.

Read more: Best things to do in Chania .

The magical island of Crete is sure to keep you wanting to return again and again.

• Tours & Activities in Crete

See also: Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Crete

2 – Syros

For those in search of a quiet retreat with authentic local culture and a laid-back atmosphere, Syros has a little bit of everything.

Its vibrant capital, the city of Ermoupoli will provide you with enough atmosphere during your stay. Explore the shops and cultural events that occur throughout the year, including Syros International Film Festival, The Guitar Festival and The Ermoupoleia Festival.

Unlike some of the more touristic Greek islands, Syros is inhabited year-round which means there are plenty of quality local establishments at hand. Discover the excellent bars and restaurants and listen to some local musicians play the popular Rebetiko music.

The island has calm and inviting beaches all of which have Blue Flag status for cleanliness and water quality. Explore the secluded Grammata and Lia Beaches or the popular resorts of Galissas Beach and Azolimnos.

Just a short hop to Mykonos, Tinos and Santorini, Syros is well located in the heart of the Cyclades making it the perfect island getaway whilst still close to the action.

There are also plenty of architectural and historical treasures to find here. Syros was once a prosperous trading port in the Mediterranean and this can be glimpsed in some of its extravagant buildings in the Vaporia Quarter of Ermopoulis.

The streets here are packed with Neo-Classical mansions and decorated with extravagant archways. Visit the Apollo Theatre and Archeological Museum to see some of the most splendid buildings on the island.

3 – Corfu

Lying in the Ionian Sea, the island of Corfu is both green and lush and has been one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations for over 100 years.

It is the most densely populated of all the Greek islands and is culturally a little different from the rest of Greece. It spent over 400 years under Venetian rule and as a result, has a more Western feel than the rest of the country.

It also has a large English-speaking population and is one of the most tourist-friendly of the islands.

The city of Corfu and its historic Old Town is packed with Venetian architecture. On a stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets, visitors can see tall buildings — reminiscent of Northern Italian cities, as well as mighty castles, bustling streets and even a British-style Georgian palace.

Be sure to check out the Old and New Fortresses on a tour of the city as well as the magnificent San Giacomo Theatre — which is now the town hall, The 14th-century bell tower known as the Annunziata and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George.

Outside of the city, there are many spectacular attractions to discover. The Achillion Palace , built for Empress Sissy of Austria in 1891 is particularly stunning as is the Paleokastritsa Monastery and the ruins of Angelokastro fortress, which has awesome sea views.

Some of the best natural attractions include the beaches of La Grotta, Mirtiotissa and Canal D’Amour and Pantokrator Mountain.

Partygoers can check out the resort of Kavos or Corfu city to find lively nightlife and a booming bar scene.

• Tours & Activities in Corfu

See also: Fun Things to do in Corfu

4 – Skopelos

The verdant island of Skopelos is attracting more visitors each year with its laid-back charm, natural beauty and picture-perfect beaches.

The island has grown in popularity after appearing in the movie “Mamma Mia!” and it’s easy to see why. As well as beaches this idyllic and tranquil location has some great museums, monasteries and unique activities to try.

Skopelos is great for adventure lovers who like to explore under their own steam. Hire a mountain bike and cycle the coastal trails or take a moonlight bike tour of the island’s hidden treasures.

There is an abundance of water activities and sports to keep you busy too, including paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkeling in the pristine waters of the Aegean Sea. Why not try a sailing trip around the island for a truly unforgettable experience?

Most visitors will be excited to explore the beautiful beaches such as Panormos, Milia and Limnonari and the secluded bay of Cape Amorandos.

Visit some of the island’s unique tourist attractions such as the Pirate graves of Sendoukia and the church of Agios Ioannis Kastri which is featured in Mamma Mia! Learn local history at the Folklore museum and the Vakratsa Mansion and discover religious sites such as the monasteries of Agia Varvara, Timois Prodromos and Evangilistria.

Sample the beloved local dishes such as the cheese pie known as Strifti, fresh seafood and the island’s famous plums which are transformed into all kinds of delicious desserts.

5 – Santorini

Ah, Santorini! There are many reasons why this picturesque island is so popular. Visitors come to see the charming whitewashed buildings which give cling to the hillsides and look out over some of the most fantastic views anywhere in Europe.

The fertile island is formed from volcanic rock and is formed from a huge mostly-submerged underwater volcano — known as a caldera. The last major eruption was in the 1950s and the volcano is considered dormant but, needless to say, it has created a dynamic and impressive landscape.

The island has a lot to offer and tourists are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities. Why not take a vineyard tour and sample some of the best local wines, or take a catamaran sailing cruise to the nearby islands?

Adventure lovers should walk the Fira-Oia hiking trail along the island’s volcanic ridge or try a standup paddleboard and snorkeling experience.

Discover ancient Minoan artifacts at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira and see prehistoric ruins at the Akrotiri Archeological Site and Ancient Thera.

Explore the old village of Mesa Gonia, the streets of Pyrgos and the popular village of Oia. Walk on the volcanic black sand beaches and visit popular coastal locations such as Amoudi Bay, Kamari Beach and SKaros Rock, which was once the site of a fortress.

You are sure to be enchanted by Santorini!

• Tours & Activities in Santorini

See also: Best Things to Do in Santorini , Best Boat Tours in Santorini

6 – Karpathos

the island of Karpathos was famously mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and, in Greek Mythology, is said to be the home of the Titan, Iapetus.

As it is not a major tourist destination Karpathos has retained its authenticity and traditions and there are fantastic cultural delights to discover here. The island is generally at its busiest during the month of August when family members return home and the summer festivals take place.

The bright and traditional villages of Olympos and Manetes offer a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of local culture to discover. There are many spectacular photo opportunities, including fantastic views over the Aegean Sea and the pastel-colored buildings that rise up on the hillsides.

Discover enchanting beaches like the popular Kyra Panagia, Apella and Damatria and sample some of the popular water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Hike the Kali Limni mountain and take the short journey to the uninhabited Saria Island to spot wildlife. History fans should visit the Archeological Museum Karpathos as well as the ruins of Agia Fotini.

Food fans will not be disappointed with the selection of fine restaurants on the island selling traditional seafood, fresh and tasty salads and local favorites like moussaka and pastitsio. The main town of Pigadia offers the widest selection of excellent tavernas to discover.

7 – Naxos

The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos is the perfect destination for those seeking tours and activities but without the crowds.

Located between Santorini and Mykonos, the island has plenty to see and discover including historic sites, scenic mountain trails and glorious beaches.

The island’s capital Hora — also known as Chora as well as Naxos, is the first place visitors will see when arriving by ferry. The city is home to a 13th-century castle which also houses an archeological museum .

The ruined Temple of Apollo located near Hora is a must-see when visiting the island as are the narrow winding streets of the city’s Old Town.

Some of the most popular beaches include Plaka, Agia Anna and Panormos all of which are blessed with golden sands and clear turquoise waters.

Walk the trails of the Zas Mountains and see the legendary Zeus Cave which is one of the island’s most magical natural locations. The forest of Alyko which covers nearly 1,000 acres surrounding Alyko Beach is also one of the island’s most peaceful and scenic spots.

While in Naxos don’t miss the Kouros — enormous unfinished marble statues in the ancient quarries of Apollonas and Flerio.

• Tours & Activities in Naxos

8 – Mykonos

Mykonos has recently gained a reputation as one of the world’s most upscale party islands. If you like nothing better than a night on the town and lazy days in beach cabanas surrounded by the glamorous and wealthy, Mykonos is the place to be.

The island is fairly small but has 25 beaches to choose from. In the Summer months, visitors can see the spectacular yachts which line the coast, unlike many of the nearby islands.

Some of its most popular beaches include Psaros, Paradise and Super Paradise which are regularly frequented by celebrities and island-hopping millionaires. There are many other spots that are less crowded though and somewhat more accessible to people traveling on a budget.

in the town of Mykonos, Little Venice is a picturesque place to sit by the water and catch the sunsets but get there early as it fills up fast. Popular party spots on the island include Astra, Scorpios and Skandinavian Bar and Club — one of the oldest on the island.

Foodies have an abundance of high-class eateries to choose from including the Michelin-starred restaurants Varoulko Seaside, CTC and Hytra.

Mykonos is not for those who seek peace and relaxation on a vacation but for the younger crowd looking for a stunning summer party island, it is one of the top destinations in the world.

• Tours & Activities in Mykonos

See also: Fun Things to do in Mykonos

9 – Chios

The large island of Chios lies just off the coast of Turkey and has traditional villages and alluring historic locations to explore that date back to the Medieval period.

The island is famous worldwide as a producer of mastic gum which is extracted from the Mastic tree. This prized natural gum has been used in everything from food and alcohol production to embalming and has shaped the architecture of the island’s villages.

The southern “mastic villages” were built with defensive walls which have protected them from pirates and looters throughout history.

The attractive town of Pyrgi is one of the most visually interesting on any of the Greek islands. It is decorated in unique geometric patterns, known as graffito,  that are carved and painted onto the buildings.

The 11th-century Nea Moni monastery — in the Byzantine style, is decorated with fine mosaics and frescoes. Visitors can discover more about the island’s history at Chios Castle which houses restored Turkish baths.

The villages of Olimpoi, Mestra, Chios and Avgonyma are must-visits while staying on the island. Visitors can also explore the abandoned medieval village of Anavatos.

The black stone beaches of Mavra Volia are quite stunning to see and a nice place to swim in the cool deep waters. There are many more fine beaches to explore too such as the secluded bay of Vroulidia in the South of the island and the more touristic Karfas Beach.

10 – Rhodes

The famous island of Rhodes — once home to The Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, is one of Greece’s most popular island destinations.

Offering a little bit of everything from beautiful beaches, historic towns and villages and tourist attractions, Rhodes is still one of the most family-friendly Greek islands.

Explore the city’s Old Town and visit the famous Palace of the Grandmaster of the Knights of Rhodes, which dates back to the 13th century. The palace is located within the medieval walls and is surrounded by historic Gothic buildings as well as Italian and Turkish architecture.

The island is one of the best for family-friendly attractions and kids can find plenty to occupy them at the Faliraki Water Park, Farma of Rhodes Petting Zoo and the Aquaworld Aquarium.

Visit the nearby town of Lindos or the picturesque island of Symi. Explore magnificent natural spaces such as the valley of the Butterflies and the calming Seven Springs.

The island of Rhodes also has magnificent beaches and coves to explore. Why not try snorkeling or paddleboarding in the deep pristine waters of Anthony Quinn Bay or take an unforgettable kitesurfing session at the wild and windy coves of Prassonissi Beach

If you’re on the hunt for lively nightlife, check out the area surrounding Hippocrates Square in the main city. Rhodes has something for everyone.

• Tours & Activities in Rhodes

See also: Fun & Unusual Things to do in Rhodes

11 – Kalymnos

One of Greece’s most popular outdoor sports locations, Kalymnos has become a favorite destination for rock climbing in recent years.

With over 3,000 recognized climbing routes throughout the island, it is the unique limestone formations and overhangs that make it such a fantastic spot for rock climbers of all abilities.

If you like to live on the adventurous side there are a number of excellent professional guides that will have you scaling knee-trembling cliff faces in no time — even for first-time climbers.

Adventure-lovers can also try a scuba diving excursion in the clear turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Visitors often travel to Kalymnos on a sailing trip from the nearby island of Kos and this offers one of the most stunning ways to see the island.

The island had a prosperous sponge fishing industry up until the 1980s, the remnants of which can still be witnessed to this day. To see all manner of unusual sea sponges and learn a little history about the historic industry check out Sponge Factory in the town of Pothia.

The Agios Savvas Monastery — built in the 1900s, features spectacular frescoes and mosaic decorations and even houses the body of Saint Savvas in a nearby building.

There are some interesting museums to explore on the island too. Glimpse some of the most amazing finds from the marine depths at the Sea World Museum or learn about the local cultures and traditions at the Folklore Museum. Kalymnos is waiting to be discovered!

12 – Skiathos

The small island of Skiathos is a popular destination for younger travelers who come to enjoy its lively nightlife.

Many visit the island to relax on Lalaria Beach which, with its iconic rock arch, towering chalk cliffs and crystal waters, is both dramatic and paradisical.

The island is home to many beautiful beaches though and they are often in attractive forest locations such as the Koukounaries and Agia Eleni beaches.

There are many bars and clubs to choose from throughout the island offering everything from electronic dance music to live bands and DJs. Apotheke is one of the most popular venues for dance music and lovers of live music should check out Blind Dog and Totem.

Some of the must-see places to visit on the island include the peaceful and picturesque sanctuary of Monastero di Panagia Evangelistria and the Skiathitiko Spiti house museum which shows traditional clothing and items and tells the history of the island through one families story.

The clifftop ruins of Il Kastro offer a stunning vantage point to check out the scenery and the main town has a museum to the writer Alexandros Papadiamantis who is one of the island’s most famous residents.

• Tours & Activities in Skiathos

13 – Thassos

A quintessential Greek island that benefits from a tourist infrastructure but isn’t overwhelmed with crowds, Thassos is one of the best Greek islands for a family vacation or quiet getaway.

Thassos is one of the largest of the Greek islands and boasts plenty of beautiful beaches dense forests and serene coastal scenery.

It has almost 60 miles of coastline and there are plenty of attractive beaches to explore and spend lazy days swimming and sunbathing. Paradise Beach is a good spot for families as the water is shallow and perfect for children.

The dramatic scenery of Golden Beach, which is surrounded by rugged hills and forests, makes it one of the most spectacular on the island along with Psili Ammos.

Those who like to live on the wild side should check out the Giola natural lagoon on the south of the island. This natural pool is a popular spot for diving and grabbing those spectacular holiday photos.

Culture vultures can explore the Archeological Museum in the main city of Limenas as well as the Aliki archeological site — an ancient marble quarry that has been in use for over 3,000 years.

The island is crisscrossed with excellent hiking trails that extend over its highest peak, Mount Ipsaron. These trails offer a great way to explore quaint mountain villages such as Panagia in the northeast of the island. Don’t miss out on the Sotirelis Olive Oil Museum when visiting the area.

14 – Paros

Just a short hop from the island of Naxos, Paros offers a fantastic blend of the traditional and modern. It has a lively club and bar scene in the main cities of Parikia and Naoussa but offers tranquil escapes throughout the rest of the island.

The island’s capital, Parikia, has a lot to discover, including historical sites like the city’s Old Town, a 13th-century castle, an archeological museum where visitors can catch up on the island’s history and an ancient cemetery that dates back almost 3,000 years.

The attractive seaside town of Naoussa offers some of the finest restaurants, bars and shopping opportunities on the island. It is nearby many of the island’s most popular beaches.

Take a boat cruise to the neighboring island of Antiparos to explore its spectacular sea caves and the stunning lagoon of Tigani on the Gramvoussa peninsula.

Adventure sports lovers can spend the day kitesurfing or windsurfing on the east and west coasts of the island or hiking the trails of Paros Park which covers over 190 acres at the very north of the island.

Paros has more than 40 beaches to choose from including some remote hideaways such as Kalogeros Beach. The most popular beaches are Pounda — which can be quite lively, Kolymbitheres and Sant Maria Beach.

• Tours & Activities in Paros

15 – Ios

One of the top party destinations in Greece, Ios is the place to be for younger travelers on a budget.

Ios is a perfect spot for those who are looking for a fun and picturesque beachside party location without the high price tag of nearby destinations like Mykonos and Santorini.

The town of Chora is packed with small bars which cater to all tastes and are open until the early hours so you can be sure of a good night out here. There is also the FarOut Beach Club which hosts pool parties and DJs throughout the afternoon.

