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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 Mar 8, 2023 and updated Feb 15, 2024.

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Which Greek Island Should You Visit in 2024?

By Rachel Howard and Condé Nast Traveller

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

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

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

All listings featured on  Condé Nast Traveler  are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Best of the Greek islands for: A photogenic and dramatic coastline

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

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

Where to stay on Milos:

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

Best of the Greek islands for: A long weekend with the art crowd

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

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

Where to stay in Hydra:

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

Best of the Greek islands for: Big, fat Greek feasts

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

Where to stay in Sifnos:

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

4. Santorini

Best of the Greek islands for: Honeymooners and first-timers

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

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

Where to stay in Santorini:

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

Jessica Puckett

Scott Laird

Lucy Bruton

Jahnavi Bhatt

Best of the Greek islands for: Culture and off-season cachet

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

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

Where to stay on Syros:

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

6. Folegandros

Best of the Greek islands for: Authenticity with a bohemian buzz

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

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

Where to stay on Folegandros:

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

Best of the Greek islands for: Antiquities, active adventures and sunshine all year round

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

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

Where to stay in Crete:

• For families: Domes Zeen Chania and Cretan Malia Park
• For romance: Acros Wellness Suites
• For a great location: Blue Palace Resort & Spa
• For a village stay: Kapsaliana Village
• For a private stay: Azure Awe
• For a group: Cien sleeps 16 people

Best of the Greek islands for: Character and lush landscapes

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

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

Where to stay in Corfu:

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

Best of the Greek islands for: Endless sandy beaches

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

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

Where to stay in Naxos:

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

10. Cephalonia / Kefalonia

Best of the Greek islands for: Laidback family holidays

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

Where to stay in Kefalonia:

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

Best of the Greek islands for: Walking trails and wild beaches

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

Where to stay on Andros:

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

12. Serifos

Best of the Greek islands for: Naturists and purists

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

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

Where to stay on Serifos:

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

13. Mykonos

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

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

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

Where to stay in Mykonos:

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

14. Zakynthos / Zante

Best of the Greek islands for: Seaside holidays with toddlers or teens

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

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

Where to stay in Zante:

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

15. Amorgos

Best of the Greek islands for : Deep-blue seas and wide-open spaces

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

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

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

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

Best of the Greek islands for: The perfect balance of seclusion and sophistication

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

Where to stay in Paxos:

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

17. Lefkada

Best of the Greek islands for: Sailors, surfers, and superstar beaches

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

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

Where to stay in Lefkada:

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

Best of the Greek islands for: A mythical retreat for lovers and loners

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

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

Where to stay on Ithaca:

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

Best for: Traditional villages and knockout tavernas

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

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

Where to stay in Tinos:

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

Best of the Greek islands for: Stark mystique and show-stopping villas

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

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

Where to stay in Patmos:

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

Best of the Greek islands for: Traveling back in time

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

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

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

Where to stay in Rhodes:

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

Best for: Castaway coves and a picture-perfect port

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

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

Where to stay in Symi:

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

23. Astypalea

Best of the Greek islands for: Escaping the crowds

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

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

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

24. Skiathos

Best of the Greek islands for: Flopping onto a sandy beach with a good book

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

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

Where to stay in Skiathos:

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

Best of the Greek islands for:  Low-key authenticity all year round

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

Where to stay on Aegina:

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

26. Kastellorizo

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

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

Where to stay on Kastellorizo:

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

27. Antiparos

Best of the Greek islands for:  Relaxed cool

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

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

Where to stay on Antiparos:

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

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

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

Where to stay on Leros:

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

29. Spetses

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

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

Where to stay on Spetses:

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

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.

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

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

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

Best for: Lush greenery and history

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

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

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

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

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

2. Santorini

Best for: First-timers and honeymooners

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

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

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

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

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

Best for: Nature, beaches and food

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

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

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

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

Best for: Escaping the crowd

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

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

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

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

Best for: Families

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

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

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

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

Best for: Nightlife and beaches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Around the Greek Islands

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

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

When to Visit the Greek Isles

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

The Cyclades Islands

Monica Farber/Travel + Leisure

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

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

How to Travel the Cyclades Islands

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

Where to Stay

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

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

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

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

How to Travel on Crete

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

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

Where to Stay on Crete

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

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

Saronic Gulf Islands

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

How to Travel the Saronic Gulf Islands

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

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

The Ionian Islands

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

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

How to Travel the Ionian Islands

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

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

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

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

The Sporades Islands

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

How to Travel the Sporades Islands

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

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

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

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

The Northeast Aegean Islands

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

How to Travel the Northeast Aegean Islands

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

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

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

The Dodecanese Islands

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

How to Travel the Dodecanese Islands

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

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

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

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15 of the best Greek islands to visit

The choice and variety of greek islands is staggering. not sure where to start these are the isles you need to know about.

M ykonos and Santorini may be the obvious stars of the show, but the scattered isles of Greece play host to plenty of other headline acts. From the Cyclades to the Dodecanese and across to the Ionian, each and every island group has standout attractions to put it on any must-visit list. The secret to their unfailing appeal is diversity; no matter what type of sunshine-filled holiday you seek, you’ll find it somewhere among the forest-backed beaches of Skiathos, the car-free calm of Hydra, the clifftop vistas of Santorini or the non-stop buzz of Mykonos. And with less well-known Ios and Evia alongside tourist hotspots such as Kos, your pick of the best Greek islands to visit can be as lively — or as peaceful — as you please.

Main photo: the shipwreck beach on Zakynthos (Getty Images)

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1. Skiathos

Best for beautiful beaches Petite Skiathos punches above its weight in terms of coastal chic. Home to some of Greece’s most picture-perfect beaches, this is a place where bottle-green pines descend from the hilly interior to meet the Aegean, casting natural shade for bohemian days beside the sea. Four of the island’s best beaches — Big Banana, Little Banana, Ampelakia and legendary Koukounaries — lie within walking distance of Elivi Skiathos, making this high-end hideaway an ideal place to stay. Mix things up with trips into Skiathos Town, where harbour-view cocktail bars and gourmet restaurants are the scene of lively street parties pretty much every summer night.

• Best hotels in Skiathos

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Best for sand between your toes With its 180-mile coastline, Kos — the third-largest Dodecanese Island — has plenty of seaside appeal. From the white sands of Tigaki beach to the crystal-clear waters of Paradise beach, there’s a stretch of sandy shore to suit everyone. Even Kos Town has its own lovely beach at Lambi, which is walking distance from the adult-only Lango Design Hotel & Spa, a boutique retreat that’s a world away from the island’s many mass-market resorts. Don’t forget to head inland to find ancient temples at Asclepeion or the mountain village of Zia for local tavernas and sunset views.

Best for sophisticated stays Ios may have a reputation for youthful, all-summer-long partying, but it’s easy to bypass the big nights out in favour of classier experiences. Much of the raucousness takes place at the far end of Mylopotas beach, but its quieter end has upmarket beach clubs and, above them, the hillside Hideout: a 12-strong collection of luxury suites and villas with private verandas and infinity pools. Boat trips can zip you down the coast for swims at lonely, wild beaches, while Ios Town’s characterful jumble is great for sunset drinks, lively restaurants and ferries to Paros, Santorini and Mykonos .

Best for hiking and history Greece’s largest island, Crete, is very well known, but Evia, the next in line, flies rather more under the radar. Though popular with weekending Athenians (for whom it’s easily reached by car), foreign visitors are fewer here, so it feels authentically Greek. Euboea in the north is known for its mineral-rich hot springs; or look to the south, where Eretria offers temples, ruins, the House of Mosaics and a tonne of seaside tavernas. Elsewhere, there are walking trails that pass waterfalls and mountain heights; plus comfortable places to stay, such as Brown Beach Evia Island, a luxury all-inclusive resort.

Best for variety As Greece’s biggest island, Crete essentially ticks every box. It has sandy beaches, serious mountains and myth-laden archaeological sites, plus accommodation from boutique hotels to all-inclusive resorts with sports facilities and kids’ clubs. Its southerly position gives it the longest summer of any Greek island and some of the warmest winters in Europe. From built-up seafronts to pristine coves, there are shores to suit every sunseeker, alongside mountains and gorges for active pursuits and the palace at Knossos for antiquity buffs. Find the best of all worlds at Asterion Suites & Spa: a boutique retreat with design-led rooms and an excellent Cretan restaurant that’s close to historic Chania and touristy Platanias with its shops, bars and restaurants.

• Best things to do in Crete • Best all-inclusive hotels in Crete • Best family hotels in Crete

Best for lush landscapes Easily reached via direct flights from Britain, Corfu is one of the greenest Greek isles. Beyond its rugged slopes dressed in olive trees, pencil-thin cypresses and some 400 types of wildflower, this Ionian island is scattered with nearly 60 stunning beaches and hidden coves. Dassia and Kontokali are a hit for family holidays, or try wilder Rovinia: accessible only by boat or on foot. For a cultural fix, head to Corfu Town and its hotchpotch of Venetian, British, French and Greek architecture, history and cuisine. Or get away from it all by checking into the peaceful Olivar Suites — complete with a beach bar and 300-year-old olive grove.

• Best things to do in Corfu • Best all-inclusive hotels in Corfu • Best villas in Corfu

Best for families Rhodes is by far the best Greek island for families. As well as calm beaches offering safe swimming, there are oodles of days out away from the sand and plenty of convenient flights from the UK. In mythology, this was the island of the sun god Helios, a statue of whom (the Colossus of Rhodes) was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Roman, Ottoman and Venetian occupations have all left their mark on Rhodes Town, one of the most atmospheric island capitals in Greece. Not travelling with kids? Stay at adult-only Sentido Port Royal Villas & Spa, whose position on a headland gives it both sunrise and sunset views.

• Best hotels in Rhodes • Best villas in Rhodes

Best for summer hedonism Mykonos has been the Aegean’s top spot for the jet set since the 1960s, when Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly and Jackie Onassis holidayed here. Today’s high-rollers splash cash at expensive beach clubs such as Nammos and Scorpios, but if that’s not your scene there are plenty of spots where the lunch bill won’t make your eyes water. Come the evening, attention turns to gorgeous Mykonos Town, which is home to Semeli Hotel — a luxurious retreat with gourmet dining, friendly staff and a lovely pool that’s only a ten-minute walk from the waterfront and its famous windmills.

• Best things to do in Mykonos • Best luxury villas in Mykonos • Best hotels in Mykonos

Best for ferry-free island-hopping You don’t have to be a seafarer to consider a trip to Lefkada. This Ionian isle can be reached from the mainland by driving over a floating bridge, which makes it super-straightforward to access from nearby Preveza airport. Unspoilt mountains, untouched villages and plenty of adventures await (such as world-class windsurfing and sailing off stunning beaches). Explore it all from the comfortable base of Papadria Villas, three contemporary units on a private compound near a beach and lively Lefkada Town. There’s a pool, outdoor dining and support from a concierge team.

10. Santorini

Best for romantic retreats Sugar-cube houses, blue-domed churches and epic volcano views: is it any wonder that Santorini is such an enduring Greek icon? From sunsets in Oia and nights out in Fira to lazy days by your own private plunge pool, this is an island that’s best experienced à deux. Sure, there are beach hotels on the island’s gentler eastern shore, but the most memorable Santorini stays are in cave hotels carved into the flooded caldera’s steep cliffs. Among the many options is Ikies Santorini, where 13 luxury suites on the fringes of Oia have exquisite sea views.

• Best things to do in Santorini • Best cave hotels in Santorini • Best villas in Santorini

Best for car-free cool In-the-know Athenians love Hydra , an unrushed island that’s close to the city (just two hours away by ferry). Its one town has been inspiring artists and writers since the 1950s, including Leonard Cohen (who wrote Bird on the Wire here) and has long drawn famous faces ranging from pop stars to Princess Diana, earning it the nickname of the “St Tropez of Greece”. The town’s stone mansions and whitewashed houses cascade down to the port, which is free from the noise of cars and motorbikes (both are banned here). Stay shoreside at Mandraki Beach Resort, a five-star boutique property beside a bay.

12. Skopelos

Best for Abba fans Sand may be comfortable to lie on, but if you’re not a fan of it getting into everything you own, the pebble beaches of Skopelos are for you. Better still, the absence of sand means that the sea is clear and aquamarine, making for incredibly memorable dips. Though best known as a setting for the movie Mamma Mia! , the island thrills with its two red-roofed towns, Skopelos Town and Glossa, and an interior that’s emerald with forests. Stay in step with nature by booking into Natura Luxury Boutique Hotel, where rooms come dressed in earthy tones and up-to-date furnishings.

13. Cephalonia

Best for spotting sea turtles Home to Myrtos beach and the setting for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin , Cephalonia has to be one of the best Greek islands to visit. Beyond lazy days at its busy beach resorts or sleepy villas tucked into the countryside, there are ruined villages to explore (a legacy of the 1953 earthquake) and, in Argostoli, the chance to spot loggerhead turtles swimming in the harbour. The unhurried approach to island life lends itself to relaxing escapes: an ethos that’s fully embodied at F Zeen Retreat, an adult-only haven with its own spa, open-air cinema and private beach.

• Best villas in Cephalonia • Best hotels in Cephalonia

Best for yesteryear appeal This rocky Dodecanese island of former boat-builders, merchants and sponge divers was once the wealthiest in the archipelago. Today it’s home to just a tenth of its 19th-century population, but numbers swell with day-trippers arriving by ferry from nearby Rhodes. Peace returns when they depart, save for the laughter and tinkling of glasses on the waterfront of Gialos and the upper village of Chorio, whose labyrinth of narrow streets was designed to befuddle sea pirates. Symi’s horseshoe bay and neoclassical buildings in sorbet shades are lovely. One such mansion has been reborn as the 1900 Hotel, where the vintage elements and charming ambience evoke another era.

15. Zakynthos

Best for that world-famous shipwreck Its south-coast resorts may be known for cheap drinks and an all-night party scene, but Zakynthos (or Zante) is magical to visit. Its biggest beach, Laganas, is home to the loudest built-up resort, but even here there are surprises in the form of a National Marine Park. There’s another, more famous beach at the other end of the island, however: Navagio, upon whose white pebbles sits a picturesque shipwreck that’s one of the most iconic images of Greece. Equally memorable is the food at Anadalis, one of Zakynthos’s best restaurants, located in the seaside resort of Argasi’s Windmill Bay Hotel.

• Best villas in Zakynthos • Best hotels in Zakynthos

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Search your next destination..., ☞ table of contents:.

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.

What Complex of Greek Islands To Pick or How To Combine Them

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.

Best Greek Islands To Visit In The Winter

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.

Best Greek Islands To Visit In April or May

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.

Best Greek Islands To Visit In September or October

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.

Best Greek Islands To Visit Close To Athens

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.

Best Greek Islands To Visit For Nature Lovers

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.

11 Smallest Greek Islands To Visit

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.

11 Biggest Greek Islands To Visit

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.

7 Most Popular Greek Islands To Visit

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.

Greek Islands That Have Airports

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.

Best Greek Islands For Party Lovers

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.

Best Greek Islands For Families

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 .

Best Greek Islands For Couples & Romantic Holidays

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.

Most Expensive Greek Islands

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!

The Inexpensive Greek Islands

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.

Best Greek Islands For History Lovers

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.

Best Greek Islands To Visit If You Love Watersports

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.

Best Greek Islands To Visit If You Don’t Have a Car

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.

Most Insta-Worthy Greek Islands To Visit

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.

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Paraga Beach on Mykonos

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The Best Greek Islands to Visit for 7 Types of Traveler

Are you a hopeless romantic, or a lifelong beach bum do you want hedonistic parties, or peace and seclusion whatever the case, the perfect island awaits..

Anthony Grant | March 23rd, 2019

What’s the best Greek island for you to visit? Well that depends on who you are, and what you’re looking for.

Greece has more islands than Cher has wigs; this means that beyond the obvious and iconic vacation spots like Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes there are quite literally hundreds of alluring isles to choose from, and myriad mini-archipelagos to explore.

Doing so can be fun as long you as give yourself enough time – but truth be told? You’ll never have enough. To simplify the hunt we’ve created a little Greek island finder focusing here on the islands of the Cyclades and Dodecanese (which are, for the most part, all easily accessible via the port of Piraeus).

Some categories like Beach Bum are obvious, others a bit less, like Culture Lover –  because some islands have cultural notes as worthwhile as taking another dip in the Aegean. Of course, if you’re a night clubber, you could be forgiven for skipping this list and jetting straight to Mykonos, but take heed…Greece is often more than it seems, and there’s more to even that hallowed party spot than first meets the eye (or ear).

© Perikles Merakos

1. FOR THE ROMANTIC

Drift through these landscapes of love…

What to see: Principally what isn’t there – where there used to be more island, now there is the world’s most dramatic volcanic caldera, and much of the scenic thrill of Santorini is simply gazing out over the sea-filled crater, especially at sunset. But don’t miss the spectacular Minoan ruins at Akrotiri or the beaches, some of which have reddish or black-colored sand.

Getting there: As the most popular Greek island, hands down, Santorini is also one of the most accessible islands, with frequent ferry service from Piraeus (and from Heraklion in Crete in summer), as well as regular air connections from Athens. From Piraeus, count on as little as 4 hours and 50 minutes or as much as 7 hours and 45 minutes to get there, depending on the ferry.

Did you know? Santorini’s native Assyrtiko white wine is exceptionally good.

What to see: The volcanic sand beaches (any or all of them) and the mind-blowingly gorgeous, alabaster white volcanic coastal formations at Sarakiniko.

Getting there: Frequent daily ferry service from Piraeus.

Did you know? Milos was formed not with a single bang like Santorini but rather from successive underwater volcanic eruptions over hundreds of thousands of years.

© Shutterstock

What to see: The Hora, or main town on this butterfly-shaped island rises up to the medieval Kastro (castle) and is a mesmerizing mash-up of Cycladic and Dodecanese elements.

Getting there: Astypalea is 175 nautical miles from Piraeus and the direct ferry takes about nine hours, but the island has an airport so consider a short hop on Aegean Airlines instead.

Did you know? In very ancient times the island was called Ichthyoessa, a reference to the abundant fish of the island’s coasts, and today it is sometimes called Astropalia.

What to see: The ravishing scenery and romantic ruins befitting an island at the crossroads of many cultures.

Getting there: Approximately 7 hours by ferry from Piraeus.

Did you know? The ever-popular goddess of love, Aphrodite, was born in Kythira (and then drifted to Cyprus in a seashell).

2. FOR THE ESCAPE ARTIST

Bid the madding crowds adieu

What to see: The white church of Theotokou Kalamiotissa atop the high peak of Mt. Kalamos; the beaches of Roukounas and Klisidi.

Getting there: About 11 hours via ferry from Piraeus, but in summer there are shorter connections from Santorini.

Did you know? Anafiotika , the Cycladic-style oasis beneath the Acropolis in Athens, was built by 19th century emigrants from Anafi .

What to see: The dazzling azure blue waters.

Getting there: In summer you can do the trip in under five hours via ferry from Piraeus. Boats also leave from nearby Naxos.

Did you know? One of Lesser Cyclades, the small islands within the orbit of much larger Naxos including Irakleia and Schinousa, Koufonisia is high on escape appeal but low on available accommodations, so in peak season it pays to plan ahead of time.

© George Tsafos

What to see: Spectacularly rugged scenery, stunning beaches, the northern mountain village of Olympos with its unique culture, such as the womens’ wearing of colorful traditional clothing, authentic folk processions and famous home-baked breads.

Getting there: Ferries from Piraeus to this remote island are generally going to be overnight affairs; consider flying instead. It is also accessible by boat from Crete.

Did you know? With its shallow reefs teeming with marine life, underwater cliffs and shipwrecks, the sea around Karpathos is a diver’s paradise.

© Visualhellas.gr

What to see: Beaches like Platys Gialos and Tourkomnina (sandy) and Hohlakoura and Papantria (pebbly), to name just a few.

Getting there: Ferries leaving Piraeus, with stops, will take from 8 to 9 hours.

Did you know? Lipsi is the mythical island of Kalypso, the nymph who drew Odysseus into her fold for seven years.

Also consider: Any island after November.

3. FOR THE CHIC SEEKER

Some like it posh

What to see: As many hip beach bars and pink-hued sunsets as you can manage. Many of the more luxurious hotels are found on the Aghios Ioannis peninsula south of Hora.

Getting there: Frequent ferry service from Piraeus and in summer, from Rafina as well. Flying is another option, though Mykonos’s airport gets uncomfortably cramped in peak season.

Did you know? Though beaches like Platis Gialos and Paradise are famous (and often crowded), you can still have something of that unspoiled Cycladic island feel at spots like Aghia Anna Beach in the south and Fokos in the north.

What to see: The main town in Syros , Ermoupoli, is the capital of the Cyclades and a gem of Italianate architecture.

Getting there: Very frequent departures from Piraeus all year long usually take about three and a half hours, but sometimes less than two.

Did you know? The Church of the Dormition of the Virgin houses an icon painted by El Greco.

© © Shutterstock

What to see: Sightseeing-wise the Monastery of St John and Cave of the Apocalypse are key, but it’s the absence of tourist spots (plus a lovely Hora and chiseled coast) that help make Patmos the chicest getaway in this corner of the Aegean.

Getting there: Ferry routes from Piraeus to Patmos run about 7 to 9 hours.

Did you know? The island’s important early Christian heritage lives on in traditions such as the elaborate celebrations during the Greek Easter period.

Also consider: Santorini

© Clairy Moustafellou

4. FOR THE BEACH BUM

For you, the best part of any island is where the sand meets the sea

What to see:  Hora is Ios ‘ main town and is one of the most picturesque in the Aegean.

Getting there: Ferries range from 4 to 7 hours depending on the vessel.

Did you know? Despite its reputation as a party island, the unspoiled beaches at spots like Manganari will dazzle you.

What to see: You’ll arrive at the busy main port, Parikia, but go as fast as you can to the much more beautiful Naoussa on the north coast of the island.

Getting there: Ferries very frequent from Piraeus, count on 3 to 4 hours.

Did you know? Golden Beach on the southeast side of  Paros is your best bet for windsurfing.

What to see: Minoan ruins, charming cities and everything in between—including some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.

Getting there: There are so many ferries between Piraeus and the major Cretan cities of Heraklion and Hania that it’s almost a sea bridge. But they almost all take about 9 hours and often necessitate an overnight at sea, so to save time consider flying (that said, Heraklion’s cramped airport is one hot mess in summer.)

Did you know? Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and its capital city, Heraklion, was named for the mythological hero Hercules.

Also: Mykonos

5. FOR THE CULTURE LOVER

Do you like your ruins ancient, medieval or both?

What to see: The Colossus of Rhodes is long gone, but the medieval Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is pretty monumental. So is the Lindos Acropolis, 50 kilometers south.

Getting there: About 13 hours by ferry from Piraeus, or an hour by plane from Athens.

Did you know? The name Rhodes comes from a Phoenician word for “island of reptiles.”

