With its idyllic, clifftop villages dotted with blue-domed churches and surrounded by sandy beaches, it’s easy to see why Greece draws about 28 million tourists a year. While mainland Greece itself is spectacular and rich in history, the Greek islands – all 227 inhabited ones – are the main attraction.
The islands of the Aegean and the Ionian Seas have a splendor that any visitor can appreciate. Whether you are flying or ferrying, there is always something special about coming to a Greek island. Each time the thrill is unique – much like the experience will remain with you for the rest of your life.
Now the burning question is this: how do you decide where to visit? How do you pick the “best” island? The decision can be daunting if it’s your first time traveling to Greece, so I have prepared a dream list of islands from each region to show you the best that Greece has to offer. Let’s jump right in.
An overview of the Greek Islands
Greece has at least sixty thousand islands, and they have not one but two separate seas surrounding them. To understand just how large the islands are, you need to understand the structure of the islands and the clusters.
For this guide, it makes sense to divide the islands into two groups: the islands of the Aegean Sea and the islands of the Ionian Sea.
Islands of the Aegean Sea
The Aegean Sea is located to the east of mainland Greece, between the Balkan Peninsula and Turkey. This is where you’ll find the biggest cluster of Greek islands.
Crete, located in the south Aegean Sea, is the largest island in Greece. It is divided into four prefectures: Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, and Lasithi.
The northern Aegean Islands include Thassos, Agios Efstratios, Samos, Lesbos, Samothrace, Limnos, Psara, Ikaria, Inousses, and Chios. These islands aren’t as frequented by tourists. Lesbos, for instance, is known more as a gateway to Europe from migrants from the Middle East and North Africa.
There is a specific group of islands in the northeast Aegean Sea called the Sporades. These include Skiathos, Alonissos, Skopelos, and Skyros. Secluded and serene, these islands are for the off-the-beaten path type of traveler.
Euboea is Greece’s second-largest island after Crete. It lies in the vicinity of the suburban area of Athens and draws many visitors from Greece and abroad. Visitors are attracted by the archeological attractions, Byzantine temples, natural sights, and magnificent beaches.
Not far away are the Saronic Islands, an archipelago next to the Saronic Gulf just off the Greek mainland. These islands include Agistri, Methana, Aegean, Poros, Spetses, Salamina, and Hydra. If none of these names are ringing a bell, that’s because the Saronic Islands are a well-kept secret outside of Europe.
We’re getting to the end of the list for the Aegean Sea islands. Next we have the Cyclades, a group of islands on the southeast corner. These are the postcard-worthy islands that you’ve probably heard of. Santorini, anyone? The Cyclades consists of close to 220 islands. Here’s a quick rundown of the most essential islands: Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos, Folegandros, as well as the “Minor Cyclades” comprising Donousa, Koufonisia, Iraklia, and Schinoussa.
Last but not least, we have the Dodecanese islands. They are located on the southeastern side of Greece and consist of Astypalaia, Chalki, Karpathos, Kasos, Kalymnos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Leros, Lipsi, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos. These are a great escape for those looking to experience traditional Greek island life.
Islands of the Ionian Sea
The Ionian Sea is to the west of the Greek mainland, and while its islands may not be as renowned as those in the Aegean, they are similarly beautiful and sometimes are more familiar with local Greek people.
The seven Ionian Islands are Corfu, Ithaca, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Paxi, Lefkada, and Kythira. Corfu and Zakythos are the stars in the group, and have a ton of beautiful beaches and eye-catching scenery.
Mathraki, Kalamos, Antipaxi, Ereikoussa, Kastos, Megansi, Otoni, Skorpios, and Strafades are the smaller islands.
The other Greek Islands
A few smaller islands, including Gava’s, Elafonisi, and Trizone’s, don’t belong anywhere. If the islands, as mentioned earlier, aren’t enough, you could consider adding these.
As you can see, Greece has such an abundance that you could spend a lifetime exploring them one by one.
What to expect on the Greek Islands
The Greek Islands are known for their relaxed culture and focus on enjoying life. Expect to be served a lot of good food and beverages on your trip!
Some islands – like Santorini and Mykonos – have a robust tourism industry so that you will find many English speakers. The smaller, more remote islands won’t have as many, if any, English speakers.
