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Greece has been one of the world’s most desired destinations in the last few decades, especially Athens and the Greek islands. We decided to post an article about the Breathtaking Greek isles. So, you are all welcome to sneak a peek at our list.
Our list of the Breathtaking Greek islands
Ultimately, however, you are all welcome to join a little debate. We are namely wondering which are your favorite Greek islands and why. So let’s start checking out 20 breathtaking islands.
Kefalonia
Kefalonia’s wild beauty landed five stars for scenery. Its mountainous landscape has always fascinated us, so it is the first on our list of Breathtaking Greek islands. Peek out citrus groves in smaller south-coast resorts, hotels, apartments, and villas, or venture into small unspoiled villages like Fiscardo or Asos. Plus, vineyards there produce Kefalonia, an excellent white wine. Most importantly, there are various breathtaking beaches, many surrounded by hills of lush green forest. Take Myrtos or Antisamos Beach, for instance.
You’ll find beauty spots wherever you stay in Kefalonia for a holiday. As one visitor noted, Kefalonia’s varied landscapes are made for touring, so it’s worth venturing away from your base. Plus, the island is so big it’s easy to find space.
Mykonos
Recognized worldwide for its exotic beaches and crazy nightlife, Mykonos is the second most famous Greek island after Santorini. During the day, relax under the hot Greek sun and dance in the beach bars of Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach. Head to the main town Chora in the evenings, see the sunset from Little Venice, walk around the narrow streets, and have fun in all-night bars and clubs.
Why Mykonos: Party destination/ nightlife, a popular destination, luxury holiday, fine dining restaurants, design boutique hotels, beautiful, organized sandy beaches, famous clubs, DJs and beach bars, famous beach parties, fantastic architecture, and sea sports.
And ultimately, it is an ideal island for hopping to Santorini, Paros, and Naxos.
Note: All members of the LGBT+ community can read the following gay guide on Mykonos.
Crete
Best for Antiquities, active adventures, and sunshine all year round
Sunshine is pretty much guaranteed year-round, but spring is charming for sightseeing. Greece’s largest island, the birthplace of Zeus, Crete, has ancient ruins, snow-capped peaks, and beaches galore. The Minoan palace of Knossos is glorious, despite the steady stream of coach parties (go early: it opens at 8 am). One of the most staggeringly beautiful hikes is the 16km-long Samariá Gorge, but there are 50 more canyons to explore, often with only the elusive kri-kri (wild goats) for company.
Except for Elounda – a pocket of bling popular with oligarchs – the northeast coast is scarred by over-development. Head west to the Amari Valley or Apokoronas for authentic villages surrounded by olive and orange groves. Or go south, where you’ll find the best beaches in Crete – try Ligres, Sougia, or Kedrodassos. Ultimately we came to the food. It’s almost impossible not to eat well on Crete, which produces superb cheese, honey, olive oil, and delicious goat, rabbit, and smoked pork dishes. Time slows almost to a standstill in the mountain villages, where locals with formidable whiskers welcome you with shots of raki (Cretan grappa) for breakfast and celebrate saints’ days with a volley of gunshots.
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Syros
It is the best Greek island for Culture and off-season cachet.
On Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, you won’t find sugar-cube villages and whitewashed lanes. Greeks built the colorful city of Ermoupoli on twin peaks: one Orthodox, the other Catholic, the heritage of a long Venetian occupation. Ermoupoli’s marble piazzas, princely mansions, and a miniature replica of La Scala, the showpiece of a year-round cultural scene, still have a solid Italian flavor. More importantly, Syros hosts animation, dance, digital art, film, classical music, jazz, and rembetiko, the Greek blues popular by local musician Markos Vamvakaris. A few rembetiko joints have survived in the upper town, Ano Syra.
Once Greece’s ship-building center, Syros still has a boatyard at Neorio. But the most splendid legacy of the shipping industry is the manor houses in Vaporia and Poseidonia. The beaches are slightly less exquisite — except Delfini, Varvarousa, and Aetos in the wild north. On the other hand, you will find fantastic seaside tavernas there. In Ermoupoli, the finest places to eat and drink are along Androu Street: Before you leave, stock up on loukoumi (rose-tinted Turkish delight) and San Michalis cheese from Prekas delicatessen, and visit Zylo for hand-made wooden sunglasses.
Skiathos
A reasonably small island on the east coast of the mainland. Skiathos is part of the Sporades archipelago, an idyllic tiny island to visit. Namely, it has everything, beautiful beaches, villages, and tasteful local cuisine. It’s one of those islands where you can have a good mix of exploring and relaxing days, essential on holiday.
Once you’re here, enjoy the turquoise waters of Paralia Lalaria, visit the Agios Nikolaos Church, and see the historic monastery of Panagia Evangelistria.
