The 8 Best Greek Islands to Visit in 2025

We are obsessed with the Greek Isles. We go at least every summer, and in recent years, we’ve even made two or three trips per season. And while we can’t seem to stay away from our favorites, we always make it possible to see new beautiful islands that we hadn’t before.

Yes, the world-famous ones like Santorini and Mykonos are definitely worth visiting. There’s a reason that they get as crowded and expensive as they do; the postcard-perfect views and the paradisiacal beach clubs are unlike any other. We aren’t going to try to convince anyone to stay away from them.

But the truth is that there are dozens more alluring islands, each with its own unique feel and picturesque scenes. Quaint villages, idyllic beaches, fascinating history, and much more are found all over the Aegean (and Ionian). And since you’ve come all this way, you may as well take advantage of the frequent ferries and inter-island flights that crisscross the sea to reach destinations that are both cheaper and less crowded than the main tourist hotspots.

Below are our favorite Greek Islands from our travels, as well as what to do, where to stay, and other important tips for visiting each of them. A summertime vacation to Greece is one of the most iconic trips you can take, and choosing the right spots is critical. But it’s hard to be disappointed with these places.

Let us know where you go and what you think, because we’re always planning another trip to the Greek Islands!

1. Corfu

Number one on our list is not one of the Cyclades with their iconic blue-domed whitewashed buildings, but rather, one of the Ionian Islands. Corfu is in the northwestern corner of Greece, just across the strait that separates it from the mainland’s border with Albania. In other words, it’s across the sea from the heel of Italy’s boot.

This position in the Ionian Sea gives Corfu a history different from that of most Greek Islands. The Romans and Venetians had their time ruling this island group, and this is clear from the architecture and historical sites today. The Ionian Islands are also much greener and more mountainous than most others in the Aegean, and they have more sandy beaches – a feature appreciated by most summertime travelers.

Corfu is a famous destination in Europe, so don’t expect this to be an off-the-beaten-path hidden gem. But it is definitely not one of the most expensive islands in Greece, and budget travelers can do well here. But so can luxury-seekers, thanks to several fantastic five-star resorts and great dining and activities. Families, couples, adventure-seekers, and relaxers will all be happy in Corfu, making this a generally great choice.

What to Do on Corfu

For our past few visits, we’ve been spending the majority of our time on Corfu relaxing by the pool or beach. This never gets old. But there’s a ton of outdoor activities, culture, and history on Corfu to explore.

• Explore Corfu Town – Don’t miss the culture, history, and charm of the island’s center; guided walking tours available.
• Kassiopi – Quiet beach with crystal-clear views of Albania across the sea and crystal-clear water.
• Sidari & Canal d’Amour – Dramatic coastline of cliffs, rock formations, and sandy coves in between for swimming, paddle boarding, and renting a boat.
• Palaiokastritsa – A sandy cove on Corfu’s west side among an otherwise cliff-lined coast with boat rentals to reach remote beaches.
• Paxos & Antipaxos – Sea caves, unbelievably blue water, and empty beaches await on these quiet, small islands, accessible via ferry or guided boat trips.
• Day Trip to Albania – The Albanian Riviera is lively, gorgeous, and very cheap; if you don’t want to navigate the day trip by yourself, you can book guided tours from Corfu.

Where to Stay on Corfu

Corfu has everything from budget hotels to ultra-luxe resorts. It is a large island, so depending on what you want to do and how you plan to get around, your location matters.

Corfu Town is a great place to stay if you want to be in the main part of the island, with easy access to dining, shopping, and transportation. All bus routes begin here, making it a good choice for those who don’t want to rent a car. But if you are open to being somewhere else, you can find really amazing resorts and boutique hotels on beautiful beaches.

• Affordable and High-Quality: Del Mare Beach Hotel – Medium-sized resort in a great spot in Sidari, steps from the beach and the Canal d’Amour.
• Indulge in Luxury: Domes Miramare, A Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu – Incredible deluxe resort on a quiet southeastern shore that we stay at each time. Read our review of the Domes Miramare.

