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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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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 .

Next 5 days

• THURS 22 °C

Source: National Observatory of Athens / meteo.gr

© P. Merakos

Unique Experiences

Explore the island’s villages

Filming in santorini.

LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER, THE CRADLE OF LIFE (2003)

British archaeologist Lara Croft has made perhaps the most important archaeological discovery in history: an orb that leads to the mythical Pandora's Box. Unfortunately, the orb falls into the hands of an evil scientist who deals in killer viruses and hopes to sell the secrets of the box as the ultimate weapon...

DIRECTOR: JAN DE BONT FILMING LOCATION: SANTORINI

THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELLING PANTS 2 (2005)

For the first time since their friendship began, four young girls are separated for a summer. One of them, Lena, visits her grandparents in Greece and meet Kostas, with whom she falls in love...

DIRECTOR: KEN KWAPIS FILMING LOCATION: SANTORINI

BEIJING LOVE STORY (2014)

Different generations look at love, romance and commitment, all from a uniquely Beijing perspective; a pregnant woman must choose between her husband and an ex-love who comes back into her life, a couple looks toward a trip to Greece to confront their own infidelity, and a young couple must decide whether to listen to their parents' reason or their emotional heart.

DIRECTOR: CHEN SICHENG FILMING LOCATION: SANTORINI

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Easter on Santorini Island

Local dishes.

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Kea (or Tzia)

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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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Expert Greek Islands Travel Guide With Itinerary Routes

So you want to plan a trip to the Greek Islands and have no idea where to start? Luckily you have found an expert who has traveled the islands extensively.

With my guidance and the Greek Island travel guide below, I can ensure you don’t make the same mistakes I made 14 years ago on my first trip to Greece.

Since my maiden voyage to the Isles in 2010, I have visited some of the most famous and lesser-known Greek islands.

Compiling my decade of experience, I’ve put all my tips in one place to help you avoid the usual island-hopping mistakes.

This in-depth guide to the Greek Islands will help you understand the different island groups and how to craft your itinerary.

In case you’re still uncertain about your destination, I’ve put together a handy Greek Island Quiz to assist you in making your decision!

Human-written content, by me, and nearly all original images, unless stated. Posts could have affiliate links to help offset the cost of maintaining this blog. When you click on a link we receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See Our Affiliate Policy and Advertiser Disclosure for more info.

Understanding The Main Island Groups

It is so important to understand the island groups when planning a Greek Island hopping itinerary.

And that is because some of these islands are extremely far from one another. For example, you are not going to “hop” from Crete to Corfu, you are going to fly.

Some Greek islands although seemingly close together can still be a little challenging to get to.

See the map below that gives you an overview of the Island Group in Greece.

When you are researching from island to island , you can get inspired when using the search feature in Ferry Hopper .

You can see below that I selected my departing port, but left the destination blank. Look to the right and there will be a display of direct routes.

You can play around with ferry schedules here to help you find your next island. It is not a perfect system , but it works very well if you understand these island groups.

Planning your Greek island route takes a little time and patience. But don’t worry, I will share my expertise and suggest Greek island hopping routes.

The Best Time To Visit The Greek Islands

Timing your Greek Island getaway is important . Some of the most popular islands are incredibly crowded and overpriced in July in August. And I’m looking at you, Santorini and Mykonos…

If you are deadset on visiting these islands the best time to go would be late September. The crowds will have died down, the weather should still be great, and things will be on sale at the end of the season.

Ideally, you want to visit the Greek Islands between May and October. Many of the small islands are closed altogether during the winter months. Except the bigger islands like Rhodes and Crete that are functional all year round.

Choosing Where to Stay in The Greek Islands

No matter what island you are on, typically I focus on researching two areas, which are the Port and the Chora (the old town). It is especially important if you are traveling solo to the Greek Islands .

In the port and Chora, you will have access to many shops, bars, and restaurants. It is also where you will find the most transit options if you don’t rent a car.

For a more romantic and secluded experience on any island , you will need to rent a car .

Sometimes, off-the-beaten-path hotels will have shuttle buses to and from the old town, but you could be limited to that schedule.

Consider the experience you are looking to have and plan accordingly.

List of Greek Island Groups

Crete (largest greek island).

The largest Greek Island, Crete, is in a group all its own. This island has four regions, but two main cities that attract the majority of tourists. Chania “idyllic village” and Heraklion “historic village”.

Chania is much more delightful to visit if you are looking for a more relaxed chill vibe. Heraklion is BUSY , and in my opinion only worth visiting for the day.

Reymotho is another charming area in Crete to stay. You will find a nice seaside village with cute shops, good restaurants and a fortress high on the hill to explore.

Best Way To Get To Crete

When traveling to Greece’s largest island you have a few options. There are 2 major airports on the island. Heraklion and Chania. The major port is in Heraklion , but other ferry ports around the island exist including Chania.

If you are traveling to Crete after exploring Athens, you can take the overnight ferry to Crete , which is the best way since the ride is around 8 hours.

When I visited Crete I found it more convenient to fly , though the ferry is fun.

Best Areas to Stay in Crete

Where to stay in Crete will depend solely on the type of vacation you are after.

If you are looking to spend a romantic holiday with your partner that would look different than going with a bunch of friends to have a good time.

Since Crete is the biggest Greek Island , you should research where to stay in full.

Read Next: Best Areas to Stay in Crete

Here is a map and mini breakdown of 4 major regions of Crete:

Heraklion (Iraklio):

• Location : Central-eastern part of Crete .
• Key Features : Home to the island’s capital city, also named Heraklion, which is the largest city in Crete. The region is famous for the Palace of Knossos , an important Minoan archaeological site, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum , which houses many artifacts from Knossos and other Minoan ruins.
• Tourist Attractions : Heraklion offers a blend of urban and historic attractions, with bustling city life, historical sites, and beautiful beaches like Amoudara.
• Where to Stay : City Lion by Semavi , Casa Al Mare Sea View Heraklion City Center

Chania (Hania):

• Location : Northwestern Crete .
• Key Features : Known for its charming old town with Venetian-era buildings, narrow streets, and a picturesque harbor. The region has a diverse landscape, including the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), Samaria Gorge , and beautiful beaches like Balos and Elafonissi .
• Tourist Attractions : Chania’s old town and harbor, exotic beaches, and hiking opportunities in the gorges and mountains make it a popular destination.
• Where to Stay: Cretan Berry Kondylaki , Nais Apartments & Studios

Rethymno (Rethymnon):

• Location : Central-western Crete .
• Key Features : Characterized by its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and the Fortezza, a large fortress overlooking the city. Rethymno’s old town is a mix of Ottoman and Venetian influences, and the region boasts long sandy beaches.
• Tourist Attractions : The old town of Rethymno , the Fortezza, and beaches like Preveli with its unique palm forest are highlights.
• Where to Stay: Kapsaliana Village Hotel , SAVUS Boutique Hotel
• Location : Eastern Crete .
• Key Features : Known for its quieter, less developed atmosphere compared to the other regions. It is famous for the palm beach of Vai, which has one of Europe’s largest natural palm forests, and the Dikteon Cave believed to be the birthplace of Zeus according to Greek mythology.
• Tourist Attractions : Lasithi offers a more relaxed and natural setting, with attractions such as the Lasithi Plateau, traditional villages, and archaeological sites.
• Where to Stay: Aelia Suites , Enorme Santanna Beach

Greek Island Hopping Routes From Crete

As I mentioned before, the major port is in Heraklion , so to easily hop to another island you will have the most options from Heraklion.

Crete – Santorini – Ios – Naxos – Mykonos:

• Crete : 4 nights.
• Santorini : 3 nights.
• Ios : 2 nights.
• Naxos : 3 nights.
• Mykonos : 2 nights.

The Cyclades Islands (Most Famous Greek Islands)

The Cyclades is an island group home to the most famous Greek Islands, Santorini and Mykonos. Both are worth visiting , but not in the high season for July and August.

Depending on when you visit, Mykonos can be extremely expensive , same with Santorini, and both are largely overcrowded.

While I understand the allure of visiting these islands, I would highly recommend visiting on a day trip and staying on a more affordable nearby island.

List of the Cyclades Islands – Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea (Tzia), Kythnos, Milos , Mykonos , Naxos , Paros, Santorini (Thira), Serifos, Sifnos , Sikinos, Syros, Tinos, Folegandros.

Best Way To Get To The Cyclades

Several of the most popular islands in the Cyclades have airports, such as Naxos, Mykonos, Milos, and Santorini.

The smaller islands like Sifnos and Folegandros do not have an airport.

Depending on your travel plans you could fly into one of these islands and ferry your way around, eventually to Athens if you desire.

It will depend on how many days you have to explore altogether. I recommend 2 nights per island minimum for small islands and 4 nights minimum for larger islands.

The Milos to Athens ferry line is very convenient stopping at Milos, Sifnos, and Serifos.

Expert Tip: Rent a car in Milos . I made the mistake of not having a car and nearly went bankrupt using taxis that were hard to find.

Choosing The Best Island in The Cyclades

Santorini (thira):.

• Key Features : Famous for its stunning sunsets, white-washed houses with blue domes, and dramatic caldera views. It’s a popular destination for honeymooners and tourists.
• Tourist Attractions : The towns of Oia and Fira, the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, and the unique black sand beaches.
• Where to Stay : Santorini Sky, Luxury Resort , Voreina Gallery Suites

• Key Features : Known for its exciting nightlife, white-washed villages, luxurious resorts, and iconic windmills. It’s a cosmopolitan island popular with the celebrity crowd.
• Tourist Attractions : The picturesque Mykonos Town , beautiful beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise, and the nearby island of Delos , an important archaeological site.
• Where to Stay: Alissachni Mykonos , Tropicana Hotel, Suites & Villas Mykonos

Read Next: Is Mykonos REALLY that expensive?

• Key Features : The largest island in the Cyclades, known for its impressive mountain landscapes, ancient ruins, and long sandy beaches. When visiting Naxos I recommend renting a car to see the whole island.
• Tourist Attractions : The Portara (an ancient marble gateway), traditional villages, and the Temple of Demeter .
• Where to Stay: Naxian Althea , Anapollo Boutique Hotel Adults Only

Read Next: Best Bus Tour in Naxos

• Key Features : Famous for its traditional villages, beautiful beaches, and active windsurfing community.
• Tourist Attractions : The port town of Parikia, the charming village of Naoussa, and the Panagia Ekatontapiliani church .
• Where to Stay: PAREA Paros – Adults Only , Kymo Luxury Suites Paros

• Key Features : Known for its volcanic landscape and unique beaches. The island is where the famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered.
• Tourist Attractions : The picturesque fishing village of Klima, the catacombs, and beaches like Sarakiniko and Tsigrado.
• Where to Stay: Artemis Seaside Resort , Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel

Read Next: 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Milos

• Key Features : The administrative center of the Cyclades, is known for its blend of medieval and neoclassical architecture, especially in the capital, Ermoupoli.
• Tourist Attractions : The Apollo Theater , Ermoupoli’s town square, and Vaporia district.
• Where to Stay: SYROS SOUL LUXURY SUITES , Shapes Luxury Suites
• Key Features : A pilgrimage site for Greek Orthodox Christians, known for its Church of the Annunciation and traditional villages.
• Tourist Attractions : The church and its icon believed to perform miracles, the marble craft villages, and the sculptors’ workshops.
• Where to Stay: Avissalou Apartments , La Vista TINOS
• Key Features : A less touristy island with lush landscapes, numerous springs, and a rich maritime history.
• Tourist Attractions : The Museum of Contemporary Art Andros , the capital Chora with its medieval castle, and beautiful beaches.
• Where to Stay: Blue Bay Resort Village , Krinos Suites Andros

• Key Features : Known for its pottery, incredible restaurants , culinary tradition, and charming villages. You’ll love all the unique areas to stay in Sifnos.
• Tourist Attractions : The picturesque village of Kastro, the church of Seven Martyrs , and traditional pottery workshops. Check out local restaurants such as Omega3 and Cantina.
• Where to Stay: Nival Boutique Hotel , Apsila Pool Suites

Read Next: Guide to Sifnos, Greece

• Key Features : Popular among young tourists, known for its lively nightlife and beautiful beaches.
• Tourist Attractions : The tomb of Homer , the main village of Chora, and beaches like Mylopotas and Manganari.
• Where to Stay: White Loft , Liostasi
• Key Features : A more remote and tranquil island, known for its dramatic cliffs and the impressive Monastery of Hozoviotissa .
• Tourist Attractions : The monastery, the shipwreck from the film “The Big Blue,” and traditional villages.
• Where to Stay: Pension The Big Blue , Amorgion Hotel

• Key Features: Serifos is a less crowded, peaceful island, famous for its rugged landscape and charming hilltop capital, Chora.
• Tourist Attractions: The striking white-washed village of Chora and its windmills, hiking, and beautiful beaches.
• Where to Stay: Rizes Hotel , Coco-Mat Eco Residences Serifos

Folegandros:

• Key Features : A small, serene island with traditional Cycladic architecture and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Tourist Attractions : The cliffside Chora, Church of Panagia, and secluded beaches.
• Where to Stay: Blue Sand Boutique Hotel & Suites , Polikandia Hotel

Island Hopping Itinerary Routes- The Cyclades

When planning a Greek Island hopping itinerary route in the Cyclades an easy route is to start from Athen Pireaus Port .

Mykonos – Paros – Naxos – Santorini:

• Mykonos : 2 nights
• Paros : 2 nights
• Naxos : 3 nights
• Santorini : 3 nights

Santorini – Amorgos – Naxos:

• Amorgos : 2 nights
• Naxos : 2 nights

Syros – Mykonos – Milos – Sifnos – Serifos

• Syros : 2 nights
• Milos : 3 nights
• Sifnos : 2 nights
• Serifos : 1 night

Saronic Gulf Islands (Closest Islands to Athens)

If you are visiting Greece on a short trip and want to easily combine a visit to Athens as well as the Greek Islands, you want to visit the Saronic Islands !

Of all of the Saronic Islands, I can highly recommend going to Hydra for the day!

These islands include Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, and Dokos. The most popular, and arguably the best, is Hydra.

Hydra is one of the most popular Greek Islands close to Athens. No cars are allowed on the island which I loved.

You will see the locals using donkeys to transport their goods and sometimes themselves to travel from one place to another.

Best Way To Get To The Saronic Gulf

The only way to get to these tiny islands in the Saronic Gulf is by ferry. A popular route is by taking the ferry from Athens to Hydra . Depending on the ferry company, your route may include a stop at Aegina.

One fun way to see three islands in one day from Athens is to book a tour! The full-day tour leaving from Athens leaves early morning and takes you to all 3 islands with short stops for a couple of hours at each.

If you are short on time it’s a terrific way to see the Greek Islands .

Choosing the Best Islands in The Saronic Gulf

• Key Features : Famous for its pistachio orchards, Aegina is a popular destination for day trips from Athens . It has a rich history, evident in its ancient ruins.
• Tourist Attractions : The Temple of Aphaia , one of the most important Doric temples in Greece, the picturesque town of Aegina, and the church of Saint Nectarios.
• Where to Stay: The Beachhouse Apartments , Cruise on Land

• Key Features : Known for its well-preserved architecture, absence of motor vehicles, and art scene. The island has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and is a favorite among artists and celebrities.
• Tourist Attractions : Hydra’s port town with its stone mansions, art galleries, and the historic monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
• Where to Stay: FOS Hydra Residence , Villa Maria- Hydra Dream House

Read Next: Athens to Hydra Ferry

• Key Features : A small, lush island separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow waterway. It’s known for its scenic beauty, historic clock tower, and serene beaches.
• Tourist Attractions : The Sanctuary of Poseidon , the picturesque Poros Town, and beautiful beaches like Love Bay.
• Where to Stay: Dimitra Boutique Hotel , Sea view house on Poros
• Key Features : This island has a rich nautical history and is famous for its significant role in the Greek War of Independence. It’s known for its elegant mansions and car-free policy .
• Tourist Attractions : The Museum of Bouboulina , the old harbor, and the annual Armata Festival, which commemorates a naval battle during the War of Independence.
• Where to Stay: Villa Kalomira , Armata Boutique Hotel
• Key Features : A small, pine-covered island known for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil atmosphere. It’s less crowded compared to its neighbors, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
• Tourist Attractions : Quiet beaches like Skala and Aponisos, and the opportunity for hiking and biking in a serene environment.
• Where to Stay: Oasis Beach Hotel , Koukounari Apartments
• Key Features : The largest island in the Saronic Gulf, Salamis is historically significant as the site of the famous naval battle in 480 BC. It’s a residential and holiday spot with a mix of sandy beaches and pine forests.
• Tourist Attractions : The Cave of Euripides , where the famous playwright is said to have written some of his plays, and the Monastery of Faneromeni.
• Where to Stay: Salamina’s Apartments
• Key Features : A small, mostly uninhabited island between Hydra and the Peloponnese, known for its archaeological significance, particularly for underwater archaeology.
• Tourist Attractions : The island is mainly a destination for yachting and anchoring in its protected bays, offering a secluded and natural environment.

Island Hopping Itinerary Routes-The Saronic Gulf

A great Island hopping itinerary includes a 3 day stay in Hydra with a day trip to and then 2 nights in Aegina.

The Dodecanese Islands (Most Southern Islands)

The island group that is the most southern closest to Turkey is the Dodecanese group of islands. Here you will find that Rhodes is the largest Greek island.

Other islands in this group include Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, and Chalki.

Best Way to Get to The Dodecanese Islands

If your first destination is an island in the Dodecanese, the most logical way to get there is to fly. Unless you want to burn a lot of time on ferries.

I recommend flying into Rhodes and beginning your ferry-hopping journey from there.

Other Dodecanese islands that have airports are Kos, Karpthos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kastellorizo, and Astypalaia. Rhodes and Kos likely have the most daily flights .

An easy day trip from Rhodes is by taking the Rhodes to Symi Ferry or a fast boat.

Choosing the Best of The Dodecanese Islands

• Key Features : The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is famous for its ancient ruins, medieval Old Town, and beaches. It’s a blend of historical sites and a bustling tourist resort. When visiting Rhodes, it is ideal to rent a car .
• Tourist Attractions : The medieval Old Town of Rhodes , the Palace of the Grand Master, and the Acropolis of Lindos .
• Where to Stay: Sperveri Boutique Hotel , Evdokia Hotel

Read Next: Rhodes to Symi Island on a Fast Boat

• Key Features : Known for its sandy beaches, ancient ruins, and the Asklepion, an ancient healing center. Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates , the father of medicine.
• Tourist Attractions : The Asklepion, the Castle of the Knights, and the ancient Agora.
• Where to Stay: Maritina Hotel , OKU Kos
• Key Features : A significant Christian pilgrimage site, Patmos is where St. John is said to have written the Book of Revelation . It has a fortified monastery and a charming old town.
• Tourist Attractions : The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse.
• Where to Stay: 9 Muses Exclusive Apartments , En Patmo Holiday Home
• Key Features : Known for preserving traditional customs and dress, Karpathos offers dramatic landscapes, with rugged mountains and pristine beaches.
• Tourist Attractions : The villages of Olympos and Diafani, known for their traditional architecture and customs, and beautiful beaches like Apella.
• Where to Stay: Alisachni Villas , Aeolia Suites
• Key Features : Leros has a relaxed atmosphere with a rich naval history. It features a blend of architectural styles and has a scenic indented coastline.
• Tourist Attractions : The Castle of Leros , the War Museum, and the scenic port of Agia Marina.
• Where to Stay: Alidian Bay Suites Leros
• Key Features : Best known for its sponge diving heritage, Kalymnos is also a world-renowned destination for rock climbing.
• Tourist Attractions : The Sponge Divers Museum in Pothia, climbing spots, and beautiful beaches like Masouri.
• Where to Stay: Petra Boutique Villas , Petra Boutique Homes

Astypalaia:

• Key Features : Astypalaia, shaped like a butterfly, is known for its Venetian castle, traditional white windmills, and tranquil beaches.
• Tourist Attractions : The Venetian Castle, Chora with its windmills, and the beaches of Livadi and Vatses.
• Where to Stay: 5 Traditional Suites
• Key Features : A volcanic island famous for its still-active volcano and lunar-like craters. Nisyros offers a unique landscape and tranquil villages.
• Tourist Attractions : The volcano and its accessible crater, the traditional village of Mandraki, and the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani .
• Key Features : A small and serene island known for its unspoiled nature, wildlife, and medieval ruins.
• Tourist Attractions : The abandoned medieval village of Mikro Chorio, the Monastery of Agios Panteleimon , and tranquil beaches.
• Where to Stay: Uno Apartment 1st Floor

• Key Features : Famous for its neoclassical architecture with colorful houses, Symi is a picturesque and charming island.
• Tourist Attractions : The port of Gialos, the Monastery of Panormitis , and the scenic bay of Pedi.
• Where to Stay: Odyssia

Kastellorizo (Megisti):

• Key Features : The easternmost Greek island, is known for its rich history, colorful houses, and crystal-clear waters.
• Tourist Attractions : The Blue Cave, the Castle of the Knights, and the Archaeological Museum.
• Key Features : A less-visited island with a strong maritime tradition, Kasos is known for its traditional music and customs.
• Tourist Attractions : The traditional villages, the Church of Agios Spiridon , and the maritime museum.

Island Hopping Itinerary Routes- The Dodecanese Islands

Kos – nisyros – tilos – rhodes:.

• Kos : 2 nights.
• Nisyros : 1 night.
• Tilos : 2 nights.
• Rhodes : 3 nights.

Patmos – Leros – Kalymnos – Kos:

• Patmos : 2 nights.
• Leros : 1 night.
• Kalymnos : 2 nights.

