Ancient culture, warm weather, spectacular sights; incredibly glorious culture, great value for money and world class facilities. We are talking about Greece. Is there a better destination for foreigners on this planet?
Approximately 30 million international tourists visited Greece last year, with most heading to the country’s six main island regions. Greece has a staggering 227 Islands which offer a perfect mix of modern era and ancient civilizations.
The Greek islands are a dream destination and have long been a favourite of tourists from all over the world. From exploring Roman ruins, to relaxing on some of the most picturesque locations in the world – there is so much choice for things to do.
But with so many islands to choose from, all of which unique and providing a totally different unforgettable experience, where is best to go?
Before we get started, view our guide to the best Greek islands sailing tours – one of the best ways to discover the highlights of this region.
Here are the most essential places to add to your Greece travel itinerary.
1. Santorini
Santorini is the most iconic and visited islands in the world. A trip to Santorini is something you will never forget in your life, it’s an amazingly beautiful island offering spectacular views, amazing accommodation and lots of and breathtaking locations to visit.
Expect gorgeous whitewashed houses, chapel and churches; the crimson sunset in the lap of deep blue Aegean Sea and the whispering breeze creates an unimaginably romantic weather. Santorini is famous for its natural beauty and the landscape views it provides to the visitors. The awesome Caldara view is another aspect of this island which makes it popular among the visitors.
How to Get to Santorini
You can fly to Santorini from Athens or directly from cities in western Europe such as London, Manchester, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Naples, or Venice. There is also the option to fly from Athens or catch a ferry which connects mainland Greece to the islands.
2. Rhodes
Rhodes is the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, and has ancient historic ruins, beautiful beach resorts, picturesque villages and lots of pretty old towns.
Rhodes is a large island and there is lots to see and do here, this island is great for everyone. You can find beautiful white sandy beaches, and lots of restaurants, bars and clubs. Some of the best places to stay in Rhodes include Lindos which is one the most scenic towns, Rhodes Town, the Island’s capital, Faliraki, party central, Kolymbia, Kiotari and Pefkos.
How to Get to Rhodes
The easiest way to reach Rhodes from European destinations is by plane. You can also fly to Rhodes from Athens and Thessaloniki on the Greek mainland. It’s also possible to get to Rhodes via ferry from some of the other Greek islands.
3. Mykonos
Mykonos is one of the most popular Greek islands to visit and this is where you often see international celebrities, models, musicians, footballers, tv and film stars and even royal families staying here.
Mykonos is one of the best party islands in the world and this is the Greek island to visit for nightlife. But there is also a lot more to Mykonos, there are beautiful beaches, stunning nature, scenery and the sunsets are amazing. There are lots of seafront restaurants, be sure to try the local food, like kopanisti, a spicy cheese, and louza, a spicy pork.
Prices during the peak summer period can be sky high so book in-advance. If you are looking for an incredible place to stay, check out the St. John Mykonos Hotel, a 5 star beach resort located at the Agios Ioannis beach. This is where a lot of the famous celebrities stay.
How to Get to Mykonos
You can fly to Mykonos from so many European cities including Amsterdam, Stockholm, Manchester, Zurich, Geneva, Vienna Paris (Orly and Charles de Gaulle), Nice, Lyon, Barcelona, Naples, Venice, Rome, Bologna, Napoli, Florence, Bari, Cologne and Munich. Mykonos can also be reached by flying from mainland Greece or the ferry.
4. Crete
Crete is one of the best Greek islands and also one of the most diverse and beautiful. There are destinations to relax and unwind, and also a thriving nightlife scene in places like Malia. For nature lovers, there are lots of outdoor hikes and adventures available here and the locations and scenery is stunning.
How to Get to Crete
There are over 100 airports in 23 countries that have direct flights to the 3 airports of Crete, in Heraklion, Chania and Sitia. Getting to Crete from Athens is easy via plane or by ferry.
5. Corfu
Corfu has long been a popular summer holiday destination and is one of the most picturesque Greek islands. Corfu has it’s own charm and beauty, and is known locally as the emerald island it is one of the greenest islands in Greece due to the more than 2 million olive trees on the island. Kavos is the place to visit if you like to party whilst there are lots of quiet tourist resorts and beaches in places like Liapades, Glyfada, Agios Gordios and Benitses.
How to Get to Corfu
You can get to Corfu by plane from several European destinations, or by plane or ferry from Athens. Ferries to Corfu depart daily from the port of Igoumenitsa in northwestern Greece and take around 1 hour, or 1. hour 45 minutes from Athens.
6. Ios
Ios is one of the most popular islands in Greece, with thousands of tourists visiting every year. This island is far less expensive than Santorini or Mykonos and is popular with youngsters looking to party and experience incredible beaches.
