Embracing island life this summer? Grecian destinations are revered favorites, and for good reason. It’s not just Mediterranean weather and beautiful beaches. The windswept isles and islets are a lingering ode to the country’s former maritime glory, long-formed pockets of culture splashed like sandy polka-dots across its surrounding oceans. Many of its islands have been inhabited for centuries and are blanketed in ancient ruins and religious sites. Hop between them, or just pick one.
With that said, choosing the best islands to visit in Greece is a mammoth task. It’s not just whittling down the distinctive groups (imagine comparing the Ionians to the Cyclades) but deciding which singular islands best suit your trip requirements. These destinations are incredibly individualistic; even within the same island group, there are dramatic differences in geology, culture, and activities. Here’s how to pick your match-made-in-heaven from the most popular Greek islands.
How to Choose the Best Greek Island for You
The Greek islands are quite the eclectic bunch. Deciding on the “perfect” island might sound like a demanding goal, but ultimately, it’s an important selection process to proactively embrace. Between the flashy shorelines of Santorini and sleepy sunbathing on Skyros, the truth is that your satisfaction hinges on this decision. Due research is recommended.
Before launching into in-depth suggestions, let’s cover the ground rules. Travelers should take these five basic steps when selecting a suitable Greek island.
1. Understand the Groups
Greece has 6,000 islands and islets, each grouped into one of six regions: the Cyclades, Ionian, Sporades, Saronic, Dodecanese, and North Aegean Islands.
It’s essential to appreciate the sheer spread of these islands — the Ionians are located to the northwest, closer to Albania, while the Dodecanese are so far southeast that it’s possible to day trip to Turkey. The geographic distance creates different climates and distinctly individualistic characters. For instance, in the Dodecanese, there is Byzantine architecture and Ottoman influence, while the Cyclades lean on Cycladic cuboid-style houses. The Greek islands look (and feel) completely different.
Don’t just cave to temptation on Skyscanner; first consider which group best aligns with your interests. Overall, here’s what to expect.
Cyclades: A luxurious atmosphere with sought-after whitewashed architecture and iconic blue domes.
Ionian: Lush-green islands with dramatic beaches (like Navagio) and Venetian influence.
Sporades: A low-key group known for its pine forests and quieter appeal.
Saronic: The closest islands to the mainland, situated just off the Peloponnese, and rich in history.
Dodecanese: An island group closer to Turkey than mainland Greece, with lots of historical architecture.
North Aegean: A quiet group of islands with an affinity for olive oil and local produce.
2. Decide on Season
You’re probably familiar with the golden rule about “sticking to shoulder seasons.” Between April and June and September to October, the weather will be lovely across the majority of the Greek islands. Late spring and early fall are the perfect times to balance sunny weather with minimal crowds.
There are caveats to the rule, though. The most famous islands to visit in Greece become unbearably crowded in summer. For certain destinations, like Santorini, the mania can start as early as June. Other islands sit at the opposite end of the spectrum, too. Pick Sifnos or Ikaria, and it’s wise to be cautious of overly sleepy springs and frustrating seasonal closures. Give the quieter islands time to wake up, and try to catch the busier islands before they boom.
3. Establish Expectations
Informed expectations are essential; honestly, they can make or break your experience. Establish exactly what you’re envisioning for your trip — whether that’s citrusy cocktails overlooking the ocean or insightful historical tours of crumbled ruins. Picking Naxos over Mykonos is a mistake for those seeking nightlife, while Santorini might top Sifnos for “wow factor.”
4. Analyze Accessibility
Don’t underestimate the importance of accessibility. There’s no point in carefully selecting islands without the guarantee of getting there.
Firstly, catching connecting flights from Athens to the Greek islands is normal, as direct flights are a rarity. Most (although not all) islands have domestic airports, so factor in stopovers in the Greek capital.
For those planning ferry connections, research whether the island has direct or indirect charters. Similarly, confirm whether it has limited services during certain seasons. Interestingly, Lefkada is actually the easiest island to reach; it’s the only Greek island that travelers can drive to.
5. Select Accommodation
With all that organized, the final barrier is accommodation. The island you’ve chosen will dramatically shape the available accommodation styles and pricing. Are you dreaming of Paros luxury villas? Or a boutique Santorini honeymoon suite? Book in advance, and use this stage as final confirmation that you’ve made the right choice.
Most Popular Greek Islands for First-Time Visitors
Greek islands can seem overwhelming for first-time visitors. The prospect of choosing “just one” seems nearly impossible — how do you know what to expect? Luckily, there is a trusted rotation for popular choices for first-timers. These are the best islands to visit in Greece for a memorable introduction to the country and its culture.
