Which Greek island should it be for the next vacation? With almost 120 inhabited islands in Greece, the decision for the right holiday destination is not exactly easy. If you are traveling to Greece for the first time, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu or Santorini will certainly come to mind first.
“The more difficult it is to reach a Greek island, the more pristine it is.”
However, the most popular Greek islands are not always the right choice for every type of holiday. Especially in midsummer, some of Greece’s islands are heavily frequented. Those seeking peace and quiet then usually find it difficult to find an undisturbed place or a lonely beach.
If you go on a Greek island far away from the crowds, then your journey will already be a little adventure. Many of the original Greek islands do not have an airport and can only be reached by ferry. This requires a certain amount of organizational skill.
This article is intended as a suggestion for your holidays on the Greek Islands. We would like to make your decision a little easier and have listed a small selection of the Greek islands according to holiday types. You will see, each Greek island is a world of its own. No two are alike!
- #1 Greek Islands for the First Time
- #2 Greek islands for a beach holiday
- #3 Family holidays on Greek islands
- #4 Islands for History Buffs
- #5 Islands for hikers and active vacationers
- #6 Greek Islands for Cycling
- #7 Islands for windsurfers and water sports
- #8 Islands for sailors and yacht owners
- #9 Urban islands for city lovers
- #10 Islands for Jetsetters and Insta-Nerds
- #11 Party Islands of Greece
- #12 Islands for explorers and hermits
- #13 Islands with special architecture
- #14 Islands with curious natural landscapes
- #15 Greek Islands for Honeymoon
- FAQ Which island is right for me?
#1 Greek Islands for the First Time
The listed Greek Islands are very well developed for tourism and have a very good infrastructure. Corfu, Kos or Samos are ideal islands for Greece newcomers, because they don’t overwhelm you right at the beginning.
Another plus point: You can all reach the listed islands of Greece via direct flight from Germany. Perfect for the first time in Hellas, right?
They are ideal for warming up to Greek culture and slowly getting to grips with the customs and mentality of the Greeks. Straight Kos is very popular for the first time holiday in Greece.
#2 Greek islands for a beach holiday
- Karpathos
- Cephalonia
- Corfu
- Kos
- Crete
- Naxos
- Rhodes
- Skiathos
The paradisiacalBeaches of Kos, Naxos & Co. with their light sand and turquoise-blue water give rise to a Caribbean feeling. Sun worshippers will get their money’s worth in Greece. In our opinion, these islands have one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and are therefore rightly very popular with holidaymakers.
These islands offer dream beaches, some of which are miles long with crystal clear water. Unadulterated bathing fun is guaranteed here and those who like it quieter can look for a secluded bay, these are also on the most popular Greek islands still to be found.
#3 Family holidays on Greek islands
- Corfu
- Kos
- Crete
- Naxos
- Rhodes
Stress-free travel is very popular for families with children. These Greek islands are almost all accessible by direct flights from Germany, the flight time is a maximum of three hours. In addition, there are sandy beaches with shallow waters, so that the little ones can splash around safely.
Corfu, Kos, Crete and Rhodes also all have family hotels and club complexes where there is childcare, so adults can enjoy some time for themselves. Here you can enjoy an unclouded family holidays in Greece.
If you do a Greece Island Hopping with children, then you will find inspiration in this article: Island hopping Greece
#4 Islands for History Buffs
- Aegina
- Chios
- Kos
- Crete
- Limnos
- Naxos
- Rhodes
Ancient excavations and ruins make your heart beat faster? These islands of Greece offer a high density of archaeological sites and a fascinating insight into the past and lived customs of the island’s population. In general, however, there are always archaeological sites on Greek islands.
There are even more historical highlights on the Greek mainland. Especially the region around the Gulf of Corinth as well as the Peloponnese Peninsulas are true treasure chests for history fans. You can read our detailed experience report here: Peloponnese Tour
#5 Islands for hikers and active vacationers
Of course, you can set off on foot from any Greek island and explore the area on a hike. These listed islands of Greece are therefore only a small selection. They offer mountainous terrain and pristine mountain landscapes, perfect for a hiking holidays in Greece.
Above all, the Hiking paradise Samosand their neighboring island of Ikaria In contrast to the rest of the islands of the Aegean, they have lush vegetation. Here you roam through fertile valleys and fragrant coniferous forests and can fill up your water bottle at bubbling mountain springs.
Hiking is not necessarily the passion of many Greeks, but in recent years hiking trails have been increasingly marked and mapped. Magnificent views and traditional villages far away from the tourist hustle and bustle are guaranteed on all of the islands mentioned. Crete in particular is considered a hiking Eldorado (e.g. Samaria Gorge).
