The Greek islands are among the most popular vacation destinations in Europe. In this article, we would like to introduce you to the unique beauty and diversity of the Greek islands. Greece’s islands are spread across two areas in the eastern Mediterranean.
After 17 years of traveling in Greece, we can say that every Greek island is a world of its own! Tom & Ella
The first part of the Greek islands, such as Crete, Santorini, Lesbos, and Rhodes, are spread from north to south in the Aegean Sea, or Aegean for short. The second part of the Greek islands, such as Corfu and Zakynthos, are located in the Ionian Sea between Italy and Greece.
Where to start with so many island gems? Our overview of the Greek islands will help you keep track of everything and provide you with all the important information you need for your trip to Crete, Mykonos, and more:
- Greek Islands Map
- #1 Cyclades (including Mykonos, Santorini)
- #2 Dodecanese (including Kos, Rhodes)
- #3 Ionian Islands (including Corfu, Zakynthos)
- #4 Northern Aegean (including Lesbos, Samos)
- #5 Sporades (including Skiathos, Skopelos)
- #6 Saronic Islands
- #7 Crete
- #8 Euboea (Evia)
- Greek Islands Ferries
- FAQ – Greek Islands
Greek Islands Map
There are said to be over 3,000 Greek islands – sounds crazy at first, right? Don’t worry: only 119 of them are inhabited (source: 2021 census). But only half have more than 1,000 inhabitants, and around 40 Greek islands have fewer than 100 inhabitants. These tranquil islands are the real insider tips!
Our map of the Greek islands gives you the perfect overview for your next island getaway. Whether you like it quiet, wild, unspoiled, or surprising – you’re guaranteed to find your personal island paradise here.
Most Greek islands are located in groups close to each other and are therefore grouped together as archipelagos. The most important archipelagos in Greece are the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Ionian Islands, and the Sporades—at least as far as tourism is concerned. And then there are many more islands around the mainland.
Here’s a quick summary of the Greek islands:
- Cyclades (e.g. Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Paros)
→ Recommended for design lovers, romantics, and anyone looking for iconic Greece with whitewashed houses and deep blue seas. - Dodecanese (e.g. Rhodes, Karpathos, Kos)
→ Recommended for culture enthusiasts, history lovers, and beach holidaymakers who wish to combine architectural diversity with beautiful beaches. - Ionian Islands (e.g. Kefalonia, Corfu, Zakynthos)
→ Recommended for nature lovers and connoisseurs who appreciate lush landscapes, turquoise waters, and Mediterranean elegance. - North Aegean Islands (e.g. Chios, Lesbos, Samos)
→ Recommended for independent travellers, those seeking tranquillity, and anyone wishing to experience authentic Greece away from mass tourism. - Sporades (e.g. Skiathos, Skopelos)
→ Recommended for beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and fans of the film “Mamma Mia!” who appreciate green islands with a relaxed atmosphere. - Saronic Islands (e.g. Hydra, Spetses)
→ Recommended for spontaneous travellers, city breakers, and guests looking for a stylish getaway close to Athens.
Your first time in Greece? Then get an overview of the most popular Greek islands:
#1 Cyclades (including Mykonos, Santorini)
The name “Kyklos” means “circle,” and the Cyclades are arranged in a ring in the center of the Aegean Sea. The Cyclades include about 30 inhabited islands and numerous small, uninhabited islands. However, most people only know Santorini and Mykonos. The village of Oia on Santorini is particularly well known worldwide.
The Cyclades islands enchant visitors at first sight with their bright white houses. When you stroll through the alleys of Paros or Naxos, you can feel the magic of Hellas. This bright light that every Greece connoisseur raves about. It is a special atmosphere that you have to experience for yourself.
Each island is its own little cosmos, and no two are alike. Partygoers from all over the world flock to the Greek islands of Mykonos and Ios, lovers to Santorini, and individualists prefer quieter islands such as Andros, Amorgos, Sikinos, or Folegandros.
