There are over 1,000 Greek islands, of which about 120 are inhabited. In this article, we will introduce you to popular Greek islands for a holiday in Greece. Each of these islands has its own charm and is special in its own way. From the Ionian Sea in the west to the Aegean Sea in the south and east, everyone will find their favorite island.
“Each Greek island is a world of its own.”
The Top 5 most popular islands in Greece are Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu and Santorini. This is not surprising, as they have the most direct flights from all over Europe during the season and countless hotels of all price ranges are waiting for holidaymakers. In summer there is a lot going on here, if you like it quieter, you can switch to the neighboring islands.
- #1 Crete: The largest Greek island
- #2 Rhodes: The Sun Island of the Aegean Sea
- #3 Santorini: The Picture-Book Island of Greece
- #4 Corfu: The green island in the Ionian Sea
- #5 Mykonos: The Greek Party Island
- #6 Zakynthos: The Turtle Island
- #7 Kos: The Island of Hippocrates
- #8 Kefalonia: The Island of Caves & Grottoes
- #9 Naxos: The green island of the Cyclades
- #10 Paros: The Marble Island of the Cyclades
- #11 Lefkada: The Island of White Rocks
- #12 Milos: The Island of Colors
- #13 Skiathos: Island of 60 beaches
- #14 Thasos: The green emerald of the Aegean Sea
- #15 Samos: The Blooming Island of the East Aegean
- FAQs about popular Greek islands
Which other Greek islands are among the trendiest Holiday destinations in Greece is revealed by our ranking, which is especially informative for newcomers to Greece:
Which is the most beautiful Greek island?
The answer is quite simple: there is no such thing as the most beautiful Greek island. Each and every one of the Greek Islands is unique in its nature and its people and therefore beautiful in a very special way.
The incredible island diversity in Greece means that everyone defines their “most beautiful Greek island” in a completely different way. In any case, all Greek islands are considered fantastic holiday destinations in Europe!
We will tell you our favorite islands far away from the crowds in this article: Greek Islands Insider Tips
#1 Crete: The largest Greek island
Crete is ideal for: family holidays, beach holidays, hiking and active holidays, history buffs, newcomers to Greece
Crete is the most popular Greek island and next to the capital Athens the top holiday destination in Greece.
No other island is as varied. From picturesque beaches with turquoise blue seas to lush green landscapes and mountains almost 2,500 meters high, everything is represented.
History buffs cavort in the numerous archaeological sites, including the Knossos Palace, which is considered an ancient landmark of Crete.
On the Island of Crete there is something for every type of holiday. Beaches are spread all over the island. Whether it’s a holiday with the family, a beach holiday or an active holiday, even night owls get their money’s worth.
The big cities Heraklion, Rethymno and Chania offer beautiful boutiques and shops for shopping queens and interesting museums and exhibitions for those interested in culture.
In the remote west and southeast of Crete, those seeking peace and quiet will find their paradise. Lonely mountain villages with quaint taverns show Crete in its origins and give an authentic insight into the Cretan way of life.
More information about the beautiful holiday destination Crete
Click here for our articles about Crete:
- Island of Crete -Overview
- Crete Resorts
- Best hotels in Crete
- Crete Excursions & Tours
- Our Crete Highlights
- 11 information for your Crete holiday
- Travel Guide to Western Crete
→ Popular sights of Crete
- Samaria Gorge
- Knossos Palace
- Elafonisi
- Balos
- Chania Old town
- Rethymno Old town
- Vai Palm Beach near Sitia
- Spinalonga Island
- Lassithi Plateau
→ Beautiful beaches on the island of Crete
- Falassarna Beach
- Elafonisi Beach
- Xerokampos Beach
- Kokkini Ammos in Matala
- Balos Beach
- Seitan Limani Beach
- Stalis Beach
→ Important places on the island of Crete
- Heraklion
- Chania
- Rethymno
- Agios Nikolaos
- Sitia
- Limenas Hersonisou
- Kissamos
- Elounda
- Malia
- Agia Galini
- Stalos
- Paleochora
Does Crete have an airport?
Crete currently has three airports. Numerous direct flights from Germany go to the beautiful island of Crete (HER and CHQ).
- Heraklion HER Airport
- Chania CHQ Airport
- Sitia JSH Airport
Crete Package Tour, Holiday Home & Hotel: Crete is an ideal holiday destination for those who want to get to know Greece. Especially in the high season, however, the best accommodations are quickly sold out. Here you can go directly to Cheap holiday offers Search for Crete:
➲ To cheap Crete package tours (Check24)*
➲ To beautiful Crete hotels (Booking.com)*
#2 Rhodes: The Sun Island of the Aegean Sea
Rhodes is ideal for: package holidays, family holidays, beach holidays, history buffs, windsurfers and kiters, hiking and active holidays
Rhodes is the fourth largest island in Greece and has always been one of the popular holiday destinations of Hellas. With 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Rhodes is even considered one of the sun-drenched destinations in Europe.
