It’s impossible to think about a trip to Greece without picturing yourself sailing to one of the many fantastic islands. The Greek Islands are a terrific summer destination offering not just impressive beaches and whitewashed landscapes, but also unique archaeological sites, original museums, and endless opportunities for thrilling outdoor adventures.
In this article, we will take you on a journey to get to know the best islands to visit in Greece.
You will learn why to visit them and what are the top things to do in each of these destinations.
Greece – Maritime Country of Islands
Home to hundreds of islands and islets, Greece is a maritime nation by tradition, a land of seamen and sailors. All over the country, the local lifestyle and activities are pretty much marked and scheduled around the arrival or departure of ferry boats as well as the ideal sailing conditions.
In Greece there are 227 inhabited islands.
They are traditionally divided into different groups or clusters, including the Cyclades, probably the most popular islands, a large group located in the central area of the Aegean Sea. Another group is formed by the Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands, fairly close to the coast of Athens and easy to visit on a day trip from the capital.
Located close to the western coast of Türkiye, you will find the Islands of the North Aegean, while also fairly close to Türkiye stands another important group, the Dodecanese.
The Sporades are a small group of islands near the coast of Eubea Island, while the Ionian Islands are situated between Greece and Italy, on the Ionian Sea.
Both Eubea and Crete, the two biggest Greek Islands are often considered on their own and do not belong to any island cluster.
Learn More: When is the Best Time to Visit Greece?
How to Get to Greek Islands
The traditional way to travel in Greece is by sea but you can also fly to some of the islands.
Most Greek Islands (excluding the ones on the Ionian Sea) can be reached by boat from the Port of Piraeus, about 30 minutes from the center of Athens.
To get to the islands on the Ionian, it is necessary to travel by plane from Athens or to sail either from the ports of Patras or Igoumenitsa, both in Greece, or from the Italian ports of Bari, Venice, or Ancona.
Almost all of the most important, popular, or bigger islands have an airport and are able to receive domestic flights.
Many of the most popular ones, such as Santorini, Mykonos, Kos, Rhodes and Crete also receive international flights from other European countries during the high season.
Learn More: Best Foods to Eat in Greece
10 Best Islands to Visit in Greece
With so many islands in Greece, how do you know which are the best islands to visit in Greece? Keep reading to find out ten Greek islands you should visit.
Santorini
The queen of the Greek Islands, popular and overcrowded all year round, Santorini is one of the most exclusive places in Greece. An ideal destination for a romantic escape, the dreamy whitewashed landscape perched on the caldera is nothing but the perfect frame for a honeymoon in Greece.
Home to some of the most stunning hotels in the world, with paradisiac private infinite pools over the blue Aegean Sea, Santorini is a fantastic Greek destination.
However, the island is not only about sunsets and romance, in fact, there are interesting museums and archaeological places to visit.
The most important of them all is situated in the southern tip of Akrotiri, where it is possible to explore the ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization that strived on the island during the Bronze Age, right before the massive volcanic eruption that gave Santorini its characteristic half-moon shape, wiping out most of its population.
LEARN MORE: Itinerary for 3-Days in Santorini
Crete
The biggest Greek Island, Crete is a must-visit destination where time never seems to be enough to discover all there is to do and see. Divided into four distinctive regions, Crete is home to the fourth important city in Greece, Heraklion, which is also the capital of the island.
When visiting Crete, travelers are flabbergasted at the extensive territory, the amazing Cretan cuisine, and the variety and richness of the landscape, ranging from high mountain peaks and some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Two of the most important ones are located on the western region of Chania.
They are the pink sand beach of Elafonisi, and the marvelous Balos Beach and Lagoon with exotic white sand and striking warm emerald waters.
Crete is a perfect place for a long holiday, there are tons of museums, incredible monasteries, unique mountain villages and stunning archaeological sites to visit, including the famous Palace of Knossos, cradle of the Minoan civilization, and second only to Athens’ Acropolis in popularity.
Naxos
Another island belonging to the cluster of the Cyclades, Naxos is a fantastic, green Greek destination with endless entertaining opportunities and boasting a unique collection of heavenly golden sand beaches.
Naxos Chora, the capital of the island, is located opposite the imposing ruins of the Portara, who is believed to be the remaining entrance door of a Temple dedicated to the Greek god Apollo.
In Naxos, it is also possible to visit solitary and picturesque mountain villages where many of the local traditions remain intact.
Halki, for instance, located towards the center of the island, is a perfect place to learn about Naxian cuisine, taste the landmark liquor produced on the island, Kitron, or marvel at the ancient craft of embroidery, still practiced by the local women.
Corfu
Located on the Ionian Sea, Corfu is a Greek Island that has clear Italian influences visible not only in its buildings and architecture, but also in its delicious food, festivals, and traditions.
Due to its wet winters, Corfu has a lush green landscape which makes it stand out from the rest of the Greek Islands.
Besides, Corfu is also home to fantastic beaches, one of them is Paleokastritsa, which features a collection of small shores with stunning sea caves and shallow emerald waters.
Corfu Old Town is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument also classified as an important fortified city and port in the Mediterranean.
The city is located in a strategic position at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea and hosts two impressive fortresses that played a key role during the different foreign invasions that the city underwent during the centuries.
Rhodes
Located in the group of the Dodecanese, Rhodes is one of the most important Greek Islands as well as a magnificent holiday destination.