Many of the Greek islands were formed from volcanic eruptions that created dramatic scenery. You’ll want to bring your professional camera and pack your best outfits for a photoshoot! Now let’s jump right into the dream list of Greek Islands we promised you
1. Santorini
The iconic and famous Santorini certainly deserves a place on your Greece bucket list. Santorini is without a doubt the showstopper island, with its striking clifftops, spectacular sunsets, and whimsical walkways that draws in honeymooners and lovers, in particular.
It’s a must-see, whether you are a sentimental soul looking for epic sunsets or a foodie searching for some excellent spanakopita.
Nothing can prepare you for Santorini’s elegance. The island is exceptional in Greece! The fantastic view of the sunset on Oia Santorini, Cycladic minimal architecture, luxury hotels in Santorini, tasty food and drink, dramatic rocky countryside, and Santorini volcano are just some of the reasons you would have to visit this unique island.
Santorini is Greece’s most popular destination and can be accessed from Athens and numerous international airports by plane. Ferry services from Athens and several Aegean islands (i.e., Crete, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, and more) are also available.
2. Naxos
Santorini certainly has the striking clifftops, the spectacular sunsets, and whimsical walkways – but it’s missing one thing. Dreamy beaches.
It is here that Naxos steps in. Just a 40-minute flight from the Greek capital, or two-hour by sea from Santorini, or even five hours by sea from Athens. If you are so inclined, you will almost miss the largest of the Cyclades for its flashier neighbors.
Naxos, Cyclades’ largest island, has long, sandy beaches and fertile soil, producing a rich array of delicious local delights. Built to defend the population from attacking pirates, the fortress is now a place of reception for swashbucklers of all ages. Naxos is perfectly tailored for families for these reasons. Windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts flock here too.
3. Mykonos
Mykonos is the next best choice on the bucket list if you are a partier.
The relaxing holiday atmosphere is infectious and draws over everyone on this island. That is why Mykonos is now one of Greece’s most popular destinations.
Mass tourism, with picturesque houses and narrow streets full of Cycladic design and, not to mention, the crystal clear blue sea, hasn’t touched the island’s charm yet. Elia, Paradise Beach, Kalafati, and Panormos are the finest beaches in Mykonos.
The ferry from Athens (Rafina) is the most common route to Mykonos, but you can fly to Mykonos on seasonal flights. It is also possible to fly to Athens and connect to the island with a ferry.
4. Paros
Honeymooners snuggle in Santorini, and Mykonos gets the partiers. But what about Paros? It certainly isn’t the first island that comes to mind.
It’s time to put Paros on your bucket list, too!
Paros is located right next to Naxos, one of the larger islands in the Cyclades. It offers the same quaint little shops and adorable narrow streets freckling with vibrant flowers, wonderful rocky virgin beaches, and tasty Greek food. It also gives Paros something more unique, this particular insider’s feeling that it is fun to visit only enough people know about it but not enough to make it all that daunting.
Paros is ideal because it is suitable for many styles of vacation. There are lovely family-friendly hotels and beaches for children if you choose to vacation with your family. There is plenty of glamorous nightlife when you want to go with your friends to trendy spots. And if you want a soothing romantic experience with enough places for meals and drinks, Paros is your place.
Paros is easily accessible by a quick flight from Athens and is popularly accessed by several ferries. If you want to fly, take a flight to Athens first, then from Athens to Paros on a local flight.
5. Crete
Crete is Greece’s largest island and one of the largest Mediterranean islands. Crete island shares terrific views and adventures in one of the most stunning natural landscapes you have ever visited!
Crete’s beaches are beyond this world, to begin with. They have magical waters surrounded by greenery and all shades of blue and sugar-fine sand. The Beaches of Elafonisi, Balos beach, and Vai beach are three of the most picturesque beaches in Crete. Crushing the best beaches in Crete is a bucket list experience!
Cretan history and tradition are also rich. Only by walking around Chania City will you get the first glimpse of its historical background. You can find noble mansions, Venetian castles, museums, fountains, and churches, all walking about, which ooze an extraordinary beauty.
However, to get into the island’s past even further deeper, Knossos Phaistos, Palace, and Spinalonga Islet need to be visited in Crete.
Flying is the fastest way to reach Crete. You can fly to either the east side of Crete, Heraklion International Airport, or the west side of the island, Chania International Airport.Crete is also accessible by sea from Piraeus Port, which is near Athens.
