The Most Beautiful Greek Islands You Need to Visit

Mykonos

Contributed by Lavina from Continent Hop

Greece has numerous islands you could head to, but if you’re looking to beach-hop and possibly even party, then Mykonos is the island for you! It’s beautiful as any other Greek island is, however, the windmills and Little Venice are the highlights of the island. Paraportiani Church is quite famous and is located right next to the windmills in Chora. The island has lots of colorful alleys that you could explore and lovely restaurants where you could have Greek specialties while you gaze at the sea!

The island is the ideal spot if you want to explore the island of Delos, prominent in Greek mythology, as it was here that Apollo was born. You could also island hop as islands like Santorini are just 40 minutes away by ferry.  Here is a Mykonos travel guide to get you started.

Delos

Contributed by Janiel from Culture Trekking

Delos is an isolated island about thirty minutes from the mainland. It is well worth the visit as the Lions of Delos are located here along with being the fabled birthplace of Apollo. You will walk among ruins where the Delian League Greece lived, the heroes of Greece, and were trained to protect their nation. It is full of wild flowers, a museum and stories of ages past. Be sure to bring water, wear tennis shoes for hiking, and book your ferry ride prior to your visit to Delos & check ferry times to ensure you can get both on and off the island. If you would like more information on this island and what to know before you go, read Things to know before visiting the Island of Delos.

Paros

Contributed by Sandy from Tray Tables Away

We’ve been to Greece many times and have explored so many of the magical islands but on our last 3 visits we kept returning to Paros. Not far from Mykonos and next door to Naxos, Paros is the perfect Greek Island for us. Not too small, not too big and with plenty of things to do and see for everyone. There are ancient Greek villages such as Lefkas, beautiful beaches such as Kolombithres and the fabulous lively fishing village of Naoussa which has an abundance of wonderful tavernas, cafes, bars and boutiques. You can do a day trip to Antiparos where celebrities like Tom Hanks have their holiday homes and Paros is world renowned for its windsurfing and watersports. They say it is much like Mykonos was 10 years ago and lets hope it stays that way for some time to come!

Antiparos

Contributed by Lena from Travel Monkey

Antiparos island is one of the hidden gems in the group of the Cyclades that are spread in the Aegean Sea. It is tiny, it is scarcely populated, it is a paradise for those looking for some private and quiet time even in the highest peak of tourism season in Greece. It might seem as there is not much to do, but with a perfect villa and a close proximity to the beach, which might as well turn out to be private, what else is needed? Relax, bathe and enjoy the vast landscapes that the Aegean Sea has to offer. Once the heat of the day comes down, take a walk to a local café (there might not be a lot to choose from) and taste some of the finest fresh seafood coupled with the local wine.

Rhodes

Contributed by Natalia from Mytriphack

Rhodes is one of the southern islands in Greece surrounded by the two seas – warm Mediterranean from the east and cool Aegean from the west. That’s why the eastern part of the island is famous for beautiful open beaches and the west is popular for surfing and other extreme sports. Beyond fascinating beaches and bays, Rhodes has many cultural and heritage places to visit. Take a walk through Rhodes Old Town with its narrow streets and medieval architecture, visit the port with white yachts, explore authentic village Embonas in the hills famous for handicrafts or visit the natural wonder in Prasonisi where the two seas meet. Rhodes has enough activities to diversify your holiday and make it culturally rich!

Folegandros

Contributed by Helena from Just for one Summer

If you are looking for a Greek island that’s utterly charming and romantic, Folegandros is a perfect choice. It has the classic look of Cyclades with its whitewashed houses adorned by pink Bougainvillea, narrow cobbled alleys and golden beaches lining the coast. What it doesn’t have are the crowds, cheap character-less souvenirs and tourist traps on every corner so typical for some of its more famous neighbours. Even during the busy Greek summer, it keeps its calm, upscale character making it a popular destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway. But visit outside of the main season and you’ll be met with traditional island life where donkeys are still a mean of transportation and cats the only creatures roaming the streets after dark. This is also the perfect time to put on your hiking boots and explore the old paths of the island leading through rolling, oregano-clad hills to secluded beaches or pretty little churches overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Sifnos

Contributed by Dean and Laynni at Routinely Nomadic

Located relatively close to some of the big stars of the Greek Island show, such as Milos and Santorini, somehow rugged Sifnos still flies under the radar. Probably because it isn’t known for its spectacular beaches, although such things are relative in Greece. Sifnos still has at least half a dozen nice places catch some rays and go for a swim, with Platis Yialos and Vathi Beach standing out from the crowd.

