best greek islands to visit for culture

Which Are the Best Greek Islands for History Fans?

All of the Greek islands have their own unique charm, but which are the best Greek islands for history fans? These 10 islands won’t disappoint if you like to be surrounded by old streets and epic ancient sites. 

From ancient hilltop temples to mysterious sanctuaries, cobbled medieval streets to ruined Byzantine fortress and elegant neoclassical villas, there’s plenty of history to be found on the Greek islands.

However are some standout islands and historic sites. Here are 10 islands to consider for your summer island-hopping plans if you like a bit of history on your holidays.

You can’t discuss history on the Greek islands without mentioning Delos, the mysterious Cycladic island which is also one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Delos has been a cult centre and holy sanctuary for thousands of years.

In Greek mythology, the island is known as the birthplace of the twins Artemis and Apollo.  It was so important in antiquity that the word  Cyclades  itself means ‘islands circling around Delos’.

The scale of the archaeological site rivals those at Olympia and Delphi and is now on the UNESCO World Heritage list. 

The island hasn’t been inhabited for centuries due to a scarcity of natural resources, and to protect the ongoing archaeological work. It’s a popular day trip from neighbouring islands though, particularly Mykonos.

Rhodes knocks it out of the park when it comes to historic sites on the Greek islands. Its crowning glory is the UNESCO -listed Rhodes Old Town, the historic quarter of the island’s main city, which is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. Unfortunately, it’s ancient wonder – the Colossus of Rhodes – is long gone, but there’s plenty still remaining to see.

Rhodes Town is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled alleyways and a treasure chest of historical influences – you’ll find Ottoman mosques, Italianate villas, medieval gates, and the mighty Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. The Palace dates back to the 14th-century occupation of Rhodes by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades, although much of what you see now is a 19th-century reconstruction. 

There’s even a temple-topped ancient Acropolis in Rhodes Town – although don’t expect it to look anything like the one in Athens. Far more visually striking is the Acropolis at Lindos, a pretty whitewashed coastal village and upmarket resort. 

Other historic highlights on Rhodes include the ancient sites of Kamiros and Ialysos, the pretty hilltop churches at Tsampika and Monolithos, the ancient (now renovated) thermal springs at Kallithea, and the intriguing abandoned villa on Profitis Ilias which was originally built for Mussolini.

Over on the other side of Greece, the popular Ionian island of Corfu is another hotspot for history-lovers thanks to its Old Town. This UNESCO -listed citadel has three forts and its pretty green-shuttered neoclassical streets, displaying a wealth of historical influences including Corinthian, Roman, Byzantine, French, Russian and British.

The impressive Old Fortress is the main sightseeing attraction in town, while the Palace of Achilleion is 10km out of town but worth the trip for its lush setting and gardens in the village of Gastouri.

Ancient history nerds can check out the ruins at Paleopolis, near the Mon Repos Palace, and the Kardaki temple. There are remains of the Byzantine castles at Paleokastritsa (Angelokastro) and Kassiopi, and a Venetian shipyard at Gouvia.

Read More: Exploring Corfu’s Old Town

The Aegean island of Chios was once an important trade centre thanks to its cultivation of the expensive resin product mastic . Chios is also touted as being the birthplace of Homer.

In Chios Town, the Castle of Chios and monastery of Nea Moni are key attractions along with its 19th-century waterside windmills, 1.5km north of the city.

The island was once ruled by the Genoese, who left their mark in the form of elaborate decoration on the buildings of Pyrgi. The black and white exterior patterns ( xista ) are influenced by the Italian technique of sgraffito .

But Pyrgi is just one of 24 medieval villages where locals would retreat to hide from pirates. The deserted Byzantine village of Anavatos is one of the most evocative.

Of all the Ancient Greek temple on all the islands, the most beautiful is to be found just a stone’s throw from Athens. The well-preserved Temple of Aphaea is a mini Acropolis with panoramic views out to sea (and on a clear day as far as the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio).

As well as the Temple of Aphaea, you can also find a small archaeological site and museum at Kolona, just a short walk from Aegina Town. 

But the other highlight is the little-known ancient village of Paleochora, which was once the capital of the island. Built inland to protect from pirate attacks, Paleochora is a ghost town today – with 365 churches strewn across the hillside. Some of the churches are open for the public to visit. There are various hiking trails around the island which take in Paleochora, the Monastery of St Nectarious, and the Temple of Aphaea.

Another historic heavyweight is the Aegean island of Patmos. It’s a major pilgrimage site for Christians as St. John the Theologian is alleged to have written the Book of Revelations in the Cave of the Apocalypse.

The extensive Monastery of St. John looms large over the whitewashed streets of Patmos Chora, and along with the cave, form a UNESCO World Heritage protected site of outstanding architectural and cultural significance. The monastic community here is still active. Patmos was a wealthy trading centre during the Ottoman occupation and this is reflected in churches and mansions in the Old Town. 

The most well-known historic attraction in Naxos is the Portara , a mysterious ancient door on the islet of Palatia which overlooks the main town. It was once part of a grand Temple to Apollo, oriented towards sacred Delos. When the temple was eventually torn down, the doorway was too heavy to remove and so still stands, alone on the hill.

But the crumbling Venetian streets of Naxos Chora are an equal part of its charm. The Venetian Duchy of the Aegean was based on Naxos from 1204-1537 and left an indelible mark on the island. The Old Town of Naxos Chora is divided into two parts: the castle at the top, and the fortified Venetian bit underneath.

Elsewhere on the island, the traditional mountain ‘marble’ villages are worth visiting. Apiranthos is the main one. And the main archaeological sites are the Kouros of Apollonas and the Temple of Demeter. There’s a Venetian Museum and an Archaeological Museum in Naxos Chora.

Read More: Naxos, An Island Guide

As well as having some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Crete is one of the most important island destinations for history geeks everywhere thanks to its blockbuster Minoan site, the Palace of Knossos.

Knossos is great fun to visit (even if you disagree with its vivid but divisive restoration); find a tour guide to glean the best from the site, and don’t miss the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion . But Knossos is by no means the only historic attraction on Crete, which is a large island with a long history.

There are more Minoan sites at Phaistos, Karfi, Zakros, Gournia and Malia. Crete’s main cities – Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos – each have a historic quarter with an impressive fortress. The Venetian old towns in Chania and Rethymnon are particularly worth a visit for their pretty streets and atmosphere. There are castles, monasteries, and frescos galore (Moni Arkadhi steals the show).

But the other must-see is the haunting and unique island of Spinalonga which was once home to an exiled leper colony.

The popular island of Santorini is famous for its volcanic landscape and white and blue architecture, but it also boasts one of the Aegean’s most important archaeological sites: Akrotiri.

Situated near the Red Beach, the settlement of Akrotiri dates back to the early Bronze age and through to the Minoans. When the volcano erupted in 1650BC, it both decimated the site and preserved it. Fascinatingly, no human remains have ever been found, so it must have been safely evacuated. There are also excavations at Ancient Thera, near Kamari.

The caldera villages are like an open-air museum. But in Santorini’s capital Fira you’ll also find the Museum of Prehistoric Thera – which displays artefacts from Akrotiri – as well as the Archaeological Musem, the Museum of Folkloric Art, the Naval Museum, and the Wine Museum!

Kos is probably not the first island that springs to mind when you think of historical attractions – it’s known first and foremost for its beaches  and resorts – but it has some real treats for history fans.

The Dodecanese island is situated at the crossroads of the Aegean and has seen many civilisations come and go over the centuries. Notable ancient sites on Kos include the Roman Odeon, the Altar of Dionysus, the Ancient Agora, and the Asclepeion with its beautiful seaside setting looking out towards the Turkish coastline.

Two hilltop attractions are the fortresses of Paleo Pyli and Kefalos. And last – but certainly not least – is the atmospheric Neratzia Castle, one of the finest examples of Knights Templar architecture in the Aegean.

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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

Laura Kiniry

Stacey Lastoe

Jemima Sissons

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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How many Greek islands can I see in a week?

Feb 15, 2024 • 4 min read

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

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

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

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

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

How to travel around the Greek islands 

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

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

Planning your island-hopping getaway 

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

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

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

Take your pick of Greek island jewels

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

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

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

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

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

This article was first published March 2023 and updated February 2024

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16 Best Greek Islands to Visit | 2024 (with Photos)

Nataša Obradovic - Travel Writer

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Hey there! I'm Natasha, a travel enthusiast who loves exploring the beauty and culture of different Greek islands. Join me as I share my favorite experiences and hidden gems from my recent adventures in these stunning destinations.

Greece is known for its stunning islands and sandy beaches, each with their own unique charm and character.

From the quintessential Greek island of Santorini to the gorgeous beaches of Zakynthos, there is an island to suit every traveler's taste.

In this article, the Travel-Lingual team will explore 16 of the best Greek islands to visit, each with its own highlights and attractions.

Get ready to visit many beaches of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, and discover the magic of all the Greek islands.

Most Recommended Thing to Do

Top Choice Hotel

Domes Noruz Chania.

Our Top Choice Restaurant

To Kati Allo

Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife

Best Time to Visit

Ideal climate: Spring and autumn, avoid tourist peak.

Average Temperature

Mild summers, cool winters, pleasant climate overall.

Transportation Options

Taxis, buses, ferries, trams, trains, rental cars

Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)

My Top Recommendation

My recommendation for spending time in Athens, Greece would be to visit the iconic Acropolis, where you can immerse yourself in ancient history and marvel at the magnificent Parthenon.

For a more laid-back experience, head to the charming island of Santorini, where you can soak up the breathtaking views of the caldera while indulging in delicious local cuisine and exploring the picturesque white-washed villages.

What You'll Need to Bring

• Travel Insurance
• Comfortable walking shoes

What Not to Miss

• Acropolis and Parthenon
• Santorini's breathtaking sunsets
• Exploring the historic streets of Athens
• Delphi's ancient ruins
• Relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Mykonos

What to Avoid

• Overcrowded tourist areas
• Scams and pickpocketing
• Drinking tap water

Table of Contents

1. Santorini - One of the Most Romantic Cycladic Islands

Santorini , one of the most stunning Cycladic islands in Greece, is a crescent-shaped volcanic island located in the southern Aegean Sea. Furthermore, it is one of the best Greek islands to visit.

Nature lovers can take a day trip to explore the nearby islands and the sea caves by boat, scuba diving, or sea kayaking.

This Greek island is also an ideal destination for history buffs, with ancient ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Visitors can also choose from many beach bars and a boat tour or boat trip for a complete island experience.

Santorini is just one of the many great islands in Greece to visit, but with its stunning sandy beaches and traditional villages.

Lastly, this Greek Island, in its peak season, is one of the busiest Greek islands to visit.

2. Mykonos - A Glamorous Cycladic Island

Mykonos is a glamorous and cosmopolitan ancient city island known for its beautiful sandy beaches, luxury resorts, and lively nightlife.

It is located in the heart of the Aegean Sea and it is one of the best Greek islands to visit.

Visitors to Mykonos can explore its beautiful beaches, including Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach, and Psarou Beach, all of which offer crystal-clear waters and sandy shores.

It is among the Greek islands that allow visitors the opportunity to explore its beautiful whitewashed villages, including Mykonos Town, which is home to many shops, cafes, and restaurants.

3. Crete - The Largest Greek Island

Crete, the largest island in Greece located in the southern Aegean Sea, is a diverse destination that boasts stunning beaches like Elafonisi, Balos, and Falassarna, with crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches.

The island's capital city of Heraklion is a historical treasure trove with ancient ruins and museums waiting to be explored.

In addition to its beaches and cities, Crete also offers visitors a glimpse of traditional village life and the opportunity to experience sea kayaking, scuba diving, and boat tours to nearby islands. Consequently, making Crete one of the best Greek Islands to visit .

4. Corfu - A Party Island with a Venetian Past

Corfu , an Ionian island located off the northwest coast of Greece, is a beautiful destination to explore. This Greek island is arguably the cheapest Greek island to visit.

Its stunning beaches, including Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, and Agios Georgios, offer clear waters and golden sands.

Visitors can also enjoy the island's charming villages, such as Corfu Town, which boasts numerous museums, shops, and restaurants.

However, you will also find some of the best bars in Greece on this Greek island.

While there are many other Greek islands to visit, the natural beauty, pristine beaches, and historical landmarks of Corfu (Town) make it one of the best Greek Islands to visit for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

5. Zakynthos - An Ionian Island with Pristine Beaches

Zakynthos , a famous Island situated in the Ionian Sea, is famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life.

Navagio Beach or Shipwreck Beach, with its stunning scenery, is a must-visit location for beach lovers.

Zakynthos is a great destination for nature lovers, with its vast array of flora and fauna.

The Blue Caves, a network of sea caves, and Navagio Beach can be explored by a boat tour and offer a unique opportunity to witness Zakynthos' beauty from a different perspective.

6. Rhodes - A Dodecanese Island with Ancient History

Rhodes is a paradisiacal Dodecanese Island nestled in the idyllic southeastern Aegean Sea.

This picturesque island is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, historical landmarks, and natural beauty that offer tourists a perfect blend of history and nature.

Rhodes is home to a well-preserved medieval Old Town and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, it is one of the best Greek Islands to visit.

Visitors to Rhodes can enjoy exploring the Acropolis of Lindos, the Temple of Apollo, and the Ancient Stadium, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the island's ancient past, through a boat tour on a day trip.

7. Skiathos - One of The Remote Ionian Islands on the Ionian Sea

Skiathos , a Sporades Island situated in the northwestern Aegean Sea, is known for its picturesque beaches and stunning natural beauty.

Koukounaries, one of the most famous beaches in Skiathos Old Town, has clear waters and golden sand, making it a great destination for sunbathing and swimming.

Visitors can also explore the island's natural beauty by hiking through the lush green forested areas or taking a boat trip.

8. Naxos - One of the Cheapest Greek Islands With Picturesque Villages

Naxos is a national park situated in the Aegean Sea. This national park is the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades.

The island boasts a unique combination of many beaches and picturesque villages.

Naxos is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades, such as Agios Prokopios and Plaka, which offer shipwreck beaches and golden sand.

For those interested in history, a day trip to Portara, an ancient temple dedicated to the Greek god Apollo, is a must-visit site.

9. Paros - A Famous Island with Traditional Charm

Paros is a picturesque island that offers visitors a traditional Greek island experience.

Paros is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, such as Golden Beach and Santa Maria Beach. You can take a day trip on a boat tour for a great island experience, alongside water sports activities and much more on the island's northwest coast.

The island is also famous for its marble quarries, which have been producing high-quality marble since ancient times.

10. Milos - A Great Island with Volcanic Landscapes

Milos is a volcanic island in the Cyclades. This Greek Island offers a unique landscape shaped by its volcanic history.

This Greek island boasts some of the best beaches and hot springs, such as Sarakiniko and Firiplaka, known for their unique rock formations and turquoise waters, of all the Greek isles.

On this picturesque island, visitors can also explore the Fishing Village of Klima. Additionally, visitors can take a day trip to the Venetian Castle of Milos, and the Arkoudes, natural rock formations that resemble bears.

The island's hot springs offer ideal opportunities for rejuvenation and relaxation, while it's fantastic scuba diving sites are perfect for adventure seekers.

11. Hydra - A Nearby Island with Timeless Beauty

Hydra is a charming and traditional Greek island located in the Saronic Gulf, close to Athens.

It's one of the best Greek islands to visit if you want to experience the authentic beauty of Greece without the crowds of mass tourism.

Hydra's beaches are some of the most beautiful in the Aegean Sea, with crystal-clear waters and peaceful surroundings. Thus, among the best Greek islands to visit.

Bisti Beach and Vlychos Beach are just two spectacular beaches on the island. You will find many more on this remote island.

12. Symi - A Dodecanese Island with a Quaint Harbor

Symi is a tiny island situated in the southeastern Aegean Sea, is a destination that offers a perfect combination of history and relaxation.

Visitors can explore the island's many secluded beaches and coves by boat or on foot, taking in the spectacular beaches and picturesque landscapes.

Symi is also home to the Monastery of the Archangel Michael, a historical and religious landmark that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

With its unique charm and peaceful atmosphere, Symi is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Greek islands.

13. Ios - A Quiet Greek Island with a Party Vibe

Ios is one of the best Greek islands for young travelers seeking vibrant nightlife and an unforgettable party experience.

This small island offers a plethora of bars and clubs that cater to all tastes, making it the ultimate party island in Greece.

During the day, visitors can relax on the island's beautiful beaches, such as Mylopotas Beach and Manganari Beach , which boast sandy beaches and clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Ios is also famous for the Tomb of Homer, which is believed to be the final resting place of the renowned ancient Greek poet.

Despite its small size, Ios offers a diverse range of activities and attractions, making it one of the most stunning and exciting Greek islands to visit.

14. Samos - A Dodecanese Remote Island

Samos is one of the best Greek islands to visit, located in the eastern Aegean Sea and part of the Dodecanese islands.

This stunning Greek island is covered in lush forests and features a rugged coastline with some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, including Tsamadou Beach and Potami Beach.

Samos is also famous for its wine production, with vineyards for visitors to explore and local varieties to taste.

For history buffs, the island is home to the Heraion, one of the largest ancient temples in Greece dedicated to the goddess Hera.

Samos is an ideal destination for people who are looking for gorgeous beaches and offers a perfect blend of history and beauty.

15. Lefkada - An Ionian Island with Secluded Beaches

Lefkada is a stunning island in the Ionian Sea known for its crystal-clear waters and secluded beaches.

With its rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs, the island is a paradise for adventure seekers and people who love beach bars.

Porto Katsiki and Egremni Beach are two of the most popular beaches on the island, with their white sands and turquoise waters attracting visitors from all over the world.

The island is also known for its traditional villages, such as Sivota and Agios Nikitas, where people who come on vacation can experience the authentic Greek way of life and sample local cuisine.

16. Folegandros - A Cycladic Island with a Slow-Paced Lifestyle

Folegandros, a charming small island in the Cyclades, offers visitors a slow-paced, laid-back lifestyle.

With stunning views of mainland Greece, visitors can also explore the medieval castle in town.

Folegandros is an excellent option for a relaxing getaway with a taste of traditional Greek island life and has one of the best beaches. You can take a boat trip to other Cyclades islands.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the best Greek islands to visit.

What is the nicest Greek island to visit?

The nicest Greek island to visit is subjective and depends on personal preferences. Santorini is often considered the most romantic Greek island, with its iconic white-washed buildings and stunning caldera views. Mykonos is known for its glamorous nightlife and luxurious atmosphere, while Crete is the largest Greek island with diverse activities and sights. Other popular islands include Corfu with its Venetian past, Venetian Castle, and Ionian beauty, Zakynthos for its pristine beaches, and Rhodes for its ancient history.

What is the prettiest Greek island?

Many people consider Santorini to be the prettiest Greek island due to its unique architecture. However, other Greek islands such as Milos with its volcanic landscapes, Hydra with its timeless beauty, and Skiathos Old Town with its gorgeous beaches are also considered to be some of the prettiest Greek islands.

How do I choose which Greek island to visit?

Choosing the best Greek island can be tough. Consider your preferences, time of year, accessibility, and cost. Look for all the Greek islands with historical sites and activities like scuba diving, boat tours, and sea kayaking; check out fantastic beaches like Navagio Beach and Paradise Beach, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Venetian Castle; there are many Greek islands to visit include the Ionian Islands, Cyclades Islands, and Dodecanese Islands; and Avoid mass tourism and high prices by checking out smaller, remote islands like those in the Sporades Islands.

What are the 5 famous Greek islands?

The best Greek islands to visit include Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu. Each island offers unique attractions such as gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, traditional villages, and more.

Summing Up: 16 Best Greek Islands to Visit

The Greek Islands offer stunning scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture from the central east coast to the west coast.

From romantic Santorini to glamorous Mykonos Town, from Crete to Corfu with a Venetian past, and from the fantastic beaches of Lefkada to the slow-paced lifestyle of Folegandros, Greek islands have something for everyone.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Greece today and experience the beauty and charm of these amazing islands for yourself.