Mykonos/Delos

What to see: Situated slightly southwest of Mykonos (from which there is boat service), Delos was an ancient cult center and is now home to a sprawling and spectacular archaeological site.

Getting there: Anytime you find yourself in Mykonos, consider Delos your essential cultural corollary…it’s a short boat ride to another world.

Did you know? Myth alert! Sun-drenched Delos was among other things the mythological birthplace of Apollo, Greek god of light (and other things), and according to a different kind of myth it was a piece of Sicily that went missing until Poseidon made it stay put here in the Cyclades.

What to see: A longtime favorite Mediterranean holiday island, Kos is also a cultural heavyweight and birthplace of Hippocrates. The ruins of the Asclepieon, a sprawling temple of healing, are a must.

Getting there: You’re looking at a ferry ride of more than 11 hours from Piraeus or a 55-minute hop from Athens International Airport. (If you’re already in Rhodes though, you can ferry to Kos in under two and a half hours.)

Did you know? Abundant ancient Greek and Roman ruins make Kos an archaeology buff’s dream; orientate yourself in the fine Archaeological Museum of Kos.

6. FOR THE TRENDSETTER

You want to go where Bella Hadid is (very possibly) going…

What to see: The beautiful Church of Panaghia Evangelistria in Tinos port is the focal point of an important yearly pilgrimage every August 15 (Dormition of the Virgin Mary).

Getting there: About four and a half hours by ferry from Piraeus, shorter from Rafina

Did you know? Close to Syros and Mykonos, Tinos has seen its star rise on account of its relaxed vibe and interesting, hilly landscapes such as the eerie boulders of Volax.

What to see: The crater at the center of the island is the sight to see, but the soft island charm of Mandraki and volcanic sand beaches will also stop you in your tracks.

Getting there: The 13-hour ferry from Piraeus will get you to the island in the middle of the night but hey, you’ll be in Nisyros and your friends won’t.

Did you know? Homer included little Nisyros in his Catalogue of Ships partaking in the Trojan War.

What to see: The ancient white cliffside monastery of Hozoviotissa may be the country’s second oldest, but it’s rapidly becoming one of the most Instagrammed spots in the Greek islands.

Getting there: Piraeus ferries from around five hours to around seven and a half hours; a single ferry from Rafina takes just over six hours to reach the island’s port of Katapola.

Did you know? Amorgos is a kind of flax.

Also consider: Mykonos

7. FOR THE FOODIE FIEND

Gourmet getaways with an Aegean accent

What to see: The pretty main town of Apollonia in the center of the island, home to many fine restaurants, and the arhontika (mansions) in the seaside Kastro.

Getting there: The Seajet from Piraeus can take as little as two hours and nine minutes to reach Sifnos.

Did you know?   Sifnos is a gourmet’s delight, as Scarlett Johansson discovered when she slipped into the inventive Omega3 “fish bar” in Platis Gialos.

What to see: An island junkie’s island, the history of Kasos is inextricably linked with that of the Greek Revolution, as you’ll learn at the Nautical Museum.

Getting there: You better like boats. A lot. That said, if you want to break up the journey you can travel there via Crete.

Did you know? From Mediterranean parrotfish to delicious Kasiot cheeses, the island is full of locavore foodie delights.

© Food Styling: Tina-Webb Photo: George Drakopoulos

What to see: The historic and bustling cities of Heraklion and Hania, Minoan palace ruins at Knossos and Phaistos, spectacular stretches of Cretan coast.

Getting there: Frequent ferry connections from Piraeus on Anek, Blue Star Ferries and Minoan Lines; frequent flights from Athens to Heraklion and Hania on Aegean.

Did you know? Cretan cuisine is so diverse and reliably good that locals regularly ship homegrown and homecooked items to their family members living in Athens and elsewhere in Greece.

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21 Best Greek Islands to Visit In 2024

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

Updated On: March 14, 2024

Searching for the best Greek islands to visit? The good news is that you have lots of choices. Greece has 227 inhabited islands where you can stay and over 6,000 uninhabited islands and islets that you can explore by day trip.

Whether you want traditional villages, busy  cities , gorgeous beaches, or a UNESCO World Heritage Site or two, all the Greek Islands have something to offer. You could visit Santorini – one of the most romantic destinations in the world. You could visit Paxos and Antipaxos, some of the smallest inhabited islands in Greece. Or, for a party experience, you could fly to Zante or Mykonos.

Table of Contents

Top Greek Islands to Visit Right Now

A holiday on a Greek island is the ultimate getaway. This guide will cover the best Greek islands.

Corfu is hardly a hidden gem, and, in peak season, the island does get a little swamped by mass tourism. However, Corfu is one of the best Greek islands to visit if you are visiting off-season or in the shoulder seasons.

Corfu is Greece’s greenest island. It also has lots of historical sites dotted around the island. Corfu Town is perhaps the epicenter of history in Corfu and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to get there

Corfu’s one of the most popular Greek islands to visit and is one of the best Greek islands to fly into if you want an easy journey. Corfu International Airport is situated within a short taxi ride (or half an hour’s walk) of Corfu Town, and it has regular flights from many major European cities.

You can also catch ferries or plan cruises to Corfu. The island has a busy port with regular ferries.

Things to do

• Dine and shop in Corfu Old Town.

Corfu Old Town is an ancient city with UNESCO-protected houses, museums, and market streets. Allow at least half a day to treat yourself to a traditional meal and souvenir.

• Visit Cape Drastis.

Cape Drastis is one of the most spectacular beaches in Corfu. The limestone peninsula stretches out into eye-catching cliff and rock formations, with sections of beach along the rocks.

This Corfu Private Yacht Cruise takes you along the central east coast including of Corfu with with several stops for swimming and snorkelling as you explore Garitsa bay, Mouse Island, Vido Island, and Lazareto Island, and more.

• Take a day trip to Albania.

One of Corfu’s most unique aspects is its location. Make sure to take a boat trip to appreciate the coastline from the water and, if you have time, take a day trip by ferry to Albania. You can reach Sarande in just thirty minutes and explore Roman ruins at Butrint National Park with much fewer tourists than in Corfu.

Crete is a popular island amongst tourists and is the largest Greek island. It is full of wild, natural beauty and is home to the spectacular Samaria Gorge National Park. However, it also has a nightlife to rival that of even Mykonos, and you’ll find plenty of nightclubs and beach bars.

Crete is one of the best Greek islands to visit if you want a bit of everything. Nature, nightlife, attractions, and sandy beaches –  Crete  ticks many boxes.

Getting to Crete is easy. The island has an international airport with many direct flights from major European cities. There is also a regular ferry network from other nearby islands.

If you are traveling to Crete from another Greek island, we recommend catching the ferry if possible. The island hopping experience is much more exciting and traditionally done by boat – plus, it is better for the environment.

• Visit Samaria Gorge National Park

The national park is sat on the west coast of Crete and is a great place to spend a day. You can walk the Samaria Gorge, climb the White Mountains, and even go wine tasting. Book this tour of the Samaria Gorge from Chania for a challenging trek through one of Europe’s longest gorges.

• Visit Elafonsi

Forget golden sand; Elafonsi has pink beaches. Millions of crushed-up Foraminifera sea shells turn patches of the sand pink. It is quite a phenomenon.

• Heraklion Archaeological Museum

For Greek history, look no further. Heraklion is a fantastic museum full of Cretan artifacts and fascinating exhibitions. Book a private Heraklion wine and history tour to better understand the past of the mysterious Minoans and appreciate the objects found on the site as well as in many other settlements around Crete.

3. Naxos Island

Naxos Island is a traditional Cycladic island in the Aegean Sea, between offshore Athens and the west coast of Turkey.

Naxos is a laidback island with plenty of beautiful beaches and mountain villages. It is one of the best Greek islands for a quiet experience of Greece – away from all the crazy partying on more touristy islands.

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades Islands, so it’s the easiest to reach from Athens and by ferry. The great ferry connections to Naxos town make it an excellent island-hopping destination. You can easily get to it from bigger islands like Santorini and Mykonos.

You won’t find direct flights to Naxos from abroad. Therefore, you’ll have to plan a stopover in Athens if you fly into Naxos. Book this airport transfer to your hotel in a luxury vehicle for a smooth and hassle-free transfer to your accommodations.

• Temple of Demeter

This temple dates back to 530 BCE and is scenically located on a hilltop above the village of Kastri. Allow an hour or two to wander the marble ruins and admire the panoramic view.

• Eggares Olive Oil Museum

Naxos is full of olive groves, and Eggares Museum is where to learn more about butter, olive oil, and olive harvesting. You’ll get access to informative exhibits and tasting opportunities.

• Cedar Forest of Alyko

If you love secluded beaches, Cedar Forest is for you. Forget forest walks; this spot is a remote beach surrounded by patches of shrubs and small trees. Quiet and idyllic, where better to unwind?

4. Zakynthos AKA (Zante)

Zante is one of the best Greek islands to visit for a party holiday. Lively, busy, and full of things to do, it is no wonder that the Ionian island of Zante is favored for a girls’ trip or boys’ holiday. Read more: Things to do in Zakynthos, Greece

Zante is actually the island’s Italian name, so we’ll reference it by its Greek name, Zakynthos, from now on. However, you can refer to it by either name, and everybody will know what you mean. Regardless this is one of the most beautiful islands to visit in Greece.

The easiest way to get to Zakynthos is to fly. You’ll find direct flights from most European airports – which is very convenient and means no stopover in Athens.

If you want the island hopping experience, though, there are plenty of ferry services to Zakynthos. It is well-connected to the other Ionian Islands, the mainland, major Greek Islands, and some surrounding countries.

• Navagio Beach

Navagio Beach, aka Shipwreck Beach, is the postcard image of Zakynthos. The cove is famous for its rusted shipwreck, curved limestone cliffs, and bright blue waters. Book this trip to Navagio Beach for a guided tour to the north of Zakynthos on a glass bottom seed boat.

Speaking of blue waters, the Blue Caves are another must-visit in Zakynthos. The sea caves are formed by unique cliff formations and are made bright blue by reflected light. You can book a boat tour to reach them, which often includes the chance to swim. This trip also includes a stop a the Blue Caves.

• Volunteer with sea turtles

Zakynthos is famed for its turtles; between May and October, every year, thousands of baby turtles hatch on its beaches. You can contact charities like Archelon The Sea Turtle Protection to get involved.

5. Skopelos

Skopelos is a quiet island in the Aegean Sea. It is incredibly beautiful and unassuming – full of laidback residential areas and picturesque scenery.

Skopelos is a hidden gem but definitely one of the best Greek Islands. Skopelos was only brought into the mainstream limelight after Mamma Mia used it as a filming location.

For Mamma Mia fans, Skopelos is easily the best Greek island. The district of  Pelion  is also worth a visit for die-hard fans. However, Mamma Mia aside, for a small island atmosphere with a peaceful vibe and stunning beaches, Skopelos is an excellent choice.

You can only reach Skopelos by ferry. There’s no airport on Skopelos, so you’ll have to take to the seas.

Luckily, the island has several regular ferry connections, including from Thessaloniki, Kymi, and Volos. It is easiest to catch the ferry to Skopelos from the mainland.

• Walk Skopelos Old Town

Skopelos Old Town is photogenic and the best place to wander on the island. The buildings are white-washed with colorfully painted details. You can snap photos, shop, and dine al fresco on car-free roads.

• Visit Agios Ioannis Church

For the Mamma Mia fans amongst you, Agrios Ioannis is where Sophie was married. However, the church is also stunningly located on a towering rock in the ocean. Visitors scale 198 steps to reach the top, where you get stunning views and a historical religious site.

• Go scuba diving

Get trained at Skopelos Dive Center and go scuba diving while on Skopelos. The ocean around the island is full of caves, wrecks, and reefs. Plus, it has some of the best water clarity in Greece.

6. Santorini

Santorini doesn’t need an introduction. The island is world-famous as one of the most romantic destinations on Earth. You can hardly open a social media app without seeing the white-washed buildings, cobbled streets, and sunset influencer shots.

Santorini is well-known as one of the best Greek Islands. While typically expensive and busy, it is a beautiful Greek island if you don’t mind sacrificing a budget-friendly and quiet experience of Greek island living. There are unique  places  to stay and  things to do  on Santorini. Want to splash out? Santorini is your best choice. Read more: Where to Stay in Santorini: Best Hotels and Towns

Santorini is well-connected. It has Thira Airport, which has international and domestic flights, and there’s a high chance of finding a direct flight from abroad.

Of course, you can also catch a ferry if you wish. Santorini has plenty of connections to other islands in the Aegean Sea, plus connections to the mainland and other major islands, thanks to its superstar status.

• Visit the Venetian castle

Akrotiri Venetian Castle is a collection of stunning ruins on a hilltop with panoramic views over Santorini. Plan a few hours in your itinerary to hike up and explore the castle remains.

• Visit the Santorini Wine Museum

Santorini is a leader in Greece’s wine scene. Here, you can learn about regional wine-making and get regular chances to taste products.

• Watch the sunset at Oia

Oia is where influencers get that sunset shot. The town is cut dramatically into a rugged coastline with all white-washed houses. It is definitely the place to be by sundown. This catamaran Tour is also a beautiful way to enjoy the sunset while taking in the views of the calderra and high sea cliffs of the isalnd.

Lefkada is a medium-sized Greek island known for its traditional villages and dramatic coastlines. The island’s beaches are plentiful, and its coasts have towering limestone cliffs. You’ll have many scenic beach days if you visit Lefkada.

Lefkada is one of the best Greek islands to visit if you are based on the mainland and looking for an add-on island experience. It is one of the only Greek islands you can drive to, which is often much more convenient than flying or sailing.

Lefkada is the most accessible island to access from Mainland Greece and is attached by a causeway. If you rent a car or purchase a transfer, you can easily cross over to Lefkada for a day or a full holiday.

You can also reach Lefkada by boat, and it is well-connected to other Ionian islands like Kefalonia and Zakynthos. There is no airport actually on Lefkada Island, but there are so many just across the causeway that you won’t have an issue.

• Lefkaditiki Gi Winery

It’s no secret that Greek wine is delicious. Visiting Lefkaditiki Gi Winery allows you to discover the production process and sample the products.

• Porto Katsiki

Porto Katsiki is the most stunning beach on Lefkada. You reach it via a steep stairway and can enjoy golden sand, bright blue water, and white limestone cliffs on all sides.

• Faneromeni Monastery

This monastery is scenically located up in Lefkada’s mountainous district. Visitors can admire the views, explore the monastery complex, and visit the small zoo that is quirkily built on the property.

Thassos is one of the best Greek islands for an off-the-beaten-track experience. The island is half-covered in pine forests and olive oil farms – perfect for experiencing Greece’s agricultural, rural side.

In Thassos, you’ll spend your days hiking, eating, or relaxing on the quietest beaches in Greece. The island isn’t short of museums either, but primarily it is a place to visit and unplug from the stress of life at home and in cities.

To get to Thassos, you must take a ferry from Kavala or Keramoti. The ferry connections for Thassos are pretty limited, so you only have these two departure options. However, the ferries do leave almost every hour daily. The island is also located just offshore of Kavala, so this shouldn’t put you too far out of your way.

If you fly, fly into Kavala International Airport, as you won’t be able to fly directly to Thassos since the island has no airport.

• Giola Lagoon

Giola Lagoon is an emerald rock pool popular amongst swimmers and tourists. It is one of the best places to take a dip when visiting Thassos.

• Archeological Museum of Thassos

You can’t visit a Greek island without learning about its archeological finds and history. The Museum of Thassos has ancient artifacts on display and tells of the island’s ancient history.

• Olive Oil Museum

Thassos’ Olive Oil Museum is an excellent way to mix tasting with learning. You’ll follow the production of olive oil and then get a tasting session at the end.

9. Antipaxos

Antipaxos is a tiny island adjacent to the nearby island of Paxos. With an estimated 20 residents, Antipaxos is one of the best Greek islands to visit for a deserted, desert-island feel.

You can visit from Paxos on a day trip or base yourself on Antipaxos. Book overnight accommodation in advance though, as spots are understandably limited compared to other larger Greek islands.

The only way to reach Antipaxos is by boat from Paxos. You can catch a water taxi from Paxos Harbor and arrive in Antipaxos in just fifteen to twenty minutes.

The nearest airport to Antipaxos (and Paxos) is in Corfu, so you’ll have to take two boat trips to reach Antipaxos. You can also take this tour from Corfu to explore Paxos and Antipaxos along the Turquoise waters of the Ionian sea to view the Caves of Paxos, admire the white cliffs of Erimitis and more.

• Go snorkeling

Antipaxos has some of Greece’s best beaches. The waters are shallow, calm, and a beautiful blue – perfect for snorkeling. Just remember to bring snorkels with you or buy some from Paxos as there aren’t any shops in Antipaxos.

• Take a boat tour

Taking a boat tour around Antipaxos allows you to see its coastline from a unique vantage point. If you are lucky, you may also spot dolphins or turtles.

• Hike the island

The best thing about a small island is that you can hike the whole island. Allow around half a day, although the island only covers an area of 4km2.

10. Skiathos

Skiathos  is cosmopolitan and lively. Yes, you’ll have sandy beaches and traditional areas. However, Skiathos is one of the best Greek islands for partying and has an outgoing nightlife with lots of hospitality venues.

Most nightlife is centered around Skiathos Town, so stay there if you want easy access to the action.

Skiathos is well-connected to the other Sporades Islands by ferries. The island also has an airport with international and domestic charters. You can probably find a flight that flies directly to Skiathos, but you may have to stopover at Athens if not.

• Shop and dine in Skiathos Old Town

Skiathos Town is that postcard-perfect center, with irregular grey slabbed streets and white-washed cafes and shops at every corner. Visit in the late afternoon for shopping and enjoy dusk dining al fresco.

• Evangelista Monastery

Evangelista Monastery is a fantastic example of religious and historical architecture. It was also an essential base for Greek fighters in the Greek and Ottoman unrest. Allow at least a couple of hours to take in the monastery’s beauty and significance.

• Lalaria Beach

Lalaria is a stunning beach surrounded by cliffs so steep that it is only accessible by boat. You can plan a boat trip and easily spend a whole day at Lalaria.

11. Astypalea

Want a Greek island that is lesser visited? Astypalea is one of the best Greek islands to visit for a quiet experience.

The island has Cycladic architecture and fantastic beaches and is small enough to get around on foot. It is easily one of the best islands to get off the beaten track, and you shouldn’t struggle with crowds of tourists – even in peak season.

You can fly to Astypalea from Athens about three times a week. But that is the island’s only regular aircraft connection, so make sure to plan ahead.

It is best to reach Astypalea by boat as there are regular connections between nearby Greek islands.

• Astypalea Castle

Astypalea’s Venetian Castle sits on a hill above Chora, the island’s major town. You can hike up to explore the ruins and are rewarded with fantastic views and lots of historical and archeological information.

• Traditional windmills

Eight windmills famously line a road in Chora, and it’s well worth walking to take a look. The windmills are white-washed with orange terracotta roofs and are popularly featured on postcards.

• Drakos Cave

Drakos Cave is an exciting place to visit and full of stalactites and stalagmites. Drakos Cave is an excellent addition to your itinerary if you like natural attractions.

12. Mykonos

If you want flashy, outgoing nightlife,  Mykonos  is one of the best Greek islands to visit. Mykonos is known for its dance clubs and world-renowned DJ appearances.

Unlike party hotspots like Magaluf and Kavos though, Mykonos also retains a luxury, upscale side to its hospitality. Nightlife can be classy, and Mykonos is the best Greek island to visit and prove that.

Flying into Mykonos Airport is easy, and you’ll find regular flights from across Europe.

Mykonos also has regular ferries from other nearby islands, so you can always stick to the seas while traveling to the island.

• Paraportiani Church

This famous church is entirely white and looks like a mound of rock rather than a building. However, the orthodox church is easily one of the most famous churches in Greece and is worth visiting.

• Mykonos Windmills

Once practical and now just beautiful, the Mykonos Windmills are located on a hill outside Mykonos Town. It’s well worth a walk up to admire the windmills and enjoy the view over the town.

• Little Venice

Health and safety nightmare or the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen? We’ll let you decide. Little Venice is an area in Mykonos where colored balconies and white-washed houses dangle right over the ocean.

Rhodes is known for its history and definitely has a World Heritage Site or two. The island got its name from the Greek goddess Rhode, who was the daughter of Poseidon, and it is full of myths, archeology, and cultural significance.

Rhodes is the best Greek island to visit if you like Ancient Greek mythology and history. Take this Rhodes cruise to Simi Island where you’ll visit one of the most traditional and colorful islands in the Aegean Sea.

The best way to get to Rhodes is to fly into Rhodes Diagoras International Airport. However, there are also regular ferry services between nearby Dodecanese islands and the mainland. If you want to island-hop instead, there are enough regular boats to sail to Rhodes.

• Acropolis of Rhodes

The Acropolis is one of Rhodes’ most famous archeological sites. You can wander different ruins, including an amphitheater.

• Rodini Park

Rodini Park is a suburban park like no other. The park has fairy-like walkways with twisted branches as railings, shaded water features, and peacocks roaming en route.

• Street of Knights of Rhodes

Drinking at inns on a medieval street is not what you imagine a Greek island holiday to be like, but it is an experience you should have. The cobbled ‘Street of Knights’ is an exciting place for a drink or two.

Evia is not the most commonly mentioned holiday destination, but we have no idea why. The island has the biggest complex of natural hot springs in Greece. Out of all of our ‘best Greek islands’, Evia is where to go if you want to experience bathing in springs.

Evia is also huge. It is the second-largest Greek island with plenty of attractions and even mountains to climb, like Dirfi. For outdoor adventures, Evia is the best Greek island.

Like Lefkada, Evia can be reached by car from the mainland. Evia is connected to the mainland by a large bridge, so it is an excellent option if you’d prefer to drive.

While Evia doesn’t have an airport, you can easily fly to Athens and then pick up a rental car to reach Evia.

• Edipsos Springs

Edipsos is a spa town in Evia and is home to many thermal bath resorts. You can bathe in the luxury resorts or head to the beach to soak in the public hot springs for free. The town has over 60 springs, so you will find a quiet one.

• Hike to find Drakospita

When hiking on hills and mountains in Evia, it’s common to find rock houses. These buildings are made with stacked rocks – similarly to drystone walls – and are called ‘dragon houses’. They aren’t just valuable shelters; some date back to the 8th century BC.

• Drimona Waterfall

Hiking to and swimming in Drimona Waterfall is one of the most fun things to do in Evia. Plus, there is a small fossil collection by the entrance.

15. Kefalonia

Kefalonia is where to head to eat good food, drink wine, and unwind rather than party until the early hours. You’ll find the odd bar or two, but the focus is usually more on quality beverages than quantity.

Kefalonia is one of the best Greek islands to choose if you want to be surrounded by nature and just enjoy gorgeous beaches and hospitality.