For your first night on Ios why not try a pub crawl to discover some of the best local bars and nightspots with the help of a knowledgeable guide?

For those who want to soak up some history and culture between the late nights and sunbathing, Ios doesn’t disappoint.

Visit Homer’s Tomb, which is said to be the final resting place of the poet and author of The Iliad and The Odyssey.

Catch live music at Odysseas Elytis Theatre, a modern coastal amphitheater with stunning views over the Aegean Sea or visit some of the island’s many churches and the traditional Monastery of Agios Ioannis of Kalamos.

Take a kayak tour out of the popular Mylopotas Beach or spend a lazy afternoon snorkeling in the pristine waters of Manganari Beach. Sun, sand and all-night parties, Ios has it all!

16 – Aegina

Lying just off the coast of Athens — only 16 nautical miles, Aegina is rich in history, picture-perfect beaches, traditional villages and modern resort towns.

Being just a stone’s throw from the Greek capital, Aegina is a popular getaway for Athenians looking to escape the city heat. It is well served by ferries which run regularly throughout the day.

If you want a more relaxed and luxurious crossing there are many sailing trips and cruises which offer lunch and swimming opportunities along with the journey.

The island’s must-see attraction is the well-preserved ruins of the Aphaia Temple which dates back to 500 BC. There are plenty of other ancient sites on the island to explore, including the Kolona Archeological Site and the Aegina Archeological Museum.

The Agios Nektarios Monastery is one of the largest and most impressive in all of Greece and is definitely worth a visit during your time on Aegina.

Although the island is fairly small it has an abundance of beautiful sandy beaches — one of the finest is actually on the nearby Moni Island which has wild deer and peacocks roaming around. Take time to explore the beaches and coves of Agia Marina, Marathonas and Vagia too.

Check out the main town of Aegina, especially the waterfront which has well-preserved buildings and abundant cafes to enjoy. The traditional coastal villages of Perdika, Souvala and Kypseli are pleasant places to explore.

• Aegina day tours from Athens

17 – Zakynthos

One of the most popular and exotic Greek islands, Zakynthos —sometimes known as Zante, is home to rare wildlife, cool coves and dramatic and spectacular cliffs.

The picturesque island is actually the largest of the Ionian islands and has some of the most recognizable locations of all. One of the most famous is Navagio Beach which is surrounded by towering cliffs and is home to one of the world’s most famous shipwrecks.

Another popular spot is the protected nearby islet of Marathonisi which is one of the only breeding grounds for Loggerhead Turtles in the region. Visitors can take glass-bottom boat tours to the island and enjoy the diversity of local marine life.

The crystal clear waters around Zakynthos are a great place to snorkel or even try scuba diving for the first time. Explore the island’s famous Blue Caves in a kayak or hike the trails of Mount Skopos to discover its historic ruins and monasteries.

Zakynthos also has a party side and through the summer season, visitors can easily find all-night clubs, pool parties and lively bars in the town of Laganas.

There are many sides to Zakynthos and this scenic yet lively island is sure to have something for everyone.

• Tours & Activities in Zakynthos

See also: Fun things to do in Zakynthos

18 – Elafonisos

Looking for a tranquil and picturesque escape, the small peaceful island of Elafonisos could be just the place.

The island is situated just south of the Peloponnese and has shimmering white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and lots of space to relax. The island has only one village where most of the restaurants and shops can be found and is rarely overrun with tourists even in the summer season.

Its most popular destinations include the enormous Simos Beach and the numerous other quieter beaches such as Panagia, Lefki and Megali Paralia.

You can hire kayaks and pedalos on the beach but don’t expect to find too many beach bars or activities here. Elafonisos is better suited to those who like to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature.

Dine in the island’s many excellent and varied restaurants, hike through its floral countryside and take a dip at the spacious uncrowded beaches. Elafonisos is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.

19 – Kos

After Rhodes, Kos is one of the most popular island destinations in the Dodecanese. Its abundance of sandy beaches, decent nightlife and fantastic historical sites mean that Kos is a great choice for those who like to experience a little bit of everything.

Kos has a lively party scene which is mostly concentrated in the island’s main town. There are clubs, bars and restaurants here to appeal to all tastes, whether you’re looking for cocktails and dinner or an all-night club-a-thon.

Outside of Kos Town, there are plenty of quieter places too such as Tigaki and Mastihari, which make it a great island destination for families. It has attractions for kids and adults to enjoy such as the Aquatica and Lido Water Parks and Plaka Forest — a haven for wild peacocks and cats.

History lovers should explore the ancient ruins of the Asklepion, a healing temple famous for its association with Hippocrates. There is also Casa Romana, the remains of a Roman villa with fantastic mosaics and decorations to see.

The picturesque Eleftherias Square in Kos town is home to some beautiful architecture, such as Kos Cathedral, the Defterdar Mosque and the market halls making it one of the best places to take an evening stroll on the island.

Here you will see locals and tourists alike drinking in the cafes and bars and enjoying the relaxing seaside ambiance.

• Tours & Activities in Kos

See also: Fun Things to do in Kos

20 – Evia

The second largest of the Greek islands, Evia is separated from the mainland by only a narrow channel of water known as the Strait of Euripus.

The island is not well known to foreign tourists but is a popular destination for Athenians wishing to escape the city for a long weekend.

The mountainous landscape is a refuge for nature lovers and there are plenty of historic sites, unspoiled natural beaches and rolling vineyards to explore on the way.

History lovers should visit the Karababa Castle as well as the ruined town of Eretria which has an ancient theatre and an archeological museum displaying findings from the site.

Another must-see of Evia is the mysterious megalithic structures known as “Dragon Houses”, the best-preserved one being located on Mount Ochi.

For nature enthusiasts, the island is dotted with thermal springs, waterfalls and canyons that won’t fail to impress. Dimosari Gorge has great shaded trails to follow between the narrow rock faces which end in a number of cool natural lagoons.

You can also find wild and deserted beaches in the far reaches of the islands including the wonderful Thapsa Beach and the popular Chiliadou Beach but there are many more to discover close to the island’s capital, Chalkida.

21 – Milos

With fantastic beaches and a dramatic volcanic landscape, Milos is one of Greece’s top island destinations.

Milos has a wealth of history to discover and is possibly best known as the place where the famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered in 1820.

One of the island’s most famous beaches is Sarakiniko which has a moon-like volcanic rock landscape — a popular spot for tourists seeking stunning holiday snaps. It has a small white sandy beach and plenty of places to plunge into the cool turquoise water.

Take a boat tour of the island to discover its many beautiful beaches and iconic rock formations such as the Kleftiko Caves and try snorkeling in the crystal clear waters or just lounge on the deck and catch some sun.

Visitors interested in discovering the island’s past should check out the ancient settlements of Phylakopi, Klima and the Roman Theatre. Discover the Archeological Museum — which houses a replica of the Venus statue, and other attractions such as the Folklore and Mining Museum.

• Tours & Activities in Milos

22 – Andros

For vacationers in search of something a little different, Andros could be the Greek island you are looking for. Located just a two-hour boat ride from Athens, Andros is one of the most accessible of the Cycladic islands.

The island has a great combination of architectural influences and instead of only the traditional whitewashed houses with blue roofs, visitors are also greeted with Neo-Classical-style buildings in the island’s main town.

Here you can find picturesque and lively squares as well as the Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art and the Archeological Museum of Andros.

The rest of the island boasts many kilometers of fantastic hiking trails, beautiful natural landmarks like the Pithara waterfalls, attractive villages such as Batsi and Stenies and inviting beaches.

Some of the island’s locations can be reached only by foot, bike or boat such as the beaches of Achla, Vitali and Zorkos. if you like peace, tranquility and unspoiled nature, Andros is a great option.

23 – Ithaca

Known as the home of Odysseus, also known as Ulysses, from Homer’s ancient epic “The Odyssey”, Ithaca has thousands of years of history and mythology attached to it.

This captivating Ionian island boasts a plethora of beautiful beaches, verdant scenery and cool coves to explore. The mountainous interior of the island is lush with greenery and offers a dramatic backdrop to the beautiful bays and small villages.

The beaches of Filiatro, Skinos and Sarakiniko are some of the most popular. Skinos in particular has plenty of shady cypress trees close to the beach making it a very comfortable spot. Gedaki Beach on the island’s east coast is particularly nice but best accessed by boat.

The island doesn’t have much in the way of attractions — other than its spectacular scenery of course, so if you like tranquil and nearly deserted beaches, rugged mountain scenery and outdoor excursions, Ithaca is the ideal Greek island.

Its small towns and villages, including Kioni and the capital Vathy, have some interesting places to discover such as the Nautical Museum and the island’s Cathedral.

The Monastery of Panagia Kathariotissa in the center of the island dates back to the 1500s and has beautiful views of the town as well as attractive Byzantine decorations.

• Tours & Activities in Ithaca

24 – Tinos

Less than a half-hour boat ride from the luxurious and lively island of Mykonos, Tinos couldn’t be more different. This somewhat traditional Cycladic island is best known as a major pilgrimage site for Orthodox Greeks than a party mecca.

Many visit the island for the Church of Panagia Evangelitria especially in the middle of August during the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The church is particularly beautiful just do not try to visit during the festival as it gets very crowded.

The traditional village of Volax is situated in a dramatic boulder-filled landscape and has some nice tavernas and cafes to visit. Pyrgos is one of the island’s most attractive villages and is famous for its expertly crafted marble buildings and artisan marble workshops.

The picturesque village of Kardiani with its spectacular churches as well as the dovecotes of Tarambados, which is just outside the main city, are sure to enchant all visitors to the island.

Tinos also has beautiful tourist beaches such as Agios Sostis, Agios Markos and Kolimbithra as well as remote and deserted bays. Tinos is definitely one of the best Greek islands for those who enjoy culture, history and craftsmanship.

25 – Lefkada

Lefkada is one of the few Greek islands that can be reached by car. It is part of the Ionian islands and has an abundance of beautiful beaches and terrific scenery but remains largely unvisited by international tourists.

For those who prefer to spend their vacations exploring and adventuring as opposed to lazing by the pool, Lefkada is a great choice.

There are many activities to try from sea kayaking and surfing to scuba diving, mountain biking, horseback riding and much more. In recent years kitesurfing and windsurfing have become very popular in the area.

Some of its most popular beaches include Egremni Beach on the west coast, Porto Katsiki which is surrounded by towering cliffs and the sheltered bay of Agiofilli Beach. There are many more to discover during your time on the island as well as stunning natural features such as Nydri and Dimosari Waterfalls.

The most popular resort towns of Lefkada include Agios Nikitas, Vassiliki and Sivota but there are many lovely fishing villages to explore on the island. Lefkada is one of the best Greek islands for adventure lovers!

• Tours & Activities in Lefkada

26 – Lesvos

The third largest of the Greek isles, Lesvos has a little something for every kind of traveler.

History lovers are in their element on Lesvos. Visitors can explore the huge castles of Molyvos and Mytiline which host summer concerts and events as well as the Castle of Sigri.

The island is home to many other historic sites such as the Temple of Messon, an ancient Greek theatre, the beautiful Bridge of Kremasti, Roman aqueducts and much more.

There are also lots of natural landmarks to discover too, including a significant petrified forest with its own museum, the beautiful Man’katsa Waterfalls and the Pessa Springs.

Though not too touristy there is plenty to see and do on the island. Catch a movie at the open-air cinema at Molyvos Beach or learn to make traditional Greek pottery by joining a class.

Sample the traditional dishes in the main town of Mytilene or explore the attractive villages of Molyvos and Agiassos and sample the area’s infamous spirit, Ouzo. With the wealth of interesting sights and charming places, Lesvos is one of the best Greek islands for families.

27 – Samothraki

The mountainous and densely vegetated, Samothraki island is the perfect place to relax, explore the wild natural environment and enjoy picture-perfect scenery.

The island is relatively small and has only recently begun to attract tourists from outside the country. It is perhaps most famous for the winged statue of Nike which was discovered here in the 1800s and has been in the Louvre ever since.

Here you can see beautiful waterfalls, particularly in the Fonias Gorge and Kria Vathra Gorge which have attractive freshwater lagoons and lush vegetation, surrounded by steep walls of rock. This alone draws plenty of visitors to the island.

The island’s most important historic site is the Sanctuary of the Great Gods — an ancient ruined temple and there is also an Archeological Museum with a reconstruction of the famous Nike statue.

The town of Therma is one of the most lively on the island and has a number of campsites nearby. Other than that the island’s capital Chora and the main port of Kamariotissa are its busiest towns.

28 – Samos

The world-famous birthplace of the mathematician Pythagoras, Samos is one of the best Greek islands for families.

Lying just off the coast of Turkey, Samos offers plenty of outdoor activities for visitors, mostly taking place around its stunning exotic beaches.

There are a lot of fun things to do in Samos . Try scuba diving in the nearby shipwrecks, wakeboarding or windsurfing on the blustery north coast — Samos is an adventure paradise! For some family action on dry land, check out the go-kart track in the town of Vathy.

Discover the remains of the Heraion of Samos —which was once a huge temple complex with over 150 stone columns, and the island’s famous Pythagoras Cave where the ancient mathematician lived and taught.

Get a taste of the island’s wines with a visit to one of the excellent vineyards or explore the Samos Wine Museum to learn about the traditions of wine production in the region. Samos has something for everyone.

• Tours & Activities in Samos

29 – Symi

The picturesque port of Symi enchants many travelers each year with its colorful stone Venetian-style houses laid out on the hillside like an idyllic painting.

The town is really two towns, Gialos and Choria, of which the second is more traditionally Greek in its architecture. Take a stroll around the harbor area in Gialos for some of the most picture-perfect views of any Greek island.

Though fairly small, Symi is a lively destination through the summer months and holds yearly music, film and performing arts festivals which are often free to all.

The beaches of Marathounda Bay and Nanou are some of its most popular and have sun-bed rental and tavernas nearby. For those who like to live on the wilder side take a boat ride to Agios Georgios Dysalona Beach which is totally isolated and flanked by towering cliffs.

Some of the best historic sites on the island include the castle which overlooks the harbor area and dates back to the 15th-century and the magnificent Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis in the south of the island.

30 – Hydra

One of the first things you may notice on arriving at Hydra is that the island has no cars — This definitely adds to the luxurious peacefulness of this enchanting island.

The island has retained its traditional method of transport, the humble donkey, and visitors will see many of them as they travel around the island.

Discover a little about the island’s proud naval heritage at the Museum of Hydra and explore its many fine towns and villages such as the main town of Hydra and the delightful fishing village of Kamini.

Many take a short day cruise to Hydra from Athens, around two hours, to soak up the tranquility and enjoy the pristine natural beauty of the island.

It has some fantastic swimming beaches such as Bisti, Vlychos, Kaminia and Agios Nikolaus. It is worth taking a boat tour of the island to discover its most secluded sites and locations.

There are also a number of excellent restaurants to discover throughout the island too. For fine dining Techne Restaurant is excellent and Il Casta offers traditional Italian flavors in a beautiful and rustic setting.

• Hydra day tours from Athens

31 – Lemnos

If you like deserted beaches, archeological sites and wide-open natural spaces, Lemnos is one of the best Greek islands to vacation on.

One of the island’s most fascinating attractions is the small Panagia Kakaviotissa church that lies hidden inside a cave. Visitors climb steps through dramatic rock formations and are treated to a fantastic view over the valley.

There are many ancient sites such as the castle of Kastro Van Myrina which overlooks the island’s main port and the ruins of Poliochni, one of the oldest harbors in Europe. The legendary Cave of Philoctetes can also be found on the island.