Mykonos
Discovering Mykonos is a youthful yet luxurious endeavor. Wander through historic Little Venice with its sea-hanging balconies and nearby windmills, dine in tavernas shrouded in pink bougainvillea flowers, and unwind in upscale beach clubs in the evenings. Mykonos is a trendy Cyclades island.
Santorini
With its bright-white buildings and blue domes, Santorini has graced the cover of almost every travel magazine. Santorini comes at a premium price, but the views from Fira and Oia explain why.
The Santorini archipelago contains five close-knit islands, which are actually the remaining slopes of a dormant caldera. The famous whitewashed villages on the main island (Thira) precariously teeter on vertical cliffs.
Crete
Go big or go home? Crete is the largest of the Grecian islands, and this southern-lying destination cradles countless mythological tales.
Interestingly, Crete is also an outlier: it classifies as an island group in its own right. Embrace tales of the minotaur, learn about the ancient Minoan civilizations, and rent cars to reach remote beaches.
Rhodes
Rhodes goes heavy on history. The UNESCO-protected Old Town has stunning medieval architecture, while the whole island is dotted with castles and landmarks like the Acropolis of Lindos. Rhodes is accessible and juggles all the classic components of a Grecian island vacation: history, culture, cuisine, sun, and beaches. It’s a popular choice in the Dodecanese island group.
Corfu
Situated in northwestern Greece, Corfu is a complete classic. Corfu is a popular destination in the Ionian Islands and has a UNESCO-protected Old Town with Venetian influence. The island is lusher than the southern-lying islands like the Cyclades; picture greenery and flora amidst historical architecture.
Paros
Paros is perfect for those seeking a quieter introduction to the Cyclades. The island has fantastic wine, beautiful beaches, and summery nightlife — not to mention the stunning Naoussa Harbor. Pick it for an authentic experience of the Cyclades, without ruling out day trip potential to nearby islands like Santorini. Just a Google of what to do in Paros is enough to jumpstart you into “book it” mode.
Milos
Another Cycladic gem, Milos is great for first-time visitors wanting “wow factor” while embracing a hidden gem. The island is renowned for bizarre yet beautiful beaches, including Sarakiniko, aka the moon beach. The island’s volcanic formation has created memorable terrain well-suited to adventurous travelers.
Best Greek Islands for Families
Venturing to Greece as a family? The country is famously family-oriented, with welcoming hospitality and a laid-back culture. With that said, some islands are definitely better-suited to young children than others — no parent wants to accidentally wind up visiting a partying destination. These are the best Greek islands for families.
1. Corfu
Classic Corfu is a safe bet with children. The island is incredibly accessible, and even has a few direct flights available (a rarity on Greek islands). Rather than the wind-trapped beaches of the Cyclades, Corfu also has typically Ionian coastlines. Your little ones can enjoy calm waters, perfect for paddling or learning how to swim.
2. Lefkada
Located near the Peloponnese Peninsula, Lefkada is great for those interested in road-tripping as a family. Start in Athens, visit the main sights, and work your way along to Lefkada while incorporating overnight stops in destinations like Delphi. It’s an adventurous option — and ideal for those with slightly older children. Once you arrive, Lefkada is remote-feeling and quiet, with plenty of beaches.
3. Sifnos
The fewer crowds on Sifnos are a huge motivation for many families. Battling through thick crowds with a child on each hip isn’t fun for anyone involved. Instead, take a day trip to major islands like Santorini, and stick to a quiet Cycladic base in Sifnos. The sandy beaches are peaceful spots for young children to play under close supervision.
4. Antiparos
Antiparos is another quiet member of the Cyclades. The beaches have calm, shallow waters — again, ideal for younger swimmers who don’t yet have the confidence for choppier waves. It’s serene and relaxing for families seeking solace to reconnect.
5. Rhodes
It’s no surprise to see this Dodecanese island making a second appearance. Rhodes attracts plenty of attention, especially in peak season, but that’s for good reason. The island is inherently accessible and packs a punch into a small (easily navigated) space. Great for slightly older children, Rhodes is perfect for families interested in splitting up their beach days with historical attractions.
Best Islands in Greece for Couples
The Greek islands are a sought-after destination for couples. Not much spells romance like a Grecian sunset. Which of these islands will you catch one on? Some are definitely more magical than others.
1. Santorini
Is it any wonder that Santorini comes first? The island is famed for its dramatic honeymoon suites; picture fancy cocktail spots, gorgeous scenery, and iconic blue domes. Santorini is a popular addition to Greek cruise itineraries and is easily among the most famed islands. Yet while the cruise-line passengers stop for just half a day, couples can embrace an immersive experience with an extended stay. Bring a high-quality camera.
2. Paros
Peaceful Paros is another strong Cycladic contender. The island might not hold the celebrity status of Santorini, but it is actually a sought-after honeymoon destination. The combination of 120km of golden coastline, stunning scenery like Naoussa’s grey-flagged harbor, and unusual beaches like granite-rocked Kolymbithres makes it a memorable destination. It’s trendy, with opportunities for aesthetic backdrops and novelty experiences.