Kefalonia has an international airport, so the best way to get to Kefalonia is to fly. Most European cities have flights to Kefalonia Airport.

There are also regular ferries to the Greek mainland and many islands in the Ionian Sea, including Zakynthos and Corfu.

• Meet sea turtles

Thanks to Kefalonia’s quiet waters, you can find loggerhead sea turtles all over the island’s beaches and waters. The most reliable place to spot them is Argostoli Harbor, so head there first.

• Climb Mount Aenos

Fancy a challenge? Hike the 6.5km trail up to the summit of Mount Aenos. You’ll need a full day, and the hike will take around five hours one way.

• Spend a day in Assos

Assos is a coastal village with colorful houses. It’s the perfect place to dine out and spend an afternoon wandering.

Milos is known for its striking coastlines and limestone rock shelving. While not as busy as its neighboring Greek islands like Corfu or Zakynthos, it certainly has a buzz.

In peak seasons, Milos’ nightlife is enough to entertain you for a few nights. Then, throughout the day, the volcanic island has a lot of natural and historical attractions to explore. Milos is one of the best Greek islands to visit if you want to try something slightly new.

You can easily access Milos by ferry, and the island is well-connected by boat to other Cyclades islands.

Milos also has a domestic airport, so you can reach Milos by flying internally (usually from Athens). There are no international flights to Milos though, meaning you’ll most likely have an in-direct flight.

• Sarakiniko Beach

Sarakiniko Beach looks a bit like you’ve landed on the moon. It is surrounded by overhanging white volcanic cliffs and is an amazing place for a beach day.

• Milos Mining Museum

If you want an insight into Milos’ industrial history, the Mining Museum is a great place to start. It contains exhibits and artifacts, plus educational videos on the island’s mining history.

• Catacombs of Milos

Brave? The Catacombs of Milos are a little creepy but otherwise impressive. The Christian burial tombs are in an underground network that dates back to the 1st century.

Syros is one of the best Greek islands to escape cruise ships and mass tourism. The island is small, with coastal cycadean villages and just a sprinkling of taverns and bars. Syros also has a rich cultural heritage, so you’ll have plenty of attractions to appreciate.

Syros has just enough infrastructure to keep things convenient yet not too much to disrupt the calm atmosphere. Syros is a great island for a peaceful retreat. For a quiet, authentic elegance, you shouldn’t look much further.

How to get to Syros

Syros Airport is only domestic and has a handful of weekly flights from Athens. You could fly if you want to, but getting the ferry is much more popular – even from Athens.

Ferry connections include all the main Cyclades islands and a few places on the mainland.

Things to do in Syros

• Agios Stefanos

Sunset lovers, Agios Stefanos is the ultimate spot. The tiny Catholic church is tucked under a rock and is a beautiful place to sit and watch the ocean.

• Saint Nicholas

Another sacred spot, Saint Nicholas, is an Orthodox church in the town of Ermoupoli. If you want an indoor activity, touring the church interior is fascinating, and there are ornate paintings, designs, and relics.

• Miaouli Square

Miaouli Square is an architectural highlight of Syros. The square is surrounded by neoclassical buildings and rows of palm trees – the perfect spot for a morning stroll.

When a Greek island is described as ‘charming,’ it can seem cliche. However, you also immediately get the right idea. Symi is charming in every sense of the word; friendly, colorful, pretty, and slightly reserved.

Symi is one of the best Greek islands if you want a family atmosphere or a quiet couple’s holiday.

How to get to Symi

Symi does not have an airport, so you’ll have to reach the island by ferry.

The best way to reach Symi is by flying to Rhodes and catching a ferry there. However, Symi is also connected to many nearby islands and the mainland if you don’t mind a longer voyage.

Things to do in Symi

• Symi Castle

Symi Castle is a 14th-century-built castle set on a hill above Ano Symi. It takes approximately 30 minutes to hike there and is best timed with sunset for the best views over Symi.

Symi has lots of beaches and coves that are inaccessible without a boat. Hopping on a boat for a day is a fun way to discover more of Symi’s hidden corners.

• Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis

This monastery is one of the most beautiful on Symi, which is saying something, as Symi has a lot of stunning monasteries. The monastery is still functioning and is home to a brotherhood of monks, but you can tour the property during opening hours.

19. Donoussa

Donoussa is a small, remote island located off the shores of Naxos. Laidback and unassuming, Donoussa has a real ‘manana, manana’ atmosphere and is a grand island to experience rural Greece.

Donoussa is safe, but you should be prepared to deal with fewer facilities than on other Greek islands. Donussa is one of the best Greek islands to visit if you are happy with a simplistic lifestyle on holiday.

How to get to Donoussa

Donoussa is only accessible by ferry. You can catch a ferry to Donoussa from most islands in the Aegean Sea and Athens on the mainland.

The best way to reach Donoussa is to fly into Naxos and catch a short ferry.

Things to do in Donoussa

• Take a boat tour to the caves

On Donoussa boat tours, you can visit the Cave of the Wall and the Cave of Fokospilla. These caves make a fun day out, and the light reflections often brighten the appearance of the water.

• Church of Holy Cross

This church is an eye-catching white building with a blue dome. It was built to house the Holy Cross relic and is the site of celebrations every September the 14th.

• Kedros Beach

Kedros Beach is popular because of its beach bar and dramatic WW2 shipwreck. If you want an exciting beach day, Kedros is a good option.

20. Serifos

Serifos is another remote island on our ‘best Greek islands’ list. Serifos is everything you want on a quiet Greek island – full of tradition, the best beaches, and friendly hospitality.

Be prepared to bring a beach towel, as you won’t find beach facilities and endless convenient infrastructure. But, if that’s what you are avoiding, Serifos is one of the best Greek islands to visit to escape the crowds.

How to get to Serifos

Like many remote Greek islands, Serifos is only accessible by ferry. It’s best to fly into Athens and then catch the ferry to Serifos from there.

Things to do in Serifos

• Go tasting at Chrysoloras Winery

Chrysoloras Winery is scenically perched on a hill in rural Serifos. You can learn about local wine production and sample the best Greek white and rose wines.

• Hike the mining trail

Mining is central to the history of most Greek islands, Serifos included. The mining trail is a great way to combine outdoor activity with history, and the trail passes disused mining machinery, railway tracks, and mine shafts.

• Attend a pottery workshop

Kerameio Ceramic Studio is a relaxed, creative place to spend a few hours. And what better souvenir to take home than one you’ve made yourself? Attend a pottery workshop if you can, or purchase some local pottery from the gift shop.

So, we’ve covered Antipaxos, but what if Antipaxos was just a bit too quiet for your liking? Paxos is a fantastic choice if you still want to stay in the Paxi islands.

Paxos is still slow-paced and laidback. It just has more infrastructure and entertainment than Antipaxos. Paxos is the best Greek island if you want a gentle introduction to rural living. Plus, the local boat trips are amazing.

How to get to Paxos

There is no airport at Paxos, so you must use the ferry. The quickest way to get to Paxos is to fly into Corfu and then get the ferry from Corfu to Paxos. However, there are many ferry connections between Paxos and other islands and the mainland if you prefer to take a different route.

Things to do in Paxos

• Shop and dine in Gaios

Gaios is the capital and center of action in Paxos. Whether you want a boat trip, souvenir, or meal out, Gaios is the place to go. Allow at least half a day to enjoy the town.

• Erimitis Bay

Erimitis Bay is the prettiest beach in Paxos. To reach it, you descend (what feels like) endless flights of stairs. But, at the bottom, surrounded by limestone cliffs and sitting on a sandy beach, it is all worthwhile.

• Tripitos Arch

Tripitos Arch is a unique cliff formation best seen by boat trips. If you fancy a challenge on the land though, you can complete a hike to overlook the arch from the cliffs.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of which one of our ‘best’ Greek islands you choose, you’ll have a fantastic experience. The Greek islands are known for their delicious food, warm hospitality, and beautiful beaches.

If you want an unforgettable holiday experience, you’ve already made a great decision by narrowing down your search to the best Greek islands. Greece is full of beautiful islands and  places to visit .

Still, picking the island most suited to you will make your holiday even better. We hope that you’ve found your perfect match while reading this guide.

Plan Your Next Trip to Greece With These Resources

• Places to Visit in Epirus – The Best Kept Secret in Greece
• 22 Best Things to do in Mykonos, Greece
• 17 Best Cities in Greece To Visit
• 25 Best Things to do in Santorini, Greece
• 25 Interesting and Fun Facts About Greece

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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2 thoughts on “21 Best Greek Islands to Visit In 2024”

I want to have an ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ experience where I drop off the face of the planet and move to Greece.

Which is the best Greek island to stay on for the weekend?

The Best Greek Islands

Greece › Best Islands Updated: February 11, 2023 By Santorini Dave

• Mykonos – Where to Stay • Santorini – Where to Stay • Naxos – Where to Stay • Paros – Where to Stay • Milos – Where to Stay • Crete – Where to Stay • Athens – Where to Stay

Santorini is the jewel of the Greek islands. A helicopter tour around the caldera and volcano (though not cheap) is a highlight.

The Best Islands in Greece Mykonos is known for nightlife , beaches , beach clubs , and fantastic luxury hotels . What Greek Island do I visit? Best Greek Island for Honeymoon : Santorini Best Greek Island to Party : Mykonos Best Greek Island for Couples : Santorini • Paros Best Greek Island for Young Couples & Singles : Ios • Mykonos Best Greek Island for First Timers : Santorini • Mykonos • Naxos Best Greek Island for Beaches : Naxos • Mykonos • Ios •  Crete Naxos is a phenomenal island for first-time visitors to Greece. Fantastic beaches, great food, and very family-friendly. Plenty of spots for evening drinks but not the dance clubs and DJs like Mykonos or Santorini. Best Greek Island for Kids & Families : Naxos Best Greek Island for Teens : Santorini • Mykonos • Paros • Rhodes Best Greek Island for History : Crete • Rhodes  •  Santorini Best Greek Island for Hiking : Sifnos • Crete • Folegandros • Santorini • Naxos Best Greek Island for Biking : Kos Best Greek Island for Luxury : Santorini • Mykonos Best Greek Island for Quiet and Solitude : Antiparos • Folegandros • Ikaria • Karpathos Best Greek Island for Outdoor Activity : Crete • Santorini Best Greek Island for Food : Crete • Folegandros • Santorini • Naxos Best Greek Island Cruise : All cruises to the Greek islands are awful – don’t do a Greek Cruise , visit on your own Best for Island Hopping : Take Greek Ferries around the Cyclades: Santorini • Naxos • Paros • Ios • Mykonos • Milos The 6 Best Greek Islands

Book hotels 4 to 8 months in advance: Santorini Hotels • Mykonos Hotels • Crete Hotels • Milos Hotels • Naxos Hotels • Paros Hotels • Folegandros Hotels • Ios Hotels • Rhodes Hotels • Kos Hotels • Corfu Hotels • Athens Hotels 1. Santorini My favorite island in Greece is Santorini. If you can only visit one island make it Santorini. Loaded with great boat tours , wine tours , fantastic hotels , amazing restaurants , and awesome things to do . Along with Crete, Santorini is the best island in Greece in the winter and shoulder seasons when it still has plenty to do. Oia , Santorini for boutique hotels, honeymooners, and sunset views. Fira , Santorini for nightlife, shopping, and caldera/sunset views. 2. Mykonos The best nightlife and clubbing in Greece is found on Mykonos. Also has great beaches and a surprisingly charming capital village, Mykonos Town. Ornos is one of my favorite beaches in Greece. Little Venice in Mykonos Town . Filled with small restaurants and trendy clubs. 3. Crete The largest Greek island and rich with beaches, historical sites, hikes, traditional villages, small cities, and great tours . So big that if you only have a week it’s good to limit yourself to only this island. If you have two weeks it makes a great pair with Santorini. Chania is the most charming town on Crete and a great base for exploring western Crete. Rethymnon has a cool old town and good beaches walking distance from most hotels. 4. Naxos The most family-friendly island in Greece is Naxos. Great beaches and the main town is crammed with wonderful tavernas serving some of the best food on the Greek islands. The inland villages are marvelous to explore. The town beach in Naxos Town – shallow and very kid-friendly. Even better beaches are a short drive down the coast. Naxos Town has some of the best restaurants in Greece. 5. Paros A wonderful mix of the great beaches and villages of Naxos and the nightlife and boutique vibe of Mykonos. This island gets a little more popular every year but is still quiet compared to Santorini and Mykonos. Paros has two of the most charming towns in Greece, Naoussa (above) and Parikia (the ferry port). Either town makes a great base for exploring the other (and the rest of the island). A highlight of Paros is making a day trip to Antiparos – where the beaches are quiet, secluded, and some of the best in Greece. 6. Rhodes Fantastic beaches, energetic nightlife, and one of the best preserved ancient towns in Europe. Rhodes is a fantastic choice for first-time visitors to Greece. A boat tour around the island’s coasts is highly recommended. The Old Town of Rhodes. The stunningly beautiful St. Paul’s Beach, just below the Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes. Greek Islands – Where To Go

A view of the Santorini caldera. Yes, the best hotels in Santorini are expensive, but there are many affordable hotels with caldera views , like the Iliovasilema (above) in Imerovigli.

Athina Luxury Suites in Fira is one of our favorite hotels, though the best luxury hotels in Santorini are in Oia and Imerovigli. Mykonos has the best nightlife and club scene of any Greek island. It usually starts with dinner and drinks by the water and then hit the clubs in Mykonos Town. Beach parties in Mykonos take place at Paradise and Super Paradise beaches and run from mid-June to mid-September. Other beaches, like Platis Gialos above, Paraga , and Ornos have beach clubs that have thumping music and dancing through the day until about 10pm. Then the party moves to Mykonos Town or the Paradise beaches. Rhodes is one of the best islands for historical sightseeing (Crete, Naxos, and Santorini are also great). This is the main entrance of the famous Knights Grand Master Palace (also known as Castello) in Rhodes Town, a must-visit museum. Santorini and Milos are two of the most beautiful islands in Greece and have a similar other-worldly feel. This is the fishing village of Firopotamos on Milos . The private pool and view at Calilo Hotel on the wonderful island of Ios – a very short ferry ride from Santorini. Island hopping by ferry is one of the highlights of the Greek islands. Sitting on the deck of a ferry and watching the islands pass by until you arrive at your destination. Folegandros is the best Greek island for hiking – great paths all around this beautiful island. All the greek islands have great food and restaurants . The best Greek islands for foodies are Santorini, Crete, Naxos, and Paros. This is a gyros plate from a restaurant in Crete. Naxos is a wonderful family destination. Great beaches, a relaxed vibe, cheap hotels (and luxury ones too), and there’s even a water park. Paros is also a great island for families and it’s got a bit more shopping and activity for teens – and nightlife for older family members. Sifnos is a quiet Cycladic island criss-crossed with beautiful (and well-maintained) hiking paths. Greek Islands – When To Go Chania in Crete . One of the most wonderful towns in Greece. Best Greece Vacations For the best trip to Greece, I recommend visiting Greek islands within the same island group. For example, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Corfu and Santorini on the same trip as they’re on opposite sides of the country. Instead, visit islands in the same island group: the Cyclades (the most popular), the Sporades, the Dodecanese, the Ionian, the Saronic, and the Northeastern Aegean. For one, they’re close to each other. And two, they have frequent ferry connections with other islands within the same group. For first-time visitors to Greece, the Cyclades make the most natural and convenient introduction to the Greek islands. Crete is its only island group and will have good connections to the Cyclades from May to October. Best Greek Islands To Visit in March, April, October, and November This is shoulder season. The busiest islands and those with a local population are quieter but still humming with plenty of hotels and restaurants open. Santorini, Crete, and Rhodes are the best Greek islands to visit in the spring and autumn period. Best Greek Islands To Visit in May, June, and September The Greek islands have beautiful weather in the months just before and after peak season. It’s a great time to see the islands, save money, avoid the crowds, and still have great weather (though not as hot as July and August). If you want to see the super-popular islands of Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu, and Crete without the tourists then this is a great time to visit. Best Greek Islands To Visit in July and August The busiest and hottest months. If you like beach parties and packed clubs then Mykonos is the place to be. The less-busy islands (Antiparos, Sifnos, Ikaria, Folegandros, Milos) have short tourist seasons and this is when they’re fully open and running. Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu are in peak-season but all are large enough to retain their charm. Best Greek Islands To Visit in December, January, and February Most islands are very quiet in the winter. Crete and Santorini are the best islands as they still have plenty to do even in winter and there are lots of (open) places to stay and eat.

Naxos is loaded with great beaches and the best greek island for families .

Greek Island FAQ What is the best time of year to travel to the Greek islands? June to September are the best months to visit the Greek islands if you’re interested in beaches, hot weather, swimming, sunbathing, and nightlife. If your interests are hiking, exploring, taking tours, and seeing historical sites then April, May, early June, late September, October, and November are the best months. Which is the most beautiful island in Greece? Santorini, Crete, and Corfu are widely considered the most beautiful and picturesque Greek islands. But all the islands have their own charms and beauty and every island has its passionate devotees who claim their island is the most beautiful in Greece. What is the cheapest month to fly to Greece? December, January, and February are the cheapest months to fly to Greece. They are also the quietest and least touristy months. For a good mix of affordability and good weather the months of April, May, and October have cheap flights and happy tourists. Which Greek island has the most beautiful beaches? Naxos, Crete, Mykonos, Ios, and Antiparos have the most beautiful and picturesque beaches with sparkling blue water and long stretches of golden sand. Which is the prettiest and quietest Greek island? Which Greek island is the least touristy? Sifnos, Serifos, Folegandros, Ikaria, and Karpathos are all beautiful islands that see far fewer tourists than the popular holiday islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros. Prices for hotels and food are also much cheaper on these quieter islands. Which is the cheapest Greek island? Sifnos, Serifos, Syros, Milos, and Folegandros all great prices on hotels and inexpensive places to eat. Santorini and Mykonos are the most expensive islands and should be avoided if you’re on a tight budget. Do I need shots to go to Greece? Greece does not require any special vaccinations for visitors from the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or Singapore. But travelers should make sure they are up to date on all shots usually required in western countries.

Small Cameo Island on Zakynthos is a top spot for weddings and proposals. Zakynthos (Zante in Greek) is popular with package vacations but is not a great choice for island hopping , like the islands of the Cyclades.

About Santorini Dave

Hi Dave Your website is fantastic and I have really enjoyed reading the questions and your replies. I am looking to go to Greece for 14-18 days in September and hope to visit Athens and the islands Santorini, Crete, Mykonos and Rhodes. I am in my 60’s and maybe travelling on my own or with a friend. We love walking, seeing historic sights, enjoy the beach and a little bit of shopping. I also love watching beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Love travelling on boats. If you think we should change any islands or can suggest how many days we should spend on each island, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Sue

Given your interests, and the other islands you’ve chosen, I’d recommend replacing Mykonos with either Naxos or Paros. You could fly directly to Rhodes, then ferry to Crete, ferry to Santorini, ferry to Naxos/Paros, then ferry to Athens. All of these routes have plenty of service (though do book Rhodes-Crete first as this will have the least number of options).

Hi! Looking to go on our honeymoon end of May. Have 10 nights, would love to hit 3 islands if it’s doable. Would you change this itinerary at all? We are in our upper 20s, want some relaxing/some exploring town, beaches, good food and wine.

Day 1: arrive in Athens and fly to Santorini (night 1) 2: full day in Santorini 3: full day in Santorini 4: full day in Santorini 5: boat to Naxos early 6: full day Naxos 7: full day Naxos 8: boat to Paros 9: full day Paros 10: full day Paros 11: travel from Paros to Athens and fly home

That looks perfect. The only thing I’d mention is that it’s possible to fly directly to Santorini from many airports in Western Europe. If you could find a direct flight it would save you the time and money spent on the Athens-Santorini flight. Just an idea. Otherwise, looks like a great plan.

Hello Dave, my wife and I hope to be in Greece in mid-September. The tentative itinerary would start with 3 nights in Athens with a day tour to Nafplio, ferry to Mykonos for 3 nights, then Naxos for 4 nights with a day tour to Paros, on to Santorini for 3 nights, ferry to Crete for 4 nights, and finish by flying to back to Athens for 1 night for next day flight home. Would welcome any suggestions. Perhaps it may be better to drop an island and add time on another (if so, which ones). Your expertise is much appreciated.

That all sounds great. It’s a minor change but I might suggest dropping the day trip to Paros (ferry day-trips are not a great use of time, especially when you’re already doing plenty of ferry travel and seeing multiple islands) and add that day to Santorini, Crete, or an overnight stay in Nafplio (a wonderful town).

Wow – so glad I found your website! Definitely the most resourceful Greece planning site out there. I’m planning a 2 week trip to Greece in early September. My husband and I have never been to Greece and are looking for help determining what islands to go to. We appreciate history but prefer to not spend time in museums. We like places with outdoor activities (beach, swimming, hiking), places with great food, plan to splurge on a few luxurious hotels/experiences, and are not big into the nightlife and clubbing scene. We definitely want to spend time in Santorini and maybe 1-2 days in Athens when we land. What other islands should we build into our itinerary? I am having trouble choosing!! -Naxos -Paros -Milos -Crete -Nafplion (worth a day trip from Athens?) -Mykonos (is it better to visit Naxos/Paros/Milos/Crete than Mykonos?)

Thank you so much!! Christina Cavanagh

Along with Santorini and Athens, I’d visit Naxos, Paros, and Milos; or Naxos and Crete. Crete is a large island so don’t go unless you have 4 full days (ideally more but with two weeks, 4 days is probably the most you can do). For destinations with outdoor history attractions, I’d rank them in this order: Athens, Santorini, Crete, Naxos, Milos. Nafplio and Mykonos are both wonderful but not sure you’ll have time.

Hi Dave – what a wonderfully informative website. There is so much information to wade through so was wanting your advice. 14 of us are planning a ladies (no husbands, children, etc.) island holiday to Greece in July this summer for 7 days. We’re coming from all over the world to arrive via Athens or Istanbul. Our budgets (the most important thing) also differ greatly! Our original thought was to visit Paros but I’ve since heard/read that this could be quite windy in July as well as a mini-Mykonos in terms of price.

Our interests would range from nightlife to beaches with everything in between. Greece in a nutshell, I suppose.

What are your thoughts?

Ios has great beaches, nightlife, and restaurants. And accommodations that range from inexpensive and good value to 4-star and very nice. Probably your best choice. Naxos would also be good but a little more expensive and less nightlife.

Your website is incredibly informative and very helpful. My sis and I are planning a trip to Greece, just the to of us, and would like to go within the next 6 years when our kids are a bit older. I’ve done a ton of research of where we want to go and I have it narrowed down to begin in Athens and would love to end in Crete and visit the five main islands in between. My questions are: What would be the best time frame for this type of trip and are there travel agencies that you recommend to help us build the vacation we would like versus the preplanned destinations? I really appreciate your help.

