Are you keen on exploring an untouched side of the Greek Islands? If you’re on the hunt for an authentic Greece experience, you’re in the right place! The rich and storied culture, heritage, and traditions of the Greek islands offer you an exclusive insight into another side of the ‘cradle of European civilisation’. Get inspired by our list of ten best islands to visit in Greece on your next holidays.
This list of the best islands to visit in Greece is based on different personalities (such as the best island for foodies, history buffs, nature lovers etc.), but they’re all grounded in uncovering Greece’s authentic face.
Discover the unmatched nature of Skyros and find your corner of paradise in Skiathos. Let your eye wander across traditional architecture in Paros, and dance with the locals in Ios. Be enthralled by Rhodes’s turbulent history and feel pure serenity in Serifos. Kick back with a glass of locally-produced wine in Santorini and indulge in good food in Crete.
Rest assured, there are many more authentic destinations to add to that list, but consider this your starter pack to the true spirit of Greece.
Read on to unwrap these best islands to visit in Greece, and know that wherever you go in Greece, you’ll always be welcomed!
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The Best Islands to Visit in Greece
1. Santorini
The best Greek island for wine
Santorini is a treasure trove for wine lovers. Here, you’ll get a real taste of the island’s traditional winemaking culture and taste crisp whites, deeply-coloured reds, and the sweet and amber Vinsanto dessert wine.
With vineyards dating back to ancient times, you’ll visit some of the oldest and finest wineries on the island. You’ll learn all there is to know about Santorini’s wine culture: how the island’s volcanic soil produces one-of-a-kind wine, Santorini’s staple wine grapes, including the almost golden Assyrtiko and the deeply purple Mandilaria, the traditional equipment used, and how the wine is aged.
You’ll also observe the baskets or kouloura, a pruning technique involving the weaving of grape vines to protect the plant’s fruit from Santorini’s vicious winds and the scorching summertime sun.
Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Greece experience. Begin designing your journey today! Exploring the art and heritage of Santorini’s wine will lead you into the heart of local viticulture and beyond the tourist hotspots. From high cliff sides overlooking the caldera to the dust-laden countryside, local wineries and vineyards dot the whole island. Not only is it a great way to connect with the landscape, but it is a special way to connect with locals who are keen on sharing this age-old process and how it intertwines with the history of their island. Adding a Santorini wine tour to your Greece bucket list is imperative! So sit back, and kick off your holiday with a chilled glass of Vinsanto wine in the depths of a cave or on a white terrace looking out over the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. Delve into Santorini’s viticulture on this 10-day all-inclusive luxury Santorini tour, and experience best islands to visit in Greece for wine lovers. The best Greek island in history Rhodes will forever be one of the most enchanting Greek destinations. Escape to a different century and travel through decades of history as you uncover the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands. A UNESCO world heritage site, Rhodes’s Old Town is a fascinating and atmospheric medieval city. Trace the footsteps of crusaders as you meander along the historic Street of the Knights. Along the broad avenues and narrow alleys, you’ll come across the ruins of a temple of Aphrodite and remnants of the city’s Byzantine fortifications. The cobbled medieval street begins next to the 15th-century Archaeological Museum and ends at the imposing Palace of the Grand Master. For those into the jewels of ancient Greece, marvel at the impressive Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and make a beeline for the Acropolis of Lindos, where you will find the remains of a temple dedicated to goddess Athena. Perched on a hilltop, travel back 120 years ago by visiting the charming little village of Koskinou, famous for its leafy winding streets, rainbow-coloured houses, and the whitewashed Koskinou Traditional House. Dive deep into Rhodes’s culture and history set against a backdrop of the glittering sea on this 7-day majestic Rhodes luxury and discovery tour. The best Greek island for traditional food The heart of Crete is found in its cuisine – Greece’s largest island has an incomparable food scene and is one of the best islands to visit in Greece for foodies! Each varied corner of Crete has something to offer: from sweet, smooth, and flaky bougatsa (breakfast pie), the best baked in Chania, to smokey and salty apaki (cured pork loin), found in most tavernas, and sweet and fragrant raki (a liquor made from crushed/leftover grapes), the perfect accompaniment to any meal. A Crete culinary tour, like this 8-day Crete gastronomy trip, will take you on a delicious tour across the island as you navigate the hallmarks of the Cretan diet. It’s contingent on the local fruity and peppery olive oil, a rich medley of wild greens or horta, and is always 100% seasonal. Head to a traditional kafenio (coffeehouse), and order a Cretan Meze along with a clear bottle of raki to get you started. A simple meze platter includes locally grown olives, slices of Cretan cheese, and salty nuts, typically almonds. For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.
