The best Greek islands to visit
A dozen slices of Aegean and Ionian heaven
There are many lists of the best Greek islands, but what does that actually mean? The answer depends on what you're looking for: is it the most popular and liveliest holiday destination; the most stunning natural sights and breathtaking beaches; or perhaps something offering a true, authentic Greek experience?
The good news is that with about 6,000 islands and islets spread across the Aegean and Ionian, many tick all (or quite a few) of these boxes!The bad news is that you will be spoiled for choice, but Ferryhopper is to help! We picked out our top picks that strike a perfect balance between the wow factor, ease of access and affordability.
Now that we've whetted your appetite, let’s take a closer look at the 12 of the best Greek islands to visit:
Santorini, the classic Greek island escape
With whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and breathtaking caldera sunsets, Santorini is the poster child of the Greek island experience. Beyond its iconic views though, the Cycladic island has cliffside villages, like Oia and Fira, stunning beaches shaped by its volcanic origins and ancient Minoan ruins at Akrotiri.
Did we mention that Santorini also has world-class wineries at Pyrgos where you can taste the unique Assyrtiko wine? Whether you're honeymooning, exploring the Aegean or simply looking to unwind under the sun, you really can’t go wrong with Santorini.
How to get to Santorini
The port at Athinios makes it easy to get to Santorini from Piraeus and neighboring islands in the Cyclades almost every day of the year. The Santorini ferry schedules generally increase over the summer, with the journey taking about 5 hours.
Good to know: there is no single best time to visit Santorini, but heading to the island in late spring or early fall offers a great balance of mild weather and thinner crowds.
Sunset in Oia is truly magical
Mykonos, where the partying never ends
When you need to turn the party vibes up to 11, look no further than Mykonos! During the day, all the action is to be found at world-class beaches like Super Paradise and Psarrou, with crystal-clear waters and beach bars to get you in the mood.
After you get your fair share of the sun, head into Mykonos Town for a wander around the narrow alleys and windmills, before settling down with a coffee or drink during the sunset at Little Venice. When the moon finally makes its appearance, get ready to dance the night away as Mykonos transforms into a clubber’s paradise, with international guest DJs setting the beat!
How to get to Mykonos
Thanks to the new port in Tourlos, it is easier than ever to travel to Mykonos by ferry, with multiple daily crossings from Piraeus and Rafina near Athens, as well as neighboring islands. High-speed options can get you there in about 2 hours.
Top tip: if you want to combine your vacation with some island-hopping, Mykonos is an ideal starting point for day trips in the Cyclades.
Nothing says summer like an ice-cold drink by the sea in Mykonos
Crete, the most diverse Greek island
Crete is practically a country of its own, so what you should be asking is whether there is anything it doesn't have. Looking for some of the finest beaches in Greece to spread out under the sun? Head over to the pink sands of Elafonissi or relax in the turquoise lagoon at Balos. Want to take a deep dive into ancient Greek myths and history? Then make sure you visit the Knossos Palace, home of the legendary Minotaur.
Or maybe you want to combine your vacation with some hiking? Samaria Gorge, the longest in Europe, awaits! And if all this has opened your appetite, there are many folk festivals over the summer where you can try local delicacies, from dakos (salad with barley rusk, tomatoes and cheese) to kaltsounia (sweet cheese pastry), and wash it down with Cretan raki.
How to get to Crete
As the largest Greek island with multiple major ports, there are at least 2-3 daily crossings from Piraeus to Crete, with the ferry journey taking 8.5 to 14 hours. Crete’s ferry schedules with the mainland and other islands in the Aegean are regular and generally increase over the summer months.
Tip: all the action is mainly on the northern side of Crete, but if you want to add a bit of intimacy to your trip, consider a day trip to Gavdos, the southernmost Greek island, just a short ferry hop from Sfakia.
The turquoise waters at Balos await!
Rhodes, for a dash of cosmopolitan flair
The “Island of the Knights”, as Rhodes is also known, is the largest island in the Dodecanese and one of the most family-friendly islands in Greece. And who can argue when Rhodes boasts a UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town from the era of the Knights of St. John, an ancient Acropolis watching over Lindos or the spectacular hiking trails through the Valley of the Butterflies?
Beyond its rich history and impressive sights though, the island’s aces up its sleeve are its idyllic beaches like Vlycha, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and white sand, or the marvels to be found beneath the waves at Anthony Quinn Bay.
How to get to Rhodes
Rhodes is easily accessible by ferry, with regular connections to Athens (Piraeus), other Aegean islands and Fethiye in Turkey. The Rhodes ferry schedules generally increase over the summer, making it easy to visit nearby islands.
Good to know: for an even more relaxed and authentic experience, consider going on day trip to Halki, a small island off the western shores of Rhodes.
