It’s not fair to call Greece a hidden treasure anymore — the word on the islands is out, with a record 42 million tourists visiting the country last year alone.
However, many first-time travelers are learning that visiting Greece isn’t as simple as hopping on a plane and wandering around. There are hundreds of different inhabited islands (227, to be exact) in the country, and which ones you choose to visit can go a long way to determining the success of your trip.
The last thing I want is for anyone to experience FOMO when traveling to this beautiful country, so below, you’ll find my personal list of must-see Greek islands (and why they made the list).
1. Santorini
Close your eyes and picture Greece. What do you see? Pristine beaches, romantic private villas, and rustic churches that are just soaked in history? If so, the Greece you’re picturing is actually Santorini.
You can fly directly into Santorini’s international airport, and stay in the famous white-and-blue cliffside cottages on the islands. Once there, you can scope out the dazzling nightclub scene or take a luxurious sailboat adventure around the islands.
While I would never advocate seeing just one part of Greece, Santorini would be my suggestion if you’re pressed for time.
2. Mykonos
Another part of the Cyclades archipelago, Mykonos makes a wonderful companion island to visitors of Santorini.
The landscape here is dotted with rustic windmills, making a visit feel like a step back in time.
There’s also a famous row of houses called “Little Venice,” where the balconies hang over the water to let people fish directly from the comfort of their own home.
However, the best way to enjoy Mykonos may be to simply lounge on one of the gorgeous beaches here. Check Platis Gialos Beach if your idea of paradise is sipping on a cold drink while watching the waves, or head over to Paradise Beach if you want to party until the sun goes down.
A word of warning, though: they don’t call it “The Island of the Winds” for nothing. Hold onto your hat.
3. Crete
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is also one of the easiest to get to, thanks to the bustling international airport here.
Its size makes it something of a representative sample of what Greece has to offer; you can find bustling cities, quiet country towns, and miles of coastline. Wandering the streets of Crete is like an archaeological tour of Europe, as you’ll find architecture from the Minoans, Ottomans, Venetians, and more.
Gourmands will be right at home here, as Crete has perhaps the best food scene in the country (which gives it some claim to be the best in Europe as well). The island is rich in olives, avocados, grapes, and more, and this abundance is reflected in the dishes it’s known for.
Whether it’s Bougatsa for breakfast or Souvlaki for supper, the memory of the meals you enjoy here will last a lifetime.
4. Serifos
If you’re looking to get away from the millions of other visitors crowding the country each year, Serifos is the place to do it. The island is a nature lover’s paradise and one of the few places where you can often enjoy a beach all to yourself.
Hiking, mountain biking, and scuba diving are some of the most popular activities here, so it’s not ideal if R&R is your main goal. You can also explore some of the ancient mining sites or pretend you’re under attack from pirates in Chora, providing fuel for your imagination as well as your muscles.
The good news is that your nights here will be truly restful, as the island isn’t a haven for nightclubs or after-hours carousing. It’s just you, your companions, and more stars than you ever thought possible.
5. Hydra
If you really want to step back into the past, consider a visit to Hydra — known as the car-free island.
That’s right, there are no cars here, and barely even anything that would pass as a road. Need to move something? That’s what the donkeys are for.
It all adds up to an idyllic experience, and days are spent lounging in cafes and watching the foot traffic stroll by. Swimming is a big deal here as well, but not necessarily at the beaches; instead, locals can take a dip from concrete piers directly in downtown Hydra.
As with Serifos, Hydra is not the place to visit if you enjoy dancing the night away. If you prefer drifting off to sleep after a glass of ouzo and a spirited game of backgammon, though, you’ll feel right at home here.
For a similar Mediterranean charm in the U.S., Tarpon Springs in Florida is a hidden gem with deep Greek roots.
6. Rhodes
If it’s a pulse-pounding nightlife you’re after, then Rhodes should be high on your list. A favorite spot for bachelor parties and other bacchanalian exploits, the island is jam-packed with bars and clubs.
Of course, you don’t have to be a party animal to enjoy your stay here. You can also spend your days windsurfing, hiking the Valley of the Butterflies, or enjoying a peaceful glass-bottomed boat tour of Mandraki Harbor.
Whatever you do, don’t leave before exploring the Acropolis of Lindos, the ruins of a fourth-century temple to the goddess Athena. You can bask in historical significance while also taking in some of the most breathtaking views in the whole country.
Not a bad afternoon, I’d say.