The Ionian Greek Islands (The Seven Islands)

The Ionian Greek island group has been referred to as the  Heptanese , which means “Seven Islands”.

These Islands are located in the Ionian Sea on the Eastern side of Greece closer to Italy and Albania.

Best Way To Get To The Ionian Islands

From Athens, the easiest way to get to the Ionian Islands is to fly. Ferries leaving out of Port of Piraeus don’t have a direct link that go there .

In the Ionian Islands, several have international airports which facilitate both domestic and international travel. Corfu, known as Kerkyra in Greek, is served by the Corfu International Airport , also referred to as Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport .

This airport is well-equipped for international flights, making Corfu a convenient destination for travelers from abroad.

Kefalonia, or Cephalonia, also hosts an international airport, known as Kefalonia International Airport or Anna Pollatou Airport. This facility connects the island with various international locations.

Similarly, Zakynthos, or Zante, has an international airport named Zakynthos International Airport, also known as Dionysios Solomos Airport, which caters to international passengers, particularly during the tourist season.

Lefkada, or Lefkas, does not have its own airport; however, it is conveniently served by the nearby Aktion National Airport located on the mainland near Preveza.

This airport, which handles international flights, is within a short driving distance from Lefkada, making it relatively easy for visitors to reach the island.

Choosing the Best of The Ionian Islands

Corfu (kerkyra):.

• Key Features : Known for its lush greenery, Venetian-style architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Corfu has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a blend of Greek, Venetian, French, and British influences.
• Tourist Attractions : The Old Town of Corfu (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Achilleion Palace, the Venetian Fort, and the Paleokastritsa Monastery .
• Where to Stay: Archontiko Petrettini Boutique Hotel

Kefalonia (Cephalonia):

• Key Features : Kefalonia is famous for its beaches & dramatic landscapes, including mountains, caves, and stunning beaches. The island gained fame through the novel and movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.”
• Tourist Attractions : The Melissani Cave , Myrtos Beach, and the picturesque village of Fiscardo.
• If you are looking for Where to Stay in Kefalonia I would suggest as close to ARGOSTOLI.

Zakynthos (Zante):

• Key Features : Known for its swinging nightlife and beautiful beaches, including the iconic Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) , one of Greece’s most famous photographic spots.
• Tourist Attractions : Navagio Beach, the Blue Caves, and the endangered loggerhead sea turtles in Laganas Bay.
• Where to Stay: Tsamis Zante Suites

Lefkada (Lefkas):

• Key Features : Connected to the mainland by a causeway, Lefkada is known for its impressive beaches with turquoise waters and its charming mountain villages.
• Tourist Attractions : The beaches of Porto Katsiki and Egremni, and the windsurfing center at Vassiliki.
• Where to Stay: KN Ionian Suites

Ithaca (Ithaki):

• Key Features : The Greek Island of Ithaca is famed as the homeland of Odysseus in Homer’s epic, Ithaca is a tranquil island with lush landscapes and quaint villages.
• Tourist Attractions : The Cave of the Nymphs , the ruins of the ancient city of Alalcomenae , and the picturesque village of Kioni .

Paxos (Paxi) :

• Key Features : A small and unspoiled island, Paxos is known for its olive groves, crystal-clear waters, and pebble beaches. It has a peaceful and exclusive atmosphere.
• Tourist Attractions : The Blue Caves, the charming port villages of Gaios, Lakka, and Loggos.

Kythira (Cythera):

• Key Features : Although geographically closer to the Peloponnese, Kythira is culturally and administratively part of the Ionian Islands. It’s known for its wild beauty, waterfalls, and traditional villages.
• Tourist Attractions : The Venetian castle of Chora, the picturesque village of Avlemonas, and the Mylopotamos waterfalls.

Island Hopping Itinerary Routes- The Ionian Islands

Corfu – paxos – lefkada:.

• Corfu: 3 nights
• Paxos: 2 nights
• Lefkada: 3 nights

Kefalonia – Ithaca – Zakynthos:

• Kefalonia: 3 nights
• Ithaca: 2 nights
• Zakynthos: 3 nights

The Northern Aegean Islands

The Northern Aegean Islands, a beautiful group of islands, are located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, between Turkey and Greece.

These islands are known for their interesting history, varied landscapes, and unique culture.

They are less visited than other more popular Greek islands, which makes them a quieter but still very charming place to visit.

Best Way To Get To The Northern Aegean Islands

Reaching the Northern Aegean Islands typically involves a combination of air and sea travel, depending on your starting point.

From Athens, the most efficient way to reach these islands is usually by flying.

Lesbos, Chios, Samos, and Ikaria have airports with domestic connections to Athens and, in some cases, direct international flights, particularly during the tourist season.

Lesbos is served by Mytilene International Airport “Odysseas Elytis,” offering both domestic and international flights.

Chios Island National Airport “Omiros” and Samos International Airport “Aristarchos of Samos” also connect these islands to various destinations.

For Ikaria, the Ikaria Island National Airport caters mostly to domestic flights but may have some international charters.

Alternatively, ferry services from the mainland and other Greek islands provide a scenic route to the Northern Aegean Islands.

These ferries frequently depart from ports such as Piraeus in Athens, offering a more leisurely but equally enjoyable journey to these storied isles.

Whether by air or sea, the journey to the Northern Aegean Islands promises a gateway to an array of experiences, from exploring ancient ruins and enjoying unspoiled natural beauty to immersing oneself in the rich cultural traditions of this distinctive Greek island group.

Choosing the Best Northern Aegean Island

Lesbos (mytilene):.

• Key Features : Lesbos, also known by the name of its capital, Mytilene, is the third-largest Greek island. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, Petrified Forest, and production of ouzo, a famous Greek liquor.
• Tourist Attractions : The Petrified Forest , a UNESCO Global Geopark ; the historic Castle of Mytilene; and beautiful beach towns like Molyvos and Skala Eressou.
• Where to Stay: Luxury Apartment with balcony, The Beehive

• Key Features : Famous for its medieval villages and mastic production, Chios has a unique identity. The island is dotted with distinctive stone houses and has a rich medieval history.
• Tourist Attractions : The Nea Moni , an 11th-century monastery and UNESCO World Heritage site; the mastic villages like Pyrgi and Mesta; and beautiful beaches such as Vroulidia and Mavra Volia.
• Where to Stay: Ostria Seaside Studios and Apartments, Almiriki Hotel
• Key Features : Known for its wine production and rich ancient history, Samos is an island with lush greenery, mountainous landscapes, and significant archaeological sites.
• Tourist Attractions : The Temple of Hera , a UNESCO World Heritage site; the Tunnel of Eupalinos, an ancient engineering marvel; and beaches like Tsamadou and Kokkari.
• Where to Stay: SeaView Apartment & Studios, Casa Cook Samos – Adults only
• Key Features : Famous for its longevity among inhabitants, Ikaria is a mountainous island with a relaxed pace of life. It’s known for its thermal springs and wild, untamed nature.
• Tourist Attractions : The Radioactive Thermal Springs of Ikaria, the scenic village of Armenistis, and the Seychelles beach.
• Where to Stay: Archipelagos Hotel, Patras Apartments

Limnos (Lemnos):

• Key Features : An island with volcanic origins, Limnos offers vast sandy beaches, ancient ruins, and a tranquil environment. It’s known for its traditional villages and local wine.
• Tourist Attractions : The ancient city of Hephaestia, the Castle of Myrina , and the unique landscapes of the Aliki wetland.
• Where to Stay: Arxontiko Hotel, Grand Patelli

Island Hopping Itinerary Routes- The Northern Aegean Islands

Lesbos – chios – samos:.

• Lesbos: 3 nights
• Chios: 2 nights
• Samos: 3 nights

Thassos – Lemnos – Samothraki:

• Thassos: 3 nights
• Lemnos: 2 nights
• Samothraki: 2 nights

The Sporades Island Group

The Sporades Islands, an enchanting archipelago, are nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, off the coast of mainland Greece.

This cluster of islands is celebrated for insane greenery, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters.

They offer a more tranquil and unspoiled alternative to the busier Greek islands, providing an idyllic retreat for those seeking a serene yet captivating Greek island experience.

The Best Way to Get The Sporades Islands

The most common entry point to visit Sporades is via the city of Volos on the Greek mainland , which is well-connected by road and rail to major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki.

From Volos, you have the option to take a ferry or a high-speed catamaran to reach the islands.

The ferry service is more frequent during the summer months, catering to both passengers and vehicles.

Skiathos, the closest and most popular among the Sporades , serves as a gateway to the other islands in the archipelago, including Skopelos and Alonissos.

Alternatively, for those seeking a quicker route, Skiathos also has an airport that accommodates domestic flights, primarily from Athens.

The flight from Athens to Skiathos is short , taking about 30 to 45 minutes, and from there, visitors can easily hop onto a ferry to explore the neighboring islands.

Choosing the Best Sporades Island

• Key Features: Skiathos, the most accessible of the Sporades islands, is known for its nightlife and stunning beaches. It boasts over 60 sandy beaches, including the famous Koukounaries , and has a bustling town filled with charming shops and restaurants.
• Tourist Attractions: The Lalaria Beach , accessible only by boat, with its striking blue waters; the medieval ruins of Kastro; and the Skiathos Town with its lively harborside and nightlife.
• Where to Stay: Skopelos Village Hotel
• Key Features: Skopelos is celebrated for its lush green landscapes, traditional architecture, and being a filming location for the movie “Mamma Mia!” It’s a quieter, more authentic experience compared to Skiathos, with beautiful monasteries and churches.
• Tourist Attractions: The iconic cliffside Agios Ioannis Chapel , made famous by “ Mamma Mia !” ; the scenic Skopelos Town with its winding streets and charming buildings; and serene beaches like Stafilos and Panormos.
• Where to Stay: ELIVI Skiathos
• Key Features: Known for its natural beauty and marine park, Alonissos is the most remote of the inhabited Sporades islands. It’s a haven for nature lovers, with rich biodiversity both on land and in the surrounding waters.
• Tourist Attractions: The National Marine Park of Alonissos , a protected area offering superb opportunities for snorkeling and seeing marine life; the charming Old Town of Alonissos ; and secluded beaches like Chrisi Milia and Agios Dimitrios.

Island Hopping Itinerary Routes- The Sporades

Skiathos- skopelos-alonissos.

• Skiathos: 2 Nights
• Skopelos: 2 Nights
• Alonissos: 2 Nights

Greek Island Cheatsheet

If you’re familiar with the unique vibes of Greek islands and seeking the perfect one to match your interests, here’s a guide to some of the most common island themes:

Best Greek Islands for a Party

If you are looking for the Greek Islands known for a good time check out:

Best Greek Islands for Families

Traveling to the Greek Islands with the whole family? You want to check out these islands:

• Serifos, Greece

Best Greek Islands for Solo Travelers

When going to the Greek Islands alone you should consider these to be ideal:

Best Greek Islands for Foodies

Fancier yourself a foodie? These Greek Islands are KNOWN for their incredible cuisine:

Read Next: Best Greek Islands for Food Lovers

Which Greek Island Should You Visit? Take The Quiz!

Still not sure where to go? Take the quiz and find out what Greek Island is right for you based on your personality!

Ready to Explore

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Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

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How many Greek islands can I see in a week?

Feb 15, 2024 • 4 min read

It's not hard to visit two or three Greek islands like Little Venice in Mykonos in one week © Cosmin Voinea / 500px

Helen Iatrou, who considers herself a full-blooded Greek islander shares some ideas for planning an island-hopping trip.

Question: I’m planning a vacation to the Greek islands this summer but don’t know where to start. Which islands should I visit, and how many can I fit into a week-long trip? 

Helen Iatrou:  Sailing is my great passion, which makes the islands my literal playground . I prefer to take my time to get to know one island at a time, usually over one week. You’d be surprised how much there is to see, even on the tiniest specks. 

With dozens of islands in Greece to choose from, it’s a tough decision – trust me, I know. Every year I wrack my brain and spend hours researching my next island adventure. I’ve lost count of the number of times my husband has asked, “Why did you book that island?!” But every single time we return, we always bask in that glow of having explored somewhere new and intriguing. 

How to travel around the Greek islands 

While ferries are still the main mode of transport between the islands, these days it’s much quicker and easier to reach them via air. While not all of them have airports, you can usually fly into one of the larger islands with domestic carriers such as Aegean Airlines (check their handy low-fare calendar), Olympic Air , or Sky Express and take a short ferry to smaller isles nearby. If you do travel via ferry from port hubs  Piraeus or Rafina, choose the fast ferry options, which cost a little more but get you there faster. Ferryhopper is one of the best booking platforms, as you can map out your full inter-island journey. 

My favorite mode of travel is (you guessed it) by sailboat. If you charter a yacht with a skipper, you can hop between islands at your pace – unless you or your companions possess a skipper’s license and have sufficient experience to captain your craft yourselves.

Planning your island-hopping getaway 

May to October is prime time for the Greek islands , particularly if you want to soak up all the sunshine and swim in the glorious Aegean. Keep in mind that June through August can be hectic, particularly on the most popular islands, and flights and accommodation are at their most expensive, too. And who wants to wait hours for that restaurant table?

Start by thinking about what interests you and what you’re looking for. Beaches with all the amenities or hidden rocky coves? High-end restaurants or toes-in-the-sand tavernas? Ancient sites or late-night bars? Do you want to chill on one or two islands and see as much of them as you can? Or would you prefer to see multiple islands? 

I suggest taming your ambitions, and focusing on one island group, visiting no more than two to three islands in total. If you’re sailing, you can certainly drop anchor at a different island each day.

Take your pick of Greek island jewels

Most first-timers choose the Cyclades , homing in on Santorini for its cliffs dripping with whitewashed cubic buildings, and Mykonos for its charismatic appeal. Once you’ve had your fill of Mykonos, take the ferry to nearby Tinos . This low-key island has quietly earned itself a reputation for exceptional farm-to-fork fare, hiking trails and boutique wineries.

If you’ve got kids in tow, you might prefer to fly or ferry your way to Naxos , where kids can safely swim in shallow waters amid golden sands or learn to windsurf. From there, couples desperately seeking serenity and umbrella-free beaches can board the hardy Express Skopelitis for the Small Cyclades isles of Schinoussa, Donousa, Iraklia or Koufonisia. 

If verdant hillsides, turquoise seas and stark white pebble beaches sound dreamy, the Ionian Islands beckon. Fly into Corfu , where you can cool off at sandy beaches and stroll the emerald isle’s romantic, cobblestoned capital. From there, take a hydrofoil to the twin isles of Paxi (or Paxos), whose unpruned olive trees deliver delicately flavored olive oil. From Paxos, hire a motorboat and scoot over to Antipaxos to dive into translucent aquamarine waters.

Down south in the Dodecanese , fewer travelers venture beyond Rhodes and its medieval old town, where you can envision knights thundering down flagstoned alleyways and wander through the seaside village of Lindos. Yet a short flight away is remote Karpathos . In hillside Olympos, women still don lavish traditional costumes for special occasions and celebrate with all-night panegyria (feast days). 

Mapping out a Greek-island getaway might seem daunting, poor travelers – but rest assured that whichever destinations you decide on, you’re guaranteed to return home with memories that will remain in your mind for years to come.

This article was first published March 2023 and updated February 2024

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22°C / 71°F Rethymno

#incredible_crete, sense the authentic, welcome to our island.

The mountains and sea, the nature all around you, adventures awaiting you, the overabundant gastronomy, a culture which is expressed in many different ways, the music and art forms.

Crete is the largest Greek island and a landmark in the maritime crossroads between the West and the East, Europe and Africa, a unique and fascinating place full of transitions and surprises.

With its infinite coastline and mountain tops, a history that spans back to the end of times and a distinctive identity that bears its mark on every corner of the Cretan land, it is a one of a kind destination for every type of traveller.

Whether coming to the island for the first time or as a regular visitor, the endless beauty of Crete, either visible or out of sight, is unparalleled and yearns to be discovered.

From one side of the island to the next and from dawn to dusk, let yourself be swept away by its alluring nature and you will uncover YOUR OWN and Authentic Crete!

Necropolis of Armeni

Explore seasons.

Crete is an ideal place to visit all year round. Its mild climate and its unique mountainous features attract visitors before and after the established touristy summer season. Crete’s stunning natural beauty awakens in visitors an imperative need to discover its mountains, its gorges, its paths.

Nothing is repeated in Crete. Enormous geological contradictions and special weather conditions have formed unique landscapes, surprising the visitors and keeping senses constantly alert. Each route in Crete is unique. Variant sensations, pictures, colors, flavors, sounds accompany visitors at every step.

From the dunes of Lafonissi and Xerokambos to the tropical shores of Kedrodasos and Chrissi, from the hidden beaches in the wild gorges of Sfakia and Asteroussia to the emerald bays of Triopetra and Plakias, from Balos and Elounda lagoons to the palm groves of Preveli and Vai, from piney beaches of Ierapetra to the long organized strands of the northern coasts, Crete offers the ultimate combination of carefree holidays and natural beauty.

Crete is a heaven for nature lovers and those combining adventure and fun on their vacation. The island offers a variety of activities and opportunities for exploring nature and promises a unique and unforgettable experience for those who decide to explore it.

Explore Crete

Select an area to learn more about it., explore tastes.

The unique Cretan Diet is a healthy and tasty diet with centuries-old recipes and modern creative versions, which are always cooked, of course, with the same top quality pure products of the blessed Cretan earth. This diet is not just a variety of dishes presented on the table; it embodies a whole philosophy of life, the quality way of life of the Cretan people. The lucky ones that will visit the modern restaurants in the cities or the small taverns and cafes in the country will have wonderful experiences, participating in the life of the local people.

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Which Greek Islands Should You Visit?

If choosing among the cyclades, ionian, and dodecanese feels like greek to you, we can help locate the island paradise that suits your vacation personality..

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We’ve narrowed it down to our 18 favorite.

Photo by Dimitri Koskinas/Shutterstock

The cradle of Western civilization teems with blue skies, gin-clear seas, and sun-bleached archaeological splendors. Artists and writers have always swooned for this land of poetic ruins and vibrant culture, set against rugged mountains, picturesque harbors, and coves of sugar-white sand. Today Greece attracts everyone from honeymooners to families, foodies, clubbers, history buffs, and seekers of wind-swept solitude.

With over 2,000 idyllic islands, visitors are certainly spoiled for choice. If you’re wondering which is the nicest Greek island to visit, or which is the prettiest or most popular, we have some answers. Take a flight from Athens’s Eleftherios Venizelos airport (ATH), a ferry from nearby Piraeus on the Saronic Gulf, or begin your journey on a Mediterranean cruise , and start island-hopping to discover the spot that best speaks to your soul with one of these 18 best islands Greece has to offer.

Our favorite Greek islands are dotted among the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.

Illustration by Elizabeth See

Andros (Ándhros)

• Highlights: architecture, beaches, coastal drives, footpaths, mountains, ruins, scenery, villages
• Getting there: two-hour ferry from Rafina (near Athens)
• Where to stay: We like Onar Andros, a locally run collection of cottages that offer a real escape from the day-to-day.
• Book now: Onar Andros

This lush island attracts hikers with its wildflowers, mountains, coastal cliffs, lemon groves, and flowing streams (a rarity in the Cyclades). The Neolithic settlement at Strofilas, an archaeological site that dates back to 4500 B.C.E., is worth exploring. In more recent history, the island’s rich maritime culture led to wealthy shipowners packing Andros Town—aka “Chora” (you’ll notice that the largest town on many Greek islands is called Chora)—with neoclassical mansions. Watch for charming remnants of the Venetian era, like dovecote towers and dry-stone walls.

Cephalonia is laid-back and a bit eccentric.

Photo by Shutterstock

Cephalonia (Kefaloniá)

• Highlights: beaches, caves, culture, cuisine, forests, history, Italianate harbor villages, vineyards
• Getting there: European flights; 55-minute flight ATH-EFL; interisland and international Italian ferries
• Where to stay: Try Emelisse Nature Resort , a luxury retreat hidden among cypress and cedar trees beside the Ionian Sea.
• Book now: Emelisse Nature Resort

The largest of the Ionian islands off Greece’s west coast, this enchanting, uncrowded place offers beach lovers coves with sandy beaches and azure seas. Always a bit stubborn, set apart, and eccentric, Cephalonia won hearts after Louis de Bernières’s 1994 novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin chronicled the island’s occupation during World War II. Today it’s celebrated for its laid-back lifestyle and excellent food, wine, and swimming beaches. Don’t miss Melissani, a turquoise underground lake illuminated by shafts of sunlight.

Corfu is a mellow, island destination perfect for hiking and swimming at its many beaches.

Photo by proslgn

Corfu (Kérkyra)

• Highlights: architecture, beaches, Italian cuisine, footpaths, history, scenery, UNESCO World Heritage site
• Getting there: European flights; hour-long flight ATH-CFU; interisland and international Italian ferries
• Where to stay: Bed down at Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa , which offers a family-friend luxury retreat not far from the town.
• Book now: Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa

Mythology says Odysseus was shipwrecked on this lush, lovely Ionian isle. In more modern times, it blossomed into an intellectual and artistic hot spot. Untouched by Ottoman oppression, Corfu was influenced instead by its time under Venetian, French, and British rule. This mountainous region remains a mellow, unspoilt destination (outside of patches of garish package-holiday resorts). Hikers can explore its coastline, peaks, olive groves, and pastel hill towns on the 124-mile Corfu Trail . Fancy a more relaxing stroll? Wander the Old Town of Corfu , an elegant fortified port and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Crete (Kríti)

• Highlights: archaeology, beaches, food, hiking, history, museums, partying, rugged scenery, tradition
• Getting there: European flights into Heraklion’s HER or Chania’s CHQ, 50- to 60-minute flights from ATH; nine-hour ferries from Piraeus (near Athens); interisland ferries
• Where to stay: Part of the Historic Hotels of Europe, and built around an old olive mill, Kapsaliana Village Hotel is a singular combination of rustic charm and modern luxury featuring bright and airy rooms and a tranquil swimming pool.
• Book now: Kapsaliana Village Hotel

Legends abound here: Zeus was born in a cave, Theseus slayed the Minotaur, and Daedalus and Icarus took flight. The landscape is equally dramatic with deep gorges, snowcapped peaks, and sandy shorelines. Europe’s first urban civilization flourished in Crete: The Bronze Age Minoans left a rich legacy of art and architecture, best experienced at Knossos. Trekkers shouldn’t miss the 10-mile long Samariá Gorge, a national park protecting endangered kri-kri goats, while nature lovers can watch loggerhead turtles lay their eggs on sandy beaches each summer.