There is plenty to keep you busy on the islands many beaches where visitors can take a surf lesson or hire a kayak or paddleboard to explore the coast.

For a unique Greek island “desert” experience check out the sand dunes of Gomati which are home to an abundance of wildlife and the unusual rock formations of Falakro.

Lemnos might not be one of the best-known tourist islands in Greece but it is a fantastic destination for adventure travelers on a budget.

32 – Skyros

The largest of the Sporades islands, Skyros is not as well known as nearby Skopelos but is a must-visit for those who love unspoiled nature, dramatic hillside villages and white sandy beaches.

The beautiful beaches of the island’s northwest coast such as Agios Petros are surrounded by dense forests and the main beach of Molos has the perfect blend of attractions but without the large crowds.

Take a day trip to the nearby islands of Skiathos and Alonissos to spot dolphins and monk seals in their natural habitats or snorkel in the transparent turquoise waters for the experience of a lifetime.

Culture lovers can explore the Faltaits Folklore Museum and the Archeological Museum of Skyros to see a collection of ancient artifacts including pottery, toys and jewelry discovered on the island.

Stop into the Skyros Centre to discover more about the local traditions and culture and explore this beautiful area of the island’s main town. Literature fans can visit the grave of the British poet Rupert Brooke who was buried on the island in 1915.

Just a short hop from Evia, Skyros is a fantastic destination for lovers of the outdoors and shouldn’t be missed on an island-hopping trip.

33 – Poros

With gorgeous beaches and bays, colorful traditional villages and authentic charm, Poros has been enchanting visitors for centuries with its serene beauty.

A popular place to take a day cruise from Athens, Poros is actually made up of two fairly small islands and is blessed with low-lying but mountainous scenery and dense pine forests.

It has to be said, most people come to Poros for its delightful beaches. The serene Love Bay is one of the island’s most beautiful and popular swimming areas due to its calm waters and shaded beach. There are many more great beaches to discover though such as Askeli, Poros and Kanali.

The attractive Poros Port is a must-see with its mixture of large expensive yachts and small fishing boats. This area boasts some lively cafes and waterfront tavernas and is a good place to enjoy the island’s nightlife.

History buffs can visit the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon,  or explore the Archeological Museum in the town of Poros to see some of the best historical finds on the island.

• Poros day tours from Athens

We hope you enjoyed this list of the best Greek islands to help you plan your next vacation.

There are many fabulous destinations to choose from in this region. Let us know in the comments below which place is your favorite one.

As always, happy travels!!

Your Master Guide To All Greek Islands And How To Pick One

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E verything you need from a guide to the Greek islands. How many Greek islands are there? More than 6,000 but only a couple of hundred are inhabited.

What are the best Greek islands to visit in the winter?

Islands in the south of Greece for better weather and with a large permanent population for easy accessibility.

Is April a good time to visit the Greek islands?

Yes, April is a great time to visit the Greek islands. The best weather is in the southern Aegean like Crete, Kos, Karpathos and Rhodes. There are less crowds but more Greek tourists due to the Easter celebrations.

The number of inhabited Greek islands varies between 150ish to 220ish depending on what size you consider an island to be. While all of them are stunning, some of them will fit your style of travelling more than others.

This guide was created to help you pick which of the Greek islands most suits your preferences, so let’s begin. We suggest grabbing a pen and paper to note down the islands that sound most like you as you go through the article.

When you begin researching what island you want to visit in Greece, the easiest way to proceed is to narrow down which complex or cluster of islands you prefer. While there is no reason you can’t combine islands from different clusters, to do so you may need to add extra dates just for travelling to and from a location, which increases the cost and cuts down on the actual holiday time. There are 6 different complexes of Greek islands and some that belong to no category.

1. Eptanisa

The Ionian Sea is home to the first cluster which is also called Eptanisa, or 7 islands. This includes Corfu , Paxos & Antipaxos , Ithaka , Lefkada , Kefalonia and Kythira . Kythira is located under the Peloponnese Peninsula and while it is grouped together with the 7 islands it is under the administration of Athens . These islands share a lot of characteristics, like the Venetian architecture seen in houses, castles and churches, the lush greenery and turquoise waters.

2. Cyclades

The Cyclades is another complex of Greek islands which translates to circle due to the way the islands form a protective barrier around the sacred island of Delos. While the Cyclades counts more than 220 islands, only a handful are inhabited. The primary island list includes Amorgos , Anafi, Andros, Paros , Antiparos, Koufonisia , Milos , Naxos , Mykonos , Santorini or Thira, Kythnos, Kimolos , Kea, Ios, Folegandros, Serifos, Sithnos, Sikinos, Syros, and Tinos.

The Cyclades are famous for their distinctive architecture, the whitewashed cube shaped houses that are built close to each other usually at a high point for protection against intruders and the windmills which once were used to mill grains but now are mostly a tourist attraction.

3. Dodecanese

The Dodecanese complex of islands is another number-name, but while it translates to “twelve islands” there are fifteen major islands of the more than 100 in the area, that are included in the list. The location of the islands is between the Cyclades and the coast of Turkey. The largest of all the islands is Rhodes . There is also Symi, Tilos, Astypalaia , Kalymnos, Karpathos , Kasos, Kos, Leros, Nisyros, and Patmos. As well as the smaller Kastellorizo, Lipsi, Halki and Agathonisi. As the largest and most popular island, Rhodes is a good option to fly into and then set out to explore the other islands if you so choose. For off season travel, options may be limited so you need to give yourself more time to reach from one island to another.

4. Northern Aegean

The Northern Aegean islands are as the name states further up the north Aegean coast. They are Thasos, Samothraki, Lemnos , Lesvos, Chios , Ikaria and Samos. As well as the much smaller Psara, Fournoi, Agios Efstratios and Oinnousses. Most of the islands in the North Aegean are bigger in size but less popular holiday destinations with the exception of Ikaria that has become a mecca for “panigyria” the Greek religious festivals where people dance until the early hours of the morning. Island hopping between these islands is not easy and ferries to these islands are often slower and travel during the night.

5. Sporades

The name of the next group of islands is Sporades meaning “scatterred”. It is often used to describe four islands located close to the east coast of mainland Greece, however, the name applies to a lot of other islands outside of the Cyclades. The four islands that are inhabited are Allonisos, Skopelos , Skiathos and Skyros. During the summer high season there are regular ferries departing from the mainland. Flights can be organized for Skiathos Airport that receives both domestic and charter flights from some European countries. A much smaller airport operates in Skyros island that is located a fair distance away from the other three. You can only find domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki here.

6. Saronic Gulf

The Saronic Gulf islands are the ones located closest to Athens. They are Aegina, Salamina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, Agistri, and Dokos. These islands are ideally located very close to the mainland and can be reached from Athens with high speed ferries, that often take less than 1 hour of travel. The gulf offers protection from the wind and so these islands also make ideal options for off season or winter destinations, even if the sea is not warm enough to swim in. There are plenty of day cruises leaving Piraeus port that visit Hydra, Poros and Aegina which is an ideal option if you have extra days in Athens .

7. Crete and Euboea

Two islands that don’t really fall under one category are Crete and Euboea. Crete is the largest island in Greece and it could be a separate country all together with its distinctive accent and traditional mantinades (a short of limerick with 15 syllables that locals can expertly whip up within seconds, either accompanied with music or when communicating with each other), the diverse natural scenery, with gorges, lakes, some of the best beaches in Greece and strong local flavours that make it a favourite destination for all. Euboea or Evia as is pronounced in Greek is the second largest island, however, it is seldom thought of as one, due to the two bridges that link it to the mainland.

Dodecanese: Rhodes

Cyclades: Mykonos, Santorini

Saronic: Hydra, Poros, Aegina, Salamina

Other: Crete, Euboea

Greece has long marvelous summers and sunny winters but the temperature can still plunge to freezing temperatures especially on the northern part and high altitude cities like Thessaloniki and Kastoria . While less common, we have seen plenty of Greek islands and beaches covered with a dusting of snow throughout recent years.

That is because you are more likely to find restaurants and attractions open, there is a lower chance to be stuck on the island due to rough seas (if you were taking a ferry) and there is a large medical center in case of accidents.

• Tip: The best Greek islands then to visit in winter would be the one’s that have an airport, are considerably big and that have a steady amount of permanent residents throughout the year.

Dodecanese: Rhodes, Kos, Karpathos, Patmos, Kalymnos

Cyclades: Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Tinos, Milos, Syros, Sifnos, Folegandros

Eptanisa: Corfu

Other: Crete

The months of April and May are when spring starts to make its presence known. The temperature is mostly mellow and ideal for outdoor activities and excursions and there is a lesser chance of a crowd wherever you go. They also tend to be some of the cheapest months to travel in! In addition, travelling to Greece in April is special due to the number of festivities and events that surround Easter. The island of Chios hosts the Easter Rocket Wars, where two churches compete for the most impressive fireworks of the night. Mykonos and Santorini lack the summer crowds so you are more likely to run into locals and see the everyday rhythm of Greek people. While most Greeks don’t venture into the sea until June, plenty of visitors will find the waters pleasant and refreshing.

• Tip: The dates for Orthodox Easter change slightly every year so plan ahead if you want to combine your trip with some cultural experiences.

Saronic: All of them

Cyclades: Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Syros

Eptanisa: Corfu, Kefalonia

• Tip: If you wish to combine multiple islands on your visit to Greece in September or October make sure to pay close attention to ferry schedules since a lot of the routes are cut down substantially.

Other: Euboea

The Saronic islands are the best option for visitors that can’t venture too far away from Athens. Whether you are short on time or just prefer to spend more of your holiday at the beach rather than on a plane or boat, the Saronic Gulf islands offer glamour, tradition, aesthetics and unique experiences that are sure to captivate you. An island-hopping tour can also be a good option to see more islands within a short period of time, like the popular Aegina, Poros and Hydra tours. However, fast ferries departing from Piraeus port, can also take you to the ever popular Mykonos and Santorini. SeaJets and Golden Star Ferries offer the fastest option from Piraeus to Santorini, that take approximately 5 hours. The slower and less bumpy ride for those prone to sea sickness takes approximately 8 hours. There are usually more than 3 ferries leaving Piraeus towards Mykonos during the summer and at least 1 during the winter.

Euboea, the second largest island that you can reach by car, is only one hour from Athens and has incredible beaches, fantastic fish taverns and a rich history. Due to its size it may not feel like an island but you should dedicate at least 3 days to exploring this area.

• Tip: The port of Rafina is another excellent option for those travelling to Mykonos.

Dodecanese: Nisyros, Rhodes, Kalymnos

Eptanisa: Corfu, Cephalonia, Lefkada, Kithyra

Cyclades: Andros, Sifnos, Tilos, Milos

Other: Euboea, Crete

Sporades: Skyros, Allonisos

Northern Aegean: Samothraki, Chios

• Tip: If you want to explore nature consider travelling outside of July or August because the temperature can reach more than 40 Celsius making it uncomfortable and even dangerous to be under the sun the whole day.

Dodecanese: Patmos, Nisyros, Kastelorizo, Halki, Lipsi

Eptanisa: Paxos Antipaxos

Cyclades: Koufonisia, Anafi, Folegandros

Saronic: Agistri

Northern Aegean: Fournoi, Psara

Visiting some of the smaller islands has both advantages and disadvantages. Almost all of the smaller islands lack airports and as such you will need to travel to a bigger island and then catch a ferry or else take a longer journey on the ferry from Piraeus. Some may take more than 15hours but they almost always travel over night and you can book a cabin. However, once you get there, smaller islands will reward you with their lack of tourists and authentic representation of life. You may be able to witness customs and traditions that you wouldn’t be exposed to elsewhere and taste local flavours that are truly homemade.

• Tip: If you have booked an international flight from Athens airport always plan to be back in the capital a few days in advance to avoid delays or strikes on the smaller island ferries.

Eptanisa: Zakynthos, Cephalonia, Corfu

Cyclades: Naxos

Northern Aegean: Lesvos, Chios, Lemnos, Samos

The biggest island by far is Crete island. It is twice as big as the second largest island Euboia. Most of the other big islands can be found in the Ionian Sea. If you want to travel to one of the bigger islands of Greece you will be rewarded with more options for accomodation and activities and most of the times a smoother and more comprehensive infastructure for tourism compared to the tiny Greek islands. Most of the islands with a static population all-year-around will have a medical centre, but if you have specific health problems, it pays to inquire ahead of time.

• Tip: The biggest of the Greek islands like Crete and Euboia will certainly require for you to have a car. So, plan for that within your budget.

Cyclades: Mykonos, Santorini, Milos

Eptanisa: Zakynthos, Corfu

What suits one traveller will not suit another, so don’t rely only on the Greek islands that first come to mind. While undoubtedly beautiful and amazing destinations that we would always recommend, the most famous islands of Greece tend to get a bit overcrowded. If your heart is set on one of these islands and you are not a fan of crowds try to plan for late spring or early autumn. Your wallet will also thank you. The sweet-smelling Mykonian nights through cobblestoned labyrinths and stupendous sunsets of Santorini, will be there waiting for you!

• Tip: Because Crete is twice as large as the second largest island, Euboia, it is possible to visit in peak season and still find quiet beaches. To do that, head out of Chania and Rethymno and choose smaller towns on the east side of the island.

Dodecanese: Rhodes, Kos, Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Leros

Cyclades: Mykonos, Santorini, Milos, Paros, Naxos, Syros[

Sporades: Skyros, Skiathos

Northern Aegean: Samos, Lemnos, Lesvos, Chios, Ikaria

Eptanisa: Zakynthos, Corfu, Cephalonia, Kythira

All of the “biggest islands” you can find in the above section have airports. The bigger islands will also have more frequent routes, especially during the off season, and you can often find good deals. In comparison, the smaller and less popular islands have charter flights that may only operate during the busiest months and even then come with a hefty price tag. There is always one airport per complex of islands, however, with the exception of the Saronic Gulf islands. These islands are served by Athens International Airport and Piraeus port, from which they are only a couple of hours or less away.

• Disclaimer: Due to tourism and changes in the economy of Greece, information in this section may change. If you have information regarding an airport in the Greek islands or have spotted a mistake please contact us so we can make the necessary amendments.

Sporades: Skiathos

Cyclades: Mykonos, Ios, Paros

Eptanisa: Zakynthos

Some of the Greek islands feature prominently on the radar of party lovers! Mykonos and Crete in particular have long been favourites for people that prefer to sleep during the day and party all night. Every island attracts a different crowd as though people organically started to favour one over the other and a niche market was created. In Crete you will find all-inclusive resorts that are a favourite package holiday for Brits in the summer. Mykonos was once called the Ibiza of the Aegean but now has achieved a spot of its own on the throne of nightlife entertainment and is LGBTQ+ friendly. Skiathos and Paros is where a lot of Greek students have their first away from home adventures.

• Tip: Even the above mentioned “party-islands” have a lot to offer for people that do not enjoy all-night outings. Try to stay away from the “Chora” or main village of the island or visit during the off season.

Sporades: Skyros

Dodecanese: Symi, Kos, Rhodes

Cyclades: Naxos, Sifnos, Syros, Andros, Paros

Other: Crete, Euboia

Eptanisa: All of them

For family friendly Greek island destinations location might be the biggest determining factor depending on how many kids or families are travelling, their ages and for how long. The biggest islands on the list like Rhodes, Crete, Cephalonia, Corfu and Lefkada (in the Eptanisa) have more options for family resorts and are better connected with flights. If you don’t want to spend more than a couple of hours in a ferry to reach an island and would rather fly, then the list above is a very good starting point. The complex of Eptanisa is another ideal choice, with lots of green and shade, adequate size to offer options for all and great accomodation options and well connected to the rest of Greece.