Santorini - One of the Most Romantic Cycladic Islands

Mykonos - A Glamorous Cycladic Island

Crete - The Largest Greek Island

Corfu - A Party Island with a Venetian Past

Zakynthos - An Ionian Island with Pristine Beaches

Rhodes - A Dodecanese Island with Ancient History

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The 31 best Greek islands to visit in 2024

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

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

1. Nisyros: Walk on a volcano

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

2. Kalymnos: Reach new heights

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

3. Kos: Pedal the ‘bicycle island’

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

4. Tilos: Wander a ghost village

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

5. Rhodes: Explore a woodland oasis

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

6. Symi: Hike through old donkey trails

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

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

7. Karpathos: Travel through time

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

8. Lefkada: Set sail for the islets

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

9. Paxos: Jump into the blue

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

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

10. Corfu: Head for the hills  

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

11. Zakynthos: See the blue caves  

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

12. Kefalonia: Kayak secret coves

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

13. Samothraki: Meet the Great Gods

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

14. Lemnos: Explore a Greek desert  

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

15. Ikaria: Dance until dawn  

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

16. Lesbos: Discover the ouzo effect  

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

17. Santorini: Sip volcanic wines

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

18. Syros: Listen to Greek blues

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

19. Sifnos: Cook like a Greek

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

20. Tinos: Embark on a food weekend

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

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

21. Milos: Stay in a syrmata  

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

22. Naxos: Find the marbles

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

23. Agistri: Snorkel in clear coves

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

24. Poros: Wander in a lemon forest  

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

25. Spetses: Get to know Bouboulina

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

26. Aegina: Trace ancient Greece

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

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

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

28. Skopelos: Hike wildflower trails

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

29. Skyros: Meet Skyrian horses

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

30. Skiathos: Hit the beach

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

31. Alonnisos: Enjoy aquatic adventures

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Around the Greek Islands

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

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

When to Visit the Greek Isles

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

The Cyclades Islands

Monica Farber/Travel + Leisure

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

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

How to Travel the Cyclades Islands

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

Where to Stay

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

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

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

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

How to Travel on Crete

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

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

Where to Stay on Crete

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

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

Saronic Gulf Islands

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

How to Travel the Saronic Gulf Islands

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

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

The Ionian Islands

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

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

How to Travel the Ionian Islands

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

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

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

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

The Sporades Islands

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

How to Travel the Sporades Islands

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

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

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

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

The Northeast Aegean Islands

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

How to Travel the Northeast Aegean Islands

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

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

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

The Dodecanese Islands

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

How to Travel the Dodecanese Islands

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

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

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

Best Greek islands to visit in your lifetime

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• best-islands-greece

written by Nick Edwards

updated 27.02.2023

Greece offers well over two hundred inhabited islands of all shapes and sizes, set like gems in the sparkling Ionian and Aegean seas. It can be hard to pick which ones to visit on your trip. Former resident and Rough Guide to Greece author Nick Edwards picks the best Greek islands to visit.

1. Crete: one of the best Greek islands for archaeology

2. milos: the island with the most beautiful beaches, 3. pátmos: perfect for spirituality, 4. lefkada: best greek island for ocean activity, 5. lésvos: the island with a little bit of everything, 6. skiathos: an ideal mix of relaxation & nightlife.

• 7. Skopelos: Greece's greenest island

8. Zákynthos: best of Greek Islands to visit with family

9. sérifos: one of the best greek islands for a calm stay, 10. náxos: the happiest of greek islands, 11. rhodes: one of the best greek islands for exploring the mediterranean sea, 12. corfu: an island with a beautiful, lush landscape.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to the Greek Islands , your essential guide for visiting Greek islands.

When planning your Greek holiday, take a look at our list of tips for travelling in Greece .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Greece, created by local experts

10 days  / from 2657 USD

The Historical and Mythological Cyclades islands

The Cyclades islands include two of the most famous Greek Islands: Mykonos and Santorini. Visit these and some of the smaller, quieter, islands. With white washed houses, narrow cobbled streets, blue domed roofs and stunning beaches, they are what Greece is all about.

9 days  / from 2246 USD

A secluded villa stay on Mainland Greece

Stay in a secluded private villa with magnificent views to the sea and explore this beautiful corner of Mainland Greece with your own rental car. Under the impressive Mt Taygetos in Southern Peloponnese, the region of Mani will give you a snapshot of authentic Greece.

10 days  / from 2030 USD

Along the Coast of Crete: from Heraklion to Platanias

As Greece's largest island, Crete's culture and atmosphere is distinctly different from mainland Greece. Thousands of years of unique culture and rich history complement the island's untamed natural beauty. Explore Crete at your own pace with this unique self-drive trip!

Tailor-made trips for   Greece

As Greece’s largest island, Crete is something of an all-rounder. Crete boasts the dramatic White Mountains, kilometres of fine beaches, the delightful Samaria Gorge and several interesting cities, not least the island capital of Iraklion. For anyone interested in archaeology, however, it’s the obvious place to combine the joys of an island with a variety of ancient remains to rival the mainland.

Just 5km outside of Iraklion lies Knossos , the island’s preeminent ancient site, with its grand, second millennium BC Minoan palace, where King Minos once kept the legendary Minotaur. The layout of the interconnected halls and rooms is truly labyrinthine and much of the palace amazingly well preserved.

Here you can marvel at superb ancient art, such as the famous dolphin fresco. Iraklion’s archaeological museum, meanwhile, is also one of the country’s finest, with a host of fascinating Minoan treasures. East along the coast, Malia Palace is another great site from the same era.

A fine fresco in Knossos Palace, Crete, Greece © Shutterstock

Other star Minoan attractions near the south coast are the Palace of Phaestos, which enjoys a splendid hillside location and view of Mount Psiloritis, and the smaller remains at Ayia Triada.

In the same region, the ruined capital of a Roman province that encompassed Crete and a chunk of north Africa can be seen at Gortys. Further afield the Dhiktean Cave and Palace of Zakros are yet more ancient sites to be enjoyed.

If a beach holiday is what you're looking for in Crete, explore our guide to the best beaches in Crete .

Where to stay on Crete:

• For families: Corinna Mare
• For peaceful and stunning surroundings: Kavos Hotel & Suites

Find more accommodation options to stay in Crete

Despite being one of the lower profile Cyclades , most beach connoisseurs rate Milos as one of the best Greek islands. Perhaps that is not so surprising, thanks to its volcanic nature and horseshoe shape, it boasts an impressive seventy-five beaches, yet is barely 20km across.

Rarely crowded except in the height of peak season, Milos has a laidback feel and offers plenty of choices in accommodation and eating.

One of the best beaches on the south coast is sandy Paleohóri, gently heated by underground thermal currents and linked to a second strand, hemmed in by colourful cliffs, via a tunnel through the rock. The headland that encompasses the northern settlements of Adhámas and Plaka is punctuated by a variety of coves.

The long sandy stretch at Pollonia in the northeast is shaded by tamarisks. It is the rugged west coast, however, that offers the purest beauty and most undeveloped beaches of Triadhes, Ammoudharaki and Kleftiko, the latter accessible only by boat.

Get to know the most exotic island in the Aegean with this tailor-made trip to Milos . Volcanic rocks paint the beaches red, pink and orange, white rock formations, emerald green waters and caves eroded by the sea, are steeped in stories of pirates. Milos is truly unique.

Where to stay on Milos:

• For budget stays: Hotel Eleni
• For beach location: Artemis Seaside Resort

Find more accommodation options to stay in Milos

Sarakiniko beach on the beautiful island of Milos - one of the best Greek islands © leoks/Shutterstock

Given the ever-present significance of religion in Greece, diminutive Pátmos is regarded as one of the best Greek islands. It’s where St John holed up and received the visions that he dictated to his disciple Prohoros as the Revelation, the final book of the New Testament.

Hike up early in the morning to the cave where this took place. It's now enclosed in an eleventh-century chapel. Here you'll have the best chance of getting the place to yourself and even being able to rest your head in the niche where the saint laid his. Gazing out across the sea to the surrounding islands is enough to get even hard-nosed cynics feeling spiritual.

Monastery St. John, Patmos Island, Greece © leoks/Shutterstock

Further up the hill, another eleventh-century monastery, that of Ayiou Ioannou Theologou, commands more wonderful views and is home to a community of monks. Much of the solid structure is off-limits to visitors but the church is delightful.

Likewise, the museum displays some dazzling Orthodox paraphernalia, dark and brooding medieval icons, and some parchment manuscripts. Needless to say, there are some fine sandy beaches and plenty of secular delights to detain the visitor back down at sea level.

Where to stay in Pátmos:

• For luxury: Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa
• For charming atmosphere: Skala Hotel

Find more accommodation options to stay in Pátmos

Mid-sized Lefkada has one of Europe’s largest windsurfing centres (near its southern tip) and a gleaming new marina on the edge of the island capital. This makes it one of the best Greek islands for those who love to spend time on the water. It also boasts easy accessibility, being joined to the mainland by a causeway.

Look out for dramatic mountain scenery and a few of the most stunning beaches in the Ionian Sea on its west coast. In addition, Lefkada Town is an attractive and cultural place, with some fine old churches.

Lefkada island, Ionian Sea, Greece © Heracles Kritikos/Shutterstock

Yachties flock here for the great facilities at the marina, the large dry dock at Vlyho and the ease of mooring at the various bays on the east coast, such as Dessimi, Rouda and Syvota. The satellite islands opposite the main resort of Nydri constitute good sailing territory too, while Nydri itself offers the usual range of watersports.

Meanwhile, at Lefkada’s southern end, the bay that stretches from Vassiliki to Pondi draws a youthful crowd. They take advantage of the favourable wind patterns and shallow water that are ideal for windsurfing. At any one time, you might count literally hundreds of colourful sails flapping in the breeze.

Where to stay in Lefkada:

• For sea view: Florena Hotel
• For calm stays: Katerina Lefkada

Find more accommodation options to stay in Lefkada

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The third-largest island behind Crete and Evvia, versatile Lésvos (often referred to as Mytilini after its capital) is, surprisingly, little visited. Mytilini itself is a large town with a rather grand seafront, an extensive fortress and several absorbing museums, plus plenty of places to eat and drink.

Among the smaller towns that impress architecturally, Molyvos (aka Mithymna) and Ayiassos stand out. The former sits on a north coast headland crowned by an imposing castle. The latter straddles a mountainside valley and has a warren of streets around the picturesque central church. Various other beautiful monasteries are dotted around the island.

The coastline is blessed with numerous excellent beaches. None are better than the 9 km-long stretch of pebble and sand at Vatera on the south coast. But there are more geological features than just rock and sand. The large shallow Gulf of Kalloni includes salt marshes that are a birdwatcher’s dream. Over in the west there’s a petrified forest; and thermal spas punctuate the eastern half.

Lesvos island, view of town Molyvos (Mithymna) with old castle above © leoks/Shutterstock

As the home of Greece’s most highly rated ouzo, there are a fair few lauded distilleries, such as Varvayianni and Samara. Yet the island also produces great wines, such as Methymneos, and olive products.

Finally, there is a strong cultural aspect to Lésvos, which has had a literary reputation since ancient times, as the birthplace of the poets Sappho, Aesop and more recently Elytis. It is also the birthplace of the twentieth-century artists Theriade and Theophilos, who have museums in their honour on the island.

A lot of Sappho’s erotic poetry was addressed towards other women (quite a thing for the sixth century). Her legacy is perpetually sustained at lively Skala Eresou, which draws visitors from all over the world.

Where to stay in Lésvos:

• For town stays: Lesvion Hotel
• For romantic stays: Villa Molivos Castle

Find more accommodation options to stay in Lésvos

Undulating green countryside, some fine rural monasteries and a labyrinthine old town notwithstanding, the real business of Skiáthos is beaches: by far the best, if also the busiest, in the Sporades. There are nearly 60 strands, most with fine, pale sand, but still barely enough room for the legions of visitors.

The main road along the south and southeast coasts serves an almost unbroken line of villas, hotels, minimarkets and restaurants. Although they’ve not impinged much on Skiáthos’ natural beauty, they make it difficult to find anything particularly Greek here. But by hiking or using a 4WD vehicle, you can find relative solitude, refreshing vistas and charming medieval monuments in the island’s north.

Lalaria beach, Skiathos, Greece © Shutterstock

Skiathos Town, the only real population centre on the island, is set on a couple of low hills around a point, with the ferry harbour and new town to the east, and the picturesque old port, with the old town rising above it, in the west.

There are few specific sights in Skiáthos, though the Alexándros Papadiamántis Museum, housed in the nineteenth-century home of one of Greece’s best-known writers, is worth a look.

The peninsula that separates the two harbours, the Boúrtzi, makes for an enjoyable stroll. Surrounded by crumbling defences and a few rusty cannon it is today a peaceful setting for the one-room Maritime Museum, a café with great views, and an open-air municipal theatre, with regular summertime music and drama performances.

Where to stay in Skiathos:

• For budget stays: Babis
• For bay location: La Luna Hotel

Find more accommodation options to stay in Skiathos

7. Skopelos: Greece's greenest island

Skopelos is bigger and more rugged than Skiáthos, and its concessions to tourism are lower-key and in better taste, despite a boom in recent years fuelled by the filming here of Mamma Mia!.

Much of the countryside, especially the southwest coast, really is as spectacular as it appears in the movie, with a series of pretty cove beaches backed by extensive pine forests as well as olive groves and orchards of plums. Skópelos Town (Hóra) and Glóssa, the two main towns, are among the prettiest in the Sporades.

Skopelos island, Greece © Shutterstock\

Away from the main roads there’s plenty of walking on Skópelos. Among the better hikes are those east of Skópelos Town, where three historic monasteries, Metamórfosis, Evangelístrias and Prodhrómou stand on the slopes of Mount Paloúki. Near Glóssa, there’s a beautiful 45-minute trail to the renovated village of Palió Klíma, via the island’s oldest settlement, Athéato (Mahalás).

The town beach doesn’t amount to much, but there are a couple of excellent alternatives very close by: towards Stáfylos is a busy road around which cluster many accommodation options; north to Glystéri is less populated.

Hop between the islands of Milos, Naxos, and Amorgos on this romantic tailor-made Greek Island-Hopping Honeymoon . Drive around stunning coastlines, explore mountain villages, visit ancient sites, and luxuriate on golden beaches as you are transfixed by the allure of the Aegean’s turquoise waters.

The Rough Guides to Greece and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Where to stay in Skopelos:

• For stylish stays: Panormos Beach Hotel Skopelos
• For natural surroundings and views: Mando Beachfront

Find more accommodation options to stay in Skopelos

Zákynthos (Zante), southernmost of the six core Ionian islands, is divided between relative wilderness and indiscriminate commercialization. However, much of the island is still green and unspoilt, with only token pockets of tourism, and the main resorts seem to be reaching maximum growth without encroaching too much on the quieter parts.

The biggest resort is Laganás, on Laganás Bay in the south, a 24-hour party venue that doesn’t stop for breath during the busy summer season. There are smaller, quieter resorts north and south of the capital, and the southerly Vassilikós peninsula has some of the best countryside and beaches, including exquisite Yérakas.

Navagio beach with shipwreck and motorboat on Zakynthos island in Greece © Samot/Shutterstock

The island still produces fine wines, such as the white Popolaro, as well as sugar-shock-inducing mandoláto nougat, whose honeys weetened form is best.

The town, like the island, is known as both Zákynthos and Zante. The town stretches beyond the length of the wide and busy harbour. Its main section is bookended by the grand, recently renovated Platía Solomoú at the north, and the church of Áyios Dhionýsios, patron saint of the island, at the south.

Neighbouring Kefalonia also has a lot to offer. Read our guide to the best things to do in Kefalonia and perhaps you'll find inspiration to visit the place in question.

Where to stay in Zákynthos:

• For couples: Balcony Hotel
• For luxury: Arkadia Hotel

Find more accommodation options to stay in Zákynthos

Sérifos has long languished outside the mainstream of history and modern tourism. Many would-be visitors are deterred by the apparently barren, hilly interior, which, with the stark, rocky coastline, makes Sérifos appear uninhabited until the ferry turns into postcard-picturesque Livádhi Bay. This element of surprise continues as you slowly discover a number of lovely beaches around the island.

Sérifos is one of the best Greek islands for serious walkers, who can head along documented paths for several small villages in the under-explored interior, plus some isolated coves for swimming. Many people still keep livestock and produce their own tawny-red wines, which are an acquired taste.

Windmills of Greece. Serifos island, Cyclades © Shutterstock

Most visitors stay in the port, Livádhi, which is set in a wide greenery-fringed bay and handy for most of the island’s beaches. The usually calm bay is a magnet for yachts, here to take on fresh water which, despite its barren appearance, Sérifos has in abundance.

The very attractive curve of Avlómonas, the long Livádhi town beach, has the advantage of overlooking the inland capital, so that when you’re swimming in the sea you have a great inland view. Heading away from the dock, climb over the southerly headland to reach Livadhákia, a golden-sand beach, shaded by tamarisk trees.

A further ten-minute stroll across the southern headland brings you to the smaller Karávi beach, with its clear, blue-green waters, but no shade or facilities.

Where to stay in Sérifos:

• For beaches: Naias
• For the friendly atmosphere: Serifos Palace

Find more accommodation options to stay in Sérifos

Náxos is the largest and most fertile of all the Cyclades islands and with its green and mountainous inland scenery, it appears immediately dissimilar to its neighbours. Today Náxos could easily support itself without visitors by relying on its production of potatoes, olives, cheese, grapes and lemons, but it has thrown in its lot with mass tourism, so that parts of the island are now almost as busy as Páros in season.

The island has plenty to see if you know where to look: the highest peak in the Cyclades, intriguing central valleys, a spectacular north coast and long, marvellously sandy beaches on the southwest coast. It is also renowned for its wines, cheese and kítron, a sweet liqueur distilled from the leaves of this citrus tree and available in green, yellow or clear varieties depending on strength and sugar level.

Naxos island in Greece, Cyclades © Shutterstock

As your ferry approaches Náxos Town, you can’t help sensing that this is a really special place, if only because of the looming, fortified kástro. A superficial glance at the waterfront may be enough to convince you that most of the town’s life occurs by the crowded port esplanade, but don’t be deceived.

There is a lot more life in Náxos Town in the vast network of backstreets and low-arched narrow alleys that lead up through the old town, Boúrgos, to the kástro itself. And don’t miss out on the second centre of activity to the south, around the main square, Platía Evripéous, where there are more tavernas, shops and cafés.

Stay in a secluded private villa and explore Naxos at your own pace in your own rental car. Lasting just above 1 week, this tailor-made trip to Naxos leaves plenty of room for relaxation and exploration of the amazing island of Naxos, with its authentic mountainous villages and magnificent sea views.

Where to stay in Náxos:

• For boutique stays: Argo Boutique Hotel
• For price and quality: Sunday Studios

Find more accommodation options to stay in Náxos

Rhodes (Ródhos) is deservedly among the best of Greek islands. Its star attraction is the beautiful medieval Old Town that lies at the heart of its capital, Rhodes Town. Elsewhere, the ravishing hillside village of Líndhos, topped by an ancient acropolis, should not be missed. It marks the midpoint of the island’s long eastern shoreline, adorned with numerous sandy beaches.

At the southern cape, Prassoníssi is one of the best windsurfing spots in Europe. If you want to escape the summer crowds, take a road trip into the island’s craggy and partly forested interior. Worthwhile targets include the castles near Monólithos and Kritinía, and the frescoed churches at Thárri, Asklipió and Áyios Yeóryios Várdhas.

View at Lindou Bay from Lindos Rhodes island, Greece © Shutterstock

The Citadel of Rhodes was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and is one of the best-preserved Old Towns in the world. It is an absolute gem, a superb medieval ensemble that’s all but unique in retaining the feel of a genuine lived-in village – it neither grew to become a city nor became overly prettified for visitors.