They used to exile dissidents on Folegandros.

Folegandros

• Highlights: hiking, scenery, romance, traditional food, quiet
• Getting there: 4.25-hour ferry from Piraeus (near Athens), interisland ferries
• Where to stay: Try Anemi Hotel. Minimalist comfort and peaceful nights are the order of the day at this small, friendly spot, which also has the requisite pool—and poolside bar.
• Book now: Anemi Hotel

This petite island at the southern edge of the Cyclades was once a place of exile for political prisoners and is now a beloved, off-the-beaten-track retreat where donkeys and goats scramble over sun-soaked hills. Expect sea, sand, and solitude here, plus a dreamy town that rivals Santorini’s Oia. Built in and around a medieval Venetian fort, the scenic village of Chora spills whitewashed buildings with blue shutters along a 650-foot sea cliff, towering over emerald waves. Foodies should try the thyme honey and matsata (pasta with rabbit ragù).

Hydra (Ýdhra)

• Highlights: art, donkeys, hiking, no motor traffic, stone architecture
• Getting there: no airport; AirLift helicopter to Kivotos islet, plus a three-minute sea taxi; 90-minute to two-hour high-speed catamarans from Piraeus (near Athens); two-hour private sea taxi
• Where to stay: Four Seasons Hydra may not be part of that Four Seasons chain, but its eight well-appointed suites offer comfortable places to bed down, many with sea views. The hotel also has a beautiful wooden sailing ship for guests to enjoy.
• Book now: Four Seasons Hydra

Within day-trip distance of Athens, this island off the Peloponnese is a tangle of marble-cobbled lanes, completely free of wheeled vehicles. Its tucked-away harbor remains one of Greece’s most picturesque waterfronts. Small wonder celebrities—from actress Sophia Loren to writer Arthur Miller and musician Leonard Cohen—have retreated there. Contemporary art enthusiasts should make time for the exhibits in a hauntingly beautiful repurposed slaughterhouse by the sea.

Small villages, hot springs, and crystalline coves are among the charms of Icaria.

Icaria (Ikaría)

• Highlights: beaches, cuisine, nature, trails, panigyria festival, rock houses, village festivals
• Getting there: 50-minute flight ATH-JIK, 6.5-hour ferry from Piraeus (near Athens), interisland ferries
• Where to stay: Ikarian Endless Blue , a three-bedroom villa, does indeed offer views of seemingly endless blue, whether from the private swimming pool or the beach 150 steps away.
• Book now: Ikarian Endless Blue

In legend, Icarus flew too close to the sun and plummeted into the ocean near this ironically wing-shaped island. A land of rivers, gorges, peaks, and high forests, it lures nature buffs with monopatia —informal routes linking villages—and hot springs. Icaria was once home to political dissidents, who won over the locals and introduced an eccentric, anti-establishment vibe that persists today. But the area is most famous for its residents’ longevity, with one in three Ikarians apparently living well into their 90s .

• Highlights: beaches, biking, nature, nightlife, ruins, scenery
• Getting there: 55-minute flights ATH-KGS; 11.5-hour ferries from Piraeus (near Athens); interisland and international Turkish ferries
• Where to stay: A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel & Spa is set a short bike ride from Kos Town and the harbor and offers a quintessential luxury Grecian escape.
• Book now: Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel & Spa

Sandy beaches girdle this lush Dodecanese idyll, just off Turkey’s Anatolian coast. For an easy-breezy, full-service holiday, turn to the three main resort areas: party-hearty Kardamena and the more chill Mastihari and Kamari. Away from these bustling areas, Kos unfurls fields, mountains, and a surprising amount of wilderness, punctuated by wildflowers and millennia-old toppled Corinthian columns.

You won’t be bored with the landscape of Lefkada.

Photo by Natalia Budianska/Shutterstock

Lefkada (Lefkás)

• Highlights: architecture, beaches, kitesurfing, mellow, rugged scenery, swimming, windsurfing
• Getting there: European flights in summer; 55-minute flights ATH-PVK (12.5 miles north); 4.25-hour drive from Athens; interisland ferry and international Italian ferries
• Where to stay: Porto Galini Seaside Resort & Spa is a five-star spot, spread over landscaped grounds with a pool and private beach, about seven miles from Lefkada Town.
• Book now: Porto Galini Seaside Resort & Spa

The Ionian Sea shines almost neon blue here, offset by the craggy splendor of chalky interior mountains. This welcoming spot has pedestrian streets in Lefkada Town, where colonnades shade boutiques and trendy eateries. Due to constant earthquake threats, locals began building homes along the picturesque narrow alleys using wooden frames and colorful sheet-metal exteriors.

Lesbos (Lésvos)

• Highlights: agriculture, beaches, hot springs, olive groves, mountains, traditional architecture
• Getting there: 40-minute flight ATH-MJT; interisland and international Turkish ferries
• Where to stay: Delfina Hotel and Bungalows dates back to 1961, but it’s been expanded and updated several times since, and has well-appointed rooms with sea or garden views as well as 57 bungalows.
• Book now: Delfina Hotel and Bungalows

Greece’s third-largest island birthed the great lyric poet Sappho, along with Aesop and, more recently, Nobel-laureate poet Odysseus Elytis. Locals have also been nominated for the peace prize, thanks to their humanitarian efforts after 800,000 refugees and migrants arrived ashore in 2015. Expect a petrified forest and parched western plains giving way to salt marshes and postcard-perfect sandy beaches. Known for its olive oils and fine wines, Lesbos also produces the bulk of Greek ouzo.

• Highlights: agritourism, archaeology, around 80 sweet beaches, diving, Hellenistic sculpture, museums, picturesque villages, scenery
• Getting there: 45-minute flights ATH-MLO; three- to six-hour ferries from Piraeus (near Athens); interisland ferries
• Where to stay: White Coast Pool Suites sits alone among white rocks by the glittering sea, and each suite has its own private infinity pool.
• Book now: White Coast Pool Suites

Wrapped around a central volcanic caldera, this southwestern Cycladic beauty blends seascapes with subaquatic caves, hot springs, and elaborate, eroded rock formations. Milos is something of a household word, thanks to its most famous export: the Venus de Milo statue, now in Paris at the Louvre Museum. The island’s western half—and surrounding land masses—are protected as a nature preserve, harboring three endemic species: the Milos viper, rare Mediterranean monk seal, and alligator-shaped Milos wall lizard.

Mykonos is popular for its nightlife but the villages and history should not be overlooked.

Photo by Sven Hansche/Shutterstock

• Highlights: beaches, celebrities, gay clubs, nightlife, parties, thatched windmills, white-washed architecture
• Getting there: seasonal European flights; 40-minute flights ATH-JMK; 4.5-hour ferries from Piraeus (near Athens); interisland ferries
• Where to stay: Try the Santa Marina Mykonos , with 101 guest rooms and suites, 13 villas, a private sandy beach, infinity pools, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
• Book now: Santa Marina Mykonos

Think Ibiza—without the foam parties and the attitude. This dry, rugged Cycladic island lures in the hedonistic glitterati in high season, along with cruise-ship crowds—and it has the jacked-up prices to prove it. Still, it’s worth a visit to get lost in the white-washed maze of boho Mykonos Town (aka “Hora”) or head out to the archaeological wonders of Delos , one of Greece’s most important sites.

• Highlights: agriculture, architecture, cuisine, isolated beaches, history, lush landscape, ruins , mountain villages, rugged scenery
• Getting there: 40-minute flights ATH-JNX; 3.5- to 4-hour ferries from Piraeus (near Athens); interisland ferries
• Where to stay: Set above the Agios Prokopios beach, Kavos Boutique Hotel Naxos offers a number of comfortable suites, apartments, and villas with a multitude of places to sit with a book and a drink and gaze out over the sea.
• Book now: Kavos Boutique Hotel Naxos

The largest and most abundantly green of the Cyclades, this island mixes Byzantine churches with Venetian towers and stronghold mansions. In the main town of Chora, watch for more modest homes along the stegasta (arched, narrow, sheltered streets). Escape the mass-tourism crowds by heading to the valleys, mountains, and stunning northern shore, where it’s still possible to experience the “great sweetness and tranquility” praised by Nikos Kazantzakis, Greece’s most revered novelist. Toast it with local kítron , a sweet citrus-leaf liqueur.

This island is home to the flawless marble used to carve the Venus de Milo.

• Highlights : diving, drinking, hiking, kiteboarding, monasteries, nature, nightlife, ruins, villages, windsurfing
• Getting there: 40-minute flights ATH-PAS, three- to five-hour ferries from Piraeus (near Athens); interisland ferries
• Where to stay: Paros Bay Hotel has everything you’d expect from a Greek island retreat—white buildings, glistening pool, sea views, and Mediterranean cuisine—but at a fraction of the price of some other options.
• Book now: Paros Bay Hotel

This large, hilly, and fertile island has been ruled by the Cretans, Minoans, Ionians, Arcadians, Macedonians, Romans, and Byzantines, among others. Seemingly the one constant through the centuries is the island’s pristine white marble, most notably carved into the Venus de Milo and Napoleon’s tomb. The capital Parikiá can get crowded and costly; try the port of Náoussa and the satellite island of Andíparos instead.

• Highlights: beaches, cosmopolitan vibe, monasteries, pilgrimages, tranquility, villages, welcoming residents, white-washed architecture, UNESCO World Heritage site
• Getting there: 8- to 10.5-hour ferries from Piraeus (near Athens); interisland ferries
• Where to stay: Family run Petra Hotel and Suites comprises just 11 rooms but they’re all exceptionally appointed and many have a sea view or an outdoor hot tub; the property also has a robust sustainability policy .
• Book now: Petra Hotel and Suites

This hourglass-shaped Dodecanese outcropping lies in the Aegean Sea, off Turkey’s west coast. It remains popular among Christian pilgrims, drawn to the old settlement of Chorá by the fever-dream writing of the prophet John in the Bible’s Book of Revelation. The charming harbor of Skala also attracts fans, as do its cyan seas and volcanic hills, interrupted only by church and goat bells. Note: Patmos has no airport and thus no mass tourism still.

Rhodes is a mad jumble of architecture styles and cultures.

Photo by Lukasz Puch/Shutterstock

Rhodes (Ródhos)

• Highlights: beaches, cuisine, diving, history, medieval architecture, nightlife, ruins, UNESCO World Heritage site
• Getting there: seasonal European flights; one-hour flights ATH-RHO, 11- to 17-hour ferries from Piraeus (near Athens), interisland and international Turkish ferries
• Where to stay: Kókkini Porta Rossa has been turned from a derelict house in the heart of Rhodes’s old town into a charming boutique hotel, where the walls reverberate with 700 years of history and days begin with a sumptuous multicourse breakfast and end with free winetasting.
• Book now: Kókkini Porta Rossa

The capital of the Dodecanese, this island ranks among its largest and has the most historical swagger. Rhodes (“Ro-dos”) spans Europe and the East and blends the two in a glorious jumble. Wander the medieval city of Rhodes Town , fortified by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it mixes palaces, synagogues, Byzantine churches, Roman ruins, and Ottoman mosques with one of the world’s most staggering ensembles of Gothic architecture. Then head south to postcard-perfect Lindos, where white houses climb from a turquoise bay towards an ancient acropolis. While this time-traveling mélange tends to be the main draw, Rhodes also has a buzzy party scene and excellent scuba descents among its underwater caves, ancient artifacts, and WWII shipwrecks.

• Highlights: cuisine, hiking, ruins, scenery, winetasting, white-washed architecture
• Getting there: Take a 45-minute flight from ATH-JTR, 5.5- to 8-hour ferries from Piraeus (near Athens), or an interisland ferry
• Where to stay: When you picture Santorini, those white buildings tumbling into the sea that signify somewhere far from daily life, you’re basically conjuring the multi-award-winning Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel . It’s not cheap, but you may as well do the island right.
• Book now: Canaves Oia Santorini

Azure domes and white-washed walls cling to a crescent of sheer, rust-red volcanic cliffs. The star of the Cyclades occupies the remaining quarter of an ancient crater, blasted apart by the most powerful eruption in human history and then breached by the turquoise sea. In its depths are Minoan ruins, which romantics—including Plato—claim were part of Atlantis. Today the island is better known for romantic sunsets and schooner trips to islands in the still-simmering caldera. Toast it all with the bright local white wine, assyrtiko, which has hints of flint, lemon, and passion fruit.

• Highlights: beaches, churches, hiking, scenery, monasteries
• Getting there: Take a 40-minute flight from ATH-JSI or an interisland ferry.
• Where to stay: 75 rooms blend into the pine-covered hillside at the Atrium Hotel —try to nab a suite with access to a hot tub or infinity pool.
• Book now: Atrium Hotel

Welcome to Mamma Mia! country, where the Sporades islands lounge off Greece’s eastern coast. The sacred meets the profane here on this hilly island blanketed in pines and olive trees, with churches and nightclubs competing for attention. Expect cobblestones and narrow white-washed alleys in the picturesque port of Skiathos Town. Over 70 beaches pocket the island’s stunning coastline, many with golden sand (and an overabundance of European package–tourists in high season). Water babies can escape the madding crowds at Alonnisos, the nation’s first marine park and Europe’s largest. It protects the endangered Mediterranean monk seal and offers great swimming, diving, and bird-watching.

This article was originally published in August 2019 and was updated in May 2022. Tim Chester contributed reporting.

>>Next: Now Is the Time to Plan a Summer Vacation in Greece

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The Best Greek Islands Travel Guide – The Ultimate Guide to Island Hopping The Greek Islands

Last Updated April 15, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Guides » The Best Greek Islands Travel Guide – The Ultimate Guide to Island Hopping The Greek Islands

The beautiful sandy beaches, coastal coves, and white-washed villages are what make legendary vacations. If it’s your first time here, it can be overwhelming. Covering multiple seas and thousands of islands, planning a Greek island hopping trip isn’t as straightforward without some research, especially if you plan on island hopping. This Greek Islands travel guide is a must-read for anyone heading there soon, there is also useful information that will be helpful to discover the best Greek Islands to visit for the first time

Let’s dig into the practical things you might already be making plans for, suggest a few things you may not have already thought of, and let’s delve deeper.

Read more about Greece

• 14 day itinerary Greek Island hopping in the Western Cyclades
• Athens 2 day itinerary
• How to get from Athens to Santorini
• Is Santorini worth it?
• Read more Greece travel tips

TOP TIPS FOR THE GREEK ISLANDS

• Where to stay – Our two favorite properties on our island hopping adventure were Prekas Apartments in Santorini and Giannoulis Hotel in Milos where one had epic views and the other just blew our expectations in terms of comfort and space. We used Booking.com for all of our stays. Alternatively, you can always see if hotel corporate codes might work for you.
• Car rentals – Rent a car to get around the Greek Islands. Save the most money through car rental coupon codes and always start your search with Discover Cars and RentalCars so you know what the best deals are.
• Ferries – You will need to use ferries for island hopping. Get your tickets and check ferry schedules using Ferries in Greece .
• Flights – International flights are never cheap, but with the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature you can find the best deals. Check how much it would be for you to get to Greece!
• Insurance – Make sure you’re covered for all of your adventure activities with the best travel insurance .
• Hottest deals – Never be without our frequently updated travel deals page .

In This Article

Greek Islands geography

Which islands to visit, getting there, getting around the greek islands, where to stay in the greek islands, what to pack, when to visit the greek islands, how much does a trip to the greek islands cost, 5 main takeaways, frequently asked questions, travel resources for your next trip, the best greek islands travel guide.

This Greek Islands travel guide will primarily focus on The Cyclades Islands, but it will also have information relevant for those planning trips to the whole Greek Archipelago, which spans 6,000 islands and takes up 7,500 km of the country’s 16,000 km coastline.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• 1€ EUR = $1.11 USD = $1.45 CAD
• ATMs can be found all over and the credit cards are widely accepted
• SIM card – The three main companies in Greece are COSMOTE ,  Vodafone, and WIND .  All companies have some sort of pre-paid package available.  Some are more aggressive about promoting in Athens with street stands but others you have to visit a shop for.  As an example, Vodafone offers 9.2GB for 20 EUR or 4GB for 10 EUR on top of minutes.
• Alternative data options – Airalo is what we used in Greece because eSIMs are so easy nowadays.  Make sure to use our code WILLIA9500 to save $3 USD.
• Measurement system  – Metric
• Tipping – Not a strong culture of tipping but is expected in the service industry. In general 10% is the rule of thumb.
• L anguage – The official language is Greek .

Back to the top

There are at least 6,000 islands in Greece scattered throughout two different seas. To grasp how wide it spans, you need to know the breakdown of these islands and the clusters that form this stunning archipelago.

In this free Greece travel guide we break it down between the two seas that are involved: Aegean and Ionian.

In the image below the boxes give you an idea of some of a few of the clusters of islands that you can visit in Greece.

The Northeastern Aegean Islands – Agios Efstratios, Thasos, Ikaria, Lesbos, Limnos, Inouses, Samos, Samothrace, Chios, Psara.

The Sporades Islands – Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros.

Evia – The island of Evia is the second largest Greek island after Crete and is also known by its ancient name of Euboea. Its close proximity to Athens on mainland Greece makes it a popular destination for the residents of Athens. It is bordered by the region of Viotia, (latinized as Boeotia or Beotia) to the east, with the south touching the Aegean Sea, before spreading into the Evian Gulf.

Islands of Argosaronic – Angistri, Aegena, Methana, Poros, Salamina, Spetses, Hydra.

The Cyclades – By far the largest island group with a total of 56 islands, the most important ones being Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Syros, Folegandros and several others, as well as the ‘Minor Cyclades’ comprising Donousa, Irakleia, Koufonisia and Schinousa.

The Dodecanese – Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, Chalki.

Crete – Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is divided into four prefectures: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi.

The Ionian Sea is to the west of mainland Greece, and while they may not be as famous as the ones in the Aegean Sea, they are equally beautiful and are often visited more by the local Greeks.

The Ionian Islands – Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxi, and Kythira

From here, it breaks down into smaller islands – Antipaxi, Ereikoussa, Kalamos, Kastos, Mathraki, Meganissi, Othoni, Skorpios, and Strofades.

There are a few groups of smaller islands that don’t really belong anywhere, including the islands of Gavdos (situated south of Crete), Elafonissos (in the Gulf of Laconia), and Trizonis (in the Gulf of Corinth).

How do you choose which is the “best Greek island to visit”?  We wanted to start with a few baseline itineraries.  First we checked out the Greece travel itineraries of G Adventures and Intrepid Travel to get a few ideas to form our own Greek Islands travel guide.

To help you through that thought process we broke down how we ended up here in our 14 day Greece island hopping itinerary :

• Decide which sea you want to do – Ionian or Aegean?
• For a trip spanning 2 weeks, pick a cluster to focus on. Jumping between island groups makes ferries complicated, distances long, and time wasted. You want to optimize the time you have with minimal transport so you can spend precious time exploring and soaking up the islands.
• If there’s a specific island you want to visit, for instance Santorini, skip steps #1 and #2. It also helps to know whether Santorini is worth visiting , read that alongside this Greek Islands travel guide.
• Divide your number of trip days by 3. That’s how many islands to visit without rushing your way through. For example on our 14 day trip we could only fit in 4 islands comfortably. You could try to fit in more if you were really ambitious. Our guide how many days in Santorini you need should help give you an idea of how to gauge your time in each place.
• Research blog posts and look at photos. Here, we committed to visiting 2 popular islands and 2 lesser known ones of Greece .

With this guide and content created for your Greece travel, we hope it’ll make your trip planning easier.

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE

You need to read the the full 14 day Greek island hopping itinerary to get an idea of how to plan and choose the right islands in the Western Cyclades. Read that after this Greek Islands travel guide.

2 Week Greek Islands Itinerary

For our trip, we focused on how to get from Athens to Santorini , but for a more general look, you should learn about flying vs. ferry.

Greece’s primary international airport is Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH). It’s your main way in and out of the country coming from an international destination.

As the capital of Greece, flying into Athens makes sense. If it’s your first time you should make some time to explore the city.  It is also home to the ports that will take you down to the Western Cyclades area of the Greek Islands.

Not all islands have airports, but the larger ones do, including Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos and a few more. So if you can fly into these airports easily you can start your trip from one of these before moving onto your next destination.

There are direct flights to Santorini!   From Europe you can grab one from Thessaloniki, Naples, Rome, Venice, Milan, Barcelona, Prague, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, and London.

Once in Greece, the main national carriers are Aegean and Olympic Air. RyanAir is a discount carrier that also services Athens and Santorini. We recommend using Skyscanner or the Skyscanner app to find the best prices on flight tickets.

When visiting the Greek Islands, you’ll likely fly in via Athens. If time is tight and cost is no issue, fly into Santorini and then fly out of another island with an airport. Then you’ll likely be taking ferries in between the islands.

The primary way to get around to the Greek Islands is by ferry. It’s not the fastest, but they run frequently, and they hit islands you can’t fly to. They also do run somewhat on time so you can plan your travel between islands fairly accurately.