2. Milos

In the past, we were hesitant to write about the Greek Island of Milos – because we didn’t want the world to discover it! But the word seems to be out because each summer, we find more and more people coming to this piece of paradise. 

Milos is one of the Cyclades Islands in the western Aegean Sea. It has a small airport with flights to Athens but most people arrive and depart via ferry routes. You can reach Piraeus (Athens), Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and many other islands in just a few hours.

Milos has it all – delicious restaurants, picturesque traditional villages, rich history, and sandy beaches with stunningly blue water. But it’s that last one that keeps us coming back because, in our opinion, this is the Greek island with the best beaches of all. You can swim in water heated by geothermal vents, boat to a cove only accessible from the sea, or ride a quad on the trails of the rugged south coast to have a shoreline spot all to yourself.

What to Do on Milos

Milos is definitely an island to explore. You will want to rent some form of transportation here, and while a car would be useful, a quad is an even better idea – more than half of the island is only accessible via dirt trails. Our top recommendation is to tour the island by boat in some form, because that’s what really sets Milos apart.

• Snorkeling & Sightseeing Cruises – Tours like this one will take you to all the famous spots along the shore, including Kleftiko, Gerakas, and Poliegos Island.
• Rent a Boat and Do It Yourself – If you’re not a tour person, you can take to the water yourself and have a day of freedom in these places; make sure you book in advance, because boats sell out fast.
• Sarakiniko Beach, AKA Moon Beach – The famous lunar landscape shoreline is very easy to reach, being just north of Adamas, and no quad is needed.
• Watch the Sunset in Plaka – The island’s capital is high on a hilltop, and you’ll easily find “the spot” in front of the church, as well as a bar that sells to-go Aperol Spritzes next door.
• Quad the South Side – Hit the red dirt trails on the side of Milos where you probably won’t find anyone else (besides some wild goats) and park yourself at a secluded beach.

Where to Stay on Milos

You will not find large resorts on Milos, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any ultra-luxe boutique hotels. However, there are definitely far more vacation rentals here than there are hotels.

Most people stay in either Adamas (the port town) or Plaka (the hilltop island capital). You will have easy access to restaurants and shopping here, but you can also find some amazing places in more rural spots. 

• Affordable and High-Quality: Noula House & Studios – Simple but clean and modern rooms with a panoramic view just steps from Plaka.
• Indulge in Luxury: Domes White Coast Milos – An adults-only paradise where every room has its own private pool facing the unique Milos shores.

3. Kefalonia

Kefalonia, sometimes spelled Cephalonia, is a beautiful island off of the west coast of mainland Greece, further south than Corfu. Another Ionian Island, its villages are made up of Venetian architecture rather than Cycladic, and its shores are lined with many wonderful beaches. Its interior is mountainous, which creates sweeping views all around.

There’s a somewhat major airport on Kefalonia with flights all over Europe during the summer, making it easy to reach. Local ferries depart frequently to and from Patras on the mainland, and there are even some Italy services seasonally. There are two main towns on opposite sides of the island: Sami, where the main port is, and Argostolion, which is the capital.

We love the wild diversity of Kefalonia. There are caves all over the island, and one even has a stunning blue lake inside. The rugged coastline’s zigzags create long coves and empty, sandy beaches. We like to rent a boat to reach the best of them, and usually, we’ll find dolphins along the way.

What to Do on Kefalonia

You will definitely want to get out and explore the island of Kefalonia, but be sure to leave some time for relaxation, because this is another island with great places to stay. A rental car is definitely a good idea on Kefalonia. It’s a large island, and most of its best things to do are spread out.