7. Milos
Have you ever seen videos of people standing on top of a rugged cliffside, only to dive off into sparkling turquoise waters below?
If so, you’re likely already familiar with the island of Milos.
There’s more to do here than just risk your neck for a good story and a rush of adrenaline, luckily. You can also explore white beaches made of volcanic ash, snorkel around the shoreline, or visit charming shops and restaurants throughout the island.
A few things to know before you book your trip, however: you’ll likely need a car to get around, and you won’t find many “traditional” lodging options here. If you’re fine with driving and staying in rustic inns and cottages, though, you may just fall in love with Milos.
8. Corfu
You’ll never have a better time getting lost than you do when exploring the labyrinthine alleyways of Old Town Corfu.
Lined with shops and restaurants, you can enjoy Kumquat Liqueur or a bite of Ravani while you sit and people-watch. The island is also home to the largest public square in the country, the Spianada, which sits right in front of the Old Fortress of Corfu.
Other popular activities on the island include hiking the 124-mile Corfu Trail, which is filled with rolling hillsides, rural mountain villages, and breathtaking panoramas.
If you’re on a romantic getaway, you can also take a dip in the Canal d’amour, as local legend says that couples who swim in its waters will stay in love forever.
9. Folegandros
No one (save some medieval castaways, maybe) has ever gone to Folegandros by accident. To get here, you have to be going here.
You can only reach the island by ferry, and those only leave from a few places (Athens chief among them). Despite its proximity to the capital city, Folegandros is not nearly as popular as many other islands, making it one of Greece’s best-kept secrets.
The Church of Panagia is one of the main highlights of Folegandros, as it sits proudly atop a mountain, giving you incredible panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Boutique hotels dot the countryside, giving you no shortage of cozy accommodations.
If your main aim is to have plenty of fodder for your Instagram page, you can’t do better than Folegandros. Everywhere you turn, there’s another breathtaking selfie opportunity waiting for you.
10. Paxos
If you have kids in tow, then Paxos is one island you’ll want to check out for sure. There’s plenty of room for young ones to stretch their legs, and you can easily pass days at a time splashing in the warm, crystal-clear coastal waters.
Sea caves are plentiful here, allowing you to create magical adventures that will keep little ones enthralled for hours. The pebbly beaches also allow plenty of opportunities to throw stones in the water, something every kid loves to do (and yes, I am “every kid”).
Opportunities for culture and education abound as well. There are several museums on the island, and renting a boat is easy, allowing you to give your kids their first chance to drive a speedboat.
Not only that but there are plenty of family villas available for lodging, ensuring that you and your family will have just as much room indoors as you do outdoors.
When It Comes to Visiting Greece, There Are No Wrong Answers
While this list represents my favorite Greek islands, that doesn’t mean that there are any “bad” spots to visit in this picturesque country.
Any place you travel to will have gorgeous beaches, incredible food, and impeccable hospitality. A trip to Greece is a surefire recipe for experiences that will stick with you for the rest of your life.
However, the islands above represent my absolute favorite places in all of Greece, the ones that I would visit again and again if I could. Magic permeates every inch of these islands, and you’ll find everything from world-class nightclubs to virtually private beaches.
Narrowing this list down to my ten favorite islands I’ve visited was hard. You know what was even harder?
Getting on the plane to go back home.
FAQs About Visiting Greece
When is the best time to visit Greece?
Most people agree that early autumn or late spring are the best times to visit Greece. This allows you to sidestep the busiest part of the tourist season and also allows you to dodge some of the most scorching summer days.
What is the best way to travel to Greece?
Many islands have their own airports, but only a few (such as Crete and Santorini) are open to international travel. Your best bet is to fly directly into one of these airports and then proceed from there.
What’s the best way to get around the islands?
Once you’re in the country, you’ll find that ferries between islands are plentiful. As for traveling on the islands themselves, you’ll need to rent a car on some islands, while others can be covered on foot or bicycle.
How long should I spend on each island?
There’s too much to see to get it all done on one trip but to maximize your stay, you should spend a night or two on each island. This allows you to really explore each location while still exploring quite a few different places before you have to go home.
Do most people in Greece speak English?
Yes, English is widely spoken among the locals, especially at hotels and other tourist-friendly destinations.
Is Greece good for families?
Yes! Most islands have plenty for kids of all ages to do, including exploring pristine beaches, hiking through nature, and investigating fascinating historical artifacts.
Got a suggestion for where Valentina should travel next, or what she should do on her adventures? Reach out to her at [email protected] — she’s always looking for something new to try!