Traditionally, visiting the Greek Islands means starting in Athens and island hopping with ferries exclusively. This is the most cost-effective method but takes time because the trip from Athens to any island is usually going to be your longest leg. Ferries function like buses and stop at multiple islands, they’re usually on time but delays and cancellations can sometimes happen.

Ferry companies

There are a number of ferry companies out there that operate between the islands and the mainland.  The main ones that are relevant for The Cyclades are Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Golden Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways and Aegean Speedlines. For the rest you can find out more information here .

Ferry itinerary

When planning your island hopping itinerary, using a tool like Ferries in Greece makes things easier.  We dub this tool the “Skyscanner of ferries.” You can basically enter in the itinerary as you would a flight search tool, and it’ll give options and prices to choose from.

Use this Ferry Planning Tool

FerryHopper allows you to find out what ferry companies are operating to and from Santorini. We recommend using this to help with trip planning.

• Are there any discounts? – We found that if you aren’t a local or able to take advantage of a large pass, there weren’t any codes or promotions to take advantage of but it never hurts to check.
• Can you save money staying with one ferry line? – Even if you do a multi-leg journey, there are no discounts or reasons to use one particular line but you can also jump around between different companies. You don’t need to stick to one.
• Is there a point in waiting to book ferries? – Only if you’re still unsure of your plan. Once you have that there’s no point in waiting. Ferry prices don’t drop if you book last minute and you don’t want your specific route to sell out, which in peak seasons can easily happen well in advance. Make sure to use Ferries in Greece to get organized as soon as you have your plans confirmed.

Getting the ferry from Athens: Piraeus vs. Rafina

In Athens there are two ports:

• Located to the east of Athens
• Closest to the city center of the two ports
• There is a convenient direct bus from Athens Airport
• Takes 30-40 minutes to get here from Athens Airport by bus
• No metro options to get to Rafina
• Fewer ferries run from this port
• Bus from the airport costs 4 EUR
• Located to the south west of Athens
• Primary port from Athens
• There are more ferry route options that operate from here
• Various different options to get to Piraeus (bus, bus + metro, metro)
• Takes one to 1.5 hours to get here from Athens Airport by bus
• Bus from the airport costs 6 EUR

Taking the bus from Rafina

The Rafina bus is privately-run and the location isn’t where you may expect compared to the bus to Piraeus.  The bus is located right across from the Mitsis Hotel at the airport, between Exits 2 and 3 where you’ll first cross the street. 

The bus schedule can be found here .  Note that this bus is not 24 hours, so check the schedule based on your flights. Credit card is accepted for booking.

Taking the bus from Piraeus

If you’re headed to Piraeus, look for public bus number X96.  The ride is about an hour and the full schedule is here .  This bus runs 24 hours.

Note that public buses on the arrival level are easy to find because all signs for public transportation will point you that way.

You can purchase your tickets at the booth and you are also able to pay by credit card.

Boarding and disembarking ferries

Every ferry company is slightly different because each ship is constructed and run differently. But there are general similarities that you can expect from boarding to disembarking.

On most islands there is a waiting area at the port where they have divided columns.  Sometimes they’re labeled with the right ferry route and times but usually it’s not that organized . If in doubt, ask other people if you’re in the right place.  Some waiting areas are just an open lounge and someone will yell out the next ferry when it comes in.  Sometimes there’s no covered waiting area at all and you just find a random place to sit. This is all part of the charm of Greek island hopping!

As the boat arrives, everyone seems to automatically know to start a queue and the attendant lets you know when it is your turn to board.

Boarding – Once the ramp is down, cars and passengers that are arriving at the port exit first. Then they’ll call everyone waiting to board to walk up the ramp and put your luggage on the racks available in the cargo/car hold.  There’ll be stairs on the left and right heading up to the main deck of the ship and there’ll be someone scanning tickets there.  After that, head up and grab a seat or watch the action from the open rear of the ship.

Disembarking – When the ferry is close to the destination port, they’ll make an announcement for everyone to gather in the cargo hold.  You’ll then head back downstairs and grab your luggage.  Once the ramp drops down, the crew will be yelling and ushering for everyone to quickly get off.  So make sure you are organized and move fast!

About Piraeus

The boarding process is a little different in Piraeus because of its massive size and all of the unloading is done on arrival so they’re waiting for you to board.  There’s no luggage held down below.  Instead, you bring your luggage to the cabin and store it in shelving areas.  These are relatively safe but we recommend dropping by your cabin when the boats start docking to make sure nobody takes their chances during disembarking.

Your ferry ticket will have a specific gate you need to go to so account for time to figure out where that is.   If you take a look at the map below, the subway is closest to E5 and E6.

• Gate E1 – Ferries for Dodecanese Islands (Rhodes, Kos, Kastelorizo, Kos etc) – Blue Star Ferries / Superfast Ferries
• Gate E2 – Ferries for North Aegean Islands (Lesvos, Chios, Samos) (Blue Star Ferries & Hellenic Seaways)
• Gate E3 – Ferries for Crete. (Minoan, Anek, and Blue Star Ferries)
• Gate E4 – Ferries for Crete and other small islands such as V.Kornaros and Prevelis
• Gate E5-E6 – Blue Star Ferries for Cyclades
• Gate E7 – Speedrunner, Highspeed 4& 6, and Nissos Mykonos
• Gate E8 – Ferries for Saronic Islands, catamarans and hydrofoils
• Gate E9 – SeaJets and Zante Ferries (E10 is the exit, E9 is the entrance)
• Gate E11 & Gate E12 – Cruise ships gates, only for passengers of the cruise ships.

Onboard experience

• Bringing food onboard – They didn’t seem strict on outside food at all so feel free to bring your own picnic.
• Assigned seats – Seats are automatically assigned with ticket purchase.  For the less-crowded inter-island ferries, nobody checks your tickets for your assigned seats.  They usually don’t care if you move somewhere else within the same class.
• Electrical outlets – There weren’t any by our seats.
• Bathrooms – Several onboard and we found all of them to be pretty clean.

• Announcing stops – There are announcements made in Greek and English so it’s clear what the next port is even if your Greek isn’t quite up to scratch.
• WiFi –  Many offer paid wifi.  On Golden Star Ferries it’s 3.50 EUR for 3 hours.
• Those that get sea sick easily –  My wife gets sea-sick quite easily and she did okay for most ferries because the water was relatively calm.  If this is an issue, sit on the outside rear deck for fresh air and the ability to focus on the horizon. You can also prepare with dramamine and sea sickness bands if you tend to suffer.
• Upgrading classes –  The business-class section always had their own deck or closed off area but all we saw was that they had access to somewhat larger seats, maybe a window and a table if that’s important to you.  For the longer distance ferries, some have cabins. This might be worth booking to get some sleep if your ferry is overnight.

Ferry Travel Tips:

• They run the AC pretty high inside the boat so make sure you have a jacket or sweater on-hand. Something light and packable like this is good to always have in your backpack .
• There is no access to the front of the ships, so you can only be outdoors if you stand on the rear deck.
• Set an alarm on your phone if you think you’re going to sleep.  The disembarking process is very swift and you don’t want to miss it or be in a rush and forget to grab all your belongings.
• Make sure the phone number you put on your booking is the actual phone number you’re going to have when you are in Greece.  We know that’s hard for those wanting to pick up a local SIM, which is why something like Airalo actually makes more sense because you know your number when you land.  Ferry companies do send out SMS to let people know about delays, changes in schedule, and cancellations so it is really helpful to make sure your phone number is correct.
• Ferries are sometimes on time but not always.  For us, some ferries were pretty on the dot, and others showed up 15 minutes late. Make sure you don’t plan your schedule to be so tight that you can’t absorb any delays.

Checking in online vs printing your tickets

What you’ll find different from flying versus taking a ferry is that the technology hasn’t advanced very far in Greece.

You can purchase all of your ferry tickets online, but only a few companies have a way of checking in online.  One of them is Golden Star Ferries .  This was a pleasant surprise because we were able to check in weeks in advance and have tickets with a QR code printed.

Other companies use old-fashioned printed tickets which need to be picked up.  You have to go to very specific offices to have these tickets printed.  Plan around visiting the designated offices for the ferry tickets you don’t have.  They usually have one by the port but don’t expect it to be the official ferry company.  Instead, they partner with third-party travel agencies so make sure to read the instructions to collect your tickets.

As an example, we took Blue Star Ferries to Paros and Golden Star Ferries to Santorini. Our last set of ferries was with SeaJets and we didn’t get a chance to go to one of their offices to have physical tickets printed.  In Santorini, the SeaJets partner is Nomikos Travel in Fira so we made sure to drop by our first day.  Note that these offices charge 0.50 EUR per ticket .  We aren’t sure if all agencies have this extra surcharge but it is something to keep in mind.

All of this is to say that you need to have physical ferry tickets in hand, whether they be digital or physical. When you book your ferry tickets with Ferries in Greece you can then arrange where to pick up each set of tickets you need.

BOOK YOUR FERRIES

Getting from Athens to Santorini

We found there to be a lot of intricacies when it came to our trip from Athens to Santorini . Be sure to read our full guide if this is part of your itinerary.

The main question you’ll have is – is it better to fly or take the ferry? All of that gets answered here .

You need to read the 14 day Greek island hopping itinerary if you’re having trouble figuring out which islands you should visit and honest feedback on how it all went.

When visiting the Greek Islands, you’ll want to explore.  Luckily most islands aren’t overwhelmingly large, however, you can’t walk everywhere you might want to.

Unless you plan on exclusively staying at your resort, you’ll need to plan on which days you need a vehicle and note what type .

The challenge you’ll face is deciding whether you should rent a traditional car or an ATV.  Scooters are also available but we wouldn’t recommend them unless you ride them frequently or have a ton of experience. Some of the roads are pretty basic and other drivers are likely more comfortable with the terrain and route, making it a hotspot for inexperienced riders having accidents.

The tried and true method of getting around the island.  Car rental companies are everywhere and the process to rent them is simple.

Depending on your requirements (having a larger group of people, moving luggage, comfort, experience, etc.), the car may be your only choice.  With a car, you know what you’re getting and on most islands, all the places you’ll go are paved so there’s no issues getting around.

If Santorini is in your plans, check out this guide on where and how to rent a car in Santorini .

Pro:  Fits more than 2 people, protects from the sun, stays cool with air condition, spacious and can transport more things.

Con:   May not be as capable, or even possible, when it comes to off-road, uses slightly more gas and is less exciting than the alternative of an ATV. If you’re staying in old town areas the roads may not be accessible for cars.

• You need an international driver’s license .  This is an absolute must so don’t forget to get one from CAA or AAA (if you’re from North America) before you go.
• Ask about car insurance and know your coverage options.
• When renting a car, make sure to ask for your transmission of preference because they will assume manual if you don’t say anything.
• Ask for recommendations on how much gasoline you should fill in the tank based on where you’re going and how many days.
• Most cars you will rent in Greece are never full so there’s always the worry about whether you’ll have enough and how much to fill off the bat.  You will need a lot less than you think.   As an example, in Paros we filled up to the max from 3 ticks down on the gauge and after 2 days we barely used one tick.  Filling up 48 EUR was a big mistake because 10 EUR would’ve been enough.
• What you see listed by a car rental company isn’t always the price they offer.  There’s always an element of negotiation or they would just offer up automatic discounts.  Yes, this may have been because we were in Greece during low-season but never be shy about asking for a discount.  The fluidity of the price is why some car rental companies didn’t even allow me to take photos of their pricing sheet.
• Discounts can only be had if you pay by cash.
• During low season, reservations don’t seem to be necessary but would recommend it during high season.
• With a car, you can take advantage of the extra storage by loading up on supplies at the grocery store.
• You might not need the car every day so plan your itinerary in a way where you only need it for a grouping of days to save money.
• Think about whether it makes sense to rent from the port or not.  It’s advantageous for those wanting a round trip rental from the point you get off the ferry to when you need to get on it again.  Alternatively, some car rental companies allow you to pick up a car from one place and drop it off at the port.  These are called one-way rentals and some have a minimal charge for it and others might add a significant fee.

We don’t know any other place in the world where ATVs are this prevalent but it’s totally a “thing” on the Greek Islands.  You’ll see them everywhere and be tempted to try it.

If there are two of you, and at least one is comfortable with driving an ATV, it’s a fun way to get around any island.  They are incredibly handy when it comes to going off-road and in tight spaces because they are much smaller and more capable of handling all types of terrain.

The disadvantage is storage space.  You’ll need to make sure your items can be strapped onto the vehicle or fit inside the storage compartment.  We had lots of camera gear and things were tight but we managed to fit it.

If you’re not totally confident in driving an ATV on your own but still want to try the thrill of it, try this guided ATV tour through Santorini to get the hang of it while enjoying sights, local foods and wines along the way

We recommend trying the ATV on an island that has less traffic and large roads, such as Santorini, Milos or Paros, so you can get comfortable with driving around, especially if it’s your first time.

Pros:  Off-road capabilities, great on tight turns (a factor in Milos ), uses less gasoline and loads of fun!

Cons:   Minimal storage space, no cover from the sun, learning curve to learn how to drive, not as safe as a car and no AC.

ATV Travel Tips:

• You need an international driver’s license !
• Ask about insurance and know your coverage.
• Test the ATV and make sure that brakes work well before you leave the lot.
• Ask for a bungee cord if one isn’t provided to strap things to the front of the ATV.
• Similar to the car, most rental companies will offer discounts, especially during low season.
• The rear passenger on the ATV will be responsible for navigating by your phone’s GPS.
• Bring a sun hat and plenty of sun protection if you are visiting in the summer months. It is really easy to burn while cruising around in your ATV and you won’t feel it until you stop.
• Are ATVs easy to drive?  It’s quite easy to drive because it’s automatic.  You’ll just have to get used to making sure you hold the brake handle down when changing from Park to Drive and getting out of the habit of having your right foot rest on the secondary brake.
• Do you need more power than 170CC?   We drove all over the island with our 170CC ATV and had no issues when off-road and climbing hills.
• How much fuel should I fill up for 2 days?   On an island like Folegandros , we only used a fifth tank of fuel in two days.

Local buses

Every island has their own bus system – some better than others.  It’s an economical option and possible to travel exclusively by bus.

The challenge you’ll face is you’ll be at the whim of their schedules and routes.  It’ll get you to most places but some spots on the island you won’t reach.

Cost of the bus ranges from island to island but we’ve only seen it go as high as 3 EUR.

Where the bus works really well is in Santorini.  There are multiple routes, they’re comfortable coach buses and they only cost 1.80 EUR .

Pros:   Prices and one of the few options for those who don’t have a driver’s license.

Cons:  Most buses don’t run 24/7, you are limited to their route schedule.

Bus Travel Tips:

• Cash only. Try to have smaller change or notes available.
• Payment is taken on the bus.  You either pay the driver or the ticket attendant who goes around once the bus starts moving.

Taxis are the least cost effective way of getting around but may be necessary sometimes.  Where it makes sense to take a taxi is when needing transport from your airport or ferry port to your hotel and you’re not renting a car right away.

Taxis work just like every other country.  They normally run on a fixed fare system but we didn’t find this to be consisten t.  In most cases, you’ll hop in one and hope for the best.  If you read any of our individual island guides , you’ll see we’ve shared some of the rates we paid but keep in mind that rates can change over time so don’t take our rates as the set price for you to expect. Use them as a rough guideline.

There was no Uber coverage anywhere.  This may change in the future but we wouldn’t plan on using Uber on the islands.

Pros:  Door to door service and convenience.

Cons:   Expensive, at the mercy of their rates, may require some pre-planning in terms of booking particularly in less built-up places.

Taxi Travel Tips:

• In some instances, it’ll be smart to book a shuttle service in advance.  This can be done through your hotel or online .  You can save money and you won’t have to deal with the chaos that ensues when you arrive. We find that GetYourGuide has plenty of shuttle service options for most of the destinations you will arrive at on your Greek island trip.

Where to book your hotels, car rental, ferries, flights, activities

• Hotels – Booking.com has the best inventory of properties and with their Genius tier, you can save even more money.
• Car Rental – If you’ve read our guide, you can book with the big brands combined with car rental coupon codes or you can use RentalCars to do a search of most companies. Make sure to also read the guide on how to rent a car in Santorini .
• Ferries – My go-to booking platform is FerryHopper .
• Flights – Use Skyscanner to look for cheap flights using the Everywhere feature and also setting price alerts.
• Activities – Always compare between Viator and GetYourGuide to get the best price.

Depending on the island, you’ll have too many choices (Santorini, Mykonos, Milos), few choices (Folegandros, Sifnos, Serifos), or somewhere in between (Naxos, Paros).

Where You Should Stay in Santorini?

Where is the best area in Santorini to stay? Is Fira and Oia worth it? Read on to find out an honest look at each of the major towns and why you should consider each.

Where To Stay in Santorini

Instead of specific recommendations in this Greek Islands travel guide, we’ll share what we learned from planning our island hopping trip:

• Large chain hotels aren’t easy to find on the Greek Islands.  Santorini and Crete are the exceptions. Everywhere else will be family-run hotels, villas, guest homes, B&Bs and budget-friendly hostels.
• There are Airbnb properties but many are the same listings you’ll find on Booking.com .  We recommend Booking.com over Airbnb because there are better cancellation policies.
• We use Booking.com to book all of our accommodations.  Getting up to Genius level only requires 2 bookings. Once you’re at that level many properties offer 10% (level 1 Genius) and 15% off (level 2 Genius).
• Book at least 8-12 months in advance in busier islands such as Santorini if you want something that has a view.
• For accommodation recommendations read our individual guides for each island we visited ( Paros , Santorini , Folegandros ,  and Milos ).

Traveling to the Greek Islands doesn’t require a highly technical packing list.

A few things to consider specific to the Greek Islands:

• Beach towels – accommodation owners don’t like when guests use their towels at the beach.  Ask for a beach-friendly one or pack your own.
• International Driver’s License – Hopefully we’ve got this drilled into your head.  Make sure to get one before you go.
• Sunscreen – You can buy this there if you want to save on packing space. Between two people over 14 days, we’d recommend two full-sized bottles.
• Sunglasses – An obvious one, don’t forget these!
• Non-drowsy Gravol  – If you get motion sickness pack this.
• Exchange Euros – It’s always a good idea to have Euros with you immediately after you land. Don’t leave the airport without at least some Euros otherwise you might find yourself scrambling around to find exchange offices and be at the mercy of their rates.
• Europe plug adapters – Easy to forget but make sure to have a few with you.
• Bring layers – Whether it be on the ferries or windy up on the caldera of Santorini, you never know when you might need that extra layer.

Low-season (November – March)

Let’s start with when not to go to the Greek Islands.  Winters are pretty mild compared to other parts of Europe, but it’s quite variable with high chances of rain and dreary days.

In the low season the ferry and flight schedules are also reduced so your options are limited.  Most of the islands are populated by seasonal workers, so you’ll have to contend with skeletal services, facilities and closures.  Count on many hotels, restaurants, and activities (especially water-based ones) being closed.

The advantage is not many people travel to the islands in the winter so you won’t see many tourists.  Things won’t be as lively as they normally are in other parts of the year, which if this is the kind of trip you are looking for, the low season is perfect.

Spring to Summer (April – Mid-June)

One of the best times to come.  Flowers are blooming, the weather is warming and the large tourist hordes haven’t quite arrived yet.

Shoulder season means better prices and vacancies for hotels.

At this time of the year, flights and ferries switch to their full capacity schedule or close to it.  Restaurants typically don’t need reservations and car rental companies are willing to offer additional discounts.

This applies even more for popular islands like Santorini.  Make sure to read the best time to go to Santorini .

High-season (Mid-June – Mid-September)

This is the height of travel. Expect every aspect to be more challenging whether it’s hotels, car rentals, restaurants, ferries, flights or activities. You can also expect for prices to skyrocket for everything, this is the least economical time to travel and prices can get wild.

Not only are you contending with massive crowds, but the temperature is the hottest if that is a consideration for your trip to the Greek islands.

The only exception to this is in the north with islands like Samothraki and Thassos.  They’re only super busy between July and August so you can get the summer heat with less of the volume of people.  Some of the more popular islands are super busy and not as enjoyable in the summer so if tranquility is the aim of your trip add Mykonos, Crete, Kos, and Zakynthos to a list of Greek islands to avoid.

Summer to Fall (Mid-September – October)

The transition to Autumn is a great time to visit the Greek Islands.  Similar to Spring, the weather is more temperate with the sea balmier than the air.  Green lends its way to subtle Fall colors and that has its own beauty well worth experiencing while Greek island hopping.

If you’ve come from our Greek Island Hopping in the Western Cyclades itinerary , you’ll see the full breakdown of costs from that trip.  Flights are excluded because they vary drastically from person to person depending on your starting point.

The category breakdown of our spending looked like this:

$2318.82/person or $165.63/person/day .  Backpackers will look at this and say that’s too much and those looking for a luxury trip will think it’s too little.  We’d say that we were pretty moderate when it came to making decisions on our trip.

Where we splurged:

• Getting a nicer hotel in Santorini
• Nicer dinners where it made sense

Where we saved money:

• Finding affordable properties outside of Santorini thanks to Booking.com .
• Avoided excursions and activities.

Cutting costs:

• Don’t rent a car/ATV – rely on buses or stay in an area where you can walk everywhere.
• Hop to fewer islands.
• Avoid big islands and focus on lesser-known ones.
• Find cheaper hostel accommodations through Hostelworld .
• Buy your own groceries to save money on meals where it makes sense (breakfast especially).  There is something lovely about picking up pastries from a local bakery and enjoying it on a morning walk or sitting by the beach.

