Discover the best islands in Greece offering incredible natural charm, deep history and unique culture, from exotic beaches to impressive historical sites.
Greece is a paradise that offers an incredible experience for travelers, with a number of islands that are full of natural beauty, rich history, and fascinating culture.
With stunning beaches, historical sites rich in stories from the past, and an indulgent atmosphere, the Greek islands are a travel destination that should not be missed.
From the famous islands that are visited by tourists to quieter but still stunning places, here are 10 islands in Greece that are a must-visit for an unforgettable holiday experience.
1. Cyclades Islands
The Cyclades Islands are a very famous group of islands in Greece. These islands lure tourists with their whitewashed houses featuring iconic blue domes and small streets lined with bougainvillea.
Mykonos and Santorini are the two main islands in the Cyclades that are often the main destinations for tourists.
Mykonos is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, while Santorini is a romantic paradise, known for its stunning caldera views and cliff-top villages.
Beyond the two main islands, there’s Milos, known for its tranquil beaches, and Tinos, an island with historic churches and charming villages.
If you’re looking for a quieter vibe, the Lesser Cyclades, such as Koufonisia and Iraklia, offer peace and stunning natural scenery.
2. Santorini
Santorini is one of the most iconic and famous islands in Greece. Famous for its distinctive architecture, Santorini offers stunning views of the caldera with whitewashed houses towering over the cliffs.
The island is also famous for Kamari beach and Perissa beach, two perfect places for swimming in the turquoise waters. You can enjoy local specialties such as domatokeftedes (fried tomato balls) and horta versa (stewed green vegetables), which are local favorites.
Don’t miss visiting Akrotiri, an archaeological site that unearths traces of a Bronze Age civilization buried by a volcanic eruption. End your day by enjoying a spectacular sunset in Oia, the icon of Santorini.
3. Saronic Gulf Islands
The Saronic Gulf Islands are located close to Athens and offer some charming and uncrowded islands. Islands such as Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Aegina and Agistri offer beautiful views, charming beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Aegina, the closest island to Athens, is famous for its Temple of Aphaia which is an ancient site dedicated to the goddess Athena.
The islands are easily accessible by cruise ship from the port of Piraeus, making them an ideal spot for a short break for those in Athens.
4. Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands, also known as Eptanissia or “seven islands”, are a group of islands known for their lush, green natural beauty.
The largest island, Corfu, boasts a UNESCO-protected old town with Venetian architecture and narrow, café-filled streets. Zakynthos is famous for its Navagio Beach, accessible only by boat, and the incredible Blue Cave.
Kefalonia is an island that offers spectacular natural beauty, especially Mount Ainos and beautiful beaches. Nearby, Paxos and Antipaxos offer calm beaches and clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and relaxing.
5. Sporades Islands
The Sporades Islands are located off the northeast coast of Greece and are famous for their dark green pine trees and sandy beaches. Skiathos Island is famous for its golden sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Skopelos, the quieter one, is a natural paradise with white pebble bays, dense oak forests and traditional villages.
Alonissos is a top destination for nature lovers, with numerous hiking trails and the opportunity to observe protected Mediterranean seals in the Alonissos National Marine Park.
Skyros is unique for its local crafts, beautiful churches and Venetian castles, making it a great place to enjoy art and history.
6. Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece and offers a variety of tourist experiences, from stunning beaches to rich historical sites.
Elafonissi, with its unique pink sand, is one of the best beaches on the island, while Elounda is known for its luxurious beach clubs.
Crete also offers many historical sites, including the Palace of Knossos, a very important ruin of the Minoan civilization, and the Samaria Gorge, which offers challenging hiking trails and incredible natural scenery.
In addition, Spinalonga Island, located near Elounda, offers an unforgettable historical experience with a former leprosy settlement that is now a tourist attraction.
7. Simi
Simi is a small island located near Rhodes and is known for its natural beauty and rich history. In Gialos Port, you can explore narrow streets and squares filled with colorful buildings, creating an authentic Greek atmosphere.
The island is also famous for the Panormitis Monastery, an 18th-century monastery located along the Mediterranean coast, with stunning frescoes and the world’s tallest Baroque bell tower.
Apart from enjoying the beautiful views, Simi also offers stunning beaches such as Nimborio and Marathonda.
8. Naxos
Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, offers a combination of majestic mountains and white sandy beaches.
You can visit the Gate of Apollo, the symbol of the island, as well as the Fortress of Naxos which offers a stunning view of the sea.
In Naxos, you can also explore mountain villages such as Abirami and Velitra, which are full of narrow streets and a quiet rural atmosphere.
If you like water sports, Naxos is a great place for windsurfing, diving and kayaking. Don’t forget to try Naxos graviera, the famous local cheese.
9. Paros
Paros is an island located in the middle of the Cyclades archipelago and offers white sandy beaches and beautiful coastal villages.
Golden Beach and Columbus Beach are perfect places to enjoy water sports such as scuba diving and kayaking.
Additionally, Paros offers a vibrant nightlife and traditional villages such as Naousa and Parikia, which have charming whitewashed buildings and cobbled streets. Paros is also known for its traditional Greek restaurants serving delicious dishes.
10. Corfu
Corfu is a charming island with distinctive Venetian architecture and a UNESCO-protected old town. Corfu Old Town has cobbled streets lined with shops, cafes and mansions, creating an atmosphere full of history and culture.
Don’t miss visiting the Ancient Castle of Corfu, surrounded on three sides by water, and the Achilleion Palace, built in the 19th century with magnificent views.
Outside the city, you can explore the beautiful countryside and enjoy sailing on the clear waters around the island.
Greece is a country rich with stunning islands that offer a variety of experiences, from beautiful beaches to impressive historical sites.
Each island in Greece has its own unique beauty, history and culture, making it the perfect place for a vacation.
Whether you are looking for tranquility on remote islands or want to explore the vibrant nightlife, Greece has everything you need.
If you’re drawn to picturesque island destinations, consider visiting Burano, a charming Italian island known for its colorful houses and rich lace-making tradition. Be sure to visit these islands and enjoy the incredible natural beauty and cultural richness.