Syros is the administrative center of the Cyclades and completely unknown to most vacationers. Yet the island, with its elegant capital Ermoupoli, has a lot to offer and is lively even in winter. Cyclades connoisseurs are more likely to be drawn to Naxos. The main town of Chora is a dream in white and the beaches are second to none!
According to many Greeks, Tinos is home to the most beautiful villages in the country. Tinos is home to 50 so-called “white villages.” Secluded bays and picturesque beaches can be found everywhere in the Cyclades, and even in the high season, you can still enjoy peace and quiet on the smaller Greek islands.
The Cyclades are all close together and well connected by a reliable ferry network. They are ideal for island hopping. Starting points include the Greek islands of Mykonos or Santorini with their international airports, and then you can simply hop south or north.
→ On Booking.com* you will find fantastic accommodation options in the Cyclades:
➲ Accommodation on the archipelago*
Which islands belong to the Cyclades?
- Amorgos – 122 km² – 2,000 inhabitants
- Anafi – 40 km² – 270 inhabitants
- Andros – 380 km² – 9,200 inhabitants
- Antiparos – 35 km² – 1,200 inhabitants
- Antimilos – 9 km² – uninhabited
- Delos – 3.5 km² – 14 inhabitants
- Despotiko – 8 km² – uninhabited
- Folegandros – 32 km² – 770 inhabitants
- Gyaros – 17 km² – uninhabited
- Ios – 109 km² – 2,000 inhabitants
- Kea – 132 km² – 2,500 inhabitants
- Kimolos – 37 km² – 900 inhabitants
- Kithnos – 99 km² – 1,500 inhabitants
- Small Cyclades Islands – see below – 900 inhabitants
- Makronisos – 18 km² – 7 inhabitants
- Milos – 160 km² – 5,000 inhabitants
- Mykonos – 105 km² – 10,000 inhabitants
- Naxos – 430 km² – 17,900 inhabitants
- Paros – 196 km² – 13,700 inhabitants
- Polyegos – 18 km² – 2 inhabitants
- Rinia – 14 km² – uninhabited
- Santorini – 76 km² – 17,400 inhabitants
- Serifos – 75 km² – 1,400 inhabitants
- Sifnos – 62 km² – 2,600 inhabitants
- Sikinos – 42 km² – 270 inhabitants
- Syros – 84 km² – 21,500 inhabitants
- Thirasia – 9 km² – 320 inhabitants
- Tinos – 195 km² – 8,600 inhabitants
🗺️ 8 Islands with route maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights
🔍 Valuable planning tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
Which Cyclades island is right for me?
Click on the island names for more information!
The most popular islands in the Cyclades
are:
Unknown Cycladic islands
for a relaxing vacation:
Genuine Cyclades insider tips that hardly anyone knows about:
The islands of the Small Cyclades
The Small Cyclades archipelago consists of 80 islets and rocky reefs and is located below Naxos. Only four islands, namely Donousa, Koufounisi, Schinousa, and Iraklia, are permanently inhabited. These Greek islands are considered very unspoiled and have so far been spared from Greece’s tourism boom.
Only during the summer months of July and August do these unspoiled Greek islands become a little busier. Nevertheless, these Greek islands are ideal for authentic island hopping.
The ferry company Small Cycladic Lines operates the ship Skopelitis and connects the individual islands with each other. In the high season, there are several connections per week from Naxos and Amorgos to the Small Cyclades.
Which islands belong to the Small Cyclades?
- Andikeros – 1 km² – uninhabited
- Iraklia – 18 km² – 140 inhabitants
- Schinoussa – 8.1 km² – 230 inhabitants
- Pano Koufonisi – 5.8 km² – 400 inhabitants
- Kato Koufonisi – 4 km² – uninhabited
- Kato Andikeri – 1 km² – 2 inhabitants
- Keros – 15 km² – uninhabited
- Donoussa – 13.5 km² – 170 inhabitants
#2 Dodecanese (including Kos, Rhodes)
The Dodecanese archipelago is located in the southeastern Aegean Sea and derives its name from “Dodeka,” which means “twelve.” The historically influenced name describes the twelve large islands of the archipelago.