6. Corfu
Regal Corfu is the unquestionably reigning queen of the Ionian Islands title with French, Venetian, and English influences. Stone-paved alleys in the capital of Corfu are bordered by luxurious neoclassical mansions and open-air cafés of crowds day and night. There are beaches in abundance and little coves on this exclusive island that are better visited by sea.
Without a walkthrough of Corfu City and Vlacherna Monastery, the visit to Corfu is incomplete. Agni Bay is also a little treasure on the north-eastern side of Corfu.
This traditional fishing village is a splendid place to explore the life of the island. Experience the coastline, dive into the warm ocean, relax and enjoy the delightful Corfiot cuisine in one of our seafront tavernas. You’re going to enjoy this little bay if you love seafood.
Flying between Athens and Corfu is an efficient way to get there, with direct flights of an hour from the capital of Greece. You can also travel from Thessaloniki city, but more minor routes lead you to Corfu at an adequate time. In addition, you must first get to Patra by bus from Athens to connect to Corfu by sea. Direct ferry service is another easy choice from Patra to Corfu, plus it’s the most scenic of all.
7. Zakynthos
Zakynthos is one of the Greek islands with the greatest exoticism. Sitting in the beautiful natural scenery and mystical beaches of Zakynthos in the heart of the hilarious Ionian Sea is memorable.
Traversing Zakynthos, you’ll discover traditional monasteries, picturesque hilltop villages, and dreamy natural scenery. Furthermore, the exotic Zakynthos beaches are home to Caretta-Caretta, the endangered sea turtle species that hide their eggs in the fine white sand every year.
With Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines, Zakynthos can be accessed very conveniently from Athens. Direct flights are available a few days per week from Corfu to Zakynthos. To get from Corfu to Zakynthos by sea, you must take one of the often used ferries to Igoumenitsa on the Northern Greek mainland and take another ferry to Kyllini in Peloponnese before catching the last ferry to Zakynthos.
8. Rhodes
Rhodes is the most famous island in the Dodecanese, with its mythology and stories of knights.
Rhodes integrates a unique blend of cosmopolitan vibes with medieval architecture! Amazing beaches, fashion boutique shops, top restaurants, and dance clubs converge with the natural scenery, towering houses, historic towns, and villages. No wonder why Rhodes Greece never struggles to take travelers around the world by surprise!
Rhodes island has an international airport for Athens flights. It is also possible to access the island of Rhodes by ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens and the other Aegean Islands.
9. Skiathos
Without question, Skiathos is the film hero, so it’s easy to see why the tiny green island can be so quickly taken in love and come back again and again. Its coastline has countless sandy beaches, with pine and fir trees that provide natural shades for swimmers who plunge into the deep blue sea.
The main town is the coastal promenade, where you can take an evening walk in one of the many fish tavernas and enjoy yachts anchored in the port after dinner.
A 30 minutes flight from Athens and Skiathos Alexandros Papadiamantis international airport is an efficient way to get there. You can get to Skiathos also by the sea with ferries from the ports of Agios Konstantinos, Evia, Volos, and other islands of the Sporades.
10. Kefalonia
Kefalonia Greece is conveniently situated in the heart of the Ionian Sea, fascinating many by its elegance, and was the shooting venue of the iconic film “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.”
You’re going to see nature at its finest anywhere you set your eyes! Kefalonia is not only the Ionian’s largest Greek island but one of the most breathtaking! Kefalonia is one of the best places in Greece for nature enthusiasts, with its beautiful natural landscapes, including exotic beaches, typical colorful sea villages, and fairy groves.
The island of Kefalonia has an international airport receiving flights from several European cities. Ferries from Ithaca, Lefkada, Killini, and Zakynthos can easily access Kefalonia too.
Now, your bucket list is complete. Let us dive deeper into the concrete things that you must be asking yourself right now or will be so soon experiencing as you explore.
How to choose a Greek Island to visit
It’s a tough choice, I know. Not all visitors seek the same things while traveling to the Greek islands.
This guide will help you determine which Greek islands to visit, depending on what you’re looking for – whether it’s incredible Greek cuisine, family-friendly events, sandy beaches, turquoise blue sea, picturesque cities, or a mix of all this.