Sincerely, Abby

Late June or early September would be the best time for your trip (great weather everywhere but not the large crowds of summer). Much better to plan and book your trip on your own than to use a travel agency. Better hotels, better prices, more unique trip.

Hi Dave! First let me say a BIG TEXAS SIZED THANK YOU for all your information. Your write ups have been very helpful in planning which Islands we want to visit when coming to Greece this summer. I have a question that I have not been able to find an answer for that I wanted to ask you. For part of our trip we will be with 3 other families. There will be a total of 8 adults and 8 children, ranging in ages from 3 to 17. We are really wanting to book a large villa/home while in Crete for 6 nights. I have looked on Booking.com per your recommendation, however, most are showing villas or apartments with renting multiple units. We were really trying to book one large home for all of us during this portion of the trip. Is there a site that is unique or special to booking large homes in Greece? Or just go with the normal Airbnb or Flipkey? Any advise would be much appreciated! Thank you!!

Sorry, I don’t know of any website devoted to large group villas. There certainly are a few large villas on Booking and Airbnb – it’s just a matter of finding them.

Hi Dave, great website, I’m glad I found you, your expertise and knowledge has blown my mind. I have a slightly different question than the ones above/below. I’m a writer, in my mid 40’s, single, living in England but am looking for a place to live on a Greek Island, not particularly a city, more a friendly village or town, think a more romantic scenario like The Durrells perhaps. I know it’s best I just travel around and see for myself with such a big commitment, but I just don’t have the time I’m afraid for that much traveling right now. So I thought there would be no harm in asking someone in the know for some ideas. What I’m looking for in no particular order is: Somewhere with a general sunny/warmish climate in the winter months. Historical sites, mountains, coasts, forests, to visit/walk/hike. Some nice beaches to relax for an hour or two or three. Great local food and places to eat in the day or evening, all a good walk or short drive away. Friendly atmosphere. I would prefer to live closer to the coast than inland so somewhere not TOO touristy in the summer months if possible. Surrounded by beautiful nature for relaxing and walks.

Be as specific as you like Dave, gimme a road name if something comes to mind. Wherever you suggest I will thoroughly research whether it’s 1, 2, or 20 islands/towns/villages. I’m just a jobbing writer, not wealthy but with a spirit for life, good food, and nature if that helps. So a big thanks for any help you throw my way Dave.

Crete has the warmest weather in the winter, a ton of history, great inland villages, wonderful hikes, and incredible food (no place in Greece has bad food). The large coastal towns and resorts do get a lot of tourists in summer but they are easy to avoid if you’re inclined. I would start there. But there are so many great places that you’d love: Ikaria, Sifnos, Folegandros, Hydra, Nafplio (on the mainland), Corfu Town. The list is long. Good luck.

What island is the hottest to visit in April? I want to go do for my 30th birthday on April 18 and experience the warm beaches. Also, who should I book through to island-hop?

Crete usually has the warmest weather in April but I wouldn’t call it hot. It’s possible you could be swimming and sunbathing but (on average) unlikely. Book ferries through ferryhopper.com and hotels through booking.com.

I will go in June with my wife to Greece for 10 days. I will spend 1 day in Athens and then I will have 9 days to the islands. I want to spend 2 days in Santorini and the other 7 days I want to pick up 2 of these 4 islands: Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Milos. What do you suggest? We are looking for beautiful beaches with clear water and travel around the island with moto.

Thanks, Filipe

All are great islands. Mykonos for nightlife and beaches, Naxos for beaches and traditional Greek villages, Paros for trendy restaurants and beaches, Milos for beaches and a wonderful boat tour around the island. All have great food.

Hi Dave, Your website is fantastic! I’ve really spent some time scouring the information and have used it to come up with an itinerary, but would love your opinion and advice. We are two couples traveling together in our late 50’s, early 60’s, that love activity, tours, hiking or walking around, lots of history with a nice mix of a few days of relaxing/beach enjoying some really great food and wine. Shopping and culture are also things we love to do. We are planning a trip in early May to Mid May for 14 days to avoid the crowds. We are flying in and out of Athens, so we thought we would fly into Athens, rest up the first night, then see the sites there, spend another night and then ferry over to Mykonos the next morning. We want to spend 2 full days in Mykonos so we can take the day trip over to Delos and roam around the next day (3 nights), then ferry over to Santorini for 5 days and then ferry over to Crete for the last 4 days, then fly back to athens from there. The questions I have are 1. Is early May not a good time to visit Mykonos or other islands? I don’t want to be there and have all the restaurants/shops/beaches closed. 2. Is Crete a good way to end the trip? My friend who has been to Greece many times said that a better choice would be to go to Rhodes or to adjust days and fly back to Athens and go to Corfu, she said she even prefers Corfu over Rhodes. She said that she wouldn’t suggest Crete. What do you think about that? This will be our first trip to Greece, but we are good travelers, been all over the world and want to get the most out of our 14 days and don’t want to waste too much time traveling and being on the road. I know you mention Naxos alot, but she didn’t think there was much there for us.

I would change the order of your trip: Crete then Santorini then Mykonos. This will push your Mykonos visit forward 10 days which will make the difference between quiet and not-so-quiet. But if you would make your trip one week later that would be even better (ideally hit Mykonos May 20 to 25). Santorini and Crete will be busier earlier. They also have a larger local population so never are quite as dead. I much prefer all 3 of these islands to Rhodes and Corfu. Though beautiful both of those islands get lots of package tourism which is less than ideal.

Planning to travel to Greece with my girlfriend from May 13-May 24 (10 nights flying in/out of Athens). Trying to plan our itinerary and we have come up with the following:

Night 1: Athens Night 2: Athens Night 3: Santorini Night 4: Santorini Night 5: Santorini Night 6: Santorini Night 7: Naxos/Paros Night 8: Naxos/Paros Night 9: Naxos/Paros Night 10: Athens

– What are your general thoughts? – Should we take the ferry or airplane from Athens to Santorini? – If we stay in Naxos can we take day trip to Paros (and vise versa)? Which one should we stay in if this was the plan? – Is Mykonos worth visiting if not interested in the nightlife? – Are there any other islands you would recommend adding to our itinerary?

Looks great. I would ferry to Santorini. The only way I’d recommend flying is if you flew directly to Santorini upon landing in Athens (and then leave all your Athens’ days til the end). But if you go into Athens you’re better off taking the ferry. Yes, a day trip is easy between Naxos and Paros. Probably stay in Naxos and day trip to Paros but no great difference. Mykonos is a great island (but don’t bother with a day trip.)

Looking for a Greek island with nice beaches and windsurfing. What one would you recommend?

Naxos and Paros both have great beaches and are very popular windsurfing islands.

Hi Dave. In 12 days is it possible to do Athens (1 day), Milos, Naxos, Paros, and Santorini? Is this too much? Which would you remove if necessary?

It’s a lot for 12 days – but comfortably doable, for sure. If you had 10 nights on the islands do 3 nights in Naxos and Santorini, and 2 nights in Paros and Milos.

Hi, Dave! My husband and I will be going to Greece 8/26 – 9/4. We are flying into and out of Athens for cost efficiency. We really want to see Navagio Beach on Zakynthos for a day, and we realize this will likely be an overnight trip, or even 2 nights depending on the travel options. What is the best way to get from Athens to Zykanthos? What is the best way to get from Zakynthos to Santorini? Or is it best to just go from Zakynthos back to Athens and then to Santorini? We are trying to avoid additional flights but realize we may have to fly from Zakynthos to Santorini.

Our potential itinerary is:

8/26 – flight arrives in Athens at 12:15 PM, check into hotel near Acropolis and explore 8/27 – depart to Zakynthos via bus and ferry 8/28 – Blue Caves & Navagio Beach tour, return to Athens or depart to Santorini if possible 8/29 – Santorini 8/30 – Santorini 8/31 – Santorini 9/1 – Mykonos 9/2 – Mykonos 9/3 – Return to Athens 9/4 – Flight home

Any advice for traveling, places to see, places to stay would be appreciated! We love food, sight-seeing, boat tours, beaches, entertaining night life (but not night clubs). Thank you!

You seem to have your heart set on Zakynthos but I have to say it’s not a good use of time for a sort-of overrated payoff. Your time is much better spent (in my opinion) seeing another Greek island in the cyclades (maybe taking a ferry to Naxos or Paros sitting outside on the deck drinking a bottle of wine) rather than taking a bus and connecting flights. Zakynthos and Santorini/Mykonos are on opposite sides of the country and the only way from one to the other is by flying (or some combination of bus and ferry). So, my recommendation is to consider spending those Zakynthos days in Naxos, Paros, Milos, or some other Cycladic island.

My family of 5 (wife, myself, 14 yr., 12 yr. & 12 yr. old boys) will finish a trip to Turkey ending in Kusadasi. This will be mid-June. As 1st time travelers to the Greek islands, which islands do you recommend for a short trip of 5 days? I was thinking Santorini and Paros or Santorini and Crete.

What is the best way to get from Kusadasi to the Greek islands and from the islands back to an international airport to fly back to Atlanta? It seems difficult to fly or ferry from Turkey to Greece. Similarly, at the end of the trip it seems like almost all flights from Santorini must go through Athens except for one route nonstop through London.

Any other advice on hotels, villages, activities and logistics would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

The only ferry from Kusadasi to Greece goes to the Greek island of Samos. It’s a great island and certainly worth a few days. From Samos, there are usually direct ferries to Mykonos and Syros. These are very different islands that have a very different vibe – but both appealing in their own way. From Mykonos there will be direct flights to Western Europe (most likely Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, and London) though not every flight flies every day so requires some planning. Santorini would be another ferry ride from Mykonos. And Crete farther still. So you wouldn’t have time to get to either island.

Hi Dave! Thank you so much for this amazing and helpful blog! I’m planning on taking a post-graduation trip to Greece with around 5-7 other friends (we’re in our late teens, mostly girls) in late-May/early-June of this year. My question is: which island would you recommend for us?

We originally wanted to go to Mykonos for the nightlife, but it looks too expensive. We’re planning to spend around a week, and we’re looking for somewhere safe and cheap with great nightlife and other young people. Good beaches and hikes are a plus. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated as well. Thank you in advance for your help!!

Ios has good nightlife, beautiful beaches, great food, and some good hikes. It’s also very affordable.

Hello Dave,

My husband and I are visiting Greece for a little over a week over the 4th of July. I was hoping you might be able to give us your opinion on a few things. Here is the itinerary we have come up with so far:

Day 1 – Arrive in Athens around 5ish (sleep – Athens) Day 2 – Explore Athens (sleep – Athens) – Delphi? Nafplio? Day 3 – Travel to Island #1 in morning (sleep – Island #1) Naxos? Crete? Day 4 – Explore Island #1 (sleep – Island #1) Day 5 – Travel to Santorini (sleep – Santorini) Day 6 – Explore Santorini (sleep – Santorini) Day 7 – Explore Santorini (sleep-Santorini) Day 8 – Travel to Athens in evening (sleep Athens – near airport) Day 9 – Fly Home

We are having trouble deciding on another island to go to besides Santorini (we both want to go there). I was hoping you might be able to make a suggestion. We are not really into late night partying/night life. We LOVE good food..quite possibly the most important item on our list. We also like to hike, my husband is very into history, we love beer/wine, we could definitely be into in a less populated/touristy type spot. Gorgeous beaches and great views are also a plus.

Also, if there are any other suggestions you have in general for Athens and Santorini I would love to hear them. I would like to be able to leave Athens early morning on Day 3 so that we can have almost a full day on our first island. We would like to see as much as we can without feeling like we are running around from island to island the whole time.

I am so happy I stumbled on your site as it has been extremely helpful already. I really appreciate your time. Thank you!

Considering your interests (great food, hiking, beaches, nightlife unimportant) then Naxos should definitely be your other island. (And Naxos has many daily ferry connections with both Santorini and Athens.) Also, Athens needs at least one full day to explore so you should drop any thoughts about Delphi or Nafplio. Also, I would look into flights from Athens to Santorini on your night of arrival. If you could get to Santorini that night (and move your day in Athens to the end of your trip) you’d almost gain an entire day and could spend two nights on Naxos.

Hi Dave, An incredibly helpful site for pinning down the details…what a jewel! Our plan is to visit Santorini (Grace) and Mykonos (Belvedere) and then likely Hydra. Do you recommend Hydra, and if so, which hotel would you recommend. If not, which other island would you suggest? Thanks for your advice. Camille

Hydra is great but it does take a bit of time and effort to get to from the Cyclades. You’ll need to ferry to Athens, then might have to overnight there, then ferry to Hydra. Whereas Naxos, Paros, Milos, Folegandros, etc. would all be one direct ferry from Santorini or Mykonos. If you do go to Hydra then Leto Hotel is a great choice close to the port and shops and restaurants.

Hi Dave! One more question, do you know of any resorts with heated pools or private jacuzzis/pools in the room that are heated on islands other than Santorini and Mykonos? Looking for something above 26/27 degrees and can’t seem to find any! Elounda Beach resort said they could heat the private pool but it costs 45 EUR per degree! Hoping you know of another option that would allow us to swim comfortably in Early June. Thank you!!

Elizabeth Bresler

NAXOS HOTELS Naxian Utopia: All 9 suites and villas have private pools; the Exotic Suite and the Horizon Suite add indoor steam rooms. Medusa Resort: Executive Suites boast private, outdoor jacuzzis, while Junior Suites have indoor jacuzzis. Naxian Collection: Most suites and villas have private pools. The Premium and Grand Suites share 1 pool, while the Elegant Suite has 2 pools. Naxos on the Beach: All suites include either an indoor or outdoor jacuzzi. Margaret of Naxos: One Suite has an indoor hot tub. Naxos Island Hotel: Family Apartments and some Deluxe Double Rooms have private, outdoor jacuzzis. The Saint Vlassis: Executive Doubles and the Penthouse Suite have outdoor hot tubs; Suites have indoor jacuzzis. Lagos Mare: Sea View Suites have indoor jacuzzis. Kedros Villas: The Family Suite has an indoor jacuzzi tub, while the Grand Villa and Residence have outdoor jacuzzis Iria Beach Art Hotel: Honeymoon Suites include indoor, jacuzzi tubs.

PAROS HOTELS Lilly Residences: Junior, Superior, and Honeymoon Suites have indoor jacuzzis. Both of their Diamond Suites boast private, outdoor plunge pools; 1 Diamond Suite has an additional indoor jacuzzi, while the other Diamond Suite has a second veranda. Anna Platanou Suites: All Suite types include a private jacuzzi or pool. The Luxury Suites can have an indoor or outdoor jacuzzi; Deluxe and Superior Suites have outdoor jacuzzis; the Exclusive Suite has a private pool with a built in jacuzzi. Hotel Senia: 2 room types have private jacuzzis, the Suite with Outdoor Hot Tub and the Superior Apartment with Spa Bath. Blue Mare Villas: Asterias and Ammos Villas both have private, outdoor jacuzzis. Kalypso Hotel: Some Superior Rooms and all Executive Rooms and Villas feature private, outdoor jacuzzis Kanale’s Rooms and Suites: The Junior, Maisonette, and Penthouse Suites all offer indoor jacuzzis. Yria Boutique Hotel: The Pool Experience Suites offer private, outdoor, infinity pools. The Yria Ktima Luxury Villa has an infinity pool and a jacuzzi-jetted plunge pool.

MILOS HOTELS Eiriana Luxury Suites: 3 of their 6 suites feature private, outdoor jacuzzis: Zephyrus, Boreas II, and Eurus. Salt Suites: The Sea Houses and Sea View Suites all have private, outdoor jacuzzis overlooking the sea. Nefeli Sunset Studios: The Master Suite boasts an outdoor, private jacuzzi. Milos Breeze: Exclusive Rooms can have either indoor jacuzzis or private plunge pools; Honeymoon Suites all feature private plunge pools. Captain Zeppos: The White Home offers an outdoor jacuzzi. Thalassitra Village Hotel: Executive Suites and Grand Executive Seaview Suites both have private pools with jacuzzi jets.

Hi Dave, I am planning my honeymoon to Greece and can’t decide the best itinerary. We want to relax but we also don’t want to lie on a beach for 2 weeks. We would love the right balance of travelling and relaxing. We were thinking Santorini, Milos (or Naxos?) and then maybe Athens? 3 days Athens, 5 days Santorini, and 5 days Milos/Naxos?

What do you recommend? Thank you so much in advance, Sarah

I think that’s a great plan. Santorini is a must and Milos and Naxos are two islands that have both great beaches and lots to do and see away from the beach. Renting a car and exploring the interior villages of Naxos is a must-do and so is a boat tour around Milos. If you’re willing to cut Athens to 2 days, I would recommend Santorini 5 days, Milos 3 days, Naxos 3 days, and Athens 2 days.

Hi Dave, going to Greece in September from the 3rd to 18th. Paros and Milos are pretty much decided but we are not sure about adding a 3rd island. We arrive in Athens early in the day from an overnight flight so will be jetlagged. My husband is staying on for an additional week near Thessaloniki. We have already visited Athens, Aegina, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and Rhodes. My husband isn’t really a beach person and I love the beach so we do need a mix of things to do. We are pretty fit and enjoy being Active. Great restaurants are a must. Any suggestions?

I think Naxos would be a great choice for you. Wonderful beaches, interesting inland villages, plenty of hiking, great food.

Hi Dave. Thank you for your amazing website! We (30’s / 40’s couple – no kids) used your recommendations last year in September and visited Santorini (7days), Milos (3days) and Crete (12days) before spending 3 days in Athens. The trip was amazing and Greece is calling us to go back again this year! We have a conundrum which we are hoping you can assist (well, many of them really!)

We are planning to come back at the start of September for 2 weeks to visit different islands for some beach and sun. To give you some background, we loved Santorini, Milos and the quieter / smaller places in Crete (Loutro, Falassarna, Samaria Gorge). We enjoy beach time, some hiking, site seeing, good wine / food and good / buzzy atmosphere at night for dinner / tavernas.

We originally thought we would try the Ionian islands (something different from what we experienced) with a view of visiting Cephalonia, Paxos, Lefkada or staying with the Cyclades with Paros/Antiparos and Naxos. We know that transport options may be more challenging on the Ionian side.

Can you please give us your opinion of the Ionian islands understanding what we like (above) and compared to our trip last year? We’ve read suggestions that it is more of a package holiday destination like resorts along Northern Crete which we didn’t enjoy being around.

If staying with the Cyclades option, we originally thought of Paros and Naxos although read that Antiparos comes highly recommended. Would you suggest Naoussa on Paros or Antiparos? In this option, we would look to stay 5 days Paros/Antiparos and 5 days Naxos with 4 days left over for another island close by if you have any suggestions??

Thanks in advance Dave!!!

The Ionian Islands are a quite different entity to the more familiar Aegean islands. There are in effect only seven of them plus a sprinkling of satellite islands that make for a very enjoyable package. They are different from the point of view of flora – they are greener and less barren than their Aegean cousins and they share a different history to the rest of Greece and the other islands, having absorbed much Venetian and Italian influences over the years. This is particularly apparent in the Old Town of Corfu where you could be forgiven for thinking you might be somewhere in Italy.

They are packaged tourist places, though not quite in the extreme league of the north coast of Crete, but certainly they look to the ‘managed’ traveller more than the individual. September is a good time, though the start of September is still pretty close to high season and you will need to make bookings in advance. The waters of the Ionian are a bit chillier than the Aegean, but the islands sport some very spectacular beaches and seaside resorts. They are very popular with Italian travellers in their boats and motorhomes.

Transport to them is easy enough with at least four airports receiving international flights (Corfu, Aktio (Lefkada), Kefallonia, and Zakynthos). Ferries to and from the mainland are well provided for, though travel between them is not quite the same deal as the Aegean islands.

The most remote island of the group, though still politically an Ionian island, is Kythira which dangles off the bottom of the Peloponnese and is perhaps the least-known Ionian treasure. It’s largish island with the kind of moody, windswept atmosphere that as you express above that you like. Do consider.

Zakynthos is the one with the ‘reputation’ for rowdy package tourism, though in all honesty it is mainly clustered around the dreadful resort of Laganas. The island happens to be the home of one of the most spectacular beaches in Greece – the famous ‘shipwreck’ beach that you can only get to by boat, or if you are daring enough – by parachute.

Kefallonia is another large island with a busy packaged summer population that combines mountains, beaches and villages in a very appealing way. It’s big enough to get away from others and there’s lots of fine wine and food, buzzy atmospheres and hiking and sightseeing. Look up Fiskardo and Assos.

Ithaki (Ithaca) is Ulysses’ home island and one might argue that it hasn’t changed much since. This is the kind of island where you go to get away from the other islands. It’s not so easy to get to and has a kind of dreamy, earthy kind of atmosphere that will appeal to lovers of an alternate Greek vacation. Hiking, good food, and nature galore.

Lefkada is the island that’s not an island. You can drive to it across the causeway from the mainland, but it feels every bit an island. Aristotle Onassis bought the satellite island of Skorpios here as his own bit of getaway paradise. Beaches, windsurfing, boat hire, good food and wine are all here and there are few built-up package resorts. The main tourist area is centred on Nydri.

The next big island north is Corfu, the grandmother of all holiday packaged islands, but with plenty of other individualized retreats. Arguably the prettiest of all the islands, it is lush, green and clean though it can get a bit cluttered in high Summer. Pretty well all the options you want are on offer, but the best hikes and ramblings are to be had away from the central east coast. Author Gerald Durrell chose well in Corfu: his famous White House in the north-west of the island is at the little seaside village of Kalami.

Off the southern tip of Corfu is the gem of an island called Paxi and may be what you are actually looking for, given your previous experiences. You can’t go wrong with Paxi. It is classy, clean, green and still pretty Ionian Greek. It is not a packaged island, but more a place for selective visitors.

Transport between them can be patchy, but a new service linking Zakynthos with Corfu which started this year now brings all the islands (bar Kythira) together. Zakynthos is otherwise linked to Kefallonia with an old-style open deck ‘slipper’ ferry; Kefallonia includes Ithaki on its local small ferry route to Nydri on Lefkada. There is no link (except for the new service) from Lefkada to Paxi/Corfu. Corfu has links to Paxi and its little know satellite islands just to the north. Kythira has an airport with flights to Athens and ferries to Crete (Kissamos) and the Peloponnese (Gythio, Kalamata, and Neapoli).

In summary, the Ionian islands are very popular for one good reason: they are all attractive destinations in their own right yet differ quite significantly from one another.

For Paros, choose Naoussa if you want trendy restaurants, bars, and shopping. Choose Antiparos if you want quiet charm and beaches within an easy walk.

