Finding the best Greek islands is more complicated than you can imagine, as Greece has more than 6000 islands and islets spread in the Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea.
I am sure that you read many articles and saw many photos of Santorini, Mykonos and Crete and many say that one of these three is the best Greek island you have to see.
I am not going to say they are wrong, but there are plenty of other islets which are extremely beautiful and still keep the original vibe and hide many interesting attractions.
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Santorini for example has a very romantic vibe, while Mykonos Town is famous for its vibrant nightlife.
But let’s discover together other stunning islands that Greece has which you definitely have to include into your travel plans.
All the islands from this article have an airport and there are direct flights from Athens all year round and many charter flights from European countries in high season.
Best Greek islands
Milos
This might not be the most developed island from Greece, but exactly this makes from it the perfect destination for your summer getaway.
The place is ideal for windsurfing and scuba diving, as the sea bottom around the island is rich in reefs and old wrecks.
Just part of the island is developed, while on the other side dirt roads will lead you to secluded beaches, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
5 amazing beaches on the island
- Sarakiniko beach
- Papafragas beach
- Alogomandra beach
- Pollonia beach
- Tsigrado beach
Top things to do in Milos
- Visit the Venus of Milos site and the ancient Theatre
- Stroll around the capital Plaka
- Climb up the volcanic eroded rocks of Sarakiniko
- Visit the ancient city of Phylakopi
- Explore the catacombs of Tripiti Village
Accommodation
Located in Paliochori, on the best Greek island, within walking minutes from Eyes of the Cyclop, Volcano Luxury Suites Milos features a sundeck from where you can admire the incredible scenery.
With only 6 rooms, it is a small and intimate hotel that offers an unforgettable experience and gives you the feeling of a home away from home.
Breakfast can be served at the property, while for lunch and dinner you can find within walking distance a couple of restaurants and taverns.
Zakynthos
One of the best Greek islands to visit from the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos or Zante is an island of contrasts: mountainous landscape on the north and west part and a flat land full of amazing beaches on the south and east.
The mountainous part of the island impresses the visitors with white limestone cliffs plunging into the sea and hidden coves like the amazing Navagio area with its famous Navagio beach.
A large surface of the southwestern part of the island is occupied by the Greek National Marine Park, a protected area where the beautiful sea turtle Caretta Caretta come to lay their eggs.
5 amazing SAND beaches on the island
- Navagio beach (Shipwreck beach)
- Gerekas beach
- Kalamari beach
- Agios Nikolaos beach
- Porto Zoro beach
Top things to do in Zakynthos
- Take a boat from the small harbour Skinari and explore the Blue Caves
- Visit the uninhabited island of Marathonisi, the place where turtles lay their eggs
- Visit Agios Dionysios Church built-in 1717 in the harbour of Zakynthos Town
- Book a boat tour to Keri Caves on the southern part of the island
- Eat your lunch at Keri Lighthouse restaurant from the southern part of the island
Accommodation
Located on top of a hill of Zante, on the best Greek island for your summer holiday and overlooking the Ionian Sea, Zante Maris Suites is an adults-only hotel just 15 minutes walk from Tsilivi Beach.
The suites are modern and stylish with luxury toiletries and balcony or terrace from where you can enjoy the view.
For those of you looking for some privacy, I recommend you to book a deluxe suite with a shared pool or why not a suite with a private pool and of course, an amazing sea view.
Find out wich are the best Greece Beaches that you cannot miss this year.
Ikaria
One of the best Greek islands, Ikaria gets its name from Icarus, the young boy who was drowned into the sea after the sun burnt his wings when flying.
This amazing island attracts tourists from all over the world with its lush vegetation, beautiful beaches and turquoise waters.
Stay safe while you travel
- medical safety abroad
- medical assistance including COVID-19
- emergency medical evacuation
- trip interruption -up to $5.000
- travel delay - up to $100/day
The green nature, the ruined sightseeing and the cosy villages in the inland form nice hiking chances for visitors.
5 amazing beaches on the island
- Seychelles beach
- Nas beach
- Livadi beach
- Messakti beach
- Kambos beach
Top things to do in Ikaria
- Visit an ancient stone house used by locals to protect themselves from enemies
- Explore the Halari Gorge located close to Nas beach
- Photograph the Ancient Springs located just 2 kilometres away from Agios Kirikos
- Visit the small church of Panagia Theoskepasti which has a stone as a roof
- Explore the Tower of Drakano built in the 4th century BC
Accommodation
One of the most beautiful Greek islands offers a large variety of hotels and apartments where you can spend your holiday.
Our favourite one is Atheras Hotel Ikaria , a place that combines the tranquil and intense way of life with amusement.
The hotel is located about 5 minutes walk from Evdilos beach and the bars and restaurants from the area.
The 28 rooms recently renovated are simple and clean and each has a balcony overlooking the sea.
Breakfast can be served in the hotel’s backyard, while for lunch and dinner we recommend you to try the taverns from Evdilos village.
Kefalonia
The largest from the Ionian Sea and one of the best Greek island, Kefalonia welcomes its guests with mountainous villages surrounded by lush vegetation, breathtaking sceneries, Byzantine monasteries and amazing beaches.
Unfortunately, a large number of the island’s towns and villages were destroyed by the earthquake in 1953, so there is little architecture of historical interest, except the area of Fiskardo which survived.
However, there are still plenty of amazing places to discover and interesting activities to try while on the island.