Kalymnos is considered the No. 1 climbing spot in Greece, including its many caves and grottoes. Every year in October, climbers from all over the world meet here for the Kalymnos Climbing Festival.
#6 Greek Islands for Cycling
- Corfu
- Kos
- Crete
- Naxos
- Samos
- Spetses
The Greek islands are not necessarily a dream destination for cycling. Nevertheless, these islands of Greece also offer flat terrain where you can relax and take a ride on your bike.
On the popular island of Kos there are even well-developed bike paths on the east and north coasts with sea views. Mountain bikers are more attracted to mountainous islands with a little more profile, such as Samos or Crete.
#7 Islands for windsurfers and water sports
The Meltemi and the Mistral winds make the Aegean and Ionian Islands a mecca for windsurfers and kiters. Most surfing spots on the Greek islands offer several well-equipped surf stations and schools including equipment rental.
There are practice bays and lagoons for beginners as well as top wind spots for professionals. However, even with a wind force of more than eight Beaufort, e.g. on Karpathos, they quickly reach their limits.
#8 Islands for sailors and yacht owners
These beautiful Islands of Greece are popular sailing areas, offer ideal wind conditions and good marinas. On the Ionian islands such as Kefalonia, the sea is usually a bit calmer and it is easier to sail along.
The Aegean Sea is a bit more challenging due to the strong Meltemi winds, but offers charming dream bays and lonely uninhabited islands, which can be ideally discovered by boat.
#9 Urban islands for city lovers
- Corfu (Corfu Town Kerkyra)
- Crete (Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno)
- Lesvos (Mytilene)
- Rhodes (Rhodes Town)
- Salamina (Salamina Town)
- Syros (Ermoupoli)
Urban flair on a Greek island? Sounds a bit strange, but it certainly exists. If you don’t want to miss out on a vibrant Greek city life on holiday, the islands above with their cities are recommended. These are suitable for this purpose, too: Greek islands good for wintering.
Of course, you shouldn’t expect metropolises here. Then we’d better advise you Athens or Thessaloniki to travel. But the capitals of these islands of Greece always have good shopping opportunities and a pronounced nightlife to offer.
#10 Islands for Jetsetters and Insta-Nerds
A touch of glamour and popular destinations of the international chic. The showcase district is particularly popular Little Venice in Mykonos. If you want a bit of the glitter lifestyle or are planning a decadent vacation where money is no object, you should stop by these islands. But then you like to stand in line longer at top Instagram spots in Greece…
#11 Party Islands of Greece
- Ios
- Crete
- Mykonos
- Paros
- Rhodes
- Santorini
- Zakynthos
While on other islands in Greece the sidewalks are folded up in the evening, here in the summer months the bear is dancing until the early hours of the morning. They are the Greek Party Islands at all!
Every island has at least one more or less notorious party beach where people party merrily. On Zakynthos it is the Laganas beach, which is also known from the Zakynthos Turtles is used as a breeding ground. If you want to mingle with the party people, you should plan a holiday on the islands, especially during the high season in July and August.
By the way, the islands mentioned are probably also great for a bachelorette/ bachelor party in Greece. Every year, many young people from Scandinavian countries and England are drawn to Ios. Young Swedes in particular have discovered the island as their “Greek Mallorca” for themselves.
💡 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
#12 Islands for explorers and hermits
- Agios Efstratios
- Alonissos
- Fourni
- Kasos
- Small Cyclades (including Iraklia, Schinoussa and Donoussa)
- Kythira
- Lipsi
- Psara
- Skyros
- Tilevoides Islands (Kalamos, Kastos Meganisi)
Mass tourism is a horror to you and you avoid bed castles and sardine beaches? You want to experience Greece as authentically as possible and mingle with the local population? Then teach yourself a few bits of Greek and visit these unknown islands.
We will tell you our favorite islands far away from the crowds in this article: Greek Islands Insider Tips
With the exception of Kasos, Kythira and Skyros, none of these Greek islands have their own airport. You can reach this Greek islands only by ferry. Tourism, if it exists at all, is very gentle.
Only in August during the holiday season do Greeks come to the islands from the mainland. Otherwise, you can enjoy many places all to yourself or at most meet a few die-hard Greece fans or other hermits.
#13 Islands with special architecture
These Greek islands are characterized by a special and sometimes unique architectural style. These islands do not necessarily attract a special type of holiday, but rather make the hearts of photographers and artists beat faster and usually enchant the viewer right away.
Symi, Chios and Co. are the best examples of how versatile the Greek islands are. From pastel-coloured captain’s villas to medieval stone houses and the impressive architecture of the Cyclades Islands – Anyone who has traveled to more than one island knows: The typical Greek does not actually exist!
