Explore the most charming Greek islands with our list of itineraries and travel tips. The Greek islands are undoubtedly among the most popular and visited in the world, and the truth is that they are charming and there are some to suit all traveller tastes.
Greece has thousands of islands and islets, but Only 227 of them are inhabitedLet's discover together which are the most charming Greek islands, what they offer and how we can get to know them.
Greece and its islands
The Greek Islands They are distributed throughout the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Most of it is in the Mar Egeo, south and east of mainland Greece, and only a few are in the waters of the Ionian Sea, west of the continent.
We can divide the Greek islands into different groups:
- The Ionian Islands: They are those that are close to Albania and Italy, not so close to AthensThey are the Greek outlet to the Adriatic and the rest of Europe, and have always suffered foreign invasions. They have even had foreign governments, as when they were in the hands of Venetian merchants, or the French, English, Russians or Austrians. Here the main island is Corfu, but there are also Kefalonia, Paxi, Kythira, Ithaca, Zante...
- The Saronic Gulf Islands: They are located between the Peloponnese and Athens. They are great to visit without going too far: Salamina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses and Aegina.
- The Sporades Islands: They are east of Athens and the main island, Evia, is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Heavily forested, it has little international tourism.
- The Cyclades Islands: They are islands located further south, between Crete and Athens. These are the classic Greek islands of the popular imagination with white houses, beautiful beaches and windmills. Here they reign Mykonos and Santorini, but they are also Amorgos, Anaphi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Donousa, Folegrandros, Ios, Naxos, Kythnos, Milos, Sifnos and else.
- Dodecanese Islands: They are in the southeastern tip of the Greek islands, they are more rustic than the rest and they are less developed that the Cyclades. They are closer to Türkiye and have historical ties with Venice. Here is Rhodes, Chalkis, Astypalaia, Karpathos, Kalymnos, Kasos, Kos, Leros, Nysiros, Patmos…
- North Aegean Islands: Quite remote, located between Türkiye and Thessaloniki, in the extreme north of mainland Greece. SamosFor example, it is very close to the Turkish port of Kusadasi.
- Crete: It is the largest Greek island and that is why if you go you have to dedicate a whole week to it.
Most charming Greek islands to visit
When choosing which Greek island to visit, you have to stop and think. What we like, what we want to do and how much time we haveDo we like ancient history? Do we like the beach and the sun? Do we like nature? Do we want to party?
Some Tips for choosing which Greek island to visit: May to September is the mid-season (fewer people, cheaper hotels); keep in mind that cars and motorbikes are the best means of transport around here (renting in advance is recommended); and finally, flights and ferries should also be booked.
If you don't want to travel too far from Athens, either for time or money, you can try Hydra. It is very well connected to the Greek capital and the Peloponnese, it is a very relaxed island, without cars, and with beaches that are very easily accessible.
If you want something popular and chic, Mykonos is the ideal place. It is the typical Greek island with beautiful beaches, blue sea, very cool restaurants and hotels and lots of night life international. Also nearby are the ruins of the Sanctuary of Delos.
If you are attracted by nature, you might want to visit Santorini and its volcano.. It is a very picturesque island, with charming villages built at the foot of the collapsed volcano, with vineyards and attractions even for couples. Yes, it is a very romantic island So try to stay in Oia, on top of the cliffs.
Milos is a good destination if you are looking for beaches. Over time, this part has become more popular because it has some superb beaches, quiet villages, good food and a very relaxed atmosphere. However, it is super quiet at night so party people, refrain.
Ios is a destination for young people. It has beautiful beaches, typical Greek villages that are no less charming and a very lively nightlife. It is great to go with friends, and it is also super well located, between Naxos and Santorini.
On our list of Charming Greek Islands to Visit follow him Paros, known for its gastronomy and beaches, ideal for families, friends and couples. It has long sandy beaches, good restaurants and is very close to Antiparos, another island that offers different activities.
Speaking of go with the family to Greece A very familiar island is Naxos. It is close to Paros, a short ferry ride away, and has a beautiful seaside town, lovely quiet beaches, good hotels and great local culture. A drive or motorbike ride is a must to get to know the medieval inland villages.
Zakynthos is known for its shipwreck. It has spectacular beaches and is great for boat rides. The shipwreck is the most popular thing here, but not the only one. It is not a good option for families as young people come with a desire to night life.
folegandros It is a good destination if you want something super calm, with little tourism. It is a small and romantic island, little touched by tourism, with good beaches, great sea views and small enough to do nothing.
In short, the choice of which charming Greek island to visit will depend on your tastes and intentions:
- Romantic getaways: Santorini.
- Beaches: Milos or Zakyntos.
- Culture and history: Naxos, for its museums and ruins.
- Nightlife and luxury: Mykonos.
- Peace and quiet: Lesser-known islands including Patmos and Folegandros.
When exploring the most enchanting Greek islands consider that The best time of year to visit Greece is between fend of April and beginning of October. For fewer people and a milder climate, visit May to early June or September. July and August are super high season.
Final tips: Plan a route in advance, thinking about which islands are close to each other, to make transfers by ferry easier. Find a good balance between hyper-popular destinations like Mykonos or Santorini and quieter ones like Folegandros or Patmos. And yes, The ideal is to stay between 4 and 5 days on each island.