However, there are more than 25 Dodecanese islands, only 20 of which are inhabited. The Dodecanese islands have an eventful past. They have been occupied by various peoples on several occasions. Rhodes and Kos in particular are among the most popular Greek islands.
As the Dodecanese is not far from Turkey, traces of its Ottoman past can still be found today, particularly in the architecture and cuisine. The Italians also left their mark on the Dodecanese during their occupation and contributed to the reconstruction of some ancient sites.
We fell in love with the colorful island world of the Dodecanese right away and have visited several of the islands since 2008. The region in the Aegean Sea is so diverse that there is a suitable island for every type of vacation. And even after all these years, there are still real insider tips to be found, such as the island of Astypalea, which we visited in 2025.
First-time visitors to Greece will immediately feel at home on Kos with its long sandy beaches and on Rhodes with its picturesque old town. Both Greek islands are perfect for a vacation with children.
For active sports enthusiasts, Karpathos offers wonderful hiking areas, and Kalymnos is a true paradise for climbing fans. The Dodecanese also offers a wide variety of culinary delights due to its long Ottoman influence.
→ If you’re wondering which island is right for you, take a look at our article: Which Greek island is right for me?
And if you prefer something more authentic, then take a look at the smaller islands of the archipelago. On Nisyros, Kasos, and Patmos, you can still experience a piece of authentic Greece and you will quickly fall in love with the special flair.
The island of Karpathos is considered one of the most traditional and at the same time most remote Greek islands. The island’s diversity is rounded off by the three architecturally outstanding gems of Chalki, Symi, and Kastellorizo.
As the infrastructure of the Dodecanese islands is very well developed, this archipelago is ideal for island hopping in Greece. More information about the Dodecanese can be found in our separate article: Dodecanese Islands
→ On Booking.com* you will find beautiful accommodation options on the Dodecanese archipelago:
➲ Accommodation on the archipelago*
Which islands belong to the Dodecanese archipelago?
- Agathonisi – 14 km² – 185 inhabitants
- Arki – 7 km² – 45 inhabitants
- Astypalea – 97 km² – 1,400 inhabitants
- Chalki – 27 km² – 480 inhabitants
- Farmakonisi – 4 km² – uninhabited
- Gyali – 4.5 km² – 21 inhabitants
- Kalymnos – 111 km² – 16,000 inhabitants
- Karpathos – 324 km² – 6,500 inhabitants
- Kasos – 66 km² – 1,100 inhabitants
- Kastellorizo – 9 km² – 400 inhabitants
- Kos – 287 km² – 33,000 inhabitants
- Leros – 54 km² – 8,000 inhabitants
- Lipsi – 16 km² – 800 inhabitants
- Marathos – 0.5 km² – 5 inhabitants
- Nisyros – 50 km² – 1,000 inhabitants
- Patmos – 35 km² – 3,000 inhabitants
- Pserimos – 15 km² – 25 inhabitants
- Rhodes – 1,408 km² – 125,000 inhabitants
- Saria – 20 km² – 45 inhabitants
- Symi – 58 km² – 2,600 inhabitants
- Telendos – 5 km² – 100 inhabitants
- Tilos – 62 km² – 800 inhabitants
🗺️ 12 Islands with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🔍 Our best planning tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
Which Dodecanese island is right for me?
Click on the island names for more information!
The most popular Dodecanese islands
are:
Unknown Dodecanese islands
for a relaxing vacation:
Genuine Dodecanese insider tips that hardly anyone knows about:
→ You already know some of the Greek islands, but would like to discover some lesser-known ones? Then take a look here: Greek Islands Insider Tips
#3 Ionian Islands (including Corfu, Zakynthos)
This small group of islands is located off the west coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea. Throughout the year, these Greek islands receive slightly more rainfall than the islands in the Aegean Sea, which means that even in summer they are wonderfully green thanks to their lush vegetation.
The Ionian Islands were under Venetian and Italian influence for many years, which is still reflected in the architecture and cuisine today. Corfu and Zakynthos are among the most popular Greek islands. Nature lovers will enjoy the Zakynthos turtles, which lay their eggs in the south of the island every year.