Similar to Crete, the Rhodes Island also enough variety for all holidaymakers. Especially Greece newcomers feel comfortable here.
The picturesque Old Town of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While strolling through the medieval alleys, you feel like you’ve been transported back to times long past.
One of the popular destinations is the city of Lindos with its white houses and the imposing Acropolis. Numerous sandy and pebble beaches are spread around the island.
More info about the beautiful holiday destination Rhodes
Click here for our articles about Rhodes:
- Our highlights in Rhodes
- Rhodes Excursions & Tours
- Day trip to Rhodes Town
- 11 information for your Rhodes holiday
- Beautiful beaches in Rhodes
- Best hotels in Rhodes
→ Popular sights of Rhodes
- Lindos Acropolis
- Rhodes Old Town
- Kallithea Thermal Baths
- Mandraki Port
- Kamiros Ancient Site
- Monolithos Castle
- Moni Thari Monastery
- Tsambika (Monastery & Mountain Chapel)
- Neighbouring islands Symi and Halki
→ Beautiful beaches on the island of Rhodes
- Anthony Quinn Bay
- Glystra Beach
- Prasonisi Lagoon
- Agathi Beach
- Apostle Paul Bay
- Tsambika Beach
- Stegna Beach
- Elli Beach
→ Important places on the island of Rhodes
- Rhodes Old Town
- Ialysos
- Lindos
- Faliraki
- Afandou
- Theologos
- Kiotari
- Siana
- Embonas
Does Rhodes have an airport?
Rhodes Diagoras RHO Airport is located about 20 minutes from Rhodes Town. Numerous direct flights from Germany are offered to the popular island of Rhodes.
Rhodes Package Tour, Holiday Home & Hotel: Accommodation in Rhodes is also booked up quickly in the high season. Take a look around to see if there might be a nice holiday home for you:
➲ To cheap Rhodes package tours (Check24)*
➲ To beautiful Crete hotels (Booking.com)*
#3 Santorini: The Picture-Book Island of Greece
Santorini is ideal for: couples, honeymooners, jetsetters and Insta-nerds, photography friends, party people
Santorini is considered the picture-perfect island of Greece and enchants millions of visitors every year. Santorini is undoubtedly one of the The most beautiful holiday destinations in Europe.
Accordingly, the island is bursting at the seams, especially in midsummer, and you usually have to “share” the “hotspots”, such as the popular sunset of Oia, with thousands of other vacationers.
The villages of Oia and Thira with their striking Cycladic architecture are typical postcard motifs. The gleaming white houses and blue churches are enthroned on the edge of a former volcano.
The Santorini Island is also a popular destination for cruise tourists during a Mediterranean cruise. However, they have far too little time to explore the beauty of Santorini extensively.
In addition to the picturesque villages, a variety of impressive beaches are waiting for you. Red, black and grey sandy beaches characterise the coast.
More info about the beautiful holiday destination Santorini
Click here for our articles about Santorini:
- Our highlights in Santorini
- 11 information for your holiday in Santorini
- Santorini Tours & Excursions
- Best Santorini Hotels
- Best Santorini Beaches
→ Popular attractions in Santorini
- Sunset in Oia
- Cycladic houses in Thira
- Akrotiri Ancient Site
- Santorini’s Wineries
- Thirasia Islands
- Kameni Volcano
→ Beautiful beaches on the island of Santorini
- Amoudi Bay
- Kamari Beach
- Perissa Black Sand Beach
- Perivolos Beach
- Vlychada Beach
- Kokkini Red Beach
→ Important places on the island of Santorini
- Thira
- Oia
- Pyrgos
- Imerovigli
- Akrotiri
- Perissa
- Kamari
- Megalochori
Does Santorini have an airport?
The airport is called Santorini Airport JTR and is located in the east of the island. The major German airports of Frankfurt and Munich offer direct flights to Santorini several times a week.
Santorini Package Tour, Holiday Home & Hotel: Are you enthusiastic about the beautiful island of Santorini? Especially in the high season, the most beautiful accommodations are quickly booked out. Here you can directly compare suitable holiday offers for Santorini:
➲ To cheap Santorini package tours (Check24)*
➲ To beautiful Santorini hotels (Booking.com)*
#4 Corfu: The green island in the Ionian Sea
Corfu is ideal for: family holidays, beach holidays, newbies to Greece, cyclists and mountain bikers, hiking and activity holidays
The Corfu Island is located in the Ionian Sea and is part of the Ionian Islands of the same name. Corfu Town, also called Kerkyra, forms the center of the island.
Kerkyra impresses with an impressive architectural style, characterized by Venetian, French and British influences. A magnificent Venetian fortress rises above the city.
Corfu is the green island in the Ionian Sea and is considered a hiker’s paradise. The many forests and fertile landscapes are exemplary for Corfu. In addition, the island is one of the most prosperous regions in Greece.
The many beaches make Corfu a beautiful holiday destination for beach lovers and sun worshippers. But Corfu also has a lot to offer for active explorers with ancient fortresses and lonely villages.
