Greece has around 6,000 islands and islets, and more than 200 of them are inhabited. Each has its own character, from the whitewashed villages and caldera views of the Cyclades to the green hills of the Ionian Sea and the medieval towns of the Dodecanese. Not sure where to start? Here are the 12 best Greek islands to visit, with what to see and do on each.
When to Visit the Greek Islands
May to early October is the main season for sunny beach weather. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, especially in August, when many Europeans take their holidays. For warm weather with fewer crowds, visit in late May, June, or September. From November to March, many island hotels and restaurants close and ferry services are reduced. See the best time to visit Greece.
1. Santorini
Santorini's whitewashed villages spill down the cliffs of a flooded volcanic caldera, creating one of the most famous views in the world. Watch the sunset in Oia, walk the clifftop trail from Fira, explore the Bronze Age town of Akrotiri and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, and swim at the black-sand beaches of Kamari and Perissa. Try local specialties such as tomato fritters (domatokeftedes) and fava.
2. Mykonos
Famous for its nightlife and glamorous beach clubs, Mykonos also has a beautiful old town of whitewashed lanes, windmills, and the waterfront Little Venice. Visit the Panagia Paraportiani church, relax on Psarou or Platis Gialos beaches, and take a boat trip to the ancient sacred island of Delos. The village of Ano Mera offers a quieter, more traditional side of the island.
3. Naxos
The largest island of the Cyclades combines long sandy beaches, such as Plaka, Agios Prokopios, and Mikri Vigla, with mountain villages like Apeiranthos and Halki. See the giant marble doorway of the Portara at sunset, explore the Venetian castle in Naxos Town, and try the island's famous graviera cheese. It is great for families and windsurfers.
4. Paros
Paros is relaxed and beautiful, with the pretty fishing harbor of Naoussa, the old town of Parikia, and beaches such as Golden Beach and Kolymbithres, with its smooth granite rocks. Golden Beach is one of the best windsurfing spots in Greece. Take a short boat to tiny Antiparos for an even quieter day.
5. Milos
Milos is a geological wonder, with the white, moon-like rocks of Sarakiniko, the sea caves of Kleftiko, which you can reach by boat, and colorful fishing villages such as Klima, where boathouses sit right on the water. It is also where the Venus de Milo was discovered.
6. Crete
Greece's largest island could fill a whole trip. Explore the Minoan palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, hike the Samaria Gorge, swim at the pink-tinged lagoon of Elafonisi and the beach at Balos, and wander the Venetian harbors of Chania and Rethymno. Cretan food, with its olive oil, herbs, and raki, is reason enough to visit.
7. Rhodes
Rhodes Town has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Knights of St. John, including the Palace of the Grand Master. Visit the clifftop acropolis and whitewashed village of Lindos, swim at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika, and see the Valley of the Butterflies in summer.
8. Corfu
The greenest of the Greek islands has a UNESCO-listed Old Town with Venetian, French, and British influences, two fortresses, and elegant arcades. Visit the Achilleion Palace, built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, and the clifftop monastery and bays of Paleokastritsa.
9. Kefalonia
The largest Ionian island has dramatic white-pebble beaches such as Myrtos and Antisamos, the underground Melissani Lake, where sunlight turns the water electric blue, and the Drogarati Cave. Visit the colorful harbors of Fiskardo and Assos, and hike on Mount Ainos.
10. Hydra
Hydra is a short ferry ride from Athens and free of cars and bikes, so people get around on foot, by donkey, or by water taxi. Its stone mansions, harbor cafés, and clifftop paths to swimming spots make it perfect for a day trip or a peaceful stay.
11. Symi
Arriving by boat in Symi's harbor, lined with pastel neoclassical mansions, is one of the loveliest sights in the Dodecanese. Visit the Monastery of Panormitis, swim at quiet coves reached by water taxi, and enjoy the island's tiny, sweet shrimp.
12. Samos
Green, mountainous Samos lies just across a narrow strait from Turkey. It was the birthplace of Pythagoras, and its UNESCO-listed sites include the ancient Heraion sanctuary and the Tunnel of Eupalinos, an ancient aqueduct dug through a mountain. Combine it with a day trip to Kuşadası and Ephesus in Turkey, if your visa allows.
Tips for Island-Hopping in Greece
- Ferries: Most Cyclades ferries leave from Piraeus or Rafina near Athens. Book ahead in summer, and allow for delays in windy weather.
- Flights: Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Kefalonia have airports with flights to Athens and many European cities.
- Pick a group: Stick to islands in the same group, such as the Cyclades, to avoid long ferry journeys.
- Cash: Carry some euros for small tavernas and kiosks.
- Stay connected: An egoViet Greece eSIM keeps you online for ferry updates and maps on every island, with no roaming fees.
Plan the rest of your trip with our Greece travel guide.
FAQs: Best Greek Islands
Which Greek island is best for first-timers?
Santorini is the most iconic, while Naxos and Paros offer great beaches, villages, and better value. Crete is ideal if you want variety on one island.
Which Greek island is best for families?
Naxos, Paros, Crete, and Corfu are great for families, with calm, sandy beaches and a relaxed pace.
How many Greek islands should I visit in a week?
Two or three islands is plenty in a week. Choose islands close to each other to spend less time on ferries.
Which Greek islands are quiet?
Symi, Milos outside August, Hydra in the evenings, and the smaller Cyclades such as Folegandros and Sifnos are good choices for a quieter trip.