• Melissani Cave Lake – Don’t miss the underground row boat ride in this natural wonder; half-day tours can also combine it with nearby Drogarati Cave.
• Myrtos Beach – If you can only do one beach, go to this white-sand, electric-blue-water paradise at the bottom of a steep cliff; guided tours combine this with the above-mentioned caves.
• Explore Argostolion – The charming capital town of the island has a lively waterfront with lots of places to eat and drink.
• Skala Village – A small, secluded town on the southeastern tip of Kefalonia with peaceful beaches.
• Ithaka Island – The home of Odysseus is just off the shore of Kefalonia and can be explored via a short ferry ride, day cruises around the coast, or on your own with a boat rental from Sami (our favorite).

Where to Stay on Kefalonia

There are a handful of medium-sized resorts around Kefalonia, but this is another island that mainly has small boutique hotels and vacation rentals. We recommend the latter – you can find some amazing rental villas in Kefalonia for rather fair prices.

If you’re on a budget, look to Argostolion or Sami for rooms and apartments, where you won’t need to go far for restaurants and shopping. Tours and activities usually offer transportation from these places, too. For villas, look to the southern coast, as well as the rest of the island.

• Affordable and High-Quality: White Rocks Hotel Kefalonia – Modern and upscale international resort just minutes from Argostolion’s center.
• Indulge in Luxury: Blue Horizon Villas Kefalonia – Three-bedroom villa that we rented with an absolutely incredible panoramic infinity pool.

4. Zakynthos

Kefalonia and Zakynthos are neighboring islands, with Zakynthos lying just to the south. The two are quite similar in many ways, with vast interiors covered in olive trees and many sandy shores. But Zakynthos has its own wonders that are definitely worth a visit, and there’s a summertime ferry running between the two, making them easy to combine.

Zakynthos is mostly calm and peaceful, but there is a bit of nightlife here that makes it somewhat of a party destination. The main town for that is Laganas, a beach town on the southern coast, along with Zakynthos Town to some extent. But families and couples looking to relax shouldn’t be too worried about this – it’s just a matter of knowing where and when it takes place.

The most famous landmark on Zakynthos is surely Shipwreck Beach, with its impossibly blue water and white sand and photogenic beached boat. There’s also a volcanic-vent-heated beach, a turtle sanctuary, and an old Venetian Castle near the island’s main town.

What to Do on Zakynthos

It’s a good idea to rent a car on Zakynthos to reach the attractions spread around this large island. As usual, leave some time built in for lounging at your accommodation’s pool or beach.

• Shipwreck Beach (AKA Navagio Beach) – Arguably the island’s main claim to fame, it can be viewed from a viewpoint on the cliff above or up close on a boat tour.
• Blue Caves – Grottos in the cliffs on the northern shores only accessible by boat, often visited on tours to Shipwreck Beach.
• Xigia Sulfur Beach – A small, white-sand cove where volcanic vents naturally heat the water; you may smell like sulfur after your swim, though.
• Marathonisi Island and South Coast – Turtle spotting, snorkeling, and other water adventures are popular activities on the southern shore, whether on a sightseeing cruise or by renting your own boat.
• Party in Laganas – You’ll know you’re in the right place when you drive down the main road of this party town, and the beach bars are open until the wee hours here.

Where to Stay on Zakynthos

Like on Kefalonia, there are just a few medium to large-size resorts on Zakynthos, and vacation rentals are very popular. You can expect high-quality accommodation for fair prices, but there are certainly ultra-luxe options.

We’ve stayed in both Zakynthos Town and near (but not in) Laganas on the south shore, and both are great options. Alikanas and Alykes Beach also have some nice places on a fantastic beach. If you will be getting a car, it’s a great idea to expand your search all over.

• Affordable and High-Quality: Porto Koukla Beach Hotel – Laid back, local-style spot with daily happy hour and evening live music (both of which we consistently raced back to enjoy).
• Indulge in Luxury: Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection – The Domes Resort of Zakynthos offers the brand’s consistent luxury tucked away in a quiet spot on Laganas Beach, with an all-inclusive option.

