Top 10 Greek Islands to Visit

It is a bit ironic that tourists often travel to popular islands like Mykonos or Santorini when the truth is that Greece has more than 6,000 islands, 227 of which are inhabited. While most of these islands boast of stunning beaches, lush hiking trails, or delish food, there are a few islands that are more than worth a visit.

Whether you are going on your honeymoon, you wish to get a dose of history through the best Rhodes tours, you are craving for some time at the beach, or you are traveling alone, you can be sure that there is the perfect Greek island for you, whatever your interests, travel style, and budget may be.

Below are the top 10 Greek islands to visit the next time you plan your much-deserved vacation.

Cephalonia

Cephalonia with its sapphire waters and natural beauty was put under the spotlight thanks to Louis De Bernières’ worldwide bestseller and wonderful novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin that was set on this gorgeous Greek island. After a few years, the film based on this novel put Cephalonia on the big screen and made it popular overnight. Its most popular beach is Myrtos. It has two main towns, Lixouri and Argostoli, which also happened to be rivals.

Corfu

This Ionian island is the home to the Corfuu trail, one of the best hiking trails in Greece. Walkers and hikers can do part or all of the trail’s 110 mile that laps most of the island. The months of April through October are the best times for doing the trail. You can also find small taverns in the hidden villages along this trail where you can discover some mouthwatering gastronomic selections.

Crete

Crete, the largest island in Greece, has a unique local culture that can satisfy all tastes and palates. Gorgeous deserted beaches, busy resorts crowded with tourists, unspoiled villages in the mountains that remain untouched by tourism, amazing old towns, and the delectable foods among the rest of the Greek islands await you in Crete. This is also a true paradise for trekers, with Idi, one of the country’s highest mountains and the tough Samaria George.

Hydra

Hydra is no doubt one of the prettiest islands in Greece with its one of a kind architecture that was preserved well thanks to the strict development policy. There are large houses that belong to historic figures looming on the hills on the two sides of the scenic harbor. Motorbikes and cars are totally banned on the island and mules are used instead for transportation purposes.

Ios

Ios is the Aegean’s alternative corner back in the 70s and 80s. What is interesting is that the island was able to preserve the same atmosphere that it used to have back in those days. The main village, Hora, is where you can find whitewashed houses that hide the frenetic nightlife for those who are 25 years old and below. It also has beaches that are at par with those of other islands.

Mykonos

Mykonos is one of the most popular Greek islands where all the cool kids go to enjoy the fun nightlife scene. The airport of the island can get really crowded with heavy traffic during summer months. Downtown Mykonos is where you can find the best nightlife. This island also caters to the LGBTQ travelers with its gay-friendly nightlife and beaches all over the island.

Paros

Paros located at the very heart of Aegean Sea is the best island for all sun worshippers out there. Renowned for its turquoise waters and golden sands, this is where you will find well-known, secret, large, and small beaches. Santa Maria, Kalogeros, and Kolymbithres are among the most unique beaches of the island.

Rhodes

Once the home to the Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, Rhodes island is among Greece’s earliest holiday destinations. The island is marked by its stunning Medieval Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are lots of places to visit and things to do in Rhodes with several museums that can give you the perfect cultural alibi after spending long days on the gorgeous beaches and partying all night long. The ideal way to take a visit as more attractions as possible is to book one of the private tours in Rhodes island.

Santorini

Dubbed as one of the world’s most romantic destinations, Santorini is popular for its breathtaking sunsets, towering cliffs, and the picturesque whitewashed buildings. This is undoubtedly one of the best islands you can visit in Greece. The dramatic landscape of Santorini was due to the huge volcanic eruptions that happened centuries ago. As a result, the center of Santorini sank that left behind a crater or caldera with the lofty cliffs along the island’s eastern side.

Skiathos

While not as a popular as the rest of the Greek islands above, Skiathos is one of the must-visit places in the country that remains unspoiled to this day. The island is popular for its panoramic natural beauty with its crystal clear waters, verdant pine trees, and over 60 stunning beaches.