Getting There
Ios is only accessible by ferry. There are ferries to Ios from Piraeus port in Athens but also from other islands of the Aegean sea: Santorini, Paros, Naxos and more. The closest airport to Ios is on Santorini island.
7. Zakynthos
Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is one of the most visited Greek islands attractions thousands of tourists every year. Zakynthos appeals to everyone, youngsters looking to party, couples and families – there really is accommodation and things to do for everyone here. Zakynthos is also home to one of the most famous beaches in the world – Navagio ‘shipwreck’ beach (as seen in the image above).
How to Get to Zante
You can reach Zakynthos island either by ferry to Zakynthos, or by airplane. Regarding ferries to Zakynthos, they depart daily from Killini, a seaside town on the western side of Peloponnese, Greece. The journey from Killini to Zakynthos lasts about an hour.
8. Naxos
Naxos is the largest of the Greek Cycladic islands and it is also one of the most beautiful. There are so many amazing things to do here for tourists and if you like beaches you will fall in love with Naxos. T
his island has some of the best beaches in the region including Agios Prokopios and Plaka. Watersports here are also popular as the wind conditions are perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Naxos is a really great destination for everyone but is especially popular with families.
How to get to Naxos
The most popular way to reach Naxos is via ferry from Piraeus (Athens), this takes around 3-6 hours. You can also get to Naxos by ferry from neighbouring Mykonos all year long.
9. Paros
Paros as a picture perfect idyllic Greek island that a lot of tourists overlook. Even though Paros is a lot less touristy than Mykonos or Santorini, there is still a thriving tourism industry with lots of hotels, shops, bars and restaurants. Prices are affordable especially in the tourist hub of Naoussa whilst the relaxed pace of life and unspoiled beaches are breathtaking.
How to Get to Paros
You can reach Paros via a one hour from Athens, or a ferry from the Greek mainland. There are also regular ferries connecting Paros with the other Cyclades islands.
10. Serifos
Serifos is probably the lesser known island on our list but it is also one of the most underrated. This island is quite remote and more difficult to get to than some of the others on our list but it also offers the most un-crowded and authentic experience. Serifos really is one of the hidden gems of Greece due to its scenic towns and beautiful deserted beaches.
How to Get to Serifos
There is no airport on Serifos so the best way to reach the island is by ferry. There are regular ferry routes from the port of Piraeus in Athens to Serifos throughout the year. Journeys take around 2.5 – 5 hours. You can also catch a ferries from other Greek islands.
Top 25 Greek Islands
These are some other amazing islands to consider visiting in Greece. Possibly if you have already visited the places included in our top 10 destinations, or maybe if you are looking for a more authentic experience. You probably haven’t heard of most of these islands which is a good thing, as most other international tourists haven’t either meaning they are less busy, more affordable and you get a much more local experience.
• Skyros
• Kefalonia (Cephalonia)
• Skopelos
• Ithica
• Samos
• Anafi
• Kythira
• Symi
• Spetses
• Kastellorizo
• Folegandros
• Skiathos
• Antiparos
• Ikaria
• Karpathos
Overall
We have put together a quick guide to the top rated Greek islands by different interests:
Best Greek Island for Beaches: Naxos • Mykonos • Ios • Crete
Best Greek Island for Honeymoons: Santorini
Best Greek Island for Couples: Santorini • Paros
Best Greek Island for Singles: Ios • Crete
Best Greek Island for First Timers: Santorini • Mykonos • Paros
Best Greek Island for Families: Naxos • Paros • Rhodes
Best Greek Island for Luxury: Santorini • Mykonos
Best Greek Island to Party/Nightlife: Mykonos
Best Greek Island for History: • Rhodes
Best Greek Island for Quiet / Local Experience: Antiparos • Folegandros • Ikaria • Karpathos
Best Greek Island for Outdoor Adventure: Crete • Kos • Sifnos • Folegandros • Santorini • Naxos
Best Greek Island for Food: All
Greek Islands Travel Guide
Find out everything you need to know about visiting the Greek Islands:
When to Go
The best time to visit the Greek islands is between April and November.
The most popular time of the year to visit is during peak summer June, July and August – but these periods can be really busy with tourists, prices for flights and hotels can be really high and the heat can be intense. Although during this period you are almost guaranteed amazing weather.
April, May, September and October are highly recommended when prices are cheaper and the temperature is cooler, you can still expect lots of sun though. March and November are also a great time to visit.
Getting There
Lots of low cost airlines fly to the Greek islands from destinations in Europe whilst you can also fly to Athens and catch a ferry connection.
Where to Stay
The Greek islands have accommodation for everyone, from expensive luxury resorts to small budget guest houses. If money isn’t an issue or you just want to treat yourself you can find some of the most spectacular resorts in the world located here, think infinity pools, amazing views and that iconic Greek sunset. Book as far in advance as possible, most hotels don’t have many rooms and these get filled quickly.