I’m traveling to Greece for the first time, and I’m so fortunate to be staying for about 9 weeks (peak season, unfortunately, I’m an educator and it’s summer!). I have ample time planned in Athens, and the Peloponnese (with rental car). Here’s where I need some help and suggestions. I have 5 weeks saved for the islands and I’m still trying to figure out how to spend them. I’m not sure if I’d like to cover just a few islands and soak them in a bit deeper with longer stays…or to travel at a quicker pace covering several islands in each main area (the Cyclades, Ionians, Crete-Rhodes Dodecanese, Eastern Islands) I’m an easy traveler and enjoy diversity. I crave spending time with locals and interacting with families – home stays at times, I enjoy the water and I’m an avid diver, I like hiking and exploring. Also, want to perhaps relax a bit – food/wine tasting welcomed). I’m excited about the trip and my ideas are racing all over. Do you have some ideas and suggestions to share? A rough sketch itinerary for Greece? Thanks so much!

Nine weeks in Greece is a dream itinerary it certainly gives you lots of flexibility. As you seem to have Athens and the Peloponnese sorted, you just need to sort out your five weeks on the islands. What you need to realize, however, is that the islands are not all mutually interconnected, but rather they are ‘grouped’ – both administratively and from the point of view of transport routes. Here are the main groups.

• The Argo-Saronic Islands closer to Athens and run from Aegina to Spetses. • The Sporades Islands in the mid-northern Aegean three of which are connected to Volos and the fourth one to Evvia. • The Islands of the NE Aegean running from Samothraki in the North to Samos in the South • The Ionian Islands from Corfu along the west coast ending at Kythira • The Cyclades (the ‘traditional’ Greek islands) occupying the central Aegean • The Dodecanese Islands running south from Samos along the Turkish coast to Kastellorizo • Crete a large island rounding off the bottom of the Aegean Sea.

These groups are generally better connected among themselves than with other groups, so you are probably better advised to target them on this basis. As it’s your first time to Greece, you may want the full-on Greek island experience and you could easily fill your five weeks flitting from one island to the other in the Cyclades. You could start in Kea and work your way down to Milos via Kythnos, Serifos and Sifnos then segue to Paros and Naxos. Dip down to Santorini, up to Mykonos and back to Piraeus. The map will also show plenty of other Cyclades islands to pick and choose from such as Ios, Sikinos, Folegandros, Amorgos, Syros, Tinos and Andros – yes! too many choices, but you will find that sticking to one group it will be easier to get between them. Realistically for a period of five weeks you will not want to be doing more than 6-8 islands.

Of the above groups the Dodecanese probably constitute the best opportunity to mix islands between groups. You could, for example, take the Blue Star Ferries and map an island-hopping route that essentially heads in the same direction. In this way you could take in some of the Cyclades – Syros, Mykonos, Patmos, Naxos and some of the Dodecanese – Patmos, Leros, Kos, Chalki, and Rhodes – without any backtracking. Hellenic Seaways is another major ferry company whose routes you may want to explore.

The other groups are best tackled individually. For example, the Ionians have no ferry connections to the rest of the Greek islands; the same story with the Sporades and the Argo-Saronics. The NE Aegean islands do have a link to the Dodecanese and the Cyclades but are probably best left for another trip once you have got the feel of the rhythm of the Greek islands.

Crete is a destination unto itself but is commonly linked with Santorini and Mykonos and with daily catamarans between Crete and these islands it is easy to see why. Crete feels less like an island than anywhere else and can seem and feel daunting at first touch because of its size.

To sum up: a lot depends on your own stamina because island hopping means packing and unpacking, getting on and off buses and ferries. Limit your choice of islands to perhaps one or two less than you think you can manage. Maximise transport links to avoid backtracking or port-transferring and since you are traveling high season be aware that you will usually need bookings ahead at most places. It is possible to turn up on an island and not find a place to stay or have to make do with a third-rate option.

As a starter to explore ferry services, go to the Ferryhopper.com and punch in your route searches. Note: air travel between islands is not generally good. Air travel is normally only feasible between Athens (or other mainland destinations) and the island in question. Some exceptions do exist – Rhodes Kastellorizo, Kos-Leros-Astypalaia, Thessaloniki-Limnos-Ikaria etc. but again you will need bookings weeks in advance.

Finally, and this is perhaps the best tip of all – as it’s the old-style romantic one – book transport to and accommodation on one starter island (Paros is a good choice). Sail/fly there, sit down relax, pour cold drinks and eat healthy Greek foods for 4-5 days while working out where to go to next with your tablet under an umbrella on the beach. Book your next stop online and go there. Repeat the exercise. No hassles about being locked into a fixed itinerary and if you like a place, you stay longer. If not, you move on. You will generally find transport tickets for a day or three ahead and hotel owners often know someone on the next island who can fit you in. In Paros, Petres Hotel is a good starting point. Good luck and happy sailing!

Love your website! So informative. My boyfriend and I will be traveling to Greece on August 1-11th. We have 10 days. Is this a feasible itinerary for a couple in their early 30s who want beach, relaxation, good food, boating, and some history? Fly into Athens have one full day there then fly to Naxos for a day and a half, Milos for 3 nights, then Santorini for 3 nights, then back to Athens for our flight? We chose Milos over Naxos at first, but after reading your blog it seems the beaches in Naxos may be better?

Thanks, Megan

That’s a busy itinerary but doable. Naxos has better beaches, Milos has a more stunning and unique beauty.

Could you help with suggestions on where to take (2) 18 year old’s celebrating graduation. We will be landing in Athens on the 18th of April and departing for Crete, Mykonos, Santorini and back to Athens for a flight back to the USA on the 26th. Any help on things that are interesting for that age group would be terrific.

Vist Knossos (near Heraklion) and a get a tour guide. Do a boat tour and walk the caldera path in Santorini. Do the cooking class in Mykonos. Visit the Acropolis in Athens (and get a tour guide). Those would be my top recommendations.

I think you’re killing it with your website with the plethora of information/opinions available.

We are wanting to hit 3 islands and have narrowed it down to Corfu, Crete, and Santorini. I was feeling pretty good about this but I haven’t seen a lot of hype for Corfu. I was thinking it would be more unique as compared to the other 2 with its proximity to Italy and Turkey and Albania. Am I missing something, do you have any insight you could provide, please?

Those are 3 great islands. Corfu is much more green than Crete and Santorini and does have a different feel (more Italian but it’s no where near Turkey). The trouble with doing all 3 is that Corfu is on the opposite side of Greece from Crete and Santorini so you’d need to fly via Athens. It’s better for most people to visit another Cycladic island (Naxos, Paros, Milos, Folegandros) instead of splitting up their trip between the two sides of the country.

We are planning our honeymoon in Greece. We can probably take up to two weeks. One of the places we want to go is Santorini. We would like to visit one or maybe two other places if possible. The other places we were looking at are Athens, Mykonos & Crete. Which of these would you recommend with Santorini if we were thinking of visiting 2 or 3 places total? Also, with the time we have, how many days would be best in Santorini and the other places I mentioned above?

They’re all great choices. Athens (1 to 2 full days) is great for historical sightseeing. Mykonos for beaches and nightlife (2 to 4 days). Crete for historical sightseeing, greek culture and towns, some beaches but spread out (4 to 7 days). Santorini has great sightseeing, tours, and some history (4 to 7 days). If visiting outside of June to September then drop Mykonos and do the other 3 for sure.

We are traveling to Greece in early June for two weeks. We are booked for 2 nights in Athens and 2 nights in Santorini. I am trying to decide between going to Crete for a few days or Naxos and Milos rather than Crete. We have three kids ages 19, 12 and 11. Which do you think would be funner for us as a family?

Go with Naxos (great beaches) and Milos (fun boat tours and cool swimming spots).

Hi Dave! I’m planning my honeymoon for early September, starting from Santorini. I’d like to hit Naxos, Paros and finally Milos before returning to Athens. Is this order of islands doable? I’m most concerned about ferries being available to each of the islands, especially Paros to Milos. Are ferries routinely available daily in September? Also, for all these islands would three full days each be too much or not enough? My wife and I aren’t into nightlife, just looking for relaxation, great beaches, beautiful water and amazing food! Thanks!

You’d have to check the schedule for your specific dates but I think Santorini then Milos then Paros then Naxos and Athens would probably be the best order. 3 days in each sounds great. Or a small tweak: 2 days in Milos and then 4 days in Santorini (splitting time between 2 of the 4 caldera towns) or even 4 days in Paros (splitting time between Naousa and Parikia).

My fiancee and I are heading to Greece in July. We’ve been to Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, and Santorini. This time we plan on being there July 1 to 23. We’re definitely including Milos, and one of Paros or Naxos. Any recommendations for other islands? Any particular ferry routes we should consider? Some “less touristy” islands are a must (for at least one island). We can be lively or very chilled. Thanks and best wishes! Saro

For beaches: Sifnos (quiet island, an easy stop between Athens and Milos) or Ikaria (quieter still, but a little more effort to get to). For lively: Ios (great nightlife and magical beaches, good restaurants too). For hikes: Folegandros (many paths around the island, great local food). For less-touristy atmosphere: Syros (large local population, tourism occupies a relatively small percentage of economy) or Sikinos (small, sleepy island that doesn’t get a lot of visitors).

Hi Santorini Dave!

This is a great resource! I am planning our honeymoon for August. We have about 2 weeks. We are thinking of flying into Athens, exploring for a full day, then flying to Santorini for 2 or 3 days, then ferry to Milos and spend maybe 10 days there.

I’m a little worried I’ll get bored in Milos. My husband likes to stay in one place, but I like exploring. We would have split our time more evenly but we want to stay on the caldera and it’s just too expensive to stay any longer than two or three nights. Alternatively, we could stay in Santorini for longer but move to a cheaper hotel. Perhaps Santorini 6 nights and Milos 6 nights?

We love beautiful natural sights, charming Greek towns, the water, swimming, hiking, and biking. I love exploring and figs, the husband would love to see ruins and explore history.

Do you think we should change our itinerary?

Thank you so much!!

10 days would be a log time in Milos. Could be great if you’re happy with quiet days but I’d recommend spending more time on Santorini (or another island). If you’re looking for a cheap hotel steps from the caldera and surrounded by great restaurants then check out Merovigliosso in Imerovigli.

I need to finalize plans for a mid-June trip, looking to stay 9-10 nights. Traveling with my wife and two sons (24 and 16). Definitely want to go to Santorini, Mykonos and Athens. Was considering 3 nights at each, but after reading on your site, I am thinking about stealing a night from Athens and spending 2 nights at Naxos. We want to see the major sights in Athens, can we do that in a day? Any comments on the itinerary given our group is welcome.

Can you see all the major sights in Athens in one day? No. But you can see the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, and the top historical sites of the Plaka in one day. If you had an extra half-day then visit the Archaeological Museum in Exarcheia. That still leaves many great sights but you will have seen all of the iconic Athens attractions. Adding Naxos is always a good idea. You might even enjoy it more than Mykonos (but no nightlife like Mykonos).

Hi Dave, My husband and I are heading to Greece in July this year. We fly into Athens and then are connecting to Samos where we are meeting up for a friend’s 50th birthday celebration. We have 4 nights here and then another week to explore some other islands. We would love to visit Santorini although I know it is not close to Samos so not sure if that is the best option? We thought about Paros or Naxos for 3nts, and then Santorini for another 3nts. Then fly back to Athens and spend a couple of days here before we head for Dubrovnik. Do you know if there are ferries between these Island points and would that be the best use of our time? I guess we don’t want to waste too much time travelling between points! We are just playing around with ideas at the moment as Samos is the only part set in stone. Open to any suggestions as this is my husband’s first trip to Greece and my last trip here was with my parents about 35 years ago!

Thanks so much in advance. Carolynn

Your best bet is to take the Hellenic ferry from Samos to Mykonos . Spend a night or two there, then ferry to Naxos, Paros, and/or Santorini (there are many ferries doing this route in summer).

Hello, Dave! I love your website, congratulations. Me, my wife and a couple of friends are traveling to Greece in March (I know it’s not the best time of the year to visit Greece, but it’s the time we have available). We are in our late 30’s and are looking forward to some beautiful views, chill out time and good food. We’re not after huge parties but some local music wouldn’t be bad. We have 13 days in our hands, so by reading your texts I’m considering spending some 2 days in Athens, 3 days in Mykonos, 4 days in Santorini, 4 days in Chania. Do you think it’s a good schedule? Are we spending too much time or too little time in any of these places? Would you recommend a different setup for that time of the year? Thanks in advance, mate. Tiago

That all sounds good though I would recommend Naxos over Mykonos in March as there’s more to see and do there when not beach weather. And if you do decide to do Mykonos be sure there’s a ferry from Mykonos to Santorini for your dates. And same for Santorini to Crete. There should be ferry service but the route starts different times every year so you do want to be certain.

I was originally going to fly into Athens, then do Mykonos, Santorini and possibly Paros all in 10 days. Now I’ve decided to skip Athens altogether and just do the other 3 islands. We’re going the last week in August. So I have 3 questions: 1) Which is better to fly into – Mykonos or Santorini? (I’m coming from Boston). 2) Are these 3 islands fairly close to each other and reachable by ferry? 3) Do I have enough time in 10 days to do 3 nights in Mykonos, 4 in Santorini then 2 nights in Paros?

As always, thanks a bunch! Cici

1) Both are fine just be sure to fly in and out of different islands (it’s a waste to backtrack to your original island). So fly into Mykonos and out of Santorini, or into Santorini and out of Mykonos. 2) Yes, they’re close and easy to get between with ferries. 3) 10 days is fine for 3 islands.

Thank you so much for all the info on this site. I will definitely become a patron when I get more into the weeds of planning. I have always dreamed of visiting Greece (my #1 dream vacation) and I finally get to go this summer!

My boyfriend and I are traveling there in early to mid-June and need some help figuring out which places to visit and how long to stay at each location. We will probably only be spending about 7 days in Greece.

We are in our 20s and looking for a fun and romantic trip. We both love hiking and adventure activities. I love beaches and views. He is interested in the historical sites and Ancient Greece. We do not care about parties or shopping. What itinerary should we follow? Where should we go and how should we budget our time in each locations?

I would do 3 of the following 4 places: Athens (1 full day), Naxos (2 to 3 days), Crete (3 to 4 days), Santorini (3 to 4 days).

Hi Dave, We would love your help, we are a party of four 50 plus adults from Australia and never have been too the Greek Island. We’re not sure whether we should be going to naxos or paros , we are there for 4 days and not sure whether just to stay on one island and ferry to the other and if you think possible even a day trip to santorini. Our priorities are culture and history, swimming in beautiful beaches, beautiful views, nice towns, and food and drink. We’re not interested in clubbing at all, but more laid-back late night bars definitely appeal. This will be our one big holiday this year as we will be celebrating my 50th birthday while there so want it too be special. Our budget is more mid-range than sky-high, and hoping for help with hotels to stay at.

This may be way too vague for you to help! But if you can, it would be hugely appreciated! Sharon

My top recommendation is to go to Naxos and stay there (don’t bother with day trips). If by 4 days you mean 4 nights then you could spend 2 on Naxos and 2 on Paros but that wouldn’t be my first choice.

Hello Dave, great and very informing web page. Added to my favorite pages. We are a couple with an average age of early mid 30s and we prefer calm places. We like nature, old/authentic cities, swimming and snorkelling. Also we like nice restaurants, calm and remote places. Next year, between 18-26 August we plan to visit Greek Islands and my father wants to come with us. Our alternatives are: 1st alternative: Santorini 2 nights, Naxos 2 nights, Amorgos 3 nights, Naxos 1 night, 2nd alternative: Santorini 2 nights, 3 nights Ios, 3 nights Naxos, 3rd alternative: although irrelevant to the other alternatives Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos. which alternative do you suggest? Amorgos or Ios? We will be very happy if you can give an idea, we know that all the Greek Islands are very beautiful, thus it is hard to make a decision: Thank you for your help.

In favor of the Ios itinerary is that the 1st alternative seems a little busy and rushed. In favor of the Amorgos itinerary is that you’re visiting during the peak of the high season and Ios and Naxos will be very busy, Amorgos less so. I’d let those two criteria guide what you decide.

Hi Dave, I used this guide last year to plan my first ever trip to Greece and it was amazing, so amazing that I have to go back! Both my partner and I are 32. My itinerary last year was: – 2 nights Athens, 6 nights in Naoussa (Stayed in Kallisti, couldn’t recommend highly enough) – 3 nights in Santorini (Blue Mills Suites) – 5 nights in Naxos (Nissaki beach hotel, also amazing). BTW my favourite was probably Paros!

So, what should I do this year? My thoughts: – Fly into Chania in Crete – Stay 4 days there in Casa Delfino then move to – Agios Nikolaos or Elounda for 3-4 nights. Which area is nicer and what hotels should I stay in? – Then I’m thinking of taking the ferry to Mykonos and staying in Mykonos town for 3 nights. Up for a party and chillout on a few expensive beaches! – Any advice on where to go after for around 5 nights? Back to Naxos (we didn’t really move from the town last year unlike in Paros where we rented a car and saw the whole island)? What about Folegandros? Tinos? Milos? We would like somewhere with a nice town to walk around, upmarket, more couple less family, nice bars and things to see during the day bit also nice beaches etc?

What do you think of the itinerary and choices? Note: If you would swap Crete or Mykonos with other islands I would be open to that too! Thanks so much, Stephen

Chania is a great choice. A wonderful charming town. Elounda is great for a quiet laid back stop, Agios Nikolaos has a more interesting vibe and is more of a real town. Also very charming. I prefer Ag Nik but Elounda has more luxurious hotels. ( Crete hotels .) Naxos has lots to see in the interior so if you didn’t explore then certainly consider that. Folegandros and Milos are both incredible. Folegandros is more suited to walking and relaxing (and has some top notch restaurants and hotels). On Milos you need to do a tour and get out and actively explore to do it justice. Geologically Milos is stunning. A little like Santorini but with better beaches.

Hi! I have fallen in love with the cyklades and have visited Santorini, Ios, Naxos and Folegandros in late june. Folegandros was the best, a fantastic island. We are now thinking about going to Paros the last week in September. Naoussa seem to be a great place. What’s the weather like in late September? Is it still quite warm? I also wonder about the sea conditions. May the sea be rough at that time of the year? I don’t like wavy ferry rides 😨 Thank you for a good sight! Ulrika, Sweden

Weather is usually great in late September. Still warm, water is beautiful. See is often rougher in August when the wind can blow hard from the north.

I’m hoping you can help myself and a friend decide where to go. We are hoping to go away around mid August for 10 days-2 weeks. We’re looking for a sunny place and beaches to tan and relax during the day, with some big nightlife and a good strip (the odd daytime activity maybe too). However we are in mid 20s so want to go somewhere with the same age group or older. I’ve been to Zante and although it was super fun at the time (I was about 18) and loved having the strip etc, just don’t want to be the older people there anymore! Money is also fairly tight, so nothing too expensive (was thinking santorini maybe before hearing the price along with it).

Any recommendation(s) would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Sorcha

Paros is what you want.

My wife and I are trying to find out which island is best, we are traveling with a newborn, and we are looking for beautiful white sand beaches, cozy and classic greek towns and stay in a hip hotel, also hip restaurants would be a plus. I understand that August is a popular month but also trying to stay away from crazy overcrowded islands. Do you think is possible to find all in one island?

I think Naxos would be the best island for you: incredible beaches, wonderful villages, great restaurants, and some very good hotels (though I don’t think I’d go so far as to call them hip – but nice, for sure). The farther south you go from Naxos Town the quieter the beaches get – so keep going to find the balance you prefer. If you want an island with a little more hip but beaches not quite as perfect then try Paros. If you want to err on the quieter and idyllic side then Antiparos or Ikaria.

my husband and I arrive in Athens this coming Sunday and fly home the following Sunday. Trying to make the most of our short stay and based on your recommendation we are choosing to tour Athens on the front end of our trip, then Ferry to Paros and then Santorini.

Is two nights in Athens enough? That would leave us one full day of touring the Plaka. Which Island would you recommend staying 3 nights, Paros or Santorini?

Many thanks for your great site!

Rebecca McLean

One full day in Athens is perfect and enough time for most visitors (just try to pack in as much as you can and definitely get up to the Acropolis). I’d spend longer on Santorini than on Paros.

Hi Dave! Your website is simply amazing and has answered most of my questions thus far. (Basically used your website and information to plan 90% of our trip)! My sister (32 years young) and myself (28 years young) are traveling to Greece from 22nd August – 6th September. This will be the first visit for my sister and my second visit so I am trying to show her my favourite places as well as visit new ones myself (i have only ever been to Mykonos and Santorini). Our trip starts in Athens for 2 days, Mykonos for 6 days, Santorini for 5 days and leaving us with 3 days to spare at the end of the trip. (4th Sept – 7th Sept) We fly out of Athens in the am on the 7th Sept so need to be back in Athens prior to this. Question: Is it worth taking the evening ferry on the 4th Sep to Crete (Heraklion) from Santorini, then the bus onto Chania so that we can do the Samaria Gorge on the 5th? Spending the full day in Chania on the 6th and taking the last flight out of Chania that night back to Athens? (or do you think this is trying to squeeze in too much in too little time)? Alternatively, we are looking at going to Elafonissi Beach instead of the Gorge… but are not sure what will be more our while!! Basically we just want to see the best bits in a VERY small window…. so if you have any other recommendation as to what we can do with these 2-3 days would be much appreciated!

It’s doable and probably worth it. But it would be easier and more practical to use those 2/3 days with a stop in Naxos or Paros on the way between Mykonos and Santorini.

Hi dave – very cool and informative site! We’re a family of 6 (all adults) traveling to Greece for the first time…and most likely the last time. We’d like to visit some historic sites, but more interested in experiencing Greek life in small towns. Beaches and nightlife are not important. I’m looking to put together a balanced itinerary covering 10 days (11 nights) and had the following in mind:

2 days (3 nights) road trip to include Delphi, Kardamyli, Monemvasia, Nafplio. 2 days (2 nights) Hydra 2 days (2 nights) Santorini 1 day (1 night) Naxos 3 days (3 nights) Athens

Any suggestions? I’m not stuck on this, so feel free to make recommendations.

Thanks Kobus

Looks great. I’m partial to Santorini so would recommend a day more there (and cut one day from Athens). But otherwise, should be a great trip.

Hello! Our family has traveled to a few Greek destinations on a cruise – Corfu, Kefallonia, and Santorini several years (and three kids) ago. We are coming back to celebrate a (big) birthday in September. We have four kids, from 14 months to 8 years, all of whom will travel with us. We are aiming for 10-12 days. We are mulling over: – Santorini – luxury hotel for 2-3 nights (Perivolas/Katikies or similar) – Crete – 5-6 days, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Elafonissi Beach worth it? – Naxos – this trip or maybe next, Agios Prokopis, Agios Anna, Plaka Beach, Naxos Town – Skopelos – have seen it is a bit under the radar but being lauded as one of the world’s best islands and have not seen much on it here. Skopelos Town, Paralia Stafilos, Mamma Mia sights…Thoughts? – Hydra – it’s close to Athens, and looks lovely, but is it worth the stop with the kids? May skip for another trip.