Nature lovers will find everything their hearts desire on Corfu, with numerous hiking trails and beautiful landscapes to discover. Stroll through the historic old town of Corfu or discover the numerous castles and palaces of this Greek island.
The Ionian Islands are also ideal for windsurfers and sailors, and the small islands such as the Diapontian archipelago in particular evoke a Robinson Crusoe atmosphere. None of the Greek islands in the Ionian Sea skimp on dream beaches.
You’ll encounter a touch of the Caribbean along the white sandy beaches, and the sea sparkles in its most beautiful shades of blue. Whether you’re in Kefalonia, Lefkada, or Zakynthos, as a photography enthusiast, you’ll need to stock up on enough memory cards to capture the beauty of these islands.
→ On Booking.com* you will find beautiful accommodation options on the Ionian Islands:
➲ To accommodations on the archipelago*
Which islands belong to the Ionian Islands?
- Antikythira – 20 km² – 70 inhabitants
- Antipaxos – 5 km² – 20 inhabitants
- Diapontian Islands (Othoni, Erikousa, Mathraki) – 1,700 inhabitants
- Echinades Islands (including Petalas, Oxia, Drakonera) – uninhabited
- Elafonisos – 20 km² – 1,000 inhabitants
- Inousses Islands (including Sapientza, Schiza, Venetiko) – uninhabited
- Ithaca – 118 km² – 5,000 inhabitants
- Kalamos – 25 km² – 500 inhabitants
- Kastos – 6 km² – 80 inhabitants
- Kefalonia – 787 km² – 40,000 inhabitants
- Corfu – 585 km² – 115,000 inhabitants
- Kythira – 278 km² – 4,000 inhabitants
- Lefkada – 336 km² – 22,500 inhabitants
- Meganisi – 22 km² – 1,000 inhabitants
- Paxos – 30 km² – 2,100 inhabitants
- Strofades – 1.4 km² – 1 inhabitant
- Tilevoides – 53 km² – 1,755 inhabitants
- Zakynthos – 406 km² – 41,000 inhabitants
Which of the Ionian Islands is right for me?
Click on the island names for more information!
The most popular Ionian Islands
are:
Unknown Ionian Islands
for a relaxing vacation:
- Ithaca
- Paxos
Genuine insider tips for the Ionian Islands that hardly anyone knows about:
-
- Kalamos
- Kastos
- Kythira
- Meganisi
- Othoni and the Diapontian Islands
→ Find out why it’s worth traveling to Greece in this article: Reasons for a vacation in Greece
#4 Northern Aegean (including Lesbos, Samos)
The Northern Aegean is not an archipelago, but an administrative district. Nevertheless, the Greek islands it contains can be easily summarized, as they are all located in the North Aegean Sea. Some islands can even be reached by plane from Thessaloniki.
The Greek islands of Samos, Ikaria, and Fourni are also known as the Southern Sporades. Samothraki and Thasos are also located in the Northern Aegean. Due to their proximity to the mainland, both islands are administered by the Greek region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
These Greek islands are characterized by their wild beauty and unique cultural heritage. They are perfect for individual explorers looking for islands far away from mass tourism that offer a piece of authentic Greece.
Samos and Lesbos are the best-known islands in the northern Aegean. Here you will discover numerous secluded beaches, unspoiled mountain villages, and archaeological treasures. The island of Samos is perfect for an active holiday in Greece.
The island of Lesbos (also known as Lesvos) is considered the birthplace of Greece’s national drink, the aniseed liqueur ouzo. Lesbos is home to the world-famous Ouzo Plomari, among others. Molyvos, located on the island, is also one of the most spectacular fortresses in Greece.
💡 Greece vacation planning: Not sure where to start or how to plan your vacation on the Greek islands? No problem, take advantage of our years of experience with trips to Greece and let us help you. We can advise you on all your questions and concerns, even via video chat. You can book your consultation here: Travel consulting for Greece
Ikaria is a world of its own and not for Greece beginners. This Greek island is wild and headstrong. Ikaria only reveals its true beauty at second glance. In spring, Ikaria is in full bloom and is a real hiking paradise.