Set on a stark headland 50km south of Rhodes Town, Líndhos is almost too good to be true. A classic Greek village of crazily stacked whitewashed houses, poised between a stupendous castle-topped acropolis above and sandy crescent beaches below, it’s the island’s number-two tourist attraction.

Where to stay in Rhodes:

• For families: Lardos Bay
• For luxury: Eden Roc Resort

Find more accommodation options to stay in Rhodes

Dangling between the heel of Italy and the west coast of mainland Greece, green, mountainous Corfu (Kérkyra) was one of the first Greek islands to attract mass tourism in the 1960s. Indiscriminate exploitation turned parts into eyesores but a surprising amount of the island still consists of olive groves, mountains or woodland.

The majority of package holidays are based in the most developed resorts and unspoilt terrain is often only a few minutes’ walk away. The capital, Corfu Town, has been one of the most elegant island capitals in the whole of Greece. Although many of its finest buildings were destroyed, two massive forts, the sixteenth-century church of Áyios Spyrídhon and some buildings dating from French and British administrations remain intact.

Idyllic Agios Stefanos on the Greek island of Corfu,© Shutterstock

The most famous excursion from Corfu Town is to the islets of Vlahérna and Pondikoníssi, 2km south of town below the hill of Kanóni, named after the single cannon trained out to sea atop it. Reached by a short causeway, the tiny, white convent of Vlahérna is one of the most photographed images on Corfu.

Pondikoníssi, tufted by greenery from which peeks the small chapel of Panayía Vlahernón, is identified in legend with a ship from Odysseus’s fleet, petrified by Poseidon in revenge for the blinding of his son Polyphemus.

Where to stay in Corfu:

• For stunning views: Oasis Hotel
• For peaceful stays: Chandris Apartments

Find more accommodation options to stay in Corfu

Discover the variety of holiday opportunities Greece has to offer with our guide best things to do in Greece .

Ready for a trip to Greek Islands? Check out the snapshot The Rough Guide to the Greek Islands or The Rough Guide to Greece . If you travel further in Greece, read more about the best time to go , the best places to visit and best things to do in Greece.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Greece without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

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The Best Greek Islands To Visit: An Honest Guide to Help Find Your Dream Destination!

G reece is one of our favourite places in the world and no wonder. This country is packed with culture, history, stunning scenery, incredible cuisine and some of Europe’s best beaches.

So if you’re thinking about choosing Greece as your next vacation destination, all we can say is good choice!

We know this country well, and can help you choose which is the best island in Greece for you.Whether you’re wanting t o kn ow what is the best Greek island for beaches, couple-time, nightlife and more, we’ve got the best choices below.

So read on to begin your Greek island adventure!

The Best Islands In Greece For Your Dream Vacation

After enjoying the is lands in Greece for years, we’ve decided t o share our th oughts on the best Greek islands with y ou!

First we look at the best is lands in Greece f or beaches, f o l l owed by the best is lands f or c oup les, then night life, and fina l ly f or scuba diving and sn orke ling.

Recommended: The Beaches In Greece With The Bluest & Clearest Water

The 4 Best Greek Islands For Beaches

Greece is frequently ranked inside the world’s top five most beautiful destinations and one of the reasons are the wonderful beaches here.

It’s the islands in Greece that have the most mesmerizing beaches, and it’s the beaches that are one of the main reasons tourists keep returning t o here again and again.

So, what are the best Greek islands for beaches? Here’s our top four choices!

Mykonos is a Greek masterpiece of nature, and there’s no doubt in our mind that it’s up there as one of the best Greek island for beaches.

The beaches here are pristine and the water is warm, clear and perfect for swimming. But Mykonos is a ls o a fun island where there’s plenty of beach bars and restaurants to enjoy too.

In fact that’s what we like most about this island. You can still find beaches in Mykonos that are hidden away and private, but if you want to have some beach fun at night or sunbathe with a few cocktails, then you can a ls o find beaches here that cater to that too.

Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach are lovely stretches of sand that are energetic thanks to the many beach bars and nightclubs here. In fact Paradise Beach Club is regularly voted as one of the best nightclubs in the world!

Away from the bright lights and beer y ou can find much calmer beaches – like Elia Beach . This is the longest beach in Mykonos and the stunning stretch of sand is pristine, the water a striking crystal turquoise colour, and the backdrop of cliffs picture perfect. It’s romantic and perfect for sunset strolls. (Related: Hiking in Mykonos ).

Some must-visit beaches on Mykonos:

• Agio Stefanos
• Paradise Beach
• Super Paradise Beach

2. Zante (Zakynthos)

Zante has been a summer holiday destination for decades, and while its popularity has waned in recent years as tourists head elsewhere, the beaches here are some of the best in Greece.

One of the most famous and prettiest beaches in Greece is on this island. That’s Shipwreck Bay (Navagio Bay) which is an astounding inlet with pristine white sand and gorgeous turquoise water, all of which is hemmed in by huge dramatic white cliffs.

The beach has its name due to a shipwreck on the shore, and is now one of the most photographed beaches in the world.

Off the coast of Zante and you’ll find the tiny island of Marathon . This islet has a beach that juts out into the sea and is surrounded on all sides by spectacular hues of blue. It’s a fantastic swimming and diving spot.

For nature lovers spend a day at Paralia Laganas – a popular beach for spotting loggerhead turtles.

Because Zante has many resorts you’ll also find several beaches with all the facilities you’d need. From classy beachside bars to cheap takeaway joints, as well as sun loungers and umbrellas to rent. Head to Planos for resort-like beaches and nearby activities like a waterpark.

For us, Zante is easily one of the best islands in Greece.

Some must-visit beaches on Zante:

• Shipwreck Bay
• Paralia Laganas
• Agios Sostis
• Agios Nikolaos

Pretty Naxos and Paros sit right beside each other in the Aegean Sea and are considered twin islands. Both are well worth visiting, but we believe the beaches in Naxos are some of the best throughout Greece.

This small island has 15 beaches and so many long stretches of sand, and as one of the lesser known Greek islands, many of those beaches are much quieter than other islands in the Aegean.

If visiting Nax os expect crystal clear water, white sand beaches, warm shallow water perfect for swimming, and some stunning backdrops. Head to Mikri Vigla for one of the best swimming beaches and a laid-back vibe.

Agios Prokopios is the most famous and popular beach on Nax os, but for a reason. This award-winning stretch of sand is regarded by many as the beach beach in Greece. It has plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, as well as sunbeds and umbrellas to rent.

Some must-visit beaches on Naxos:

• Mikri Vigla
• Agios Prokopios

If you’re happy with the idea of 15 beaches on Naxos, you’ll be over the moon with the 57 that exist on Corfu !

That number is enormous, and as a result the beaches here are varied and diverse. Which is exactly why Corfu is one of the best Greek islands for beaches.

Expect busy beaches packed with restaurants and bars, as well beaches set against g orge ous mountain backdrops.

In the west coast you will find sandy beaches that stretch for miles, whilst the east coast has pebble beaches that are exceptionally pretty. The village of Paleokastritsa on the northwest coast is a must visit for the quaint feel, family-owned tavernas, and six sandy beaches set against ancient olive groves.

Head to Rovina Beach with its pretty white pebbles for seclusion surrounded by olive groves and sea cliffs, as we l l as some of the best water for swimming in Corfu.

Corfu’s Limni Beach Glyko may be one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece – this double beach is flanked on either side by a bay with a sea colour palette of different blues.

Some must-visit beaches on Corfu:

• Paleokastritsa
• Limni Beach Glyko
• Agios Gordis
• Mirtiotissa
• Agios Stephanos

The 3 Best Greek Islands For Couples

Simply put Greece is a romantic place. The islands are romantic, beautiful, and each has its own unique quirks.

If you’re looking for a perfect honeymoon, or just a romantic escape with the love of your life, then you won’t be disappointed. (Related: The Best Greek Islands for Couples ).

Here’s our t op three Greek islands f or c oup les.

You might not have heard of Milos, but this little Cycladic paradise is definitely one of the best Greek islands for c oup les and romantic escapes.

As it’s a small island, Milos feels intimate and remote, but it’s also easy to explore in just a few days. It’s definitely one of the most underrated and unknown Greek islands but the beauty of Milos will make you want to come back again and again.

One of the most famous remnants of Ancient Greece, the Venus de Milo (now in the Louvre) was found here in Milos t o o. The statue depicts Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.

The island remains fit for a goddess of love, with the villages and towns feeling cozy, intimate and picture postcard perfect.

As for the beaches, they feel secluded and many have several small coves and bays. That means there’s plenty of places where you can relax in the turquoise water but in your own private seaside pool or bay. Sarakiniko Beach is a perfect example.

If you’re traveling to Milos, here’s some of the best activities for couples:

• Sarakiniko Beach : The incredible white volcanic rock here has made natural private swimming pools where you can bathe in crystal clear turquoise water.
• Take a boat tour to Kleftiko and swim in the pretty caves.
• Tour the quaint fishing village of Mantarkia .
• Grab an ouzo and watch the world go by.
• Take in the sunset from Kastro – the highest spot in Milos’ capital of Plaka. It’s the most romantic view you could ask for.
• Enjoy a night of live music and cocktails at Akri Bar.

Crete is one of Greece’s best honeymoon destinations thanks to a fantastic array of luxury hotels, long stretches of soft sand, and the opportunity to stroll hand-in-hand down cobblestone streets in ancient towns.

There are three main towns in Crete . The first one is Heraklion , which has more of a city feel. The other two are Chania and Rethymnon .

All have their own unique charm, but Chania with its 14th-century Venetian harbor, waterside bars and cafes, and views out towards the Mediterranean, always catches our attention.

The Chania region also has some of the best beaches in Crete so it’s a good place to be based.

However what we really love about Crete is not only does it have that romantic feel, but it also has so much of offer for couples that are looking for more than just sunbathing and swimming.

This island has some breathtaking hiking routes, some of the oldest and best preserved ancient buildings throughout Greece, and plenty of vineyards to explore and wine tasting t ours. (Related: Hiking in Crete ).

Simply put, this island has become one of the best honeymoon spots in the world because of its breathtaking landscapes, clear water, stunning architecture, hiking trails and beautiful beaches with secret coves and caves.

If you decide to stay in Crete, here are a few of our favourite romantic things to do:

• Watch a movie under the sky at Asteria Open Air Cinema .
• Discover the magical Balos Beach and Balos Lagoon . In our opinion the water colours here are the best in Greece.
• Spend a romantic evening at Elafonisi Beach which is one of the world’s best pink sand beaches.
•  Join a wine tasting tour and get tipsy with the one you love!

3. Santorini

We just had to include Santorini? There’s a reason why this Greek island is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Europe.

This famous volcanic island with its stunning caldera is picture perfect. The white-washed buildings that are perched on the steep volcanic cliffs of Santorini are one-of-a-kind. And they seem to glow softly when bathed in the tangerine sunsets that light up the sky and ocean here.

It’s a one-of-a-kind place, and one that you want to share with someone special.

Couple that incredible scenery with the wine tours you can do at Santorini vineyards, the luxurious resorts you can stay at with their romantic rooms and private swimming pools that look out towards the sea, and the exceptional food and restaurants where memorable dinners are the norm, and you have a recipe for romance. Sant orini easily makes our list of best Greek islands.

If you do decide to stay in Santorini, here’s a few of our favourite things for couples to do on the island:

• Book a catamaran cruise or a private yacht.
• Enjoy a cocktail at PK Bar while admiring the landscape of Fira .
• Enjoy the sunset from Oia village while having dinner in the intimate Ambrosia Restaurant which has some of the best views on Santorini.
• Go for an early morning walk on Red Beach .
• Rent an ATV and have a fun island adventure with your partner.
• Stay in one of the romantic cliffside cave houses.

The 2 Best Greek Islands For Nightlife

Greece has also become something of a nightlife destination in recent years, and it’s the islands that are leading the way!

If you’re looking for fun when the sun goes down then here are the best Greek islands for nightlife!

Greece’s most famous party destination is also breathtakingly beautiful, giving you the opportunity to dance the night away and then wallow in turquoise waters the next day.

Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach in Mykonos is the place to be, and home to nightclubs with huge dancefloors that host some of the world’s best DJs.

The atmosphere here in summer is electric and the party inside the clubs and on the beach continues well into the night and past sunrise.

This is Greece’s answer to Ibiza and you’ll find a similar crowd. Twenty-somethings looking to have some fun, party with friends and find a holiday romance. Expect bronzed bodies, the rich and famous, and one hell of a party vibe.

Some of the best nightlife spots in Mykonos

• Scandinavian Bar
• Queen of Mykonos
• 180 Sunset Bar
• Paradise Beach Club

With Mykonos taking all the plaudits, Rhodes is often forgotten about when it comes to the Greek island party scene.

However Rhodes starts rockin’ the later in the evening it gets, and the popular bars and nightclubs don’t close until the sun begins to rise.

Rhodes Town is the main nightlife draw and its epicenter is Orfanidou Stree t in the Old Town, which is colloquially known by locals as ‘Bar Street’.

This narrow street is packed with over 40 pubs, bars and nightclubs and is the best place to party late, meet other revelers and make decisions you’ll later regret!

The pretty Rhodes seaside resort of Faliraki also has a lively evening scene with its own ‘Bar Street’ and ‘Club Street.’ These two streets tend to attract the 18-30 crowd who are looking to let loose! There’s many bars, live music joints, nightclubs and more.

However while Faliraki used to have a reputation as being quite wild, there’s a tamer side these days and you can find some classy cocktail bars and beachside restaurants here t o o.

Some of the best nightlife spots in Rhodes

• Legends Rock Bar
• Soho Rhodes
• Big Brother Bar

The 2 Best Greek Islands For Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Are you a scuba diving or snorkeling enthusiast? Then a trip to Greece can also involve your favourite hobby too!

There’s some great spots to see marine life around the Greek islands. But here’s our top two Greek islands for diving and snorkeling!

1. Santorini

Santorini isn’t known as being a scuba diving spot, but this popular Greek island has an array of volcanic underwater sites and caves that have created a unique ecosystem that play host to rich and varied sealife.

The waters of Santorini are home to a variety of beautiful marine animals, including sea turtles, dolphins, whales and many monk seals.

There are over 30 dive sites around Santorini, but Nea Kameni, the small uninhabited volcanic island that sits off the coast of Santorini, is one of the best.

Expect to see Mediterranean red sea star, European perch, sea urchin, seahorse, scorpionfish, octopus, nudibranch and more while diving and snorkeling around Santorini and Nea Kameni.

Some other great scuba and snorkeling spots include House Reef, Kamari, Perissa Rock and White Islands.

Best for first-timers to scuba diving, the island of Lesvos has several spots to try diving. One of the best is Mirmigi Reef as the waters here are crystal clear so visibility is very good.

The depths at the reef range from 5 ft. to 118 ft. and diving here will give you the chance to spot fish such as octopus, moray eels, kalloni sardines, murmurer, and common pandora.

What time of the year is best for scuba diving in Greece islands?

The temperature in the Greek islands tends t o be warm, with summers around 21-27°C, while winter in the islands can range from around 7-15 °C depending on where you are.

However the fact remains that throughout the year temperatures are mild, making scuba diving and snorkeling possible in any month. The summer months – due to the slightly warmer sea temperatures – may be preferable though.

The Final Word!

Pack your bags and get yourself prepared for a vacation of a lifetime!

Greece is one of the most beautiful nations in the world, and a country we find ourselves returning to again and again. The islands here are unique, beautiful and have so much on offer.

So whether you want to enjoy a moment of seclusion with your better half or you want to party the night away, there’s a Greek island that’s perfect for you.

And as we know for ourselves, once you find it, you’ll keep coming back for more.

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Island Hopping Experience: 26 Best Greek Islands to Visit in 2024

Are you dreaming of a sun-kissed getaway surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and picturesque landscapes? Look no further than the enchanting Greek islands. Greece is home to over 6,000 stunning islands, each offering its unique charm and beauty. Greek island hopping allows you to explore multiple islands in one trip, creating an unforgettable vacation experience. In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best Greek islands to visit for your dream vacation.

Choosing the Best Greek Islands to Visit in 2024

With so many islands to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. To make your decision easier, consider what you’re looking for in an island experience. Are you a history buff, a party-goer, or a nature lover? Do you prefer secluded beaches or bustling towns? Understanding your preferences will help you narrow down your options and select the islands that align with your interests.

1. Santorini: A Stunning Blend of History and Beauty

Santorini, with its iconic white-washed buildings and breathtaking sunsets, is a must-visit island in Greece. Explore the ancient city of Akrotiri, a preserved Bronze Age settlement, and marvel at the archaeological wonders. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike up to the cliff-top village of Oia, where you can witness the famous Santorini sunset. Indulge in the island’s delicious cuisine and relax on its volcanic beaches for a truly memorable experience.

2. Mykonos: The Ultimate Party Destination

If you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife scene, Mykonos is the place to be. This cosmopolitan island is renowned for its lively clubs and beach parties. During the day, soak up the sun on the golden beaches or explore the charming town with its narrow winding streets and iconic windmills. Mykonos offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, making it a top choice for party-goers.

3. Crete: A Diverse and Culturally Rich Island

Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands, is a destination that caters to all interests. Explore the ancient ruins of Knossos and learn about the fascinating Minoan civilization. Immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture by visiting traditional villages and sampling local delicacies. For nature enthusiasts, hike the dramatic Samaria Gorge or relax on the stunning beaches of Elafonisi. With its diverse offerings, Crete is a true gem in the Greek Islands.

4. Rhodes: Exploring Ancient History and Stunning Beaches

Rhodes, known for its well-preserved medieval city and ancient ruins, is a paradise for history lovers. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhodes Old Town, wander through its cobbled streets, and visit the impressive Palace of the Grand Master. After delving into the island’s history, unwind on its beautiful sandy beaches and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.

5. Corfu: A Mix of Natural Beauty and Vibrant Nightlife

Corfu, located in the Ionian Sea, is a lush island offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Explore the charming old town with its Venetian architecture, visit the Achilleion Palace, and enjoy the stunning views from the top of Mount Pantokrator. At night, indulge in the island’s lively nightlife scene, with numerous bars and clubs entertaining all tastes.

6. Naxos: Discovering Traditional Greek Charm

For those seeking a taste of traditional Greek charm, Naxos is an ideal destination. Explore the island’s picturesque villages, such as Apiranthos and Halki, and admire the Venetian and Byzantine architecture. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the famous Portara, the iconic marble gate that stands at the entrance to Naxos Town. With its beautiful beaches and warm hospitality, Naxos is sure to captivate your heart.

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7. Paros: Relaxing on Pristine Beaches and Exploring Charming Villages

Paros, with its golden beaches and charming villages, is a hidden gem in the Cyclades. Spend your days relaxing on the pristine beaches of Golden Beach and Kolymbithres, or explore the beautiful villages of Naoussa and Parikia. Don’t forget to visit the historic Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Greece. Paros offers a perfect balance between relaxation and cultural exploration.

8. Milos: Unveiling the Hidden Gem of the Cyclades

Milos, often overlooked by tourists, is a hidden gem in the Cyclades. This volcanic island is known for its unique landscapes and stunning beaches. Explore the colorful fishing villages of Klima and Mandrakia, and visit the catacombs of Milos, an ancient Christian burial site. Relax on the famous Sarakiniko Beach, with its lunar-like white rock formations, and witness the beauty of the island’s volcanic past.

9. Zakynthos: Experiencing the Iconic Navagio Beach and Blue Caves

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is famous for its iconic Navagio Beach, often featured on postcards and travel brochures. This secluded cove, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, is a sight to behold. Explore the island’s Blue Caves by boat and witness the mesmerizing play of light on the water. With its natural beauty and stunning beaches, Zakynthos is a true paradise for beach lovers.