Rhodes is home to one of the most amazing old towns in Europe hosting the impressively well-preserved Palace of the Grand Master. Dating from the Medieval Times, this amazing building earned Rhodes the nickname of Island of the Knights
Considered among the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, Rhodes has beautiful beaches and other impressive natural sites.
One of them, Petaloudes or The Valley of the Butterflies, is a majestic green park with enchanting waterfalls and lush plants, home to an impressive quantity of butterflies that populate the area in summer.
Another place to visit in Rhodes, the ancient acropolis of Lindos is one of the best places on the island to experience the richness of the country’s Ancient times.
Kos
Better-known for being a popular summer destination for many European travelers, for its lavish seaside resorts, and endless entertainment options, the truth is that Kos has much more to offer to the avid and curious traveler.
Also part of the Dodecanese, Kos is a unique destination not just for the impressive beaches but also for its great weather, fantastic cuisine, and unique archaeological sites.
Among the most remarkable places to visit, the Asklepion is an archaeological site just a few kilometers from Kos’ capital, originally built to honor Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician father of modern medicine.
Thought to be the first hospital in the ancient world, Asklepion is a must to visit on the island, and also offers unique views of the rest of Kos.
Mykonos
The utmost party island, Mykonos is an exclusive destination in Greece chosen by the most exclusive members of the European jet-set.
Featuring excessive price tags when it comes to hotel accommodation and entertainment, it is still possible to visit Mykonos on a budget if planning well ahead of time and booking hotels and activities with plenty of anticipation.
Mykonos is a great destination for solo travelers and popular among the gay community for its exclusive nightclubs and exotic beach clubs, however, the island is not only about clubbing.
There are interesting small museums scattered around the picturesque old town, as well as picture-perfect villages, and endless opportunities to practice water sports thanks to the favorable winds that bless the island.
When visiting Mykonos, it is a good idea to schedule a day trip to the Sacred Island of Delos, right in the center of the Cyclades. The whole island is a huge archaeological site, believed to be the birthplace of the Gods Apollo and Artemis.
Ios
Looking for a party island with a more affordable entertainment but equally fun as Mykonos? Then head to Ios, another fantastic Cycladic Island. They say that all roads lead to Rome, but when in Ios, all alleys lead to the main town, Chora.
In fact, the Chora of Ios is the only developed center on the island, where most entertainment is to be found at night, but also restaurants, traditional tavernas, and most of the island’s hotels.
The settlement is a typical Cycladic town, with cobblestoned alleys, whitewashed cubic houses, and hundreds of pink bougainvillea and blue-domed chapels that add a pop of color to the otherwise immaculate white landscape.
Many of Ios beaches can only be visited by boat, adding a note of wilderness to the experience. The island is a great place for scuba diving and snorkeling too, with crystal clear waters and an impressive submarine landscape.
Zakynthos
Belonging to the Ionian group, Zakynthos is a Greek Island that has been featured in endless magazines and online pictures thanks to the iconic Navagio Beach.
Also known as the Shipwreck Beach, this exposed cove, originally known as Agios Georgios Beach, boasts some of the most spectacular turquoise waters in the country in clear contrast with the white high cliffs that surround the beach area.
The cove is only accessible by boat and its most distinctive sight is the remains of an old coaster, the MV Panagiotis which ran aground in the waters around the island on during a stormy day in 1980.
However, there are many more things to do in Zakynthos other than sailing to Navagio Beach.
For instance, you can reach the northern area of the island to sail towards the spectacular Blue Caves. The area, which is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, features a magnificent group of limestone arches and caves that look as if tinted in all shades of blue thanks to the reflection of the sun in the clear waters of the Ionian.
Finally, and only minutes off the coast of Zakynthos, it is also possible to discover the unique Marathonisi, a small islet on the bay of Laganas, also known as turtle island.
Marathonisi is an uninhabited region, hatching ground for the loggerhead sea turtle.
When visiting the island, it is a good idea to join a turtle-spotting cruise that will also let you spend some time on the deserted island sunbathing and swimming in the impressively crystal clear waters.
Syros
Small and unpretentious, the naturally elegant island of Syros is not only the capital of the Cyclades but also one of the most picturesque islands you can discover when visiting Greece. Don’t expect whitewashed villages or romantic cobblestoned alleys.
Syros is utterly different.
The island has traditionally been one of the wealthiest Greek Islands, home of many important tradesmen and shipbuilders in Greece. The capital of Syros is the colorful town of Ermoupolis, a nineteenth century settlement dotted with colorful Venetian mansions, marble squares, and an imposing cultural scene.
On Syros, it is possible to attend several cultural and art festivals, especially during summer, as well as interesting music performances and shows.
In fact, the island is considered the birthplace of rebetiko music, often described as Greek blues, which was made popular by the local musician Markos Vamvakaris.
Final Thoughts
All unique and with special characteristics, the Greek Islands are a joy to explore and discover. Although more popular during summer, it is possible to enjoy many of these destinations also during less busy months.
Spring and autumn are amazing months to visit, perfect to enjoy a much milder weather and convenient prices as well. In a nutshell, no matter what time of the year you visit the islands of Greece, there will always be interesting places to visit and stunning things to discover and of course, great Greek foods!
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About the Author
Gabi Ancarola is a translator and travel journalist living in Crete. She regularly writes about Europe for several magazines about travel, gastronomy, and hospitality. She has published several travel guides about Greece and plans customized trips to the Greek islands. She loves cooking local dishes, taking photos, and driving on the mountain roads of Crete.