We really want beautiful beaches, scenic seaside towns, great food, and once we get there, easy. I don’t mind a little schlepping, as it is part of the adventure. Also, I get really seasick every time I take a ferry or whale watching boat in the Pacific and am curious about that in the Mediterranean in September.

How would you route us, given we would like to stay put a few days in the beginning to get over the time difference? I would like to do Santorini toward the end, but have some beach time right after. Thank you for being a great resource!

You’ve obviously given serious thought to your schedule and it looks good, but given your relatively compressed timeframe, it might be difficult to fit it all in. Travelling between destinations really eats into your down time. Carrying kids along adds to the pleasure, but also slows down movements. So, what’s best?

Crete, Santorini, and Naxos look quite doable within the 12-day block, but Crete’s beaches are scattered throughout a very LARGE island, Santorini really only has Kamari and Perissá (and some southern coast bays) and Naxos does have nice places to swim. If you choose only to visit those three islands in your relatively short time, you will do well.

You’d probably really want to stick to Chania (Platanias/Agia Marina) for your Crete stint, with a day trip to the very worth-it Elafonisi Beach. Kids will work well in this area and if you don’t mind schlepping a tad, you’ll do well.

Be cautious with Santorini and kids. Some hotels don’t do kids (check carefully) and not all hotels are suitable for kids along the caldera lip. Many steps, confined spaces and other guests who don’t actually want to hear kids … Here’s an idea – look for a child-friendly hotel (perhaps on the beach at Perissá) and base yourself where the kids will like it and then take them to the caldera scene. There are a couple of child-friendly hotels on the Caldera, but they get booked very early in the year.

Looking at the wildcards Hydra and more so, Skopelos … you will have quite challenging logistical issues in weaving Skopelos into the mix. Great island – Mamma Mia and all that – but no airport and only serious boat connections with the land port of Volos … It warrants a separate trip.

Hydra is an easy add-on to Athens, but only if you have the free days and you will want at least two nights. It’s a very walkable place (no cars) – or take a horse and cart – but not a beach destination. If you have a spare day in Athens, take the local ferry to Angistri for a great day on the beach.

Ferries in September? The big winds are usually over and it’s commonly smooth sailing, so no worries on that score. The Mediterranean is not the Pacific ;-)

Good evening Dave

We are a family of 4 adults (ages early 50’s and early 20’s). Will have 6 nights in the Greek islands. We originally planned to stay all 6 nights in Firostefani on Santorini. However, Crete is appealing given our interests below and typical day (see below).

THE ASK: Given this is our first visit to the Greek islands, for 6 nights, our interests and our typical day on holiday, what would you recommend?

1. Stay all 6 nights on a single island – 6 nights Santorini or 6 nights Crete (with day trip to either island)? 2. Split time between the two islands? If so, what is your recommended split between Santorini and Crete?

Our interests: Natural sights and wonders Culture (food, drink/wine, meeting/talking with locals) Historical & Archeological Sites & Stories Daily quiet R&R time at pool or beach

Our preferred activities: Pool & Beach (incl snorkeling/diving, swimming, water sports) Hiking, Biking, & Scooters Visiting historical/archeology sites, quintessential local towns/views, and vineyards

Typical day on holiday: Rise and 1hr workout @ 7:30am Coffee, danish, relax & catch up on news and social media AM Activity for 1-2 hrs (pool, beach, hike, scooters, boat tour, archeological sites) Lunch – onsite or off-site while window shopping at a quintessential town Pool or Beach for 1-2 hours (including nap/book reading time) or planned activity Unstructured time until dinner Dinner around 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM with spectacular sunset view Nightlife for 1-2 hrs

Darryl Miclat

It’s a tough call. The good news is that whatever you decide, it will feel like the right thing after you’ve done it. You’ll almost certainly say to yourself, “I’m so glad we saw both islands” or “I’m so glad we had 6 full days on Santorini.” In deciding I would ask whether a return trip to Greece is likely or possible in the next couple of years. If so, then spend your 6 days on Santorini and explore that island, then return to Crete at some time in the future for a deserving 7 to 10 days. But if this is a one-time deal for the foreseeable future then do 3 days on Santorini and 3 days in Crete. (Whatever you decide don’t do a day trip to the other island as it’s not worth the time and effort.)

My fiancé and I are interested in the Greek Islands for our honeymoon in early August. I know it’s not the ideal time to go, but it’s right after our wedding. We are two women in our late thirties. We’d fly into Athens and then I was thinking Santorini for 4 nights and then possibly one other island. We’re into the beach, snorkeling/boat trip, maybe a hike or bike ride and amazing food. We’re not interested in the party scene, but definitely want to explore amazing restaurants. You know, the perfect amount of romance and relaxation combined with culture and epic scenery. Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Cheers, Sam

Yes, Santorini for sure. Other good choices would be Naxos (good hikes, traditional food), Paros (trendy nightlife and restaurants), and Milos (very cool boat trips around the island).

Hi Dave, you truly do offer and insanely helpful guide to Greece. Thank you so much for doing that, I know it’s super hard work to keep up with responding to people! You do it very well.

I’m sorry if you covered this in another part of your site, (either I’m technically challenged or there just isn’t a search function for your site) but I’m curious about Corfu. From what I can tell, you mentioned it once in your site under your post about best beaches. The Paleokastritsa area is something that has caught my attention for a while and is on my list, and then I saw pictures of Nissakids Bay and that looked kind of amazing.

I’m curious why you don’t mention Corfu more? Is it just because it’s not the region that you tend to be in, and is so far away from the rest of the islands? Or is there something else about it that you don’t like? I very much would value your opinion on this matter! thank you so much, Kimberly

Corfu is wonderful. Great beaches, food, beautiful, and Corfu Town is charming. One disadvantage of Corfu is that there aren’t any nearby islands that are easy to ferry to. So you’re not going to be island hopping like in the eastern Greek islands. But if you’re fine missing out on that then Corfu is a great choice.

this is the most helpful website I’ve ever come across, thank you so much for all your information! I wanted to ask, my boyrfriend and I will be visiting Santorini from March 28th-April 4th, and even though it’s a short period we were hoping to do a day trip to Ios. But it doesn’t seem like ferries are available on those dates. Do you know if any ferries go to Ios and back on same day during our dates?

Thanks a lot! Faye

Things could change but as of now there are no ferries between Ios and Santorini until later in the year.

My husband & I were planning to go on an organized Hiking the Greek Isles tour in May, that we just found out is cancelled. It is our 10 year anniversary so we’d still love to plan a trip on our own for about 2 weeks in length. We are a bit apprehensive because we are from Canada and have never been to Europe before. I have several questions I’m hoping you can help me out with. One, how much should we budget/day for eating out for lunch & dinner? Most of the hotels look like they include breakfast. Two, how much should we budget for ferries? We are considering around 2 days in Athens, 2 days in Tinos, 2 days in Naxos, 3 days in Santorini & 4 days in Crete. Our main goals are seeing the beauty of the Greek islands, getting some physical activity in (walking & hiking), and spending time together. Any input would be much appreciated! Thanks very much! Jennifer

Budgeting for Greece is always going to be subject to what your expectations and needs are. Assuming that you, like many travellers, like to eat a filling breakfast, savour maybe a light lunch and feast on a heavier dinner (or vice versa), enjoy a drink with your meals and are not totally vegetarian/vegan and prefer to sleep in comfort and cleanliness, then there is a set of figures that can be guesstimated.

Comfortable accommodation in May for 2 persons can be found for between €40 and €80 per night. A meal for two that includes a starter, two main meals, salad and a litre carafe of local wine will cost you around €25-35. This can vary widely depending of level of establishment you eat at. A cheap vegetarian dish (pulses or vegetable) will set you back by no more than €5-6 a plate. If you get your breakfast included at the hotel, that is good because breakfast can add another €15 for the two of you per day.

Prices do vary across the country with Mykonos and Santorini being perceptibly dearer, but the season is in your favour with May being considered shoulder season with negotiable accommodation rates.

Ferries are not really cheap any more – certainly not like they used to be – but the vessel fleet is better, safer and faster than in previous years so the cost is justified. You can get exceptionally cheap deals on longer-haul routes if you are prepared to forego a booked seat: €14 v €40 on a run to a mid-distant island, but it’s probably wise to consider taking fast catamarans to get to core islands (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros etc.) and even then, go the extra 10/15% for Business or even VIP class for the extra comfort. On longer hauls it can be cheaper to fly if you seek out flights online and book beforehand.

A good place to start researching your ferries is gtp.gr . Once you have got a hit, go to the indicated ferry company and punch in your dates. You can book online and pick up your tickets when you get to Greece.

Finally, as for walking, the Greek islands lend themselves very easily to good walks. You will enjoy the caldera rim walk in Santorini, the Samaria Gorge walk in Crete, and basically walking anywhere you like on other islands. Check out the islands maps and walking trails on maps available here , that will give you a handy heads-up.

I am a travel agent in Melbourne, Australia and I have used your website regularly.

Really fantastic work and I hope that you don’t mind a professional agent using your services. I have referred many customers to your site as it is easy to go though and full of fabulous information.

I am a bit stuck here with a young couple late 20’s, trendy and cool. They have done Santorini and Mykonos last year and they have booked now 2 weeks for Lefkada, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos. Is there anything you could give me that would help me finding great hotels and places to stay on those islands? Their budget is $500 per night per room.

Thanks again for your great work!

Kindest regards JP Boutefeu, Personal Travel Manager

Excellent choice of islands, though getting between them presents one or two challenges (they are not as conveniently connected like the Cycladic or Dodecanese islands so island hopping is not as popular in this island group). All three islands are served by airports with year-round connections to Athens and in the Summer with international charter flights from Europe. Let’s take the pros and cons of each island.

Lefkada is an island, but is connected to the mainland by a causeway at the northern tip and its access airport is on the mainland at Aktio (Preveza). It is an island popular with Greeks and mainly European visitors. Italians and Brits predominate. It is green, verdant, has good beaches and facilities and is compact enough to get around easily. Tourism is centred on the east coast around the port village of Nydri. It is low-key accommodation with villas and small family-run hotels predominating. Off-shore from Nydri are a couple of islands worth visiting on excursions: the sizeable Meganisi (car ferries run to and fro’) and the private Skorpios Island which belong to the Onassis family. On your own hired motor boat, you can heave-to on just one private beach on the north side of the island and swim and claim boasting rights to having swum on Aristotle Onassis’ private piece of Greece.

Between Nydri and the next main tourism centre is the little port and beach of Mikros Gialos (small bay) that is a great little base for individual travellers for a day or three. The port village of Vasiliki on the southern underbelly of Lefkada is a haven for windsurfers: see this page or this one for more information. The little village is very pretty and is a good base for general holiday-making (as are the two other places). From Vasiliki there is a regular local ferry that runs to Fiskardo on Kefallonia (via Ithaca/Ithaki).

Kefallonia was severely shaken by an earthquake in 1953 and thereafter lost its quaint gloss. The picturesque northern port of Fiskardo however, escaped much of the destruction and remains to this day one of the main focal points for visitors to the island, so is a good spot for a stay of 2-3 days. Pretty, waterfront cafés and restaurants and a cosy, folksy feel predominate. Asos, between Fiskardo and Argostoli is a west coast ‘resort’ village that pulls in its fair share of visitors and the view down to Asos from the main island road is one of the most photographed spots on Kefallonia.

Argostoli is the capital on the mid-west flank of the island and is not really a destination itself, that moniker falling to the contiguous beach scene running from Lourdata south eastward to Skala. While development might have caught up here by now, it should still be a pleasant beach scene and focus for a relaxing stay. The Melissani Cave on the east coast is a must attraction and while it can be visited on a day excursion from anywhere on Kefallonia the two villages or Agia Efthymia and Poros are low-key ‘resorts’ pulling in a regular crowd of travellers and may warrant a look-in. The port of Pesada (just west of Lourdata) is the home of the local ferry to Zakynthos (Zante).

Zakynthos is an island of certain extremes: beauty and crass, mass tourism of the worst sort. The islands – like all the Ionian islands is lush and verdant and boasts the now famous ‘shipwreck beach’ (Navagio) that many seek to travel to and swim at. Yes, it’s worth it and numerous excursion boats make the run from ports on the west side of the island. Environmentalists and capitalists clash daggers at Laganas where the mass tourism trade is carried out to the detriment of the Caretta Caretta, or loggerhead turtle that loves the beach as much as British tourists on a binge. Read this page for the background. There is an alternative scene to Laganas at Vasilikos over to the east, but it is much more low-key and less busy.

Transport between the three islands relies on local ferries and these are unsophisticated ‘landing-craft’ style boats that do little more than ferry passengers and vehicles in Spartan comfort, but they are very functional and vital to the inter-island communication. There is plenty of on the ground support excursions and infrastructure and the islands are well-used to tourism; the only exception is that travellers will need to use a bit of independence in getting between the islands.

Hi Dave! My husband and I are planning a trip to Greece in late May/early April. We already plan to spend a few nights on Santorini, and are trying to choose one other island to pair with it (will have 3 nights on other island). We are in our late 20s and are more interested in outdoors (hiking, exploring, beaches, boat trips). I’d like to keep travel time to a minimum, so I have been looking at the closer islands – Milos, Paros, and Naxos. Do you have any recommendations or thoughts on a good island to pair with Santorini? Thank you! Ann

Naxos for the hiking. Milos for the boat trips. Both for beaches and exploring.

Thank you for putting together such a great site. My husband and I are planning a trip to the Islands in May – neither of us have been and, honestly, have no idea where to even start putting together an itinerary. We have at least 14 nights to spend there (and may be able to push that to 17). I’m in my early 30s, my husband’s in his early 40s. Our priorities are culture and history, swimming, beautiful views, nice towns, and food and drink. We’re not interested in clubbing at all, but more laid-back late night bars definitely appeal. This is probably our one big holiday this year so while the budget is more mid-range than sky-high, we can push it a bit for the right places or experiences. We’re happy to take in quite a few islands, or with a mix of longer and shorter stays.

This may be way too vague for you to help! But if you can, it would be hugely appreciated!

The good news is that all the Greek islands are great. There’s almost no chance that you’ll pick 3 or 4 different islands and come back disappointed. That said, you’re probably best to focus on the Cyclades and of those Naxos, Paros, Antiparos, and Milos have everything you’re looking.

Fabulous site Dave! I am taking my daughter to Greece for 12 days in late May this year as a grad gift (yeah I know…, I think my Dad gave me a Timex watch, but I digress) and we are flying into Santorini expecting to spend 5-6 days there then ferrying over to Mykonos (not really sure why?) for a couple days. A couple days there and then flying into Athens for 2-2.5 days to inject some culture into what is otherwise somewhat hedonistic trip. I was wondering, after reading about other islands whether it is worth going to Mykonos. I’d love to go to Crete but it seems to be tough to squeeze that in. The original plan was to go to Istanbul for a couple days but it seems really sketchy right now. So is Naxos a better idea than Mykonos? Should we stay longer in Santorini? Is 2.5 days too much for Athens? Any and all info is appreciated. Tom

I would recommend Naxos over Mykonos and with 12 days you could easily add Paros too. With Santorini, Paros, and Naxos you’ll get a good mix of different delights and some ferry island hopping too which is fun in itself. 1.5 days in Athens is perfect for most – 1 day for the Plaka, Parthenon, Acropolis Museum area; and a half-day to visit the Archaeological Museum which is a short drive or walk from the Plaka but hard to fit in one day along with the other sights.

We’re planning a Greece trip to celebrate our 25th anniversary in September next year. We plan to arrive in Athens and directly take train to Kalambaka/Meteora (2 nights), then down to Delphi (hotel stay in Athens), a day to see sights in Athens, a day trip to Nafplio and then leave to explore islands. Our plan is to go to Naxos for 4-5 nights, then to Santorini (for our anniversary) for 4 nights, and then to Crete for 5-6 nights. I would like to see Delos and wonder if it’s possible to stop in Mykonos, do the tour to Delos and still be able to catch ferry to Naxos the same day?

Thank you so much for your assistance! We’re looking forward to visiting Greece!

Yes, it’s possible. Get the SeaJet ferry from Athens to Mykonos. It should arrive at 9:30am or shortly after. You’ll have to hurry to store you’re luggage at the Sea and Sky travel agency across from the Old Port and then buy tickets for Delos. The last ferry to Delos leaves at 11am or maybe 11:30am. Ferry to Delos is about 30 minutes. Last ferry back is at 3pm which will give you plenty of time before the last ferry of the day to Naxos (at 6:15pm on SeaJet). All the ferries mention here use the Old Port. Don’t book any ferries that use the New Port or you’ll have trouble making the connections.

It’s still months away but my boyfriend and I (we’re in our late twenties) are thinking about going to a Greek island in the first week of October. We’ve both never been to Greece and we’re wondering what the best Island is for us. We’re on a budget (think €50 per person per day) and would like to go someplace warm and sunny where there’s also a combination of culture and nature. So we can explore in the mornings and relax at the beach in the afternoon. Preferably a sandy beach. We don’t need a lot of nightlife but it would be nice if not the whole island is closing down already. Do you have a suggestion?

Thanks in advance!

I’d go with Naxos: cheap hotels can be found, great walks and hikes through the mountains, wonderful beaches, and popular enough not to be dead in October. €50/per day is doable but you’ll really have to watch it.

We are two guys in our early 30s, we have 12 days for the Greek Islands. We like to swim, ride bikes, or drive on the islands to explore villages, culture, local life, love to eat local food, rest and have beers on beach, stroll and walk around in evening, etc. We will go to Santorini for 3 nights and select Fira according your suggestions, we are confused for next island between Crete and Naxos. Crete is huge but if we choose Naxos as it’s easy to reach from Santorini than does 8-9 days will be boredom in Naxos? Please suggest what’s best and on which place we should look for accommodation in either island you suggest..

Thanks Manik Arora

Yes, I would agree that 8 or 9 days is too long for Naxos – unless you’re happy sitting at the beach for several of those days. But if you’re looking to be semi-active and explore then you’d be best to add Paros and spend 4/5 days on each. Crete, on the other hand, would be perfect for an 8/9 day road trip. Start in Heraklion (where the ferry arrives from Santorini) head east and then south and finally ending up in the western town of Chania where you can fly up home from.

Hi Dave, My husband, another couple, and I are planning a trip to Greece in September. We are staying in Milos for a few nights and were planning on staying at Melian Hotel and Spa….do you know anything about this hotel? I was worried about proximity to things, but it looks like no matter what, we are going to need to rent a car or use the bus system to get around. It seemed though that Melian had 6 or 7 restaurant options within walking distance. Also, any ideas or tips on things to do, see, or go?? We plan to do one of those semi-private sailing tours, but other than that we are an open book. Thanks so much for any input! Laura Carroll

The Melian is great and yes an easy walk to a good range of restaurants in Pollonia. The sailing tours around Milos are the highlight of the island but would also recommend renting a car and exploring the spread out beaches and stunning views. Getting around Milos to see things by bus is doable but definitely easier with a car.

Hi Dave! Your website is so detailed and helpful! I’m starting to plan a trip for late May-early June. We were interested in visiting Santorini, Naxos (we opted for Naxos instead of party-filled Mykonos) and Milos. Our main airport of arrival is Athens. What order should we visit all three islands (in terms of convenience of ferry/flight availability) and how many nights do you recommend allotting to each? Thanks in advance for your time!

Ferries between Naxos and Milos don’t start until June 7th (one each way, every day after that). Ferries between Santorini and Milos start April 28th and there is one every day in each direction. And there are always ferries between Naxos and Santorini. So if the dates work I would fly to Santorini (the longest leg) then ferry to Milos then Naxos and back to Athens. But if you need to travel between Naxos and Milos before the 7th then ferry Athens to Milos to Santorini to Naxos and back to Athens.

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Top 10 best Greek islands to visit

Monday  newsletters  always feature  top 10 travel lists  to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best Greek islands to visit

Known for its plethora of archeological sites, whitewashed villages, fabulous beaches, mouth-watering cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, it is no wonder that Greece – the birthplace of democracy – ranks among the world’s premier-league travel destinations. The sun-kissed Mediterranean country is made up of a mountainous mainland and 6,000 idyllic islands and islets dotting the blue Aegean and Ionian Seas – though only 227 of them are inhabited. With so many things to do in Greece, you’ll never be left wanting. Here’s my selection of the 10 best Greek islands to help you plan your next adventure. For more recommendations, check also my round up of the 10 best luxury hotels in Greece .

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Rhodes, the capital of the Dodecanese islands, is the fourth largest Greek island, after Crete, Evia and Lesvos, and a very popular Greek tourist destination. This Mediterranean gem of an island boasts a centuries-old history: a turbulent past full of unexpected turns and twists of fate.  It’s a place where the strong mediaeval aspect blends with the traditional Greek one. For example, the medieval center of its capital city is a UNESCO World HEritage Site. It is also an island with great natural beauty: the lovely beaches face the pine woods on the mountainsides; the mountain villages overlook the seaside towns; and  the archaeological sites, the mediaeval monuments and the cosmopolitan resorts arranged in the traditional style all conspire to make the popularity of this destination so hard to resist, even to the most demanding traveler.

Naxos is the biggest and most fertile island in Cyclades island group, located right in the center of it. It offers a wide variety of attractions of choices to visitors, such as whitewashed Chora town and Portara, Naxos’ most popular landmark (a marble gate of an unfinished ancient Greek temple dedicated to god Apollo). Chora’s landscape is marked by numerous fortified palaces, which date to the island’s Venetian Period, as Naxos was the seat of the Duchy of the Aegean. Make sure you visit the Bazaios Tower, off Sagri village, the Glezos-Crispi Tower in Chora, the Belonia Tower in Galanado and the Della Rocca-Barozzi Tower in Chora. Most visitors come to Naxos though for its sublime beaches, amazing food, a low-key vibe, and true Greek hospitality. Naxos lies about halfway between Santorini and Mykonos and makes a great respite from those jetset islands.

8. ZAKYNTHOS

Spectacular beaches (including world-famous Shipwreck Beach), endangered sea turtles, a 24/7 party vibe, and family friendly hotels make the Greek island of Zakynthos – or Zante as the island is known internationally – a favorite holiday destination. The southernmost and third largest island in the Ionian Sea (after Corfu and Kefalonia), Zakynthos often touts itself as one one of Greece’s greenest islands. Zakynthos’ north and west coast is made of towering sandstone cliffs dropping in the turquoise sea, while much of the south coast is a nature reserve where endangered loggerhead turtles hatch in the sand. The east coast is where most of the island’s tourist resorts and facilities are located, including its main city, Zakynthos Town.