In the mountain villages, there is extensive celebrating and dancing throughout the year. The clocks tick more slowly here. The locals are relaxed and live contentedly in simple circumstances. A very special island awaits you in Chios. The backdrop in the mastic villages of Mesta and Pyrgi is unique.
The islands of Chios and Limnos are considered real insider tips in Greece. Here you can still find secluded beaches, untouched nature, and a lot of authenticity. Both Greek islands even have an airport, which is served by flights from Athens.
The northern Aegean also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. Numerous specialties such as pasta, wine, and ouzo invite you to feast and enjoy. Chios and Lemnos are also known for their tasty sheep and goat cheese.
→ On Booking.com* you will find beautiful accommodation options on the islands of the Northern Aegean:
➲ Accommodation on the archipelago*
Which islands belong to the Northern Aegean?
- Agios Efstratios – 43 km² – 270 inhabitants
- Andipsara – 4.5 km² – 4 inhabitants
- Chios – 842 km² – 51,400 inhabitants
- Fourni – 45 km² – 1,500 inhabitants
- Inousses Islands – 17.5 km² – 830 inhabitants
- Ikaria – 255 km² – 8,400 inhabitants
- Lesbos – 1,634 km² – 86,400 inhabitants
- Limnos – 478 km² – 17,000 inhabitants
- Psara – 45 km² – 460 inhabitants
- Samiopoula – 1 km² – 4 inhabitants
- Samothraki – 180 km² – 2,800 inhabitants
- Samos – 477 km² – 33,000 inhabitants
- Thasos – 380 km² – 13,800 inhabitants
- Thymena – 10 km² – 140 inhabitants
Which North Aegean island is right for me?
Click on the island names for more information!
The most popular islands in the North Aegean
are:
Unknown North Aegean islands
for a relaxing vacation:
Genuine insider tips for the North Aegean Islands that hardly anyone knows about:
- Ag. Efstratios
- Fourni
- Psara
- Samothraki
#5 Sporades (including Skiathos, Skopelos)
The Northern Sporades are located in the northwest of the Aegean Sea, not far from the mainland. These Greek islands are not yet very important for international tourism. Only Skiathos and Skopelos have received some attention thanks to the film Mamma Mia! Skopelos, Alonnisos, and Skyros are ideal destinations for individual explorers.
The Northern Sporades are still among the lesser-known Greek islands. In contrast to their sisters in the southern Aegean, they have lush vegetation. There are beautiful bathing bays and wonderful hiking trails through unspoiled nature.
The Sporades islands consist of a few larger islands and many small islets, only four of which are inhabited. Except for Skiathos, which is very popular with English tourists, hardly any package tourists stray to the other Sporades islands.
In the off-season, you will often find yourself completely undisturbed in most places on Alonissos and Skopelos. The two islands are also ideal for long hikes. Alonissos is still a real insider tip. Only in summer does the upper village of Chora have a lively atmosphere.
From the Sporades, it is worth taking a detour to the opposite island of Euboea or to the mainland of Thessaly. The region of Thessaly is known for its spectacular Meteora monasteries. A historical marvel surrounded by bizarre rock formations that you simply must see.
→ On Booking.com* you can find suitable accommodation on the Sporades:
➲ Accommodation on the archipelago*
Which islands belong to the Northern Sporades?
- Alonnisos – 130 km² – 2,750 inhabitants
- Adelfoi Islands – 1.5 km² – 11 inhabitants
- Gioura – 11 km² – uninhabited
- Kyra Panagia – 25 km² – 2 inhabitants
- Peristera – 14.3 km² – 30 inhabitants
- Piperi – 4.2 km² – 6 inhabitants
- Sarakino – 3.3 km² – uninhabited
- Skantzoura – 6.2 km² – uninhabited
- Skiathos – 50 km² – 6,100 inhabitants
- Skopelos – 96 km² – 5,000 inhabitants
- Skyros – 223 km² – 3,000 inhabitants
- Tsoungria – 1.2 km² – uninhabited
- Valaxa – 4.3 km² – uninhabited
Which Sporades island is right for me?