10. Skiathos: Enjoying Beautiful Beaches and Lush Green Landscapes

Skiathos, located in the Sporades group of islands, is a haven for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. Explore the island’s numerous beautiful beaches, such as Koukounaries and Lalaria, known for their crystal-clear waters and golden sands. Take a stroll through the lush green landscapes of the Koukounaries Forest and discover the island’s rich biodiversity. Skiathos offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and relaxation.

11. Amorgos: An Off-the-Beaten-Path Island with Breathtaking Landscapes

If you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, look no further than Amorgos. This remote island in the Cyclades offers breathtaking landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, and hike the scenic path to the charming village of Chora. With its rugged beauty and unspoiled nature, Amorgos is a paradise for nature lovers.

12. Ios: A Paradise for Party-Goers and Beach Lovers

Ios, known as the party island of the Cyclades, is a favorite among young travelers. The island offers a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars and clubs catering to all tastes. During the day, relax on the beautiful beaches of Mylopotas and Manganari, or explore the narrow streets of Chora with its white-washed houses and charming shops. Ios is a perfect destination for those seeking a lively and energetic atmosphere.

13. Hydra: Experiencing the Charm and Tranquility of a Car-Free Island

Hydra, located in the Saronic Gulf, is a unique island known for its car-free environment and traditional charm. Explore the picturesque town with its stone mansions and narrow alleys, and visit the Historical Archives Museum to learn about the island’s rich history. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this tranquil paradise.

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14. Andros: Discovering Hiking Trails and Natural Beauty

Andros, the northernmost island of the Cyclades, is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Explore the island’s network of hiking trails, such as the famous Route 1, and discover its beautiful landscapes and hidden waterfalls. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, housed in a renovated neoclassical building, and admire the impressive collection of Greek and international artists. Andros offers a perfect combination of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration.

15. Samos: Exploring Ancient Ruins and Picturesque Villages

Samos, located near the Turkish coast, is an island with a rich history and natural beauty. Explore the ancient ruins of the Heraion, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the Tunnel of Eupalinos, an impressive engineering feat from ancient times. Discover the charming villages of Pythagoreio and Kokkari, with their traditional architecture and warm hospitality. Samos is a destination that will enchant history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.

16. Symi: A Peaceful Island Known for Its Colorful Architecture

Symi, located near Rhodes, is a peaceful island known for its colorful neoclassical architecture and picturesque harbor. Explore the narrow streets of Symi Town, lined with pastel-colored houses and vibrant bougainvillea. Visit the Panormitis Monastery, an important pilgrimage site, and take a boat trip to the secluded beaches of Nanou and Marathon. Symi offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

17. Kos: Combining History, Beaches, and Vibrant Nightlife

Kos, the third-largest island in the Dodecanese, offers a perfect combination of history, beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Explore the ancient ruins of Asklepion, an ancient healing center, and visit the Castle of the Knights, a medieval fortress overlooking the town. Relax on the beautiful beaches of Tigaki and Paradise, or indulge in the island’s lively nightlife scene. Kos caters to all interests, making it a popular choice among travelers.

18. Karpathos: Immersing in Traditional Greek Culture and Stunning Beaches

Karpathos, located between Rhodes and Crete, is a destination that offers a glimpse into traditional Greek culture. Explore the island’s traditional villages, such as Olympos and Menetes, and immerse yourself in the local way of life. Relax on the stunning beaches of Apella and Amoopi, known for their crystal-clear waters and natural beauty. Karpathos combines authenticity, natural beauty, and warm hospitality for an unforgettable experience.

19. Lefkada: Relaxing on Pristine Beaches and Exploring Hidden Bays

Lefkada, located in the Ionian Sea, is a paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. Explore the stunning beaches of Porto Katsiki and Egremni, with their turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. Take a boat trip to the secluded bays of Kastos and Meganisi, and discover the island’s hidden gems. Lefkada offers a perfect combination of relaxation and exploration, making it a top choice for those seeking a tranquil escape.

20. Patmos: Visiting the Sacred Island of the Apocalypse

Patmos, known as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” is a sacred island with a rich religious history. Visit the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the Cave of the Apocalypse, where Saint John is said to have received the visions of the Book of Revelation. Discover the charming town of Chora, with its traditional houses and medieval castle. Patmos offers a spiritual journey and a deep connection to history.

21. Folegandros: A Serene Island with Stunning Cliffside Views

Folegandros, a small island in the Cyclades, is a hidden gem known for its serene atmosphere and stunning cliffside views. Explore the charming town of Chora, with its white-washed houses and narrow streets, and visit the Church of Panagia, located at the highest point of the town. Relax on the beautiful beaches of Agali and Livadaki, or hike to the Church of Panagia, perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. Folegandros offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

22. Thassos: Enjoying Beautiful Beaches and Lush Forests

Thassos, located in the northern Aegean Sea, is an island of natural beauty and rich history. Explore the ancient ruins of the ancient city of Thassos, visit the Archaeological Museum, and discover the island’s traditional villages, such as Panagia and Theologos. Relax on the beautiful beaches of Golden Beach and Paradise Beach, or hike through the lush forests of Ipsarion Mountain. Thassos offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation.

23. Kefalonia: Experiencing the Natural Beauty of Caves and Mountains

Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, is a destination that captivates with its natural beauty. Explore the Melissani Cave and the Drogarati Cave, both known for their stunning rock formations and underground lakes. Take a drive through the scenic Mount Ainos National Park, home to rare flora and fauna. Relax on the beautiful beaches of Myrtos and Antisamos, or explore the charming villages of Assos and Fiskardo. Kefalonia offers a diverse range of experiences for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.

24. Tinos: Discovering Traditional Art and Religious Pilgrimage Sites

Tinos, known as the “Island of the Virgin Mary,” is a destination that combines traditional art and religious pilgrimage sites. Explore the village of Pyrgos, known for its traditional marble craftsmen, and visit the Museum of Marble Crafts to learn about this ancient art form. Discover the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, an important pilgrimage site, and witness the religious devotion of the island’s inhabitants. Tinos offers a unique blend of art, spirituality, and natural beauty.

25. Astypalaia: A Hidden Gem with a Medieval Charm

Astypalaia, located between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, is a hidden gem with a medieval charm. Explore the Chora, with its Venetian castle and traditional white-washed houses, and visit the Church of Panagia Portaitissa, known for its stunning frescoes. Relax on the beautiful beaches of Livadi and Pera Gialos, or hike to the Church of Panagia Flevariotissa, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Astypalaia offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into the island’s rich history.

26. Serifos: Relaxing on Golden Beaches and Exploring Ancient Ruins

Serifos, a small island in the Cyclades, is a destination that offers relaxation and exploration. Relax on the golden beaches of Livadi and Psili Ammos, or hike to the Monastery of Taxiarches, located at the highest point of the island. Serifos is blessed with beautiful golden beaches like Livadi and Psili Ammos, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the Mediterranean sun and crystal-clear waters.

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Each island offers its distinct charm, from the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos to the serene beauty of Santorini. Travelers need to consider their preferences, whether it’s relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration when choosing which Greek islands to visit. Overall, the article highlights the diverse appeal of the Greek islands and provides valuable insights for travelers looking to plan a memorable trip in 2024. Start planning your trip, immerse yourself in the Greek island’s beauty, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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The 15 Best Greek Islands to Visit

The islands of Greece are some of the most beautiful places you can travel to in Europe. With over 6,000 islands scattered in the Aegean and the Ionian Sea, there is so much to explore. The perfect turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, beautiful coves, and idyllic villages make the islands of Greece a dream destination. And don’t forget the fantastic Greek food!

What are the best Greek Islands to Visit?  Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos are maybe a few of the most famous Greek islands, but there are many hidden gems still to discover! Have you ever heard of Lemnos or Milos? In this list, we cover 15 of the best Greek Islands!

Fun fact: Did you know that only 227 of the 6000 Greece Islands are inhabited?

Read all our other blogs about Greece here .

#1 santorini island (greece’s top islands).

Santorini is one of the most popular islands in Greece. Honeymooners love it because this island has it all! Santorini has beautiful accommodations, first-class dining experiences, beautiful wineries, long-lasting vineyards, and probably one of the most amazing sunsets you can ever experience.

Ever wondered where those cute white houses with small swimming pools are, overlooking the sea? Look no further. That’s in Santorini. To be exact: you can find it in the town of Imerovigli, which is also known as “The balcony to the Aegean.”

This island is an urban oasis for talented artists, with various museums , cathedrals, and galleries for you to explore. And Santorini has a beautiful black-sand beach. A result of a volcanic eruption a long time ago.

You definitely will enjoy the beauty and charm of this Greek Island. And make sure to visit the beautiful places like Oia , the crater of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni hot springs.

Do you want to go island hopping Greece? Read our perfect 10-day itinerary with the best of the Greek Islands.

Are you in for a party on one of Greece’s islands? Then Mykonos is your go-to island. This island is notorious for its parties and luxurious boutique hotels. The chances of bumping into a celebrity in Mykonos are very high because this island is visited by the rich and famous.

At Mykonos, you will have access to great beach clubs, authentic dishes, expensive champagne, and a feel of extravagance.

Are you trying to get over your hangover the next day? Spend your day with fun-filled activities like jet-skiing, windsurfing, horseback riding, and parasailing. And so many other activities on Mykonos.

Let’s be real. Mykonos can be very expensive. So if your traveling on a budget you might want to travel off-season to Mykonos when the weather is still great (spring/ Autumn). And off course there are budget-friendly things to do on the island like walking around the windmills in Chora and visit the Church of Paraportianican which are free.

Don forget to visit historical places like the Municipal Library , Little Venice , the archaeological museum and lots more on Mykonos.

Of all the islands in Greece, Crete is the largest one and has it all. Explore the beauty of Greece’s culture, history, wild nature, and Greece traditional cuisine all on one island. Therefore Crete is an ideal destination for families.

Relax on the beautiful beaches of Chania , Elafonissos and the famous beach Falassarna . Visit the beautiful Balos lagoon , and palm forest in Vai or hike to the Agia Irini Gorge , Mount Ida, and Oxia mountains to enjoy the natural beauty of Crete.

For your historical fix go to archaeological places like the Minoan palaces of Knossos , Phaistos , Malia, and Kato Zakros . And visit the many monasteries on Crete if you want to indulge in the culture of the Greece islands.

Corfu is a cosmopolitan gem because of its strong connection to Europe. This island has a blend of both the Greek tradition and contemporary European culture. It’s an all-year-round destination due to the beautiful natural landscape and the historical monuments.

Wander around the old town of Corfu that’s a UNESCO world heritage site and visit the largest square in the Balkans: Spianada . And scroll over the Liston Promenade at night.

Visit the many museums on Corfu and for the best view, go to Kanoni . The list of things to do on Corfu is endless.

#5 Kefalonia

This Greek Island gives you a beautiful blend of lush green mountains and turquoise blue water. Due to this beautiful blend, Kefalonia is a gem for travelers. It has a vibing nightlife, stunning beaches, excellent traditional Greek cuisine and fantastic history to explore. Kefalonia is a great pick to choose out of the list of many beautiful islands in Greece.

For a cultural day on the islands of Greece, visit the beautiful sacred monasteries of Agios Gerasimos , Kipoureon , Agios Andreas and many others on the island.

Relax on the many exotic beaches, go snorkeling/ diving with turtles and visit the beautiful Cave Lake of Melissani . Don’t forget to explore the picturesque village of Assos and go on a wine tour to drink the famous Kefalonian Robola wine.

#6 Zakynthos

Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. If you aim to visit the best of Greece’s islands, then this unique Greek Island is for you!

This island has many mouthwatering sceneries such as crystal blue water, green mountains, smooth sand, beautiful cliffs dropping into the sea and nature in its purest form.

The land of Zakynthos is fertile that favors well the growth of olives and grapes. Which means … Wine. Yeah!

Dip in the sea at beautiful beaches as Navagio / Shipwreck Beach (famous view), Laganas , Gerakas , Vasilikos , Marathonisi , the Blue Caves and Xygia Beach .

And visit some of the architectural designs such as the Solomos square , the Aghio Marcos Square , the Strand Hill, and the Venetian Castle .

Looking for a more peaceful and less crowded island in Greece? Lemnos is your best pick to go-off-the-beaten-track! Because of the significant distance to Athens, Lemnos doesn’t have mass tourism like many other islands in Greece.

Lemnos has so many remote sandy beaches with nobody around. Whoop, Whoop!

And the great thing about Lemnos is that the community celebrates culture a lot. You can experience various religious and non-religious feasts filled with traditional music and dances.

Lemnos cultural Festivals

• The village of Kaspakas celebrates the feast of Agios Ioannis on the 22nd of June. Locals are lighting fires to burn the wreaths of the first day of May.
• The island celebrates Prophet Elias on the 20th of July. They host a ceremony at the small church in Therma.
• The whole island celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin on the 15th of August.

Expect a lot of dancing, singing and eating al night long during these feasts.

Amorgos is the perfect place for you if you desire the bliss of nature on Greece’s islands in its untampered form.

It’s an excellent island for hikers as there are beautiful valleys and hills and three mountains great for hiking: Krokellos (821m), Prophet Elias (699m) and Korakas (528m). Everywhere on the islands are hiking tracks that connect one village to another.

Make sure to visit the beautiful Langadas and the gorge of Araklos nearby.

Milos is also one of Greece’s best kept secret islands. It’s a unique island due to the geological diversity of nature you can find here. Mineral resources like Sulphur, alum, obsidian, and others were mined here.

This island is best known for the famous statue of Aphrodite (the Venus of Milo) that is found here. You can admire this statue now in the famous Louvre museum in Paris. There is so much more to Milos.

This Greek island has stunning and quiet beaches like Tsigrado , Provatas, and Sarakiniko . Go to the towns of Adamas and Pollonia for great restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, and hotels.

Read more about Milos in our blow about the perfect 10-day itinerary through Greece’s Islands .

This Greek Island is close to the Turkish coast. It’s also the island where the famous Hippocrates, a reputable physician, was born. Also known as the father of medicine.

It’s a very historical island so you can get your Greek history fix right here. You can explore medieval monuments like Nerantzia castle and medieval bridge Foinikes .

Relax on the many sandy beaches on Kos. A lot of the beaches on Kos are considered blue flag beaches.

“Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.”

Visit the most popular sandy beaches like Nomikou-Barbagianni , Zourouni , Nautical Club beach (Blue Flag), “Tam-tam” and Milos beach (Blue Flag). And the most beautiful beaches are considered to be Psalidi Beach , Paradise Beach , Marmari Beach , Camel Beach and Mastichari Beach . There are so many so pick your favorite when you visit one of the best islands in Greece.

Rhodes is one of Greece’s top travel destination islands. It is rich in history, culture and has a vibrant nightlife. And you can book action-packed activities in Rhodes as well. What more do you want?

Did you know that the old town of Rhodes is the largest medieval city in the whole continent of Europe? Well, it is! Since 1988 it is a World Heritage City by UNESCO.

Explore a lot of historical structures like the medieval citadel of Rhodes, the Byzantine churches, and the beautiful synagogues. Go to the ancient and picturesque town of Lindos . This place is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the whole of Greece.

If you are planning to visit Rhodes between June and September, make sure to pay a visit to Butterfly Valley . This valley is filled with colorful butterflies during this time of year.

If you’re into watersports, you have to travel to the most southern point of Rhodes, Prasonisi . It’s a great place to go windsurfing and kitesurfing.

And don’t forget to on the golden-sand beaches such as Glystra, Tsambika, and Fourni .

Of the many islands in Greece, Symi is impeccably cute that you will not want to leave once you arrive on the island.

Expect a low-key-vibe on this Greek island with beautiful secluded beaches like Nimporio , Lapathos , Agia Marina , Agios Nikolaos , Nanou and Marathounta . Several of these beaches are only accessible by taxi boat.

Best way to explore the island is to hire a moped or hike over the old donkey trails and pilgrim paths. For the best view, go to the Kastro in the south of Symi.

#13 Astypalea

Astypalea is an island for the introverts. Or the extraverts that need some downtime. This island is gentle, slow, and simple. And everyone needs slow and simple times at some point in life.

This greek island is ideal for hikers and snorkellers. Visit the impressive Venetian castle and other fascinating places such as Vatses , Kaminakia Beach , Koutsomiti, and Kounoupes . Enjoy the Greek sun on one of the most beautiful beaches: Livadi .

#14 Folegandros

Another hidden gem of Greece’s Islands. The traditional charm of this Greek island will make you fall in love with Greece all over again.

Visit the white-washed buildings and 1000-year old houses in the charming town of Chora . The best thing about this town is that motor vehicles are prohibited. So you can quietly explore this town on foot. Fancy a glass of wine and a great view at the end of your day in Chora? Go to Merkouri Wine Bar . They have over 40 different wines.

You can go to a different beach in Folegandros every day. A couple of great once are Agali, Agios Nikolaos, and Karavostasi beach .

Like many other hidden gem islands in Greece, this island is also perfect for hikers. The best way to explore the island is to follow the old donkey tracks.

Ithaca is another amazing laid-back Greek island on this list. With her crystal-clear water and emerald coves, Ithaca is becoming quite popular among travelers.

Fun fact: Ithaca is the mystical island of Odysseus.

This Greek island is perfect for hiking, nature lovers, and families. You can enjoy the sun and crystal clear waters on the many fantastic beaches like Filiatro , Sarakiniko, and Agios Ioannis . And at night you can stroll over the beach promenade of Vathy .

Ithaca is close to Kefalonia . You can easily go on a day trip to/ from Kefalonia and enjoy both of these Greece islands.

You can find some of the oldest European civilizations on the Greek Islands, so it’s not only rich in beauty, but there’s also so much history to discover. The islands in Greece have so many archaeological sites and historical places. 

Island hopping through the Islands of Greece is very easy too because of the shorts distances between the islands. Hop on a ferry and discover another beauty of Greece within the same day!

Related Questions

Where should I visit in Greece?  When you are not visiting one of the islands, Athens is a must visit when you’re in Greece. This historical city has so much to offer you simply can’t miss it! Curious about the best things to do in Athens? Read our Athens City Guide !

What is the best way to get around the Greek Islands?  The easiest way is to catch a ferry between the islands. You don’t need to book tickets in advance, because of most of the ferry’s sailing at a regular schedule. Make sure to check the different schedules at your hotel or where you’re staying. There you’ll find the most accurate information.

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Islands in greece | the perfect 10-day itinerary, city guide to the best of athens.

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Best Greek Islands to Visit Based on your Preferences

Key Takeaways

• Greek islands offer a safe and ideal destination for summer vacations , with a wide range of options to suit different preferences and travel goals.
• The Greek islands are diverse, with over 6,000 islands and islets to choose from, each offering unique experiences and attractions.
• Popular Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Zakynthos, and Crete offer a mix of stunning landscapes, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage.
• Depending on your preferences, you can choose Greek islands based on factors such as proximity to Athens, party scene, culinary experiences, historical sites, tranquility, architecture, outdoor sports, or beach options .

We are officially in the heart of summer, but some are still looking for a place to go on vacation this year, you know, in this post-lockdown era when everyone is trying to recover from the first half of 2020 that took the whole world by storm.

Thankfully, all the Greek islands are one of the safest destinations in the world right now, something that is ideal for those hot summer days you’ve pictured yourself spending with a refreshing drink in your hand, sunbathing by the beach.

However, with about 6,000 islands and islets scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas, of which 227 are inhabited, deciding the best Greek islands to visit is more difficult than one would expect. Not all people are looking for the same things when traveling to the Greek islands, and matters of preference are always subjective.

Regardless, here I will put together a guide on how to decide on the best Greek islands to visit so you have a point of reference when trying to book those dream Greek island vacations you so desperately need and want.

It is no surprise that Greece counts around 30 million international visitors annually, most of whom choose the magnificent Greek islands for their holidays. As you probably already know, the most popular Greek islands include Santorini, Mykonos , Corfu, Zakynthos –or Zante- and Crete .