In short, this is what to know when planning a trip without reading this entire Greek Islands travel guide:

• You should have booked your Santorini hotel yesterday!  This is the most popular island and gets booked up fast.
• Pick a good balance of popular and small islands – don’t be afraid to try the unknown ones like Folegandros .
• Always break change – you never know when you’ll need it.
• Fill no more than 5 EUR at a time with your car rental or ATV.
• It’s easy to let your guard down when you go back to Athens after spending time in the Greek Islands.  Stay vigilant and beware of pick-pocketers immediately (read my story in the Athens 2 day itinerary ).

Santorini is the safest Greek Island to travel to, as it is one of the more popular islands, so there are always other tourists around. Here, locals are known to be very friendly and helpful to tourists, crime rates are low, and the transportation systems are highly rated as being reliable and safe to use.

The more affordable islands are Crete, Andros, Tinos, Corfu and Naxos, as they are less popular islands than some of the other well-known. Therefore, they are less travelled so prices on these islands are much cheaper than ones like Santorini.

Well you read this guide of course! Ultimately it depends on the type of experience you are looking for and the amount of time you are working with. For instance, if you don’t have much time during your travels the Saronic Islands are recommended since they are all close to Athens. If you are looking for the islands with the best nightlife, the Cyclades are for you. If you’re a foodie, you want to visit Crete! All islands offer something unique, so determining your visit will be unique to you!

Have specific questions about your upcoming trip to the Greek Islands?  Drop a comment below in this Greek Islands travel guide!

What you should read next

• Best Places To Stay In Crete – A Guide Of The Best Towns And Areas!
• Best Area To Stay in Santorini Guide
• Best Places To Stay In Corfu – Top Areas And What To See When There
• How To Backpack Europe On A Budget
• Cheapest Way To Travel Europe – Getting Around On A Budget

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

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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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Tourism in Greece & the islands

Mykonos, one of the most touristy destinations in Greece

Tourism in Greece is a must! It is a beautiful country standing out for its mountainous landscapes, incredible weather, numerous beguiling islands , long sandy beaches, uncountable attractions of all kinds and many more! This is the perfect place to plan your holidays in one or many of the famous holiday destinations - Take a look at our travel guides !

Table of contents: • General info • Why Greece • Popular Destinations • Development

Greece is the ultimate tourist destination for many Europeans and attracts millions of visitors every year, who travel there for their summer holiday. This section provides information about Greek tourist destinations on the mainland and the Greek islands.

General information

Greek islands and the mainland host some of the top holiday destinations in Europe. According to the World Tourism Organization, Greece ranks 9th worldwide in terms of international tourist arrivals for 2022. According to the Border Survey of the Bank of Greece, the country receives at least 15 million tourists from abroad every year from 2015 onwards, with the only exception of 2020 due to the pandemic of Covid-19.

Most tourists come from Europe, especially the EU countries, and from the USA, while fewer originate from the other continents.

Why Greece?

Greece is a famous country, popular for its clean beaches and rich history . Hundreds of archaeological and historical sites gloriously depict the country's past - besides, there is a reason why Athens is called an open-air museum! The landscape is mainly mountainous and the terrain is very fertile in the valleys that are scattered along the Greek mainland. Greece is also surrounded by water - by the Aegean and the Ionian Sea in particular. The country features around 6000 islands and islets, but only 227 of them are inhabited. They are the most popular Greek destinations, especially in summer. Big or tiny, green or arid, ideal for cosmopolitan or relaxing vacations, one thing is for sure: all have the requirements and facilities to offer you memorable and safe vacations!

Some reputed island resorts are: • Mykonos , with its cosmopolitan character • Santorini , with the most romantic sunset in the world • Rhodes , the island of the knights, with its medieval castles and the butterflies • Crete , with its revolutionary spirit • Ios , with its wild nightlife • Corfu , with its Venetian style • Ithaca , the homeland of Odysseus • Samos , the greenest of all Greek islands • Skiathos , with its long and sandy beaches All these constitute just a few examples of the most famous Greek paradises. Many have airports and are easily accessible by plane from Athens or directly from other European cities. All of them are also accessible via ferry .

✔ TRAVEL TO GREECE WITH US Want to discover Greece and the Greek islands with ease and totally carefree? Take an organized island hopping tour or discover our tours of ancient sites . Want to make your own island-hopping trip? Book your ferries online and view more services that can help you organize your trip. Alternatively, you can send us your request!

Do you Need a Free Travel Quote?

Our team of experienced travel specialists can organize your unforgettable vacation in Greece!

Please send us a request and we will rapidly answer you with a free quote!

Most popular locations

Information about tourism in the most popular holiday destinations of Greece: Athens , Santorini , Mykonos , Paros , Skiathos , Rhodes , Kos , Heraklion in Crete , Zakynthos , and Corfu .

Development of tourism

The first hotel in Greece was established in Naflplio, the first capital of the Greek State, in 1834 and was named "LONDON Hotel". Then, the infamous "GRANDE BRETAGNE" in Syntagma Square welcomed its first guests in 1878, and, after that, the hospitality sector in Greece started to gradually grow.

Greek tourism started flourishing in the late 1960s and particularly in the early 1970s . At a slow but stable pace, Greece has today managed to become one of the most favorite tourist destinations among Europeans, Asians, and Americans.

The tourist season in Greece lasts from May to September , since the third-quarters of the tourism flow choose this time of year to come to Greece. The sunny weather, warm beaches, and variable landscapes invite people from all over the world to experience Greek hospitality and a peaceful way of life.

Tourism revenues contribute greatly to the Greek economy , with many describing tourism as the country's heavy industry. Many jobs have been created and businesses are continuously supported, by setting up numerous hotels, restaurants, cafes, gift shops and more in each area.

Efforts are being made to promote other forms of tourism; apart from summer holidays, winter tourist resorts, therapeutic spas, ecotourism, working holidays and discovery holidays have started to become popular, too. Also, island cruises and island-hopping itineraries are becoming ever more popular.

Are you still hesitating? We invite you to visit our web pages to get a sense of the astonishing beauty of Greece and the Greek islands. We provide you with a wide range of photos and an even wider range of information for more than 90 destinations . However, when it comes to Greece, pictures are not enough. You should come to experience its beauty by yourself!

You can find more info about Greece on the website of the National Tourism Organisation .

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• Greek Islands: the complete travel guide

Island Guide for Dummies!

• Ferry Tickets

You close your eyes, spin the globe, and your finger points to Greece. And, what now? Let’s explore together some of the 227 inhabited islands per group and find  travel tips about the budget, transportation, and ferry schedules to the Greek islands. Ready to hop on the ferry?

See here the list of the main Greek island groups:

• Ionian Islands
• Saronic Islands
• North Aegean Islands

Check ferry prices and connections on the Greek ferry map!

The diverse Ionian Islands

Scattered off the western coastline of central Greece and to the south of Peloponnese, the Ionian archipelago comprises large and small islands. The group consists of 14 islands in total . However, only 7 of them are the largest and most popular islands of the group:

• Zakynthos or Zante is home to the worldwide famous Navagio (Shipwreck) beach , gorgeous cliffs, and lush landscapes.
• Ithaca , the home of Odysseus (Homer's Odyssey), is famous for its many waterfalls. Hop on the ferry from Patras to Ithaca in 3.5 hours or from the port of Kefalonia in 25 minutes.
• Corfu , with heavenly pine-framed beaches and the popular Liston Square, is the capital of the Ionian islands. The Igoumenitsa - Corfu ferry will take you to the island in less than 1.5 hours .
• Kefalonia is known for the amazing quality of its local wines , idyllic beaches, glittering caves, and fresh seafood. Take the ferry from the port of Patras and reach the port of Sami in less than 3.5 hours , or catch a ferry from Kyllini to Kefalonia (Poros) .
• Lefkada is famed for its stunning, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, popular among windsurfers .
• Paxi (or Paxos) is a small island with the picturesque, little capital of Gaios . Jump on the ferry from Igoumenitsa to Paxi and explore the heavenly beaches of Paxi.
• Kythira , with the Venetian Castle above the Chora of Kythira, the island's capital.

You will need at least 4 days to explore each of the larger islands of Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, and Zante, while you can spend a day on the smaller ones. For the larger islands, it is best to rent a car or a scooter to get around in total freedom and explore Venetian castles, ancient churches and secret coves.

You can also go island hopping and spend a day exploring Antikythera , Antipaxi, Ereikousa, Mathraki, Othonoi, Meganisi, or Strofades, which are the lesser-known islands of the Ionian archipelago.

The best time to visit the Ionian Islands is from June to September when the weather is sunny and warm. Especially, during July and August, the temperatures are high and the water is just perfect for summer dives and worry goodbyes. 

Tip : the average budget for two people visiting the Ionian Islands is €200 per day. This budget includes accommodation costs for 2 adults in a hotel, lunch, drinks, and entertainment.

The idyllic coasts of Porto Timoni and Limni in Corfu

The majestic Cyclades

The Cyclades are undoubtedly the most famous island group in the Aegean Sea. The archipelago includes many islands, so we better focus on the major ones. Among the most popular islands of the Cyclades are:

• Mykonos  is best known for its photogenic town and its vivid nightlife . You can take the Athens (Piraeus) - Mykonos ferry that runs twice daily, and reach the popular island in just 2,5 hours from Athens with a high-speed ferry.
• Santorini , the windswept, volcanic island with its blue domes and the scenic white-washed houses. What are you waiting for? Catch the  ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini to enjoy its unique sunsets over the caldera.
• Milos , with its endless pirate tales, impressive catacombs, picturesque fishing villages, and lunar landscapes . Take the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Milos and dive into the mesmerizing waters of the instagrammable Sarakiniko beach. 
• Syros , with the picturesque capital of the Cyclades, Ermoupolis and idyllic beaches, is just 3 hours from Athens. Jump on the Athens (Piraeus) - Syros ferry and take a stroll through the labyrinthine streets of Ermoupolis.
• Paros , renowned for its cosmopolitan character and exciting nightlife, is 3-4 hours if you travel by ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Paros .
• Naxos , popular among kitesurfers and windsurfers and its impressive Portara doorway  of the ancient Temple of Apollo, is worth the 5-hour trip by ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos .

The weather in the Cyclades during summer is hot with an average maximum temperature of 32°C. However, during July and August, prepare to feel the breeze of the meltemia , strong summer winds that are not the best for sailing boats. 

Also, the best way to get around Santorini, Mykonos and Syros is on foot or by bus while Milos, Paros and Naxos are better explored with a car. You will need 4-5 days to fully explore the islands of the archipelago. The Cyclades are the most popular and the most expensive Greek island group. Santorini and Mykonos are the most expensive islands on the list, usually with  €300-€350 a day per person, but you might be also able to find a bit more afforable options there.

Tip : ferries also depart from the port of Piraeus to Crete , reaching the ports of Heraklion and Chania. Athens (Piraeus) - Crete ferries usually depart late in the evening and travel during the night. 

White-washed houses of Cycladic architecture overlooking the sea in Santorini

The lush Sporades

The Sporades are an archipelago along the east coast of Greece, in the Aegean Sea. They consist of 24 islands , only 4 of which are permanently inhabited:

• Skiathos is known for its amazing beaches, natural ambiance, cosmopolitan aura, and Skiathos vivid nightlife .
• Skopelos is the island where the wedding scenes of the famous movie Mamma Mia   were filmed. It has towering cliffs and pine-studded forests and turquoise waters.
• Alonnisos , with the breathtaking Peristera ancient shipwreck, has the first underwater museum in Greece.
• Skyros is famous for its lush landscapes and laid-back vibe , its ceramics, handmade furniture, and the special interior architecture of its houses. You can only reach it from the port of Kymi in Evia.

The climate of the Sporades is Mediterranean, with mild autumns and hot, sunny summers . The temperature of the sea is still cold in May and cool in June . However, it becomes high enough for swimming from July to September when it reaches 25°C .

To really appreciate the beauty of these islands and explore them in depth, it would be best to spend at least 3 days in each of them. You can move around by bike , bus , motorbike ,   or even water taxis . You can use the red bus route in Skiathos  that takes you to all the amazing beaches, take a  water taxi to move around the island of Alonissos , or rent a  car to comfortably move around Skopelos .

Related to the ferry routes connecting the Sporades to the mainland, several daily connections are operating from the port of Volos all year round, while there are 3-4 weekly ferries to the Sporades from Thessaloniki during the summer months. There are are also ferries to the Sporades from the ports of Mantoudi in Evia and Agios Konstantinos in Fthiotis.

The Volos - Skiathos  and Volos - Skopelos ferry routes are the most popular one to the Sporades.

Tip : the average daily budget is around €100-120  per person for the Sporades. This budget includes accommodation costs in a hotel, lunch in a local restaurant, drinks, and entertainment.

Golden sand and turquoise waters in Banana beach, Skiathos

The magical Dodecanese

Moving on to the Dodecanese islands, meaning "12 islands" in Greek, which in fact are far more than 12 . Among the most popular ones are:

• Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese. You can take the ferry from Piraeus - Rhodes , and discover its medieval castles , wineries, beaches, and stirring nightlife scene.
• Kos has a rich history and amazing archaeological sites . To explore the beauties of this island take the Piraeus - Kos ferry . 
• Patmos  is also known as the “Island of the apocalypse”. Take the Piraeus - Patmos ferry , swim on idyllic beaches and explore amazing  hiking trails .
• Astypalea  is known for its butterfly shap e and castle.
• Leros , with Italian influences in its architecture since it was once an Italian naval base.
• Kalymnos is famous for its sponge fishing industry and rock-climbing tourism .

The remaining islands are Agathonisi, Arkoi ,  Chalki , Karpathos , Kasos , Leipsoi , Nisyros , Pserimos ,  Symi , Tilos , and Kastellorizo .

The best time to travel to the Dodecanese islands is from May to September , when the weather is hot and perfect for swimming. If your goal is a chocolate tan under the sun, the warmest month in the Dodecanese is August, with an average maximum temperature of 30°C.

The best way to explore the island group is by scooter . Most islands have narrow streets and medieval alleys, so it is very easy to drive around on two wheels.

Tip : the average daily budget for a trip to the Dodecanese is around  €80-100  per person. However, Rhodes is more expensive than other islands of the archipelago with an average budget of €100-120 per day, including accommodation, food, and entertainment.

A medieval alley in the Old Town of Rhodes

The picturesque Saronic Islands

Let’s hop on the next archipelago on our list! The Saronic Islands are located between the peninsula of Attica and the northeastern coasts of Peloponnese. The most popular of this group are:

• Hydra is famous for its majestic architecture and its pebbly beaches. You can jump on the ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Hydra to explore its captivating character.
• Spetses is known for its lovely architecture and its nautical and cultural tradition . It is easy to reach by ferry from Piraeus to Spetses , departing daily from Athens.
• Aegina is popularly known as the island that first minted coins in Greece and is well-known for its delicious peanuts . If you want to try a crepe with divine peanut praline, then catch the Piraeus - Aegina ferry .
• Poros , with its stunning clock tower built in 1927 and its picturesque architecture, is only 1.5 hours from the port of Piraeus with daily Athens - Poros ferry connections .
• Agistri  is a small pine-clad island , ideal for nature lovers. If you’re into hiking, take the ferry from Piraeus to Agistri and explore the island’s best hiking trails. 

The Saronic Islands, including Dokos and Salamis , are ideal for island day trips from Athens all year round. If you’re thinking of spending a few days in Athens before catching a ferry to the islands, ferry routes from the port of Piraeus to the Saronic Gulf are served with multiple daily departures .

The best period to visit the Saronic Islands is from April to September , so you can enjoy great temperature, sunny days and romantic nights. However, in June the sea is still cool, so for warmer waters , it's best to visit the island group in July and August.

The best way to move around the Saronic Islands is to rent a scooter . However, keep in mind that in Hydra there are no vehicles allowed . 

Tip : for a trip to the Saronic Islands, the average budget (hotel, food, entertainment) per person is around €90  per day.

The stone windmill of Hydra overlooking the Saronic Gulf

The amazing North Aegean Islands

The main islands in the northeastern Aegean Sea are:

• Samos , the birthplace of the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras
• Ikaria , with its carefree attitude and the panigiria (dance and music festivals in August)
• Lesbos , the third largest Greek island known for its delicious local products such as cheese and ouzo
• Lemnos , with a strong husbandry tradition, sun-soaked beaches, and world-famous wine
• Chios , also known as “the Mastic Island”
• Samothrace , well-known for its beautiful waterfalls  and natural pools ( vathres )
• Thassos , known for wine with a distinctive apple aroma and its marble quarries

The best time to travel in the North Aegean Islands is from July to early September , when the weather is hot, and the best way to explore the island group is by scooter . We recommend spending  3-4 days on each island to get to really know the place, explore the stunning beaches, mingle with the locals, and feel the Greek hospitality ( philoxenia ).

Tip : the North Aegean Islands are less expensive than the Cyclades, so if you’re traveling on a budget and looking for a low-cost vacation, you have found the right island group for you. You will need around €70 per day for your stay. 

 The picturesque fishing village of Armenistis in Ikaria

By now, you must already know that all Rhodes lead to Greece (come on, it was a good one!). Book your ferry tickets at the same prices as ferry companies  on Ferryhopper and live your myth in 1, 2, or more Greek islands.

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Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

43 Best Greek Islands

Greece is one of those magical places, filled with hundreds of exotic islands and archipelagos boasting extraordinary scenery, picturesque warm-water beaches, a glorious Mediterranean climate, and authentic Greek cuisine prepared from age-old family recipes.

Whichever island you stay on, you’ll get a taste of traditional Greek culture. With excellent tavernas, handsome hiking trails, and the world’s best sunsets, there’s an island for everyone – beach bums, foodies, adventurers, and active holidaymakers alike.

Map of the best islands in Greece

43. Nisyros [SEE MAP]

Part of the Dodecanese islands , Nisyros is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea. Situated between Kos and Tilos, the circular-shaped Nisyros island is home to the youngest volcano in Greece – one that’s still active today.

Nisyros is not your typical Greek island, which likely explains why it’s still largely untouched by tourism. Explore Nisyros’ unusual volcanic geology, from dark pebbled beaches to hot springs and hydrothermal craters. Perfect for adventurers, there are over 40 hiking trails snaking their way across the island, including up to the volcanic crater itself.

The island is famed for its quaint villages and excellent Greek tavernas more than its beaches. The main fishing village of Mandraki is characterized by cobbled streets, pretty squares, and the Paleokastro acropolis. Soak up the nightlife scene in Mikri Venetia (Little Venice), explore Nikia with its famous Porta square and Volcanology Museum, and visit the mountain village of Emporio that boasts the fortress of Pantoniki and a natural volcanic sauna inside a small cave.

42. Poros [SEE MAP]

The petite island of Poros can be found in the southern Saronic Gulf. Made up of two pieces of land – Poros Town, the main hub of the island, located on what was once a volcano overlooking the Aegean Sea, and the larger part of the island that’s separated by a channel and left pretty much untouched. The sister town of Galatas can be found on the mainland side of the strait.

Just an hour’s ferry ride from Athens – and because of its beautiful scenery of churches, monasteries, pine plantations, and citrus groves – Poros is a popular weekend escape. Take your time exploring the town’s lovely narrows streets. Highlights in Poros Town include the Archaeological Museum of Poros and the Poros Town Clock Tower.

A variety of other attractions are spread on the outskirts of Poros Town and around the wild island, such as the Holy Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi and the Sanctuary of Poseidon. Spend your days kayaking, tubing, stand-up paddle-boarding, waterskiing, banana boating, and wakeboarding at a series of excellent bays and beaches – Love Bay, Vagionia Bay, and Askeli Beach, to name a few.

41. Serifos [SEE MAP]

Serifos is a small island in the western Cyclades that has all of the charms of a remote Greek getaway – unspoiled, secluded beaches, great walking trails, and excellent tavernas – without all the touristy crowds. Plus, the views are incredible. There are hundreds of Greek Orthodox churches, ancient monasteries, and Cycladic buildings cascading down an otherwise barren hilltop to meet the rocky coastline below.

Once a busy mining capital, today there isn’t much to Serifos besides its hilltop capital and various old mining trails. Hike up to Hora (also known as the Chora, the Greek term for an island’s main town) for a fantastic view of this rather wild and untamed island.

Don’t miss a stroll along the old mining trail of Serifos, where you’ll pass rusty train tracks, ancient caves, and crumbling bridges as well as an old mining museum in the village of Megalo Livadi. Walk through the picturesque Serifos harbor, people-watch in Pano Piatsa, and have a meal at a traditional taverna like the ones found along Mega Livadi beach.

40. Spetses [SEE MAP]

Also known as Pitioussa (which means ‘pine-filled’), Spetses is made up of just one historical village surrounded by undulating hills and an abundance of pine trees. Just two hours from Athens by ferry, it boasts excellent restaurants, a picturesque old harbor, a range of small beaches, and a great nightlife scene that lures yachties from all over the world.

Spetses Town, the island’s hub, has a romantic feel to it, with cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, and Venetian mansions. There’s an interesting history to discover too: Spetses was the first island in the Argosaronic Gulf to join the Greek Revolution, and the independence flag was raised here in 1821.

Historical sites include the Poseidon Square near the harbor, with its statue of Independence hero, Laskarina Bouboulina. Her former home, located nearby, now serves as a museum. Other historical attractions include the War Memorial of the Spetses Navy, the traditional shipyards in the old harbor, and Navy Park.

Don’t miss the Armata, a festival held in September each year which celebrates the victory of the Greek War of Independence. When you’ve had your fill of Spetses’ history, try some of the island’s local delicacies, known as Amigdalota – almond sweets found in the sweet shops inside the new port of Dapia.

39. Kalymnos [SEE MAP]

Kalymnos is part of the Dodecanese islands, located just off the coast of Turkey. The island has plenty to offer, from superb scenery, medieval castles, and scenic beaches to ancient archaeological sites and amazing cuisine. But mostly, Kalymnos is a place for adventure travelers – rock climbing and scuba diving are the highlights here.