• Read : top 10 best things to see & do in Zakynthos
• Read : top 10 best hotels & resorts in Zakynthos

Amorgos, the Cyclades’ easternmost island, boasts marvelous beaches with azure waters, gorgeous caves, ideal spots for diving, scenic bays, and ancient footpaths leading through its steep rocky terrain. Untouched by mass tourism, Amorgos became a world-famous island after having been used as a filming location for the 1988 movie “The big blue”, starring Jean Reno. Parts of the island reach a considerable height above sea level, offering superb views of the sea. Inhabited since the Early Cycladic Era, as indicated by archaeological finds brought to light in the area, Amorgos has a long cultural history and tradition. Step off the beaten track and visit an island that has preserved its traditional color, where the locals welcome you with a smile on their face and make you feel at home!

With the passage of time the island of Corfu may have changed, but any traveler can still feel the spirit of a distant glorious past. Its rich multi-cultural heritage, its historic monuments, its stunning natural landscape, its crystal clear seas (with some of Europe’s best beaches), and its excellent weather all year round explain why Corfu is one of the most cosmopolitan Mediterranean destinations weaving a powerful spell on its visitors. Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek), unlike the rest of Greece, never fell under the Ottoman oppression. Due to the successive dominations of the Venetians, the French and the British over the centuries, the island has primarily become part of the Western rather the Levantine world. Their culture wielded strong influence in the island’s capital city: it was here that the first Greek University (the Ionian Academy), the first Philharmonic Orchestra and the First School of Fine Arts were founded.

Crete – the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest one in the Mediterranean Sea – is a remarkable place to visit. The island features some of the country’s most pristine beaches and is crammed with spectacular sights, from desert island atolls to far-flung traditional villages, many of them way off the beaten path. Across the ages, Minoans, Mycenaeans, Ottoman Turks, Arabs and Venetians have shaped the island’s identity. Highlights include walking through the charming seaside town of Chania, relaxing at the high-end resort of Eloudna, hiking the Samaria Gorge (one of Europe’s best trekkings), exploring the Lasithi Plateau, and visiting Knossos (one of the top historical sites in Greece). Although Crete is also not as expensive compared to its more famous siblings Santorini and Mykonos, it still has plenty of resorts where one can indulge in luxurious settings.

• Read : top 10 best hotels in Crete

4. KEFALONIA

Kefalonia is the biggest island in the Ionian Sea and known as the filming location of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. The laid back and charming island has breathtaking beaches and crystal clear waters of greenish-blue colors which will take your breath away.I t carries a rich history in cultural tradition. It’s the biggest Ionian Island and the green of its mountains blend with the blue of the water making it truly unique and a beloved destination. Pine, cypress and olive trees cover Mt. Ainos’ peak, while at its foot you’ll come across vineyards where the popular Kefalonian Robola wine variety is produced. If you happen to love snorkeling or diving then the seabed around the island will definitely satisfy you.  Kefalonia’s culinary tradition, history, traditional villages, upbeat nightlife and pristine beaches will make you fall in love with the island.

Mykonos is the second most visited island in Greece, after Santorini. Every summer, it receives millions of tourists from all over the world, while it is frequently mentioned among the top destinations to visit in the world. According to mythology, Greece’s most famous cosmopolitan island was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules and took its name from Apollo’s grandson, Mykonos. With its traditional whitewashed villages and iconic windmills, Mykonos is mainly known for its incredible party lifestyle, its LGBTQ+ welcoming ambience, and its many beautiful beaches. Here’s my selection of the 10 best things to see and do on Mykonos (below, you can also watch my 4K YouTube video which features the top sights on the island).

• Read : top 10 best things to see & do in Mykonos
• Read : top 10 best hotels & resorts in Mykonos

Found in the southwest part of the Cyclades, this (still relatively quiet) island has a handful of singular natural landscapes contributed by volcanic activity; mysterious rock formations, curious soil colours and numerous jaw dropping beaches. Besides having countless unique sights to see around the island, it also is the homeland of the renowned marble statue of Venus of Milo seen today in the Louvre Museum. Milos’ volcanic past is reflected on the large number of hot springs, caves and geological formations found around the island such as Kanavas, Alykis, Provatas, Pikropigis springs, Papafragas and Sikia Caves, and Kleftiko Cove. The island also has numerous significant archaeological sites such as the early christian catacombs, the Bronze Age settlement of Phylakopi, and interesting museums namely the Mining Museum showcasing Milos’ 11.000 years old mineral history.

1. SANTORINI

The Greek island of Santorini is one of the most famous travel destinations on the planet. The main reasons why it’s popular are its spectacular volcanic landscape, magnificent sunsets, and scenic clifftop villages with white-washed houses and blue-domed churches. Plenty of people choose Santorini as their marriage or honeymoon destination, as its impressive vistas and photogenic villages always create a romantic setting. The island was shaped some 3,600 years ago by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, which left a giant water-filled crater (‘caldera’) measuring about 12 by 7 km (7.5 by 4 mi) and surrounded by 300 m (980 ft) high cliffs on all sides. Santorini is the only inhabited caldera in the world, with a population of around 15000 inhabitants, which is far less compared to the 2 million tourists that visit Santorini each year.

• Read : top 10 best things to see & do in Santorini
• Read : top 10 best hotels & resorts in Santorini

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I hoped I would find Patmos, the holy island of the Aegean, on your list. Its association with the Apostle St John attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.

Naxos is overrated with messy unpaved dirty roads but very nice beaches.

Have to say we found Naxos beautiful. We visited for one night from Santorini, and can’t wait to go back for a longer visit.

Wonder why Dellos is missing from this article. In a way good that lesser people know about it & the island remains preserved. Recommend people to at least Google & know more about Dellos.

Naxos is one of our favourite places to visit. The galaxy hotel is superb.

Greek islands are beautiful…but people need to check out Mainland Greece as well….so much to do and see from seeing the start of the Olympics to Sparta…Corinth Canal…Monevasia….Meteora & the list goes on…not to be missed is Elafonisos an island with beaches ⛱️ like the Maldives.

Santorini and Mykonos, no thank you. Been to both, won’t be going back. Both just a cruise ship stop over. Lacking in a Greek feel to them, just get people in, get your photos of windmills and blue domes and get back on the ship! Next please !!

Just visited several islands. Santorini was overcrowded with tourists (just like us lol) and was easily our least favorite. Hard to feel the charm when evey inch of Oia streets jammed with people. Heard evenings there were more enjoyable (once the cruise ships leave).

Mykonos is overrated, but in April it wasn’t too awful. Naxos has nice towns and nice hiking and nice beaches, and great food (best feta I have ever tasted), and yes some dusty roads too.

My two candidates for underrated places in Greece: Sifnos and Thessaloniki.

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The best Greek islands to visit in 2024

By Rachel Howard and Condé Nast Traveller

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

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

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

Best for: A photogenic and dramatic coastline

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

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

Where to stay on Milos:

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

Best for: A long weekend with the art crowd

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

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

Where to stay in Hydra:

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

Best for: Big, fat Greek feasts

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

Where to stay in Sifnos:

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

4. Santorini

Best for: Honeymooners and first-timers

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

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

Where to stay in Santorini:

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

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

Best Greek island for: Culture and off-season cachet

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

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

Where to stay on Syros:

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

6. Folegandros

Best Greek island for: Authenticity with a bohemian buzz

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

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

Where to stay on Folegandros:

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Crete:

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

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

Best of the Greek islands for: character and lush landscapes

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

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

Where to stay in Corfu:

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

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

Anna Prendergast

Caitlin Morton

Sarah James

Best for: Endless sandy beaches

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

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

Where to stay in Naxos:

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

10. Cephalonia / Kefalonia

Best Greek island for: Laidback family holidays

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

Where to stay in Kefalonia:

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

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

Best Greek island for: Walking trails and wild beaches

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

Where to stay on Andros:

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

12. Serifos

Best Greek island for: Naturists and purists

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

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

Where to stay on Serifos:

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

13. Mykonos

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

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

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

Where to stay in Mykonos:

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

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

14. Zakynthos / Zante

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

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

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

Where to stay in Zante:

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

15. Amorgos

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

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

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

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

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

Best for: The perfect balance of seclusion and sophistication

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

Where to Stay in Paxos:

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

17. Lefkada

Best for: Sailors, surfers, and superstar beaches

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

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

Where to Stay in Lefkada:

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

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

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

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

Where to stay on Ithaca:

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

Best for: Traditional villages and knockout tavernas

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

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

Where to stay in Tinos:

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

Best for: Stark mystique and show-stopping villas

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

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

Where to stay in Patmos:

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

Best for: Travelling back in time

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

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

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

Where to stay in Rhodes:  

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

Best for: Castaway coves and a picture-perfect port

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

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

Where to stay in Symi:

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

23. Astypalea

Best for: Escaping the crowds

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

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

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

24. Skiathos

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

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

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

Where to stay in Skiathos:

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

Best for:  Low-key authenticity all year round

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

Where to stay on Aegina:

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

26. Kastellorizo

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

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

Where to stay on Kastellorizo:

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

27. Antiparos

Best for:  Relaxed cool

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

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

Where to stay on Antiparos:  

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

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

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

Where to stay on Leros:

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

29. Spetses

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

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

Where to stay on Spetses:

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

Real Greek Experiences

Greek Culture, Travel Information, Itineraries, Life in Greece

Should I Visit Mainland Greece, Or The Islands?

A question most visitors to Greece will come up with at some point, is “should I visit mainland Greece, or the islands?” This is a really good question, especially coming from people who haven’t seen much of Greece. Here is a guide introducing all regions of Greece.

Should I visit mainland Greece, or the islands?

To begin with, let’s clarify one thing. The question “should I visit mainland Greece, or the islands?” has no right or wrong answer. Greece is an all-around beautiful country, and you can’t really go very wrong with your choices.

That said, before you decide where to go in Greece you should ask yourself a few questions.

As an example, you could consider whether you want to take a ferry or a domestic flight to one of the islands. You could ask yourself if you prefer to rent a car and go on a roadtrip , or use public transportation instead.

Understandably, the most important factor to consider is which parts of Greece you really want to visit.

Are you fascinated by the photos you’ve seen of the Santorini caldera? Did Meteora strike you as the one place you must absolutely see in Greece? Would you just prefer to go off-the-beaten track, where few other tourists venture?

If you do a little research before your trip, the answer might just present itself.

Study the Geography of Greece

If you have never been to Greece, start by having a look at the map of the country. You will see that there is a large continental area, mainland Greece. To the east, the west and the south, you will notice several groups of islands.

Greece is divided in nine large geographical regions, of which six belong to the mainland. From north to south, you will see Thrace, Macedonia, Epirus, Thessaly, Sterea Ellada and the Peloponnese.

The remaining three regions are the islands. You will see the Aegean Islands, comprising several subgroups, the Ionian Islands and Crete. This article offers an introduction to the Greek island groups .

Getting from one part of the country to another might not be entirely straightforward. So my best advice is to limit the areas of Greece you want to visit, especially if you only have a few days.

Combining several areas, or several islands in different island groups, is not only time-consuming but can also be rather expensive.

This article with travel tips for planning a trip to Greece might help you start building your itinerary. If you really want to visit several areas, or many different islands, your best bet might be an organized tour or a cruise, which will take the hassle away.

What is there to do on mainland Greece

Apart from certain areas, mainland Greece is probably not as a well-known destination as “the Greek islands”. Visitors are often surprised to find out that Greece not only has plenty of mountains, but also quite a few ski centres!

Assuming, however, that you are not really interested in winter holidays in Greece, there is plenty to do on mainland Greece. There are many amazing beaches, plenty of archaeological sites, and quite a few picturesque towns and charming villages.

As mentioned earlier, Greece is divided in six main geographical regions, each of which has its own character and appeal. Here’s a short introduction to those areas.

Athens – The capital

Greece’s capital doesn’t need a special introduction. It’s a bustling, busy city with lots to do, and tons of tourist attractions. The most famous attraction in Athens is the Acropolis.

Apart from the ancient sites , Athens has several museums . It would take you several days to visit all of them.

In addition, budget-minded travellers will find a ton of free things to do in Athens , so they can easily spend a few days here.

Most people choose to stay in Athens for just a couple of days, and then head out to the islands or another area in Greece. Here are two articles that will help you plan your time in Athens:

• What to do in Athens in 2 days
• What to do in Athens in 3 days

Sterea Ellada – Ancient sites and unique Easter traditions

Sterea Ellada is the central region of Greece, sometimes referred to as Central Greece. It is the most populated region, as it includes the peninsula called Attica , where Athens is located.

However, there is a lot more to this region of Greece. One of the best known attractions in this area is Delphi . This amazing archaeological site is a popular day trip from Athens, and it’s totally worth it.

Visit with a guide, and you will find out more about the cult of Apollo and Pythia, the Oracle. Even though her prophecies were ambiguous, her advice was important to everyone.

Nearby Arachova has some pretty unique Easter traditions . It’s not like Easter is not celebrated in other areas of Greece. However, Arachova is pretty special when it comes to Greek Easter celebrations.

People who are visiting Greece during Greek Easter should absolutely consider visiting Arachova. It will offer a different perspective on Greek culture.

If you are looking for more remote places to visit, consider heading out to the mountains of Evritania . You will discover places you never imagined existed in Greece!

Overall, the region of Sterea Ellada deserves to be properly explored. There are many off-the-beaten track areas where you are unlikely to find any other tourists.

The Peloponnese – The quintessential Greece

I can’t imagine someone who wouldn’t fall in love with the Peloponnese. This is where some of the best known archaeological sites in Greece are located. It’s also where the Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Empire started.

The Peloponnese simply has it all. There are mountains, hiking trails, wineries, archaeological sites, stone villages, dramatic landscapes and plenty of beautiful beaches.

You will find authentic towns, like Kalamata and Tripoli , but also popular coastal resorts, like Stoupa and Kardamyli . You can visit some of the prettiest towns in Greece, like Nafplion and Areopolis , but also lose yourselves in the depths of the wild, uninhabited Mani .

In terms of ancient sites, you will need to return to the Peloponnese if you want to see everything. The popular Mycenae and Epidaurus can be easily visited on a day trip from Athens, possibly with a stop at Ancient Corinth or Acrocorinth . However, there are many more ancient sites in the Peloponnese.

Visit the Ancient Olympia , where the first Olympic Games happened in 776 BC. Drive towards the south and explore Ancient Messene , a surprisingly quiet site with an impressive stadium. Discover the temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae , the first Greek monument to have been awarded the UNESCO status.

The Peloponnese is also home to sites from later eras. The fascinating Byzantine site of Mystras should definitely be on your list. You can also explore the castles of Methoni and Koroni , to the west, and Monemvasia , to the east.

Finally, Peloponnese has some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in Greece. From the amazing Elafonisos , to the popular Finikounta and the long stretches of sand around the Kyparissia area, the Peloponnese has a beach to suit everyone’s taste. Just follow the coastline, and you will bump into one you will love!

Thessaly – Not just the Meteora monasteries

Thessaly region is home to one of the most visited tourist attraction in Greece, the Meteora monasteries . These monasteries built on top of some unique, wild rock formations, are really one of the most amazing things to see in Greece.

However, Thessaly has a lot more to offer. The vibrant town of Trikala is one of the most pedestrian-friendly towns in the whole of Greece. Larisa and Volos are also very lively, and you will find that nightlife is pretty active.

The Pelion peninsula is a popular destination for Greeks, and not only. In summer, you can visit the beautiful beaches, and go hiking around the beautiful nature. If you visit in winter, you will see an entirely different side, as snow is quite common.

Another favourite destination in Thessaly is Plastira Lake . Visit in autumn, and you will be impressed by the colours and the ambiance! Similarly, you can reach some of the smaller villages, Elati and Pertouli , that keep their cool even in summer.

If you are visiting Thessaly by all means go to Meteora, but do take some time to explore some towns that few tourists have time to visit. You will see a side of Greece that you never knew existed.

Epirus – The land of a thousand faces

An unexpectedly beautiful area of Greece, Epirus is largely mountainous. It has many rivers, lakes and gorges, but it also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. You will find beautiful traditional villages, incredible stone bridges, castles and monasteries.

Epirus is really an all-year-round destination. You can go up all the way to the traditional Zahorohoria , Metsovo and Tzoumerka villages, and explore a part of Greece that not many people get to see. Alternatively, you can stay by the coast, at the most popular resorts of Parga and Syvota , with blue-green waters.

In terms of towns, you should definitely spend some time in Ioannina . It’s a picturesque town with an interesting history, built right on a beautiful lake.

Take some time to visit the castle, the Byzantine Museum, and the little island inside the lake. Stroll around the cobbled streets, sit at one of the numerous cafes and just watch the people go by.

If you are interested in ancient history, make sure you visit the Nikopolis Ancient Theatre , and the Nekromanteion at Aherontas . This was one of the Gateways to Hades in Ancient Greece, where the mortals came to communicate with the dead.

Depending at the time of year you visit Epirus, you can go kayaking, white-water rafting, or river trekking. Whatever you do, don’t miss hiking around Voidomatis river – the landscapes are out of this world!

If you have only been to a couple of the Greek islands, you will never believe that Epirus is still the same country.

Visit Epirus if you want a combination of quaint mountain villages, pretty towns and lovely beaches. You will experience a totally different side of Greece.

Macedonia – What’s in a name?

You may be familiar with the name Macedonia , and the Macedonia naming dispute . Even if you aren’t, you will probably have heard of Alexander the Great, the king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon.

The name “Macedonia” has been linked to Greece for thousands of years. The Ancient Kingdom of Macedon covered parts of a few modern countries – Greece, Bulgaria, Northern Macedonia, Albania and Serbia.

Many visitors are unaware that modern Greece’s largest geographical region has been called Macedonia ever since the area was annexed to our country, in 1913.

What to do in Macedonia Greece

This region of Greece has a long and rich history. This is where you will find the remains of numerous important ancient Greek cities, such as Vergina , Filippi , Pella and Dion . This is also where you will find Mount Olympus , the mythological residence of the 12 Olympian Gods .

The most important city in Macedonia is Thessaloniki . It’s a fascinating city with tons of ancient ruins, excellent museums, a beautiful upper town and dozens of churches, Byzantine temples and mosques.

Additionally, it has fantastic traditional markets, a lovely coastal promenade and a vibrant nightlife. From exhibitions to festivals to cultural events, there is always something going on in Thessaloniki!

Thessaloniki has an international airport, and you can fly there year-round. Here is how to get to Thessaloniki city center from the airport .

Beaches and nature in Macedonia

If you are a beach person, Macedonia won’t disappoint you. The beautiful beaches of Chalkidiki are some of the best in Greece. According to the people of Thessaloniki, “there is no place like Chalkidiki”!

Macedonia is also full of mountains and lakes, and it’s ideal if you want to get off the beaten track. Skiers will be delighted to find out about Seli, Vasilitsa, Kaimaktsalan and Tria Pente Pigadia ski centres.

A unique place in Macedonia is Mt Athos , a peninsula full of monasteries. Mt Athos can be visited only by men, and you need to plan and reserve your visit well in advance.

Macedonia is a great destination if you want to visit Greece beyond the beaten track. You will love it if you have a special interest in Roman and Byzantine history.

Thrace – The unknown Greece

The small area of Thrace in Greece is unknown not only to visitors, but also to many Athenians and other people who live in south Greece. In fact, the name Thrace refers to a larger geographical area, shared by Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey.

If you visit Thrace, you will be surprised with the different traditions and cultures, that you won’t see anywhere else in Greece.

By Serge Traveler – Own work , CC BY-SA 4.0 , Link

Thrace is home to large Muslim populations, as well as to people of Greek and Pontian origin, who moved here with the collapse of the Soviet Union, in the early 1990s. There are also other minorities, such as the Pomakoi. All these people speak a number of different dialects and have their own local customs.

Thrace is an area full of beautiful nature , forests, mountains, and off-the-beaten-track hiking paths. If you decide to visit the unknown Thrace, rent a car and drive to Nestos river, lake Vistonida, a Natura 2000 area, and Delta Evrou.

You will discover quite unique ecosystems and rare animals and birds. Did you know that Greece has flamingoes, wildcats and jackals?

The small, picturesque towns, Xanthi , Komotini and Alexandroupoli , are simply enchanting. Wander around the tiny cobbled streets, and explore the interesting architecture, a mix of Balkan and neoclassical styles.

By Spiridon Ion Cepleanu – Own work , CC BY-SA 4.0 , Link

Thrace is an ideal destination if you want to visit the unexplored Greece . It’s a unique place where you will feel that time has stopped – and you may even feel you are in a different continent.

What is there to do on the Greek Islands

Visitors often refer to “ the Greek islands ” as if they were a small group of islands close to each other. It couldn’t be further from the truth!

The Greek islands are three large groups of islands split into several smaller subgroups. Every group of islands has its own character. I bet that each of your friends who has been to Greece will have their own favourite.

Arguably the most famous group of islands in Greece are the Cyclades . This is the group to the east of mainland Greece, which includes Santorini , Mykonos , Milos , Naxos , and about 20 other major islands.

While the majority of the Cyclades are rocky and dry, the Ionians and the Sporades are more fertile and green.

Naturally, most of the islands are great for swimming and spending time on the beach. That said, Santorini doesn’t have the best beaches in the Cyclades.

If you are visiting in summer, I strongly suggest combining Santorini with at least another island. If you are mostly after beaches, I strongly recommend Milos, Naxos and Lefkada in the Ionian side.

Some islands, like Mykonos , Zakynthos or Ios are known for their nightlife. Others, like Tinos , Corfu or Chios are known for their picturesque towns and villages.

Many of them have some ancient ruins, with Delos island being the most famous one.

Architecture, landscapes and regional dishes vary a lot from each island to the next, even among islands that belong to the same group.

The biggest Greek island – Crete

An island that is beyond any comparison is Crete . It combines everything a visitor might be after when taking a holiday in Greece.

If you are going to this big island, try to allow two weeks at a minimum. Otherwise, just concentrate on a single area, as Crete has lots to do.

My best advice is to spend some time exploring the main cities. Chania should definitely be on your itinerary, though you should be prepared for large crowds coming out of cruise boats if you visit in summer.

It’s a charming coastal town, and you can easily spend a few days here.

Even though many people will try to put you off Heraklion , I completely disagree.  Heraklion combines the city feeling with life on an island, and it’s a lively place all year round. Furthermore, it has one of the best archaeological museums in Greece.

Rent a car and explore the amazing beaches, the fascinating ancient sites of Knossos , Festos and Gortyna , the mountain villages and the delicious, authentic Cretan culinary tradition. There is just one minor problem – Crete will set your expectations very, very high!

Greece mainland vs the islands

As you can see from all the above, choosing where to go in Greece isn’t exactly an easy choice. There are beautiful places all around the country, and every region has its own charm.

If you are a first time visitor and you really want to tick off the most important tourist attractions, your best bet is to combine some of the mainland with the islands.

Visit Athens, Delphi, Meteora and Santorini, and see if you have time for another island or two. This will give you an idea of Greece’s diversity, and chances are that you will start planning your next trip straightaway!

If you are happy to drive, you can take a road trip through the Peloponnese. This is one of the easiest areas to explore, as it’s close to Athens, and there are plenty of routes you can take to cover one, two or more weeks .