• Tip: Kythira island is technically part of the Eptanisa complex but you will find it under the Peloponnese peninsula away from the Ionian Sea. You can read more about family travel in Kythira here .

Dodecanese: Symi, Astypalaia

Cyclades: Santorini, Naxos, Milos, Amorgos, Folegandros, Mykonos, Koufonisia, Paros,

Saronic: Aegina,Hydra, Spetses

Eptanisa: Paxos Antipaxos, Corfu

Most destinations can become romantic if you visit them with the person that makes your heart flutter! Even so, some places seem to have a bit of extra magic in the air. The way the dark purple light hits the sea and the colour palette of the architecture join together to create a veil of romance that is hard to resist. Santorini is undoubtedly one of these places; a unique destination that is ideal for couples. If you are a fan of the sugar cube houses and colourful bougainvilleas then the Cyclades are a great option. Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos and Paros will be the busiest during peak summer season so if that is something you wish to avoid Folegandros and Amorgos or Astypalaia in the Dodecanese are exceptionally beautiful spots.

• Tip: Folegandros and Amorgos are great options if you also want to see Santorini for a few days. Ferry tickets are frequent during summer and only last 1 to 3 hours depending on the vessel.

Cyclades: Naxos, Santorini, Mykonos

Eptanisa: Cephalonia, Zakynthos, Corfu

It is hard to answer this question without knowing the travel style of each visitor. But since people tend to ask for the “most expensive Greek islands” we will try our best to answer it. The most popular and biggest islands tend to also be the most expensive. Santorini and Mykonos are definitely at the top of the list. The demand is high, supplies, food are brought in from the mainland and drinking water from the tap is not possible. One exception in regards to size are the islands of the North Aegean that see far fewer international visitors than the Cyclades or the Ionian islands.

• Tip: Popular islands may have higher costs in accomodation but are easier and cheaper to reach than others. Smaller far away islands may have no airport and require more than 12hours in a ferry to reach. You should pick whatever sounds best for you!

Dodecanese: Nisyros, Symi, Karpathos

Cyclades: Kythnos, Sifnos, Kea, Kimolos, Serifos, Andros,

Northern Aegean: Ikaria, Thassos, Lemnos, Lesvos, Samothrace

Eptanisa: Ithaka

Other: Euboea, Aegina

Greece is in general a very affordable destination for international visitors. Mykonos and Santorini can still be visited on a budget but if you want the most bang for your buck and are not after fine dining or luxury accomodation there are a lot of options for you. One general advice is to look at the “ Greek Islands With Airports ” list above, and remove them from your list. Smaller, harder to reach islands will be more traditional, authentic and representative of the pace and lifestyle of Greek people. Reaching these islands, however, may require more planning especially if you want to island-hop.

• Tip: In the most popular islands, locals that work in tourism work long hours from the start of the season in April till late October. If you want to meet and chat to locals try visiting smaller islands that are not dependant on tourism or come during the off-season.

Dodecanese: Patmos, Kos, Rhodes

Cyclades: Naxos, Santorini, Delos

Northern Aegean: Lemnos, Chios

Eptanisa: Kythira, Corfu

Other Crete

For history lovers, Greece, in general, is full of traces of its ancient past. While most people know of the Parthenon in Athens and maybe the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, some of the Greek islands are home to imposing castles, ancient ruins and impressive monuments from different periods. Rhodes is home to the second most visited ancient site after the Acropolis in Athens. In Santorini, you can see the excavations that have been taking place at the Akrotiri peninsula that date back to the Minoan period. While in Crete, you will find the grand palace of Knossos that could very well be one of the earliest European cities.

• Tip: Delos is an island that has been uninhabited since the 7th century AD. To explore this archaeological place you need to travel from one of the neighborhing islands, like Mykonos, Naxos, Paros or Tinos.

Dodecanese: Karpathos, Rhodes

Cyclades: Naxos, Paros, Antiparos

Northern Aegean: Lemnos

Eptanisa Lefkada

Naxos is arguably the most well known destination in Greece for windsurfing and kitesurfing. If you want to get amongst the action, the nearby Paros and Antiparos also offer ideal wind conditions and organized clubs whether you are an expert or a new fan that requires a few lessons. In the Northern Aegean, the vast Keros Beach in Lemnos is a favourite for locals and visitors. The beach is on the east coast of the island and is always windy, so if you are not planning to kite or surf, this might not be for you.

• Tip: If you want to experience the verdant landscape of the Ionian islands you should consider Lefkada. In addition to having some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece, Lefkada’s sandy Vassiliki Beach on the south coast, is the perfect spot for windsurfing enthusiasts.

Cyclades : Santorini, Anafi, Naxos, Koufonisia

Saronic : Hydra, Spetses

There are two reasons why you travel somewhere without a car. The first is that cars are strictly not allowed on the island, just like in the case of Hydra and Spetses. Alternatively you may wish to spend your holidays free of cars because you have no drivers licence or would rather skip the cost of hiring a car. If that sounds like you, the smallest islands of the list like Koufonisia, Anafi or bigger islands like Naxos that has good public transport is ideal.

• Tip: Driving in Santorini is a good option for those that want the flexibility of exploring the whole island and are not scared to share the narrow alleyways with big tour buses. By not renting a vehicle you may need to stay around certain locations like Oia or Fira, or spend a bit extra on taxis and skip the hassle of finding a parking spot.

Cyclades: Santorini, Mykonos, Milos

Eptanisa: Kefalonia, Zakynthos

All of the Greek islands are incredibly beautiful! But it would hard to deny that some of them feature more prominently on Instagram feeds. As a result, there are certain images that have become iconic of these islands. In Mykonos, you think of the colourful houses of Little Venice getting bashed by the waves and that “alleyway” shot with the crisp white walls and Pinterest worthy cushions that look out to sea. Try to search for Santorini and we will be surprised if you don’t instantly spot a sea of blue church domes looking out at sunset light. And as far as Milos goes, the moon like reflections of the rocks around Sarakiniko beach are front and centre every time.

• Tip: One of the most famous beaches in Crete is Elafonisi with its unique pink-hued sand. The up and coming competitor is Seitan Limania. A small beach that until recently was inaccessible, now is there to reward visitors that brave the steep and windy ride.

*Disclaimer: This page includes affiliate links. If you decide to book something through one of them, I might get a little bonus, but it won't cost you anything extra.*

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Greek Islands & Mainland

Don't miss Naxos, a beautiful Cycladic island

Discover 90 Greek islands and Mainland destinations you can visit during your trip to Greece, sorted by region, category & popularity, and learn all their secrets for the most incredible vacation! In brief:

• The most popular Greek islands are Santorini , Mykonos , Paros , and Naxos in the Cyclades, Rhodes and Kos in the Dodecanese, Crete , Skiathos in the Sporades, and Corfu and Zakynthos in the Ionian.

Discover the most popular island-hopping itineraries and book your ferry tickets online with Greeka!

• The most popular cities are Athens and Thessaloniki .

• The most popular mainland destinations are the archaeological sites of Delphi , Epidaurus , Olympia , Mycenae , and the area of Meteora with its imposing rock formations.

Table of contents: • By Region • By Category • By Popularity

Greek Islands & Mainland by region

Use the filters to help you find your ideal vacation destination in Greece and the Greek islands based on your preferences.

• Greek Island

Eastern Aegean

Peloponnese.

• Ancient Sites
• UNESCO World Heritage
• Architecture / Villages
• Churches / Monasteries
• Organized Tours
• Spa & Massage
• Watersports
• Scuba Diving
• Windsurfing / Kitesurfing
• Yacht charter
• Rock Climbing
• Horseback Riding
• Bird Watching
• Paragliding
• Gastronomy & Wine
• Alternative
• First-timers
• Instagramic spots
• Day visit (from Athens)

Cyclades islands

• Folegandros

Dodecanese islands

Ionian islands

Sporades islands

Saronic islands

• Zagorochoria

• Thessaloniki

Crete island

• Elafonissos

Greek Islands & Mainland by category

View from Homeric Poems hotel on the island of Santorini

No idea where to go? See the best Greek islands and mainland destinations for:

Island-Hopping

Visit Santorini island , Mykonos island , Naxos island , Paros island , Ios island , Milos island in the Cyclades, and Crete island .

Taking the Greek Ferries and visiting more than one island is an ideal option especially if your holiday lasts more than a week. Many islands lie in proximity to others or are connected by ferry with other ports daily. Island hopping is very common among the islands of the Cyclades !

First-Timers

Visit Athens , the capital and Santorini island , Mykonos island , Paros island , Naxos island in the Cyclades.

Athens , the capital of Greece is a large city located close to the sea, with mild weather all year round. Its historical significance, archaeological sites, shops, museums, upscale seaside neighborhoods, delicious restaurants, and its closeness to the islands make it ideal for first-timers. Santorini is the top tourist destination in Greece and is also ideal for first-timers. It offers some of the world's most dramatic sea views and lovely boutique hotels. Mykonos is considered by many as the Greek sister of Ibiza. It is a Cycladic destination with numerous beautiful beaches, a charming traditional town, several luxury hotels, and wild partying nightlife. Paros and Naxos are two islands in very close proximity. Their location makes them sisters but their characters are quite different from one another. Both flaunt shimmering sandy beaches, wonderful whitewashed villages, and excellent accommodation options. Lastly, Crete and Rhodes are two very different islands, but both are considered perfect places for first-timers since they boast unparalleled seashores and picturesque villages. An additional important aspect is their very well-organized tourist infrastructure. Both are large and wide, hosting buzzing international airports for the convenience of travelers from abroad that may fly there directly.

Visit the islands of Mykonos , Naxos , Ios , Milos , Paros , Koufonisia in the Cyclades, Chania in Crete , Rhodes in the Dodecanese, Lefkada , Zakynthos and Kefalonia in the Ionian, and Skiathos in the Sporades.

Crystal-clear waters are a trademark of the islands, although some beaches may be ranked higher than others. On the strength of that, some are more favored than others. Mykonos boasts more than 28 sandy beaches with clear and calm waters. Naxos hardly gets crowded on the west coastal side, which extends into a more than 9km beach. Ios has managed to keep some of the most fantastic beaches of the Aegean away from the spotlight, although the island gets extremely busy during the summer. Milos has uniquely white volcanic soil forming some of the most photogenic beaches in Greece. Paros can satisfy any traveler with its variety of dazzling beaches. Koufonisia are very popular for their sandy beaches, sea caves, and natural sea pools. Chania in Crete has some of the most mesmerizing beaches: picture pink sand and different hues of turquoise waters! Rhodes is an all-time classic option apropos spending days by the beach. The beaches of the Ionian islands - Lefkada , Zakynthos , and Kefalonia - have ranked more than once as the best beaches in the world. Porto Katsiki, Navagio, and Myrtos are now synonymous with heaven on earth! Lastly, the unique beaches of Skiathos are where the verdant pine trees and the azure Aegean sea intertwine.

Visit Santorini island , Milos island and Folegandros island in the Cyclades, Hydra island and Spetses island in the Saronic, and Monemvasia in the Peloponnese.

Some islands boast a more romantic atmosphere than others. A combination of golden sunsets, dreamy boutique hotels, and delicious, candle-lit dining made those places the perfect places for love doves. Whether a young couple, honeymooner, celebrating an anniversary, or simply planning an engagement during your holiday, those destinations will create the perfect background for any occasion.

Visit Naxos island and Paros island in the Cyclades, Rhodes island in the Dodecanese, Nafplion in the Peloponnese, Crete , and Halkidiki in Macedonia.

Greece is a common travel destination for families. Those places are all highly recommended summertime locations to select from when planning a fun, quality family vacation. They all flaunt comfort and easy access to fascinating beaches with safe, pristine, and shallow waters; tourist amenities and facilities are usually available near almost every bay.

Visit the islands of Mykonos and Santorini in the Cyclades, Rhodes in the Dodecanese, Heraklion in Crete island , Corfu in the Ionian & the mainland region of Halkidiki in Macedonia.

If you want to pamper yourself with a well-deserved summer getaway to a lavish hotel, those places never disappoint when it comes to luxury lifestyles.

Visit the islands of Mykonos and Ios in the Cyclades, Kos in the Dodecanese, Zakynthos in the Ionian, Skiathos in the Sporades, and Heraklion on Crete island.

If beach clubs, bars, and, fun from dusk till dawn are what you have in your summer plans, then those islands are the party hubs of Greece and welcome young people from all around the world every summer.

Visit the islands of Santorini in the Cyclades, Rhodes in the Dodecanese, and Crete .

Luxury hotels, lavish restaurants, and idyllic landscapes are found on those islands, turning theminto the perfect locations for honeymooners.

Visit the island of Crete , the islands of Naxos and Tinos in the Cyclades, and Lesvos and Chios in the Eastern Aegean.

Greek cuisine is well-know for its healthy, hearty meals and delicious fresh products. Some islands have a more emphasized gastronomic scene due to their fertile soil, local products, and recipes. If you appreciate quality meals and want to savor memorable culinary experiences, those locations are ready to welcome you to their delicious tavernas and allow you to taste local cheese types, wine varieties, fresh seafood and meat dishes.

Exquisite Restaurants

Visit Athens , the capital of Greece, and the islands of Mykonos and Santorini in the Cyclades, Rhodes in the Dodecanese, Corfu in the Ionian, and Chania on Crete island.

Fresh ingredients, talented chefs, and beautiful settings make up a good restaurant. The above places have award-winning establishments with Greek, Mediterranean, and Ethnic cuisines to die for. If you want to savor upscale dinners, these are the perfect destinations for you.

Visit the islands of Naxos , Paros and Mykonos in the Cyclades, Lefkada in the Ionian Crete , Rhodes and Kos in the Dodecanese, and Lemnos in the Eastern Aegean.

A few islands showcase the ideal weather conditions and have developed into hubs for adrenaline hunters and sports enthusiasts. Naxos, Lefkada, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Lemnos, and Kos have the perfect seashores for that. Windsurfing and kitesurfing schools exist on the bays, offering you lessons, or allowing you to rent sports equipment. A very committed community has been created over time, visiting yearly. If you want to enjoy kitesurfing or windsurfing sessions on a beautiful island, you now know where to go.

Photography

Visit Santorini island and Milos island in the Cyclades, the rock formations of Meteora in Thessaly, and the sea lake of Mesolongi .

The landscapes of those places are of unparalleled beauty. Majestic volcanic seascapes, lunar beaches, otherworldly rock formations, mirror-like reflections on a sea lake, and interesting traditional architecture, are worth visiting and frequently captured by professional or amateur photographers.

Visit Athens , the capital of Greece, Crete island , the ancient sites of Delphi , Epidaurus , Mycenae and Olympia , and the Byzantine site of Mystras .

Greece is a country that counts more than 4000 years of history : from the Bronze age and the classical Greece to the Roman and Byzantine Empires. In Athens, Crete, Delphi, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Mystras, and Olympia you will find royal palaces and tombs, theatres, temples, monasteries, and stadiums that testify to the rich heritage of this land. Most of those monuments are UNESCO world heritage sites and are considered some of humanity’s most notable constructions.

Luxury Chic

Visit the islands of Hydra and Spetses in the Saronic, Patmos in the Dodecanese, Sifnos and Syros in the Cyclades, and Ithaca and Paxi in the Ionian.

Those islands are all effortlessly elegant with an unpretentious approach to a high-quality lifestyle.

Visit the islands of Antiparos , Amorgos , Anafi , Schinoussa , Kimolos and Sikinos in the Cyclades, and Astypalea and Nisyros in the Dodecanese.