Click on the island names for more information!
The most popular islands in the Sporades
are:
Unknown Sporades islands
for a relaxing vacation:
Real insider tips in the Sporades that hardly anyone knows about:
- Skyros
#6 Saronic Islands
The Saronic Islands archipelago lies below the capital Athens in the Saronic Gulf of the same name. Seven large islands and many small islets belong to the Saronic archipelago (Argosaronikoú). These densely populated Greek islands have so far been of little significance for international tourism.
The Saronic Islands are still considered an insider tip among Greece connoisseurs. Yet they offer a great deal of variety. Locals have always appreciated the advantages of the coastal island of Salamis. Just two kilometers separate the island from the mainland. It is a popular weekend destination for Greeks.
→ You can find accommodation on the Saronic Islands on Booking.com*:
➲ Accommodation on the archipelago*
Which islands belong to the Saronic Islands?
- Aegina – 87.41 km² – 13,000 inhabitants
- Angistri – 13.36 km² – 1,100 inhabitants
- Dokos – 13.36 km² – 18 inhabitants
- Hydra – 64.44 km² – 2,000 inhabitants
- Methana Peninsula – 50.16 km² – 1,600 inhabitants
- Poros – 49.5 km² – 4,000 inhabitants
- Salamis (Salamina) – 96.16 km² – 39,000 inhabitants
- Spetses – 27.12 km² – 4,000 inhabitants
#7 Crete
Greece’s largest island cannot go unmentioned in this overview. Crete enchants both newcomers and connoisseurs of Greece alike, as it is a true all-rounder island. Since Crete has something for everyone, the Greek island has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe.
Whether it’s dream beaches with turquoise blue water, picturesque gorges and high peaks for hikers, secluded mountain villages for those seeking peace and quiet, or historic towns for strolling. Crete is a gem covering a large area, a world of its own among the Greek islands and always worth a visit.
→ Here you can find all our articles about the largest Greek island: Crete Island overview
#8 Euboea (Evia)
Euboea is the second largest island in Greece. Due to its proximity to the Greek mainland, it is usually attributed to it. The island of Euboea is considered a real insider tip in Greece. Although almost 220,000 people live here, hardly any international tourists know about this island.
Euboea (also known as Evia) is connected to the mainland by two bridges and can be reached from Athens airport in about two hours. If you are looking for quiet beaches, gentle tourism, and authentic Greece, you will find everything you want here.
→ You can find beautiful places to stay on the island of Euboea on Booking.com*:
➲ To accommodations on the island*
Greek Islands Ferries
We hope our overview has given you a little insight into the blue and white island world. If you feel like exploring the Greek islands, then take a look at our article Island hopping in Greece.
→ Everything you need to know about ferries to the Greek islands can be found in our separate article: Ferries in Greece
We use the search portal Ferryhopper* to find the right ferries for a trip to the Greek islands or for extensive island hopping in Greece. Here you can find information about the respective routes and book tickets online:
➲ To search for ferries with Ferryhopper*
Advertisement*
FAQ – Greek Islands
How many Greek islands are there?
Greece has over 3,000 islands, if you count every tiny island, reef, and rock. But don’t worry: according to estimates, only 100 to 130 Greek islands are actually inhabited. So that’s a moderate number to thoroughly explore at least part of the beautiful Greek island world! Incidentally, the southernmost island of Greece and also the southernmost island of Europe is Gavdos, a small island below Crete.
Which are the most beautiful Greek islands?
After all our years of traveling in Greece, we can say that every Greek island is a world of its own! Santorini is considered the most beautiful Greek island by many vacationers. Everyone is familiar with the image of the bright white houses and blue and white churches on the edge of the volcanic crater. The breathtaking panoramas of the picturesque villages of Oia and Fira are a typical postcard motif!