More info about the beautiful holiday destination Corfu
Click here for our articles about Corfu:
- Our highlights in Corfu
- Corfu Beaches – our TOP 10
- A day in Corfu Town
- Best hotels in Corfu
- Corfu Holidays – 11 Important information
→ Popular sights of Corfu
- Corfu Old Town
- Angelokastro
- Vlacherna Monastery and Mouse Island
- Achilleion
- Mount Pantocrator
- Mountain village of Chlomos
- Ghost Village Palia Perithia
- Neighboring island of Paxos
→ Beautiful beaches on Corfu island
- Coves around Paleokastritsa
- Agios Stefanos Beach (northwest)
- Gardenos Beach
- Agios Georgios Beach
- Barbati Beach
- Porto Timoni Bay
- Voutoumi Beach (Paxos)
→ Important places on the island of Corfu
- Kerkyra
- Paleokastritsa
- Kassiopi
- Agios Gordios
- Sidari
- Acharavi
- Kontokali
Does Corfu have an airport?
Corfu Ioannis Kapodistrias CFU Airport is located just below Corfu Town (Kerkyra). As a popular holiday destination, Corfu is served several times a week by direct flight from many German airports.
Corfu Package Tour, Holiday Home & Hotel:Can you imagine that Corfu is the ideal holiday destination for you? Especially in the high season, many accommodations in Corfu are fully booked. Here you can compare cheap holiday deals for Corfu:
➲ To cheap Corfu package tours (Check24)*
➲ To beautiful Corfu hotels (Booking.com)*
#5 Mykonos: The Greek Party Island
Mykonos is ideal for: party people, jetsetters and Insta-nerds, couples and singles, photography friends, island hopping
The Mykonos Island is the Ibiza of Greece and as the party island of the Cyclades known. Its distinct nightlife is famous and infamous. Those seeking peace and quiet and families should therefore avoid the island, unless they come in the low season until April or from October.
The landmarks of Mykonos are the windmills of Kato Myli directly on the sea. A crowd of holidaymakers gathers here every evening to admire the spectacular sunset.
Right next to it is the romantic quarter Little Venice with numerous restaurants and bars. Prices for accommodation and restaurants are many times more expensive than on other Greek islands almost everywhere on the island.
Behind Little Venice, you dive into the picturesque capital Chora of Mykonos. A paradisiacal maze of narrow white alleys with colorful wooden balconies and small shops. In the high season, however, the masses push through here during the day and in the evening.
Things are a little quieter on Mykonos in the hinterland. Gentle green hills and countless small chapels shine here, every family should own one.
Mykonos is not stingy with beautiful beaches and even in the high season you can still find bays on the island that are less frequented. Party people feel particularly at home on beaches such as Super Paradise Beach.
More info about the beautiful holiday destination Mykonos
Click here for our articles about Mykonos:
- Mykonos Highlights
- Mykonos Beaches
- Top Mykonos Tours & Excursions
- Mykonos Holidays – 11 Important information
- Best Mykonos Hotels
→ Popular attractions in Mykonos
- Mykonos-Old Town Chora
- Little Venice
- Windmills of Mykonos
- Delos Island (archaeological site)
- Panagia Paraportiani
- Armenistis Lighthouse
→ Beautiful beaches on Mykonos island
- Super Paradise Beach
- Agios Sostis Beach
- Kalafati Beach
- Mini Lia Beach
- Ornos Beach
- Elia Beach
- Panormos Beach
→ Important places on the island of Mykonos
- Mykonos Chora
- Ano Mera
- Platis Gialos
- Tourless
- Agios Ioannis Diakoftis
- Ornos
Does Mykonos have an airport?
Mykonos Airport JMK is located less than 10 minutes from Mykonos Town. In summer, there are many direct flights from Germany to Mykonos.
Mykonos Package Tour, Holiday Home & Hotel: Mykonos is not an inexpensive place and accommodation is booked up in no time at all in the high season. If you want to mingle with the party people or are looking for a quiet domicile for the low season, you can compare cheap offers here:
➲ To cheap Mykonos package tours (Check24)*
➲ To beautiful Mykonos hotels (Booking.com)*
#6 Zakynthos: The Turtle Island
Zakynthos is ideal for: package holidays, beach holidays, party people, photography friends
After Corfu, the Island of Zakynthos the second most popular island in the Ionian Sea. Zakynthos is located in the very south of the archipelago and is known as a bathing paradise due to its beautiful sandy and pebble beaches surrounded by steep white cliffs.
Especially the smuggler’s bay, also called Navagio Beach, with the rusted shipwreck has become a real celebrity in recent years, mainly thanks to Instagram. In the meantime, more and more holidaymakers are flocking to the island.
To the suffering of the domestic Sea turtle Caretta caretta. It uses the beautiful beaches of Zakynthos as a breeding ground and lays its eggs in the fine sand. Due to growing tourism, the sea creature is now severely threatened.