Bigger platters feature Cretan pies such as crescent-shaped kalitsounia (often filled with spinach, herbs, and/or mizithra cheese), tzatziki, aubergine salads, and seasonal vegetables, like fava beans and wild asparagus in spring. Along the coast, seafood fritters, oysters, and sea urchins take the spotlight, while a Cretan meze in the pine mountains is graced with air-dried ham, sausages, and tiny meatballs. At times part of a meze, but just as delicious on its own, dakos is a beloved light snack on the island. It is a typical Cretan salad, consisting of rusks (made from barley flour and twice-baked) and juicy tomatoes, generously drizzled in extra virgin olive oil and garnished with soft mizithra cheese and tasty Kalamata olives, plus a sprinkle of dried oregano. For a moreish delight, don’t skip the Cretan snails or kohli bourbouristi: a flavourful source of inexpensive protein, delicately cooked in olive oil and paired with wild greens. Don’t forget to explore the Heraklion Central Market for must-try Cretan cheeses, such as the buttery and hard Graviera, the slightly sour, creamy but crumbly Mizithra, and the salty Anthotyros. After trying all the Crete food scene has to offer, join our 8-day hiking and yoga in Crete tour for a rejuvenating and all-rounded holiday! The best Greek island for idyllic beaches A jewel in the crown of the Aegean Sea, Skiathos may be the smallest of the Sporades islands, but it is home to some of the finest beaches in all of Greece. Vibrantly green, hilly, and pine-clad, this slice of paradise is blessed with 60-plus beaches to choose from. Even in the high time of summer, you’re guaranteed a spot to lay down your towel somewhere along the electric blue coast! Most of Skiathos’s beaches on the southern side of the island are decked out with large umbrellas and cosy sunbeds. The soft and sandy turquoise-watered Koukounaries, backed by fragrant pine trees, take the cake for the most beloved beach in the south. Narrower and quieter Maratha beach, Koukounaries’s little sister, is tucked just around the corner, offering a comparable stretch of fine, gold sand. Head to Troulos beach, a stone’s throw away, for a crystal-clear snorkelling bonanza, and dine on delicious gyros directly on the untouched shoreline while you watch the blazing sun dip below the horizon. While in Skiathos Town’s old-world centre, climb down the steps from The Bourtzi hotel or take the back streets overlooking the Old Port for a peaceful haven in the form of a tiny pebble beach with spectacular views of the town and its surrounding azure waters. Join the locals for a swim in the late afternoon or jump off the rocks with the island kids! Across the island, Lalaria beach is the face of Skiathos’s northern end. Here, beaches are more rugged, secluded, and windswept but just as paradisal. Lalaria is a breathtaking wild beauty decorated with pretty rock formations and made up of smooth white pebbles set against high limestone cliffs. Only accessible by boat, don’t skip this find because it is absolutely worth the journey! Like Lalaria, Skiathos’s other northern beaches can be hard to get to. Many are accompanied by a steep, downhill trek or a winding drive through pine groves. Kechria is one such gem situated near the old monastery of Panagia. This tiny cove offers a small remote beach down a bumpy dirt road, with an onsite taverna great for an afternoon pick-me-up of local ouzo and fresh fish. For both sea views and mountain peaks, Mikros Aselinos is a small and authentic Greek beach nestled within a small bay protected by jutting cliffs. Here, try the freshly grilled squid from the beach bar for a real treat! Pack a good book, suncream, and a wide-brimmed hat, and visit Skiathos’s pristine beaches on our 9-Day Athens, Skiathos & Skopelos tour. The best Greek island for families You’ll find no faults in choosing Corfu as your next holiday destination with the family. It is one of the best islands to visit in Greece: verdant greenery, varied beaches, and quaint little villages topped off by its charming capital. Chase your kids through labyrinths of traditional kantounias (narrow alleyways) within the UNESCO-ranked Corfu Town, which is decorated with clusters of colourful Venetian buildings and monuments. Introduce the kids to some local cuisine – pastitsada (pasta topped with meat braised in a tomato-based sauce) is sure to be a winner with younger children. Then beach hop your way across the island. In the west, you’ll find Paleokastritsa, with its shallow and calm crystal-clear waters, perfect for riding pedal boats and snorkelling. Glyfada is another hit – you can do everything from parasailing to jet skiing within this long stretch of beach that is picturesquely framed by towering cliffs. Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Greece experience. Begin designing your journey today! The island’s north side offers warm shallow waters for paddling and stretches of soft sand for building sandcastles. As its bay is protected from big waves and strong winds, Nissaki Beach is always a family favourite. For a beach alternative, take the kids to Aqualand, an enormous aquapark with an abundance of slides and pools to choose from. Or organise a glass-bottom boat trip for some fun fish spotting. For biking, hiking, and horse trekking, head further inland to make the most of Corfu’s lush natural scenery. From gorgeous coastlines to thick pine woods and cypress groves, you’ll find that Corfu is a versatile and dynamic Greek destination. Join our 8-Day Athens & Corfu Family Adventure, perfectly curated for families through and through! The best Greek island for unspoilt scenery Far from the tourist trail, Serifos stuns with its raw and untouched beauty. Famed for its cluster of white and blue sugar-cubed houses, pristine beaches, and hills flecked with rugged mining sites and stone windmills, Serifos is one of the best islands to visit in Greece if you are looking for hidden gems in the Cyclades islands. If you like the look of rural and rocky countrysides with scattered meadows and hilltop monasteries, you’ll be impressed by Serifos’s naturally sculpted hillsides. Arid, rugged, and wild typifies the island’s rough landscape, which you can explore at your own pace- be it hiking the crumbling Mining Trail, climbing onto the old walls of the Castle of the Old Woman (a 15th-century Venetian fortress), or discovering abandoned mountain villages with astonishing views of the endless blue of the Aegean. When it comes to beaches, you get to take your pick: Caribbean-like blue or emerald green waters, calm or wavy, fine sand or smooth pebbles, shaded by tamarisk trees or entirely sun-drenched, embraced by views of a chapel or jutting cliffs! Highlights include the wild and remote, Platis Gialos, the sandy and turquoise, Psili Ammos, the long stretch of Ganema, with plenty of tranquillity and clear waters, and Agios Sostis with panoramic views of a charming small chapel at the edge of its azure-coloured bay. For a dose of traditional Greek ambience, uncover the cascading Chora town (Serifos’s capital), which tumbles from a southern peak down a sloping rocky hill, resembling a waterfall of whitewash. Hand-painted arrows will lead you to cute squares packed with turquoise wooden tables, chairs, and loitering stray cats. Make sure to explore both the narrower upper town, Ano Hora, boasting incredible sea views and the lower town, Kato Hora, which connects to the main port of Livadi, for more elegant Cycladic architecture and bougainvillaea-filled courtyards. Make the essential stop to Serifos on this 9-day Athens, Sifnos and Serifos tour or sail to the picture-perfect island on a 50ft+ sailing yacht on our 12-day sail the Greek Islands tour! The best Greek island for nightlife A trip to Ios is far from boring. Days are spent on the beach, with calm and sandy Magganari as a favourite for an afternoon siesta, while rugged Loretzena provides the ideal getaway. Nights, however, are full of attractions in the Chora, the island’s main town. Ios has been attracting revellers for decades now. It is tone of the best islands in Greece for unbridled late-night fun. When in Ios, don’t miss out on the Ios bar crawl that will have you bar-hopping till dawn! Visit Irish pubs, jazz bars, rock bars, luxe lounges, Norwegian-inspired cocktail bars, discos to relive your younger years, and of course, bars playing endless Greek music all night! In Ios, there’s something to suit anyone’s tastes. Needless to say, you’re bound to have a good time on this Aegean island. Connect with our Local Designers in Greece to include Ios in your next Greek adventure! Top tip: For a tasty hangover cure, try the mosenta; a watermelon pie flavoured with thyme and honey! The best Greek island for adventure Zakynthos, famously known as Zante, is not just wild parties until daylight. A tour like this 14-Day Ionian Dream will take you to all corners of this photogenic island, from its untamed interior to its mesmerising sea. And soon, you’ll discover that there is far more heart to Zakynthos than its exciting dance clubs. Visit some of the most iconic beaches in the world, like Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach and the natural wonder of the Blue Caves. Take your snorkelling goggles to Porto Limnionas, a true treasure in the form of a beautiful scenic bay. Or head to the Keri Caves for a scuba dive and float with the Caretta turtles at Marathonisi (Turtle Island). For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.