What really sets Sifnos apart, though, is the amazing hiking. There are around twenty well-marked, well-maintained and, most importantly, gorgeous hikes scattered throughout the island. All offer fantastic views and, if you don’t have a car, most are easily reached by public transportation.

You don’t have to be a hiker to enjoy Sifnos, however, as everyone who visits enjoys the wonderful old village of Kastro, the outstanding views from the 8^th century Mycenaean citadel of Agios Andreas and, of course, the quiet, relaxed vibe that can be hard to find on many of the busier islands.

Ios

Contributed by Cristina from LooknWalk Greece

Located about half an hour by ferry from Santorini (and 5 hours from Athens), Ios is known as a party island. But, fear not, it’s not just that. Yes, if you show up here in the middle of the high season (July and August) you will feel that vibe. Look closely and you can escape it. Or just show up before the crowds do: early May or early June is just perfect.

Be prepared for some magical sunsets whether you go Agia Irini Church in the port, to the Church with the Palm Tree in Chora, or at Gaitis Museum. Put on your walking shoes and hike between Mylopotas and Klima beaches. Just make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat. The sun is brutal. The views are amazing. Reward yourself with a picnic on Klima beach. And if you are into history, check out the Bronze Age settlement of Skarkos or the ruins of Paleokastro. Here is a 5 day itinerary of Ios to help you plan your trip.

Aegina

Contributed by Emily from Henry and Andrew’s Guide

Aegina is a quiet island close to Athens and has all the charm of the more famous further islands like Santorini and Hydra. Amazing seafood restaurants line the ocean side, there are sandy beaches with beach bars, umbrellas, or beaches where you can jump straight into deep waters for a quick dip. The colors of this island are what you imagine Greek islands to have – pristine white, blue, and pink from the bougainvilleas. You will find this all over the place while you walk around this island which also has lots of historical sites to see like Agios Nektarios (Church) and Aphaia (archaeological monument). This island is a perfect place to visit when you want a good taste of a Greek Island while you are in Athens – you can reach it by ferry in anywhere from 40 minutes to 90 minutes!

Hydra

Contributed by Rebecca from Life Beyond Borders

For me – the Greek island of Hydra holds a special resonance. Everybody says their Greek island is special, but Hydra really is. It wouldn’t be amis to say there is an ‘energy’ there.
And it attracts artistic types: writers, actors, painters, poets. That’s why it attracted me so much – as a writer, with uninterrupted sea views and blue hues to rival the Caribbean, it’s a stunning place.
It goes beyond being an island with no motor vehicles and just donkeys and mules. Do come to Hydra to see for yourself – a mere hour’s ferry ride from Athens.

Samos

Contributed by Susanna from Wandering Cocobo

Samos is a relatively unknown Greek island, compared to other insta-famous islands, but its beauty can compete with the best of them. Samos Is a popular destination for outdoor lovers and avid hikers. With rolling lush green mountains ripe for hiking and hidden beaches along the coastline, it is truly unlike another other Greek island. Much of the island is untouched, so you can get out into nature and enjoy some quiet solitude with a killer view. Outside of the natural beauty, the towns in Samos have a charming and authentic fee with the adorable harbors and lovely locals. The best way to enjoy Samos, one of the most beautiful Greek islands, is to pack your hiking gear to get out to some exclusive hidden beaches or rent a car for the day, to see the island in all its glory.

Skopelos

Contributed by Cecilie from Worldwide Walkers

Skopelos is without a doubt one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. Not only is it surrounded by clear blue water, mountainous landscapes, and beautiful beaches, Skopelos is also one of Greece’s greenest islands!

The hillsides of the island are covered in pine trees, which gives a unique green, lush look to the whole island. Apart from admiring its beauty, you’ll also find that there are many things to do in Skopelos. You can wander the old streets of Chora, try the local Skopelos Pie, rent a scooter and explore the many beaches, hike to the ancient pirate graves on Mount Delphi, walk the 199 steps up the world-famous “Mamma Mia Church”, and much more! You can see the Mamma Mia Church and other “Mamma Mia!” filming locations on this tour.

