The 6 most magnificent bookstores in the Greek islands

Books are without a doubt the most effective means of learning about other cultures. Even in the unlikeliest of places, the Greek islands, there are several bookshops where bookworms may easily find new favorite readings and get a taste of Greek literature. 

So, are you on the hunt for the best novel to read during your holidays? In between taking dips in the ocean, head to one of the best bookshops in the Greek islands and feed your inner bookworm! 

Person enjoying a relaxing read on the beach 

Atlantis Books, Santorini 

Situated in the very heart of Oia in Santorini, Atlantis Books was founded in the mid-2000s. Within Atlantis Books, which is housed in a white-washed home with blue bookshelves, you'll find fiction, nonfiction, philosophy, history, culture, children's literature, and author's work in nearly every genre you can think of. 

Atlantis Books was founded by two undergraduate Americans on a study abroad year at Oxford. They ended up in Santorini and realized that there were no good Anglophone booksellers on the island. Their dream became a reality when they rented a stunning building located beneath the ruins of a Venetian castle on a cliff looking right over the Aegean Sea. 

The bookstore was inspired by the famous Shakespeare and Co. shop in Paris, where aspiring young writers like James Joyce were gathering in the 1920s. And once you're inside Atlantis, you'll see how similar the two stores are: both have low ceilings and are packed with books.

During the high season, the store hosts a variety of events, such as readings on the terrace, bookbinding classes, and food and film festivals. Overall, Atlantis Books is a haven for lovers of books and certainly one of Europe's most attractive bookstores.

If you ever find yourself at one of the world's most famous Greek islands, be sure to stop by and discover this literary gem.

The colorful exterior of the famous Atlantis bookshop in Oia, Santorini

Public Library of Rhodes

The Public Library of Rhodes, housed in the Castellania, one of the finest architectural monuments of the Knights of Rhodes, is a must-visit for anyone who loves words. It was built in 1597 in the heart of the medieval market and served as the knight's criminal court.

The Rhodes Library Branch has been operating since 1947. As you walk through the tall wooden doors, you'll notice the main library, which is built around a courtyard and has a limited collection of Greek reference books and novels.

The side rooms, however, are the primary attractions. These rooms, crammed floor to ceiling with books and magazines, are being lit only by sunlight seeping in through shuttered windows and medieval portholes.

Tip: the Public Library’s open stairway is ideal for taking photos of Hippocrates Square, the main square of the old town of Rhodes. 

Bibliopontikas, Syros

In the beautiful bookstore of ​Bibliopontikas in the center of Ermoupolis in Syros, you will not only find books in Greek and foreign languages, ​​but also many other items, such as scrapbooks, notebooks from recycled materials, small works of art, and postal cards. 

Children's books, comics and calendars for young and old are also part of this bookstore. Literary magazines and free press can be found on the counter of the second room, while used books are available at the entrance of the bookstore.

The bookstore’s bazaar, just before Christmas, has become a popular event in the city.

Person having a summer picnic by the sea while reading a book

Papyrus Jewelry & Used Books, Naxos

Papyrus was opened in 1972 in the city of Naxos, as one of the first tourist shops on the island. It quickly became a popular bookstore that sells a large selection of silver jewelry and books. The collection covers a wide range of genres and age groups, spanning from classics to contemporary literature.

Papyrus now offers a collection of over 15,000 used books in many European languages. For your convenience, it includes a huge collection of hardcover and paperback books organized alphabetically. Papyrus has amassed a large number of loyal customers thanks to its book-swap system, which allows them to exchange their own books and gain credits for books they want to purchase from the bookshop.

Mediterraneo Bookstore, Crete

Mediterraneo Bookstore is located on the historic harbor of Chania, in Crete, among little coffee bars and restaurants. This international bookstore specializes in literature, fiction, Greek history, dictionaries, travel books, maps, cooking books, and many more subjects.

It has a large selection of books about the history of Chania, Crete and Greece, including World War II and the Battle of Crete, as well as Greek classics in English. It also boasts a great selection of calendars and postcards. Overall, they offer books in more than 12 languages. 

In case you need something for the plane ride home, this is definitely a worthwhile stop for book lovers when visiting Crete.

A stack of four books placed on a pebble beach

Plous bookshop & coffee, Corfu

Plous is a wonderful independent bookshop, the first pure one in the city of Corfu. It is a must-visit for everyone, whether you are a book lover or not. 

The bookstore opened its doors in 1987 and includes a large collection of Greek and world literature, new releases but also classic works. Since then, Plous has developed into a gathering place for intellectuals and book lovers, becoming one of the first bookshops in Greece to host cultural festivals, photography and painting exhibits, book presentations, and events to promote the island of Corfu. 

Plous also has a little pocket garden with a lovely cafe, where you can curl up with a book and recharge your mind. The smell of books combined with that of coffee will make you want to visit this bookstore every single day of your trip. 

Person absorbed reading a book while standing in a bookstore

Overall, there are quite a few fascinating bookstores in the Greek islands that will make your trip even more memorable! Discover the best bookstores and book cheap ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper with just a few clicks.