From experienced divers to beginners, the water that surrounds the gulf is pristine. If snorkelling isn’t your thing, get in touch with our Local Designers on the ground to book a glass-bottom boat trip for a comparable colourful experience. As you can imagine, water sports are particularly popular here: paraglide and jetski at Banana Beach, sea pedal and canoe at Tsilivi beach, and kick it up a notch by windsurfing and hydro jetting at Alykanas beach! Further inland, venture through delightful villages by bicycle. You’ll cycle by numerous flourishing vineyards, olive trees, and traditional churches from Zakynthos’s town. Or take a quad bike up the steep, rough terrain for an exciting adventure. And for some serenity, hike to the spectacular Vrachionas Mountains, the highest point on the island, for unprecedented vistas. The best traditional Greek island For sun-bleached houses, churches with bright blue domes, eye-catching windmills, narrow cobblestone alleyways, and creeping bougainvillaea, look no further than Paros, the Greek island of marble. Though quaint and laidback, this bright gem of the Cyclades has a distinct energy and an undeniable magnetic charm. Paros’s beautiful traditional settlements are enough of a reason to visit this lesser-known island. Not only is it home to unequalled Cycladic architecture, but all the conquerors who ruled the island over the centuries also left an architectural trace behind. For example, in the chic harbour village of Naoussa, the Venetian-esque port is emblematic of the Italian influence stemming back to the time when the island was once controlled by a Venetian duke. In many villages, the architecture of Paros is also quite original because many structures were built using Parian marble! Marvel at Paros’s unique architecture on this 7-Day Cyclades – The Authentic Way tour. When you’re not admiring the pretty cubed houses, swim at one of the island’s most impressive beaches, Kolympethres, and trek to the Venetian Castle in Parikia for jaw-dropping views of the Aegean Sea. Get in touch with our Local Designers to organise a day sailing on a traditional Kaiki boat to uncover the gems of Paros’s stunning coastline. The best Greek island for nature and seclusion Legend has it that the mythical Theseus, who fought the infamous Greek minotaur, died in Skyros. Yet there is more to Skyros than just legends and myths. As the least touristically developed island of the Sporades island chain, Skyros is one of the best islands to visit in Greece for the ultimate seclusion, pure nature, and total relaxation. Home to rare ponies, prehistoric sites, diverse landscapes, and picturesque villages, you’ll be more than happy to escape the crowds and explore this gem of an island. The nature here is raw and untouched: you’ll find rolling hills, unspoilt beaches, tranquil lakes, and rich wetlands, meaning an array of outdoor activities are possible on Skyros! Apart from your typical water-based fun, such as diving, sailing, and windsurfing, take to the mountains for scenic mountain biking, or climb the peaks of Olympos in the north and Kohylas in the south. The dense pine forests and the pretty olive groves found on the north side of the island make the perfect setting for hiking, paired with the astonishing views of the deep blue sea ahead. On the flip side, the south is rockier though equally beautiful. Here, spot the galloping Skyrian ponies in their natural habitat. Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Greece experience. Begin designing your journey today! Bird watchers can also rejoice, for the wetland of Kalamitsa is ideal for spotting various species of birds, including shrikes and finches. The highest mountain of Skyros, Mount Kochilas, is great for rare birds of prey such as Bonelli’s Eagles and Eleonora’s Falcons. For an authentically Greek atmosphere, wander the stone alleys of the Chora (Skyros’s main town) that clings to the slope of a high hill, order a Freddo espresso in a traditional cafe as you sit with locals, and trek up to the castle at the very top to end your day with an unparalleled seascape. Connect with our Local Designers to include Skyros on your Greek island-hopping itinerary! You don’t need to be a local to have an authentic holiday on one of the best islands to visit in Greece! What makes Designer Journeys so special is that our expert Local Designers on the ground can guide you with their insider knowledge and tips. In that short space of time (or long, however you like it!), live, eat, beach, and sightseeing as a local would – whether it be on popular Santorini, Crete, or Corfu, or lesser-known islands such as Skyros and Paros. Design your next trip to Greece with the help of Designer Journey’s Local Designers, or be inspired by one of our fully-customisable Greece tours and create your own trip from scratch! Plan your next Greek island-hopping adventure to the best islands to visit in Greece today! Planning to Visit Greece?
2. Rhodes
3. Crete
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4. Skiathos
5. Corfu
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6. Serifos
7. Ios
8. Zakynthos
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9. Paros
10. Skyros
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