Ah, the Greek islands. This archipelago is full of tiny dots of land that offer some of the most spectacular scenery, richest local cultures, delicious cuisine, and exhilarating nightlife in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
If you’re not already motivated to book a Greek holiday, please let us help. Here’s a handy list of why the Greek islands are the ultimate paradise for seafaring explorers. We hope you have your passport ready.
1. The Porto Katsiki Beach in Lefkada
Located off mainland Greece’s Ionian coast, Lefkada has some of the country’s most gorgeous and often secluded beaches. Perhaps the finest of these is Porto Katsiki, near the island’s southwestern corner. You have to walk down 80 steps to reach it, but trust us; the mini-hike is worth it.
With striking white cliffs towering above and refreshing turquoise water below, this beach is so miraculously beautiful that you might start asking yourself how you suddenly made it to heaven.
2. The Unique Allure of Lesbos
This Greek island is most famous for being the home of the Ancient Greek poet Sappho, who would later go on to become one of the world’s greatest queer icons. Lesbos (or Lesvos) has itself become a popular destination for LGBTQ+ destination thanks to the folklore.
Regardless of your identity, you will have plenty to see and do here, from the island’s strangely beautiful petrified forest to the island’s native cuisine that takes “farm to table” to a new level.
3. The Ethereal Scenery of Milos’ Beaches
Milos is actually found in the southwestern Cyclades, but once you’re here, you might feel like you’ve ascended into heaven. The beaches on this island really are that beautiful. Perhaps the most famous beach here is Sarakiniko, which sports moon-like white rocks dropping dramatically into the Aegean Sea. If you want more of a challenge, try hiking to Gerontas for grand caves and uniquely clear water.
4. The Cuisine (and Liqueur) of Naxos
As part of the Cyclades archipelago situated in between Athens (to the northwest), Izmir (to the northeast, in Turkey), and Crete (to the south), Naxos is an island sporting an incredible array of beautiful scenery.
Even better, Naxos has some of the tastiest Greek food that you’ll find anywhere. From the freshest locally-caught seafood to their unique cheeses, you’ll never go hungry here. And if you’re craving a tasty adult beverage, you must try their Kitron liqueur.
5. The Quiet Elegance of Hydra
One of the Saronic Islands nestled between Athens and the Peloponnese city of Nafplion, Hydra is a quiet and car-free island that’s enchanted a slew of famous visitors over the years, from acclaimed Italian actor Sophia Loren to music composer Leonard Cohen and travel expert Rick Steves.
Yes, they still use donkeys to transport goods. Yes, you’ll find plenty of great swimming holes throughout the island. And yes, this truly is the perfect Greek island if your idea of a coastal vacation involves maximum tranquility and zen.
6. The Village of Assos on Kefalonia
The island of Kefalonia is located northwest of the Peloponnese peninsula in the Ionian Sea. On its north shore is the village of Assos, which has proven resilient throughout multiple wars, conquests, and a major earthquake in 1953.
Today, you can wander the town’s streets and admire the stunning architecture, including an array of pastel-colored homes and a grand Venetian castle open to visitors. If you prefer spending your time outside, go to Assos’ white sand beaches for the ultimate Mediterranean paradise.
7. The Life of the Party in Mykonos
Mykonos has become one of Greece’s most popular islands. As one of the Cyclades islands southeast of Athens, Mykonos has developed a raucous summer party scene that easily rivals Ibiza and Saint-Tropez. If you enjoy being the life of the party, you simply have to go to Mykonos and experience the wildest clubs outside of Las Vegas. And if you end up partying all night long, stay up just a little longer for an epic sunrise.
8. The Simple Charm of Paros
South of Mykonos and west of Naxos lies the Aegean island of Paros. Paros wasn’t always as famous as its northern neighbor, but that has slowly changed. As rich and famous jet-setters increasingly slide onto Paros to enjoy a calmer retreat, others have started to catch on and come over.
Yet even as tourists make their way to Paros, it still feels less hectic and more relaxing than you’d expect for a popular Greek island. Come for the magnificent Blue Lagoon, stay at one of the island’s new luxury hotels, and sign up for a boat tour of the ancient ruins of the nearby Despotiko Island for a marvelous spectacle.
9. The Ruins of the Lindos Acropolis in Rhodes
The Greek island of Rhodes is located almost directly south of the Turkish city of Marmaris. While in Rhodes, seek out this island’s incredible historic treasures, such as the Lindos Acropolis archaeological site, which includes incredible ruins.
See the temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, which was dedicated in the fourth century BCE; the Sanctuary of Psithyros, which was built in the second century CE (or AD); and the Byzantine-era Chapel of Saint John and fortress walls.
10. The Beaches of Zakynthos
Just south of Kefalonia and west of the Peloponnese lies the island of Zakynthos, an island full of fantastic beaches that look and feel out of this world. Accessible only by boat, Zakynthos feels exotic and secluded.
One of the best beaches on this island is Navagio, which hosts a historic shipwreck and soft white sands along crystal-clear turquoise water. For something family-friendly, try Gerakas and Kalamaki. For something even more secluded, look for Dafni on the southern end of Zakynthos.
11. The Island That Mamma Mia! Made Famous (Skopelos)
Even if Skopelos doesn’t sound familiar, you’ve maybe seen it onscreen thanks to its starring role in the 2008 jukebox musical rom-com Mamma Mia! Though you likely won’t find ABBA or Meryl Streep performing here during your stay, you will encounter incredible land and seascapes, stunning pine-studded beaches, lovely medieval architecture in the town of Chora, and plenty of tasty strifti (twisted phyllo cheese pie).
12. The Incredible Trails of Samaria National Park in Crete
As Greece’s largest and most populated Mediterranean island, Crete has a host of incredible offerings awaiting your discovery. One that’s certainly worth discovering is Samaria National Park. Here at Crete’s only national park, you will encounter the Samaria Gorge and its amazing array of over 450 animal and plant species, 70 of which are native to Crete.
The gorge is also Europe’s longest, stretching for about 10 miles and soaring as high as about 4,035 feet above sea level at Xyloskalo.
13. The Timeless Wonders of Knossos in Crete
Greece may have many remarkable ancient archaeological sites, but the Palace of Knossos wows visitors with its grand scale and design. Spanning some 150,000 square feet, it is one of the largest and most elaborate remains of the Minoan civilization that called Crete home nearly 2,000 years ago.
Though the original palace was wrecked by both a volcanic eruption and a tsunami, this site now has several reconstructed areas where you can better understand what it looked like in its glory days.
14. The Amazing Architecture of Syros
Whether you prefer the marvelous medieval landmarks and stately neoclassical architecture of Ermoupoli or the fascinating ancient ruins of Galissas and Chalandriani, you will have plenty of buildings and structures to explore throughout the Cycladic island of Syros. And while you’re here, appreciate the golden beaches and tasty seafood restaurants in Kini.
15. The Famous Blue Domes of Oia in Santorini
Santorini is another of Greece’s most famous islands, regularly drawing huge crowds. Even if you’re not keen on diving into Santorini’s summertime sea of humanity, a simple glance at the beautiful blue domes of Oia might make you reconsider. It’s at least worth a leisurely stroll if you’re out this way.