Escape to Paradise: The Best Greek Islands to Visit on Your Next Vacation
With over 160 inhabited islands, it is no wonder Greece is many people’s favorite holiday destination. And with such a wide selection, you might find it hard to choose from the best Greek islands.
That’s why I’m here to help you make the best decision. I’ve gathered a list of all the perfect Greek island destinations in one place based on the opinions of seasoned travel bloggers.
You’ll find something for everyone, from the best Greek islands for couples looking for the best honeymoon to Greek islands for families traveling with kids.
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Table of Contents
The Best Greek Islands for Couples
Folegandros
By Jessica at Myfeetwillleadme.com
Folegandros is a small Greek island with a dramatic coastline. This is where you go to get away from the crowds commonly swarming the other Greek islands. Folegandros gives you a glimpse of what traditional Greek life must have felt decades earlier. Waiting for a sheepherder and his flock to cross the road is not unusual.
Getting to Folegandros is easy, with daily ferries from Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, and many other islands during the high season
and less frequently during the low season.
Check out ferry timetables and prices here!
Because Folegandros is relatively small, there is no airport.
The simplest way to see the small island is to rent a scooter or ATV. You can easily see most of the 12.5 square mile island in a day.
Spend a minimum of 2-3 days there to experience the uncrowded rugged beaches, stroll the quaint town of Chora, perched on the edge of a cliff, and climb the zigzagging path to the church overlooking the town for incredible sunset views.
For anyone wanting to be transported back in time to a traditional way of Greek life and escape the crowds of other islands, they will find
Folegandros is a breath of fresh air. It is one of the most underrated islands in Greece.
Crete
By Claire at ZigZag On Earth
Suppose you are looking for a Greek island holiday with various landscapes and activities. In that case, Crete offers it all: white villages, stunning beaches (white sand, pebbles, pink sand), lagoons, ancient archaeological sites, magnificent gorges, mountains dropping into the sea, Venetian architecture… You won’t get bored!
It is easy to reach the island by plane to Heraklion or ferry from Athens or another Greek island. But understand that this one is quite large. Therefore, you should plan a week to get a good snapshot or two weeks to explore the island.
The North Coast is developed with resort towns and all the main cities, while the South is wilder with canyons and smaller villages.
I think the best way to explore is on a road trip. But if you prefer staying in one place, I recommend splitting your vacation in half:
First, stay in the Venetian town of Chania to explore the West with the magnificent Balos Lagoon, the impressive Samaria Gorge, and the pink sand beach at Elafonisi.
And then, stay around Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos in Eastern Crete to visit the fort of Spinalonga, the hippie Matala beach, and the famous Knossos palace (home of the Minotaur).
See Crete vacation options here!
Santorini
There is no question that Santorini is the best Greek island for a honeymoon or couples looking for a romantic place to spend a vacation.
It is easily reached by plane, whether you’re flying from Europe, the US, or Athens. Alternatively, you can always travel by ferry.
Narrow streets, unique cave houses, stunning sunset views, hotels with private pools perched on the cliffs overlooking the caldera, and you won’t have to break the bank to get here if you know where to stay and what to do.
Travel during spring or fall and spend one week on the island without getting bored.
Check out our comprehensive comparison between the Amalfi Coast and Santorini.
Chios
By Jim Vail of Reflections Enroute
Chios, located in the Eastern Aegean, is the fifth largest of the Greek Islands.
Situated only a few miles off the Turkish coast, it can usually be accessed by ferry from Cesme. Other options are an overnight ferry out of Piraeus (Athens) or island hopping from Lesbos or Samos.
While the island is larger than other Greek isles, it isn’t as popular a destination as Mykonos or Santorini. It generally has fewer tourists, more pristine beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere. At the same time, there is plenty to do on the island, including ancient monasteries, castles, and picturesque beaches.
Spend a day or a weekend exploring the island or relaxing in a quaint seaside village. Eat freshly caught calamari, lightly breaded and fried or grilled, while sipping the local liquor, Mastika, made from the mastic resin for which the island is famous. Or head up into the northern hills to the Ariousious Winery for spectacular views and delicious wine.
Chios is home to the Nea Moni Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that should not be missed. Other top sites include the Painted Villages (Pyrgi and Mesta) and the picturesque little chapel, Saint Isidore (agios Isidoros).
Regardless of how you spend your time on Chios, you will leave more relaxed and rejuvenated than when you arrived.