Due to its location, the best way to reach Kalymnos is with a flight from Athens. With a rocky landscape dotted with olive groves, Kalymnos is home to some of the most photogenic rock faces in Europe. It’s 60-plus rock climbing routes have made this island a popular adventure destination.

Diving is another favorite pastime in Kalymnos. In fact, it hosts the International Diving Festival every year. Dubbed the ‘Island of the Sponge Divers,’ Kalymnos is famous for its sponge-making traditions that date back hundreds of years. Take your time exploring the beautiful underwater world of Kalymnos at dive sites like Nera, Platy, Telendos, the nearby island of Pserimos, and the Myrties-Telendos sea channel.

Don’t miss a visit to Pothia, the main port on the island, which is home to the historic sponge museum and the 14th-century Byzantine Chora Castle boasting archaeological ruins from the 4th-century BC.

38. Lemnos [SEE MAP]

Lemnos, or Limnos, is one of the largest islands in the North Aegean . The island, with its dramatic scenery, is one of Greece’s best-kept secrets – home to enchanting waterfalls, magical sea caves, sandy beaches, and even an interior desert near Katalakkos!

Myrina, the island’s capital, is made up of two bays separated by a medieval castle – the Byzantine Castle of Myrina. Other historical sites include the ancient site of Ifestia (or Hephaistia), which features a cemetery, ancient baths, a Hellenistic theater, and what remains of an ancient fortress.

It’s not just history that brings tourists to Lemnos, but also its natural attractions. The island is perfect for travelers who love to be active. Beach hop your way through its series of sandy beaches – some even with Blue Flag status – and enjoy rock climbing, diving, kite surfing, windsurfing, and hiking, particularly through the Petrified Forest near the town of Moudros and the waterfalls near the village of Káspakas.

37. Samothrace [SEE MAP]

Samothrace – also known as Samothraki – is an island in the North Aegean, not far from the Turkish coast. There’s a pleasant laidback feel to this island, with its waterfalls, beaches, basilicas, medieval castles, mineral springs, and pebbled beaches.

Apart from its impressive goat population and the dramatic granite crags of Mount Fengari, the island is well-known for the Nike of Samothrace that now resides in the Louvre in Paris. This massive depiction of the Greek Goddess of Victory was lovingly dubbed ‘the Winged Victory,’ and many replicas can be found around the globe.

Samothrace is all about adventure – trekking, mountain biking, paragliding, rafting, and kayaking are just some of the island’s many activities. Hike up Mount Fengani or Saos, one of the highest mountains in the Aegean, explore the quaint fishing village of Kamariotissa, discover Hora (the island capital) with its folklore museum and fort ruins, and visit Therma for its magical hot springs.

Other attractions on the island include the Archaeological Museum and the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, one of the most enchanting archaeological sites in Greece.

36. Kea [SEE MAP]

Kea – also known as Tzia – forms part of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. Despite being the closest island in the group to Athens, the majority of foreign tourists tend to miss it, which makes it a lovely and authentic holiday alternative. Instead, it’s a very popular weekend destination for rich Greek locals who have their holiday houses here.

Although it’s typical of a Cycladic island, Kea differs in terms of its landscape and buildings – it lacks the whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches you’ll find elsewhere in Greece. Instead, it boasts olive groves, oak forests, almond orchards, and elegant, peach-colored stone architecture.

Kea is also home to the largest oak forest in the Cyclades. An impressive 60% of the island’s forests are protected by the Natura network, which makes it a popular bird-watching destination. It’s also a hiker’s paradise – take your time exploring the many well sign-posted walking trails, including the Old Lion Trail.

Ioulis, the capital, can be found in the heart of the island where the ancient city-state of the same name once stood. Today, this pretty little town with its tiled roofs, cobbled streets, and scenic squares is worth a visit.

35. Evia [SEE MAP]

Evia, also known as Euboia, is the second-largest island in Greece, accessible via two bridges (including the impressive Chalkida Bridge) across a narrow channel. Despite its proximity to the mainland – it’s one of the closest islands to Athens – Evia remains one of the less-visited isles by tourists, sought out by locals and those in the know for its wine tasting, archaeological sites, and local handicrafts.

The landscape here is beautiful and quite unlike the more developed Greek islands nearby. The east coast boasts stunning, uncrowded beaches and coves, and the west coast has a mixture of wild beaches, towns, farms, and wetlands, while the interior features a combination of rivers, forests, and streams.

There’s so much to see in Evia, from waterfalls to monuments and monasteries. Visit the Edipsos thermal springs, the island capital of Chalkida with its pretty seafront promenades, and Ancient Eretria in central Evia with its Archaeological Museum.

34. Alonissos [SEE MAP]

Alonissos is the largest and only permanently inhabited island in the Eastern Sporades . Because of its relatively remote location and limited ferry crossings, the island is not as busy as its neighbors. It’s mostly visited by Italians, British tourists, and local Athenians.

Alonissos is one of the less developed islands in the area. Part of the National Marine Park of Alonnisos Northern Sporades, which includes the island and several offshore islands, it’s known instead for its immense natural beauty dotted with passion flowers, pine forests, honeysuckle, olive groves, and apricot orchards.

Because of its marine park status, Alonissos boasts some of the cleanest white-pebble beaches with crystal-clear water. The stretch of coastline is often frequented by dolphins, rare seabirds, and the Mediterranean monk seal. Hiking, boat trips, and diving are popular activities here.

Situated on a hilltop overlooking the ocean, Alonissos Town, the island’s capital, as well as Patitiri, the port of Alonissos, is worth a visit. Highlights include the Women’s Association of Alonissos, where you can pick up homemade treats prepared from age-old traditional recipes, and the Alonissos Museum – the largest privately owned museum in the Aegean.

33. Tinos [SEE MAP]

Tinos is a pretty Greek island that’s part of the Cyclades archipelago. Once known as Ophiussa or Hydroessa, it serves as a stopping point for the ferry between Athens and Mykonos. But Tinos is popular in its own right – for activities such as trekking, surfing, scuba diving, and mountain climbing.

While it’s much quieter than Mykonos, Tinos is a popular island to soak up the local Greek culture. It boasts a plethora of Tinian villages to explore, with cobblestone streets, Cycladic architecture, pretty squares, and historic churches. Explore the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, visit Jesuit and Ursuline monasteries in Loutra, and discover the abandoned Monastiria in Dyo Horia.

Visit Tinos Town, the island’s main hub, known for its pigeon houses, festivals, and the Evangelistria church – home to a statue of the Virgin Mary. The Panagia Megalochari church is another highlight and a popular pilgrimage spot.

32. Astypalaia [SEE MAP]

Astypalaia, dubbed the Butterfly of the Aegean because of its shape, is the westernmost island of the Dodecanese archipelago. Yet when you consider its history, geography, and architecture, it’s perhaps more like the Cyclades.

Home to just over a thousand residents, Astypalaia boasts a fascinating, centuries-old history, and because of its mainly Greek visitors, it offers a more authentic island escape. You’ll find no package tours here!

Astypalaia is split in two by nature: the Mesa Nisi to the west and the Exo Nisi to the east. The main town, or Chora, is well worth a visit. Built like an amphitheater, it boasts spectacular scenery with whitewashed Cycladic buildings, windmills, and a citadel with lovely views of the Aegean. Highlights here include the Town Hall, the Municipal Library, and a famous traditional café known as ‘Mouggos.’ If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Astypalaia. It’s famous for its cheeses, honey, and seafood – particularly lobster!

31. Ios [SEE MAP]

Ios is a famous island in the Cycladic archipelago. Sure, it may have a reputation as a party island, but Ios is so much more than that – especially if you avoid the party-central months of the summer between July and August.

Ios boasts whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, lovely beaches, and clifftop villages. There are hundreds of churches to explore, many of which are historical monuments, and not all of the beaches are hyped towards raucous beach parties. You’ll also find opportunities for scuba diving, windsurfing, jet-skiing, and banana boating here.

The Chora in Ios Town is where you’ll find the Panagia Gremiotissa Church. The main attraction is the Palaiokastro (the Old Castle), which features the remains of a Byzantine fortress on the eastern side of the island.

30. Leros [SEE MAP]

Leros is an island in the Dodecanese archipelago in the southern Aegean. It has a charming yet desolate feel to it, with a host of medieval castles, historic museums, Orthodox churches, and scenic coves. Plus, as it lacks the excellent sandy beaches that many of its neighbors have, it’s nowhere near as busy.

Instead, Leros is more about enjoying the slow life. Spend your days relaxing on pebbled beaches and tucking into Greek cuisine at traditional tavernas. Explore the island capital of Platanos, home to the city hall and photogenic clusters of windmills, and stroll through the bustling Agia Marina. Discover the history of the island with a visit to the 11th-century Castle of Leros on the top of Apitiki Hill, the Church of Panagia Kavouradena, and the War Museum.

29. Milos [SEE MAP]

Milos, located just above the Sea of Crete, is home to more beaches than any other island in the Cyclades – easily one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. Due to its fair distance from Athens, it’s easier to reach Milos with a flight, unless you’re happy to sacrifice the seven-plus hours it takes to get there by ferry.

With an age-old mining history that dates back to the Neolithic era, the volcanic island of Milos is famous for its impressive natural scenery, from dramatic rock formations and hot springs to steam vents and mineral quarries.

What’s more, the western side of the island is a nature reserve, home to some interesting wildlife, such as the Mediterranean seal, the Milos viper, and the unusual croc-shaped Mílos wall lizard. Spend your days lazing on beaches and enjoying a range of nature-based activities, such as windsurfing, boating, sailing, and horseback riding.

Other attractions Milos is known for include the statue of Aphrodite that’s now found in the Louvre in Paris, the Milos Mining Museum, and Sikia Cave that’s accessible only by boat.

28. Syros [SEE MAP]

Despite being one of the smallest islands in the Cyclades, Syros is the administrative capital of the archipelago. A pleasing mix of the modern and traditional, it boasts the contrast of Ano Syro, the original settlement of Syros, and modern-day Ermoupolis with its historic museums and buildings.

The island of Syros makes for a pleasant weekend escape from Athens, easily reached with a three-hour ferry. A quieter alternative to ever-popular and ultra-touristy Santorini and Mykonos, many seek out Syros for its uncrowded beaches and medieval architecture.

The capital is well worth exploring, with its meandering streets and colorful houses cascading down into the Aegean Sea. Discover a range of remarkable buildings, including the town hall, the Apollo Theater, and the blue-topped Agios Nikolaos Church.

27. Amorgos [SEE MAP]

Shaped like a seahorse, Amorgos is the easternmost island of the Cyclades and the closest one to the Dodecanese archipelago. It’s definitely off the tourist trail, with two charming ports located a fair distance from Athens – even the fastest ferry will take you seven hours to get there.

This seclusion makes Amorgos a perfect choice for lazy beach days, free-diving, and hiking. There are plenty of decent walking trails meandering their way across the island, and the seaside pathway between the Chora and Katapoula is particularly good.

Spend some time in Chora exploring its churches and bougainvillea-tangled streets. Don’t miss a visit to the Hozoviotissa Monastery, the Amorgos Archaeological Collection, and the 16th-century Venetian Gavras Tower.

26. Patmos [SEE MAP]

The most famous of the smaller Dodecanese islands, the hourglass-shaped Patmos is a laidback holiday destination characterized by pine-covered hillside and the hilltop Chora with its whitewashed maze of buildings.

The focus here is definitely on the beaches and bays – the appeal being that many are uncrowded even during the height of the tourist season. This is possibly explained by the fact that the island doesn’t have an airport, fortunately keeping mass tourism at bay.

Patmos’ main claim to fame is its spiritual cave known as the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John supposedly received prophecies that dictated the chapter of Revelations in the Bible. Today, the cave and the island’s monasteries and Orthodox churches are a popular pilgrimage site for spiritual travelers.

25. Karpathos [SEE MAP]

Karpathos is the third-largest island in the Dodecanese group. Its rugged terrain – from rocky mountains to crystal-clear coves – makes it a great choice for beach bums and adventure seekers alike. The island is split in two by a cloud-tipped mountain – gorgeous beaches to the south and quaint clifftop villages to the north. Don’t miss a visit to Pigadhia, the island capital, home to the history-filled Archaeological Museum of Karpathos.

Thrill-seekers will be in their element in Karpathos too, with an abundance of opportunities for watersports, such as kite surfing, windsurfing, and scuba diving on the cards. Leisure seekers can simply find a beach and sunbathe to their heart’s content.

24. Folegandros [SEE MAP]

Folegandros is a rocky little island on the southern edge of the Cyclades island group. One of Greece’s most beautiful undiscovered islands, according to Conde Nast Traveller, Folegandros offers a true get-away-from-it-all escape. It’s not a package holiday destination whatsoever, but tourism is picking up, so you should go before the crowds clock on.

Once used as a political prison up until the 20th-century, remote Folegandros is just 45 minutes from Santorini by ferry. It offers a much quieter alternative with a gorgeous countryside filled with chapels, Greek ruins, and beaches such as the Angali Beach – one of the most scenic beaches in the Cyclades.

The clifftop Chora is one of the most attractive in the archipelago. This traditional medieval village is partly built into a 13th-century fortress known as the Kastro. While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to the quaint fishing village of Karavostasi, where you can explore its Cycladic buildings wound in bright bougainvillea.

23. Skopelos [SEE MAP]

Surrounded by pine forests, olive groves, plum trees, almond orchards, and undulating vineyards, Skopelos is the largest and easily one of the most attractive islands in the Northern Sporades. Most famous for being the location of the 2008 film Mamma Mia, the island boasts a series of beautiful beaches and splendid hiking trails.

With a firm reputation for being the greenest island in Greece, Skopelos is an ideal island for those looking to get back to nature. There’s so much to do, from strolling through pine forests and sea kayaking through the Aegean to cycling the island’s back roads in search of the next best beach.

Visit Skopelos Town, the main port on the southeastern side of the island, which boasts all sorts of interesting architecture. Another port can be found in Loutraki, making Skopelos easily accessible to yachties and cruise ships.

Spend your days here exploring Skopelos’ 300-plus churches and chapels, including the 11th-century Agios Athanasios – the oldest existing ecclesiastical building in the Kastro area.

22. Skyros [SEE MAP]

Skyros is the largest island in the Sporades archipelago, but because of its cascading whitewashed towns, it has more of a Cycladic feel to it. Gorgeous countryside, glistening bays, and pine forests in the north are contrasted by the rocky coastline and deserted hills found in the south.

Take your time exploring the photogenic seaside villages and scenic coves on this idyllic Greek island. Skyros Town, the Chora, is the main affair with its bright white houses and ruins of a Byzantine fortress.

Definitely underrated, the island of Skyros is ideal for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and water babies. Spend your days hiking to find Skyrian horses, bird watching (to see the Eleonora’s falcon), and enjoying all manner of watersports – particularly scuba diving.

21. Lesbos [SEE MAP]

The third-largest island in Greece, Lesbos (or Lesvos) boasts an unusual, barren landscape, with sandy beaches and salt marshes on one side and thick forests and millions of olive groves on the other. But the main highlight on the island has to be the hot springs – they’re some of the warmest in Europe!

Lesbos is known for its arts and culture. It’s the home of many famous Greek poets and writers. The island also has a reputation for excellent handmade pottery that you can pick up at a steal from villages such as Agiasos and Mandamados. Ouzo is another famous product in Lesbos. In fact, the island is believed to be the birthplace of this famous Greek spirit.

Don’t leave Lesbos without a visit to Mytilini Town, the port and capital of the island which is always bursting with personality. Other highlights include the petrified forest to the west and the Ouzo Museum in Plomari.

20. Sifnos [SEE MAP]

Welcome to Sifnos, a paradise in the Cyclades archipelago just three hours from Athens by ferry. Characterized by olive groves, sandy beaches, almond groves, and idyllic bays, it’s really a no-brainer for a laidback island retreat.

Known as ‘the most delicious Greek island,’ according to Conde Nast Traveller, Sifnos is an island for foodies and creatives. With a reputation for traditional arts and crafts, you can explore the authentic pottery, basket weaving, and cookery workshops the island is famous for in the villages of Vathi and Kamares. Don’t leave without trying the delightful local products such as amygdala, Greek salads with a twist, and divine mezze platters.

Visit the medieval capital of Kastro and the modern capital of Apollonia and discover the island’s many churches and monasteries. The highlight is the Monastery of Khryssopiyí.

19. Aegina [SEE MAP]

Aegina, also known as Egina, is one of the closest islands to Athens , forming part of the Saronic Islands of Greece. Due to its close location to the mainland, just 40 minutes from Piraeus, it’s often bustling with locals – but that just adds to its charm.

Despite its obvious proximity to the mainland, Aegina is still surprisingly untouristy, yet you’ll still find developed beach bars should you seek them. Instead, the appeal of Aegina is in its ancient Greek ruins, waterfront cafes, and pistachio orchards.

The main highlight on the island is undeniably the Temple of Aphaia. Visit the Byzantine Paleohora ruins and the archeological site of Kolona. Other activities include hanging out on one of the many beaches, strolling through the Folklore Museum, and exploring Aegina Town, the island capital, with its Neoclassical buildings and popular port.

18. Andros [SEE MAP]

Andros is the second-largest and northernmost island in the Cyclades. Dotted with citrus groves, olive trees, and waterfalls, the island is a hiker’s paradise. In fact, it’s one of the greenest islands in the Cyclades!

Nature lovers will definitely be in their element in Andros, exploring the endless network of walking trails leading to waterfalls, alongside bubbling creeks, or through wild valleys on foot or horseback. The island’s quaint villages are worth a stroll, too, with their cobbled streets and footpaths. Check out the neoclassical buildings, historical museums and monasteries, Byzantine churches, and fascinating archaeological sites.

A string of unspoiled beaches is another reason to head to Andros. Spend your days swimming, diving, fishing, windsurfing, water-skiing, and playing beach volleyball to your heart’s content.

17. Chios [SEE MAP]

Chios is the fifth-largest island in Greece, located in the northeastern Aegean Sea. On top of a phenomenal Byzantine monastery and several quaint fishing villages, it’s really the island’s unusual palatial architecture that sets it apart from its neighbors.

These heritage buildings remain from when the island was the home of wealthy shipping magnates. It was also the only commercial producer of mastic resin – something that’s earned the island its nickname as ‘the Mastic Island.’

Today, the undulating countryside is dotted with olive groves, citrus orchards, and mastic bushes. You’ll find all sorts of things made from this local export, such as jam, sweets, perfume, and local liqueurs like brandy ouzo.

Visit Pyrgi, the largest mastic village, where you’ll find buildings covered in interesting geometric patterns known as ‘graffito,’ and the port capital of Chios Town, known for its olive, fig, and wine industries. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Chios Mastic Museum, which tells the tale of the island’s most famous trade, from cultivation to processing.

16. Thasos [SEE MAP]

Thasos, also known as Thassos, can be found in the North Aegean Islands archipelago. With its spectacular natural scenery – from olive groves and densely forested mountains to gorgeous bays and sandy beaches – it’s the perfect spot for outdoorsy travelers. Think hiking, sunbathing, diving, and bird watching as the order of the day.

The landscape on Thasos is the perfect terrain for growing a variety of local produce, such as olives, honey, fruit, and nuts, making the island a favorite for foodies. Tsipouro, a local spirit, is more popular here than wine.

Nature aside, there are other drawcards to visiting Thasos. It also has several ancient ruins, authentic mountain villages, and various bouzoukia (music tavernas) to discover. Don’t miss a visit to Thasos Town, the capital, with its archaeological museum and Byzantine Moni Arhangelou, or Alyki with its ancient Greek temple and two early Christian basilicas.

15. Kefalonia [SEE MAP]

Kefalonia is the largest in the captivating Ionian island collection and has absolutely everything you could need for a carefree Mediterranean escape. Not only does it boast a plethora of built-up holiday resorts and four glorious peninsulas, but proper tourist towns too.

Many are drawn to the island of Kefalonia by its captivating limestone coves, Venetian architecture, lush vineyards, and gorgeous fishing villages like Fiskardo and Assos that are perfect for yachties. It’s not all developed though. Kefalonia also boasts Mediterranean oak forests, undulating meadows, and lovely bays teeming with marine life like Caretta-Caretta sea turtles. In fact, the beaches on Kefalonia are some of the most picturesque in Greece (Europe, even), particularly the powder-white strip of Myrtos Beach.

Visit the port town of Sami, once the island’s capital, and the site of the original settlement of Sami. These days, the hilltop Argostoli forms the island’s central hub, and its markets and monuments make it well worth a visit. Other activities in Kefalonia include sailing, horseback riding, scuba diving, wildlife watching, and exploring the ancient clifftop Venetian castle.

14. Symi [SEE MAP]

Symi is a charming Greek island in the Dodecanese archipelago that gets very busy during the summer months. With a strong history of shipbuilding and sponge-diving, it was once a very prosperous island, hinted at by its striking but now crumbling neoclassical buildings. Today, Symi is celebrated for its laidback fishing village feel.

The first thing you’ll notice when you dock at Symi is its glorious Gialos Harbour in Symi Town, the island capital, surrounded by rows upon rows of pastel-hued Italian-era mansions. The rest of Symi is rather desolate, with just a few settlements at the old village of Horio and Pedi in the valley behind.

Symi is also a popular pilgrimage site for Greek Orthodox devotees – particularly the 18th-century Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis. But it’s the cobalt blue coves, juniper, oak, and pine forests (perfect for walking), and quaint pebbled beaches that attract many to Symi in the summer months. If you’d prefer to escape the crowds, then visit Symi in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.