If you seek to experience a wonderful Aegean summer away from the crowds and immerse yourself in tranquility, low-profile islands are ideal destinations. Once on one of these locations, you can tune out of the hectic routine and find peace and meaning in the details of life; the golden, blazing sun above, a rejuvenating dive in the indigo sea, savoring a juicy watermelon by the beach, an evening stroll in their picturesque villages and more.

Authentic Lifestyle

Visit the islands of Karpathos and Nisyros in the Dodecanese, Amorgos in the Cyclades, Ikaria , Chios and Lesvos in the Eastern Aegean and Kythera in the Ionian.

Some islands have managed to preserve a more authentic lifestyle than others. Average levels of tourism infrastructure accommodated along with centuries-old traditions and a vivid local life have given these destinaions their distinctive local colors. During the summer months, don’t be surprised if you encounter a religious feast called "panigiri" where locals and tourists dance, eat, and drink together celebrating Orthodox commemorations.

Remote Retreats

Visit the islands of Anafi , Schinoussa , Donousa and Irakleia in the Cyclades, Lipsoi and Tilos in the Dodecanese, Mathraki and Meganisi in the Ionian, and Fournoi in the Eastern Aegean.

If you dream of a vehicle-free holiday where all you need is a good book, a swimming suit, a secluded beach, and a taverna serving the catch of the day, you don’t need to look any further. Those locations are small islands allowing you to lose track of time and truly enjoy life.

Year-Round Holiday

Visit Athens , the capital of Greece, Crete island , Thessaloniki , the second largest city, and Pelion , the mountainous region in Thessaly.

Those year-round comprise holiday destinations. All four of them boast hotels operating and activities scheduled all year long, while the winter season does not last more than 3 months. Athens and Thessaloniki are two European cities ideal for a city break. On the other hand, Crete is the southmost point of Europe and has a very warm climate and an extended summer season starting in April and ending in early November. Lastly, Pelion is both a mountainous and a seaside destination, which means it can accommodate all tastes.

Greek Islands by popularity

The beach of Mikri Vigla on Naxos island

Greece has more than 6.000 islands scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, of which 227 are inhabited. It also flaunts a total of 16.000 km of coastline and the best beaches in Europe.

Spreading in two main thalassic parts of the Mediterranean, the Aegean Sea on the East and the Ionian Sea on the West, the islands are divided into smaller groups. In those groupings, islands of varying dimensions, coastlines, and sizes can be found, from very small to considerably large ones. Travelers can easily island hop by ferry between the smaller ones during their vacation while investing many days in exploring a larger one is recommended.

The most popular island group is the Cyclades in the Aegean sea. Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, picturesque villages, and whitewashed houses are indicative elements that make the Cyclades so unique. Santorini is a top worldwide romantic destination, while Mykonos is a party island with the most amazing beaches and fancy restaurants. Paros , Naxos , and Ios are also famous all over the world. The rest of the Cyclades keep a lower profile in tourism development and offer calm and carefree holidays. The Dodecanese , especially Rhodes and Kos are also very tourist and ideal for family vacations. The Ionian with Corfu , Zakynthos , Lefkada , and Kefalonia are of unparalleled beauty. Their world-widely acknowledged waters and breathtaking landscapes are a bucket list destination for many people.

Other famous islands are located in the Saronic gulf , such as the Instagramic Hydra and picturesque Spetses . Additionally, the Sporades and Eastern Aegean are becoming more and more popular. Crete is also renowned as it is the largest of all Greek islands. Its land is rich in history, mind-blowing gastronomy, and amazing landscapes, while the idyllic beaches take the cake.

Overall, the islands are the ideal destination for every taste, from luxury to budget holidays. Despite the ongoing tourist development, their original character remains vibrant and is well-preserved, providing visitors with a wonderful atmosphere and high-quality holidays. Want to discover more islands? Check our travel guides and use the filters to find your next holiday destination according to your preferences.

WANT TO SEE MORE? Discover a list with 60 islands listed by popularity .

Greece Mainland by popularity

The rock formations of Meteora

Mainland Greece is famous for its rich history of more than 2.500 years. The most important ancient sites and temples of Ancient Greek Civilization are located there and with many listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Those include the Acropolis in Athens, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus , the Tombs at Mycenae , the stadium where the ancient Olympic Games took place in Olympia in Peloponnese, Delphi in Sterea, Ancient Dodona in Epirus, Dion and Ancient Philippi in Macedonia and more. Most can be easily accessed with tours from Athens.

Although mainland Greece is not as popular as the islands, it provides engaging sights, amazing landscapes, beautiful towns, and wonderful beaches. The imposing and mysterious Meteora is also located on the Greek Mainland and is one of the most visited places in Greece. That amazing natural wonder will leave you speechless and is a top destination for hiking, climbing, and landscape photography. The most tourist-developed places on the mainland are Halkidiki and Parga featuring amazing beaches and crystal blue waters. Various coastal towns of the Peloponnese like Nafplio , the first Capital of Greece, and Kalamata, are becoming popular destinations, especially for family holidays.

Last but not least, the mainland has the potential to develop tourism all year round. It provides gorgeous nature to hike in spring, sightseeing to explore off the beaten track, and even ski centers for the wintertime. As aforementioned, Athens and Thessaloniki are very popular city break destinations. Want to discover more mainland destinations? Check our travel guides and use the filters to find your next holiday destination according to your criteria.

WANT TO SEE MORE? Discover a list of Mainland destinations by popularity .

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT GREECE

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The Ultimate Greek Islands Itinerary for 2024 (5, 7, 9, 10, 14, and 20 days!)

Planning a Greek islands itinerary and wondering where to even start? Here’s your guide!

Picture this: Crystal-clear waters, charming whitewashed villages, and a rich history that takes you back to the days of ancient civilizations.

That’s what awaits when you embark on a journey through the Greek Islands and here’s how to start planning the perfect trip!

Reasons to plan a Greek Islands itinerary

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WE RECOMMEND PURCHASING SKIP-THE-LINE TICKETS FOR FERRY RIDES BETWEEN ISLANDS!

Here are a few reasons why you absolutely need to plan a Greek Islands itinerary.

First things first, let’s talk about the breathtaking beaches that await.

With a myriad of islands to choose from, you’ll find the perfect beach for you, whether it’s a secluded gem or a lively hotspot.

Now, let’s talk food . Your taste buds will thank you as you indulge in some of the finest Mediterranean cuisine, making each meal on the islands an unforgettable event.

Tip: Don’t forget to try the classic Greek dishes like Moussaka, Souvlaki, and Baklava.

Apart from the stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine, you’ll also find a vibrant culture and history across the Greek Islands.

During your Greek islands itinerary, you’ll be able to delve into the tales of ancient Greek gods and lose yourself in the mythological legends that surround each island, or visit the monumental UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Acropolis of Athens.

What’s more, the Greek islands offer the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure .

Lounge by pristine turquoise waters and soak up the sun, or embark on a sailing trip to discover hidden coves and untouched natural beauty.

If you’re a fan of nightlife, you won’t be disappointed. Party until dawn in the world-famous clubs and bars on islands like Mykonos and Ios.

The Greek Islands cater to both a laid-back atmosphere and all-night entertainment, so pick and choose what best suits your vacation vibes.

So go ahead, plan that dream Greek Islands itinerary, and experience a vacation like no other.

Trust us, you won’t regret it!

When planning your ultimate Greek island-hopping adventure, there are several factors to take into consideration.

In this section, we’ll explore what to consider when choosing the ideal destinations for your Greek islands itinerary, dive into the popular island groups, and discuss seasonal aspects of your trip.

• Time: How long do you have for your vacation? This will determine how many islands you can comfortably visit on your Greek islands itinerary (we share itinerary samples further down)
• Budget: Different islands cater to different budgets. Some islands, such as Mykonos, are known for their luxury and higher price tags, while others offer more affordable options.
• Interests: Are you looking for party hotspots, tranquil beaches, historical sites, or a mix of everything? Each island has its own unique character, so choose one that matches your desires.
• Transportation: Consider the frequency and availability of ferries, flights, or even private yacht charters when planning your Greek islands itinerary.
• Cyclades: The most famous group of islands in Greece, known for their whitewashed architecture, blue-domed churches, and stunning views. Top islands to visit include Santorini , Mykonos , and Paros .
• Ionian: Characterized by their lush greenery and crystal-clear waters, these islands are ideal for those seeking relaxation or water-based activities. Must-see islands include Corfu , Zakynthos , and Kefalonia .
• Dodecanese: Rich in history, ancient ruins, and medieval fortresses, these islands offer a fascinating blend of cultures. Highly recommended islands are Rhodes , Kos , and Patmos .
• Sporades: A paradise for nature-lovers, featuring dense forests, pristine beaches, and marine parks. Top choices are Skiathos , Skopelos , and Alonissos .

Ultimately, the best time to visit the Greek islands depends on your preferences and the islands you choose to explore.

When planning your Greek islands itinerary, you can choose from several airports and ports.

If you’re flying in, the main airports are:

• Athens (ATH) – The main hub for international flights, you can find many options to reach the islands from here.
• Thessaloniki (SKG) – A great alternative to Athens if you’re planning to visit the northern Greek islands.

Popular ports for ferries include:

• Piraeus – Located in Athens, you have access to various islands.
• Rafina – Another option near Athens, servicing a smaller selection of islands.
• Thessaloniki – Services the northern Greek islands.

Choose the option that suits your travel plans and budget, and you’ll be on your way!

When traveling between islands, you have two main choices: ferries and domestic flights.

• Tip: Look for High-Speed Ferries to save time!
• Domestic Flights : If you want to save time, consider domestic flights operated by Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, or Sky Express. They service selected islands, but keep in mind the prices can be higher.

When you arrive at an island, you’ll have different options for transportation:

Even though it would take years to explore every single island Greece boasts, here are a few of the major ones to consider including on your Greek islands itinerary:

Santorini is a must-visit for its stunning caldera views and iconic white-washed buildings. Even though it’s one of the most expensive Greek islands , it’s definitely worth visiting!

Be sure to explore the picturesque villages of Oia and Fira, and don’t miss the unforgettable sunsets.

Optional activities include wine tasting, volcanic island tours, and exploring the archaeological site of Akrotiri.

Mykonos is known for its vibrant nightlife, chic boutiques, and beautiful beaches.

In addition to partying and shopping, discover the island’s history by visiting the 16th-century windmills and the archaeological site of Delos.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, offering a diverse experience.

Key attractions include the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos, the stunning Samaria Gorge, and the beautiful beaches of Elafonisi and Balos.

Locations worth visiting:

• Heraklion: Palace of Knossos, Heraklion Archaeological Museum
• Chania: Old Venetian Harbor, beaches of Elafonisi and Balos
• Rethymno: Fortezza Castle, Rethymno old town

Paros boasts scenic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and charming villages.

Visit Naoussa, a picturesque fishing village with lovely tavernas, and the historic village of Lefkes, nestled in the mountains.

Tip: Don’t forget to take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Golden Beach.

Samos is a lush, green island steeped in history. Highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Heraion, the ancient ruins of Pythagoreion, and the Tunnel of Eupalinos.

Fine wine lovers should also taste the sweet Muscat variety produced in Samos.

Sifnos is a small, laid-back island with a strong culinary tradition.

Here, you can enjoy its beautiful sandy beaches, traditional villages, and the captivating Kastro settlement.

Vibrant pottery shops and delicious local cuisine make it the perfect destination for foodies and culture enthusiasts.

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades, best known for its stunning beaches and medieval Old Town.

Key attractions include Portara (the Temple of Apollo, the Old Town Castle, Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios Beach, and the hiking trails of the Tragea Valley.

Kos is the perfect destination in your Greek islands itinerary if you’re a fan of history, beaches, and nightlife.

Discover the ancient ruins at the Asklepieion, and explore the old town’s medieval Knights of St. John Castle.

Rhodes combines history and beauty, offering both the ancient Rhodes Old Town and picturesque beaches.

Must-visit attractions:

• Rhodes Old Town, including the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master
• Lindos archaeological site with its ancient Acropolis and picturesque village

Corfu is famous for its diverse landscape, rich history, and charming villages.

Essential stops on your itinerary:

• Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The Achilleion, Empress Sisi’s palace
• Paleokastritsa Monastery and beach
• The cliffside village of Agios Gordios with spectacular views

Read next: Corfu itinerary and Where to Stay in Corfu

Below, you’ll find a few Greek Islands itinerary samples you can use to plan your trip!

Click to skip:

Day 1: Arrival in Athens

Upon your arrival in Athens, take some time to settle in before embarking on a journey through its historical and cultural treasures.

Spend the rest of the day wandering the vibrant streets, visiting the iconic Acropolis and grabbing a bite of delicious souvlaki.

Day 2: Mykonos

On your second day, catch an early morning ferry to the party paradise of Mykonos .

Explore the picturesque, winding streets of the main town, Chora , or hit one of the island’s famous beaches, such as Paradise or Super Paradise .

Don’t forget to taste a freshly-baked amygdalota, the island’s beloved almond cookie.

• Ferry time: 2-5 hours (depending on the type of ferry)

Day 3: Santorini

Rise and shine for another early morning ferry ride to the romantic island of Santorini .

After arriving, make your way to Oia, the village famous for its stunning views and blue-domed churches.

Enjoy a wine tasting experience at a local vineyard or relax on the black sand of Perissa Beach.

Be sure to catch the mesmerizing Santorini sunset before turning in for the night.

• Ferry time: 2-3 hours (depending on the type of ferry)

Day 4: Naxos

Set sail to Naxos on day four.

As the largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos has a lot to offer.

Discover the remarkable Portara, the gate to the ancient Temple of Apollo, or take a refreshing swim at Agios Prokopios Beach.

Looking for a local delicacy? Indulge in some kitron, Naxos’ famous citrus liqueur.

• Ferry time: 1-2 hours (depending on the type of ferry)

Day 5: Paros

On your final day, make your way to Paros .

Wander through the enchanting Naoussa Village, snap some photos of the colorful boats at the harbor, and lounge on the pristine Kolymbithres Beach.

Return to Athens in the evening by ferry to conclude your 5-day Greek islands itineray.

• Ferry time to Paros: 1-2 hours (depending on the type of ferry)
• Ferry time back to Athens: 4-5 hours (depending on the type of ferry)

Once you arrive in Athens, take some time to explore the city.

Visit iconic sites like the Acropolis and the Parthenon before enjoying a well-deserved meal at a local taverna.

Day 2: Ferry to Mykonos

Catch an early morning ferry to the stunning island of Mykonos.

Spend the afternoon walking through its iconic windmills and quaint Little Venice area.

Day 3: Mykonos Beach Day

Today, soak up the sun at one of Mykonos’ famous beaches.

Psarou and Ornos are popular choices, but don’t be afraid to explore more secluded options.

Day 4: Ferry to Santorini

Board the ferry to your next destination, the breathtaking island of Santorini.

Once you’ve arrived, explore the picturesque village of Oia.

Don’t miss the chance to catch a captivating sunset at the village’s castle ruins.

Day 5 and 6: Santorini

Day 5: Caldera Hike and Wine Tasting

Get your walking shoes on and hike the famous caldera trail from Fira to Oia.

This trek offers incredible views of the coastline and the volcano.

Reward yourself with an afternoon of local wine tasting, then enjoy dinner in the lively town of Fira.

Day 6: Ancient Akrotiri and Red Beach

Head to the southern part of Santorini and visit the archaeological site of Ancient Akrotiri.

Afterward, relax on the unique sand of Red Beach before joining a sunset cruise to remember.

Day 7: Return to Athens

Time to say farewell to beautiful Santorini.

Catch a flight back to Athens, where you’ll have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before you head home.

Let’s start planning your 9-day adventure through the breathtaking Greek islands.