The island is also a real natural paradise with its numerous caves and grottos. Individualists and active holidaymakers discover authentic farming villages and old monasteries far away from the tourist hustle and bustle during an island exploration.
Zakynthos was also under the rule of the Venetians for a long time, which is reflected in the typical architectural style and the cultural monuments of the island.
More info about the beautiful holiday destination Zakynthos
Find out more about Zakynthos in the following articles:
- Zakynthos Highlights
- Zakynthos Hotels – Our Top 20
→ Popular sights of Zakynthos
- Zakynthos Shipwreck at Navagio Beach
- Zakynthos Town Port
- Marathonisi Island (Turtle Island)
- Blue Caves Cape Skinari
- Localities of Vasilikos and Keri
- Zakynthos Turtles
→ Beautiful beaches on the island of Zakynthos
- Kalamaki Beach
- Porto Limnionas Bay
- Porto Vromi Bay
- Gerakas Beach
- Navagio Beach
- Banana Beach
- Laganas Beach
- Xigia Beach
→ Important places on the island of Zakynthos
- Zakynthos Town
- Laganas
- Vasilikos
- Alikanas
- Planos
- Kalamaki
Does Zakynthos have an airport?
The airport of Zakynthos Dionysios Solomos ZTH is located just below Zakynthos Town. In summer, direct flights are offered from Frankfurt and Munich to the popular Greek island of Zakynthos, among others.
Zakynthos Package Tour, Holiday Home & Hotel: Zakynthos is growing in popularity and is also suitable for island hopping in the Ionian Sea (Island hopping Greece). In the high season, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance. Here you will find cheap offers, flat rate or individual:
➲ To cheap Zakynthos package tours (Check24)*
➲ To beautiful Zakynthos hotels (Booking.com)*
#7 Kos: The Island of Hippocrates
Kos is ideal for: beach holidays, family holidays, Greece newbies, windsurfers and kiters, cyclists and mountain bikers, history buffs
The island of Kos in the East Aegean Sea has been one of the most popular cities in the world. most popular Greek islands at all. For us, our first holiday in Greece began here in 2009. Since then, we have been traveling to Greece for several weeks every year.
Kos has something to offer for almost every type of holiday. Families with children especially enjoy the kilometre-long sandy beaches, which slope very gently in the north.
History buffs can wander among ancient ruins and marvel at the sanctuary of Asklepieion. The most important archaeological site on the island was built in honor of the famous physician Hippocrates, who was born in Kos.
The Kos Island much too good to just lie on the beach. On a Kos Island tour with your own rental car, you will discover beautiful mountain villages, enjoy dream views from old castle ruins or meet wild peacocks in the woods Plaka in Kos.
You can end the evening in a rustic tavern on the Kefalos peninsula or in one of the hip beach bars on the north coast. A breathtaking sunset is included.
You can find all articles about the island and valuable Kos travel tips here: Kos Island
More info about the beautiful holiday destination Kos
Find out more about Kos in the following articles:
- Kos Island Guide
- The best hotels in Kos
- Kos Beaches
- Our highlights on Kos
- 11 information for your Kos holiday
→ Popular sights of Kos
- Asklepieion of Kos
- Kos Town (Downtown)
- Embros Thermal Baths
- Zia Mountain village
- Kefalos Peninsula
- Beaches on the Isthmus of Kos
- Paleo Pyli Fortress
- Peacock Forest Plaka
- Agios Theologos
→ Beautiful beaches on the island of Kos
- Coves around Agios Theologos
- Kavo Paradiso Beach
- Agios Stefanos Beach
- Marmari Beach
- Camel Beach
- Lagada Beach
- Magic Beach
- Paradise Beach
- Kochylari Beach
→ Important places on the island of Kos
- Kos Town
- Marmari
- Kardamena
- Tigaki
- Kefalos
- Antimachia
- Psalidi
- Mastichari
- Zia
Does Kos have an airport?
Kos Hippocrates KGS Airport is located almost in the center of the island, near the town of Antimachia. It takes about 20 minutes to get from Kos Airport to Kos Town.
Kos Package Tour, Holiday Home & Hotel: Are you in the mood for a Kos holiday? Here you can compare cheap offers for the holiday destination Kos:
➲ To cheap Kos package tours (Check24)*
➲ To beautiful Kos hotels (Booking.com)*
#8 Kefalonia: The Island of Caves & Grottoes
Kefalonia is ideal for: beach holidays, sailors and yacht owners, windsurfers and kiters, cyclists and mountain bikers, hiking and active holidays
Although Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands, it is not as well known as Corfu. The big rush of holidaymakers has so far failed to materialise and so the island with its dream beaches is tranquil and ideal for individualists.
The Kefalonia Island is scenically diverse, particularly striking are its steep rocky cliffs and dense coniferous forests. A paradise for hikers who want to explore the lonely villages and wild nature with its bizarre caves on their own.