5. Crete

Crete is the largest Greek island – it takes more than four hours to drive from one side to another. It has a bit of everything, including small cities, remote villages, rugged mountains, and miles of beaches.

That makes it the best Greek island for people who’d rather not deal with ferries and flights between several destinations. Crete is popular for families who simply want to rent a car or pick a resort. It’s also popular for couples and honeymooners, with many luxury boutique hotels and lots to see.

From the ancient stone city of Chania, visitors can find all kinds of rugged beaches along the island’s west coast, including one with pink sand. From the island capital of Heraklion, you can reach the historic Minoan Palace of Knossos and Greek wine country. And if you get even further off the beaten path, the island’s interior has vast gorges and mountain trails begging to be hiked.

What to Do on Crete

If you’re looking to get out of your resort, renting a car is a good idea on Crete. As you can probably tell, this giant island has attractions all over, and you won’t be able to do it all in one trip. We recommend centering your trip around one side of the island at a time.

• Experience Unique Beaches – Day cruises to Balos Beach are one of the most popular ways to enjoy the sea, while a day trip to pink-sand Elafonisi is highly Instagrammable.
• Palace of Knossos – Skip the line to avoid wasting time at this 3500-year-old Minoan archaeological site.
• Trek through Gorges – The most popular are Samaria Gorge, which is the longest in Europe and quite challenging, and Kourtaliotiko Gorge, which has waterfalls and natural swimming pools.
• Other Ways to See the Mountains – If you aren’t a hiker, hop on a quad safari or horseback tour to see the island interior.
• Island of Gavdos – Set foot on the southernmost place in Europe on this small, quiet island, which has its own share of stunning beaches and caves.

Where to Stay on Crete

Crete has plenty of large resorts, ranging from budget to ultra-luxe if that’s your kind of vacation. But like most Greek islands, it’s also packed full of vacation rentals. 

Chania is a popular place to stay thanks to its beautiful old town, many restaurants, and convenient placement for other activities. Similar places include Heraklion, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos, all of which have ferry ports. Chania and Heraklion are the cities with airports.

• Affordable and High-Quality: Aelios Design Hotel – Old Cretan charm with modern amenities within the old town of Chania.
• Indulge in Luxury: Domes Zeen Chania, A Luxury Collection Resort – Another luxurious Domes property, which is family friendly, and has particularly amazing private-pool suites.

6. Santorini

If you haven’t heard of Santorini, you’ve surely seen pictures of it. Yes, it’s one of the more touristy islands. But it’s hard to deny things like black sand beaches, fascinating archaeological sites, and hot springs – along with that iconic million billion dollar view.

Santorini is a volcanic island in many ways. It’s made up of a narrow, half-moon-shaped stretch of cliffs that are actually the rim of the volcano. The waters within are filled with life and popular for scuba diving, and there is even a spot in the center where geothermal vents heat the water naturally.

The real claim to fame, though, is the village of Oia, built into the caldera’s rim. The winding paths through the network of white-painted cave houses are somewhere you won’t mind getting lost. Everywhere you turn, there’s a view too good to be truly captured in a photo – and that says a lot, because the photos are pretty amazing.

What to Do on Santorini

There’s a ton to do and see around Santorini. Some activities require advance planning, because tourist season here gets really, really busy. But many other activities just require getting to the right spot to relax.

• Experience Oia – Just wander through the town, and you’ll see. It’s especially great for sunset. To make it extra special, book a photoshoot, and you’ll have memories of all the best spots.
• Black Sand Beaches – Our favorite is Kamari, which has several beach clubs that will give you free chairs and umbrellas if you simply order drinks from them.
• Day and Sunset Cruises – Tour the volcano from within, visiting the hot springs and surrounding islets, whether on a budget-friendly cruise or luxury catamaran.
• Scuba Dive – See the incredible underwater world that a flooded volcano creates on a scuba diving excursion.
• Akrotiri – The northern point of the island has the ruins of an ancient city, a red-sand beach, and a clifftop lighthouse with stunning views.

