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From the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas to the Aegean Seas, the Greek Islands reflect the natural thrills, cool culture and dense terrain. With around 6,000 islands to pick from, there is something for every person. All the islands of Greece have their allure and enjoy a reputation for stunning vistas of golden or white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Greece is the most prevalent destination in the Mediterranean region mainly because of its people, wines, and top-tier beaches. The warm climate of all the Greek islands makes them an excellent setting for a romantic escape or relaxing holiday.
Top 10 Greek Islands
Here are some of the most well-known and visited Greek islands, rendering white sand beaches and turquoise waters during your trip:
1. Patmos
Photo: Jeff Stapleton / Pexels
Patmos is the place where John wrote the “Book of Revelation” at the Cave of the Apocalypse. Patmos is an essential Christian pilgrimage spot situated in the Aegean Sea. This island is perfect for all thrill seekers and naturists because of the caves which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island, filled with secluded beaches, is also home to whitewashed monasteries, folklore museums and many 16th-century mansions. At Patmos, the monastery of Saint John stands out as the main and popular attraction, dominating the skyline of the Patmos Old Town.
Location: Dodecanese Islands
How To Reach: Take a ferry from the Islands of Rhodes and Kor or Piraeus
2. Crete
Photo: Serinus / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
As one of the most well-known islands in Greece, Crete is loved for its beaches, taverns located on the hillside and summer party setting. However, the thing that makes this island stand out is due to the “Palace of Knossos”. It is a city that goes back to 7000 BC, a perfect spot for all the history buffs. The Minoan palaces and the archaeological locations date back to the Bronze Age. While getting tanned at Elafonisi Beach, you can try some fried, grilled or steamed snails. You should visit Malia to party after drinking some beverages at the taverna. Visiting the National Museum of Crete and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion offer some deep insights into this island’s ancient past.
Location: Largest and southernmost Greek island in the Mediterranean Sea
How To Reach: Fly from Athens to Chania or Heraklion airports or take ferries from Piraeus
3. Mykonos
Dubbed the “Greek Ibiza” for its party atmosphere, Mykonos is also known for its melange of glamour, traditional allure, and natural magnificence. Visiting this beautiful island will let you explore the sandy beaches covering the shore with turquoise waters. Mykonos’s capital, Chora is famed for colourful doors, windows, and even balconies, along with 16th-century windmills, cobbled streets, and whitewashed residences. Mykonos is also an excellent destination for holidays, and it will let you cruise around the area. Take a look at the well-known beaches, flyboard, and go scuba diving. You will also find a district known as “Little Venice” near the coast, where you will find the iconic windmills.
Location: Cyclades Islands
How To Reach: Fly from any international airport or Athens or take a ferry from Rafina or Piraeus
4. Corfu
Photo: Artūras Kokorevas / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Found on the west side of mainland Greece, the island of Corfu carries a reputation for sandy beaches. The island’s highest village, called “Old Perithia, was founded way back in the 14th century. Dubbed the “Emerald Isle” for its turquoise water, this island is filled with many olive groves and cypress trees that craft out green and lively terrain. Corfu’s downtown section is listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from being one of the best islands in Greece, Corfu will also let you walk down the pathway with countless archways. The pathway will take you to the Saint Spyridon Cathedral, which offers some great views.
Location: Ionian Islands
How To Reach: Fly from European cities or Athens to Corfu Airport or take a ferry from Italy
5. Naxos
Photo: Efrem Efre / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Known as one of the leading islands in Greece due to its natural magnificence, Naxos is also enveloped with history. Here, on this island, you will encounter many ancient Greek ruins and Venetian mansions. Visiting the western coast of this island will lead you to relax, participate in water sports, snorkel, and sunbathe. The archaeological museum found inside the 13th-century Venetian castle is located on a cliff. In another section of Naxos, you will encounter the massive Kouros statues. These date back to the 6th century and were abandoned after flaws were uncovered in the marble.