In this 9-day Greek islands itinerary, you’ll visit four stunning islands: Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, and Santorini.

Let’s dive into the details.

Day 1-2: Mykonos

Start your trip by exploring the vibrant streets of Mykonos Town.

After that, make some unforgettable memories at one of Mykonos’ famous beaches – Super Paradise Beach or Psarou Beach.

Pro Tip : Take a day trip to the nearby archaeological site of Delos to soak up some history.

Day 3-4: Paros

A quick ferry ride will take you to your next stop, Paros.

Spend some time wandering around Naoussa village and browsing the local shops.

Don’t miss the chance to relax on one of Paros’ stunning beaches, like Kolymbithres Beach or Faragas Beach.

Top Activity : Catch a memorable sunset in Parikia Town while sipping on a refreshing cocktail.

Day 5-6: Naxos

The largest island of the Cyclades, Naxos, awaits you.

Start by visiting the island’s landmark, the Portara, then head to the picturesque Old Town of Naxos known as Chora and immerse yourself in its charm.

Dedicate some time to unwind at Plaka Beach or Agios Prokopios Beach.

Must-See : Don’t skip the opportunity to explore the beautiful Apeiranthos village nested in the island’s mountainous area.

Day 7-9: Santorini

Last, but definitely not least, on your itinerary is the iconic Santorini.

Here are the highlights to make the most of your time:

• Discover the unmatched beauty of Oia village
• Explore the volcanic caldera on a boat tour
• Visit the colorful beaches of Red Beach or White Beach

Wine Lovers : Santorini is known for its unique vineyards. Schedule in a wine tasting tour and sample the local delicacies.

Day 1: Athens

Arrive in Athens and check into your hotel. Spend the day exploring famous Athens landmarks like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Plaka.

Have dinner at a local taverna and get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow’s adventure.

First thing in the morning, take a ferry to Mykonos. Upon arrival, explore its Windmills and Little Venice.

Hit a beach or two, and come evening, dive into Mykonos’ vibrant nightlife and check out spots like Little Venice.

On Day 3, take a ferry to Paros.

Discover the island’s beaches, like Kolymbithres and Golden Beach. Stroll the charming streets of Naoussa and Parikia.

Moreover, don’t forget to visit the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani and explore Lefkes Village.

Day 5: Naxos

Just a short ferry ride away is Naxos.

Upon arrival, take a stroll through Naxos Town and visit Portara. Enjoy a beach day, and don’t forget to try Naxos’ famous potatoes.

Day 6-7: Santorini

Continue on to Santorini on Day 6. You’ll be captivated by the island’s stunning views and blue-domed churches. Visit Oia, Fira, and Pyrgos.

Moreover, don’t miss out on wine tasting in Santorini. Options include Santo Wines, Venetsanos Winery, and Gavalas Winery.

Day 8-9: Crete

Next, head to Crete.

This diverse island offers a mix of history, nature, and beach excursions.

Must-sees like the Palace of Knossos and Samaria Gorge are waiting for you. Stunning beaches to check out include Balos Beach, Elafonissi Beach, and Vai Beach.

Day 10: Athens

Finally, return to Athens for your departure.

Start your Greek adventure in the vibrant city of Athens.

Spend the day exploring the iconic Acropolis, strolling through the Plaka neighborhood, and enjoying some delicious souvlaki at a local taverna!

Day 2-3: Mykonos

On day 2, catch a morning ferry to the glamorous island of Mykonos.

Laze around on its stunning beaches, visit the famous windmills, and don’t miss the opportunity to dance the night away in its lively clubs.

Day 4-5: Paros

Next, hop over to Paros for a more laid-back experience.

While there, take a stroll through the beautiful village of Naoussa, sunbathe at Kolymbithres Beach, and try some local wine at a traditional tavern in Lefkes.

Day 6-7: Naxos

On day 6, make your way to Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades.

Discover the rich history of Naxos by visiting the Portara and Ancient Temple of Demeter.

Enjoy a meal in the quaint village of Chalki, and try the famous Naxos potatoes.

Day 8-9: Ios

Continue to Ios, a small island that packs a punch.

Relax on the powdery sands of Mylopotas Beach, take in the panoramic views of Ios Chora, and savor the delicious Mediterranean cuisine at Katogi Restaurant .

Day 10-11: Santorini

Arrive in Santorini, the quintessential Greek island destination.

Marvel at the breathtaking caldera views, explore the picturesque town of Oia, and indulge in a romantic sunset dinner by the sea.

Day 12-13: Crete

On day 12, sail to Crete, the largest island in Greece and home to the ancient Minoan civilization.

Uncover the history of Knossos Palace, hike the scenic Samaria Gorge, and get lost in the charming streets of Chania Old Town.

Day 14: Return to Athens

Catch a flight or ferry back to Athens, where you can do some last-minute shopping or relax at a local café before waving goodbye to the beautiful Greek islands.

Days 1-4: Athens and Santorini

Kick off your trip by flying into Athens, Greece’s capital, and spending your first day exploring the iconic sites like the Acropolis and the Plaka district.

On day two, catch a ferry to the stunning island of Santorini. You’ll spend the next three days discovering the island’s picturesque villages, dramatic cliffs, and romantic sunsets.

Must-see spots on Santorini:

• Oia Village
• Akrotiri Archaeological Site

Days 5-8: Naxos and Paros

Continue your journey by hopping on a ferry to Naxos.

This island offers a mix of rich history, diverse landscapes, and incredible beaches. Spend two days here, and don’t miss the Apollo Temple and the enchanting Old Town.

Next, head to Paros for another two days of island exploration.

From charming old towns to lovely beaches, Paros is a delightful destination.

Highlights on Naxos and Paros:

• Apollo’s Temple (Naxos)
• Chora Old Town (Naxos)
• Naoussa village (Paros)
• Kolymbithres beach (Paros)

Days 9-12: Mykonos and Delos

Undoubtedly one of the most famous Greek Islands is Mykonos. Spend three days exploring the island’s vibrant towns, boutique shops, and sandy beaches.

The nightlife in Mykonos is buzzing, so make sure to experience a night (or two) out on the town.

Take a day trip to the nearby island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved archaeological and mythological wonders.

Must-visit spots in Mykonos and Delos:

• Little Venice (Mykonos)
• Windmills of Mykonos
• Delos Archaeological Site
• Delos Museum

Days 13-16: Crete

Your island-hopping adventure continues with a ferry ride to Crete , the largest Greek Island.

The natural beauty, pristine beaches, and ancient ruins of Crete provide the ultimate island experience for four days.

Top attractions on Crete:

• Palace of Knossos
• Samaria Gorge
• Balos Beach
• Chania Old Town

Days 17-20: Rhodes and Symi

Lastly, make your way to the Dodecanese Islands, beginning with three days on Rhodes.

Explore charming villages, historical sites, and beautiful beaches to soak up the sun.

On your final day, take a day trip to the nearby island of Symi.

The colorful houses and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect conclusion to your 20-day Greek Island itinerary.

Don’t miss the attractions on Rhodes and Symi:

• Rhodes Old Town
• The Palace of the Grand Master (Rhodes)
• St. Paul’s Bay (Rhodes)
• Panormitis Monastery (Symi)

When planning your Greek Islands itinerary, it’s essential to consider the best time to visit.

Luckily, we’ve gathered some information to help guide your decision.

First things first, let’s break down the seasons in Greece:

• Spring (March to May)
• Summer (June to August)
• Autumn (September to November)
• Winter (December to February)

Spring can be a lovely time to visit the Greek Islands.

The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

It’s also less crowded, meaning you can explore the islands at a leisurely pace and enjoy the blossoming flowers.

However, note that the sea might still be a tad chilly for swimming.

The summer months are the most popular time to visit, but keep in mind that this means more tourists and higher prices.

Expect temperatures to soar between 28°C to 35°C (82°F to 95°F) , perfect for beach bumming and enjoying the crystal blue waters.

Besides, the famous Meltemi wind helps to cool the air, making it more bearable.

Just make sure to book accommodation and ferries in advance during this peak season.

Autumn is another great time for your Greek Islands itinerary. The weather remains warm, with temperatures between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F) .

The sea is still inviting, and the crowds have thinned out compared to summer.

You might experience some occasional rain, so don’t forget to pack a light rain jacket.

Visiting the Greek Islands during winter is the least popular choice.

While temperatures are cooler at 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) , it provides a unique experience for those seeking a genuine, non-touristy atmosphere.

However, keep in mind that many tourist facilities may be closed, and ferry schedules might be limited.

To sum it up, consider visiting the Greek Islands in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better deals.

If you don’t mind the heat and crowds, summer might be your preferred choice for a sun-soaked, beach holiday.

Here are some suggestions to help you enjoy your island-hopping adventure:

• Choose the right islands : The Greek Islands are abundant, so it’s essential to choose the islands that best suit your interests and needs. Some popular choices include Santorini for its romantic sunsets, Mykonos for its vibrant nightlife, and Crete for its history. Try to strike a balance between relaxation and sightseeing.
• Best travel time : To make the most of your visit, aim to travel during the shoulder season (April-June or September-October). You’ll avoid the massive crowds of high season, find lower prices on accommodations, and experience milder temperatures.
• Transportation : When planning your itinerary, factor in the time spent on ferries or flights between islands. Keep in mind that routes and schedules can vary, especially during the off-season. One helpful resource to plan your inter-island transportation is Ferryhopper .

Here’s a useful table illustrating the average travel time between some popular Greek islands:

• Embrace the local culture : During your trip, immerse yourself in the Greek culture by learning some basic phrases, trying local cuisine, and visiting historical sites. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with locals – they are often more than happy to share their knowledge and provide insight into their beloved islands.

Choosing the right gear for your Greek Islands itinerary is crucial for a carefree experience.

Pay attention to the climate, activities you will be participating in, and the uniqueness of each island.

Here’s a quick list of must-haves:

• Clothing: Lightweight and breathable items such as shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses. Don’t forget a swimsuit or two!
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring the islands and water shoes for rocky beaches.
• Accessories: A hat to protect from the sun, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Electronics: Adapters for charging devices (Greece uses the Type C and Type F plugs), a power bank, and a waterproof phone case.
• Toiletries: Remember travel-sized essentials, sunscreen, and insect repellant.
• Beach gear: A lightweight beach towel or sarong, snorkeling gear, and a dry bag to protect belongings.

When it comes to packing clothing, be mindful of the island’s customs and environment.

Dress respectfully, especially when visiting churches or monasteries.

Lightweight dresses or skirts, along with knee-length shorts, are suitable for both men and women.

Transporting your belongings is also essential. Opt for a durable, water-resistant backpack or bag with ample space and multiple compartments.

Keep your important documents, such as passports and tickets, safe and easily accessible in a travel organizer or, for added security, a hidden pouch.

Ideally, you should allocate at least 10 to 14 days for a Greek island hopping adventure.

This will give you enough time to explore several islands, relax on beautiful beaches, and immerse yourself in the delightful local culture.

For a 10-day trip, consider visiting mainstream islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete.

Don’t forget to include lesser-known gems like Naxos, Paros, and Milos, which offer a perfect balance of breathtaking scenery and authentic Greek island charm.

When planning your Greek island hopping adventure, start with the most popular and busy islands – like Santorini or Mykonos.

Then, gradually make your way towards quieter and more relaxing islands, such as Naxos and Paros, to give yourself a well-rounded experience of the Greece island vibes.

In a 4-day itinerary, focus on just two or three islands to make the most of your time.

You could explore the Cyclades group of islands, specifically Santorini and Mykonos or Paros, as they are relatively close to each other and offer diverse experiences.

A 7-day Greek island itinerary could look like this:

• Athens (1 day) – Begin in Athens and explore the historic sites
• Mykonos (2 days) – Head to Mykonos for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches
• Paros (2 days) – Visit Paros to experience a perfect blend of traditional villages and water activities
• Santorini (2 days) – End your trip in romantic Santorini, watching the sunset over the caldera

This itinerary allows you to experience various aspects of Greek island life without feeling rushed.

Absolutely! Consider visiting islands like Folegandros, Sifnos, and Amorgos, which maintain an authentic Greek atmosphere while offering remarkable landscapes, charming villages, and pristine beaches.

From the sun-kissed beaches of Mykonos to the historical wonders of Crete, each island has offered a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. 

We hope this guide to planning the perfect Greek islands itinerary was helpful!

A Cheat Sheet to the Greek Islands, from Rhodes to Naxos

Greece is home to thousands of islands—and these are the most magical..

Greece is the most beautiful country in the world, says every Greek person ever. They’re not bluffing. Look no further than the legendary Greek Isles, where postcard-perfect beaches make for the best sunsets, an “anything goes attitude” makes for the best locals, and perpetually sunny climes make for the freshest, most flavorful olives and tomatoes you will ever taste.

On this side of the Mediterranean, old-world wonders like retro tavernas, archeological sites , and ancient villas blur the line between past and present. Jump into a world where your only concerns are how long to nap and how much ouzo is too much ouzo. Out of the thousands of Greece’s islands, here is an extraordinary handful.

Welcome to the St. Tropez of Greece, where the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Leonard Cohen paved the way for cashed-up bohos, yacht folk, and Greek Glamazons. Hydra’s good looks are undeniable, but there’s more here than meets the eye. Alas, since it’s less than two hours away from Athens by ferry, people rarely really get to know it. Splurge on the overnight experience once the day-trippers have gone back to the capital. 

There are no cars, just horse-drawn carriages, but the best way to explore this tiny island is on foot. Wandering the cobblestone streets, just follow the sound of plucky bouzouki folk music to time-warped tavernas handing out ouzo shots, sirtaki (Greek traditional dance) extravaganzas, and seaside restaurants serving decadent seafood platters. 

If you’re UV-starved and looking to spend all day outside, this is your island. The sun shines about 300 days a year here, courtesy of the Greek sun god Helios who once ruled this island. Rhodes is packed with luxe resorts and silky stretches of sand outfitted with beach loungers and drink service. When you’re ready to put your sandals back on and emerge from the R&R, there’s plenty of history to discover in the Old Town, including a wonderful archaeology museum , Greece’s oldest Jewish temple by way of the 16th-century Kahal Shalom Synagogue , and an Ottoman hammam with a starry dome. Hiking up to the Acropolis of Lindos , the incredibly well-preserved ruins dating to the 4th century BCE, rewards with a killer view.

This is the original hipster health destination, proudly providing sustainable organic everything in magnificent surroundings. The food is healthy, homegrown and affordable. Try the dakos (the Cretan take on bruschetta), olive oil-drenched octopus, and savory rice pilafs. It all goes down brilliantly with a bottle of vino or better yet, tsikoudia, the local gut-warming moonshine . 

As Greece’s largest island, Crete is perfect for island-hoppers who can’t decide what to do and want a bit of everything. Cities and towns are totally different: In Heraklion, you’ll find fancy beach resorts and fascinating archaeological sites, while Chania and Rethymno offer Venetian and Turkish architecture as eye candy. Rustic tavernas are open year-round, not just during the high season, and come with the show-stopping views and “don’t give a damn” ambience that amplifies Crete’s charm.

Smaller than Manhattan, Skiathos is but a morsel of the Aegean Islands, but it’s a tiny package of perfection you might just recognize from Mamma Mia!  There are 63 beaches to choose from, like the outrageously beautiful Koukounaries or pebble-strewn Lalaria, plus remote coasts hidden by pine forest and hills to explore via Sea-Doo, kayak, or boat.

Besides all the resplendent nature, Skiathos is also known for throwing a good party. Banana Beach is where the music gets loud and things stay hot even after dark, but even Old Town is known for breaking out into a block party on summer nights.