The Myrtos Beach with its white pebble beach and turquoise blue water, surrounded by meter-high rocky cliffs, has become a celebrity and adorns almost every tourism catalog, some for other islands as well.
No one leaves Kefalonia without visiting its original neighboring island of Ithaca. The island of Odysseus has a rugged beauty and shines with picturesque fishing villages, secluded bays and a lot of deceleration.
More info about the beautiful holiday destination Kefalonia
Click here for our articles about Kefalonia: Cephalonia
→ Popular sights of Kefalonia
- Melissani Lake (Drogarati Cave)
- Argostoli Port
- Agios Gerasimos Monastery
- Enos National Park
- Locality of Assos
- Drogarati Cave
- Ithaca Island
→ Beautiful beaches on the island of Kefalonia
- Myrtos Beach
- Skala Beach
- Petani Beach
- Makris Gialos
- Antisamos Beach
- Emplisi Beach
- Xi Beach
→ Important places on the island of Kefalonia
- Argostoli
- Sami
- Lixouri
- Scale
- Agia Efimia
- Svoronata
- Fiskardo
Does Kefalonia have an airport?
Kefalonia Airport Anna Pollatou EFL is located southeast of the island’s capital Argostoli directly by the sea. In the high season, there are direct flights from Munich and Frankfurt to Kefalonia.
Kefalonia Package Tour, Holiday Home & Hotel: Kefalonia has only a few offers for package tours, which are booked out in the high season. Here you should be correspondingly fast. But you will also find many accommodations for an individual holiday. You can compare the offers here:
➲ To cheap Kefalonia package tours (Check24)*
➲ To beautiful Kefalonia hotels (Booking.com)*
#9 Naxos: The green island of the Cyclades
Naxos is ideal for: beach holidays, windsurfers and kiters, history buffs, active holidaymakers and hikers, family holidays
Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades and is located almost in the center of the archipelago. Above it lies Mykonos and a little below it, the famous Santorini. Many ferries and even cruise ships pass by it.
This is certainly one reason why the island has become increasingly popular in recent years. Naxos is a Popular Greek bathing island with miles of sandy beaches, where kiters and surfers also cavort due to the magnificent winds.
Hikers make their way through the mountain massif to the highest peak of the Cyclades. The vast plains of Naxos show a multifaceted landscape of olive groves and vines, interspersed with ancient remains and ancient monasteries and chapels.
Even if the Naxos Island has seen more and more tourists in recent years, it remains a destination for individualists who want to discover the beauty and diversity of Naxos on their own.
More info about the beautiful holiday destination Naxos
Click here for our articles:
→ Popular sights of Naxos
- Naxos-Old Town Chora
- Portara of Naxos
- Mountain villages of Koronos and Apiranthos
- Kouros of Apollonas
- Temple of Sangri
- Alyko Cedar Forest
→ Beautiful beaches on the island of Naxos
- Agia Anna Beach
- Plaka Beach
- Panormos Beach
- Agios Giorgos Beach
- Agios Prokopios Beach
- Pyrgaki Beach
→ Important places on the island of Naxos
- Naxos Chora
- Plaka
- Mikri Vigla
- Melanes
- Sangri
- Aperathos
Does Naxos have an airport?
Naxos Airport JNX is located about two kilometers from the main town of Chora. Naxos is currently (2021 season) not served by direct flights from Germany. You can reach the island of Naxos via Athens Airport via a stopover.
Naxos Package Tour, Holiday Home & Hotel: Are you looking for a suitable accommodation in Naxos? Especially in the high season, the most beautiful hotels and holiday homes are quickly booked up. Here you can directly compare suitable holiday offers for Naxos:
➲ To cheap Naxos package tours (Check24)*
➲ To beautiful Naxos hotels (Booking.com)*
#10 Paros: The Marble Island of the Cyclades
Paros is ideal for: couples, honeymoons, island hopping, beach holidays, party people and jetsetters, individual explorers
White cubic houses, cute cafes and hip bars, golden beaches and lonely monasteries in the mountains, all this is Paros.
The small Cycladic island next to Naxos is not yet as populated as its sisters Santorini and Mykonos and yet it is becoming more and more popular, as you can find the typical blue and white Greece.
The towns of Naoussa and Parikia have become real visitor magnets in recent years. To the south and east of the Paros Island there is still peace. A sympathetic island that can be wonderfully integrated into an island hopping.
A special feature of the island is the Parian marble, which has been mined on the island since ancient times. Today you can visit the mining tunnels in the north of the island.
More info about the beautiful holiday destination Paros
Click here for our articles:
→ Popular sights of Paros
- Parikia Old Town
- Panagia Ekatondapiliani
- Port of Naoussa
- Locality Lefkes
- Andiparos Island
→ Beautiful beaches on the island of Paros
- Lageri Beach
- Kolimbithres Beach
- Golden Beach
- Santa Maria Beach
- Martselo Beach
- Aliki Beach
→ Important places on the island of Paros
- Parikia
- Naoussa
- Angkeria
- Archilochos
- Marpissa
- Lefkes
- Kostos
Does Paros have an airport?