Location: Cyclades Islands
How To Reach: Fly from Athens to the Naxos Airport or take ferries from Paros and Mykonos or Piraeus
6. Milos
Photo: Dimitris Mourousiadis / Pexels
This is a volcanic Greek island that got the nickname “Island of Colours” and stands out among all the other islands. Milos is well-known for its untouched natural terrain, turquoise waters, and even rocky cliffs. The island is visited by countless visitors both internationally and locally for its coastal sceneries and mystical geology. While visiting this beautiful island, you can sunbathe at Sarakiniko, a bay that is enveloped with bone-white volcanic rocks. You can visit the caves located in Kleftiko and the massive section of outcrops. Here, on this island, you should check the “Catacombs of Milos,” which you will find situated underground and dates back to 2,000 BC.
Location: Cyclades Islands
How To Reach: Take a flight from Athens to Milos or take a ferry from Santorini or Piraeus
7. Santorini
Photo: Anastasia Sotchenko / Pexels
Known for its vertiginous villages that sit on the edge of the “caldera” or cliff-top towns, Santorini is a top choice for vacation for visitors worldwide. The island is one of the top wine producers in Greece. Since it consists of volcanic soil, Santorini was spared from the lice epidemic that demolished the vineyards in Europe during the 19th century. Apart from having many beaches, Santorini has many historical sites, hillside towns, and even some dramatic scenery. To explore this island completely, start by checking out the cliffs, terrains, quaint villages, and ancient ruins.
Location: Cyclades Islands
How To Reach: Fly to Santorini Airport from Athens or other European cities or take a ferry from Crete, Piraeus or Mykonos
8. Zakynthos
Photo: Sadettin Dogan / Pexels
While visiting Zakynthos, you will find popular beaches in the eastern section and cliffs in the western and northern sections. The limestone cliffs, sweep of sand, and turquoise waters make this beautiful island pretty remarkable and eye-catching. The island is also encircled by countless panoramic islets, including the “Laganas Bay” or Turtle Island. If you’re visiting the island to attend parties, you will encounter many nightclubs that host many high-energy and late-night parties during the hot season. Zakynthos also has many monasteries and museums. You can visit to uncover more about the island’s past or visit the beach for water sports activities and tanning.
Location: Ionian Islands
How To Reach: Take a ferry from Kyllini or fly to Zakynthos International Airport from any European city or Athens
9. Paros
Photo: AXP Photography / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Paros has many eye-catching beaches and traditional travels that both locals and global visitors visit. It’s the peaceful version of Mykonos and Santorini. At its capital, Parkia, you will see winding promenades that will guide you toward Byzantine churches and even artisanal shops. While visiting Paros, you must take up something unique during your stay, such as attending cooking classes or going on horseback rides on the beach. Each of these activities will let you create some great memories. The island’s magical blend of nature, culture, and warm hospitality make it an excellent choice for a peaceful experience in Greece.
Location: Cyclades Islands
How To Reach: Fly to Paros Airport from Athens Airport or take ferries from Rafina or Piraeus
10. Hydra
Hydra is a Greek island that has certain things that will make you visit it a lot more compared to other Greek islands. This tiny marble-paved harbour has a Venetian bell tower. All the transportation-related work is done via donkeys as it’s the only transportation the island has. Apart from having an authentic setting, the island also consists of museums, modern art exhibits, and elegant cafes. You will also find some old residences on the islands that have been restored to their former glory. Hydra will allow you to go on endless walks to explore every corner of it and get to breathe in worldliness and class through simplicity and silence.
Location: Saronic Gulf
How To Reach: Sailboat or a water cab from Piraeus
The islands in Greece will let you uncover the rich cultural life of Greece. Every island is beautiful and has its own way to amaze visitors. Visiting these islands will let you discover the mythical sagas, mouth-watering delicacies, ancient treasures and remarkable architecture. So, what are you waiting for? Pack up your bags, book your tickets with TripXL and head on a unique expedition to the Greek islands.
Cover Photo: Evangelos Mpikakis / Unsplash