Where to Stay on Santorini

Santorini is packed full of luxury hotels and rentals. There are some budget places to be found, but don’t expect them to be in Oia – look almost anywhere else for that, especially by the beach. But to be honest, part of the magic of Santorini is staying somewhere with that view.

If you can dedicate the budget to it, Oia is the place to stay, with Thira coming in second. If you are fine with just visiting, Kamari and Perissa have some cheaper options.

• Affordable and High-Quality: Rose Bay Hotel – Resort-like atmosphere a block from the beach and at budget prices for Santorini.
• Indulge in Luxury: Mystique, a Luxury Collection Resort – Stunning ultra-luxe cave suites in the heart of Oia, many with their own pools or hot tubs.

7. Mykonos

Mykonos is known as the party island of the Aegean, and that’s a fair characterization. That makes it one of the most popular islands for young people to visit. But besides the beach clubs and nightlife, it’s still one of the most beautiful Cycladic Islands.

The main attraction is the old town of Mykonos, which sits directly on a little bay. The scenic promenade quickly turns into a labyrinth of white stone buildings that’s easy to get lost in. Once you find your way to the other side of it, you’ll see the 16 historic windmills that you can walk right up to, for another view of the town.

When they aren’t in Mykonos Town, most tourists are at the beach bars around the sandy shores of the island. Our favorite is Paradise Beach, which is a lovely spot to relax on a lounger or cabana during the day, but a raging party at night.

What to Do on Mykonos

The first time we ever rented a quad on a Greek island was in Mykonos, and we recommend it. Mykonos is very driveable and has some cool places that can be reached with an off-road vehicle. But if you aren’t comfortable with that, this is one island that can probably be done without a car – but taxis will probably be necessary.

• Wander Mykonos Town – Eat gelato, drink Aperol Spritzes, and shop for everything from designer brands to local products while enjoying this picturesque place. You can have a guide show you around if you’d rather be led through.
• Sunset Booze Cruise – Change it up from the typical beach club experience and take the party to the sea on a boat with an open bar and a DJ.
• Archaeological Site of Delos – One of the most sacred ancient places in Greece lies on an island just off the coast of Mykonos, and guided visits to this special island are popular.
• Daytime Beach Club Crawl – Hit the most famous clubs of Mykonos on this guided day of partying: Tropicana, Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach, and Jackie O’.
• Secluded Beaches of Mykonos Paddle – Visit the quiet, unseen sides of Mykonos via kayak on this nature tour.

Where to Stay on Mykonos

The southern and western parts of Mykonos have the most options and will be most convenient for visitors. Staying close to Mykonos Town is obviously nice, but going further out from town yields more expansive resorts.

Because of its popularity, Mykonos is another expensive island, similar to Santorini. Bring a good budget to this island, and look to the less iconic spots if you need to save money.

• Affordable and High-Quality: Makis Place – We were pleased with clean and comfortable rooms right across from the ferry port and a short walk to town.
• Indulge in Luxury: Cavo Tagoo Mykonos – Cliff-perched resort with unbelievable swimming pools.

8. Paros

Last but not least is Paros, which is also part of the Cycladic island group. That makes it an easy addition for anyone looking to do some island hopping, and it’s right in between Santorini and Mykonos.

While the island has an airport, it is very small and has very limited service. The main town of Paros, or Paroikia, is the starting point for everyone, as this is where ferries from across the Aegean dock. It has a long, beautiful waterfront lined with Greek tavernas, with wandering pedestrian streets behind.

From here, rent a car or quad to reach the picturesque villages and secluded beaches spread about this rather large island. The northern town of Naousa and its surrounding shores have some of the most iconic spots on Paros and should not be missed. A circle-island drive will reveal countless more peaceful beaches, historic sites, and beautiful views.