The small airport of Paros PAS is currently only served by scheduled aircraft from Athens. The capital Athens is now served by almost all German airports. The short stopover is no problem for many holidaymakers to reach the popular holiday destination of Paros.
Paros Package Tour, Holiday Home & Hotel: Paros can be wonderfully integrated into an island hopping, e.g. with Mykonos or Naxos. Here you can find cheap accommodation offers for Paros:
➲ To cheap Paros package tours (Holidaycheck)*
➲ To beautiful Paros hotels (Booking.com)*
#11 Lefkada: The Island of White Rocks
Lefkada is ideal for: beach holidays, surfers and kiters, sailors and yacht owners, active holidaymakers and hikers
The Lefkada Island Like Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia, it is also located in the Ionian Sea and is a perfect holiday destination for the summer. The paradisiacal beaches are a feast for the eyes, turquoise blue sea meets white sea pebbles.
It is not without reason that Lefkada’s beaches are the trademark of the island, attracting not only sunbathers but also kiters and windsurfers. The best known is the Porto Katsiki Beach with its mighty limestone rocks.
But the interior of Lefkada also attracts with quaint villages, dense forests and even impressive waterfalls, including near Nydri.
Especially in the high season, Lefkada is well frequented. In addition to international tourists, many Greeks from the mainland are now also coming to the island for holidays.
More info about the beautiful holiday destination Lefkada
Click here for our articles:
- Lefkada Highlights
- Lefkada Town – 5 Important information
- Lefkada Beaches – our top 10
→ Popular sights of Lefkada
- Porto Katsiki
- Papanikolis Cave (Meganisi)
- Nydri Waterfalls
- Faneromeni Monastery
- Fishing village of Sivota
→ Beautiful beaches on the island of Lefkada
- Milos Beach
- Egremni Beach
- Agiofilli Beach
- Kathisma Beach
- Mikros Gialos
- Pefkoulia Beach
- Ammoussa Beach
- Porto Katsiki Beach
→ Important places on the island of Lefkada
- Lefkada Town
- Nydri
- Vasiliki
- Sivota
- Agios Nikitas
- Nikiana
Does Lefkada have an airport?
Lefkada does not have its own airport. The city of Preveza on the Greek mainland, 20 kilometers away, takes over air traffic. Many hotels offer a shuttle service from Airport Preveza PVK to the island of Lefkada.
Lefkada Package Tour, Holiday Home and Hotel: You also want to lie on the beaches of Lefkada? Here you will find the right accommodation:
➲ To cheap Lefkada package tours (Holidaycheck)*
➲ To beautiful Lefkada hotels (Booking.com)*
#12 Milos: The Island of Colors
Milos is ideal for: couples, individual explorers, beach holidays, island hopping
It is not without reason that Milos is also called the island of Aphrodite. Its extraordinary and varied landscape enchants many right away.
The bizarre rock formations of the Cycladic island are breathtaking and shine in a wide variety of colors. Due to their volcanic origin, Milos beaches shine in red and brown.
The highlight of the island is the Sarakiniko Coast, the white rock formations look surreal and create a unique spectacle with the emerald green water.
There are also impressive sea caves and cute fishing villages to discover. The “Little Venice” of Milos with the striking Syrmata houses is also particularly beautiful. In the past, they were colourful boathouses, which have now been converted into holiday accommodation.
The Milos Island is also ideal as a start or end point for a Top Western Cyclades Island Hopping in combination with Sifnos, Serifos and Folegandros.
More info about the beautiful holiday destination Milos
Click here for our articles:
→ Popular sights of Milos
- Milos Boathouses (Syrmata)
- Sarakiniko
- Roman Theatre Milos
- Venetian Kastro
- Island Kimolos
- Mount Profitis-Iliad
- Papafragas Cave
→ Beautiful beaches on the island of Milos
- Agios Sostis Beach
- Sarakiniko Beach
- Kleftiko Bay
- Fyriplaka Beach
- Firopotamos Beach
- Paleochori Beach
- Plathiena Beach
- Pollonia Beach
→ Important places on the island of Milos
- Milos Town
- Adamas
- Triovasalos
- Trypiti
- Apollonia
Does Milos have an airport?
Milos Airport MLO only serves domestic flights from Athens. There are currently no direct flights from Germany. You have to plan a stopover in Athens for the beautiful holiday destination of Milos. Often you can fly on to Milos on the same day, alternatively you can plan a spontaneous short Athens Holidays.
Milos Package Tour, Holiday Home & Hotel: Milos as a holiday destination fascinates you and you really want to go to the island? There are no package tours for Milos! If you want to discover the island, there is no way around an individual Greece vacation. Find out about the most beautiful accommodations in Milos here:
➲ To beautiful Milos hotels (Booking.com)*
#13 Skiathos: Island of 60 beaches
Skiathos is ideal for: family holidays, couples, beach holidays, sailors and yacht owners, cyclists and mountain bikers
The Skiathos Island is a quite small island in the North Aegean Sea. Nevertheless, the island has developed into a popular holiday destination in Greece. After all, there are said to be over 60 beaches on Skiathos.