Big with honeymooners and the cruise ship crowd , Santorini’s got that iconic rooftop view with ivory villas, stuccoed cave hotels, and pops of blue cascading down the hillside beneath the sunset. The only downside is all the other people, but that’s what private pools are for. Better yet, plan your visit for the winter to steer clear of the masses.

Santorini may be famous for its architecture, but its best-kept secret is definitely the food. There are a lot of tourist traps, but choose wisely and you’ll find yourself sipping Greece’s best white wines yielded from dark volcanic soil and fantastic local produce like white aubergines, tangy sausage, and sweet tomatoes. There’s even a couple cool microbreweries— Santorini Brewing Company and Ftelos Brewery —on the island if you're itching for a Greek-style IPA.

Ikaria’s claim to fame is that locals tend to live well over 100 —which is pretty freakin’ amazing considering how many glasses of wine and packs of cigarettes these people go through. Scientists are miffed as to what makes Ikaria’s residents immortal, but some suspect it’s the mellow lifestyle revolving around gardening, fresh produce, and lots of naps .

The summertime is when the young and old kick it into high gear. Ikaria is famous for its Panagiria  (a.k.a. feast days), when locals dance, sing, and indulge in the local Ikarian wine. The festivities often last from early afternoon to sun-up, which may sound daunting, but don’t worry—Ikaria’s spry senior citizens will show you exactly how it’s done.

The largest of the western Ionian Islands, Kefalonia doesn’t put on any airs. It has straightforward scenery, old-school architecture, and an ultra low-key chill you won’t get on Santorini or Rhodes. The trade-off for nightlife is exceptional peace and quiet—which does not translate to boredom. Discover new beaches like the red-top Xi, sip white wine at the progressive Gentilini Winery , and explore the Byzantine-Venetian ruins of the hilltop Agios Georgios Castle . Under-explored stretches like the agrarian patchwork of Paliki Peninsula and Mt. Ainos National Park , with its wild horses and black fir thickets, are perfect for seclusion-seekers.

Milos has long been a favorite of Greeks on their holidays (Greeks love to vacation in Greece, don’t you know?). This tiny volcanic island is a little slice of Mars on earth, its surrealist beaches festooned with bizarre rock formations and painted in a spectrum of hues: crimson, pitch black, and, in the case of Sarakiniko Beach , moon-dust white. The archaeological ruins are just as curious, including the second-largest catacombs outside of Rome and an ancient marble theater . 

If you don’t come away from Mykonos with a tale of debauchery, then you didn’t do it right. Joie de vivre summer hedonism reaches a sweet fever pitch here, with bar crawls across sugar-cube houses, fresh fruit cocktails on the waterfront at Scarpa , table-dancing at Jackie O’ , and hopefully a late-night drag show. This will eventually descend into the ouzo-infused madness of trying to fight the famous Mykonos Windmills Don Quixote-style—or even worse, the pelicans. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Life in rural Naxos, a land of rickety tractors and donkey crossings, moves along at a delightfully slow pace. And, unsurprisingly, it’s the ideal place to recover after one too many all-nighters next door in Mykonos. Food and nature is the name of the game here. You’ll have plenty of time for inhaling local cheeses, cured meats, and grilled house delicacies accompanied by locally harvested potatoes between bouts of wandering beaches and citrus groves. Take extra time framing up your Instagram shots—picture-perfect isolated beaches and ancient sites like the iconic Portara  abound.

Patmos is a real gem because it’s so dang hard to get to— a nine-hour ferry from Piraeus , a helicopter journey, or navigating exhausting transfers from Kos or Samos require a determined traveler. Its rugged beauty is coupled with unusual spiritual energy ( Saint John the Theologian's Biblical depiction of the Apocalypse was written here ). Languid days are spent scootering around beaches, small settlements, and UNESCO Heritage sites . Chora, Patmos’s main stomping ground, offers a touch of unexpected glamor with 18th-century mansions and sophisticated cocktail joints.

Another Mamma Mia! filming location, handsome Skopelos remains down-to-earth. Smooth pebbled beaches and transparent waters dominate the topography, so star-fishing on velvety shores is just about all you’ll want to do. 

The island’s famous plum orchards make the fruit ubiquitous, whether baked into pastries, cooked up with meat, or fresh from the branch. Despite the Hollywood treatment, accommodations and meals are still relatively affordable in Skopelos, with the average price of a villa and pool running about $130 a night. There’s really no better way to treat yourself.

Kalymnos is heaven for rock-climbers , known for its dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking ambrosial fields of citrus groves and wildflowers. For centuries, it was a working sponge-diving island, but now it’s a go-to for modest beach resorts offering a lot of bang for your buck.

You really can’t come here without trying your hand at rappelling just once. There are crags for beginners and monkey-armed pros alike, while local delicacies such as grapefruit, bergamot, and daily seafood catches are sure to keep you fueled up and ready for all that exercise.

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The Greek island to visit now — before it turns into the next Mykonos

You’ll have to be quick: the jet set have already landed, but look a little harder and you can still find beautiful beaches and tiny tavernas in up-and-coming paros.

F irst came the Romans and the Byzantines, then the bronzed gods and goddesses of the global jet set. And on the short drive from the port of Paros to my hotel, the newly opened Avant Mar, I can see signs of the island’s latest arrivals: chic hotels, expensive resort-wear shops, helipads. “Yes,” says our young driver, who has come from Thessaloniki to spend a season here. “It is going the way of Mykonos.”

By that he means the luxury, hedonism and certain brand of wealthy holidaymaking for which Mykonos has become famous. “But not too much,” he assures me, wary of the nearby island’s growing reputation for vulgarity.

As we glide into the northern town of Naoussa and curve down a steep road, I see the Avant Mar from above: the circular reception building, with its walls of white linen blowing in the breeze, and the elliptical open-aired wellness area set against the bright white cubic architecture of the miniature village of suites. It has an Elysian feel. The tagline “a new Cycladic era” is written on the wall.

Within 20 minutes my boyfriend and I are lying on sunloungers by the 55m pool, near to where it flows into a sort of swimmable infinity passage with views of the Aegean Sea. There is another shallow pool with in-built beds in the spa area. Down on Piperi bay is the hotel’s beach club, where a short arc of sand connects the hotel to Naoussa town.

And it’s in Naoussa town that evening that the Mykonos comparison shines truest. At dusk, the sweet fishermen’s town with white walls and chalk-blue spires is swimming with deeply tanned and exceptionally chic tourists drinking £21 Paloma cocktails. Several fishermen pull up in their small wooden boats while couples ashore pose for selfies in the radiance of the setting sun. It’s a postcard Cycladic town, with brightly lit lanes housing a maze of jewellery shops, pricey linen stores and teeny-weeny tavernas with a handful of tables huddled under magenta bougainvillea. By 2am the clubs are packed and hostesses are gleefully turning away all those foolish enough to have not made a reservation (us). So it’s back to the hotel to our private plunge pool for a late-night dip.

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Avant Mar, which opened in July, marks a new echelon of luxury on Paros, which is one of the few islands in the region with an airport, so most guests would probably fly here via Athens (we do on the way back), this being one of the few Cycladic islands with an airport. Technically it’s a boutique hotel, with 38 rooms ranging from doubles through executive suites with plunge pools — which we are staying in — to one colossal 70 m sq premium sea view suite with a private pool which starts at £1,696 a night in low season. Mine, which is 42 m sq and has a tiny back garden as well as the front decking with the pool, costs from £785 a night in low season to £1,444 a night in high season.

It’s a seriously stylish room with lots of marble. The floor echoes Cycladic flagstone squares, with large curvaceous slabs of marble separated by thick white render. The bathroom has the most beautiful sink I think I’ve ever seen, a solid white-and-black marble block running wall to wall and topped with Aesop products that smell of bergamot and sage. (Marble is big in Paros. Parian marble was used to make the sculptures inside the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens as well as the Venus de Milo and the winged statue of Nike in the Louvre.) Out front, the pool is fringed with pink oleander, aromatic shrubs and ornamental grasses.

The room comes with Avant Mar cork yoga mats and a beach bag with baseball caps and a water bottle — all branded so that there can be no doubt that you are living that Avant Mar (dream) lifestyle. It’s super high tech, with an enormous TV concealed as a mirror and an in-built Bluetooth sound system connected to speakers in the ceiling. It doesn’t surprise me when Anna Asimakopoulou, the general manager who can be seen floating around the main pool in a trilby chatting with guests, tells me it cost £25.5 million to complete. She too says that change is afoot on the island.

Perhaps this was the inevitable path for Paros. Neighbouring Antiparos, a much smaller island reachable by a seven-minute ferry from Pounta, is already loved by elite travellers (Tom Hanks has a house on Antiparos and this summer hosted Barack and Michelle Obama). Plus the billionaires’ favourite island, Mykonos, is 45 minutes by boat.

So the celebrities are descending on Paros. Asimakopoulou is too discreet to tell me who, but she says a few have choppered in from their yachts to the nearby helipad to eat at Matsuhisa, the hotel’s flagship Japanese fusion restaurant run by Chef Nobu. Matsuhisa seems to have become the select restaurant of the super-wealthy, wherever they happen to be — there are branches in Beverly Hills, St Moritz, Mykonos, Aspen and several other A-list bolt holes. You have to have serious money to eat here: there is a “small bite” — literally a bite — of tuna belly for £43. And yet, when we try it the next evening, the place is more or less full of shiny sexy people drinking cocktails and eating yellowtail sashimi while the DJ plays dinner-friendly club classics. Every dish is presented as a showstopper: we try the octopus carpaccio with dry miso (£31), spicy lobster salad (£55) and Nobu’s signature black cod (£51). It’s all delicious — just don’t come here looking for Greek food (or prices).

The other restaurant at the hotel is Thymes, where breakfast is served and you can enjoy a more casual poolside lunch. There’s a Greek pastry and dessert shop, Figs, which is great for an afternoon scoop of sorbet delivered to your lounger.

When we go out to explore the island, I see other parallels with Mykonos: most obviously the ATVs (quad bikes), with girls in bikinis zipping around the arid hill roads. But word on the street is that “cabana culture” — meaning big beds on the beach (my cabana is more expensive than your cabana etc . . .) — has landed on Paros. Apparently a few of the beach clubs have undergone Ibiza-style makeovers, so we check out the most popular, Monastiri beach, a ten-minute taxi from Avant Mar in the northwest of the island. And sure enough there are different prices for different tiers of beds — the cabanas are £77 a day, front-row beds are £60, rows 4–10 (basically economy class) come in at £43. It’s not quite Ibiza and Mykonos prices but everyone is dressed as though it is. On the way it’s worth taking in a slice of history at the small Mycenaean Acropolis overlooking the sunseekers on Kolymbithres beach.

● Best Greek islands to visit

So what about the rest of Paros? The next morning we rent a scooter and start a full assessment. It’s not long before we discover a very different side. Heading down the east coast, our first stop is Piso Livadi, an unfussy beach town with all sorts of tourists drinking beer and eating Greek salad in the waterside tavernas. Then Golden Beach, a rare long stretch of sandy beach for the surfers and paragliders and bat-and-ball lovers. Further still is Paralia Glifa, a tranquil crescent-moon bay dotted with sea pines. We buy a bottle of beer from the beach café and watch the sky turn amber.

Before dark, we go further inland, towards an ancient Byzantine trail that connects three medieval villages in the heart of the island. It’s best walked early in the morning or early in the evening to avoid the heat but we zip up the hills in our scooter and take a stop at each: first Marpissa, then Prodromos for an aperitivo of souma (grape-based alcohol like ouzo) and fennel balls at Marigos Kafenio, and finally for dinner in Lefkes, the largest of the three towns with several atmospheric tavernas. It’s touristy, but in a way that all the Cycladic islands have been for years. We try Lefkiano, in a tiny square under the stars, where we have a hearty meal of grilled prawns, lamb kleftiko and rabbit with thyme along with a carafe of delicious house Parian wine all for £43.

It’s only after our day of exploration that I realise the big money on the island seems to be concentrated in the north, between Monastiri, through Naoussa town and into the northeast near Santa Maria beach. Just east of Naoussa, another new luxury hotel, Cosme, debuted last summer. Its sister hotel, Parilio, a member of Design Hotels, opened near Kolymbithres in 2019. On our final night we try Cosme’s restaurant, Parostia, and have an excellent meal that includes raw white fish served in the fish it was cut from, curled up in little sashimi balls, as well as a whole grilled bass with local greens as a side. It’s Greek food but elevated (and then some). With two cocktails and a bottle of wine, you can expect a £256 bill.

So yes there are experiences exclusively for the rich on Paros. But there are also plenty of rich experiences for the rest of us, and you’re unlikely to find Elon Musk cavorting on his superyacht here any time soon. Asimakopoulou is right when she describes it as “less than Mykonos but more than Milos and Folegandros”, referring to two of the sleepier Cycladic isles. Paros is floating somewhere in the middle. And this might just be its sweet spot.

Monique Rivalland was a guest of Avant Mar, which has B&B doubles from £296 ( avantmar.com ). Fly to Paros via Athens

Three more Paros hotels

By richard mellor.

1. Christina Hotel, Naoussa Here’s an outstanding budget option in Naoussa. Built in classic Cycladic style — glintingly white buildings shaped like sugar cubes — the family-run Christina comes with a slender, saltwater eco-pool and a roof terrace facing the sea and sunset. Its age limit of 21 ensures tranquillity. When not strolling around Naoussa or walking the ten minutes to sandy Piperi Beach, ask the friendly owners for help in arranging water sports, horse riding or guided excursions — or for some insider island tips. Details B&B doubles from £110 (christinaparos.gr)

2. Minois, Koukoulavmes Recently renovated and relaunched under new owners in May, Minois is located on Paros’s blowier west coast near to the large beach at Parasporos. Also faithfully following the cubist Cycladic architectural textbook, its 44 suites abound with light, space and sharp design details such as hanging wicker chairs. Outside, palm trees and plump loungers flank a large pool. There’s a spa and Mediterranean food overseen by the vaunted chef Alexander Tsiotinis. Most enticing, though, is the menu of local activities ranging from ceramic classes to salt-harvesting hikes. Details B&B suites from £337 (minois-hotel.com)

3. Seesoo Paros, near Pounta Further southwest, Seesoo is plastic-free and recycles all wastewater. That sustainability is matched by superb facilities: the 11-room hotel abuts a shingly bay where yoga sessions take place, plus a pool with unbroken sea views towards Antiparos. The same vista is available from a waterside deck on which glasses of Parian souma (a raki-like spirit) might be clinked as the sinking sun turns the sea purple. Indoors, rustic-chic interior touches — rattan rocking chairs; bleached wooden tables — conjure a restful atmosphere. Details B&B doubles from £223 (seesooparos.com)

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Island Hopping Greece: 10 Islands To Visit, Ranked By Affordability

• Tinos, Folegandros, and Sifnos offer affordable travel options with budget-friendly accommodations, cheap local eateries, and inexpensive transportation.
• Andros, Lefkada, and Anafi provide low-budget options with affordable accommodations, free activities like hiking, and relaxed atmospheres.
• Paxos, Koufonisia, Skiathos, and Ikaria are budget-friendly destinations with affordable accommodations, beautiful beaches, and inexpensive local dining options.

There are 227 Greek islands , each offering a diverse range of experiences, from blue zones to luxury private beach clubs to all-day rave islands to cultural wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites . These islands boast endless beaches and coves, catering to both laid-back budget backpackers and those seeking hammock-strewn retreats.

With so many options, it can be hard to find the best island to go to in Greece, whether it be the most beautiful , the most historic , or the most unique . Another dilemma, once travelers have finally settled on their favorites, is wondering how much their Mamma Mia -inspired vacation will cost them.

