The Beautiful Greek Islands are the most popular visited Holiday destination, with over 6000 individual Islands surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters, there’s so much to discover from the white sandy beaches to the historic ancient ruins, and of course, many little villages with the iconic blue and white houses.
You can have a ‘Shirley Valentine’ moment in Mykonos, with a glass of wine while you relax and enjoy the view. You can indulge with the mouth-watering Greek cuisine in Santorini, and of course the most famous destination to witness one of the most stunning of sunsets, or visit the largest of the Islands, Crete and explore the ruins of Knossos.
The beautiful beaches are ideal to either just relax and soak up the sun, or for those who love to get in the water, there’s plenty to do from snorkelling, diving and many of the water sports on offer.
Accommodations in the Greek islands vary from luxury to budget, so there is a perfect holiday to suit everyone. From your romantic couple’s getaway to a family fun holiday.
Here’s an overview on some of the popular islands.
Ionian Islands
Corfu
Corfu island (or Kerkyra as it’s known in Greek), also known as the Emerald Island with its beautiful, lush coastline, Italianate architecture and sandy beaches is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Paleokastritsa, where some of the best beaches on all of Corfu are located.
Corfu’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Venetian, French and British architectural influences, also often characterised as an open-air museum and each sight is a journey through time.
For those who love to walk, take the Corfu Trail, a 220km in total length trial that you can discover the central countryside or the stunning scenery walking alongside coastline.
For those wanting a bit more something in the water, take a day trip on a sailboat to swim, snorkel and explore some of Corfu’s secluded bays, or make your way to La Grotta Beach Bar where you can dive into the sea from their diving board!
Lefkada (Lefkas)
Known as the white island, because of its stunning white-stone cliffs, Lefkas has also offers olive groves, vineyards, flower-decked meadows, and pine forests as well as spectacular mountain peaks, lovely beaches and breath-taking scenery. A road bridge across an ancient canal links it to the mainland so visitors have the delights of island life but can visit the mainland without setting foot on a ferry.
You will find tranquil fishing villages set in lush green hillsides where you can eat and drink till late. Take to the water with many water sports in the lively beaches, explore the stunning waterfalls or hike the picturesque mountains.
For those seeking history and culture, take a stroll around Lefkas town where you will find Venetian churches and a medieval castle.
Kefalonia
Kefalonia is bursting with unspoiled scenic beauty, Venetian villages, blue caves, stunning mountain scenery, fabulous wines and is one of the quietest of the Greek Islands to visit.
Stroll the island’s ancient ruins, such as the Roman Villa at Skala and the Byzantine castle at Assos or explore the capital of Kefalonia, a modern cosmopolitan town with beautifully paved streets and promenade, and why not try wine tasting and sample the local Robola variety.
Of many beaches to choose from, Myrtos beach is a must go to beach as it is considered one of Greece’s most beautiful beaches.
The Island of Kefalonia is also famous as the setting for the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
Zakynthos (Zante)
Zakynthos or Zante is a favourite holiday destination and is visited by many tourists, mainly searching for Navagio beach or ‘Shipwreck beach’ as it’s now known for. It is home to the remains of a shipwreck and is the most-photographed cove of the Greek Islands. It is surrounded by high cliffs, crystal clear waters and soft white sand.
You can explore the Blue Caves: These natural sea caves are located on the north-eastern coast of the island and are known for their striking blue waters. You can take a boat tour to explore the caves.
On the island’s southwestern coast, you will find the Keri Caves known for their crystal-clear waters and beautiful stalactites.
Another popular event on this stunning Island is the release of the baby sea turtles, it really is something special.
A visit to Zante town, you will find the houses, shops and buildings all rebuilt in the traditional Venetian Style after the destructive earthquake of 1953. Here is the ideal base for many excursions around the Island.
Cretan Islands
Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek Island, with a long stretch of golden sands, picturesque harbours, mountains, landscapes and deep gorges. You can hike the Samaria Gorge, one of the longest gorges in Europe with stunning views. Visit the Palace of Knossos, one of the most important archaeological sites on the island, which was the centre of the Minoan civilization.
Elafonissi beach is a real find and definitely worth a visit. Hire a car and enjoy the scenery around the mountains to reach the pink sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
If you want a lively city filled with sights, museums, bars and restaurants, Heraklion is the place to visit. For a more relaxed atmosphere, visit the quaint harbour of Agios Nikolaos. Here you can also take a boat trip to the Island of Spinalonga, the Leper Island, where lepers from Crete and the rest of Greece were quarantined until 1957.
Sporades Islands
Skiathos
Skiathos is almost two-thirds covered in greenery and has over 60 sandy beaches looking over to the gorgeous emerald, green waters where you can just soak the days away or venture in some water fun with many water activities.