Those islands are so popular, in fact, that they have their own international airports to which visitors from around the world can fly directly, an advantage that makes the lives of travelers so much easier!

However, even if you’d like to visit a less popular and offbeat Greek destination, you can do so by hopping on a  Greek ferry that will take you to your desired island in just a few hours from the ports of Attica.

Especially if it’s your first time in our country, traveling by ferry will offer you the opportunity to marvel at wondrous sea views you’ll never experience anywhere else in the whole wide world, while you’ll even get the chance to see some of the most popular ports during various island stops.

One thing you should keep in mind before choosing the best Greek islands to visit is that you should make a point to book your flights and ferry tickets as early as possible because, especially during the high-season months, availability can become an issue.   

But where should you go? Here’s a list of the Greek islands you should visit, divided geographically, depending on your taste and the type of vacation you want to experience.  

The beautiful Greek island complexes 

If time matters, choose the saronic islands.

If the clock is ticking and the days you have to spend in Greece are limited, choosing an island near Athens is the wisest choice you can make. That’s when the Saronic islands come out to play. Famous for being within an hour –or a couple- from the port of Piraeus, Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses are beautiful and convenient; a winning combo if I’ve ever seen one!

And if that wasn’t enough, the islands of Hydra and Spetses are extremely picturesque, with cobbled alleys and old stone houses dominating the setting, and don’t require a car; you can go everywhere on foot or by taking a local taxi!

Of course, the rest of the islands are not inferior in any way. Aegina is a personal favorite, with its authentic Greek island ambiance fooling everyone into thinking they’re way more than an hour away from the Greek capital.  

Additionally, tiny Agkistri offers a lusciously vegetated landscape and an incredibly long beach, while Poros is known for its magnificent lemon forest that blooms during spring and smells incredible. 

If partying is all that’s on your mind, choose the Cyclades

If you want to experience the famous Greek island nightlife while also having your eyes feast upon the trademark whitewashed houses with deep blue elements you’ve seen on postcards around the world, then the  Cyclades islands  are for you!

The islands of Mykonos and Ios , in particular, offer the wildest partying scene, with countless beach bars and nightclubs carrying long parties that most often last until 9-10 am!

A little tamer but just as vibrant is Paros , with its cobbled streets, local boutiques, and delicious restaurants making the island a top destination for tourists for all the right reasons. Of course, one cannot talk about the Cyclades and leave out the one and only Santorini.  

The most luxurious destination in Greece, along with Mykonos, Santorini stands out due to its unique geography and the active volcano that attracts curious crowds worldwide. 

If you want to experience the best of Greece’s cuisine, choose Crete

Deserving a whole section on its own, no one can deny that Crete is, in fact, superior to any Greek island in regard to its local cuisine. Of course, that doesn’t mean that the island lacks amazing landscapes and stunning beaches.

On the contrary, the beach of Falassarna is hands down my favorite beach in all of Greece.  

What’s more, Crete is one of the most historically rich regions of our country, and therefore its archaeological sites are the perfect attraction to all history lovers out there.

All in all, the birthplace of Zeus, which also happens to be the largest Greek island , is a people pleaser; visit it, and you’ll never look back! 

If you’re an architecture fanatic, choose the Ionian Islands

After serving the foodies and history buffs of you lot, it’s time to cater to the lovers of architecture. The beautiful Ionian Island group consists of Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxoi, Kythira, Antikythera, Antipaxoi, Erikousa, Mathraki, Othoni, Meganisi, and Strofades .

Clearly influenced by the Venetians, French, and British conquerors that have passed by its grounds, Corfu is a true architectural masterpiece combining the best elements of all past civilizations it has hosted.

Its unmatched aesthetic is also evident in its town, which is painted in warm sunset colors and exudes an old-time charm and a nostalgic vibe you cannot shake off.

My all-time favorite island, though, is the magical island of Kefalonia, which combines luscious mountainous regions with incredible beaches, crystal-clear waters, and traditional Greek island elements that make it endearing to anyone who visits.  

The scenic village of Assos and the beautiful wild beach of Myrtos are, in my opinion, two of the island’s highlights you should certainly visit if given a chance. 

If you’re all about long, sandy beaches, choose the Dodecanese Islands

The least-known complex of islands in Greece happens to be one of the most beautiful ones, with its islands retaining an authentic Greek island character that is increasingly more difficult to come across in recent years.

The Dodecanese islands consist of Kos, Patmos, Agathonisi, Astypalaia, Chalki, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Leipsoi, Leros, Nisyros, Symi, Tilos, Kastellorizo, Alimia, Arkoi, Chalki, Farmakonisi, Gyali, Kinaros, Levitha, Marathos, Nimos, Pserimos, Saria, Strongyli, Syrna, and Telendos, of which the first two are the most popular.

Legend has it that Hippocrates himself, born on the island of Kos, used to take advantage of the healing properties of the thermal baths at Agios Fokas beach .

The ultimate destination for experiencing an alternative side of the Greek islands, the Dodecanese are known for their long, sandy, and particularly quiet beaches that make everyone’s troubles magically disappear and hide some of the most authentic and unknown Greek islands .

If peace and tranquillity are what you crave from your vacations, look no further!   

What is the right Greek island for you? 

For  millennials.

Greece’s nightlife is famous, and its epicenter during summertime is the Greek islands . Zakynthos is the preferred destination in the Ionian Sea if you want to experience memorable party nights.

In this beautiful isle, you can find everything you need to have a great time and dance yourself into the next morning, from jazz and blues bars to packed, loud clubs that play mainstream hits. 

The Cyclades , which is a group of islands in the middle of the Aegean Sea , is full of beautiful destinations like Naxos , Koufonisia , Ios , Sifnos , Amorgos , and Paros .

Despite the islands' varying sizes, they are all quite developed, as they host thousands of young tourists every summer. The unlimited amount of bars, clubs, cafes, and gorgeous beaches offer a lot of choices for an unforgettable, fun night out.

Last but not least, we can’t make a list of cosmopolitan islands ideal for Millenials without mentioning the famous island of Mykonos, the best Greek island to experience luxury and partying.

A part of the Cyclades , Mykonos is arguably among the most famous Greek islands , gathering n ever-expanding crowd of millennials seeking to live like tomorrow doesn't every summer.  

Mykonos has an abundance of loud beach bars, clubs, and live stages that host incredible parties with artists from all over the world. Dancing, partying, and drinking never seemed more inviting! 

For retirees

Greece  s a dream destination also for people who just want to unwind and spend their time in a calm, aesthetically pleasing setting with a tranquil ambiance and magical landscapes. Ithaca is an appealing destination for relaxing and giving yourself a break from reality. 

Both young and older people from all over the world visit the thermal baths of Ithaca that can allegedly cure arthritis, skin, and neurological diseases. Those who visit the island are sure to understand why Odysseus tried so hard to return to it! 

The North Aegean , and specifically the alternative island of Ikaria,  is a great choice for those who prefer spending their days on the beach and spending their nights dancing in traditional 'panigiria' and not in common bars and clubs.

The islands where time stops if you find yourself in Ikaria, forget your big city ways and embrace the nonchalant attitude and easy-going vibe of the locals. The Dodecanese is another group of islands in the Aegean Sea, where you can get a taste of the island life in places such as  Symi , a mountainous, gorgeous island.

What's more, Astipalaia is a small island between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese and is home to 300 people; when visiting it, you feel like it is your own private island paradise!   

Despite the majority of islands of the Cyclades being cosmopolitan, some of them -which are less known- are rather quiet and peaceful. Those are Kythnos , Anafi , and Donousa, and they are all worth visiting due to their astonishing beauty and the calm sensation they provoke. 

For history buffs

Everyone and their dog knows that Greece has a rich heritage and is a country full of important Greek ruins  and museums. If you want to spend your summer swimming and sunbathing but you’d also like to learn about the history of ancient civilizations, the Greek islands are right up your street!

A Frankish or Venetian castle can be found in Zakynthos and Corfu   in the Ionian Sea and Paros and Rhodes in the Aegean . Most of these places retain the style and architecture of their old town, so strolling along the cities will be fascinating. But the opportunities to admire the remnants of older civilizations don’t end within the cities’ limits.

Additionally, destinations such as Kithyra and Santorini are full of excavations that reveal their vast history. Ancient sites blend perfectly with newer temples, buildings, and castles to create a dazzling spectacle.  

Crete   is also a huge island with an even longer history. A few kilometers outside the city of Heraklion , you will find Knossos , the oldest European city . Palaces, paintings on the walls, and incredible constructions create a landscape like no other. 

For business travelers

The plethora of Greek islands allows business travelers the opportunity to make quick trips and enjoy the beautiful sea while also working and being close to airports and big cities.

Places like Aegina , Hydra , Spetses ,  Poros , and Kea  offer all luxuries that any bigger island would have, while, at the same time, they are easy to access and within close proximity to the Greek capital.  

Kefalonia , Corfu , Rhodes,  and Lesvos are much bigger Greek islands with international airports and a more cosmopolitan vibe for those who prefer working but also combining work with exciting and eventful vacations. 

For experience seekers

Visiting Greece is a huge experience on its own. For those who seek more than mind-blowing views and fun nights, Greece has to offer adrenaline boosts in the form of extreme sports. Even on small Greek islands like Anafi and Milos , tourists can go hiking and trek on the mountains admiring the sunset above the blue Greek sea. \

The best view has to be the one in Lefkada while paragliding above that gorgeous island of the Ionian Sea. On the horizon, you’ll be able to see Zakynthos, where people often indulge in base jumping.

In Santorini , tourists dive into the underwater parts of the isle, where they visit dark caves and colorful riffs. Rock climbers travel to the quaint island of Kalymnos every year to explore its land. Windsurfing in Paros is the greatest way to exploit the windy weather of the Greek islands.

Top Island Suggestions

If you want me to be even more specific, here are my suggestions for the best Greek islands to visit , including some that are not the ones you usually hear about.  

Please keep in mind that the following Greek islands are just indicative examples, so make sure not to restrict yourself to just those destinations but rather explore your options before making an educated decision. 

Oh, the volcanic island of Santorini! The picturesque island is the most popular Greek island destination and is famous for a multitude of reasons. On it, the visitor can see the whitewash-styled houses that linger on the hillside, enjoy a therapeutic soak in hot springs, and admire breathtaking views of the famous Caldera and the imposing volcano. 

A fertile island was created from volcanic rocks from huge, mostly-submerged underwater volcanoes called calderas. The last major eruption occurred in 1950, and the volcano is considered inactive but has created a dynamic landscape. It offers many things to see, and tourists are given an array of choices in regard to sights and entertainment.

A top destination for Greek partying is a great choice among young tourists with a less than high-end budget. The party island of Ios offers great fun and picturesque beachside party locations at a low price compared to other Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini.  

Ios' Chora has several bars catering to all tastes that stay open until the very early hours, which ensures a great deal of fun. What's more, various beach bars, including the Beach Club, offer pool parties and DJ sessions during the afternoon as well.

The Greek island of Sifnos is attributed primarily to its renowned descendant Nicholas Tselementes, the founder of the Greek cookbook of 1909. Several potteries manufacture earthenware casseroles in Sifnos for local dishes, such as revitháda (chickpea soup) and massello .  

What's more, on the island, you will find many more traditional dishes that are typically cooked slowly in wood-burning ovens. During your time there, be sure to buy Atsonos Pottery antiques that date back to 1870.

Kos is one of the best Greek islands to visit in the Dodecanese due to its astonishing beauty. Kos's beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and fantastic historical sights make Kos an ideal choice for those looking for some adventure.  

The great island of Kos hosts many parties that are generally concentrated in the island's biggest towns. There are clubs, bars, and restaurants serving fresh seafood and other delicacies that are suitable for everybody.

Outside Kos city are many quieter destinations like Tigakis and Mastihari, which makes this Greek island an ideal holiday destination for families as well.

Mykonos was famous for its exuberant clubs and night parties long before the rave industry flourished. It is by far the best Greek island for endless partying.

The bohemian appeal has not changed since the 1960s, but the once-empty beaches, now feature nail bars, personal trainers, and house music that pumps out every hour. The hippest and most expensive place to be on the Greek island apart from Mykonos Town is 'Scorpios,' a luxurious beach bar that puts Ibiza to shame. 

However, at the same time, the otherwise party island of Mykonos can be tranquil and authentic in the off-season months, so if you're after a more relaxed type of vacation, this is the best time to visit it.

Kalymnos, a popular outdoor sports destination in Greece, is also a favorite destination for rock climbing. With more than 3,400 recognized climb routes on the island, the unique limestone structures are a perfect place to climb.  

Several excellent professional guidebooks will help you climb knee-tumbling rocks without any difficulty, even for first-time climbers and novices. Of course, adventurers are also invited on scuba diving trips to the turquoise waters of the Aegean sea.

The Greek island Corfu lies belongs to the Ionian islands, and its bright green and lush nature has become an important tourist destination for Greece. It is the driest and largest island of the Ionian islands and is culturally unique from the rest of the many Greek islands and mainland Greece in general.  

Corfu was occupied by Venetians for many years and has, therefore, a more prominent western feeling than even most parts of Italy, which is evident across the entire island and especially in Corfu Town.

The Greek island of Karpathos was mentioned in Homer's Iliad, and according to Greek mythology, it was the home of Titan Iapetus.

Karpathos isn't considered to be a touristy destination. It is a remote island that is also a cultural delight. In the peak season months and especially in August, the Greek island is the busiest, with visitors and summer festivals breathing life into it. 

Don't hesitate to visit the Greek island of Karpathos if you're seeking vibrant and traditional village life with a relaxed atmosphere and lots of local culture available to explore.

Folegandros

Folegandros is one of the best Greek islands for authenticity and a bohémian buzz. The village square should be your first stop on any Greek island. 

Its offbeat ambiance and pristine beaches make it the ultimate Greek island destination in the Cyclades for relaxing holidays that will take you away from mass tourism.

Crete is arguably the best Greek island for those who want to admire the history, ancient ruins, adventure, and sunshine throughout the year. The weather of the island makes it a tip destination all year round, and springtime is especially beautiful for a jog or sightseeing.  

The palace of Knossos is a beautiful place full of ancient ruins and culture you should include in your Crete itinerary at all costs. What's more, the 16 km-long Samariá Gorge also is packed with pilgrims you should explore if you're nature lovers and seekers of adventure.

The Greek island of Ithaca is a mythical retreat for lovers and loners. While the Greek island was allegedly the home of Odysseus, Homer's iconic character, it remains surprisingly under the spotlight.  

Ithaca's emerald bays are famous among yachting enthusiasts, although only a minority of tourists are able to visit the forested hills. If you want to go on a trip with a friend, you may need a guide to explore and find the place where Odysseus lived.

The famous island of Rhodes is arguably one of the most popular Greek islands and the best Greek island to travel back in time. Rhodes has everything from beautiful beaches to historic towns and traditional villages, and tourist attractions and remains one of Greece’s best holiday destinations.  

Explore the city's historic center and visit The Grand Master and Knights of Rhodes. Its interiors lie inside medieval walls, surrounded in the form of Gothic and historical buildings. After all, Rhodes Medieval Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a good reason!

Thassos is a quintessential Greek island, benefiting from tourism infrastructure but without a large population. The island of Thassos offers some spectacular beaches, lush forests, and tranquil coastlines with a wealth of natural beauty.  

The area has about sixty kilometers of coastline and many beaches worth exploring. Paradise Beach is a perfect place for family as the ocean is shallow and perfect for kids.

Let’s start with the most popular of the bunch. Known as the Greek island favored by families with children , not only because most of the many beaches are sandy and shallow, allowing safe swimming, but also because of the wide offering of things to do that will keep your little ones entertained, Naxos is a sight to behold.

The whole southwestern part of the island, from the beach of Ag. George to St. Prokopi, Agia Anna, Plaka, and Pyrgaki, offers everything you could possibly ask for: crystal clear waters, organized, sandy beaches, and traditional taverns offering mouth-watering local dishes after your swimming endeavors. 

A visit to Naxos Town in the afternoon is a must, as well as an evening walk in the green mountain villages of Apeiranthos and Filoti that maintain their traditional character. As for the sights that will impress history enthusiasts and children alike?  

The archaeological ruin of Portara is the first thing you’ll see when you enter the stunning Greek island, while the giant Kouros in Melanes is sure to impress even the most demanding of visitors. 

Although it is hardly ever talked about, Tinos is one of the most misunderstood Greek islands because, in the minds of many, it is connected exclusively to the Christian churches that have made it famous.

And yet, it is a quiet Greek island with beautiful beaches, geological interests, and traditional settlements that are ideal for a walk, while its fantastic beaches offer a wide variety of water sports, including scuba diving and sea kayaking, that will satisfy those looking for an adrenaline rush!

For swimming, families prefer the beautiful beaches found in the southern part of the island, from Ag. Fokas to the beach of Ag. Ioannis Porto , as those are organized, sandy, and convenient.

However, if you are looking for more exotic landscapes, Kolimbithra and Kionia are the ones for you. In the settlement of Kionia, you will find the archaeological site of the sanctuary of Poseidon and Amphitrite.  

What’s more, a visit to the cave of Gastria , and the waterfalls near the beach of Livada, is also worth your while and can be combined with a visit to the mountainous traditional villages of Pyrgos and Volakas. 

Nicknamed ‘the mistress of the Cyclades islands,’ the Greek island of Syros is a cultural hub that combines beauty and sophistication. With gorgeous beaches, remarkable attractions and reasonable prices, I can’t think of a single reason why you shouldn’t visit it!

The capital of the stunning Greek island, which also happens to be the capital of the Cyclades islands in general, is Ermoupolis , a stunning town that will leave you awestruck the first time you rest your eyes upon it; its mansions, its alleys full of shops, and the central Miaouli square are only some of its beauties.  

The island may not be famous for its exotic beaches. However, Galissas and Poseidonia/De la Gracia are incredible! Syros’ selling point for me, though, is the little district of Ano Syros , the old town of the island. The cobbled alleys, the Markos Vamvakaris Museum , and the breathtaking view out to the sea make for a setting that is sure to be unforgettable! 

The idyllic Greek island of Milos is famous for its lace-like coast that hosts over 75 small and large gorgeous beaches. With crystal clear, deep blue waters, colorful sculpted rocks, and white-gold sandy beaches, you are sure to be thrilled by the sight.

Due to the volcanic origin of its soil, Milos has an impressive morphology that offers diversity.  

On the island, you can find both pristine beaches with golden sand and bays with pebbles surrounded by white, red, yellow, or even black rocks.

Additionally, in the traditional fishing village of Klima , the picturesque two-story houses with intensely colored shutters and doors, as well as the cute fishing boats, compose a colorful and picturesque setting that looks like it has come straight out of a fairytale. 

Amorgos is the easternmost Greek island of the Cyclades . It is in its privileged geographical position and its naturally protected port, the picturesque port of Katapola , that Amorgos owes its cultural development since antiquity.

Amorgos Town –or Chora - remains, if not the most beautiful, one of the most beautiful towns of the Cycladic islands, and it is located high above Katapola.

For a spectacular swim, take the road to Vroutsi, and you’ll stumble upon the small but gorgeous beach of Agia Anna , one of the most popular destinations on the island.

Don’t forget to plan a visit to the astonishing Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa , hooked like an eagle's nest on the steep cliffs. It does require a rather tiring climb, but it is more than worth the effort!  

I think the guide above will help you determine the best Greek islands to visit  with little to no effort of your own. Especially after those long COVID-19-filled months, the pressure to take full advantage of your annual leave and plan the perfect holidays is one more than it has ever been!

Final Thoughts

Luckily, when it comes to the Greek islands, choosing your destination is like choosing between bars of gold: no matter which one you pick, the outcome can’t be anything but brilliant!

Alternatively, you can also choose not to limit yourself to only one destination but a few Greek islands by embarking on a Greek island-hopping adventure or booking one of our Greece vacation packages , filled with our amazing Greece tours !