Perhaps the popularity of the island is also due to the fact that Skiathos is next to Skopelos Filming location of the film Mamma Mia! was. Within a short time, the two islands became virtually famous. In the summertime, the almost 6,000 inhabitants are innumerably inferior to the tourists.
Skiathos, similar to its neighboring island, is lush green due to dense pine forest. Well-marked hiking trails invite you to discover the beautiful nature
Wonderful, kilometre-long beaches such as the Lalaria Beach have earned Skiathos the name “Greek Caribbean”. Many families are drawn here because the beaches are very shallow, especially in the south, and are therefore also ideal for small children.
In midsummer, Skiathos is popular with the jet set, when the international chic meet on the island. In the main town, the nightlife pulsates and almost competes with Mykonos.
The Northern Sporades are also a popular sailing area. And so you can see many yachts in front of the island, which fit particularly nicely into the picturesque architecture of the villages.
More info about the beautiful holiday destination Skiathos
Click here for our articles:
→ Popular sights of Skiathos
- Lalaria Coast
- Skiathos Old Town
- Bourtzi Fortress
- Panagia Evangelistria Monastery
- Kastro
- Strofilia Lake
→ Beautiful beaches on the island of Skiathos
- Koukounaries Beach
- Mandraki Beach
- Tsougrias Beach
- Banana Beach
- Troulos Beach
- Agia Eleni Beach
- Kolios Beach
→ Important places on the island of Skiathos
- Skiathos Town
- Platanias
- Koukounaries
- Troulos
Does Skiathos have an airport?
Skiathos Airport Alexandros Papadiamantis JSI is located just above Skiathos Town. In the high season, direct flights are offered from Munich, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Stuttgart to Skiathos.
Skiathos Package Tour, Holiday Home & Hotel: Would you like to get to know the beautiful holiday destination of Skiathos? Then take a look at nice accommodations for Skiathos here:
➲ To cheap Skiathos package tours (Holidaycheck)*
➲ To beautiful Skiathos hotels (Booking.com)*
#14 Thasos: The green emerald of the Aegean Sea
Thasos is ideal for: nature lovers, hiking and active holidays, beach holidays, individual explorers, windsurfers
Thasos is the northernmost inhabited island of the Aegean Sea and only seven kilometers from the Greek mainland. The Thasos Island counts in addition to the Halkidiki Peninsula is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in Northern Greece.
Dense forests and a unique natural landscape with gorges and waterfalls stretch across the island. On the coasts you will find beautiful beaches where windsurfers can also let off steam.
In addition, the island of Thasos also offers a very peculiar architecture, which can be discovered in the beautiful mountain villages of the island.
More information about the beautiful holiday destination of Thasos
→ Popular sights of Thasos
- Giola Natural Pool
- Apostolus and Marie’s Waterfalls
- Ancient Agora
- Aliki Peninsula
- Mount Ipsarion
- Archangel Michael Monastery
→ Beautiful beaches on the island of Thasos
- Paradise Beach
- Psili Ammos
- Tripiti Beach
- Metalia Beach
- Golden Beach
→ Important places on the island of Thasos
- Limenas
- Kallirachi
- Prinos
- Potamia
- Theologos
- Limenaria
- Panagia
Does Thasos have an airport?
The island of Thasos does not have its own airport. Direct flights to the nearby city of Kavala are currently possible from Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich. You can reach Thasos by ferry from Kavala (Keramoti). The crossing takes only 30 minutes and should not be an obstacle to the beautiful Greek island. Alternatively, you can fly direct from Germany to Thessaloniki. With shuttle transfer or bus and ferry, it will take you about three hours to get to the island.
Thasos Package Tour, Holiday Home & Hotel: You want to explore the green island of Thasos? Then find out about cheap travel deals for the northern Greek island here:
➲ To cheap Thasos package tours (Check24)*
➲ To beautiful Thasos Hotels (Booking.com)*
#15 Samos: The Blooming Island of the East Aegean
Samos is ideal for: Hiking & Active Holidays, Mountain Biking, Greece Newbies, Family Holidays
The lush green island in the East Aegean Sea is particularly popular with nature lovers who explore the mountainous island on the numerous hiking trails. Whether it’s the Potami Waterfalls or the cave church of Panagia Makrini. There is always something to discover on Samos.
Authentic mountain villages and picturesque coastal towns, such as Kokkari, invite you to take a break while exploring the island. In the village taverns there is delicious Greek home cooking and good wine from the island.
The birthplace of the mathematician Pythagoras also has a lot to offer archaeologically. Particularly impressive is the Eupalinos Tunnel, which you can even walk through.