During summer the main town comes alive with its buzzing atmosphere, with plenty of family run tavernas and restaurants specialising in modern, creative dishes, The best bars and clubs can be found in town and Ammoudia.
Bourtzi, a Venetian fortress in town, is a must-visit. Sitting on a verdant islet packed with pine trees, Bourtzi offers a breath-taking view to town and the Aegean Sea.
Skiathos lush countryside has 197 km long hiking trail network, which is the perfect way to explore the wild natural landscape of the island!
Cyclades Islands
Milos
Milos is the most exotic and laid back of the Greek Islands. It’s a volcanic island known for its unusual lunar landscapes. The lunar landscape of Sarakiniko has limestone-white rock, shaped, and smoothed to resemble the surface of the moon. You can take a boat tour of the island and see the famous Sarakiniko Beach, and also excellent cliff jumping opportunities.
Milos has more than 40 exotic sandy beaches, white-washed houses with colourful shutters, little boathouses and tavernas that serve fantastic Greek food and wines.
The port of Adamas is the biggest settlement on Milos and is just a short walk away is the village of Tripiti, famous for its catacombs (an amazing network of tombs built by early Christians fleeing Roman persecution) and an ancient amphitheatre.
The village of Plaka, is the capital of Milos, and is known for its traditional Cycladic architecture and vibrant nightlife.
Mykonos
A firm favourite of many, Mykonos is famous for its iconic windmills which have become a symbol of the Island, situated on top of a hill overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea, and just a short walk from town. The town is also famous for its lively nightlife scene where you can dine in some award-winning restaurants before hitting the bars and clubs.
Shopping in Mykonos is an experience, walk through cobblestone streets and cute blue and white-washed houses to find the shops with the latest designs.
Take a day trip to Delos, a small island located just a short boat ride from Mykonos and home to the ruins of an ancient city that was once a major religious and cultural centre in Greece.
Or just enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the sea, enjoy kite- and windsurfing, or perhaps scuba diving.
Naxos
The old part of stylish Naxos Town has gleaming white buildings on a hillside maze of stone-flagged alleyways built with twists and turns to deter invading pirates. Greeting everyone who arrives by boat, the 6th-century BC Portara is the standalone ancient marble gateway that is the only remaining part of the ancient temple of Apollo and that has become an emblem of Naxos.
Explore Chora, the main town of Naxos, which is known for its Venetian and Cycladic architecture, as well as its lively nightlife and where you can find many fantastic restaurants.
Naxos is a family favourite Greek Island where you will find many golden sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, charming historic villages, ancient sites, stunning countryside, and wonderful food which are the ingredients that make this place so memorable.
Santorini
Santorini is crescent-shaped island that was formed by an ancient volcanic eruption around 1650 BC. The Island curves around a giant lagoon which possesses the most breath-taking views to be found on the Greek islands. Also said to be the Lost City of Atlantis you will find blue-domed churches and impressive backdrops of jagged cliffs. Most of the Greek Islands have white and golden sands, but here in Santorini, due to being a volcanic Island, you will find grey sands on the few beaches that the Island has to offer.
Through the narrow streets you will find many souvenir shops, museums and art galleries, and a visit to the Akrotiri lighthouse is a must whilst visiting this stunning Island, here is where you will witness the most impressive of all sunsets.
You can take a boat trip to the nearby volcano of Nea Kameni and the hot springs of Palia Kameni or take a sunset cruise of the caldera and admire the beautiful views of the island.
For you wine lovers, why not visit the wineries on the island, which are famous for their Vinsanto wine, a sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes.
Syros
Syros is known as the Queen of the Aegean as the The capital of this Cycladic island is a jewel fit for royalty. Take a stroll through the charming village of Ano Syros, with its traditional Cycladic houses, narrow streets, and the picturesque church of Agios Georgios.
Around the Island you will find rugged hillsides and little fishing villages with a great variety of food and local products. There are plenty of beaches all around the coastline to choose from to relax with a cocktail or take to the turquoise waters for a swim or to try some water sports. Just some of the beaches are Galissas Beach, Azolimnos Beach, or Vari Beach.
North of the Island is dominated by Rocky Mountains where it is said there are more goats than people. It can be explored by car, mountain bike or on foot. For those who love walking, take a hike to the top of the hill of Saint George, for panoramic views of the island.
For those searching a bit of history, you will find a huge crop of ancient monuments that are scattered all over the Island.
North Aegean Islands
Samos
Samos is one of the popular Islands to visit during summer with its rugged green landscape covered by pine forests, olive and citrus groves and vineyards. A must try wine on this Island is the famous Muscat wine that is exported from Samos all over the globe. Samos Vin Doux is the main muscat dessert wine.