The Old Town of Rhodes is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe
Corfu, the Venetian challenger
Unlike its white-and-blue Aegean cousins, Corfu in the Ionian Islands, is known for Venetian mansions, grand fortresses, and a UNESCO-listed Old Town that looks like it was plucked straight from an Italian postcard. But don’t worry, the beaches are as Greek as they come: the turquoise waters and idyllic coves of Paleokastritsa are tied to Greek myths and, while Glyfada is perfect for lazy sunbathing.
Head further inland, and you’ll find rolling olive groves and sleepy villages where time slows down. Foodies, take note: Corfu’s pastitsada (a rich, slow-cooked pasta and meat dish) is legendary.
How to get to Corfu
Thanks to its strategic location in the Ionian, you can travel to Corfu by sea from mainland Greece and neighboring islands, as well as Sarandë in Albania, and multiple Italian ports: Bari, Brindisi, Ancona, and Venice. During the summer, you can expect ferry schedules to Corfu to increase, giving you more options.
Tip: if you’re looking for more secluded beaches, traditional villages, or ancient ruins, you can always go on a day trip from Corfu to Albania and nearby islands.
The waterfront and Old Town of Corfu
Ios for the party and chill vibes
Ios, where Homer is rumored to be buried, is an island with two sides. By day, Ios is a laid-back paradise of golden sands, hidden coves, and whitewashed villages clinging to the hills. Mylopotas Beach is the star of the show, but go off the beaten path and you'll find dreamy, empty sandy stretches like Magganari.
By night though, the Cycladic island reveals its other side, with neon lights, DJs, and wild beach bars that keep going till sunrise. Whether you're here to dance or detox, Ios lets you do both at your own pace.
How to get to Ios
The only way to get to Ios is by sea, as the island does not have an airport. From the ports near Athens, you can catch a ferry from Piraeus almost every day and Lavrio 1-2 times a week, and during the summer there are regular crossings from Rafina. It is also possible to travel to Ios from many Cycladic and Dodecanesian islands and Crete.
Anything is possible in Ios!
Paros, the Cycladic up-and-comer
Paros is like Mykonos’ cool, effortlessly stylish cousin. It has beautiful beaches, charming villages, and great nightlife, only without the hefty price tag. Naoussa is a maze of cobbled lanes and seaside tavernas, where fresh seafood and crisp white wine flow freely. Parikia, the island’s capital, blends history with a buzzing bar scene.
If you’re a windsurfer, Golden Beach is your playground. Prefer a slower pace? Antiparos, just a short ferry hop away, feels like a secret escape. Whether you're a beach bum, a party-goer, or maybe somewhere in between explorer, Paros has you covered!
How to get to Paros
Paros is easily accessible by ferry, with daily departures from Piraeus and neighboring Cycladic islands making it a breeze. As you might expect, the Paros ferry schedules increase over the summer, greatly expanding your options.
Tip: Paros is an ideal starting point for any first-timer to Greece before and introduction to the Cyclades.
The typical Cycladic style found in the narrow alleys of Paros
Milos, the romantic wonder off the beaten path
The word “unique” gets thrown around a fair bit when it comes to Greek islands, but few perhaps live up to it like Milos. This volcanic beauty boasts surreal landscapes, from Sarakiniko’s moon-white cliffs to the cave-studded coastlines of Kleftiko. It’s also where the Venus de Milo was discovered, proving that even the ancient Greeks knew this place was something special.
You can spend your days exploring colorful fishing villages like Klima, swimming in emerald waters, or hopping between beaches that look straight out of a dream. And the food? Think fresh seafood, local cheeses, and some of the best tomatoes you’ll ever taste.
How to get to Milos
Getting to Milos by ferry is straightforward thanks to daily crossings from the ports of Piraeus and Lavrio near Athens, as well as nearby islands and Crete. Generally more ferries set sail for Milos in the summer, with routes from some other islands being seasonal.
Tip: the best time to visit Milos is arguably June, when the weather is great, but crowds are thinner.
Sarakiniko beach is out of this world!
Naxos, the Cycladic jack of all trades
If there is one Greek island that refuses to be put in a box, that would be Naxos. Family-friendly? Check. Great beaches? Absolutely. Buzzing nightlife? Of course. Rich history and ancient ruins? You bet! As soon as you arrive on the island, Portara, a giant marble doorway from a temple dedicated to Apollo, will greet you. As for the beaches? Agios Prokopios and Plaka are some of the finest in the Cyclades.
Venture further inland though, and you'll discover that Naxos is also all about rolling hills and charming mountain villages. On top of that, Naxos is one of the best Greek islands for foodies. Naxian potatoes are famous, but it's the cheese (graviera, specifically) that steals the show.
How to get to Naxos
You can easily visit Naxos by sea, with ferries regularly departing from Piraeus near Athens and nearby islands throughout the year. If you decide to travel during the summer, you can also hop on a ferry from Rafina.
Good to know: Naxos is particularly enchanting in spring with one of the best carnivals in the Greek islands.
Welcome to the island of Naxos!
