Greece is an incredible country: the climate, food, friendly people are just some of the things that make this place a perfect holiday destination.
It’s islands are so many and so different that you can find difficult to pick just one place to go. This is why we thought to make a list with which islands we believe are must-visit, so you can make a good choice for your trip!
1. Santorini
Santorini is a stunning place to start your trip in Greece, being one of the most iconic Greek islands. The island suffered a huge volcanic eruption thousands of years ago and this led to a massive eruption which sunk most of the island under the sea. Lots of people think this is where the legend of Atlantis actually comes from.
Anyway, there’s so much more to Santorini than its geological history. If you choose Santorini as your destination, don’t forget to go sailing, visit one of the island’s vineyards and watch the sunset over Oia. It’s amazing!
2. Mykonos
Mykonos island needs little introduction when it comes to the best Greek islands to visit. In truth, it’s probably up there with the likes of Santorini or Crete in terms of popularity.
After arriving on Mykonos, make sure to spend some time wandering through Mykonos Town, sail over to Delos island and see the ruins and spot the iconic windmills of Kato Mili.
After a day exploring the island, head over to Little Venice (especially at sunset) for a bit to eat on the front. It’s idyllic, even if it does get a bit crowded in peak season.
3. Poros
Poros is a tiny little Greek island that’s so close to the mainland you could almost swim. Though it goes without saying, don’t try this!
Poros itself is actually made up of two islands, Sphairia and Kalaureia, both of which are beautiful to explore. Now, Poros might not be well-known as one of the best Greek islands to visit, but it certainly has a hidden charm that most visitors to Greece bypass.
Once you’re here, head over to Love Bay, visit the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi and stroll around Poros port.
4. Rhodes
One of the larger and possibly the best Greek islands to explore, Rhodes has a whole heap of amazing things to do and see.
Once you’re here, make sure to visit the Acropolis of Lindos, stroll the streets of the old town and see the Palace of the Grandmaster. Oh and for some gorgeous coastlines and beaches, head over to Saint Paul’s Bay. Just make sure to pack the sunscreen.
5. Crete
The largest Greek island to visit, Crete has a whole heap of amazing things to do and see. It’s one of those islands that’ll need more than a few days to explore but don’t let that put you off… it just means there’s more to see.
As soon as you arrive, head over to Seitan Limania Beach for one of the best beaches and coves on the islands. Afterwards, go for lunch in the historic harbour of Chania and see Knossos Palace.
It really is one of the best Greek islands to visit.
6. Skiathos
A relatively small island that hugs the east coast of the mainland, Skiathos is an idyllic little Greek island to visit. It’s one of those islands where you can have a good mix of exploring and total relaxed days; which, let’s be honest, is totally essential on a holiday.
Once you’re here, make sure to enjoy the turquoise waters of Paralia Lalaria, visit the Agios Nikolaos Church and see the historic monastery of Panagia Evangelistria.
7. Corfu
Perched on the western side of Greece, Corfu is away from the majority of the best Greek Islands to visit. That being said, just because it’s a little further away, it doesn’t mean it’s not worth a trip. Corfu is stunning.
Corfu is a pretty big Greek island and one that you can easily spend a week (or more) exploring. There are so many things to do that you’ll honestly be spoilt for choice.
Once you’re here, make sure to explore Cape Drastis, stroll the alleys o the Corfu town and pop over to Vlacherna Monastery that sits out within the sea itself.
8. Serifos
Now, the island of Serifos is a pretty mountainous island and one of the best Greek islands to visit that has yet to be developed for mass-market travel. It’s the kind of place you can visit and still have a very local experience that sometimes isn’t possible on the more popular islands.
If you decide to come to Serifos, make sure to visit the white sands of Psili Ammos Beach, visit Kastro.
9. Ios
Ios is one of the best Greek islands to visit and easily partnered with a trip to the islands of Santorini or Naxos. That being said, Don’t be fooled into thinking that Ios has to be part of a wider trip, it’s a destination in its own right.
Once you’re here, chill out on Mylopotas Beach, visit the Tomb of Omero
10. Zakynthos
Perched in the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos is one of the more well-known Greek islands to visit.
Once you’re here, make sure to visit Navagio Beach (the one with the shipwreck), just be careful with the cliffs, they are pretty crumbly and can collapse, so steer clear from the edges. Afterwards, take your swimsuit and pop over to Dafni Beach for a little swim in the crystal-clear waters.