Pop into Marmita in Skiathos Old Town; they have some of the best seafood on the island. And ultimately, don’t forget to hop on the neighboring island of Skopelos. Namely, on both islands, “Mamma Mia 1” was shot.
Naxos
Although trendy Greek islands surround it, Naxos has kept its family style. And it attracts more people yearly because of its authenticity, great beaches, and food. Located in the center of the Cyclades, it offers impressive beaches on the western side and picturesque mountainous villages in the countryside. More importantly, all beaches have exotic water and soft sand.
Why choose Naxos: Gastronomy, endless sandy beaches, small private beaches, archaeological sights, hiking, traditional villages, sea sports destination (kitesurf and windsurf), and family-friendly destination.
Tips: Suggested time: a week. Furthermore, we strongly recommend car rental. It is also ideal for island hopping to Paros, Koufonisia, Amorgos, Tinos, and Mykonos.
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Lefkáda
Lefkáda Island is a gloriously unspoiled destination in the Ionian Sea of Western Greece, an area blessed with a pleasant, mild climate. This rural Island has tranquil seaside villages such as Vassiliki and Agios Nikitas.
More impressively, the Island’s spectacular coastline features enchanting beaches tucked away behind cliffs or sheltered coves. For instance, Egremni Beach is the longest beach in Lefkáda, renowned for its deep turquoise-blue waters. And the breathtaking stretch of golden sand at Porto Katsiki is considered one of the best beaches in Europe.
You can find authentic local culture in the Island’s traditional villages: Poros, perched on a hillside above the sea; the photogenic fishing village of Sivota, known for its authentic seafood tavernas; and Ligia, which has a lovely beach and an attractive fishing port.
Ultimately, Lefkáda is also a paradise for hiking through the green, rolling hills and rocky limestone mountains. A magnificent nature site is Dimosari Waterfalls (near the seaside resort of Nidri).
Symi
Why? Symi’s horseshoe bay is one of the islands’ stellar sights.
Day-trippers clamor to angle the best selfie as the ferry from nearby Rhodes chugs in. Lemon, tangerine, and cherry-hued neoclassical mansions are strung along the waterfront of Gialos, the capital, and the upper village of Chorio rises in tiers to the sky. This small rocky island of boat-builders, merchants, and sponge-fishers was once the wealthiest in the Dodecanese but now has one-tenth of its 19th-century population. When the day-trippers depart, peace returns, and the waterfront echoes with laughter and tinkling glasses after dark.
Milos
Best Greek island for A photogenic and dramatic coastline
Everyone knows the Venus de Milo (in the Louvre since the 19th century). However, until recently, very few had heard of Milos. Those in the know jealously guard their treasured island, especially its many beaches — surely the most diverse and dramatic coastline of all the Greek Islands.
Little by little, though, Milos is being discovered. Instagram is full of no-filter shots of the immaculate white cliffs at Sarakiniko, the bottle-green swimming hole at Papafragas, and colorful, rickety syrmata. This artistic landscape was shaped by the minerals that have long been a source of wealth. Several chic hotels have appeared as the 11,000-year-old mining industry gradually gives way to tourism. So, go now before the trickle of visitors turns into a tide.
Paxi island
A small island south of Corfu, Paxi (or Paxos), is famous for its lush greenery and beautiful beaches. The picturesque seaside villages of Paxi will offer romantic strolls day and night. An excellent place for relaxing family vacations, Paxi is also famous for hiking. Do not miss a boat trip to Antipaxos, a tiny islet with the most exotic beaches in the country.
Why Paxi: Small island with lush vegetation, emerald waters, a picturesque, calm atmosphere, romantic destination.
Highlights: Antipaxos island, Voutoumi beach, Gaios village.
Tips: Suggested stays: 2 nights; the car is optional.
Santorini
Assumably the most iconic Greek island to visit, Santorini is a stunning place to start your trip in Grece. Once a much bigger island, Santorini suffered a vast volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Consequently, much of the island sunk under the sea. Many people think this is where the legend of Atlantis comes from.
Anyway, there’s so much more to Santorini than its geological history. Once you’re here, visit some of the best things to do on the island and take in the charm of this island. Oh, and don’t forget to sail in Santorini, visit one of the island’s vineyards, and watch the sunset over Oia. It’s beautiful.
Ithaca
Famous as the home of Ulysses, the legendary hero of Homer, Ithaca Island charms you from the first moment. With its green background and picturesque villages by the sea, Ithaca is a genuinely calming place. Furthermore, a hike around the Island will bring you to excellent spots and secret coves with blue-green water. So, relax your mind from stressing thoughts and let this peaceful vibe of Ithaca overcome you.
Why Ithaca: Picturesque, lush vegetation, emerald waters, small Island, romantic destination, calm atmosphere.
Tips: Suggested stays: 3 nights, the car is optional, ideal Island hopping to Kefalonia, Lefkada.