What to Do on Paros

We only spent two days on Paros, and it was not nearly enough. If you are like us and don’t have a lot of time, stick to the island’s north and west; there are also some fascinating archaeological spots in the interior. But if you have more days, the southern and eastern parts are amazing as well.

• Explore Paroikia – Also known as Paros Town, the center of activity on the island is a great place for eating, drinking, shopping, and watching the sunset.
• Wander Around Naousa – This tiny fishing village has become an iconic and highly Instagrammable spot, with more dining and shopping.
• Monastiri Beach & Paros Park – Just down the road from Naoussa on the island’s northern tip is a rocky peninsula packed with trails and a sandy beach.
• Butterflies Nature Reserve – A sanctuary in southern Paros for some of Greece’s most beautiful insects.
• Antiparos & Despotika – These smaller islands are just a few minutes by ferry or sightseeing cruise; the former is so spectacular that Tom Hanks owns a villa there.

Where to Stay on Paros

Paros has fewer resorts than Santorini and Mykonos, but there are some. Vacation rentals are the way to go if you want more options and lower costs. 

Paros Town is a great choice to stay in, as the place is very walkable and convenient. You may want to stay away from the center, though, as it can get loud at night. Naousa is a good option for luxury vacationers, while the smaller towns further south will be quiet and peaceful.

• Affordable and High-Quality: Santanna White Houses – We found these apartments just on the edge of town to be perfectly located and very comfortable.
• Indulge in Luxury: Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort – Paros’ new small and stylish Marriott property is quickly gaining a reputation as the island’s most ultra-luxe.

More Islands to Consider

We are addicted to Greece and have many more islands on our list. The problem is that we keep finding incredible places that we want to return to! But any great trip to Greece includes more than one island, and we always try to fit in something new.

Besides the islands we’ve covered, here are some of the ones we’re looking to hit in the future. Let us know if you’ve been and what you thought. 

Rhodes

Rhodes is a Dodecanese Island, meaning it’s in the eastern Aegean Sea and close to the coast of Turkey. In fact, ferries frequently run between it and the Turkish Riviera city of Marmaris. Rhodes has a ton of ancient Greek and Byzantine history, as well as the usual great beaches and views.

There’s a great-looking Sheraton Resort on Rhodes that we’d like to stay at to take advantage of our Marriott Titanium status. Plus, the long ferry ride from Athens sounds like fun.

Lefkada

This is the last of the major Ionian Islands, and it’s close enough to the mainland to be connected by a bridge. To get here, you can fly to Preveza Airport on the mainland, which has a few very cheap connections to the rest of Europe.

Lefkada has some stunning-looking beaches with electric-blue water. Its tall mountains also create some amazing settings for rental villas.

Ios

Ios is a mini-version of Mykonos that fewer people know about. It’s a party island, but somehow much quieter. This Cycladic Island, located just north of Santorini, has a very tiny population, and almost all of it is in the one main village.

But besides the parties, this large island is rugged and wild, with tall hills and dozens of coves. This looks like a place to rent a quad and go off the grid for a day or two.

Amorgos

While it wasn’t initially on our radar, a friend told us that Amorgos exceeded all her expectations and was her favorite island by far. It’s the easternmost Cyclade with a lot of ferry service. It’s a long and narrow island with an even smaller population and can only be accessed by ferry.

Most people come here to enjoy the peaceful villages, the mountain paths, and the many churches and monasteries perched in the heights. There are a few beaches, and scuba diving is becoming increasingly popular. Don’t expect any large or even medium-sized hotels here.

Folegandros

Like Amorgos, Folegandros is an extremely quiet island in the Cyclades. It looks wonderful, and it’s especially appealing to us because of its proximity to Milos, our favorite. In fact, it’s the intermediate stop on the ferry route between Milos and Santorini, so we are bound to visit at some point.

Its natural beauty is nearly undisturbed by the couple of villages, and if there was ever a Cyclade that didn’t feel discovered, this should be it. Definitely no big hotels or resorts here.