#14 Islands with curious natural landscapes
- Lesvos (fossil forest, thermal springs)
- Limnos (desert, rock formations)
- Milos (Volcanic landscape)
- Nisyros (walk-in volcanic crater)
- Samothrace (gorges, waterfalls)
- Santorini (volcanic landscape)
Petrified forests, bizarre rock formations, steaming volcanic craters and a desert on a Greek island? It is sometimes hard to imagine all the curious natural treasures that the Greek islands have in store.
These islands impress with their special landscapes and want to be discovered by adventurers and nature lovers.
#15 Greek Islands for Honeymoon
- Astypalea
- Hydra
- Lesvos
- Milos
- Patmos
- Santorini
Why travel far away when you want to spend your time as a newlywed couple Honeymoon in Greece? These Greek islands are ideal honeymoon destinations. Hellas offers unclouded sunshine and a unique flair!
The Cyclades island of Santorini is best known as a honeymoon destination. But have you ever heard of the Hydra Island heard? An island without cars and without noise, but with beautiful boutique hotels. If you need even more peace and quiet on your honeymoon, then check out the picturesque islands of Patmos and Astypalea. A dream in white!
This list does not claim to be complete and only reflects our personal experiences and reports from friends and acquaintances. We are constantly expanding and keeping the overview up to date.
FAQ Which island is right for me?
Which Greek island is the most beautiful?
That depends entirely on your taste! Santorini is known for its dramatic volcanic landscape, Milos for its colorful rock formations, Crete for its diversity (mountains, gorges, beaches), and Naxos for its endless sandy beaches. We think every island is unique and no two are alike. For architecture fans and Instagram nerds, Symi and Hydra are recommended.
Which Greek island is the cheapest?
Crete, Kos, Rhodes, and Corfu are very affordable due to the many package tours and good infrastructure. Naxos, Paros, and Samos are also significantly cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini. Fourni, Skyros, and Kasos are among the cheapest islands. They are authentic, there is little tourism, and prices are local. In the off-season (May/June and September/October), you can generally save even more everywhere!
Which Greek island has the most beautiful beaches?
Kos, Naxos, Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes have dream beaches with light sand and turquoise-blue water—a Caribbean feeling guaranteed! There are miles of beaches with crystal-clear water. Even on the popular islands, you can still find secluded bays where you can swim undisturbed. Milos has spectacular rocky beaches!
Which Greek island is warmest in May?
Crete, Rhodes, Kos, and Karpathos are by far the southernmost Greek islands. Here, air temperatures in May are around 23–26 °C and water temperatures around 20 °C. Due to its southern location, Crete is often the warmest, with an almost African climate in the east. An early summer vacation also promises fewer tourists. The northern islands such as Corfu or Lefkada, as well as the Chalkidiki peninsula, are slightly cooler at 21–23 °C.
Which Greek island is best suited for children?
The islands of Corfu, Kos, Crete, and Rhodes can be reached in just under three hours by plane. They offer sandy beaches with shallow water for safe splashing around, as well as excellent family hotels with childcare and club facilities. Our favorite is Naxos, which is particularly relaxed and child-friendly. There are flat beaches and cozy taverns. The only downside is that you have to change planes in Athens or take a ferry.
Which Greek island is best for a first visit?
Kos, Corfu, Rhodes, Crete, or Samos—all are accessible by direct flight, have good infrastructure, and are perfect for first-time visitors to Greece. Kos is particularly popular: the island is compact, has beautiful beaches, ancient sites, and authentic taverns. The island is not too big and not too small—ideal for getting acquainted with Greek culture!
Which Greek island is not overcrowded?
Agios Efstratios, Alonissos, Fourni, Kasos, the Small Cyclades (Iraklia, Schinoussa, Donoussa), Kythira, Lipsi, Psara, and Skyros are authentic, focus on gentle tourism, and have hardly any hotels. This is where hermits feel at home 🙂 Most of them can only be reached by ferry, so getting there is an adventure in itself. In August, however, some Greeks from the mainland also come to these gems.
Which Greek island is ideal for hiking?
Crete, Samos, Ikaria, Naxos, Andros, Karpathos, and Tinos – mountainous terrain, unspoiled mountain landscapes, and marked hiking trails. Crete is a true hiking paradise (Samariá Gorge)! Samos and Ikaria have lush vegetation with fertile valleys. Kalymnos is the No. 1 climbing spot in Greece!
Which Greek island is suitable for honeymoons?
Santorini (romantic sunsets, very well known), Hydra (no cars, boutique hotels), Milos (picturesque bays), Patmos and Astypalea (a dream in white, very peaceful) and Lesvos (quiet).
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