Are you ready to have the time of your life and spend your days with sun on your skin, salt on your hair, happiness in your heart, and freedom in your mind?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which greek island is best for beaches and relaxation.

Many people looking for beach-focused and relaxing vacations often consider islands like Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia. These islands offer beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Which Greek island is best for nightlife and partying?

For those seeking vibrant nightlife and party scenes, popular choices include Mykonos, Ios, Paros, Santorini, and Zakynthos. These islands are known for their lively clubs, beach parties, and a bustling atmosphere during the summer season.

Which Greek island is best for history and culture?

If you're interested in exploring ancient ruins, and archaeological sites and immersing yourself in Greek history and culture, islands like Crete, Rhodes, Delos, Samos, and Santorini are excellent choices. These islands offer a wealth of historical attractions, museums, and cultural experiences.

Which Greek island is best for outdoor activities and adventure?

Adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers may consider islands like Naxos, Milos, Karpathos, Ikaria, and Lefkada. These islands offer opportunities for hiking, water sports, rock climbing, diving, and exploring unique landscapes and natural wonders.

Which Greek island is best for a family vacation?

For family-friendly vacations, islands such as Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Naxos, and Zakynthos are often recommended. These islands have a range of family-oriented activities, kid-friendly beaches, and amenities suitable for travelers with children. It's important to note that these recommendations are just a starting point, and each island has its own unique offerings. It's recommended to research further and consider personal preferences, travel dates, budget, and other factors when making a decision.

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The Best Greek Islands to Visit Based On Culture

Greece is a land rich in culture, adventure, and tradition. They have incredible food, beautiful locations, historical sites, festivals, and other things you can consider to be rich in culture. For those who want to visit the best islands with the most interesting culture, here are five you should consider.

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Home to 13,600 citizens, Santorini is a place of peace, love, and romance. You have whitewashed houses with blue domes, clean and sandy beach, and a long list of historical sites. Santorini has the archeological museum of Thera with treasures dating back Neolithic era. Santorini incredible cuisine, including Brantada, a fish dish. Wine is available for people who want to taste local wine made from a local grape called Assyrtiko. You can also participate in festivals like the Ifestia Festival or Santorini Jazz Festival.

Serene sandy beach, sacred sites, and ancient ruins make Mykonos one of the best places for adventurers. Mykonos also has a bustling nightlife, romantic setting, and quality bars and restaurants serving authentic Greek meals. You can visit Little Venice, one of the most charming areas in the island, or see The Monastery of Paleokastro, which is a woman’s monastery dating back the 18th century. You can also take part in some of their most popular festivals including the Mykonos summer festival and Harvest festival.

Lying in the Aegean Sea is Samos, known as the birthplace of mathematician Pythagoras and philosopher Epicurus. Samos is also famous for being the place where sweet Muscat wine is prepared. Food on the island is specially prepared, with people trying out their meatballs, Mpourekia, moussaka, and stuffed tomatoes. You can also eat their Cretan Salas Dakos (perfect) and Pnaka salad. There are quality clubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes, everything ready to serve you the best of what their age-long culture has to offer.

Looking for a place with plenty of cultures and relaxation opportunity, Naxos should be your right pick. Naxos has plenty of cultural and festivals events you’d love to take part in. There is the Ag­ios Thalaleos which is celebrated in Agios Thalaleos village and the feast day of the Holy Virgin’s no­vena, which takes place in Tripodes village. You can also attend some cultural events including the Axia Music Festival, Rakee Distillery festival, and the Bazeos Festival, which has been taking place for more than 20 years now. Naxos also has great food like the crispy Greek salad with white Mizithra cheese or the deep-fried fingers of potato.

The volcanic Greek island in the North Sea of Crete is everything you wish for. There are many places for you to visit like the Volcanic Eroded Rocks Of Sarakiniko and the Catacombs Of Tripiti Village. The Venus Of Milos Site and the Ancient Theatre, an area dating back 120 BC is one the most important attractions in the island. Milos also celebrates a number of religious and cultural festival festivals you can take part. Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin is celebrated on 15th of August, while on the first week of July is the Festival of Milos, which is the most important event in the island.

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Santorini island, Greece

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

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

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

4. Santorini

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

Chania on Crete island, Greece

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

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

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

Crete Vacation Idea

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

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

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

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Naxos island, Greece

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

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

Naxos Vacation Idea

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

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

Learn more: Naxos Vacations & Tours

Parikia on Paros island, Greece

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

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

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

Paros Vacation Idea

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

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

Oia town on Santorini island, Greece

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

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

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

Santorini Vacation Idea

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

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

Learn more: Santorini Vacations, Tours & Trips

Lindos on Rhodes island, Greece

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

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

Rhodes Vacation Idea

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

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

Learn more: Rhodes Vacations, Tours & Itineraries

Firiplaka Beach on Milos island, Greece

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

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

Milos Vacation Idea

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

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

Learn more: Milos Vacations & Tours

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

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

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

Tinos Vacation Idea

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

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

Symi island, Greece

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

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

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

Symi Vacation Idea

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

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

Chora on Folegandros island, Greece

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

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

Levrechio beach on Paxos island, Greece

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

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

Sarakiniko Beach on Milos island, Greece

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

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

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The Best Greek Islands To Visit

Embarking on a journey to Greece is like stepping into a world where the blue of the sea meets the sky, where history whispers from ancient ruins, and where each island is a universe unto itself. Greece is a nation blessed with a stunning archipelago, each island offering a unique slice of Greek life. From the iconic, whitewashed buildings of the Cyclades to the lush, green landscapes of the Ionian islands, the diversity is astounding. Explore the seven best Greek islands, each a jewel in the Aegean and Ionian Seas , waiting to be discovered. Embark on a journey through these enchanting islands, each offering an escape into a world where the wonders of Greece unfold in all their glory.

Crete , Greece's largest island, is a vibrant tapestry of splendid beaches, ancient treasures, and modern cities. It's a place where myths meet reality, nature melds with history, and every corner tells a story. Imagine exploring the Palace of Knossos, a labyrinthine complex that echoes tales of Minotaurs and ancient kings. This Minoan site, just a stone's throw from the bustling capital, Heraklion, stands as a testament to Europe's oldest civilization.

But Crete's allure doesn't end with its ruins. The island's diverse landscapes range from the idyllic Elafonisi Beach, with its pink-tinged sands, to the imposing Lefka Ori (White Mountains), a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Crete also offers a culinary journey through time. Cretan cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, is a feast for the senses. You can savor dakos, a traditional barley rusk topped with tomato and mizithra cheese, in a seaside taverna or enjoy a glass of raki, the local firewater, with hospitable locals.

Milos, located in the heart of the Cyclades , is a mesmerizing island that captures the essence of the Greek Isles with its raw, natural beauty. This island, shaped by its volcanic heritage, is a geological marvel. It's home to an astonishing array of beaches, each with its own unique character. From the shimmering white rocks of Sarakiniko Beach, sculpted by wind and waves into moon-like landscapes, to the warm, multi-colored cliffs of Paleochori, Milos offers a beach experience unlike any other.

The island's charm extends beyond its coastlines. Its quaint villages, such as Plaka, are perched atop hills, offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Strolling through these villages, you'll find narrow, winding streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses, accented with colorful doors and windows, inviting you to slow down and embrace the island's serene pace of life.

Milos is also a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. The island's rich past is evident in its ancient catacombs and the ruins of Klima, an old port village. Moreover, it's famously known as the discovery site of the Venus de Milo, a symbol of timeless beauty. The island's culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Seafood lovers can indulge in freshly caught delicacies, often grilled to perfection and served in charming seaside tavernas. The local gastronomy, a blend of traditional Greek flavors and fresh, local ingredients, is a journey for the palate.

Mykonos, often hailed as the crown jewel of the Greek islands, stands out with its unique blend of glamor and tradition. This island is a dazzling mix of cosmopolitan flair and traditional Greek charm, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both excitement and culture. The streets of Mykonos Town (Chora) are a labyrinth of narrow, winding paths lined with whitewashed houses, their balconies brimming with vibrant bougainvillea. As you wander these streets, you'll discover chic boutiques, cozy cafes, and lively bars, each adding to the town's vibrant character. The iconic windmills, perched on a hill, offer a picturesque view of the town and are a testament to the island's history.

Mykonos is also renowned for its spectacular beaches, each offering a different vibe. From the family-friendly Ornos to the energetic party scene at Paradise Beach, there's a spot for every preference. The crystal-clear waters and golden sands are perfect for a day of relaxation or water sports. The island's nightlife is legendary, with world-class clubs and beach parties that attract DJs from around the globe. Yet, Mykonos also retains its quaint charm, evident in its hidden chapels and quiet corners, where time seems to stand still.

Rhodes , the largest of the Dodecanese islands, is a captivating blend of ancient history and natural beauty. This island, steeped in legend and lore, invites travelers to step back in time within its well-preserved medieval walls. As you wander through the Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll find yourself enveloped in a maze of cobblestone streets flanked by Gothic and Byzantine architecture. The island's history is a rich tapestry of civilizations, from the ancient Greeks to the Order of St. John, each leaving their mark. The Palace of the Grand Master, a stunning example of medieval architecture, stands as a sentinel over the city. Meanwhile, the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the island's classical past.

But Rhodes is more than its historical sites. Its beaches, such as the famous Tsambika Beach, offer golden sands and turquoise waters, perfect for relaxation and water sports. The island's interior, with its lush valleys and hilltop villages, is a haven for nature lovers and hikers. Rhodes also boasts a vibrant culinary scene, where you can savor traditional Greek dishes in a taverna or enjoy fresh seafood by the sea. The island's blend of history, culture, and natural beauty creates a unique and unforgettable experience for its visitors.

Lemnos, located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea, is a hidden gem among the Greek islands, offering a more authentic and less touristy Greek experience. This tranquil island is known for its unspoiled landscapes, historical sites, and serene beaches. Lemnos boasts a rich history, clear in its ancient ruins and medieval castles. The island was an important part of classical Greek mythology and history, and its archaeological sites reflect this heritage. The ancient city of Hephaestia is noteworthy, showcasing remnants of a once-flourishing civilization.

The island's diverse landscape includes volcanic formations, fertile plains, and sandy beaches. Lemnos is also renowned for its culinary delights, particularly its locally produced wines and cheeses, which are a must-try for any visitor. Its quaint villages, such as Myrina, the capital, offer a glimpse into traditional Greek life, with narrow streets lined with neoclassical buildings and small, family-run tavernas. Lemnos is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the more popular Greek islands. Its natural beauty, rich history, and authentic Greek culture make it a perfect addition to any Greek island itinerary.

Skiathos, a verdant jewel in the Aegean Sea, is a haven of natural beauty and serene landscapes. This island, part of the Sporades archipelago, enchants visitors with its lush pine forests and stunning beaches. Skiathos is a perfect destination for those who seek both relaxation and adventure in the heart of Greece. Over 70 beaches dot the island's coastline, each offering a unique charm. The most famous, Koukounaries Beach, is known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, backed by a dense pine forest. These beaches are not just for sunbathing; they are gateways to a variety of water sports, from snorkeling to windsurfing.

Skiathos also boasts a picturesque Old Town, where cobbled streets meander through charming houses and lead to bustling harbors. Here, you can indulge in the local cuisine at a seaside taverna or explore small, artisan shops. For the history enthusiasts, Skiathos has plenty of historical sites, including the Evangelistria Monastery and the ruins of Kastro, a former medieval capital. These sites offer a glimpse into the island's rich past and provide stunning views of the surrounding seascape.

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a Greek island where vivid blue seas meet lush green landscapes. This Ionian gem is a symphony of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and lively entertainment, offering an eclectic mix that caters to all kinds of travelers. The island is perhaps most renowned for the Shipwreck Beach (Navagio), an iconic cove with a rusting shipwreck against white sands and turquoise waters. This beach is not just a picturesque spot; it's a symbol of Zakynthos's wild beauty.

Zakynthos is also a sanctuary for the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles. The protected beaches of Laganas Bay offer a unique opportunity to witness these creatures in their natural habitat, especially during nesting season. Beyond its stunning beaches, Zakynthos invites exploration of its mountainous terrain, dotted with traditional villages and ancient monasteries. The island's capital, Zakynthos Town, is a blend of Venetian architecture and modern vibrancy, where one can stroll along its marina, explore museums, and enjoy local cuisine in bustling squares.

Each of these Greek islands presents its unique charm and beauty, making them ideal destinations for any traveler seeking the quintessential Greek experience. Whether you're looking for history, beaches, nightlife, or serene landscapes, these islands have it all. So, pack your bags and set sail for an unforgettable Greek island adventure. And don't forget to share these gems with your friends and family!

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10 Best Islands to Visit in Greece for an Authentic Experience

Are you keen on exploring an untouched side of the Greek Islands? If you’re on the hunt for an authentic Greece experience, you’re in the right place! The rich and storied culture, heritage, and traditions of the Greek islands offer you an exclusive insight into another side of the ‘cradle of European civilisation’. Get inspired by our list of ten best islands to visit in Greece on your next holidays.

This list of the best islands to visit in Greece is based on different personalities (such as the best island for foodies, history buffs, nature lovers etc.), but they’re all grounded in uncovering Greece’s authentic face.

Discover the unmatched nature of Skyros and find your corner of paradise in Skiathos. Let your eye wander across traditional architecture in Paros, and dance with the locals in Ios. Be enthralled by Rhodes’s turbulent history and feel pure serenity in Serifos. Kick back with a glass of locally-produced wine in Santorini and indulge in good food in Crete.

Rest assured, there are many more authentic destinations to add to that list, but consider this your starter pack to the true spirit of Greece. 

Read on to unwrap these best islands to visit in Greece, and know that wherever you go in Greece , you’ll always be welcomed!

Post Contents

The Best Islands to Visit in Greece

1. santorini, 4. skiathos, 8. zakynthos.

The best Greek island for wine

Santorini is a treasure trove for wine lovers. Here, you’ll get a real taste of the island’s traditional winemaking culture and taste crisp whites, deeply-coloured reds, and the sweet and amber Vinsanto dessert wine.

With vineyards dating back to ancient times, you’ll visit some of the oldest and finest wineries on the island. You’ll learn all there is to know about Santorini’s wine culture: how the island’s volcanic soil produces one-of-a-kind wine, Santorini’s staple wine grapes, including the almost golden Assyrtiko and the deeply purple Mandilaria, the traditional equipment used, and how the wine is aged. 

You’ll also observe the baskets or kouloura, a pruning technique involving the weaving of grape vines to protect the plant’s fruit from Santorini’s vicious winds and the scorching summertime sun.

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Exploring the art and heritage of Santorini’s wine will lead you into the heart of local viticulture and beyond the tourist hotspots. From high cliff sides overlooking the caldera to the dust-laden countryside, local wineries and vineyards dot the whole island. Not only is it a great way to connect with the landscape, but it is a special way to connect with locals who are keen on sharing this age-old process and how it intertwines with the history of their island.

Adding a Santorini wine tour to your Greece bucket list is imperative! So sit back, and kick off your holiday with a chilled glass of Vinsanto wine in the depths of a cave or on a white terrace looking out over the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. Delve into Santorini’s viticulture on this 10-day all-inclusive luxury Santorini tour , and experience best islands to visit in Greece for wine lovers.

The best Greek island in history 

Rhodes will forever be one of the most enchanting Greek destinations. Escape to a different century and travel through decades of history as you uncover the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands.

A UNESCO world heritage site, Rhodes’s Old Town is a fascinating and atmospheric medieval city. Trace the footsteps of crusaders as you meander along the historic Street of the Knights. Along the broad avenues and narrow alleys, you’ll come across the ruins of a temple of Aphrodite and remnants of the city’s Byzantine fortifications. The cobbled medieval street begins next to the 15th-century Archaeological Museum and ends at the imposing Palace of the Grand Master. 

For those into the jewels of ancient Greece, marvel at the impressive Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and make a beeline for the Acropolis of Lindos, where you will find the remains of a temple dedicated to goddess Athena.

Perched on a hilltop, travel back 120 years ago by visiting the charming little village of Koskinou, famous for its leafy winding streets, rainbow-coloured houses, and the whitewashed Koskinou Traditional House. 

Dive deep into Rhodes’s culture and history set against a backdrop of the glittering sea on this 7-day majestic Rhodes luxury and discovery tour .

The best Greek island for traditional food 

The heart of Crete is found in its cuisine – Greece’s largest island has an incomparable food scene and is one of the best islands to visit in Greece for foodies!

Each varied corner of Crete has something to offer: from sweet, smooth, and flaky bougatsa (breakfast pie), the best baked in Chania, to smokey and salty apaki (cured pork loin), found in most tavernas, and sweet and fragrant raki (a liquor made from crushed/leftover grapes), the perfect accompaniment to any meal. 

A Crete culinary tour, like this 8-day Crete gastronomy trip , will take you on a delicious tour across the island as you navigate the hallmarks of the Cretan diet. It’s contingent on the local fruity and peppery olive oil, a rich medley of wild greens or horta, and is always 100% seasonal. 

Head to a traditional kafenio (coffeehouse), and order a Cretan Meze along with a clear bottle of raki to get you started. A simple meze platter includes locally grown olives, slices of Cretan cheese, and salty nuts, typically almonds. 

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Bigger platters feature Cretan pies such as crescent-shaped kalitsounia (often filled with spinach, herbs, and/or mizithra cheese), tzatziki, aubergine salads, and seasonal vegetables, like fava beans and wild asparagus in spring. Along the coast, seafood fritters, oysters, and sea urchins take the spotlight, while a Cretan meze in the pine mountains is graced with air-dried ham, sausages, and tiny meatballs.

At times part of a meze, but just as delicious on its own, dakos is a beloved light snack on the island. It is a typical Cretan salad, consisting of rusks (made from barley flour and twice-baked) and juicy tomatoes, generously drizzled in extra virgin olive oil and garnished with soft mizithra cheese and tasty Kalamata olives, plus a sprinkle of dried oregano.

For a moreish delight, don’t skip the Cretan snails or kohli bourbouristi: a flavourful source of inexpensive protein, delicately cooked in olive oil and paired with wild greens. 

Don’t forget to explore the Heraklion Central Market for must-try Cretan cheeses, such as the buttery and hard Graviera, the slightly sour, creamy but crumbly Mizithra, and the salty Anthotyros. 

After trying all the Crete food scene has to offer, join our 8-day hiking and yoga in Crete tour for a rejuvenating and all-rounded holiday!

The best Greek island for idyllic beaches  

A jewel in the crown of the Aegean Sea, Skiathos may be the smallest of the Sporades islands, but it is home to some of the finest beaches in all of Greece. Vibrantly green, hilly, and pine-clad, this slice of paradise is blessed with 60-plus beaches to choose from. Even in the high time of summer, you’re guaranteed a spot to lay down your towel somewhere along the electric blue coast!

Most of Skiathos’s beaches on the southern side of the island are decked out with large umbrellas and cosy sunbeds. The soft and sandy turquoise-watered Koukounaries, backed by fragrant pine trees, take the cake for the most beloved beach in the south. 

Narrower and quieter Maratha beach, Koukounaries’s little sister, is tucked just around the corner, offering a comparable stretch of fine, gold sand. Head to Troulos beach, a stone’s throw away, for a crystal-clear snorkelling bonanza, and dine on delicious gyros directly on the untouched shoreline while you watch the blazing sun dip below the horizon.

While in Skiathos Town’s old-world centre, climb down the steps from The Bourtzi hotel or take the back streets overlooking the Old Port for a peaceful haven in the form of a tiny pebble beach with spectacular views of the town and its surrounding azure waters. Join the locals for a swim in the late afternoon or jump off the rocks with the island kids!

Across the island, Lalaria beach is the face of Skiathos’s northern end. Here, beaches are more rugged, secluded, and windswept but just as paradisal. Lalaria is a breathtaking wild beauty decorated with pretty rock formations and made up of smooth white pebbles set against high limestone cliffs. Only accessible by boat, don’t skip this find because it is absolutely worth the journey!