The sunset on Santorini is admired by thousands of tourists every evening. A real gem of a Greek island that everyone wants a piece of. So you have to live with sharing Santorini with numerous other vacationers at almost any time of the year. Connoisseurs of Greece prefer other islands such as Serifos, Sifnos, or Folegandros, which are no less charming.
Which Greek islands are suitable for island hopping?
The Cyclades are ideal for island hopping, as the islands are close together and connected by a reliable ferry network. Mykonos, with its international airport, is often the starting point.
The Small Cyclades offer authentic island hopping for individualists: the ferry company Small Cycladic Lines connects the unspoiled islands of Donousa, Koufonisi, Schinousa, and Iraklia. The Dodecanese islands around Kos and Rhodes, with their well-developed infrastructure, are also perfect for island hopping.
What are some insider tips among the Greek islands?
The real insider tips in Greece include the Small Cyclades (Donousa, Koufonisi, Schinousa, and Iraklia), which have remained unspoiled and have been spared the tourism boom. The islands of Chios and Limnos in the North Aegean are also considered insider tips with their secluded beaches and unspoiled nature.
Poros and Aegina, two Saronic Islands near Athens, as well as Euboea (Evia), the second largest Greek island, and the northern Sporades islands of Alonissos and Skyros also offer an authentic Greek experience far away from the crowds. In general, it can be said that any island that can only be reached by ferry and has no airport is almost an insider tip.
When is the best time to visit the Greek islands?
The best time to visit the Greek islands is from May to October. The high season, i.e. July and August, is the warmest, but also the busiest. Personally, we would advise against traveling during these months. For a more relaxed trip, we recommend May/June and September/October, when you can expect pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
The Ionian Islands and the Sporades are a little rainier throughout the year, but also wonderfully green. You can also travel to the Greek islands in April: islands such as Ikaria and Kythira are in full bloom in spring and are a real hiker’s paradise.
How do I get to the Greek islands?
Most Greek islands can be reached by ferry from Piraeus (Athens) or Rafina. Larger islands such as Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu have international airports. Smaller islands can be reached via Athens or Thessaloniki by domestic flights or ferry.
However, there are also other ports, such as Patras and Kyllini on the Peloponnese for the Ionian Islands or Volos and Mantoudi for the Sporades. To book ferries, we use the Ferryhopper portal, where you can find all routes and book directly online.
Which Greek islands are best for families?
Crete, with its variety of beaches and activities, Rhodes, with its picturesque old town, and Kos, with its long sandy beaches, are particularly recommended for families. These popular Greek islands have good tourist infrastructure and are perfect for those new to Greece.
From experience, we can say that the Greeks are an extremely child-friendly people. Families are especially welcome in the less commercial areas. The larger islands offer more comfort and activities for all age groups. On small Greek islands, you have to be more organized and improvise a little when vacationing with children.
Which Greek island is beautiful and affordable?
If you are looking for sun, sea, and Greek flair but don’t want to spend your entire travel budget, islands such as Crete, Rhodes, or Kos are just right for you. There are many package hotels there, which keeps prices down. And because competition is fierce, the taverns really go out of their way to win you over with good food at fair prices so you don’t eat at the hotel every night.
Beautiful and affordable Greek islands? Yes, it’s possible! If you don’t want to take the time to search for suitable offers, then ask us – we’ll find the right offer for you: Travel advice for Greece
What makes Greek islands so special?
The Greek islands enchant visitors with their unique blend of bright white houses, crystal-clear sea, and the special bright light that every Greece connoisseur raves about. Each island is its own little cosmos – no two are alike!
Whether it’s the party atmosphere on Mykonos, romantic sunsets on Santorini, or authentic villages on remote islands such as Chios, Astypalea, or Ithaca – everyone can find their personal Greek dream here. The warm hospitality of the Greeks and their millennia-old culture make every island a magical place.
*Support our blog Greece-Moments
This post contains affiliate links, which are marked with an asterisk (*). If you book or purchase something through one of these links, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you. This helps us to continue providing high-quality content free of charge. Did you enjoy this post and want to say thank you? Then simply buy us our next Greek coffee ☕️ To the coffee fund
Save this post on Pinterest!
