12 Must-Visit Greek Islands for Your Bucket List
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Whether you’re thinking of hopping from one island to another or want to stay put for a week or more, the islands of Greece have so much to offer. There are about 6,000 in total, though all but 227 are uninhabited. The following list narrows it down to a dozen you should see before dying.
Crete
In a way, Crete could be considered the mother of all Greek islands, as it’s the biggest of the lot. It’s also the fifth-largest in the Mediterranean. Crete is known for its pivotal role in ancient Greek civilization and as a place to party. There are good museums and hiking trails on this sun-kissed island, too.
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Santorini
Santorini is possibly the most picture-perfect Greek island of all. The lunar landscape of this Cyclades island was shaped by a 16th-century BC volcanic eruption. It’s known for Aegean beaches, sugar-cube buildings with blue roofs, fine dining, and luxury accommodations.
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Mykonos
Mykonos is one of the most fashionable Greek islands and a favored haunt of the younger crowd. One of the icons of this Cyclades island is a line of windmills perched on a hill above the capital, Mykonos Town. Mykonos is popular with island-hoppers, clubbers, and those searching for luxury hotels.
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Rhodes
Historic Rhodes is the biggest of the Dodecanese islands, and the capital, Rhodes Town, features medieval architecture. During the Crusades of medieval times, Rhodes was captured by the Knights of St. John. At various times, Rhodes was also Italian and Ottoman-occupied. Across the island, various relics remain from those periods of conflict. Rhodes is also a real all-rounder, with lovely landscapes and beautiful beaches.
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Zakynthos
Zakynthos was formerly known as Zante and is particularly popular among partying Brits. But the island also offers its harborside capital and great Ionian Sea beaches. Zakynthos is also very easy to visit from the Greek mainland, as it’s only about 12 miles offshore.
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Naxos
If you’re coming to Greece in search of beach life, then Naxos is the destination to head to. The west coast is home to a string of beaches that begin with family-friendly spots, and progress to untamed coastal locations offering kitesurfing and windsurfing as you head south. Try traditionally made wines and liqueurs, seek out huge kouros statues, or explore local villages if you get bored of the beaches.
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Folegandros
If you have a penchant for boho, then Folegandros could be the Greek island for you. Though not blessed with many beaches, this one offers a slightly offbeat vibe and an authentic feel. It’s blustery here, so you’ll see fruit trees surrounded by stone windbreaks. Don’t miss the capital of Hora for some cafe culture, bar-hopping, and local tavernas.
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Hydra
Unusually among Greek islands, Hydra isn’t known for its breathtaking beaches: if you want to take a dip here, you might just have to dive in from a rock. That said, it’s favored by the arty crowd, and the odd celebrity has even been spotted holidaying on Hydra. Musicians frequent the 18th century Old Carpet Factory, while artists come from Athens to study at the School of Fine Arts.
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Corfu
Corfu has a reputation for being a party animal, but if you want to avoid all that, simply steer clear of the brash southern resorts. Away from those, you can expect the rolling green landscapes, as featured in My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. Head inland if you want to learn to cook Greek-style or hang out with the well-heeled crowd to the northeast coast.
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Syros
The fact that Syros was subject to a prolonged Venetian occupation is evident in the Italianate buildings of this Greek island. Here, it’s all about culture, so if you love concerts showcasing music in all its forms, then you’ll adore Syros. Other cultural events are based on digital art, dance, and animation. And though the beaches here aren’t as swoon-worthy as on other Greek islands, the seaside tavernas are fabulous.
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Milos
Following other Greek islands’ footsteps, Milos has finally made it onto the tourist radar. Instagram feeds are now often awash with images of its gorgeous coastline. It still has a relatively untouched feel, so get to this unspoiled, photogenic Greek island before that changes.
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Sifnos
Sifnos is a laid-back, authentic place where food can take center stage. The first-ever Greek cookbook was written by a local, and today, you can feast on all kinds of delicious fare. As well as Greek dishes and seafood, you can expect some contemporary twists here and there.
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Read also: Underrated Places in the Mediterranean
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