3. Milos
Moonscape Milos is an obvious addition. The geography of this island is absolutely stunning; where better for a romantic escape with your significant other? White-rock beaches like Sarakiniko are beautiful places to reconnect with a partner. Plus, you’ve got the rest of the Cyclades on your doorstep.
4. Mykonos
Mykonos is Cycladic culture at its most upbeat. The fresh-faced and youthful island is luxurious but energized, best suited to partners craving fancy meals followed by world-renowned beach clubs. Speaking of which, hold that thought for the next section…
5. Paxos
If you’ve not yet heard of Paxos, you’re about to win serious brownie points. The Ionian island is a northwestern gem; it’s tiny, with barely any crowds. Stay in serene Loggos or the colorful Venetian-influenced harbor village of Gaios. That peacefulness is worth its weight in gold. Paxos is a white-beached solace for you and your significant other to reconnect.
Greek Islands for Party & Nightlife
Not everybody wants a slow-paced immersion into Grecian islands. Taking it up a notch? Let loose on the best Greek party islands. These are the wildest contenders, with some stray upscale ideas for those wanting a balanced experience.
1. Mykonos
Back again. Mykonos is revered as the preferred party island in Greece. Want to let loose in the Cyclades? Mykonos offers entertainment, albeit at a premium price. It takes a definite luxury slant, but high-end beach clubs have an equally impressive roster of globally acclaimed DJs. Cavo Paradiso is particularly well-known. Champagne, anyone?
2. Ios
If Mykonos is champagne, Ios is vodka. Ios is an accessible Cycladic island with a zest for life; even better, it serves drinks on the lower end of budgets. The island has a fun and frivolous reputation, with a more casual approach than Mykonos.
3. Zakynthos
Zakynthos (also known as Zante) has some quiet corners, but is mostly party heaven. The Ionian island is popular amongst UK and European partiers, with neon-illuminated bars jumbled along its main strip in Laganas. It’s slightly wilder than Ios or Mykonos; prepare for a different style of experience.
4. Paros
Another repeat contender, Paros is a classy addition to Greece’s list of party islands. Naoussa and Parikia burst into seasonal life, while the Punda Beach Club reawakens each summer for smooth sounds on the sands. Is it as hedonistic as others on this list? No. However, it is a trendy spot for some great middle ground. Paros is a Cycladic special.
5. Kos
Kos is associated with a youthful crowd (think teen holidays and neon-lit bars). Start with classy aperitifs in bars scattered across Eleftherias square, then disintegrate into chaos in Kos Town. The island is located in the Dodecanese group, just a few kilometers off the shores of Turkey.
Accommodation Tips for Each Island Type
It’s fair to say that the Greek islands are full of diverse options. Finding the perfect accommodation takes a little extra digging, though. Don’t settle just yet; these are meaningful accommodation tips for each island type.
Cyclades
- Book early to secure desirable accommodation, as the Cyclades are the most sought-after island group.
- Research “island dupes” and possible ways of combining islands through day trips.
- Decide whether you’re happy renting a car, as some islands aren’t as accessible. For instance, on Paros, it might be worth renting a car if you stay outside of Naoussa or Parikia.
Ionian
- Book early for famous areas like Corfu’s Old Town.
- Be aware that Zakynthos is partially a party island (Laganas is the hub of its nightlife).
Sporades
- Be aware that many towns (like Skiathos Town) are extremely small, so accommodation disappears quickly.
- Carefully consider your preferred activities when booking accommodation, as the name Sporades literally translates as “far apart.” It’s something to remember if venturing to bucket list destinations like Skopelos, the island made famous by Mamma Mia.
- Consider renting a car or scooter on the most remote islands.
Saronic
- Book ferry crossings from Athens in advance.
- The Saronic islands are popular weekend getaways, so book a mid-week visit for a quieter experience.
- Cars are limited to be prepared to cycle or rent a scooter if booking remote accommodation.
Dodecanese
- Book early for destinations like Rhodes, especially in peak seasons like summer.
- Be mindful of the variation in its islands’ characters: Rhodes is busy, Kos is party-central, while Kalymnos is quieter and more authentic.
- Ferry schedules are regular but do change seasonally.
North Aegean
- Be aware of limited accommodation options on the smaller islands, like Fournoi and Agios Efstratios.
- Consider renting a scooter (or car on larger islands) if you stay somewhere more remote.
Crete
- Renting a car is highly advisable, as Crete is huge.
- Book a few nights in different areas of Crete to experience the different sides of the island.
- The island’s capital, Heraklion, is slightly less aesthetic but much more accessible. It might be worth considering for those seeking a more urban experience.