One thing is for sure, no matter what you see- or where you go on the island, you’ll always find that its constant beauty will follow you.

Skiathos

Contributed by Adrienn Takács from CityoftheWeek.net

Part of the Northern Sporades Islands, Skiathos can be found in the north-western part of the Aegean Sea. It is quite a popular day trip destination among travellers visiting the mainland beaches south of Thessaloniki.

The gorgeous Skiathos Town is one of the island’s main attractions, boasting charming white houses with red-tiled roofs, buzzing taverns serving fresh seafood and cobbled streets dotted by colorful souvenir shops. Don’t hesitate to steer clear of the tourist area and get lost between the narrow streets to get an intimate glimpse of Skiathos life.

At the northern tip of the island, accessible only by boat, the picturesque Lalaria Beach offers its visitors memorable rock formations, natural arches and crystal-clear waters. On the southern part of Skiathos you’ll find Koukounaries, a wide, sandy beach with shallow waters, ideal for families with small children. Located on the western side of Skiathos Island, Banana Beach is another beloved sandy stretch and a frequented naturist resort. Read this guide for more things to do in Skiathos.

Syros

Contributed by Nathan Aguilera from Foodie Flashpacker

Syros is the perfect Greek island to plan a visit to. It is not (yet) as known as some of the other islands so it’s a great alternative to busier islands. It’s still possible to find a stretch of beach to yourself. The locals are genuinely happy when tourists visit their island and they will open their shops and restaurants to you. I spent three weeks on Syros last summer, mostly full of lazy beach days, long naps and late dinners. Like the rest of Greece, there is amazing food to be found, friendly locals, interesting history and as a bonus- some of the best sunsets Greece has to offer.

Corfu

Contributed by Janet from Your Irish Adventure

Corfu is by far one my favourite Greek islands to visit. It’s one the larger islands in Greece which means there are endless miles of beautiful coastline and stunning beaches to explore. It’s also the only island in Greece than can be reached by ferry from both the Greek mainland and from neighbouring Albania. You definitely need to rent a car to get around, as there are many spectacular view points and coastal roads to follow. One of the best places to visit on the island is Palaiokastritsa, a small village with a main beach, a hidden beach and an ancient monastery. If you keep driving past the village you’ll also come to a spectacular castle up on a hill. Angelókastro, the name in Greek, comes with some of the best views in the island and is a fun place to hike up to explore. You’ll find amazing Greek food and the smallest of restaurants, dotted in the tiny villages you drive through on the island. Corfu really is the perfect Greek getaway!

Thassos

Contributed by Iulia from the traveling tulip

Thassos Island is the nearest island from the mainland. It is easily reachable by ferry and it is a true marvel. There is something to do for everybody on the island: beaches for sea lovers, mountain trails for hiking aficionados, old villages for those interested in history and an Orthodox monastery for those interested to know more about this religion. Spending a vacation in Thasos is one of the best choices!

Crete

Contributed by Dave from Dave’s Travel Pages

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and one of the most diverse. From the outstanding archaeological sites of Knossos and Gortnya, to the wild, remote feeling beaches of the south of the island, there is something here for everyone.

Crete isn’t really an island to add to your Greek island hopping itinerary though – It’s too big for that. Instead, spend a week or two here. This way, you’ll be able to visit places such as the pretty port town of Chania, go hiking in the great outdoors through the Samaria Gorge, visit the Dikteon Cave where Zeus was said to have lived, and of course spend time on all those gorgeous beaches! Take a look at Dave’s Travel Pages for more things to do in Crete.

Naxos

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands and my favorite Greek island so far.  Even though I visited in the middle of the busy summer season, it was not as crowded as the more well known nearby islands of Mykonos and Santorini. There are many things to do in Naxos including visiting sandy beaches, mountain villages, ancient ruins and a historic castle. Be sure to check out Portara, a marble gate and the symbol of Naxos.  Naxos is easily reached by ferry but there is also an airport for those that prefer to fly. Naxos is perfect for visitors of all ages and it is also very family friendly.

Ready to book your Greek islands vacation? Use FerryHopper to check ferry schedules and book your tickets.

Looking for more amazing places to visit in Greece? Here are 40 things to do in Greece before you die.

Need more inspiration for traveling to Europe? Check out some of our other articles:

• Best Road Trips in Europe for Your Bucket List
• Europe Bucket List: 100+ Best Things to Do in Europe

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