Milos
By Linda at La Dolce Fit Vita
Aquamarine waters and traditional fishing villages make Milos the ultimate Greek Island for those looking to experience that Mammamia motion picture moment. With over 70 beaches, Milos has more than any other Cyclade island—each one more stunning than the next!
Most of the coastline borders on cliffs, allowing beaches to remain relatively secluded (given uneasy access at times). Given the island’s volcanic nature, the many minerals present allow for a spectrum of colors (even underwater!).
If you’re a fan of snorkeling, you cannot miss Kleftiko Caves, an area full of the most extraordinary coves only accessible by boat. If there is one tour you must opt for while in Greece, do a boat tour around Milos and discover all the remarkable hidden pirate coves.
The best way to visit Milos is to rent a quad and just beach-hop ‘til you drop. There are beaches for all tastes: sandy, rocky, wild, and family-friendly. I recommend going to all types, as the experience changes drastically.
Milos has so much to offer that spending less than four days there is a shame. The island is easy to get to from Athens or any other surrounding islands via plane or ferry. The total flight time from Athens is about 50 minutes. If you opt to travel via ferry, check the ferry schedule ahead of time (before booking accommodation), as not all routes operate daily.
Mykonos
By Lavina at Continent Hop
If you’re looking to spend a holiday on an island or even go island hopping, Greece is the country for you. One can visit numerous islands; however, if you’re looking for an island where you’d like to spend some time, maybe partying, Mykonos is the island for you.
Not only are the whitewashed Churches and some streets the highlights of this beautiful island, but there are also windmills and Little Venice here as well that are quite stunning!
There are numerous ways to get here; however, the most convenient is a direct flight from most European countries or even a ferry from Santorini, which takes about forty minutes. Some cruises also stop at Mykonos.
The windmills of Chora are also where you’ll find Paraportiani Church, which is featured in most movies.
There are many restaurants where you can find local Greek food, and numerous colorful alleys make for good pictures and a walk to explore this location.
Mykonos is also a great spot if you love history and architecture, as it is the most convenient to get to the nearby island of Delos (according to some, the Greek God Apollo was born) from here.
Best Greek islands for families
Naxos
By Chrysoula from Greece Travel Ideas
Naxos is the largest in the Cycladic group and one of the most beautiful Greek Islands. It has sandy beaches, fertile green valleys, pretty villages, and imposing mountains. It is an idyllic place to stay for a few days or a week, as you can relax and enjoy life at a leisurely pace.
There are no direct international flights to Naxos, so fly to Athens and then take a domestic flight or catch the ferry from Piraeus or another island.
Check out ferry timetables and prices here!
The island has some of the best beaches in Greece, including Plaka and Agios Prokopios. Alyko is a series of secluded white-sand beaches with cedar forests and sand dunes. The old hotel there has been converted into an art gallery for street painters.
There are good water sports, including water skiing and sailing. Mikri Vigla is famous for its windsurfing and kite surfing as it offers the perfect conditions – and the opportunity to learn either sport.
If you fancy exploring the island, you can rent a car or hike. Naxos has a rich history and many archaeological sites to explore. The best known of these is Portara, the remaining gateway of an ancient temple dedicated to the god Apollo—and the perfect place to watch the sunset.
The main town of Chora is dominated by a well-preserved Venetian castle, which blends Venetian and Cycladic architecture. Lovely traditional villages, including Halki and Apiranthos, are also to be discovered.
Skiathos
Skiathos is the most popular stop in the Sporades Islands in central Greece. The island hosts some of the nicest beaches in the country and is famous for its lively nightlife.
There are about 60 beautiful sandy beaches on Skiathos. Koukounaries, on its southwestern tip, is the nicest. Agia Paraskevi, Troulos, and Achladies are other gorgeous beaches.
The island’s capital, Skiathos Town, is a cute little town packed with lively bars and restaurants. It hosts several lovely churches and a colorful museum.
Close to the town is an 18th-century monastery that played an important role in Greek history. The Evangelistria Monastery was a hiding place for revolutionaries during the Greek Independence War. It is also here that the first flag of Modern Greece was created.
Skiathos is also one of Greece’s greenest islands. Lush green forests cover almost every corner of the island, and hiking paths are available at every level and taste.
It’s easy to get to Skiathos, especially in summer. You can take a ferry (from Volos or Agios Konstantinos) or fly directly to Skiathos International Airport.
Due to the abundance of things to see and do in Skiathos, you should spend at least a week on this gorgeous island.