5 amazing beaches on the island
- Myrtos beach, one of the best beaches in Greece
- Antisamos beach
- Makris Gialos beach
- Skala beach
- Lourdas beach
Top things to do in Kefalonia
- Explore the Assos village located on a natural harbour which connects the Assos Peninsula to the Errisos Peninsula
- Take a hike in the tallest mountain in Kefalonia, Mount Aenos (1.628 m)
- Visit Agios Gerasimos Monastery
- Take a boat tour to Melissani Cave, a place of an unreal beauty
- Watch the sunrise from Argostoli harbour
Accommodation
Located in Fiskardo and surrounded by cedar trees, Emelisse Nature Resort Kefalonia is one of the best resorts from Kefalonia, the best Greek island.
This holiday retreat proposes to its clients a new holiday concept based on relaxation, rejuvenation and recuperation.
The resort was designed and created to offer guests an extra sense of privacy and peacefulness, a new sense of purpose.
Hide in nature’s splendour, the luxurious rooms, suites and maisonettes offer privacy and tranquillity, while at the resort’s restaurant you can taste delicious food made from local and fresh products.
Corfu
One of the most beautiful Greek islands, Corfu, also known as Kerkyra is bound up with the history of Greece from the beginning of Greece mythology.
Every summer this beautiful island attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world becoming a top destination for summer holidays.
The historical and religious monuments, the picturesque villages and the welcoming locals make from Crete a very tempting option for your next getaway.
5 amazing beaches on the island
- Paleokastritsa beach
- Agios Gordios beach
- Myrtiotissa beach
- Rovinia beach
- Bataria Kassiopi beach
Top things to do in Corfu
- Take some incredible photos of one of Corfu’s hidden gem: Agni Bay
- See the dramatic Cape Drastis
- Explore the Old Town of Corfu
- Visit the Vlacherna Monastery
- Take a trip to Canal D’Amour
Accommodation
Located just 18 kilometres from Corfu airport along a private white-sandy beach of the island of Corfu, on one of the best Greek island, Domes Miramare Corfu is the perfect place to spend your holiday.
The historic property fully renovated a few years ago hosted famous persons from all over the world, from film stars to royals and heads of states.
The resort features 113 bedrooms, suites and villas and is the perfect getaway after so many days of hard work.
On-site, there is a Michelin star restaurant where people can taste the reinvented Greek cuisine.
This hotel is actually a legendary combination of opulent style and design set in an authentic Mediterranean landscape!
Amorgos
Located near Naxos and Ios, in the southern part of the Cyclades islands, the island of Amorgos is one of the best Greek islands.
This is the place where the famous 1998 movie “The big blue” with Jean Reno was filmed!
One of Cyclades hidden gems, the island attracts tourists with its breathtaking sceneries, mysterious caves and incredible beaches spread all over the place.
The island is the perfect destination for those of you looking for privacy and tranquillity as well as for nature lovers.
5 amazing beaches on the island
- Mouros beach
- Agios Pavlos beach
- Nikouria beach
- Maltezi beach
- Aegiali beach
Top things to do in Amorgos
- Do a day trip to Monastery of Hozoviotissa built in the 11th century on a rocky slope
- Take some photos of Shipwreck Olympia located near Kalotaritisa
- Explore the sea caves located near the beach of Mouros
- Visit Gavras Tower, an important Venetian remain in Chora
- Explore the Venetian castle located near Chora Town
Accommodation
Located in Tholaria, one of the most scenic places from Amorgos, the best Greek island, Vigla Hotel Amorgos is the perfect place for your holiday.
The hotel comprises only 25 rooms with sea view, all designed according to the principles of Cycladic architecture.
It is a family hotel, with a long tradition in hospitality, a place full of welcoming people looking to offer an unforgettable memory to all of their guests.
Rhodes
Also known as the “Knights’ Island”, Rhodes has a very rich history behind with many ancient ruins and buildings.
The island is the capital of the Dodecanese islands and is a great place to go if you are looking for a relaxing holiday but you are also interested in exploring new territories.
The island reveals itself to the eyes of the visitor as a magnificent explosion of colours and activities that combine a mix of interesting sights and relaxation, unique nature and entertainment.
5 amazing beaches on the island
- Faliraki beach
- Megali Paralia beach
- Anthony Quinn beach
- Agathi beach
- Tsambika beach
Top things to do in Amorgos
- Explore the medieval City of Rhodes
- Visit the Seven Springs
- Explore the Butterfly Valley
- Visit the historical site of Kamiros
- Take a tour of the Kalithea Springs
Accommodation
Occupying modernist villas overlooking Kolympia Beach and the Mediterranean Sea, Sentido Port Royal is a premium hotel just 6 kilometres from the Valley of the Butterflies.
Chich villas with modern furniture and a beautiful sitting area and pool or sea view welcome the guests from all over the world.
On-site there are 2 upscale restaurants and 3 bars where guests can try the local Greek cuisine and international food.
Conclusion
As you can see, each of these islands is unique and has many interesting attractions, not to mention their stunning beaches with turquoise waters and incredible ancient ruins.
Pick the most beautiful Greek island that suits you most and plan your trip in advance to secure the best price-quality ratio.
Greek islands are like a magnet for tourists from all over the world and this is very easy to understand why.
You will find here, in these places, the most beautiful islands in Greece, everything you could wish for and even more no matter if you are a beach lover or an active kind of person!
Book your accommodation
We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.
You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.
Don't forget travel insurance
We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money.
When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.
Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected costs caused by medical events like illness, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.
We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.
Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.
We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.
Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.
We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.
Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.
Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.