Like Lalaria, Skiathos’s other northern beaches can be hard to get to. Many are accompanied by a steep, downhill trek or a winding drive through pine groves. Kechria is one such gem situated near the old monastery of Panagia. This tiny cove offers a small remote beach down a bumpy dirt road, with an onsite taverna great for an afternoon pick-me-up of local ouzo and fresh fish.

For both sea views and mountain peaks, Mikros Aselinos is a small and authentic Greek beach nestled within a small bay protected by jutting cliffs. Here, try the freshly grilled squid from the beach bar for a real treat!

Pack a good book, suncream, and a wide-brimmed hat, and visit Skiathos’s pristine beaches on our 9-Day Athens, Skiathos & Skopelos tour .

The best Greek island for families 

You’ll find no faults in choosing Corfu as your next holiday destination with the family. It is one of the best islands to visit in Greece: verdant greenery, varied beaches, and quaint little villages topped off by its charming capital.

Chase your kids through labyrinths of traditional kantounias (narrow alleyways) within the UNESCO-ranked Corfu Town, which is decorated with clusters of colourful Venetian buildings and monuments. Introduce the kids to some local cuisine – pastitsada (pasta topped with meat braised in a tomato-based sauce) is sure to be a winner with younger children.

Then beach hop your way across the island. In the west, you’ll find Paleokastritsa, with its shallow and calm crystal-clear waters, perfect for riding pedal boats and snorkelling. Glyfada is another hit – you can do everything from parasailing to jet skiing within this long stretch of beach that is picturesquely framed by towering cliffs.

The island’s north side offers warm shallow waters for paddling and stretches of soft sand for building sandcastles. As its bay is protected from big waves and strong winds, Nissaki Beach is always a family favourite. 

For a beach alternative, take the kids to Aqualand, an enormous aquapark with an abundance of slides and pools to choose from. Or organise a glass-bottom boat trip for some fun fish spotting.

For biking, hiking, and horse trekking, head further inland to make the most of Corfu’s lush natural scenery. From gorgeous coastlines to thick pine woods and cypress groves, you’ll find that Corfu is a versatile and dynamic Greek destination.

Join our 8-Day Athens & Corfu Family Adventure , perfectly curated for families through and through!

The best Greek island for unspoilt scenery 

Far from the tourist trail, Serifos stuns with its raw and untouched beauty. Famed for its cluster of white and blue sugar-cubed houses, pristine beaches, and hills flecked with rugged mining sites and stone windmills, Serifos is one of the best islands to visit in Greece if you are looking for hidden gems in the Cyclades islands.

If you like the look of rural and rocky countrysides with scattered meadows and hilltop monasteries, you’ll be impressed by Serifos’s naturally sculpted hillsides. Arid, rugged, and wild typifies the island’s rough landscape, which you can explore at your own pace- be it hiking the crumbling Mining Trail, climbing onto the old walls of the Castle of the Old Woman (a 15th-century Venetian fortress), or discovering abandoned mountain villages with astonishing views of the endless blue of the Aegean. 

When it comes to beaches, you get to take your pick: Caribbean-like blue or emerald green waters, calm or wavy, fine sand or smooth pebbles, shaded by tamarisk trees or entirely sun-drenched, embraced by views of a chapel or jutting cliffs!

Highlights include the wild and remote, Platis Gialos, the sandy and turquoise, Psili Ammos, the long stretch of Ganema, with plenty of tranquillity and clear waters, and Agios Sostis with panoramic views of a charming small chapel at the edge of its azure-coloured bay.

For a dose of traditional Greek ambience, uncover the cascading Chora town (Serifos’s capital), which tumbles from a southern peak down a sloping rocky hill, resembling a waterfall of whitewash. Hand-painted arrows will lead you to cute squares packed with turquoise wooden tables, chairs, and loitering stray cats.

Make sure to explore both the narrower upper town, Ano Hora, boasting incredible sea views and the lower town, Kato Hora, which connects to the main port of Livadi, for more elegant Cycladic architecture and bougainvillaea-filled courtyards.

Make the essential stop to Serifos on this 9-day Athens, Sifnos and Serifos tour or sail to the picture-perfect island on a 50ft+ sailing yacht on our 12-day sail the Greek Islands tour !

The best Greek island for nightlife 

A trip to Ios is far from boring. Days are spent on the beach, with calm and sandy Magganari as a favourite for an afternoon siesta, while rugged Loretzena provides the ideal getaway. Nights, however, are full of attractions in the Chora, the island’s main town. 

Ios has been attracting revellers for decades now. It is tone of the best islands in Greece for unbridled late-night fun. When in Ios, don’t miss out on the Ios bar crawl that will have you bar-hopping till dawn! Visit Irish pubs, jazz bars, rock bars, luxe lounges, Norwegian-inspired cocktail bars, discos to relive your younger years, and of course, bars playing endless Greek music all night! In Ios, there’s something to suit anyone’s tastes.

Needless to say, you’re bound to have a good time on this Aegean island. Connect with our Local Designers in Greece to include Ios in your next Greek adventure!

Top tip: For a tasty hangover cure, try the mosenta; a watermelon pie flavoured with thyme and honey!

The best Greek island for adventure 

Zakynthos, famously known as Zante, is not just wild parties until daylight. A tour like this 14-Day Ionian Dream will take you to all corners of this photogenic island, from its untamed interior to its mesmerising sea. And soon, you’ll discover that there is far more heart to Zakynthos than its exciting dance clubs.

Visit some of the most iconic beaches in the world, like Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach and the natural wonder of the Blue Caves. 

Take your snorkelling goggles to Porto Limnionas, a true treasure in the form of a beautiful scenic bay. Or head to the Keri Caves for a scuba dive and float with the Caretta turtles at Marathonisi (Turtle Island). 

From experienced divers to beginners, the water that surrounds the gulf is pristine. If snorkelling isn’t your thing, get in touch with our Local Designers on the ground to book a glass-bottom boat trip for a comparable colourful experience.

As you can imagine, water sports are particularly popular here: paraglide and jetski at Banana Beach, sea pedal and canoe at Tsilivi beach, and kick it up a notch by windsurfing and hydro jetting at Alykanas beach!

Further inland, venture through delightful villages by bicycle. You’ll cycle by numerous flourishing vineyards, olive trees, and traditional churches from Zakynthos’s town. Or take a quad bike up the steep, rough terrain for an exciting adventure. And for some serenity, hike to the spectacular Vrachionas Mountains, the highest point on the island, for unprecedented vistas. 

The best traditional Greek island

For sun-bleached houses, churches with bright blue domes, eye-catching windmills, narrow cobblestone alleyways, and creeping bougainvillaea, look no further than Paros, the Greek island of marble. Though quaint and laidback, this bright gem of the Cyclades has a distinct energy and an undeniable magnetic charm. 

Paros’s beautiful traditional settlements are enough of a reason to visit this lesser-known island. Not only is it home to unequalled Cycladic architecture, but all the conquerors who ruled the island over the centuries also left an architectural trace behind. For example, in the chic harbour village of Naoussa, the Venetian-esque port is emblematic of the Italian influence stemming back to the time when the island was once controlled by a Venetian duke. 

In many villages, the architecture of Paros is also quite original because many structures were built using Parian marble! Marvel at Paros’s unique architecture on this 7-Day Cyclades – The Authentic Way tour .

When you’re not admiring the pretty cubed houses, swim at one of the island’s most impressive beaches, Kolympethres, and trek to the Venetian Castle in Parikia for jaw-dropping views of the Aegean Sea. Get in touch with our Local Designers to organise a day sailing on a traditional Kaiki boat to uncover the gems of Paros’s stunning coastline.

The best Greek island for nature and seclusion  

Legend has it that the mythical Theseus, who fought the infamous Greek minotaur, died in Skyros. Yet there is more to Skyros than just legends and myths. As the least touristically developed island of the Sporades island chain, Skyros is one of the best islands to visit in Greece for the ultimate seclusion, pure nature, and total relaxation. Home to rare ponies, prehistoric sites, diverse landscapes, and picturesque villages, you’ll be more than happy to escape the crowds and explore this gem of an island.

The nature here is raw and untouched: you’ll find rolling hills, unspoilt beaches, tranquil lakes, and rich wetlands, meaning an array of outdoor activities are possible on Skyros! Apart from your typical water-based fun, such as diving, sailing, and windsurfing, take to the mountains for scenic mountain biking, or climb the peaks of Olympos in the north and Kohylas in the south.

The dense pine forests and the pretty olive groves found on the north side of the island make the perfect setting for hiking, paired with the astonishing views of the deep blue sea ahead. On the flip side, the south is rockier though equally beautiful. Here, spot the galloping Skyrian ponies in their natural habitat. 

Bird watchers can also rejoice, for the wetland of Kalamitsa is ideal for spotting various species of birds, including shrikes and finches. The highest mountain of Skyros, Mount Kochilas, is great for rare birds of prey such as Bonelli’s Eagles and Eleonora’s Falcons.

For an authentically Greek atmosphere, wander the stone alleys of the Chora (Skyros’s main town) that clings to the slope of a high hill, order a Freddo espresso in a traditional cafe as you sit with locals, and trek up to the castle at the very top to end your day with an unparalleled seascape.

Connect with our Local Designers to include Skyros on your Greek island-hopping itinerary!

You don’t need to be a local to have an authentic holiday on one of the best islands to visit in Greece! What makes Designer Journeys so special is that our expert Local Designers on the ground can guide you with their insider knowledge and tips. In that short space of time (or long, however you like it!), live, eat, beach, and sightseeing as a local would – whether it be on popular Santorini, Crete, or Corfu, or lesser-known islands such as Skyros and Paros.

Design your next trip to Greece with the help of Designer Journey’s Local Designers , or be inspired by one of our fully-customisable Greece tours and create your own trip from scratch! Plan your next Greek island-hopping adventure to the best islands to visit in Greece today! 

Jessica Julienne

Hi! I’m Jessica, an amateur traveller from the Seychelles (with Swiss roots) but now based in the UK as a travel writer. I long to embrace different cultures, discover new places, and taste new food. I believe travel is an essential part of life, tying you to the present moment. I wish to inspire others to step out of their comfort zone and experience the out of the ordinary. And I also wish to show people what kind of delicious international food they’re missing out on. I’m also a big fan of ocean views, good tv shows, anything and everything Italian, well-made banh mis, and morning coffees.

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Top 10 Best Greek Islands for History Buffs

Chania, Crete, Greece

A beautiful paradise full of stunning views, Greece is always at the top of a savvy travelers list of must-see destinations. With more than 200 inhabited islands to select from, it can be overwhelming to narrow down the amazing options. We've curated this list of Ten Islands that curious world travelers are sure to enjoy during their next trip to the Mediterranean. 

Greece offers the best variety of historical archaeological sites, delicious cuisine, and stunning panoramic vistas to explore.

Our experts and local guides have offered us their insider-tips and tricks for making the most of your time on the Top Ten Greek Isles. 

Best For: Ancient History Buffs Who Appreciate Minoan Culture

Crete, the largest Greek Island, is a top destination for history buffs. Home to the oldest advanced civilization in the  entire  European continent, the Minoans, the island is dotted with spectacular Bronze Age palaces and archaeological remnants of this great civilization.

Concentrated in the Central and Eastern portions of the island, Crete boasts four ancient Minoan palaces: Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, and Kato Zakros — all must-see destinations in Crete for ancient history fans. Beyond the famous Minoan sites, Crete boasts several other archaeological wonders including The Venetian Fortezza and Castello del Molo.

Dimitra Pilarinou , a Context Expert and Greek historian, loves to remind travelers that beyond the compelling ancient history, Crete is "the most multifaceted island in Greece, with unique biodiversity and natural beauty." So, not only do travelers get to see spectacular sites, but they get to do it with some of the most stunning scenery in the world.

Dimitra's favorite things to do in Crete:

• Visit the Minoan Palaces at sunset without crowds, which is like time traveling to a prehistoric utopia!
• Swim in crystal clear waters at the beach, and hike through a snow capped mountain on the same day!

Learn more about Crete with our interactive online conversations: 

• Captivating Crete: A Mediterranean Jewel with Dimitra Pilarinou

And if you're ready to visit Crete in person, join us on a private walking tour:

• Crete Full-Day Tour: Chania and Agia Triada Monastery
• Crete Full-Day Tour: Knossos Palace and Heraklion

2. Santorini

Best For: A Cultural Traveler Who Admires Greek Aesthetic and History

Officially named Thira, Santorini is a remnant of a volcanic caldera from one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the last 100,000 years. This cataclysmic event had the force of 40,000 Hiroshima bombs ending all life and burying Akrotiri under a thirty-meter blanket of pumice and ash, a true Bronze Age Pompeii, and supposedly ended the Minoan civilization in Crete.

History buffs love Santorini because the island is home to the Akrotiri Ruins, Argyros Mansion, Ancient Thera, and the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Known for being the 'supermodel' of the Greek Islands, Santorini’s dramatic black cliffs, white-washed architecture, and striking blue-domed churches create a unique visual identity. Santorini is known for having more churches than houses, and more wine than water (since it hardly rains there).

What to do in Santorini:

• Soak up some sun on the Períssa black sand beach
• Visit as many sites as you can on foot - it's a completely different experience!

Learn more about Santorini with our interactive online conversations:

• Santorini: The Star of the Aegean Sea with Nicoletta Barbata
• Greece's Pompeii: The Santorini Volcano and the Minoan Eruption with Dimitra Pilarinou

Best For: A Traveler Who Admires Foreign Influences on Grecian History and Modern Life

Also known as Kerkyra, this island has a strong British and Venetian influence, since Corfu only became part of Greece in 1864. With castles surrounding Corfu town, its strategic location was always desirable and constantly fought over for centuries.

Corfu is home to the 1st university founded in Greece, and also home to the first modern theatre and opera of Greece! While visiting Corfu,  Dimitra  loves to stroll around in the Spianada Square (1 of the biggest in the Balkans), visit the Palace of the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, and the Achilleion. She also tells us about the Greek Orthodox Easter celebrations in Corfu, where "locals throw pots out of their windows and balconies smashing them into the streets in order to celebrate Christ’s resurrection".

What to know before you go to Corfu:

• Corfu is the only place where cricket matches are formally played in Greece
• Corfu is the birthplace of Prince Philip. (Mon Repos)

Best For: The Curious Traveler Who Seeks Deeper Historical Context of Popular Sites

The small Cycladic island of Mykonos is home to 10,000 people yet it's the most cosmopolitan island in Greece because the town receives more than 2,000,000 visitors per year.

Established in the 11th century B.C. by the Ionians, Mykonos is perfect for history lovers, with lots to discover, like the Church of Paraportiani, Little Venice, the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, and hear tales of vampires and old-time pirates. Because of its location in the Aegean Sea, the island was often raided by pirates throughout history. Our favorite Mykonos fun fact is that the island has 600+ Byzantine Churches - an estimated 1 church per local family.

Don't miss out on these must-try experiences in Mykonos, according to  Dimitra :

• Visit the sanctuary of Apollo at Delos (neighboring island across Mykonos) in the morning and enjoy a few cocktails at the bars at night!
• The sunset in the Little Venice area, coloring the 18th-century houses of shipping merchants built on water with the warmest colors of the Aegean sea.

Learn more before you go with an interactive online conversation, led by a Context expert: 

Marvelous Mykonos: History and Beauty in the Aegean Sea with Smaro Touloupa

Best For: Travelers seeking the Best of the Best Greek Islands

A short ferry ride away from Mykonos, Paros is located in the heart of the Cyclades. Voted the  best island in Europe for 2020 by Travel + Leisure Magazine , it has something for everyone: natural beauty, ancient history, unspoiled beaches, Greek traditions, local festivals, and authentic village life.

During the middle ages, Lefkes was the capital of Paros, and home to the Chuch of Agia Triada - the town's main church made out of Paros' famous fine, white marble. Historically, Paros is not only connected with the famous gleaming white marble of classical art, but with Byzantium as well. Two Byzantine emperors, Constantine the Great and Justinian, built the unrivaled  Ekatontapyliani Church , a unique monument. The cultural routes of the Aegean intersect here with the routes of the pirates, the Crusaders, and the Venetians.

What to do in Paros:

• Spend the day in Naoussa – a charming fishing town with great seafood, coffee, beaches, and taverns.
• Visit The Church of a 100 Doors to contextualize the ' mother and child icon ' found in every house on Paros.

Best For: The Busy Traveller Who Wants a Little Bit of Everything While Island Hopping

Located in the heart of the Cyclades, Naxos is the largest and greenest island in the island group. According to Greek Mythology, Zeus was born and raised in Mount Zas, also the highest point of the Cyclades. Naxos is famous for its fertile land and abundance of agriculture, making the island historically self-sufficient and financially independent.

History lovers can take a hike on one of Naxos'  several hiking trails , which lead to several of the 200+ Byzantine (and 500+ pre-and post-Byzantium) churches, with 120 of them maintaining their original frescoes dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. Agii

Apostoli, Panagia Faneromeni Monastery, and Agios Georgios Diassoritis are a few historical sites you wouldn't want to miss!

What to do when visiting Naxos:

• Admire the colors, architecture, Venetian towers and rich history in the Chalki Village with a final stop at Vallindra Distillery, which was built is 1896.
• Try Kitron - Kitron is a local citron liqueur (stronger than lemon) that's hard to find outside of Naxos due to a shortage of citron trees.

7. Zakynthos

Best for The History Buff Looking To Learn More About 20th Century History

Nicknamed the "Flower of the Levant", Zakynthos is the third largest Ionian island and home to the famous Navagio beach - also known as shipwreck beach - where you'll find a shipwreck from 1980 in an exposed cove. During World War II and the German occupation of Greece, a famous Mayor and Bishop refused orders to turn in a list of names of the town's Jewish residents for deportation to the death camps. Instead, they hid most of the town's Jewish people in rural villages, and according to some sources, all  275 Jews of Zakynthos survived  the war.

Besides being home to the endangered species of the Caretta Caretta loggerhead turtle, Context Expert,  Dimitra Pilarinou  shares that in Zakynthos, we can find the deepest point of the Mediterranean sea, some 4004 m SE of the island, and that the island is tied with Rhodes for having the longest annual sun exposure in Greece.

What to do in Zakynthos:

• Enjoy the view of the town from the hill of Bohali by the castle with a cold drink smelling the gardenias.
• Visit the must-see historical sites on Zakynthos: the Venetian Castle, the Argasi Bridge, Sarakina House, and the Solomos Museum!

8. Ikaria  

Best For The Cultural Traveler Looking to Go Off The Beaten Path

One of the oldest islands in the Aegean Sea, Ikaria is well known for its mountainous terrain and strong red wine. Apart from being associated with the  legend of Icarus , Ikaria has been inhabited since at least 7000 BC, when it was populated by the Neolithic pre-Hellenic people of the Pelasgians. Due to successive wars in the mid-1900s,  Ikaria suffered a great loss in human life  and property. Ikaria first suffered in 1941 during World War II when the Germans invaded Greece, then the island suffered again during the Greek Civil War in 1946.

When visiting Ikaria, don't miss visiting the Archeological Museum of Kampos, then going next door to the Church of Agia Irini, Ikaria's oldest church, then finishing the day at the Castle of Koskina.

What we love about Ikaria:

• With views of the sea routes and neighborhoods, the Castle of Koskina was actually built as a protective fort by the Byzantines in the 10th century.
• Ikaria is known to be a  blue zone , having the  oldest life expectancy in the world .

Best For A Quick Day Trip from Athens

Located in the Saronic Gulf and an hour away from Athens, Aegina makes the perfect day trip for tourists and Athenians.

In 1200 BCE, Aegina flourished  and was in competition with Athens; the standard of weights and measures developed by Aegina became the standard all over Greece, Aegina was the first to mint coins, and their fleet of ships carried on trade throughout the Mediterranean and the Aegean.