If you prefer smaller, more compact places and are keen on exploring many beaches, you can choose to visit some of the islands. Island hopping used to be very popular back in the 80s, and is now a lot easier due to the fast ferries .

The easiest islands to hop around are the Cyclades and the Dodecanese – though if you only have a few days I don’t recommend you visit more than two or three islands.

All in all, every visitor will find their own favourite places to visit in Greece. Even though the islands are charming, the mainland can also be quite fascinating, partly because some parts are not easily visited.

There are absolutely no areas of Greece where I wouldn’t like to go back. And I still haven’t been to all of them!

Frequently asked questions about the Greek island vs the mainland

Here are some questions I often get from people visiting Greece:

Which part of Greece should I visit?

Greece is an extremely diverse country in terms of landscapes, architecture and culture. Every part of Greece is worth visiting. First-time visitors often choose the best known destinations, like Athens, Santorini, Delphi and Meteora.

Where should I stay in Greece mainland?

Some of the most common places to visit in mainland Greece are Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Ioannina and Thessaloniki. In addition, Peloponnese has popular areas like Nafplio, Gythio, Monemvasia, Kalamata and Mani.

How many days do you need in Greek Islands?

Greece has over 100 inhabited islands, and a few thousand uninhabited ones. It would take you years to explore all of them properly! If, like many visitors, you have ten days on the Greek islands, you could visit two or three of them.

What is the nicest Greek island?

Ask ten people, and you are likely to get ten different answers. Islands that visitors rate highly include Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Kefalonia, Corfu, Zakynthos, Skiathos, Samos, Thassos, and many more.

Which is the prettiest and quietest Greek island?

There are many Greek islands that would fit this description, and they are all pretty remote. Some of them include Iraklia, Schinoussa, Donousa, Sikinos, Anafi, Tilos, Symi, Chalki, Agathonisi, Kastellorizo, Ithaca, Kythira and Alonissos. 

Your opinion – Greek islands, or mainland Greece?

Have you been to Greece? Do you have a favourite region where you’d go back in a heartbeat? Let me know in the comments!

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7 Very Best Greek Islands You Need To Experience

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My favorite Greek Islands are Santorini , Thassos , Rhodes , Crete , Corfu , Samothraki , and Naxos . In my honest opinion, these are the cream of the crop!

But to be fair, the Greek Islands in general are a dream place for many travelers seeking azure waters and sandy beaches. Winters are mild, especially in the island groups dotting the heart of the Mediterranean. It’s hard to choose a favorite island. (That’s why I chose 7!)

Traveling to the Greek Islands is a good choice to skip the cold winters in other parts of Europe . However, reaching these places is not always so easy. During summer, busy ferries work all day long to reach some of the remotest islands of the archipelagos.

How Many Greek Islands Are There?

There are about 6,000 islands in Greece, but only 227 have people living on them. In a nutshell, the numerous Greek Islands are divided into seven groups:

• The Saronic Gulf Islands that dot the waters near Athens’s bay.
• The Cyclades that are in the middle of the Aegean Sea.
• Crete is a singular island but the biggest one among the numberless scattered Greek Islands.
• The Dodecanese that border the Turkish sea-coast.
• The Northeastern Aegean Islands that sit near Mount Athos in the Halkidiki Peninsula.
• The Sporades near Athens that count less than 10 islands, with picturesque sceneries and shallow waters.
• The Ionian Islands that stand along the west coast of mainland Greece, in the waters of the Ionian Sea.

My Favorite Greek Islands

1. santorini island.

The most iconic island among the Cyclades, Santorini is known as one of the best Greek Islands for couples due to its romantic sunsets. Practically you can watch the sunset alone with your partner from almost anywhere along the island’s cliff edge.

The traditional towns of Fira and Oia feature picturesque whitewashed houses, built on the steep slopes of the caldera. In this vibrant and bustling places, the churches’ domes are painted in blue to mimic the color of the sea and sky.

The black-sand beaches and the wineries of the island are only a few of the highlights of Santorini. You can easily spend one week on the island and still not see everything.

Perissa , Perivolos , and Agios Georgios beaches are packed with lively bars, traditional Greek tavernas, and a wide range of water sports. The historic site of Akrotiri attracts not only historic lovers but also romantic couples who are curious to discover the Minoan architecture.

Anafi and Sikinos are two small islands located at a stone’s throw from Santorini. Venturing to these places, you will discover quiet and remote sites, off the tourist radar. Maybe this will become one of your favorite Greek islands too?

2. Thassos Island

Thassos is maybe the most popular island for summer holidays in the Northeastern Aegean Sea. The green island is very close to the mainland port of Kavala so the ferry ride takes less than one hour to reach Thassos.

The road that goes around the island stretches approximately 90km so you can easily drive the whole island in one single day. However, there are so many stunning and hidden places in Thassos, that you can stay on the island for many days and still not have seen all its hidden gems.

On the northeastern shores of the island, the Golden Beach and the Marble Beach are the most popular places for families with children. On the flip side, Cape Salonikos hides surprising coves with wild beaches on the southern shoreline.

Moreover, don’t underestimate the charm of the mountain villages of Maries and Theologos . Tucked away in the heart of the mountains, Theologos was the first Ottoman capital of the island during the Middle Ages and features well-preserved old houses built of stone.

3. Rhodes Island

Rhodes is the most accessible island from the Dodecanese group. Only 40km away from the Turkish port of Marmaris, Rhodes Town (the capital) can be visited on a one-day trip from Turkey.

The old town has narrow winding streets, a Turkish and a Jewish quarter as well as the Knights Quarter with the impressive palace of the Grand Master .

Circling the island by car, you will discover a tempting chain of beaches on the eastern shores of the island. Lindos is the second town of Rhodes and it features an acropolis perched atop a historic center packed with white-washed houses.

On the western side of the island, the ruins of the castle of Monolithos imposingly stand on a clifftop and remind of the times when the Ottomans ruled here.

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4. crete island.

Without any doubt, Crete is the biggest island among the Greek Archipelagos. Standing in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea (very close to Turkey and Egypt), Crete has a delicious cuisine, lively coastal towns, and remains of ancient civilizations.

Crete also has its own international airport and many low-cost companies run direct flights to Heraklion and Chania .

Heraklion is the bustling capital of the island, a mixture of modern architecture with strong local imprints. Near Heraklion, the archaeological site of Knossos recreates the days of the grand capital of Minoan Crete and features a big palace built of Cyclopean masonry.

The coastal old towns of Chania and Rethymno are the most enchanting ones of the island and definitely worth a visit.

But if you really want to explore the wild corners of Crete, then the Samaria Gorges are one of Europe’s longest canyons and can be hiked along a 16km-long trail through the gorges.

5. Corfu Island

Sitting at the border between Greece and Albania, Corfu is the perfect getaway for travelers seeking lush sceneries, pristine beaches, and traditional architecture.

Tourism resorts have developed particularly close to Corfu Town but other parts of the island have successfully escaped the crowds. Small Greek villages are scattered throughout the island while tempting beaches hidden in remote coves dot Corfu’s coastline.

Corfu town features world-class museums, medieval fortresses, and a genuine mix of Venetian, French, and British architecture.

12km south of Corfu Town, you must stop and visit the classic architecture and terraced gardens of the Achilion Palace . While exploring the western shoreline, don’t miss the resort area of Paleokastritsa . There you can discover an Orthodox monastery, swim in picturesque bays, and hike to delightful hilltop villages.  

6. Samothraki Island

A small island in the Northeastern Aegean Group, Samothraki is full of ancient history, wild beaches, and narrow canyons.

Most of the beaches in Samothraki have pebbles but this doesn’t make the island less attractive for visitors. The island can be easily explored even in one or two days. However, for a deeper insight into the life of the island, plan to stay there a few more days to get a good opportunity to discover its deep gorges.

Standing at the foot of the mountains, Hora (the capital) is maybe the most developed settlement in Samothraki. Nearby, the Sanctuary of the Great Gods is the place where the famous Victory of Samothrace (now displayed in the Louvre Museum) was found.

But what makes Samothraki one of my favorite Greek islands is the great number of canyons which are interspersed throughout the island. The Fonias Canyon and the Xiropotamos Waterfall are easily accessible and don’t require special gear to explore the lower sections. So this is a great reason to actually go and discover their beauty without making any excuses!

7. Naxos Island

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades group and is my favorite Greek island for families.

A 45-minute flight from Athens or about a 4-hour ferry ride will land you on its colorful shores. Naxos’ Old Town is beautiful and iconic with many narrow winding streets and interesting shops. There are plenty of places to stay near the Old Town such as Mike’s Studios (cheap and cheerful for larger families).

There are beautiful beaches such as Mikri Vigla Beach (one of the best Greek Island beaches around with some infrastructure but still quiet), Plaka Beach (a sandy beach gem), and Kastraki Beach  (a 3km long sandy beach, quiet and good for walks).

In Naxos you have the option of doing a sailing tour , which offers you the chance of seeing dolphins, tiny magical beaches (one highlight is Paros ), and of course, beautiful scenery. You could even jump off the boat and go for a swim!

Moreover the food on Naxos is incredible, with Yasouvlaki Naxos (Greek cuisine located in Naxos Town) and Glyfada Naxos Restaurant (beautiful Mediterranean/Greek cuisine located on Glyfada Beach ) being particular highlights.

So if you’re looking for the best Greek Islands for families, Naxos is definitely the place to go!

What do you think of my favorite Greek islands? Do you agree with my list or not? Feel Mykonos, Symi or Zakynthos deserved a place? Feel free to comment below and share your thoughts! Happy Greek holidays!

Suggested next reading: How To Travel Santorini & Make It A Trip You Won’t Forget

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Published by Iuliana Marchian

Iuliana is a passionate explorer, travel writer, and blogger at Authentic Travels. Her life motto is simple: “We live only to discover beauty. All else is a form of waiting.” (Khalil Gibran). She currently lives in Sibiu, Romania, where she is editor and writer as well as a travel consultant. Iuliana has a Master's degree in Architecture and a Doctorate in Heritage Tourism. In her writing, she focuses on the cultural aspects of her travels, with a special interest in the authentic experiences of a place. View all posts by Iuliana Marchian

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5 Best Greek Islands to Visit in the Winter

A visit to the Greek Islands in winter reveals an enchanting allure that settles over the crisp breeze of the Mediterranean after the summer crowds dissipate. While many travelers associate these idyllic isles with sun-soaked beaches and bustling summer nightlife, the off-season is equally captivating.

In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to discover the best Greek Islands to visit in the winter. Ancient history, picturesque villages, and serene landscapes take center stage. Get your passport ready and let’s get going!

Can You Visit the Greek Islands in Winter?

Absolutely, it’s worth visiting the Greek Islands in winter! Many of the inhabited islands are accessible and waiting to be explored. You’ll experience fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, but you’ll also have unique access and a front-row seat to local culture. While the summer months are undoubtedly the peak season, the winter unveils a more authentic and tranquil side to these enchanting islands.

Each island has its own unique charm and activities to offer during the off-season. It’s an ideal time for those seeking a quieter, more contemplative Greek island experience. From the historical treasures of Crete and the serene beauty of Naxos, the Greek Islands in winter promise a delightful escape for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

If you visit in the winter, you’ll want to keep in mind that lodging, restaurants, shops, museums, archeological sites, and attractions may have limited hours and availability. So, booking in advance is essential.

Should I Visit Santorini in the Winter?

Visiting the Greek Island of Santorini in the winter can be a captivating and unique experience for travelers. It’s an opportunity to escape the summer crowds and explore this iconic island from a different perspective. While the island may not boast its trademark sun-drenched beaches and vibrant nightlife during this season, it compensates with a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The charming villages with their whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and narrow winding streets take on a more authentic and intimate allure. Plus, hotel prices are usually significantly cheaper, sometimes up to 50 percent off summer rates.

So, why didn’t I include Santorini on my top Greek islands to visit in winter? Because it can feel like somewhat of a ghost town from November to March. Many of the tour operators and business owners move off the island in the off-season, so you’ll find very little to do in the way of activities. Also, the weather tends to be unpredictable during these months with occasional rain and it’s typically very windy, but the temperature tends to average around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you decide to visit Santorini in the winter, I recommend going by air. You can get a direct flight from Athens. The slow ferries also operate year-round from Athens to Santorini but are canceled frequently due to the wind and rough seas.

5 Best Greek Islands in Winter

While there are many Greek islands you can visit in the winter, I’ve narrowed it done to the top five. These islands made it to the top of the list based on weather, activities, accessibility, and overall charm.

Aegina is my favorite Greek island to visit in winter. It’s only a one-hour ferry ride from the Port of Piraeus in Athens, and ferries run daily to/from the island year-round. This makes Aegina a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Athens for a weekend getaway or a day trip. There are hotels open year-round and you can get a sea view for a lower cost in the winter.

Aegina has nice beaches and a mountainous region in the middle of the island. Renting a car to explore the shoreline, villages, archaeological sites, Greek Orthodox churches, forests, and mountains is an excellent way to explore. Or consider staying in Aegina Town for a low-key visit to enjoy restaurants and walks next to the marina.

Aegina Winter Weather

Crete is the southernmost island in Greece. It’s also typically the warmest Greek Island in winter. The population shrinks in the low season, ensuring a feeling of having the island to yourself with local residents. Be aware that this also means fewer hotels, shops, and restaurants are open so book your lodging in advance.

To get to Crete from October to April, I recommend air travel. Ferries run year-round from Athens to Crete, but the seas can be very rough. There are direct flights from Athens. Flying into and basing yourself in Heraklion , the capital of Crete, is an excellent option. It has museums, hotels, and more.

One of the most fun things to do on Crete in the winter is to rent a car and explore. With few people on the roads, you have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the history that exists on this large island.

Crete Winter Weather

Corfu (or Kerkyra) is one of the most popular northern Greek islands in the Ionian island grouping. It’s an accessible island to add to your Greece winter destinations. Just remember to bring an umbrella, because there can be a fair amount of rain.

The best way to get to Corfu in the winter months is to fly. There are direct flights from Athens. You can also fly from Thessaloniki, Greece, or Milan, Italy, but expect at least one layover from those cities.

Corfu is a popular destination for Christmas in Greece. The island dances with thousands of lights during the magical time of year, including light displays on the ships. Steeped in the traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church, priests also do a blessing of the waters. And, of course, food is plentiful throughout the entire Christmas season that goes from December 25 to January 6. In addition, the Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage site . It has three Venetian forts that were once used in defense against the Ottoman Empire. You will be transported back in time, as you walk through the streets of Old Town.

Corfu Winter Weather

Naxos is a large island with a significant number of year-round residents. This means there are more conveniences than on other islands in the winter months, and you can enjoy the island without the high-season crowds. However, there are fewer hotels open in the winter, so you’ll want to book in advance.

To get to Naxos in December, I recommend a direct flight from Athens. You can take the ferry, but there are only a couple that run in the winter months and the sea can be extremely rough to get there. So, ferries are often canceled, making it challenging if you’re on a tight schedule.

Naxos Town is the perfect place to stay in the winter. It’s a very walkable port town and wandering the streets is a fun way to immerse yourself in the island culture. You’ll discover several corridors that lead to beautiful architecture and views. You can also hire a car to explore the mountain villages around the island. I love to drive all the way to the unique Apeiranthos village, which is paved with marble walkways, and make a stop in the traditional village of Halki on the way.

Naxos Winter Weather

The island of Rhodes is an excellent winter destination for history lovers. There are some must-sees on the island of Rhodes any time of the year. Visit the medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as it will captivate you. Also, go to the Acropolis of Lindos, a well-preserved archaeological site that offers stunning views of the sea and fishing village below. Even if the sea is too cold, you can still enjoy time on the sandy beaches of Rhodes.

Rhodes has mild winter temperatures, compared to the summer heat, making the off-season a perfect time to explore the vast amount of history on this island. To get to Rhodes in December, air travel is recommended.

Rhodes Winter Weather

Suggested Reading: The best Greek island hopping routes .

Enjoy the Greek Islands Year-Round

The Greek Islands are a year-round paradise waiting to be discovered. They offer a wealth of experiences whether you choose to visit in the winter or during the bustling summer months. Each season presents its own unique charms and opportunities for exploration. In winter, you’ll find a peaceful, authentic side to the Greek Islands, with a chance to connect deeply to culture and history. During the summer, the islands come alive with their famous beaches and activities, providing a more energetic and lively atmosphere.

No matter when you choose to go, Greece’s timeless beauty, warm hospitality, and rich heritage will leave an indelible mark on your heart. I hope your Greek Island adventure is an unforgettable journey that transcends seasons.

What Greek Island are you interested in visiting in the winter? Share in the comments below.

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Greek and Turkish leaders seek to stress thawing relations but tensions remain under the surface

FILE - Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, left, welcomes the Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan before their meeting at Maximos Mansion in Athens, Greece, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Old foes Turkey and Greece will test a five-month-old friendship initiative on Monday, May 13, 2024 when Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visits Ankara. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis, File)

FILE - Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, right, makes statements with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after their meeting at Maximos Mansion in Athens, Greece, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Old foes Turkey and Greece will test a five-month-old friendship initiative on Monday, May 13, 2024 when Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visits Ankara. (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas, File)

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ISTANBUL (AP) — The leaders of Greece and Turkey met Monday for talks aimed at underlining their efforts to put aside decades-old disputes , but they also revealed deep divisions over the Israel-Hamas war.

Speaking at a news conference in Ankara following the two-hour face-to-face summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan jumped on comments by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in which he described Hamas as a terrorist organization.

“I do not see Hamas as a terror group, ” Erdogan said. “I see it as a group of people trying to protect their own land.” He also revealed that Turkey was currently treating “more than 1,000 Hamas members” in its hospitals.

Greece, like most Western states, considers Hamas a terrorist organization but Erdogan repeated his reference to the group as a “resistance organization.”

The leaders were meeting for the fourth time in the past year in a bid to strengthen a normalization process.

Turkey and Greece, which are NATO members, have been at odds for decades over a series of issues, including territorial claims in the Aegean Sea and drilling rights in the Mediterranean, and have come to the brink of war three times in the last half-century. A dispute over energy exploration rights in 2020 led to the two countries’ warships facing off in the Mediterranean.

They agreed last December to put their disputes aside and focus on areas where they can find consensus. The list of items on the so-called positive agenda includes trade, energy, education and cultural ties.

Since that summit in Athens, the regional rivals have maintained regular high-level contacts to promote fence-mending initiatives, such as allowing Turkish citizens to visit 10 Greek islands without cumbersome visa procedures.

Stressing the ties between the two countries, Mitsotakis said the deal allowed Turks and Greeks to “get to know each other, which is an important step.”

Similarly, Erdogan referred to the Turkish-Muslim minority in Greece’s Thrace region as a “friendship bridge between the two communities.”

Earlier, he described the normalization process as beneficial to both countries and the region. “The channels of dialogue are being kept open and we are focusing on the positive agenda,” Erdogan said, adding that they were trying to increase trade volumes from $6 billion to $10 billion.

The propensity for quarrels remains, however. The recent opening of a former Greek Orthodox church in Istanbul for use as a mosque led to Greece accusing Turkey of “insulting the character” of a World Heritage Site.

Turkey, meanwhile, criticized a Greek plan unveiled last month for “marine parks” in parts of the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Ankara said the one-sided declaration was “a step that sabotages the normalization process.”

But such low-level disputes are far removed from relations a few years ago, when energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean resulted in a naval confrontation and a vow by Erdogan to halt talks with Mitsotakis’ government.

The two countries are also locked in a dispute over Cyprus , divided since 1974 between its ethnic Greek and Turkish populations. For the past seven years, Turkey has rejected a long-standing agreement for a reunified Cyprus under a federal system. Instead, Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot administration, which is only recognized by Turkey, have proposed a two-state solution.

Despite sharp differences over the Israel-Hamas war , Erdogan and Mitsotakis are keen to hold back further instability in the Mediterranean as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine grinds on.

The recent thaw in relations was partly helped by Greek solidarity after last year’s devastating earthquake in southern Turkey. Erdogan has initiated a broader effort to reengage with Western countries following an election victory last year that saw him extend his two-decade rule by a further five years.

Speaking before the meeting, Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said that the leaders would review progress in bilateral relations and the agreed upon areas of cooperation.

“Our country seeks to maintain the climate of dialogue with the neighboring country,” he said, adding that “we believe that dialogue is only positive for the two countries.”

Elena Becatoros contributed to this report from Athens, Greece.

U.S. military begins Gaza Strip aid deliveries from floating pier

The U.S. military said Friday it has started moving aid to the Gaza Strip using a floating pier it built off the coast of the Palestinian territory as part of efforts to boost humanitarian deliveries to the war-torn enclave.

U.S. Central Command said in a statement no U.S. troops went ashore as trucks began using the makeshift dock.

President Joe Biden announced the pier would be constructed in March as aid officials pleaded with Israel to improve land-route access to Gaza for relief supplies. But the project has been delayed by bad weather. It has also been expensive, costing an estimated $320 million and involving 1,000 U.S. troops to build.

The U.N. and international officials have stressed the maritime access for aid deliveries should not be viewed as a substitute for land routes to Gaza via Israel and Egypt, which can handle a higher volume of trucks.

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How much aid can the Gaza pier handle?

U.S. officials have said the pier will initially handle about 90 trucks a day, rising to 150 when fully operational.

Since March, an average of 171 trucks per day have entered Gaza, according to the U.S.-established Famine Early Warning Systems Network . The U.N. says that prior to Hamas' Oct. 7. attack on Israel about 500 trucks of aid entered Gaza each day. More than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Senior U.N. officials and aid groups accuse Israel of hindering aid deliveries into and within Gaza. Israel denies that assertion. Instead, it blames the U.N. and its partners for creating logistical bottlenecks. Israel's governments also says Hamas routinely steals aid intended for civilians. The U.N. and Hamas dispute this.

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Will Gaza pier put U.S. troops in harm's way?

Some critics have expressed concerns the temporary dock could leave U.S. troops vulnerable to attack.

"I think the pier is a disaster waiting to happen," said Michael DiMino, a former career CIA military analyst and counterterrorism officer who is now a fellow at Defense Priorities, a Washington think tank.

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"I don't like to draw flippant comparisons to Mogadishu or Benghazi ," DiMino said in a recent call with reporters, referring to Somalia and Libya, where lax security led to American military and diplomatic deaths.

"I would just say there are a number of logistical and operational challenges here and I am very concerned about mission creep and what starts as a pier becomes U.S. Marines on the beach in Gaza."

How does the aid pier operation work?

The pier is being used to deliver aid to Gaza that is first sent to the island of Cyprus.

There, it is screened for weapons and loaded onto commercial ships.

These ships then transport the cargo to a discharge platform about 200 miles south of Cyprus, where smaller ships pick it up and deliver it to the pier, known as a Trident Pier after the staff of the Greek god Poseidon.

Israel's military then examines the cargo before releasing it to the U.N.'s World Food Programme for distribution.