You will get the Greek island’s information to pick and be informed of what you intend to do. We will give you something more to think about. Do you want a party island or a quieter one? Do you want to go hiking or just lounge on the beach all day? No matter which Greek island you choose, two things are guaranteed – the boats and the islands – whichever Greek island you choose.
I have prepared a step-by-step process to help you choose the perfect Greek island for your vacation.
- Make a decision on which group of Islands – Ionian or Aegean?
- Choose a cluster from there to concentrate on. Because hopping across islands by ferries is complex, long distances are involved, and time is wasted.
- Should you have to go to a particular island? If you know, for example, you want to do Santorini, you can almost ignore steps #1 and #2.
- Split the period into three days and count the number of islands you have.
- Great, now is the time to research and get a glimpse of the islands in the group.
What is the best way to see the Greek islands?
Ferries are the perfect way to get around, mainly if you visit for the first time. Sea views can be breathtaking, and at numerous island stops, vendors hawk snacks, such as the nougat pies on routes to the Cyclades.
While some islands may seem relatively close, trips with ferries might take several stops or do not have regular departures. Ferries.gr and Ferryhopper.com are reputable websites to explore and book tickets in advance.
What are the most beautiful Greek islands to visit?
Undoubtedly the most stunning and picturesque Greek islands are Santorini, Crete, and Corfu. But every island has its elegance and charms, and every island has its loyal fans who will vote their specific islands as Greece’s most beautiful island.
Which Greek island is easiest to get to?
Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu are well connected for being as famous as it is, whether from Athens (Ryanair, Aegean Airlines) or abroad. This charming and welcoming Aegina is the island closest to Athens, just an hour from the port of Piraeus, making it the most accessible island to get to as well.
Which is the most scenic Greek Island?
Santorini is the first island that comes to your mind when discussing the most scenic Greek Islands for its striking clifftops, spectacular sunsets, picturesque villages, whimsical walkways, and impressive archaeological sites. But there are many Islands in Greece that are as beautiful as Santorini – Paros, Zakynthos, and Corfu, to name a few. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
What's the cheapest Greek island to visit?
So which islands should you be setting your sights on when looking for a budget-friendly Greece vacation? Agistri, Kythnos, Lefkada, Ikaria, Sifnos, and Tinos are just a few of the cheapest Greek isles.
They all have great prices on decent hotels and affordable places to eat. Santorini and Mykonos are the most expensive islands and should be avoided if you’re on a tight budget.
Where to stay in the Greek Islands?
You have far too many options (i.e., Mykonos, Santorini, and Milos), fewer good preferences (For instance, Folegandros), and somewhere in between (Naxos and Paros) depending on the island you are on.
What to pack for the Greek Islands?
No place in the Greek Islands needs a highly specialized packing list, so I didn’t feel like I needed a whole piece. Here are a few things to keep in mind that is a little more unique to the Greek Islands:
Beach towels – Ask the accommodation owners for beach-friendly towels or pack your towels.
License for International Drivers – Before you travel, make sure you have one.
A lot of sunscreens – two whole bottles of sunscreen will be recommended.
Sunglasses – obvious, but the worst thing is forgetting to pack one.
Layers – you never know when you will need this additional layer either on the ferries or in the windy Santorini caldera.
When is the best time to go?
Anyone looking to travel to the Greek Islands would ask this typical question, and the response is clear, except for a few exceptional items in the islands.
The best times to get from Spring till Summer (April-Mid-June) when flowers are flourishing, the weather’s mild, and the great tourist crowds have not yet arrived. The season of shouldering also means higher rates for hotels and holidays. Flights and ferries are at this time of the year changing to their maximum or near planned availability. At this time of year, restaurants do not usually require reservations, and locations like car hire agencies are prepared to provide more discounts.
The heightened level of tourism in this region is the high season (Mid June – Mid-September), so any aspect of travel is more complicated, whether it is accommodation, rental cars, restaurants, ferries, flights, and events. In addition to confronting large crowds, the temperature is still the hottest. Seeing Samothraki and Thassos islands in the north is the only exception, where they are only highly active between July and August.
As the changeover to the autumn, summer to fall is also a wonderful time in the Greek Islands from mid-September to October. Like Spring, with the sea balmier, the weather is much more moderate than air. Green is the subtle color of fall, and it possesses a unique charm.