13. Hydra [SEE MAP]

Hydra, also known as Ydhra, is part of the Saronic Islands archipelago. Blissfully traffic-free – there are no vehicles or roads on the island at all – Hydra has a sort of undeveloped charm. The island is deservedly one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Athens .

The island hub of Ydhra Town, with its rows and rows of grey-stone mansions and white-and red-tiled houses above a pretty harbor, is undeniably photogenic. Explore its narrow winding streets that are home to wild cats, donkeys, and 18th-century waterfront mansions – one of which was home to the famous singer, Leonard Cohen.

Hydra is less about built-up cities and more about pine forests, historical museums, and hilltop monasteries. There are only a handful of pebbled beaches, but plenty of walking trails leading along the coast and past old chapels, such as the trail to Cape Zourva.

Important landmarks include the Lázaros Koundouriótis Museum, the Historical Archives Museum, the Áyios Nikólaos monastery, and the Kímisis tís Theotókou church.

12. Lefkada [SEE MAP]

Lefkada is part of the Ionian Islands. Once a peninsula, rather than an actual island, it’s connected to the mainland by a narrow strip, making it one of the only Greek islands you can drive to. While it’s one of the most easily accessible for this reason, Lefkada still remains largely untouristy.

The island has a rugged charm, with wild mountains, waterfalls, olive groves, lagoons, vineyards, and some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean – some of which have Blue Flag status. Activities abound on the island. Spend your days kitesurfing, windsurfing, scuba diving, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Lefkada Town with its superb marina is a popular destination for yachties, Vassiliki is best for water babies – it’s supposedly the largest windsurfing hub in Europe, while Nydhri has a laidback feel and a gorgeous view over the satellite island of Meganissi.

The most notable landmark in Lefkada has to be the 14th-century castle of Santa Maura – the island’s Venetian name.

11. Samos [SEE MAP]

Samos is a sizeable island located in the eastern Aegean, not far from the coast of Turkey. With its undulating, vine-covered hills and mountains, Samos is one of the greenest islands in the Aegean, most famous for its local sweet Muscat wine.

The capital is Vathy (or Samos Town). It boasts a museum and a few pastel-colored Neoclassical mansions, but it’s really the other villages that hold the appeal on Samos. Visit Kokkari and Karlovassi with their cute roadside cafes and authentic villagey feel, Pythagorean for its 6th-century Roman aqueduct, and Heraion for its iconic temple honoring the Goddess Hera (supposedly the largest temple in Greece).

Samos is a favorite for nature lovers, home to a series of secret beaches, forest trails, and the imposing Mount Kérkis (Kerketévs) – the second-highest summit in the Aegean. Spend your days on Samos sunbathing, swimming, diving, windsurfing, and hiking. A variety of trails wind their way past cascading waterfalls, hidden caves, and clifftop villages topped with old monasteries.

10. Naxos [SEE MAP]

Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades. With high mountains, fig plants, vineyards, and olive groves, it’s one of the greenest and most fertile islands of the archipelago.

Naxos has a steady industry of potatoes, olives, lemons, and grapes, but it has also welcomed mass tourism in recent years. With a cruise ship port, Naxos is often one of the busiest islands in the summer season. It doesn’t hurt that the island also has some incredible sandy beaches and ancient Greek ruins to explore!

The island’s center, with its lush valleys, authentic villages, and significant churches, is well worth a visit and can be explored within a day. Hikers will be in their element in Naxos, as it’s home to Mount Zeus – the highest peak in the Cyclades. Don’t miss a visit to Naxos Town, the Chora, with its quaint waterfront, Venetian mansions, and cobbled alleyways beneath a hilltop fortress.

9. Kos [SEE MAP]

Kos is an island in the Dodecanese island group, one that’s famous for its series of sandy beaches, mountain villages, and medieval ruins. Unfortunately for independent travelers, the appeal of Kos hasn’t gone unnoticed, and it’s often heaving with tourists during peak season.

Apart from mass tourism, the island’s main industry includes melon growing, hay baling, and cattle grazing. Located close to Turkey, the island’s capital and main port is Kos Town. Here, you’ll find the 15th-century Neratzia Castle built by the Knights of the Order of Saint John and the Ancient Agora ruins.

Asklepion is another historic site that’s worth a visit. Once a medical school run by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, it’s where they practiced the Hippocratic Oath. Other activities in Kos including exploring the island by bike and swimming in Ebros Thermes, the island’s natural hot springs.

8. Zakynthos [SEE MAP]

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is one of the most beautiful Ionian Islands.  Home to extraordinary beaches like the famous Shipwreck Beach and some spectacular Greek sunsets, Zante is a pure paradise all year long.

Zakynthos’ charm lies in the fact that it has something for all interests. And while it’s got so much to offer, it’s not yet overrun with tourists. The summer months are crowded in some places, however. Spend your days exploring one of Zakynthos’ most notable attractions – Navagio Beach, better known as Shipwreck Beach. Most tourists take the boat out to the beach during the day, but a quieter glimpse can be enjoyed from a clifftop viewpoint at sunset.

Other highlights include swimming at Xigia sulfur beach, watching the sunset from the Sunset Taverna in Keri, and taking a boat to Marathonisi Turtle Island and the Blue Caves.

7. Paros [SEE MAP]

Paros is a typical Cycladic island, and its fishing villages offer a stereotypical Greek retreat less than three hours from Athens. Apart from its typical Greek architecture entwined in purple and red bougainvillea, Paros has a reputation as a party island, with a range of cocktails bars and restaurants – you won’t struggle to find a happy hour here.

But while Paros’ nightlife certainly precedes it, that’s not all there is to do here. The island is also a popular spot for outdoor activities, such as hiking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, horseback riding, yoga, and scuba diving.

Visit Parikia, the island capital, with its arcaded lanes filled with whitewashed buildings, Venetian-style villas, old monasteries, and blue church domes. The port of Náoussa, the former capital of Lefkes, and the satellite island of Antíparos with its stalagmite-filled caves are also worth a visit. Highlights include the Ekatondapylianí (formerly the Katopoliani) church – one of the most striking in the Aegean – as well as the Áyii Anárgyiri monastery and the archaeological museum.

6. Skiathos [SEE MAP]

With its holiday villas, restaurants, and open-air night clubs, Skiathos is the most developed island of the Sporades. Decked out with pine forests, olive groves, and an impressive number of sandy beaches, it’s not surprising that it attracts a fair mix of party-going youths and nature seekers.

If you’re here for the Skiathos nightlife, head to labyrinthine Skiathos Town, the main port, on the southeastern coast of the island. Here, you’ll find an abundance of sidewalk bars and restaurants near the old harbor and along pedestrianized Papadiamanti street. There are also plenty of open-air waterfront clubs located between the town and the airport.

Nightlife aside, Skiathos also tempts yachties with its appealing yacht marina. Jump off and explore the island’s captivating monasteries, age-old churches, and hillside hiking trails.

5. Corfu [SEE MAP]

Corfu is one of the greenest and most beautiful Ionian Islands. It has been a popular weekend escape for centuries; even today, it receives a steady flow of tourism – often with package holiday travelers. This is due, in part, to its excellent beaches, fantastic nightlife, and an international airport, which makes Corfu one of the easiest islands to get to in Greece.

The appeal of Corfu is that it has something for everyone. Corfu Town, the island’s historic center, is laced with the varying architectural styles of its Greek, Italian, French and British past. Visit the main tourist hub of Palaiokastritsa for its beautiful turquoise bay and fascinating monastery, Sidari for its family-friendly theme park, and Kassiopi for its vibrant party scene.

4. Rhodes [SEE MAP]

Rhodes – dubbed ‘the Island of the Knights’ – is the largest of the Dodecanese archipelago, the historical capital, and perhaps one of the most popular islands in Greece. It’s famed for its age-old historic ruins, lively beach resorts, and excellent windsurfing opportunities.

The island boasts the longest summer of any Greek island, with sunshine here right up until November. But with the sunshine comes the crowds, and the tourist season begins as early as April. When you see all that Rhodes has to offer though, it’s not all that surprising.

Explore Rhodes Town, the island capital, where you’ll enter the cobbled (and often crowded) maze of the walled Old Town that was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 14th-century. Here, you’ll find the Street of the Knights and the impressive Palace of the Grand Masters that’s now a history museum.

To get away from the crowds that descend on Rhodes in the summer months, hire a car and explore the island’s tree-filled interior. There are plenty of fascinating castles and churches to discover, such as the ones near Monólithos, Kritinía, Thárri, Asklipió, and Áyios Yeóryios Várdhas. Other attractions include the Acropolis of Lindos and the Valley of the Butterflies.

3. Crete [SEE MAP]

The largest island in Greece, Crete also boasts one of the longest summers in the Mediterranean. You can enjoy a sunshine-filled holiday here until mid-October. First inhabited by the Minoans as far back as 2,000 BC, Europe’s earliest civilization, Crete has a fascinating history and culture.

Today, Crete is easily reached with a flight into one of its three airports. It offers something for all types of travelers – party resorts for the young, delicious cuisine for foodies, adventure for adrenalin-junkies, and rural countryside for those looking to escape.

The island boasts some diverse landscapes – rugged valleys, sleepy Cretan villages, snow-capped peaks, ancient caves, and beautiful beaches. Explore the interesting mix of Renaissance mansions, Islamic mosques, Turkish bathhouses, and Byzantine chapels, churches, and monasteries. Heraklion is the capital, home to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, not far from the ancient Minoan sites of Knossos, Phaestos, and Ayía Triádha.

Foodies will be in their element in Crete as many tavernas make their own produce – from cheese and meats to olive oils, raki, and wine. Home to the longest gorge in Europe, as well as it’s second-highest bungee jump, Crete is an adventure playground with opportunities for rock climbing, mountaineering, and rappelling. Other highlights in Crete include Elafonisi Beach and Ideon Cave in the White Mountains (said to be the birthplace of Zeus).

2. Mykonos [SEE MAP]

Mykonos is famed as a cosmopolitan destination among the Greek islands. And, with an Ibiza-like reputation that precedes it, it’s also one of the most expensive. There’s something for everyone in Mykonos , though – beach bums, history buffs, nightlife-seekers, and sunset chasers.

The bougainvillea-draped Mykonos Town is a picturesque Cycladic town with whitewashed, blue-doored houses, iconic windmills, and hidden churches, shrines, and chapels. Explore the maze-like streets built supposedly to confuse the hopeful pirates of the 18th-century, home to an archaeological museum, a maritime museum, and a folklore museum.

Although the streets are lined with small shops, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants, Mykonos Town has not completely lost its identity. Thanks to Mykonos’s strict building regulations its traditional Cycladic architectural style and character has remained firmly intact. If it’s a beach party you’re after, head to Paradise Beach or one of the many lively beach clubs. Or simply indulge in some post-sunbathing retail therapy and explore the shops in Mykonos Town.

1. Santorini [SEE MAP]

Easily the first island you imagine when you think of Greece, Santorini is simply magical. The largest of a mini archipelago in the Cyclades, Santorini offers the stereotypically Greek whitewashed buildings, but its two main towns – blue-domed Oia and capital Fira – teetering on the cliffs above a submerged volcano offer some of the best views in the Mediterranean.

You don’t need plenty of time on Santorini to enjoy its allure though, particularly as the volcanic island is also one of the most expensive in Greece – a veritable playground for the rich and famous. But it’s something you simply have to tick off the bucket list for its world-famous sunsets and fine wineries.

Shop until you drop at Santorini’s glamorous boutiques, walk the caldera clifftops, and hang out on the white, black, and red volcanic pebbled beaches. If you arrive by sea you can take a cable car up from the port or alternatively take a trip on a mule up the 588 zigzagging steps.

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Reader interactions.

February 18, 2018 at 11:43 pm

Great article, definitely given me a few ideas for my next trip. So far been to skiathos , Corfu and Rhodes. Liked all three for different reason. The atmosphere in skiathos is amazing but loved the history of the old town in Rhodes

September 12, 2017 at 2:18 am

I’ve just come back from visiting Koufinissi, Dounoussa, Shinoussa and by far these are my most favourite islands. I’ve now done 23 islands in total and will be continuing my island hopping trips for sure!!

June 9, 2017 at 12:29 pm

Thassos is truly stunning. Although the island has undergone some development over the 17 years since I first visited, it remains a wonderful destination offering typical Greek hospitality and a wide variety of accommodation to suit everyone.

September 5, 2016 at 11:11 pm

Never seen such a beauty .Greece has such a beauty unbelievable. colors and clarity are mesmerizing.

September 2, 2015 at 11:30 am

Great article. I have been to three of the islands in the list being Corfu, Rhodes and Skiathos. I must admit Skiathos as my favourite of the three. Ill have to try Santorini

September 23, 2014 at 10:08 pm

Santorini is definitely one of the most beautiful place not only in Greece but also in the whole world.

August 13, 2014 at 5:29 am

I love GREECE and my favorite is beautiful green island Corfu, I spent a great time in Hotel Bella Mare ,near of Avlaki beach, it was perfect.

July 21, 2014 at 5:26 am

I’ve just been in Kos and Rhodes and I consider they are not anything compared with Nisyros. Last week I visited these three islands and, with doubt, Nisyros is the most impressive one. Nikia is a marvelous village, and the beaches, few people, transparent water with brown sand. I stayed in a little hotel in front of the sea, near the port, with no noises during the night. Calm, relaxing place, infinity from the balcony and good price. Rhodes and Kos are too touristic, full of people who leave their country in order to do the same things but at the Mediterranean. It is foolish.

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10 Best Greek Islands to Visit: Trip Ideas & Inspiration

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Santorini island, Greece

You can embrace the past, enjoy island life, and indulge in simple pleasures with our list of the 10 best Greek islands to visit.

They embody nature’s timeless beauty and cultural preservation, and each can ignite your imagination as you settle in to enjoy splendid views, connect with ancient myths, or uncover the flavors of land and sea.

The best Greece islands can satisfy any traveler's appetite by providing access to active exploration, stunning beaches, or the legacy of Mediterranean cuisine with a Greek twist.

4. Santorini

9. folegandros, find the best greek islands to visit for you.

Chania on Crete island, Greece

As the largest Greek island, Crete celebrates its history and culture from the depths of the inland gorge to the heights of the rugged mountains, the preserved ambiance of mythological palaces to the waters lapping at the coastline.

The island can feel like a mosaic that weaves together past and present, taking you from contemporary, vibrant cities with touches of days gone by to dreamy villages with generous spirits.

From museums to beaches, hiking to Venetian harbors, you can travel Crete at a leisurely pace on vacations from the capital or nearby islands.

Crete Vacation Idea

Athens, Crete, and Santorini Luxury Family Tour is an 11-day journey of Greece with an emphasis on its majestic scenery and endless activities that can entice a couple or an entire family.

Highlights: Stroll the steps of the Athenian way to find the Parthenon • Amble along the cobbled avenues and alleys of the Agora • Meander between charming cafes and the Aegean Sea in Chania on Crete • Trek through the Cretan countryside in search of one of Europe's longest gorges • Indulge in a three-course meal at an authentic Greek taverna • Ponder the hidden messages and faded frescoes at the famous archeological site of Knossos • Enjoy a sunset cruise in beautiful Santorini

Learn more: Athens, Santorini, and Crete Itineraries & Vacations

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Naxos island, Greece

Naxos captures the Mediterranean as a paradise of sun-kissed beaches, azure waters, fishing ports, and antique villages. Cubic houses with colorful shutters glow against hilly backdrops and cobbled lanes wind between elegant Venetian mansions.

Whether looking for an isolated beach or a view from the mountains, you can sample ripe olives and juicy grapes, visit Byzantine churches, or travel through time in a museum gallery as you explore one of Greece’s best islands.

Naxos Vacation Idea

From vineyards to sunsets, white-sand beaches to classical ruins, this eight-day Island-Hopping Tour of Naxos & Santorini With Athens demonstrates why Greece is one of the world’s most desirable destinations.

Highlights: Visit Athens’ remarkable ancient highlights of the Acropolis and the Pantheon • Tuck into traditional Greek mezze and witness the Temple of Apollo on the island of Naxos • Spend peaceful moments away from the crowds on the secret beaches of Koufonisia • Sip wines that have been grown in volcanic soil in Santorini • Watch the sunset over evergreen vineyards from the terrace of a Santorini estate

Learn more: Naxos Vacations & Tours

Parikia on Paros island, Greece

Paros is a living representation of the millennia of Mediterranean civilizations. From Cretans to Minoans, Romans to Byzantines, the island can feel ancient, lively, and rural.

Explore the coastline with windsurfing or scuba diving, lounge on a quiet gold-sand beach, or enjoy the sunny glare of whitewashed cubic houses that contrast former Venetian mansions.

With the preserved glamor of Byzantine artifacts, the protected wonder of ancient life, and the charisma of little towns decorated with bougainvillea, Paros is the most atmospheric of Greece’s best islands.

Paros Vacation Idea

The Perfect Grecian Honeymoon: Mykonos, Santorini & Paros is an 11-day immersion into Mediterranean paradise as you explore the romance of famous Greek islands like Santorini and Mykonos, and discover the serene shores of Paros.

Highlights: Lose yourself in the romance and magic in which the island of Santorini is steeped • Gaze out onto whitewashed buildings that contrast the twinkling blue sea as you sail between Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini • Experience the vibrant energy of Mykonos after dark • Wander through the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo at the Unesco World Heritage Site in Delos • Unwind on the quiet shores of Paros

Oia town on Santorini island, Greece

Santorini is beauty incarnate, an island famous for romance and discovery, breathtaking panoramic views over the caldera, and charming whitewashed homes clinging to the volcanic cliffs.

With millennia of heritage woven into contemporary lifestyles, the villages reveal a combination of natural wonder and local culture.

Boasting one of Greece's best beaches , celebrated wines, enticing hiking trails, ancient cities, and timeless luxury, Santorini has a reputation for glamor and enchantment.

Santorini Vacation Idea

Capture the elegance and natural beauty of blue waters, coastal cliffs, and beaches during your Glamorous 12-Day Getaway to Athens, Naxos, Milos, and Santorini , as you experience the essential spirit of Greece’s Cycladic islands.

Highlights: Admire the ancient architecture and artwork of Athens • Discover the ruins of Ancient Greece on Naxos • Delve into the traditional agricultural and artistic practices of Naxos • Tour Santorini’s finest wineries to savor vintages and blends • Float off the coast of Santorini at sunset on a private yacht

Learn more: Santorini Vacations, Tours & Trips

Lindos on Rhodes island, Greece

Rhodes may have once been famous for its colossus, but has now become a monumental island in Greece in its own right, with endless beaches, wooded valleys, and a vibrant lifestyle that connects to the ancient streets.

From its maze of cobbled lanes that connect the Classical and Byzantine to picturesque towns overlooking turquoise waters, Rhodes can feel like a breath of fresh air. The Temple of Athena, boutique shops, labyrinths of historic walls, and past myths make this a legendary island destination.

Rhodes Vacation Idea

Expansive Greece Itinerary: Athens, Rhodes, Crete, Santorini is a 12-day excursion into the natural and cultural history that defines Greece, while embracing the Mediterranean coastline, cuisine, and heritage.

Highlights: Stand in the shadow of the Acropolis on a scenic walking tour of Athens • Embark on a foodie tour of the Athenian love affair • Explore Rhodes’ ancient ruins • Ponder the ancient world on a walking tour of Rhodes • Visit the birthplace of the Minoan civilization on a visit to Crete • Plunge into the depths of the Imbros Gorge for a guided trek • Continue your appreciation of Santorini's geologic origins as you enjoy local wine

Learn more: Rhodes Vacations, Tours & Itineraries

Firiplaka Beach on Milos island, Greece

The dramatic coastline creates a ring around the volcanic caldera, while colorful landscapes create surreal beauty. Picturesque villages and remote beaches only reachable by boat peel back history, from the Minoan world to the production of the Venus de Milo.

Crystal-clear waters that turn from sapphire to turquoise, strings of rocky caves and cliffs, and inspiring views from antique churches and ancient fishing ports reflect the multitude of colors you can embrace across Milos.

Milos Vacation Idea

With blue water, mouthwatering cuisine, and mythological history that continues to inspire, this 13-day Greek Island Itinerary for the Ages: Crete, Santorini, Milos & More is a celebration of Greece and its islands.

Highlights: Ascend to the Acropolis and learn more about Ancient Greek civilization • Deepen your sensory experience of Athens with a gastronomic tour • Stroll the forested headlands of the Cretan caldera • Step foot on the soil ancient Minoans at Knossos once did • Set sail across the sea for sunset panoramas • Swim off the shores of Milos and the islands of Polyaigos and Kleftiko

Learn more: Milos Vacations & Tours

Village in the foothills of Exobourgo Mountain on Tinos island, Greece

Enchanting Tinos has a unique atmosphere, its shores a spiritual center of the Cyclades for thousands of years. Its surprises include stone houses, quiet plazas, and classic marble churches.

Terraces texture hillsides, mountains glisten in mist, and crystal-clear waters connect it to Venetian legacy. No longer just a destination for Greek Orthodox pilgrimages, Tinos has become an exciting destination for island life and culture.

Tinos Vacation Idea

Idyllic Greek Islands Itinerary for Seniors is the perfect 10-day tour for an immersive experience at a leisurely pace, from ancient mainland sites to robust island flavors.

Highlights: Marvel at the historic attractions of Athens • Witness the age-old windmills of Mykonos • Explore the island of Tinos, considered one of the holiest Greek Islands • Tour charming Parikia, a town known for its custom boutiques of artisan goods • Stroll through the museums of Paros • Travel the roads of Fira and Oia on Santorini • Bask in the relaxing hot springs of Nea Kameni • Immerse yourself in the wines of Santorini

Symi island, Greece

With neoclassical architecture and pastel-colored houses, Symi is alluring.