Hydra, a car(e)-free timeless beauty
No cars. No scooters. No modern chaos. At just a stone’s throw away from Athens, Hydra moves at its own slow, romantic pace, and that’s exactly why people love it. As soon as you arrive on the Saronic island, you’ll feel as if has stood still. Instead of honking traffic, you’ll hear the clip-clop of donkeys, the island’s main mode of transport.
Its harbor, lined with neoclassical mansions and art galleries, has attracted and inspired writers and painters, such as Pablo Picasso and Leonard Cohen. Spend your days hiking to hidden monasteries, taking dips in crystal-clear waters, or sipping wine at a waterfront taverna while the sun melts into the sea. If you need a break from modern life, Hydra delivers.
How to get to Hydra
Hydra is only accessible by sea, either directly from Piraeus near Athens, the islands of Aegina, Spetses and Poros or from ports on the Peloponnese, such as Ermioni and Porto Cheli. The ferry routes are active all year round, with multiple crossings daily in the summer.
Tip: check out our guide on day trips from Athens to nearby islands if you are looking for more destinations near the Greek capital.
Sailing boats entering the old port of Hydra
Skiathos, for a supreme beach experience
Beach lovers, take notice. Skiathos, has one of the highest beach-to-land ratios in Greece. With over 60 to choose from, you’ll find everything from the tropical setting of Koukounaries and the lively, music-filled Banana Beach to the family-friendly golden sands of Achladies and the white-stone beauty of Lalaria (accessible only by boat).
The island has also left its mark on cinema history as a filming location for Mamma Mia!, and yes, you can visit those movie-perfect spots in real life. And when the sun starts to set, it's time to head over to Skiathos Town, where you can sip cocktails by the harbor or get lost in bougainvillea-draped alleys. This is the Sporades at their best.
How to get to Skiathos
The Skiathos ferry schedules are fairly straightforward, with daily crossings from Volos in Thessaly, Mantoudi in Evia, and other nearby islands, as well as seasonal ferries from Thessaloniki.
Skiathos has no shortage of amazing beaches
Zakynthos, more than just a pretty shipwreck
If you’ve ever seen a photo of a shipwreck on a dazzling white-sand beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs and electric blue waters, that would be Zante, or Zakynthos, home of the famous Navagio beach. But this Ionian beauty is more than its most famous sight. The endangered Caretta caretta sea turtle can often be seen nesting on the island’s southern shores.
But there is so much more to Zante than its postcard-perfect coast. Follow the roads further inland and you’ll be rewarded with sea caves glowing with sapphire light, hidden monasteries in the hills, and sleepy mountain villages where life moves at a different pace.
How to get to Zakynthos
You can hop a ferry to Zakynthos from Kyllini in the Peloponnese every day of the year. During the summer months it is also possible to travel there from Kefalonia, Ithaca, Lefkada, Meganisi, Corfu and Paxi.
The azure waters and cliffs at the Blue Caves of Zakynthos
Travel Tips
Here are some tips to help you better plan your Greek island escape:
- While some of the islands on our list have an airport, the best way to experience a Greek island escape is to travel by sea. Most destinations are within a few hours from Athens, which is enough to get you in a summer mood and practice your ice coffee-ordering skills before you hit the beach. The Ferryhopper guide to Greek ferries covers everything you need to know to plan your adventure!
- If you are traveling to the islands from Piraeus, you can catch the metro to avoid the traffic. Line 1 connects the port with the city center and northern suburbs, while line 3 offers a direct connection between Piraeus and the airport.
- Although taxis and buses will get you to the most popular places on the islands, the best way to explore them is by renting or bringing your own car. Have a look at our guide about driving on the Greek islands to get an idea of what to expect.
- The summer is the best time to visit the Greek islands, but if you are looking for better prices and thinner crowds, try to plan your trip in late spring (May/early June) or late September to October. During these periods there is lots of sunshine and the sea is pleasantly warm.
How to choose the best Greek island for you
Now that we have gone through our list of the best Greek islands, you may be asking yourself which one you should choose. All of them have something special to offer, but knowing what you are after can make a huge difference on your experience.
Here's a little cheat sheet to get a preview of what you can expect:
- 🏖️ Best beaches: Skiathos, Mykonos, Milos, Zakynthos & Crete
- 🌙 Best nightlife: Mykonos, Ios, Paros, Zakynthos & Rhodes
- 🏺 Best history & culture: Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini & Hydra
- 🛶 Best relaxation & scenic views: Santorini, Hydra, Milos, Paros & Skiathos
- 🗺️ Best for adventure & nature: Crete, Naxos, Zakynthos, Corfu & Ios
- 👨👩👧👦 Best for families: Rhodes, Crete, Naxos, Skiathos & Corfu
If you are still finding it hard to choose one, then why not plan an island-hopping adventure? All you need to do is hop on the ferry and travel between islands for the adventure of a lifetime. Luckily, Ferryhopper has your back with the Map of ferries, and you can book your ferry tickets online without hidden fees.
