The best Greek islands to visit and why
Greece has over 200 inhabited islands. Here’s my guide on how to choose which one is right for you.
Where to start?
One of the reasons I find myself returning to Greece time and again is because each island has its own distinct charm. Of course, there are the unifying features of beautiful scenery, delicious food and warm hospitality. But they all have their own feel.
How do you know which one is right for you? I’ve summarised the highlights from my favourite islands in the hope it helps those who feel overwhelmed with where to choose.
So here goes… my ultimate travel guide to the Greek islands.
CYCLADES
MILOS
Best for: Picturesque Cycladic architecture (without the crowds) and unique landscapes
Things to do in Milos:
Sarakiniko beach – formed of smooth white volcanic rock, this spot is often described as “the moon beach”. Unlike anywhere else in Greece, this beach is a bucket list experience. It’s also a great place to watch sunrise.
Visit Mandrakia – a sleepy fishing village with one of the best seafood restaurants on the island. Head here late morning and then onto Medusa for lunch.
Explore Plaka – get lost wandering the narrow streets of the capital. Expect whitewashed houses with plenty of bougainvillea decorating homes, shops and restaurants. Hike up to the Kastro to get panoramic views of the Aegean, as well as sunsets that rival those of popular Santorini.
Stay in a symra house in Klima – coloured apartments adorn this sea front. Once home to fisherman, most are now converted houses to rent. Staying in one of these was the highlight of my trip to Milos. There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sound of the sea! This area also offers beautiful sunset views. I would highly recommend the Airbnb we stayed in, The Colourful Land.
Hire a boat – there are lots of beautiful areas in Milos that are only accessible by boat. The striking caves at Kleftiko are home to a beautifully blue patch of sea. You can also stop off at Tsigrado beach, which is tricky to access by foot. We booked in advance using Blue Mile Rentals.
Eat at O! Hamos – this family run restaurant is an institution on the island. Each menu is handwritten and complete with a history of its origins. O! Hamos specialises in traditional dishes native to Milos and Greece and uses the best ingredients from local producers.
How to get there?
Milos has a domestic airport and you can fly there via Athens.
You can also catch a ferry from Athens (3.5 hours) or Santorini (2 hours). From experience, the ferries tend to be more reliable – Milos can get very windy, which sometimes affects the reliability of flights.
MYKONOS
Best for: Parties and the luxury experience
Things to do in Mykonos:
Explore the Old Town – a maze of narrow, winding streets lined with the iconic Cycladic whitewashed buildings, vibrant bougainvillaea and colourfully decorated homes. Give yourself plenty of time to stroll around and shop the boutique stores for souvenirs. Don’t miss the beautiful church of Panagia Paraportiani. Its whitewashed, smooth architecture make it a photographer’s dream.
Wander through Little Venice – a charming waterfront spot in Mykonos Town. Houses, restaurants and bars are built right onto the water’s edge. It’s a great place to enjoy a drink while catching sunset. We liked Negrita and Scarpa for drinks and Kastro’s for dinner.
See the windmills – built by the Venetians in the 16th century, these windmills are an iconic fixture of Mykonos. Offering a beautiful view across the sea and Little Venice, this is popular spot.
Hit the beach clubs – Nammos and Scorpoios are two of the most famous beach clubs on the island. Head to Nammos for a late lunch that turns into a party. Scorpios is best for sunset and often has live music. Both places exude luxury.
Have a sundowner at 180° Sunset Bar – offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and Mykonos Town, this stylish spot is perfect for cocktails at sunset.
Dinner by the sea – head to Spilia and have dinner in the Agia Anna cave. Nestled in the rocks overlooking the sea, there’s no better place to enjoy fresh seafood on the island.
How to get there?
Mykonos has an airport that serves international flights.
IONIAN
LEFKADA
Best for: Beautiful beaches and laidback vibes
Things to do in Lefkada:
Hike to Egremni beach – getting here is high effort, high reward! The road leading to this beach is closed to cars. So, to access it you must park at the top of the hill and walk until you hit the 400 steps that take you down to the shore. Not too bad on the descent, but definitely an experience on the way back up! But it’s so worth it. The blue of the sea here is beyond comparison. Plus, its difficulty to access means the beach is never crowded.
Sunset dinner at Amente – located on a cliff edge, this spot offers and an endless view of the Ionian Sea. The restaurant oozes charm with poolside tables, live music and a delicious menu. Come for sunset and let mother nature do the rest.
Visit Milos beach –situated on the west side of the island, this is another remote beach with crystal-clear waters. Sensing a theme? It’s also a great place to catch sunset.
Stay in a hotel with a private pool – we based ourselves at Crystal Waters and loved it. The facilities were modern, and the rooms felt delightfully luxurious. We opted for an apartment with a plunge pool and loved spending the afternoons reading in our own little oasis.
How to get there?
Lefkada is the only Greek island accessible by car. Fly to the nearby town of Preveza and drive over a small bridge into Lefkada.
Or if you fancy the scenic route, the island is a 5-hour ride from Athens.