We recommend visiting the Temple of Aphaia, one of the 3 ancient temples that form a Sacred Triangle; and on a clear day, you can see both the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion and the Acropolis (the other two 'points' of the Sacred Triangle). Other sites to see in Aegina would include the Agion Theodoron Church, the Tower of Markellos, and the Temple of Apollo.

What we love about Aegina:

• Proximity to Athens and the island's spectacular views of the Sacred Triangle on a clear and sunny day.
• Their Pistachios! Aegina is known for having the  world's best pistachios . Pistachio trees are sometimes used as dowry for women getting married!

10. Skopelos

Best For the Musically- Inclined Traveler who Loves Mamma Mia and Fine Wine!

Being the greenest island in Greece, with over 50% of its area  covered by a forest  of pine trees, Skopelos is best known for being the picture-perfect island featured in Mamma Mia, where some scenes were filmed at the Church of Agios Ioannis (now also known as Mamma Mia Church).

The same way Aegina is known for their pistachios, Skopelos is well known for their olives and olive oil-based diet, but that's not all! Around 1600 BC,  Minoans from Crete settled the island , and their mythical king Staphylos, son of the god of wine Dionysus, introduced the wine to the locals and made the island well known for wine throughout the Mediterranean.

What to do in Skopelos:

• Visit the Folklore Museum and The Old Skopelitan Mansion Museum
• Visit the Agios Riginos Monastery and the Monastery of Agia Varvara.

Whether you're interested in  exploring the Greek Islands on foot  or  learning about Greece from the comfort of your own home , Context has got you covered!

A special thank you to our expert guide  Dimitra Pilarinou ! 

Context tours you'll want to take:

Context seminars and courses you may be interested in:.

• Cyprus: The Island of Aphrodite with Dr. Guillaume Durand 
• More online learning on Greece

Read more about Greece in our other blog posts:

• The 15 Best Greek Souvlaki
• Four Greek Myths to Know Before Visiting

Written by Aanchal Kumar. Aanchal is a Marketing Associate at Context. Born and raised in New York, she graduated from Baruch and jumped into the travel industry after learning about different cities and cultures online, then experiencing them in person. When she's not working, she's writing about all her favorite culinary experiences (local and international) on Yelp + TripAdvisor. 

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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 .

Charley Ward

Condé Nast Traveller

Jemima Sissons

CNT Editors

Best for: Endless sandy beaches

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

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

Where to stay in Naxos:

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

10. Cephalonia / Kefalonia

Best Greek island for: Laidback family holidays

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

Where to stay in Kefalonia:

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

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

Best Greek island for: Walking trails and wild beaches

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

Where to stay on Andros:

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

12. Serifos

Best Greek island for: Naturists and purists

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

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

Where to stay on Serifos:

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

13. Mykonos

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

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

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

Where to stay in Mykonos:

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

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

14. Zakynthos / Zante

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

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

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

Where to stay in Zante:

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

15. Amorgos

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

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

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

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

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

Best for: The perfect balance of seclusion and sophistication

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

Where to Stay in Paxos:

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

17. Lefkada

Best for: Sailors, surfers, and superstar beaches

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

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

Where to Stay in Lefkada:

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

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

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

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

Where to stay on Ithaca:

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

Best for: Traditional villages and knockout tavernas

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

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

Where to stay in Tinos:

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

Best for: Stark mystique and show-stopping villas

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

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

Where to stay in Patmos:

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

Best for: Travelling back in time

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

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

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

Where to stay in Rhodes:  

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

Best for: Castaway coves and a picture-perfect port

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

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

Where to stay in Symi:

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

23. Astypalea

Best for: Escaping the crowds

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

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

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

24. Skiathos

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

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

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

Where to stay in Skiathos:

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

Best for:  Low-key authenticity all year round

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

Where to stay on Aegina:

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

26. Kastellorizo

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

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

Where to stay on Kastellorizo:

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

27. Antiparos

Best for:  Relaxed cool

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

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

Where to stay on Antiparos:  

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

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

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

Where to stay on Leros:

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

29. Spetses

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

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

Where to stay on Spetses:

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

How to island hop in Greece with Virgin Voyages.

Saying you’re going to the “Greek islands” is kind of like saying you’re going to “the Caribbean.” While the generalization certainly paints a vague picture in people’s minds, it doesn’t really do much else. There are over 100 inhabited islands in Greece, each of which has a distinct character, aesthetic, and culture.

The best Greek island to visit no matter what kind of traveler you are

From the whitewashed walls of Santorini to the glitzy club scene of Mykonos and the relaxing beaches of Corfu, there’s something for every kind of traveler in the Greek islands. The best part? You don’t have to choose just one. When you cruise the Greek islands , you get a taste of everything the Aegean has to offer on one voyage. These are the best islands to visit in Greece.

Corfu - Best island for beaches

Corfu’s unique geography lends itself to having some of the best beaches in the Greek islands. The cove-lined coastline is defined by a tranquil sheltered bay and narrow strips of land full of trees and plants. This means you can bask in the sun while also enjoying the shade. Beaches vary in character, too, from pebbled strands like Paleokastritsa Beach to sandy stretches of coastline like Canal d’Amour, famous for its hidden coves and caves.

Santorini - Best island for photo-ops

Santorini is an island that needs no introduction, because it’s probably already all over your Instagram feed. Famous for its whitewashed Cycladian architecture, this island was built to be in front of a camera. From the blue-domed churches and white rooftops of Oia, to cliffside views of the caldera islands from Imerovigli Village, it’s tough to find a place in Santorini that doesn’t make for an epic photo-op .

Crete - Best island for food

While you can find great traditional Greek food all over the country, Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, has one of the richest and most distinct culinary scenes. It all starts with raki , the traditional welcome drink that accompanies most meals on Crete. After a shot (or three) to tickle your palate, try a plate of dakos , Crete’s popular appetizer made with a twice-baked barley rusk and topped with olive oil and local cheese. Then indulge in kleftiko (baked lamb) or ahinosalata (sea urchin), a Cretan specialty.

Rhodes - Best island for culture

The Colossus of Rhodes might not have stood on the island for many centuries, but Rhodes is still one of the best Greek islands to visit for culture. The center of it all is the medieval citadel in Rhodes Old Town, where you can walk along the battlements with a view of Byzantine churches, synagogues, minarets, and Roman ruins. Check out the Archaeological Museum for a crash course in the island’s ancient history, or visit the Modern Greek Art Museum to get a sense of how the Greek artistic tradition is still going strong today.

Mykonos - Best island for nightlife

Mykonos could be semi-accurately called the Ibiza of the Greek islands. Sure, it has beautiful beaches and plenty of photo-worthy architecture, but where the island really shines is its nightlife and party scene. The heart of the action is in Mykonos Town, home to the island’s most popping bars and nightclubs, and beaches like Elia Beach, Psarou Beach, and Super Paradise Beach, are home to lively outdoor parties both day and night.

Walk in Odysseus’ footsteps…but with Virgin Voyages

The best part about visiting the Greek islands via cruise is that you don’t need to pick and choose which ones to visit, which to skip, and figure out how to get between them. Our 7-night Greek Island Glow voyage is the best Greek islands tour on the Aegean, starting in Piraeus (Athens) and visiting picturesque Santorini, the historic hub of Rhodes, Bodrum in Turkey, and overnighting on lively Mykonos before heading back to Athens. From the Byzantine ruins of Rhodes to the bucolic hills of Santorini and the epic nightlife of Mykonos, you’ll see more of Greece in a week than you ever thought possible. To visit Crete, Greece’s largest island, check out our Modern Med to Ancient Aegean trip. This 11-night odyssey sails from Barcelona to Cannes, Ajaccio, Cagliari, Sardinia, Sicily, Valletta, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and ends in Athens. If you think it sounds like a whirlwind journey, you’re right. If you think it sounds like the island-hopping trip of a lifetime, you’re also right. 

Go island-hopping in Greece on our Greek island voyage .

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I’ve been to more than 40 Greek islands — this one is my favourite

Long, sandy beaches, ancient history, and charming villages made the writer victoria hislop fall for naxos, in the cyclades.

T he other day, I did a quick count of all the Greek islands I have visited, and it came to more than 40, with dozens more on my wish list.

One of the reasons I keep travelling to new and sometimes obscure islands is that they are all so individual. “The Greek islands” may get lumped together in people’s minds, but no two are the same. Each has a unique landscape, culture, history and tradition, and even food or vegetation that is particular to that place. Skiathos in the Sporades and Santorini in the Cyclades have about as much in common as Stratford-upon-Avon and Stratford in east London.

There is something impressive, memorable and beautiful about every island I have visited. Crete is the one I know best. It feels like a small country, taking six hours to drive from end to end. It’s 30 years since my first visit, and I am still discovering new villages, beaches and aspects of culture despite the fact that I spend a few months there every year.

Last summer I visited the chic islands of Spetses and Hydra, the antithesis of the relatively rustic Crete, where sleek yachts line the marinas which are well served by gourmet restaurants and designer shops.

Other favourites of mine trace the dark history of Greece. Many of these have been inspirational to me, such as Makronisos, a barren island which was a prison during both the Greek civil war and the junta period, and Spinalonga, a former hospital island for leprosy patients. I have been there countless times and the atmosphere of the place gets to me every time.

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• Greece travel guide • 15 of the best Greek islands to visit

The Cyclades are a big group with huge variety between them and Naxos is one of the islands I have visited most recently — and a place where I fell in love with a statue. More of that later, but needless to say it soared close to the top of my hit parade.

Something that I am sure of is that Greek islands are better visited and explored outside of summer. They have another character entirely without the glare of the sun, which can make us too languid to move from a sunbed or a shady taverna, when landscapes are parched and tourists outnumber locals.

Spring or autumn are when an island is its authentic self, when it reveals its true nature and when those who live there are really pleased to see you. In the spring, carpets of wild flowers are abundant on many islands. In the autumn the sea has had the whole summer to gather heat and the waters are calm and clean. You will have a whole bay to yourself to swim in.

I went to Naxos in October when the long sandy beaches of the west coast were all mine. I explored most of the island (which is the largest of the Cyclades, with mountains, wide valleys and almost 93 miles of coastline). I wanted to feel its atmosphere and appreciate its landscape before retreating into the ordered space of a museum. Unlike some of its smaller neighbours, the entirety of which can be discovered in little more than 24 hours, Naxos offers many days of touring and discovery, by car or on foot. I did both.

The best way to reach any island is by sea, even if there is a temptation to hop between them by plane. Approaching any island slowly across the waters always brings a sense of excitement and growing anticipation and this is particularly true of Naxos. For some distance, you can make out a huge doorway in the distance and as you come into the port, this massive structure towers over everything. This is the remains of the unfinished Temple of Apollo, and the emblem of the island. It is not the only monumental sight in Naxos.

• Guide to the lesser-known Greek islands

Deep in the countryside, I tracked down two unfinished kouroi , male statues, still lying in the ground, abandoned in the marble quarries at Melanes and Apollona, where sculptors had begun to carve them in situ. These giant inchoate figures (one of them more than ten metres tall) were probably abandoned because cracks appeared in the marble before they were completed. There is something melancholy about them, but they live in my mind much more for their unfinished state.

Two villages especially cast their spell on me. One was Apeiranthos, birthplace of Manos Glezos, the hero of the resistance against the Nazis who famously tore down the swastika flag from the Acropolis in May 1941. He was subsequently sentenced to death several times, tortured for his leftist political views and even exiled by the Greek dictatorship. It made sense that someone born in this rugged village of marble-slabbed alleyways and arcades might have had the resilience to survive all of this and to live to the age of 97.

A very basic kafenion (traditional coffee house) in the village with its formica tables and stone floor has his name above the door. I drank a wonderfully muddy Greek coffee inside, reflecting on the fact that such a brilliant man had come from this tiny village.

The other village that charmed me was nearby Filoti, where a Venetian mansion stands at the centre. Much of Filoti’s colour was provided by its brightly painted doors and café chairs, and by the most stupendous hardware store. Its floor-to-ceiling shelves are laden with locally woven baskets displayed on turquoise shelving, and on the outer wall there are racks of bright metal wine jugs and funnels in blues and oranges. My hire-car rattled with samples in every colour and size when I left.

Even the food of Naxos had an intensity. Though the sight of grazing cows took me by surprise, I should have guessed that the silky-textured Naxiot cheese had such a source. Similarly, the fields of potatoes growing in fertile soil seemed incongruous on a Greek island but when I tasted some flavoursome fried potatoes on my first evening at Taverna Dalas — in the hills above the village of Koronos — I appreciated how short a distance these ingredients had travelled from field to plate. This is an island that could be self-sufficient, with all its fruit, grain, flocks of cows, sheep and goats — and that perfect cheese.

As well as all the archaeology waiting to be found on different parts of the island, a whole ancient city lies beneath the main, modern town of Chora. Some of these remains are visible today but much, much more is to be excavated.

The Archaeological Museum of Naxos, housed in an impressive Venetian building, displays one of the most impressive collections of Cycladic figurines, many of them dating from 2800 – 2300 BC. In quantity and quality, these statuettes, mainly of the female form and some several feet tall, are impressive. Standing in the main gallery of the museum, I found myself encircled by these unique, upright and strikingly modern representations of womanhood. From that moment, I knew I wanted to make one of these serene figures the centrepiece of a novel, an object of extreme beauty and desirability.

Even now, Naxos retains the sense that it was an important centre of culture and history in its ancient past. What is particularly alluring is its vibrancy in the present day, with traditions and crafts that remain important to the inhabitants, and the feeling that if no tourists ever went there again life would roll on. That’s my kind of Greek island. Victoria Hislop travelled independently. Her new novel The Figurine is out in hardback published by Headline Books and will be available in paperback from August 1

What’s your favourite Greek island? Let us know in the comments below

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Greece island hopping: A guide to the best routes and how to explore Greek culture

G reece’s wide scattering of differently sized, culturally distinct islands makes it a dream for a multi-stop trip. Come May and June, ferry services ramp up for summer, with hops between different islands taking as little as 20 minutes.

Some islands are vast and ripe for exploring, requiring a taxi, hire car or moped to get across their width. In others, you’ll simply find a bijou port and a forested interior, fringed by rocky or sandy coves you can stroll to. Wherever you go, you’ll find waterfront tavernas, petite churches, hushed beaches and sunkissed portside bars. Plus, there are Greek Isles hotels that will seriously make you want to linger.

But where to start? Greece’s ferry networks are complex, with different services available at different times of year; it’s best to use a journey planner such as Ferryhopper.com to check ahead for timings and operators. Services can run late, so leave plenty of time between your last ferry and your flight home – an easy (and stressful!) first-time mistake to make.

Read more on Greece travel :

• The ultimate Greece travel guide
• Why Syros, the ‘Cinderella of the Cyclades’, is having a moment
• Which Greek island should be your next holiday destination?

Best for first timers: The Argo-Saronics

Route: athens-poros-hydra-spetses.

Close to the capital of Athens and its port, Piraeus, these islands huddled around the Greek mainland are fab for a first go if you’re not sure island hopping is for you. Spend a few cultured nights in the capital, then hop on the ferry to nearby Poros, just over an hour away: here you’ll find a smart little red-roofed port topped with a clock tower and a handful of hotels and apartments. Dine by the waterfront, then go off in search of the emerald waters at Love Bay.

Just 35 minutes’ boat-ride from here is Hydra, a tiny but glamorous speck which has attracted artists, musicians and photographers since the Sixties. Bask in its romantic port and sunset bars, then walk the coast road to find secret pebble bays, or take a boat trip to its quietest corners.

Next up is Spetses, 40 minutes away – the mellow, car-free island where recent film The Lost Daughter was captured. Seek out its Cave of Bekiris, tiny whitewashed churches and one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece; then take the 2 hour 50 minutes catamaran all the way back to Piraeus for a flight out of Athens.

These undiscovered islands don’t get as much footfall as the Cyclades (below) so you can go in peak July and not feel too much of a crush. However, September is a delightful, quieter time to visit.

Where to stay

In Athens, historic Asomaton is walking distance from the sights; asomaton.com

On Poros, try the mellow Saga Hotel for a bougainvillea-draped pool; Saga-hotel.com

On Hydra, guesthouse Hydra Icons has 360-degree views from its rooftop; hydraicons.gr

On Spetses, Niriides Guesthouse is a chic three-star with a family-run feel; niriides-spetses.gr

For classic looks: The Cyclades

Route: santorini-milos-sifnos-serifos-paros-mykonos.

There are two key ingredients for a successful island-hopping adventure: cheap and plentiful flights into and out of your start and end point, and plenty of ferry links in between. In the Cyclades, where the houses are tiny and whitewashed and the cliffs and bays dramatic and undeveloped, there are UK flights to both Mykonos and Santorini – so compare prices and consider flying into one and out of the other. You could start on Santorini for its jaw-dropping cliffside views, killer sunsets and upmarket dinners, taking the two-hour Seajets ferry on to Milos after two or three days.

Klima’s brightly painted fisherman’s houses are the top sight here, but head to lunar-like Sarakiniko Beach, too (this island is beach central) and take a boat to the Caves of Milos. Next up is Sifnos, 40 minutes away, where you’re spoilt for pretty whitewashed villages to potter around (don’t miss Chrissopigi Monastery); then to Serifos, 20 minutes on, an unspoiled spot with a particularly beautiful Chora, or port town. You’ve just got time for a stop on Paros (a 90-minute service that runs every few days) – which has a slightly more modern feel and a bit of nightlife – before a 40-minute boat on to Mykonos, for ample flights home.

Best time to go

These islands fill up during July and August, so go in early June or mid-September for the best combo of weather and quiet-ish landscapes.

On Santorini, the delightful Vasilicos guesthouse is family-run and tailored to you; thevasilicos.com

On Milos, Milos Summer Time is all cerulean-painted shutters and sea views; milossummertime.com

On Sifnos, the new Sigma Residences are the trendy pad du jour ; sigmaresidences.com

On Serifos, the team at stylish Nostos Boutique Hotel will help you get out and explore; nostosboutiquehotel.com

On Paros, affordable Ayeri Hotel is slightly out of the port crush; ayerihotel.gr

On Mykonos, Marisso Hotel is a chilled overnight before a flight home. marisso.gr

For unspoiled nature: The Ionians

Route: lefkada-kefalonia-ithaca-kefalonia-zakynthos.

Substantially larger, with more towns and trails to dig into, these forested isles are some of the nearest to the UK. Flights into Preveza (connected to Lefkada island), Kefalonia and Zakynthos give you flexibility on route and order. We’d suggest flying into Preveza for the first few nights on Lefkada, staying in relaxed Nidri or Vasiliki for boat trips out to its mind-blowingly beautiful beaches. From Vasiliki you can take the West Ferry to Fiskardo on Kefalonia’s north coast (1hr45m), then spend up to a week seeing undeveloped beaches, pine forests and gorgeous Venetian towns on this dazzling island.

Heading east to Sami port, take the 20-minute boat on to Ithaca, a petite, forgotten-feeling speck of gorgeous wild beaches, tiny port towns and chic guesthouses. From here, you could nip back to Kefalonia and fly home; or voyage 3hr45m onward to Zakynthos, home to some of the Ionians’ most beautiful beaches. Take in its poster-child “Shipwreck Beach”, Navagio, snorkel with loggerhead turtles or take boats to vivid caves before flying home.

Ferries run between May and September, so go May to early June or September for the best chance of quieter bays and plenty of ferry seats.

On Lefkada, chilled out apartments like Santa Emelia cost from as little as £75 a night; santaemelia.gr

On Kefalonia, Anthi’s Beach Apartments fit in with the tranquil vibe of Fiskardo; anthisbeach.gr

Further south on Kefalonia, southerly F Zeen is a fitness-focused splurge; fzeenretreat.com

On Ithaca, Korina Gallery Hotel is near the restaurants and boats of Vathy harbour; korinahotel.com

On Zakynthos, try the chic Tsamis Zante Suites; tsamiszantesuites.com

Read more of our best Greek island hotel reviews

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