More info about the beautiful holiday destination Samos
Here we tell you about our time on Samos:
→ Popular sights of Samos
- Tunnel of the Eupalinos
- Pythagoras Museum
- Hera Temple
- Potami Waterfalls,
- Timiou Stavrou Monastery
- Nightingale Valley
- Samos Wineries
→ Beautiful beaches on the island of Samos
- Lemonakia Beach
- Potami Beach
- Livadaki Beach
- Tsamadou Beach
- Mikro Seitani Beach
→ Important places on the island of Samos
- Vathy
- Pythagorio
- Kokkari
- Karlovasi
- Kambos
- Manolates
- Platanos
- Vourliotes
Does Samos have an airport?
Samos’ Aristarchos SMI Airport is located less than 10 minutes from the town of Pythagorio. In the summer season, there are some direct flights from Germany, including from Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich.
Samos Package Tour, Holiday Home & Hotel:You want to discover the island of Samos? Samos offers both package hotels and accommodation for individualists. Here you can find cheap deals on Samos:
➲ To cheap Samos package tours (Check24)*
➲ To beautiful Samos hotels (Booking.com)*
💡 Help with the Greece Holiday Planning: You don’t know where to start and how to go about planning your vacation in the Greek islands? No problem, benefit from our years of experience with traveling to Greece and let us help you. We advise you on all your questions and concerns, even via video chat. You can book your consultation here: Travel Advice Greece
Ranking of the most popular Islands in Greece
The basis is the number of reviews of all Greek islands on the TripAdvisor platform. These overall ratings include all facilities such as hotels, restaurants, attractions, museums, beaches and much more. The more people visit the islands, the more reviews there are on TripAdvisor. The result is these beautiful holiday destinations within the Greek islands.
The most popular Greek islands according to Tripadvisor (as of 02/2026):
- Crete
- Rhodes
- Santorini
- Corfu
- Mykonos
- Zakynthos
- Kos
- Kefalonia
- Naxos
- Paros
- Lefkada
- Milos
- Skiathos
- Thasos
- Samos
- Ios
- Karpathos
- Skopelos
- Hydra
- Andros
- Amorgos
- Tinos
- Syros
- Patmos
- Lesbos
- Chios
- Koufonisia
- Antiparos
- Serifos
- Sifnos
- Kythira
- Paxos
- Ikaria
- Kythnos
- Kalymnos
- Leros
- Astypalea
- Limnos
- Aegina
- Poros
- Folegandros
- Skyros
- Alonissos
- Salamina
- Ithaca
→ A complete Overview of the Greek islands and you can get the individual islands including the map in our article: Greek Islands Overview
FAQs about popular Greek islands
Which are the most popular Greek islands?
The top-5 most popular Greek islands are Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Corfu, and Mykonos. They get the most direct flights from Europe, many cruise-ship tourists and offer countless hotels in all price ranges.
Which is the most beautiful Greek island?
There is no single most beautiful Greek island. Each Greek island is unique in terms of its nature and people. Due to the incredible diversity of the islands, everyone defines their most beautiful island differently.
Which Greek island is suitable for families?
Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, and Skiathos are ideal for family vacations. They offer gently sloping sandy beaches, a wide range of activities, and good tourist infrastructure with direct flights from Germany.
Which Greek island is good for a beach vacation?
Zakynthos, Lefkada, and Skiathos are perfect for beach vacations. Skiathos offers over 60 beaches, Zakynthos captivates with the famous Navagio Bay, and Lefkada with the beautiful beaches of Porto Katsiki and Egremni.
Which Greek island is suitable for active holidays?
Crete, Corfu, Kefalonia, and Samos are ideal for active holidays. They offer marked hiking trails, mountain villages, gorges, and diverse natural landscapes. Crete scores with the famous Samariá Gorge.
Which Greek islands have airports?
Crete (three airports), Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Santorini, Zakynthos, Mykonos, Kefalonia, Naxos, Skiathos, Paros, Milos, Samos, and Thasos (via Kavala) have airports. Most offer direct flights from Germany during the high season.
Which Greek island is suitable for island hopping?
Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros in the Cyclades are perfect for island hopping. In the Ionian Sea, Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Lefkada are ideal. The ferry connections are well developed.
Which Greek island is the quietest?
Kefalonia, Milos, Thasos, and Samos are quiet alternatives. They are less touristy than Santorini or Mykonos and, with their authentic villages, secluded beaches, and abundant nature, offer ideal conditions for individual explorers.
Which Greek island has the most beautiful beaches?
Lefkada with Porto Katsiki, Zakynthos with Navagio Beach, Crete with Balos and Elafonisi, and Milos with Sarakiniko are considered the islands with the most spectacular beaches. Each island captivates with its different beach landscapes.
How many Greek islands are there?
There are over 1,000 Greek islands, of which about 120 are inhabited. The islands stretch from the Ionian Sea in the west to the Aegean Sea in the south and east of Greece.
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How did you like the post on the most popular Greek islands? Which island have you already visited? Do you have any other suggestions for beautiful holiday destinations within Greece’s islands? Let us know in the comments!