KEFALONIA
Best for: Charming villages and turquoise waters
Things to do in Kefalonia:
Take a dip at Myrtos beach – consistently named as one of the best beaches in Greece, this spot is a must visit in Kefalonia. Nestled between giant white cliffs and bright turquoise water, Myrtos is iconic for a reason. Admire from the clifftop before driving down to set up for the day. It’s also on the west wide of the island, so a perfect sunset spot.
Visit Fiskardo – a picturesque harbour village, known for its well-preserved Venetian architecture. Expect to see lots of luxury yachts, upscale restaurants and boutique shops.
Explore Assos – this charming village is laced with colourful houses and winding alleyways to get lost in. It’s also home to a 16th century Venetian castle, which boasts beautiful views from the top.
Find a secluded cove – we found there were lots of hidden beaches on Kefalonia. Some we were even lucky enough to have to ourselves! A favourite was Pessada, which is one of the few beaches on the island with sand.
Eat the local cuisine – we had some of our best food in Greece here. Some highlights were Olive Lounge and Lorraine’s Magic Hill – both of which have incredible views across the Ionian Sea.
Day trip to Ithaca – great for those who those who want to explore beyond Kefalonia. Easily done in a day, you can take a 45-minute ferry from Sami to Ithaca. Once there, explore the capital, Vathy, which feels like a scene from the Mamma Mia film.
How to get there?
Kefalonia has an airport that serves international flights.
CORFU
Best for: Gorgeous landscapes and a rich history
Things to do in Corfu:
Relax at Imbari – a beachside restaurant in the heart of Corfu Town. Found just underneath the Old Palace, it’s the only spot in the city with direct beach access. Whether you’re grabbing an afternoon drink or watching the sunset over dinner, Imbari offers a unique view of Corfu’s coastline and historic architecture.
Hike to Porto Timoni – an iconic beach in Corfu, with two distinct bays, separated by a narrow strip of land. Accessible by boat or a scenic hike from Afionas village, this idyllic spot is encircled by lush green hills and crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
Hang out at La Grotta – a bar unlike any you’ve been to before. Located in a rocky cove, this beach bar is great spot to grab a drink and swim in a gorgeous landscape. It’s a haven for divers!
Hire a boat – Corfu boasts numerous secluded beaches and hidden coves. Renting a boat gives you the freedom to explore them all at your own pace. Hire from a company based in Paleokastritsa, as this area and its surroundings are renowned for their turquoise waters.
Watch the sunset at Loggas beach – this spot is one of the best places to watch sunset on the island. Characterised by its towering limestone cliffs, it offers a striking view and is one of the most picturesque spots on the island. 7th Heaven Café can be found at the top of the cliff, if you fancy a drink with your view.
How to get there?
Corfu has an airport that serves international flights.
NORTH AEGEAN
IKARIA
Best for: Off the beaten track relaxation in one of the world’s “blue zones”
Things to do in Ikaria:
Hike to Seychelles beach – full disclosure, reaching this beach is not for the faint hearted. But you’ll be greeted with crystal-clear waters and impressive rock formations when you arrive. With some of the bluest sea in Greece, you can see where the Indian Ocean inspired name came from! Ideal for swimming and sunbathing, you can easily pass a whole day here.
Visit Nas beach – a gorgeous cove found in a lush natural landscape. Head there in the afternoon, stay for sunset and grab dinner at Anna’s Fish Tavern, which is located immediately above.
Stay at Toxotis Villas – an oasis on the island. Situated on a hillside, the villas here offer breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. We found the tranquil and intimate setting here (there are only seven villas on the property) provided the perfect form of escapism.
Eat like a local – head to Sto Kampi for some delicious Greek cuisine, all made with local ingredients. Set in a beautiful courtyard in the village of Agios Dimitrios, the restaurant’s setting is just as good as its food.
How to get there?
Ikaria is easily accessible from Mykonos – a ferry takes about 2 hours. You can also catch a boat from Athens, but this will set you back around 7 hours.
If you prefer to fly, it’s a 1-hour flight from Athens. Ikaria airport also serves domestic flights from Lemnos and Thessaloniki.
DODECANESE
RHODES
Best for: Sun lovers (Rhodes is one of the hottest Greek islands) and first timers
Things to do in Rhodes:
Stay in Lindos – a charming village filled with whitewashed houses and narrows streets. The ancient Acropolis of Lindos is perched on a hilltop above and provides a striking backdrop to the town. Home to beautiful beaches and a vibrant restaurant scene, Lindos offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
Dine at a rooftop restaurant – Lindos boasts several rooftop restaurants, with panoramic views of the island. We treated ourselves to a sunset dinner every evening.
Swim at Saint Paul’s Bay – a natural beauty located near Lindos, this bay is framed by dramatic cliffs and offers an idyllic setting for swimming.
Explore Rhodes Old Town – get lost wandering the medieval streets of this UNESCCO World Heritage Site. Filled with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and charming squares, exploring this area feels like stepping back in time.
Take a day trip to Symi – for those wanting to scratch their Greek island-hopping itch, the island of Symi is nearby and easily done in a day. Known for its colourful neoclassical houses and beautiful harbour, Symi offers a slower pace of life.
How to get there?
Rhodes has an airport that serves international flights.