Take a hike to the top of Mount Kerkis: This mountain is the highest peak on the island and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The Island is perfect to hike through a gorge past natural streams and lakes to find beautiful Potami beach, an idyllic secluded beach where you can enjoy the stunning turquoise sea.
Samos has several beautiful beaches, including Tsamadou Beach, Potokaki Beach and Lemonakia Beach, all of which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Visit the ancient city of Pythagoreion: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the ruins of an ancient city that was once an important centre of learning and culture. You can explore the remains of the city, including the Temple of Hera and the Tunnel of Eupalinos, a tunnel that was cut in a mountain nearly 3,000 years ago and may be the only one place in the world where tourists can walk through.
Manolates village is Samos’s most picturesque village, with an old, paved square surrounded by tavernas and is full of little houses with multi-coloured window frames.
Thassos
The pretty Island of Thassos has a laid-back atmosphere, therefore perfect for those seeking some peace and quiet. With a long waterfront to enjoy an evening stroll or relax lapping up the chilled surroundings and Greek cuisine.
Thassos town was once a city made of the island’s famous white marble and you will find many ancient ruins to explore, including above the town an amphitheatre and the remains of an even older acropolis.
Thassos also offers dramatic mountain scenery, pine forests and olive groves, the Island has lush greenery and beautiful golden beaches.
Dodecanese Islands
Kos
The lovely Island of Kos offers endless sandy beaches, Palm trees, archaeological sites and attractions left by ancient Greeks, Romans, medieval knights, Venetians, and Ottomans.
Also having the reputation as the best Greek island to cycle around. The 13km cycle path along the waterfront is perfect for those wanting to cycle, and some pit stops along the way for some Greek cuisine.
Kos Town marina is ideal for taking boat trips, pop over to Bodrum to grab yourself some Turkish bargains, or indulge in some water sports, such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
One of the most popular beaches in Kos is Paradise Beach, known amongst the locals as Bubble Beach. With white sands, clear waters and air bubbles popping out from the shore which originate from the volcano at neighbouring Nisyros Island.
Rhodes
The old town of Rhodes is UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with medieval buildings, ancient temples, beaches, culture, and cuisine. Protected inside its imposing walls you will find ancient statues, marble crests, fountains, and the Clock Tower with its breath-taking view of the Aegean Sea.
Faliraki boasts a popular beach as well as the island’s three biggest clubs along with Greek grill houses and tavernas.
Lindos was one of the three ancient states of Rhodes. It is now one of the most photographed villages in Greece with pretty white houses, winding streets and the island’s famous decorative plates.
Take a day trip to the Valley of the Butterflies, home to thousands of butterfly species which is set in a natural reserve in a lush, green canyon, about 1km wide or just relax on one of the many beaches on the island, such as Anthony Quinn Bay or Tsambika Beach.
Symi
Greece’s best kept secret, Symi is built on the slopes of a hill where you find picturesque colourful building, breath-taking beaches, narrow cobbled streets, and small churches. Symi offers so much history and culture where you can visit the Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis, a 17th-century monastery on the south coast of the island.
An unforgettable experience is sailing into the harbour with the sight of expensive yachts nestled alongside bobbing sailboats.
Symi has dozens of small, often isolated, beaches tucked away in coves which can be reached by water taxi. Relax on one of the island’s many beaches such as Marathounda Beach, Agios Emilianos Beach, or Pedi Beach.
Yialos, the lower part of Symi Town, has a cosmopolitan feel and in summer there’s a lively buzz around the pretty boutiques, cafes, tavernas and bars. Visitors can stroll through the quaint upper town to reach a medieval castle.
The Greek Islands Climate
The Greek Islands have a Mediterranean climate. However, due to the country's geography, Greece has a wide range of micro-climates and local variations. The main summer season is from June – September. During the day, the air is usually hot, with the night being a pleasant warm feeling. Depending on the time of year and which Island you are visiting it is advisable to take warmer clothing for the cooler evenings.
Fun Facts of The Greek Islands
Greece has over 5,000 islands
Greece enjoys more than 250 days of sunshine - or 3,000 sunny hours a year
Greece is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations
The blue doors of Greece are said to ward off evil spirits
Santorini is an active volcano
Pelicans are the mascots of Mykonos
The world’s third-largest producer of olives
The first Olympic Games took place in 776 B.C
The national drink of Greece is ouzo
Military service is compulsory for all young Greek men and lasts from six to nine months
Wearing blue eye charms or blue beads can ward away the “evil eye”
Greeks say good morning until 2 p.m.
Maps courtesy of
https://theislandvoyager.com/islands/map-of-greek-islands
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