From historic villages and sparse landscapes to a secluded monastery and unparalleled blue coves, it captures the charisma of the islands within a relaxed atmosphere.

Romantic walks along the coastline, burning sunsets on the horizon, and a beautiful barren interior create a charm unlike any other island in the Greek archipelago.

Symi Vacation Idea

Private cooking experiences, impressive scenery, and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe make the Best of Remarkable Rhodes: Island Tour in One Week a magnificent opportunity to actively discover an island inhabited since the Stone Age.

Highlights: Indulge in an oceanside yoga session before setting off on a hiking adventure in the town of Lindos • Paddle through the sea on a morning kayak adventure • Embark on a private sailing excursion • Gaze at the grandeur of Rhodes’ majestic Mt. Filerimo • Visit Butterfly Valley and witness the spectacular migration of thousands of the insects • Learn how to craft an authentic Greek meal from a local master chef

Chora on Folegandros island, Greece

Folegandros's quiet beauty makes it feel like an undiscovered treasure of the Cyclades. Amplified by the main town that crowns the cliffs, Folegandros connects lush countryside to dramatic seaside slopes.

Its remote splendor winds along cobblestones and narrow alleyways, with bougainvillea draped across whitewashed houses and sun-soaked beaches perfect for a relaxing moment. Look for romance or a secluded island getaway as you indulge in the beauty of Folegandros.

Levrechio beach on Paxos island, Greece

Paxos, one of the 8 best Greek islands for families , embodies the idea of an island off the beaten path that shines like an undiscovered gem. Gorgeous beaches fade into clear turquoise waters. Ancient ruins glint with preserved marble foundations. White stucco architecture reflects the golden sunlight.

With charming villages and cafes, colorful houses, and quiet marinas, you can spend your time lounging on a boat, lingering on the white sands of neighboring Antipaxos, or diving deep into the water in search of lobster and marine life.

Sarakiniko Beach on Milos island, Greece

With its ancient history, lively culture, and welcoming traditions across thousands of islands, Greece can suit every kind of traveler. Whether learning about wines or tracing myths, you can find inspiration for your trip with our sample tours and vacations in Greece and our best Greece island hopping vacations .

You can also find helpful information, like the best time to visit the Greek islands and more, in our Greece travel guide and a travel specialist can customize your vacation with experiences tailored for you.

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Travel Tips

Greece Has 227 Islands. Here’s How to Choose.

Deciding where to visit depends on your entry point, how much time you have, and the type of vacation you want.

By Caterina Hrysomallis

Greece receives approximately 30 million international visitors each year, with many heading to the country’s six main island regions.

Choosing where to visit depends on your entry point — Greece has 15 international airports — and how much time you have.

Ferries are an ideal way to get around, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. Sights from the sea can be breathtaking and during various island stops vendors come on board selling snacks, like the must-try nougat pies on routes heading to the Cyclades.

Even though some islands may seem close geographically, trips can be long with ferries making multiple stops or not having daily departures. Ferries.gr and Ferryhopper.com are reliable sites for researching and booking tickets in advance, which is advised.

Here’s a look beyond the islands that commonly draw the crowds, and an argument to reconsider a few of the more popular ones.

The Saronic Islands, for a slower pace

From Athens, the Saronic islands are reachable via ferry within an hour or two, offering a convenient escape for the time-strapped.

If you’re seeking an island of serenity and simplicity, rustic and car-free, Hydra is all about walking through cobbled streets or hitching a donkey ride.

Nearby is Aegina, full of fishing villages and notable seafood taverns. But a visit there is worth it alone to see one of Greece’s best preserved sanctuaries — the Temple of Aphaia .

The Cyclades and Crete, for partying and recovery

Visitors can reach the Cyclades via a plane or ferry from Athens. The Cyclades have regular ferry routes among their islands, of which Mykonos and Ios are known for dancing nights and mornings away in beach clubs or in private villas.

In the 1970s, the neighboring island of Paros was so overwhelmed with tourism — it was a party destination, like Mykonos today — that officials temporarily closed the island to foreign tourism in order to rehabilitate. Its endearing white and blue villages are once again filled with bustling cafes and jewelry boutiques.

The well-known Santorini offers sheer elevation, volcanic views and waterfront hotels but a visit proves more rewarding in the off-season, minus the hordes that distract from its beauty.

Head further south and you’ll reach Crete. The birthplace of Zeus is the largest of all the islands: Expect to find especially patriotic residents, sensational produce, memorable drives and a world-class golf course.

The Ionian Islands, for architecture

Corfu is architecturally blessed, with the Venetians, French and British all influencing its development. Its towns are cheerful and colorful, painted in a warm palette of straw yellow, pastel pink and orange.

If you’re looking for one island with it all, it’s Kefalonia. Draws include hills perfect for hiking; tiny, secret pebble beaches around the perimeter; unnerving cliffs leading to the calm of Myrtos Beach and storybook towns like Assos. Distinctive waters surround Kefalonia — an electric neon blue, resulting from falling limestone chemically reacting with seawater.

The Dodecanese Islands, for the beaches

Hippocrates was born on the island of Kos, which is known for its history, beaches and windsurfing. Or to experience hydrotherapy, advocated by the father of medicine himself, head to the thermal baths at Agios Fokas beach.

Greece is a country known for building religious monuments in the most extraordinary places. Half the fun is finding them. About 800 feet from the main beach of the town of Kefalos is a small island topped with a petite church. Religious or not, give the swim a go. You’ll pass over thriving sea life and underwater ruins on the way.

The Sporades, for hiking and nature

The islands of Skiathos and Skopelos are far more lush and fertile than other regions.

Skiathos’ vast pine forests fall right down to its beaches, with walking trails weaving through the green to reach the blue. Koukounaries Beach draws the sunbathers; Banana Beach draws the naturists. Skiathos is also full of secluded beaches only accessible via boat, like Lalaria Beach.

Skopelos is home to one of Greece’s most heralded churches, Agios Ioannis, which rests atop a 100-meter tall rock. Visitors game enough to scramble up the stairs are rewarded with panoramic views and a glimpse of the nearby island Alonissos.

The Northern Aegean, for relaxing

This region isn’t ideal for island hopping because of the great distances between its islands, but they are abundant, so a visit to one or two will suffice. Head to Ikaria for secrets of longevity, as one in three of its residents live into their 90s. Or sip on mastiha — tree sap made into an almost pine-flavored liqueur — in its birthplace of Chios, or ouzo on Lesvos, which makes half of the world’s supply.

To unwind sans alcohol, the natural thermal spas dappled around the Northern Aegean are perfect for soaking away any stresses you may have.

Caterina Hrysomallis is an Australian-based journalist covering travel, food and design.

52 PLACES AND MUCH, MUCH MORE Discover where you should go in 2020 , and find more Travel coverage by following us on Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter : Each week you’ll receive tips on traveling smarter, stories on hot destinations and access to photos from all over the world.

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Greek Island

Visiting the Greek Islands: Everything You Need to Know

posted by Eleni Vasiliadis on June 15, 2023 // last updated on June 15, 2023

Prepare to embark on a virtual journey to one of the world’s most enchanting destinations, a place where azure waters kiss the craggy shores of isolated coves, ancient myths come to life, and timeless traditions thrive amidst olive groves and vineyards.

The Greek Islands are a cornucopia of sensory delights, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that caters to all types of travelers. This guide aims to be your definitive companion, helping you navigate the idyllic labyrinth of over 200 inhabited islands, each with its own distinctive character and charm.

Whether you’re a history buff seeking the timeless ruins of the ancient world, a sun worshipper ready to bask on secluded beaches, or a foodie yearning for the zestful embrace of Mediterranean cuisine, there’s an island for you. Here, every sunset paints a different picture, and every local story adds a new layer to the rich cultural mosaic.

But the Greek Islands are more than just a destination; they represent a way of life that is deeply ingrained in the landscapes, the local culture, and the soul of its people. In this guide, we’ll unearth the very essence of these islands, moving beyond popular tourist routes to reveal hidden gems, local secrets, and vibrant traditions.

From the cosmopolitan allure of Mykonos and Santorini to the unspoiled beauty of lesser-known islands like Folegandros and Amorgos, from tasting the robust wines of Crete to dancing in the lively festivals of Ikaria, our journey promises to be as diverse and intriguing as the islands themselves.

Get ready to step off the beaten path and dive headfirst into the shimmering Aegean Sea of experiences that await you and get ready to fall in love with this spectacular corner of the world!

Greek Islands: An Overview

Greece’s stunning islands are strewn across the azure Aegean and Ionian seas like emeralds, each group offering a unique flavor and charm.

The Greek Archipelago includes about 6,000 islands and islets, out of which only 227 are inhabited.

These islands are broadly classified into seven principal groups. Here’s an overview of each group with its prominent islands:

Cyclades Islands

Perhaps the most famous group, the Cyclades, are known for their stunning white architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. These islands are the picture-perfect representation of Greece often depicted in postcards. The main islands in this group include:

• Santorini : Renowned for its unique volcanic landscapes, breathtaking sunsets, and iconic blue-domed churches.
• Mykonos : Famous for its windmills, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and pulsating nightlife.
• Paros : A charming island known for traditional villages, beautiful beaches, and the famous Church of 100 Doors.
• Naxos : The largest of the Cyclades, offering vast sandy beaches and a significant historical site, the Portara.

Ionian Islands

Located off the west coast of mainland Greece, the Ionian Islands offer lush landscapes, white-sand beaches, and Italian-influenced architecture due to historical Venetian rule. They include:

• Corfu : Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning Venetian-style architecture, and the Old Fortress.
• Zante : Famous for the beautiful Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach and loggerhead turtle nesting spots.
• Kefalonia : The largest Ionian Island, known for the exotic Myrtos Beach and Melissani Cave.

Dodecanese Islands

Situated close to the Turkish coast, the Dodecanese Islands offer a blend of Greek and Middle Eastern influences. Key islands include:

• Rhodes : Famous for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and its medieval Old Town.
• Kos : Known for its rich ancient Greek and Roman history, as well as its expansive beaches.

Sporades Islands

This group is known for their lush vegetation, clear waters, and golden beaches. They include:

• Skiathos : Renowned for its bustling nightlife and over 60 beaches, including the famous Koukounaries Beach.
• Skopelos : Famous for its blue-green water, traditional Greek architecture, and as the shooting location for the film “Mamma Mia!”.

Saronic Islands

Easily accessible from Athens, the Saronic Islands are popular for short trips and weekend breaks. They include:

• Aegina : Famous for its Temple of Aphaia and local production of pistachios.
• Hydra : Known for its preserved traditional architecture and absence of cars.

North Aegean Islands

These islands have a strong historical character, with Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Key islands include:

• Lesbos : Known for its Petrified Forest and the production of Ouzo, a traditional Greek liqueur.
• Samos : Renowned for its wine production and the ancient Temple of Hera.

Although Crete is technically not a group but an individual island, its size and diversity demand separate mention. Crete is the largest island in Greece, known for its varied terrain, ancient archaeological sites, and fantastic beaches.

Each of these groups of islands offers a unique window into Greek culture, history, and natural beauty.

Choose your island adventure based on your preferences, and you’re sure to experience the magic of Greece!

Popular Greek Islands

Crete is Greece’s largest island and offers a diverse landscape, ranging from gentle plateaus dotted with windmills to canyons and mountains.

Hiking the Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest at 16km (10 miles), takes travellers through the homeland of Crete’s famed wild goat, the kri-kri.

The island is known for its unique charm and varied attractions, suitable for all types of travellers.

Mykonos is a popular destination for party-goers and those seeking a vibrant nightlife.

Its picturesque white buildings with blue and pastel shutters create a quintessential Greek island atmosphere.

The island offers a mix of bustling beaches, high-end dining, and luxurious accommodations, making it a popular choice for a lively getaway.

Arguably the most popular Greek island, Santorini is best known for its stunning sunset views and luxurious accommodations.

This island, afloat in the Aegean Sea, east of the mainland, is iconic due to its white houses, blue and pastel shutters, and roofs.

Santorini offers an idyllic setting for a romantic getaway, with breathtaking vistas and unique attractions such as the volcanic caldera.

Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, boasts a rich history, well-preserved medieval town, and beautiful sandy beaches.

The island is perfect for history enthusiasts who will enjoy exploring the Old Town, visiting the Palace of the Grand Masters, and strolling along the Street of the Knights.

Additionally, the island offers an array of outdoor activities, such as windsurfing and hiking.

Located in the Ionian Sea, Corfu is known for its lush green landscapes and Venetian-influenced architecture.

This island is perfect for families and those seeking a more laid-back vacation experience, offering a range of activities such as exploring historic sites, relaxing on picturesque beaches, or hiking in the island’s many olive groves.

Corfu’s rich cultural heritage also provides ample opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the traditional Greek way of life.

Greek Island Activities

Beaches and swimming.

The Greek islands are famous for their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

On islands like Mykonos, beach lovers can enjoy some of the most famous stretches such as Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach.

For more family-oriented shores, Karpathos offers an abundance of shallow bays and sandy beaches ideal for children, as well as more secluded options like Apela and Kyra Panagia.

Historical Sites

Steeped in rich history, the Greek islands offer a plethora of fascinating archaeological sites and ancient ruins.

For history buffs, Crete and Rhodes are major bucket-list locations. Crete’s capital, Heraklion, was named after the mythological hero Hercules, and is home to the magnificent Minoan Palace of Knossos.

Rhodes is famous for its well-preserved medieval city, with highlights including the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights.

Outdoor Adventures

For adventurous travellers, the Greek islands offer a variety of outdoor activities, with hiking and cycling being popular choices.

Crete’s varied terrain provides opportunities for exploring winding canyons like the Samaria Gorge – Europe’s longest gorge at 16km – and encountering Crete’s unique kri-kri (wild goat).

Other islands like Naxos, Evia, and Thasos also boast excellent hiking and cycling trails across diverse landscapes.

Selected outdoor activities:

• Hiking the Samaria Gorge in Crete
• Mountain biking in Naxos
• Cycling across Evia’s diverse terrain

While Greece’s islands offer breathtaking natural beauty and historical exploration, a select few have cultivated a nightlife scene that draws partygoers from around the world.

Mykonos is arguably the most famous, boasting an international reputation with world-class clubs, lively beach bars, and vibrant events during the summer months.

Other islands, like Ios , also maintain a bustling nightlife atmosphere for those seeking a lively party experience.

Accommodation Options

Hotels and resorts.

The Greek Islands offer a wide range of hotels and resorts for tourists to choose from. Some of the top luxury hotels in Greece include Perivolas and Grace on Santorini, Calilo on Ios, and Amanzoe in the Peloponnese region. For a unique experience, travellers can consider boutique-art hotels, such as Asomaton in Athens, which features paintings curated by Greek-American artist Philip Tsiaras.

For those on a budget, there are numerous affordable hotels available. Visitors can refer to travel guides, such as Rough Guides, to find recommended accommodations suitable for various preferences and budgets.

Villas and Apartments

Travelling with a group or seeking more privacy? Villas and apartments can be an excellent choice. They are available across the islands, often featuring spacious living areas, private pools, and stunning views. These accommodations vary in price and amenities, and can be rented directly from homeowners or through popular rental platforms, such as Airbnb. It is essential to research and compare options in advance to secure the best deal.

Some popular areas to consider for villa and apartment rentals include:

• Crete: renowned for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
• Milos: famous for its exceptional beaches and picturesque villages.
• Santorini: a sought-after island with iconic views and romantic sunsets.

For backpackers and budget-conscious travellers, hostels are an attractive accommodation alternative in the Greek Islands. Hostels typically offer dormitory-style rooms and shared facilities, perfect for those looking to save money and meet fellow travellers. Many hostels also provide private rooms for those seeking additional comfort and privacy.

Several resources, such as HostelWorld, can help travellers find and book hostels on the Greek Islands. Keep in mind that the quality, atmosphere, and facilities of hostels can vary, making it crucial to check reviews and ratings before making a choice.

Cuisine and Local Delicacies

Traditional dishes.

The Greek Islands are rich in culinary delicacies, offering a diverse selection of dishes to satisfy any palate. Some of the must-try dishes include:

• Garides saganaki : A delicious Greek dish of shrimp cooked in a pan with tomato sauce, herbs, spices, and feta cheese. This dish is usually on the spicy side, as most recipes include fresh chili. The feta cheese gives it a creamy texture and enhances its flavour considerably.
• Kokoretsi : A popular rotisserie dish, especially during Easter. This dish is made of lamb or goat intestines, heart, liver, and the meat of other organs, wrapped in caul fat (or lace fat) and by yards of cleaned intestines.
• Splinadero : A very popular sausage, mainly consumed in the Thessaly region.
• Dakos : A Cretan dish of twice-baked barley rusk topped with tomato, mizithra cheese, and a large drizzle of olive oil.

In addition, visitors should not miss sampling an array of Crete’s cheeses and honey, which are known for their remarkable flavours.

Local Beverages

Greek Islands are also known for their local beverages, offering a wide variety of refreshing and distinct drinks to accompany their meals. Some notable intoxicating beverages include:

• Ouzo : A traditional Greek spirit with a strong anise flavour, typically enjoyed as an aperitif. It is often served with a small plate of meze, which consists of small bites of various local dishes.
• Tsipouro : Another widely consumed Greek spirit, typically distilled from grapes. This clear liquor is usually enjoyed neat or on the rocks and accompanied by a variety of meze.
• Raki : A Cretan drink, similar to tsipouro, and often served as a welcome gesture to guests. It is distilled from grapes and served either chilled or at room temperature.
• Local wines : The Greek Islands, especially Crete and Santorini, are renowned for their wineries and vineyards, offering a diverse selection of local wines. Make sure to sample some of the islands’ exceptional red and white wines that are often paired with the vibrant flavours of Greek cuisine.

Transportation and Accessibility

Ferries and boats.

Ferries serve as the primary mode of transportation between most Greek islands. Regular schedules connect the islands to mainland Greece and among the island groups themselves, such as the Cyclades and Ionian islands. Ferry services range from standard passenger carriers to more luxurious high-speed catamarans, with various options to suit travellers’ needs and budgets.

• Tickets can be purchased online, at the port, or via travel agencies.
• Most ferries allow passengers to bring cars on board, which is useful for travellers exploring multiple islands.
• Be mindful of seasonal changes in schedules, as off-peak season services are less frequent.

Air travel is an efficient and comfortable option for getting to and between some Greek islands. Major islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete have their own airports, offering flights to and from Athens as well as select international destinations. Smaller islands may be served by regional airlines or connected via Athens.

• Booking flight tickets in advance is recommended, particularly during peak season.
• Some islands may not be served directly by air, so ferry connections should be considered for added flexibility.

Car and Scooter Rentals

Car and scooter rentals offer visitors the freedom to explore the islands at their own pace. As many islands feature compact and easily navigable landscapes, self-driven vehicles can be an enjoyable and practical way to access the various attractions.

• International travellers are advised to carry an international driving licence when renting vehicles.
• On smaller islands with limited rental options, consider reserving your vehicle in advance to prevent disappointment.
• Always be cautious on local roads and abide by local traffic regulations.

Best Time to Visit

Peak season.

The peak season for visiting the Greek Islands is during the summer months, specifically from late June to the middle or end of September. This is when tourists flock to the islands, attracted by the warm weather and beautiful beach scenes. During these months, temperatures usually range from 20-35 degrees Celsius (70-95 degrees Fahrenheit) with plenty of sunshine. However, keep in mind that it can be crowded during this time, and the prices for accommodations and other services might be higher than usual.

If you are looking for a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds, it’s a good idea to visit the Greek Islands during the shoulder seasons, which are from May to early June and from late September to October. During these months, the weather is still pleasant, but there are fewer tourists, making it easier to enjoy and explore the islands at a more relaxed pace.

One significant advantage of visiting during the off-season is that you can find better deals on accommodations, as well as more availability in top-rated hotels and restaurants. Although some activities and attractions might have limited availability during these months, most of the main tourist sites will still be open for you to enjoy.

Travel Tips and Safety

Health and vaccinations.

Before travelling to the Greek Islands, it’s essential to make sure you are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations, such as MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and the yearly flu shot. There are no specific vaccinations required for travellers to the Greek Islands. However, it’s advisable to consult your doctor or a travel health specialist about recommended options.

When visiting the islands, make sure you have a well-stocked first-aid kit and bring any prescription medications you may need. While pharmacies are available on most islands, it’s crucial to have the essentials on hand in case medical services are not as accessible as on the mainland.

Etiquette and Customs

Greek people are known for their hospitality, so respecting their customs and traditions is essential when visiting their beautiful islands. Here are some essential etiquette tips to follow:

• Greetings : Shake hands when meeting someone for the first time and say “Yassas” (hello) or “Kalimera” (good morning). Close friends and family members will usually greet each other with a hug or a kiss on both cheeks.
• Dress code : While there is no strict dress code for tourists, it’s essential to dress modestly, especially when visiting churches and monasteries. Wear long pants or skirts and cover your shoulders in these religious sites.
• Tipping : Tipping is customary in Greece, with a 10% tip being standard for restaurants, tour guides, and taxi drivers. However, do not leave the tip on the table; hand it directly to your server.
• Photography : Be mindful of taking pictures in and around churches and monasteries, as photography may be prohibited or restricted in some of these religious sites. Always ask for permission before taking photos.
• Beach etiquette : Topless sunbathing and nudity are generally not accepted on Greek beaches, so ensure you wear appropriate swimwear.

By following these essential travel tips and respecting local customs, your experience in the Greek Islands will be both enjoyable and safe.

Eleni Vasiliadis, a native of the picturesque island of Corfu and co-founder of Greek Island, is a seasoned traveller, accomplished writer, and passionate advocate for Greek culture and cuisine.

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