Rhodes
By Nichola at Family Hotel Expert
Rhodes is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a Greek Island break. It has everything, from a spectacular coastline to beautiful mountains and forests. It’s perfect for people who want to get active, with mountain biking, snorkeling, and hiking being the top activities in Rhodes. If you’re a history fan, there’s plenty here, too.
Lindos Acropolis is wonderfully evocative – perched high up on the cliff tops overlooking the sea with a scattering of whitewashed houses below. Wander past fallen pillars and inscribed stonework of this site that was first inhabited 3000 years ago and feel the past come to life. Or walk through Rhodes Old Town, leaving you feeling like you have stepped back into Medieval Times.
If you’re visiting Rhodes for a family holiday, there are some fantastic resorts and hotels dotted along the coast, taking full advantage of this beautiful island’s gorgeous setting.
The best way to get to Rhodes is to fly in, as it’s a fair trek from Athens on the boat otherwise. You need at least a week to appreciate this varied island; however long you come for, you’ll be left feeling like you wish you’d come for longer.
Alonissos
By Marco at Nomadic FIRE
When you think of life in Greece, images of the islands of Mykonos and Santorini usually pop into your mind first. While these two islands are gorgeous, they can also be extremely crowded. If you’re looking for a place to feel like you have the island all to yourself, Alonissos is the best Greek island to visit.
For about $50 in tickets and four hours on a bus and ferry from the capital, Athens, or slightly over six and half hours from the cheaper city of Thessaloniki, Alonissos is an ideal weekend escape from the thumping bass-heavy music or crowded Greek party scene.
Alonissos is a tiny island in the North Aegean Sea. It is situated between the islands of Skiathos and Skopelos and is part of the Sporades island group.
Ideal for travelers looking to relax for a tranquil island getaway, Alonissos has the same Greek turquoise blue crystal-clear waters to romp in but significantly fewer tourists to deal with.
After spending the day on one of the many secluded beaches (Chris Milia beach has the best pillowy golden sand), the old town has several charming cafes and quaint restaurants where you can have a drink or dinner under the night sky.
Then, visitors can choose an excursion to take unique Instagram photos of the half-sunken barge wreck off the coast between the island and Peristera, or nature-loving snorkelers and scuba divers can swim in the Alonissos Marine Park.
If the peak summer Greek crowds start to strain your patience, a weekend trip to Alonissos may be just what you need.
Best Greek Islands close to Athens
Aegina
By Chantae from Chantae Was Here
An idyllic island near Athens, Aegina is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, thanks to its ancient history. Here, you can admire the Doric temple of Athena Aphaia, dedicated to the goddess Athena, built in mid-400 BC.
The Temple of Apollo is also found on Aegina, with one remaining column marking the edge of the island’s most beautiful beach. The tiny Archaeological Museum of Aegina features tools, sculptures, and other works of art from the island, and visitors can learn more about Greek history.
Above all, Aegina is famous for its pistachios, clutched onto a coveted reputation of producing the best in the world. In Aegina town, you can sample pistachio ice cream, chutneys, nut butter, and pistachios, which are both sweet and savory.
Aegina is about an hour away by boat from Athens, and ferries run regularly throughout the day. While you can do it quickly as a day trip, it’s best to spend two days in Aegina to enjoy the many museums, ruins, and stretches of sandy beaches.
Check out ferry timetables and prices here!
Plan your visit during the week as it gets pretty crowded on the weekends, with tourists flocking to Aegina’s quiet shoreline. While it’s possible to bring a car over on the ferry, the highlights of Aegina are easily seen on foot or by bicycle. There are also a handful of taxi stands found in town.
Agistri
By Phil from JOURNICATION Travel Blog
Are you overwhelmed by the many things to do in Athens and looking for a way to escape Plaka’s crowds and touristy streets? Are the touristy island destinations like Hydra and Aegina not an alternative for you? Then Agistri is the place to be!
The small island in the Saronic Gulf is only a short speedboat ferry ride from Athens’ port of Piraeus, but it’s still a great place to slow down.
In Agistri, there are only a few villages, little traffic, only one bus, and especially during the week, only a few tourists. You don’t have to worry about a long list of must-sees and attractions – they don’t exist.
Rent a scooter or a bike and explore the whole island in a relaxed way. Yes, you read that right. Because of the small area, you can relax and explore every corner.
You will find great small beaches on the small island, just as uncrowded as the rest. Some beaches and bays are not very easily accessible, increasing the chances of being there completely alone.
For sunset, sit in a cozy restaurant on the promenades and enjoy the sunset over the sea with a plate of delicious fresh seafood.
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