Greece has an island for every budget and is doable on a backpacker's budget or a millionaire's budget - That's the beauty of traveling to Greece. The islands can be as expensive or inexpensive as travelers make them, depending on their preferences.

Here are 10 of the cheapest Greek islands to visit, ranked by their affordability from most expensive to least expensive.

Related: 10 Summer Destinations That Look And Feel Like Greece (But Are Cheaper)

Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices In Tinos

Average cost to visit: $1,063 for a solo traveler for 1 week.

Tinos stands out for its budget-friendly accommodation and local eateries. Visitors to Tinos will get to savor traditional Greek cuisine without breaking the bank, and exploring the island's artistic treasures won't cost travelers a fortune.

• Meal Cost: $18 per meal
• Transportation Cost: $6.40 per person

Funds And Food Are Not A Problem In Folegandros

Average cost to visit: $1,039 per person for 1 week.

Folegandros is a budget-friendly destination with affordable guesthouses and family-run restaurants. The island's unspoiled nature and lack of large-scale tourism contribute to its cost-effective charm. Coupled with narrow streets only filled with locals, it's a welcome escape from the usual tourist-clad streets of Greece.

• Meal Cost: $9.60 per meal
• Transportation Cost: $4.30 per person per day

Super Savings On Souvlaki In Sifnos

Average cost to visit: $1007 per person for 1 week.

Sifnos offers a variety of melt-in-the-mouth local cuisine options. This is food cooked directly from Nonna's kitchen. The best part? The pricing satisfies the locals, meaning that it'll suit the average traveler's budget for Sifnos as well. In contrast, travelers to Greece sometimes pay 10 times the price of the food in Sifnos.

• Transportation Cost: $3 per ride

Affordable Activities In Andros

Average cost to visit: $1001 per person for 1 week.

Andros provides budget-friendly options for accommodation and dining. Its extensive hiking trails and picturesque villages offer free and immersive activities, making it an economical choice for nature lovers. Andros is a place that offers the best Grecian water sports and activities of Santorini, all on a budget.

• Meal Cost: $10.60 per meal
• Transportation Cost: $3.70 per day

Save on meal costs by purchasing food from local vendors/ supermarkets.

Low-Budgets And Lotsa Loukaniko In Lefkada

Average cost to visit: $884 per person for 1 week.

Lefkada offers reasonably priced accommodations, making it an attractive option for budget travelers. With low-cost local transportation and affordable seaside tavernas, travelers often bask in the island's natural beauty without burning a hole in their pockets.

• Meal Cost: $16 per meal
• Transportation Cost: $5.30

To make the trip more affordable, consider checking out the Nidri Waterfalls, which is a free activity .

Architectural Wonders And Affordable Accommodation In Anafi

Average cost to visit: $626 per person for 1 week.

Despite its proximity to the popular Santorini, Anafi remains a budget-friendly alternative. Anafi boasts affordable accommodations and a relaxed atmosphere. With fewer tourists, travelers can enjoy the island's beauty without the crowds, and local prices won't put a strain on the average traveler's budget.

• Meal Cost: $14 per meal
• Transportation Cost: $10 per day

Perfect Prices For The Budgeter In Paxos

Average cost to visit: $616 per person for 1 week.

Paxos offers affordable accommodations, and its smaller size means that travelers can explore the entire island without spending much on transportation. Travelers to Paxos will also get to enjoy local delicacies by the sea that won't dent their wallets.

• Meal Cost: $15 per meal
• Transportation Cost: Get to Paxos for $9

Related: Peace & Quiet: 10 Of The Least-Crowded Islands To Visit In Greece

Sun, Sand, And Savings In Koufonisia

Average cost to visit: $574 per person for 1 week.

Known for its turquoise waters and laid-back vibe, this upper and lower duo offers an affordable escape from the usual Grecian tourist spots. Koufonisia provides budget-friendly accommodation, and the small size of the islands means you can explore them on foot. Enjoying some of the best beaches in Greece and local hospitality won't cost travelers a fortune here.

• Meal Cost: $17 per meal
• Transportation Cost: $6.40 per day

Soirées And Socials On A Budget In Skiathos

Average cost to visit: $503 per person for 1 week.

This is the budget version of Mykonos, which is known for its outrageous parties and celebrity luxuries. While Skiathos has upscale options, budget travelers can find affordable accommodations, activities, parties, and inexpensive local eateries. The island's compact size allows for easy exploration without hefty transportation costs.

• Meal Cost: $8 per meal
• Transportation Cost: $2 per bus trip

Related: Follow The Aegean Trail: Top 10 Coastal Hikes In Greece For Breathtaking Views

Have A Mamma Mia Trip On Inexpensive Ikaria

Average hotel cost: $498 per person for 1 week.

Ikaria's simplicity extends to its affordability, with reasonably priced accommodation combined with local markets and fresh bakeries. Travelers can embrace the slow pace of life, explore the island's natural beauty, and enjoy budget-friendly dining with the welcoming locals.

• Meal Cost: $13 per meal
• Transportation Cost: $1.92 per taxi trip

There's A Fake Greek Island Of Santorini In China You Can Visit

Santorini has joined China's long list of famous landmark replicas found across the nation.

• China recreated Santorini with $1 billion resort in Dali city, replicating blue and white architecture with Mediterranean charm.
• Yunnan province's 3,700-acre resort offers accommodations mirroring Santorini's allure, providing a taste of the island in China.
• China's love for replicas extends to world monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, and even the Titanic.

Santorini (also known as Thera in Classical Greek) is one of the most iconic destinations in the Greek Islands and all of Europe. It is nestled in the southern Aegean Sea, is the remnant of an ancient caldera, and attracts people from far and wide. But not everyone can make it to Greece and visit the island. So if one can't go to an attraction, why not bring the attraction elsewhere? That seems to be what has happened with a replica of the island in China.

Naturally, there is nothing quiet like seeing an attraction in real life. There are many things to see and do in Santorini and one needs to actually go there to see and do them. That being said, there's nothing quiet like traveling to China and seeing replicas from around the world in real life too.

A Picture-Perfect Replica Of Santorini In China

Dali city in yunnan province offers a stunning replica of the greek santorini island.

According to reporting by the Times of India , China has built a picture-perfect replica of Santorini . The publication states "This pretty replica impeccably captures the quintessence of Santorini's iconic appeal." It should be noted that such a resort-based replica would not be out of the ordinary in Las Vegas where one can find Egyptian pyramid replicas, Venice replicas, and more.

China's southern city of Dali in Yunnan province is one of the top tourist destinations for domestic Chinese travelers. Sometimes, holidaymakers enjoy bringing the world to them instead of having to travel and see the world. China is full of many elaborate replicas of famous landmarks, with Yunnan province's Santorini Dali resort boasting the blue and whitewashed architecture of Santorini.

The resort spans 3,700 acres and costs over a billion dollars to construct. It is nestled close to a local lake and offers a selection of stunning accommodations, along with little shops and authentic Greek-themed restaurants. The Cangshan mountain range rises in the background, while the Chinese relax with a touch of Mediterranean charm.

Is Santorini Possible On A Budget? Here Are 10 Ways To Do It

Santorini: one of greece's most iconic islands steeped in history, santorini not only has stunning beaches and iconic architecture, it has its own ash-covered city like pompeii.

Santorini has a population of around 15,500 and a landmass of around 28 square miles. It is an island that has forged its own identity and boasts red sand, black sand, and pebbled beaches with some of the Mediterranean's most well-known architecture.

Santorini is believed to be the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, which caused massive damage to the ancient Minoan civilization around 3,600 years ago (at the height of their civilization).

One of the great attractions in Santorini that the Chinese are unlikely to have replicated is Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city buried in the eruption (much like Pompeii thousands of years later).

Sunny Skies & Ocean Breezes: Your Guide To The Weather In Santorini & When To Go

China: a land of many replicas, china has built scale and even larger-than-life replicas, sometimes resulting in them being taken to court for intellectual property theft.

Replicas of many of the world's most well-known monuments and attractions are found in China. Travel to China and see fake versions of the Eiffel Tower (354 feet tall), the Sydney Opera House, the White House, the Roman Colosseum, Paris' Arc de Triomphe, Moscow's Kremlin, and much more. Sometimes there are multiple replicas of the same landmarks around China.

Examples of replicas in China:

• Rome's Colosseum
• Arc de Triomphe
• London Tower Bridge
• Effiel Tower
• Sydney Opera House
• The White House
• Great Sphinx

Not all replicas in China are smaller versions of their real-life counterparts. The Romandisea Titanic is an unfinished full-scale copy of the Titanic . The project was first reported in 2013 and formally launched in 2014. It would have been the centerpiece of the Romandisea resort in Sichuan province. However, it seems to have stalled and remains around 25% complete ( the United States has more than one Titanic replica of its own ).

Some replicas are much larger than the real thing. In 2012, a double-sized replica of London's famous Tower Bridge over Yuanhe Pond was built in Jiangsu province.

However, while China's replicas are typically met with amusement when the outside world learns about them, they sometimes anger countries. China has built a number of Great Sphinx replicas only to have the Egyptians take them to court to demolish them claiming them to be intellectual property theft.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Can I travel to Dubai right now? Travel safety and consumer rights explained

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Holidaymakers have been warned of travel chaos in Dubai , with heavy downpours causing delays and cancellations throughout United Arab Emirates airports.

The UK Foreign Office has told tourists heading to Dubai to be aware of ‘severe disruption’ due to the extreme weather, which saw the country battered by the most rain it has recorded in 75 years.

Over 142mm of rain fell on Dubai International Airport – the second busiest in the world – over the last 24 hours, more than the average annual amount of 94.7mm – and flooding in the transport have left thousands of Brits struggling to get home .

Some airlines have diverted flights or cancelled them altogether, while authorities have urged anyone planning to travel to Dubai to exercise caution.

If you’re heading to the UAE destination, here’s what you need to know.

Can I travel to Dubai right now? Latest advice after airport floods

Whether you can get to Dubai at the moment will depend on your airline, but even if your flight is still running, it’s likely your travel plans will face disruption.

In a statement, Dubai Airports explained: ‘It’s challenging for departing guests to reach the airport and arrival guests to leave the terminals due to the significant flooding and road blockages, resulting in limited available transport options.

The authority claims recovery will ‘take some time’ but urges guests to check the status of their flight directly with the airline before heading to the airport, and to allow ‘significant extra travel time’.

A further announcement on X made last night (April 17) read: ‘We advise you not to come to the airport, unless absolutely necessary. Flights continue to be delayed and diverted. Please check your flight status directly with your airline.

‘We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions.’

This morning, check-in for Emirates and flydubai has reopened at Terminal 3, and Terminal 1 arrivals have restarted. However, it’s still being stressed that only those with confirmed bookings or departure confirmations from their airline should go to the airport.

⚠️We advise you NOT to come to the airport, unless absolutely necessary. Flights continue to be delayed and diverted. Please check your flight status directly with your airline. We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions. — DXB (@DXB) April 17, 2024

Access roads around the airport are still being cleared too, so although availability of taxis is improving, it’s likely it’ll take longer than usual to get to and from the airport.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advised British travellers: ‘Check with your airline before traveling. Contact FCDO if you are in the UAE and in need of emergency support.’

Your rights if Dubai flights are cancelled or changed

If you’re already at the airport, restaurants are open and accepting meal vouchers (which will be issued to those experiencing delays of more than four hours). You may also be provided with accommodation or transport if you’re re-routed to the next day.

Due to the major disruption, this may not have been possible, so the CAA recommends passengers keep the receipt for ‘reasonable’ costs (like food and accommodation) they pay for themselves and claim for reimbursement later.

If you have been delayed for more than five hours and no longer wish to travel then you’re entitled to a refund from the airline, and if you missed your connection flight because your first flight was delayed, you are also entitled to a flight back to your original departure point.

However, once you take a refund or choose to travel later than the first available flight, the airline no longer has any obligation to provide you with food, drink or accommodation.

Under UK law, airlines sometimes have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late, but this depends on what caused the delay. Since these disruptions aren’t the airline’s fault, they fall under  ‘extraordinary circumstances’, meaning you aren’t eligible for compensation.

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Check your travel insurance policy, though, as some insurers offer cover in the form of a fixed cash sum if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to bad weather.

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Greece Announces New Plan to Protect Some of Its Pristine Beaches

The government has pledged to crack down on rapid development, and on seaside businesses seeking to take advantage of a tourist boom. But some residents and conservationists are unimpressed.

By Niki Kitsantonis

Reporting from Athens

The Greek government on Friday published a list of 198 “untrodden beaches” that it said are now off limits to bars, restaurants and large public gatherings in its latest attempt to contain development and address the backlash to the throngs of tourists that descend on the country’s coastlines each year.

The move comes amid growing frustration among residents of Greek islands and parts of the coastal mainland that are popular with foreign visitors. Protests ballooned into a nationwide “beach towel movement” last summer as disgruntled locals complained that they were being pushed off their own beaches by businesses seeking to take advantage of a tourist boom that brought more than 32 million foreign visitors to Greece last year .

On the country’s Cycladic islands, local residents joined forces with the authorities to push back against a wave of construction .

Greece’s conservative government has pledged to crack down on the development, and on seaside businesses that violate regulations. In February it passed a law aimed at regulating the use of the country’s coastline, imposing penalties of up to 60,000 euros for businesses occupying more than 50 percent of Greek beaches with umbrellas and sun beds.

Critics said the law did not go far enough to curb the problem, with some claiming that the government was perpetuating the issue by not tackling illegal land use more comprehensively.

The list of “untrodden beaches,” unveiled in a joint agreement between Greece’s finance and environment ministers, is part of a broader effort to restore balance, the government said. “The main goal is to combine environmental protection with sustainable development,” Kostis Hatzidakis, the economy and finance minister, said on Friday.

“The environment is a valuable component of the Greek tourist product,” he said.

Under the new initiative, the government was putting public assets “under a strict framework of rules, penalties and obligations,” Mr. Hatzidakis said. Inspections and transparency would be increased, as would “the enforcement of the law,” he added.

The beaches on the list are in areas included in the European Union’s Natura program, a network of vulnerable habitats across Europe that are protected under European law. Among the beaches listed on Friday are spots on popular islands such as Milos, Naxos, Lesbos, Samothrace and in the southern Peloponnese peninsula.

The islands were selected based on the advice of the country’s Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency and are all “areas of high ecological importance,” Theodoros Skylakakis, the environment and energy minister, said on Friday.

Under the new initiative, no section of those beaches can be auctioned off for commercial use, and the presence of sun-loungers and umbrellas will be prohibited, as will the organization of public events involving more than 10 people.

Another initiative being introduced by the government is a new app called “MyCoast,” on which people can report violations.

Some environmentalists in Greece were not impressed by Friday’s announcement. Eleni Andrianopoulou, a resident of Naxos and a member of a local “Save the beaches” group, said the government’s original plan had been for more than 1,000 beaches nationwide to be covered, adding that Natura areas require “real protection.”

“From the beginning we had stressed that this reform for untrodden beaches was a fraud.”

Demetre Karavellas, director of the World Wildlife Fund Greece, said the authorities were jumping the gun with their list of pristine beaches, noting that there are more than 100 marine and coastal areas in Greece that are recognized by the Natura program but have yet to be effectively managed or conserved.

“The government should start by complying with its basic legal obligations before creating new vague categories of protection,” he said.

Niki Kitsantonis is a freelance correspondent for The Times based in Athens. She has been writing about Greece for 20 years, including more than a decade of coverage for The Times. More about Niki Kitsantonis