Poros
Why? For proximity to world-class sights
Before Greek islands had airports, Poros was a holiday favorite. Today is the biz if you want to combine lazy island charm and pretty beaches with big-time sightseeing (the citadels of Mycenae and Tiryns; Nafplio, Greece’s old capital) on the nearby Peloponnese mainland. Photogenic Poros Town rises in waves over the “Greek Grand Canal” separating the island from Galatas port — it’s only accessible by boat.
Corfu
Corfu island attracts thousands of visitors yearly with the beautiful capital of Venetian architecture, many sightseeings, and beautiful beaches. It is the most cosmopolitan island of the Ionian Sea and among the first Greek islands to open to tourism. What’s more, fascinating places to stay are all around the island. Paleokastritsa is the most famous one. Therefore, we recommend a visit.
Why Corfu: It is family-friendly, architecture, with lush vegetation, aristocratic, vintage, has a beautiful capital, romantic destination, gastronomy, etc.
Rhodes
One of the larger and possibly the best Greek islands to explore, Rhodes has many amazing things to do and see.
Probably the best and most cosmopolitan island of Dodecanese, Rhodes is located on the southeastern side of the Aegean. Most importantly, this island is perfect for all ages and tastes. You will find organized and secluded beaches, busy waterfronts, small portsides, monasteries, and ancient sites. Most of all, you will love the Medieval Old Town. Walk along the paved streets of the Old Town, and you will sense that time has stopped in the time of the Knights.
Highlights: Palace of Grand Master (UNESCO Site), Acropolis of Lindos, Valley of Butterflies, Saint Paul beach.
Tips: Suggested stays: 1 week. We recommend renting a car. Plus, it is perfect for island-hopping to Simi.
Koufonisia
Koufonisia’s three islands may be among the smallest of the Cyclades, but they offer everything you need for a relaxing seaside getaway. Pano Koufonisi (Koufonisia’s only inhabited island) is where you’ll find the destination’s most beautiful beaches, some of which are clothing optional. Take a day trip to Kato Koufonisi to swim or sightsee by boat for a more secluded feel. Keep this in mind! You can’t visit Koufonisia’s third island, Keros, because of its status as a protected archaeological site. Still, you’ll likely see it from afar while traveling to Pano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi.
Karpathos Island
It is one of the least touristy Greek islands, in good part because it is difficult to arrive here (due to limited ferry service). This remote island is a place to escape it all at amazingly uncrowded beaches.
Wonderful sandy shorelines are near the seaside village of Lefkos and the resort area of Amoopi (which has excellent facilities). Other top beaches are Kyra Panagia, in a secluded cove; Apella Beach, with a golden-sand shore and emerald waters; and Achata Beach, close to the main port town of Pigadia.
In the mountains of northernmost Kárpathos, the nearly inaccessible hilltop village of Olympos overlooks the sea and the surrounding countryside (That’s why we strongly recommend visiting it.). Thanks to its remote location, the town has retained its old way of life, authentic folk customs, and unique local cuisine that can only be found here.
Zakynthos
Head to Zakynthos to explore its breathtaking yet wild coastline of hidden coves and beaches. Some of the island’s most popular spots include Shipwreck Beach and the enchanted Blue Caves, where the reflection of the sky and the white limestone turn the water an ethereal shade of blue. Other sights are away from the water. So, check out the Venetian Castle that overlooks Zakynthos’ main town, then visit the Post-Byzantine Museum of Zante to peruse exhibits featuring religious art.
Hydra
Part of the Saronic Gulf southwest of Athens, Hydra immediately stands out from its neighbors for its lack of motor vehicles. You’ll have to meander your way around the cobblestone streets on foot or a donkey. But that’s a large part of Hydra’s appeal to travelers. While here, walk the island’s pebbly shorelines and explore its charming seaside towns like Hydra Town, where you’ll discover traditional houses and some of Hydra’s best nightlife venues.
Patmos
Celebrated as the island where Apostle John inspired the Apocalypse, Patmos is a small island with spiritual vibes. The most characteristic sight of Patmos is the Monastery of Saint John, just above Chora. Furthermore, the island has lovely beaches to enjoy a day under the sun. Do not also miss a visit to the Cave of the Apocalypse.
Why Patmos: Calm and relaxing, beautiful scenery, fantastic architecture, UNESCO Site of Cultural Heritage, chic and straightforward vibes, cosmopolitan, culture, hiking, beautiful beaches.
Tips: Suggested stays – 3 nights. We recommend renting a car. It is also ideal for hopping to Astylapalaia, Lipsi, Rhodes, and Kos.
The conclusion of the article about breathtaking Greek islands
We came to the end of our writing. Furthermore, we are also aware that we have left out many unique Greek islands which belong to the list. We invite you to write down your favorite Greek isles in the comments below. Ultimately, you can also tell us why you liked your famous island so much.
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