13 Best Greek Islands You Need to Visit Now
- Greece Media
- Sep 17
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 17
Greece is a dream destination for travelers from all over the world, and its islands are at the heart of that allure. With more than 6,000 islands and islets scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas, each destination has its own identity shaped by history, geography, and tradition. For many visitors, the hardest decision is not whether to go, but which island to choose first. The ageless question, what the best best greek islands to visit?
That’s why we created our “10 Things to Do” series, diving into the most exciting experiences each island has to offer. In this article, we bring them together into one place. Think of it as your compass to 13 unforgettable islands, plus a bonus stop in Chania, Crete. Each section gives you a taste of what makes that destination special, followed by a direct link to our full “10 Things to Do” guide.
Why is Santorini One of The Best Greek Islands To Visit?
Santorini is world-famous for its cliffside villages, blue-domed churches, and breathtaking sunsets, but the island rewards those who look beyond the postcard images. From wine tasting in family-owned vineyards to exploring Akrotiri, an ancient city preserved in volcanic ash, Santorini is a place where history and beauty collide. Its volcanic beaches, such as Red Beach and Perissa, add a unique twist to the typical Greek island shoreline.
Why Visit Mykonos Beyond the Nightlife?
Mykonos has a global reputation for nightlife, but this Cycladic island is more than beach clubs and summer parties. Its windmills overlooking Little Venice tell stories of maritime history, while the nearby sacred island of Delos offers some of Greece’s most important archaeological ruins. Charming inland villages and quiet beaches also show a more authentic side of Mykonos that many visitors miss.
What Makes Rhodes a Must-See Island?
Rhodes is a tapestry of cultures, shaped by ancient Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, and the medieval Knights of St. John. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its cobbled alleys and fortified walls, is one of the best-preserved in Europe. Outside the city, you’ll find golden beaches, butterfly valleys, and the iconic whitewashed town of Lindos, perched below its acropolis. Rhodes is the kind of island where every day feels like a new discovery.
Why Is Corfu So Beloved by Travelers?
Corfu blends lush green landscapes with a cosmopolitan old town full of Venetian charm. Its winding alleys, neoclassical architecture, and lively squares make the capital feel like a cultural crossroads. Beyond the town, Corfu’s beaches range from long sandy stretches to quiet coves, while mountain villages showcase a slower, traditional rhythm of life. Add in excellent food and warm hospitality, and Corfu becomes irresistible.
What Are the Highlights of Naxos?
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and one of the most versatile. Known for its endless sandy beaches, fertile farmland, and the iconic Portara gate, Naxos combines stunning natural scenery with authentic Greek culture. Villages like Apeiranthos and Filoti offer mountain views and local traditions, while the island’s reputation for cheese and potatoes makes it a foodie’s delight. Naxos is where relaxation and exploration meet seamlessly.
Why Is Paros The Perfect Greek Island?
Paros has become one of the most popular Greek islands thanks to its balance of lively nightlife and authentic charm. The fishing village of Naousa is full of seaside tavernas and chic boutiques, while the capital, Parikia, offers history with its ancient Panagia Ekatontapiliani church. Windsurfers flock to Golden Beach, and small boat rides take you to hidden coves. Paros offers variety without feeling overwhelming.
What Can You Do in Milos, the Island of Colors?
Milos is a geological wonder, with volcanic landscapes that make it one of the most visually striking islands in Greece. Sarakiniko Beach, with its white lunar rock formations, feels like stepping onto another planet. Fishing villages like Klima showcase brightly painted houses perched right by the sea. Whether you explore sea caves by boat or relax on a quiet sandy shore, Milos offers natural beauty you’ll never forget.
Have You Been To Ios?
Ios may be famous for its nightlife, but the island has much more to offer than beach bars and late-night parties. Its hilltop Chora, with whitewashed alleys and windmills, is one of the most photogenic towns in the Cyclades. Beaches like Mylopotas and Manganari showcase the island’s beauty, while quiet trails and chapels reveal its traditional side. Ios is the perfect mix of youthful energy and authentic charm.
Why Visit Kalymnos, the Island of Sponge Divers and Adventure?
Kalymnos is best known as the island of sponge divers, with a proud maritime tradition that shaped its culture and economy for centuries. Today, it has also become a world-class destination for rock climbing, drawing adventurers to its dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking the Aegean. Beyond the adrenaline, Kalymnos offers charming harbors like Pothia, crystal-clear beaches such as Kantouni and Masouri, and nearby islets that make for perfect day trips. The island is an ideal blend of tradition, nature, and active exploration.
Why Travel to Skiathos?
Skiathos, part of the Sporades, is a small island packed with natural beauty. It boasts over 60 beaches, from lively Koukounaries to hidden coves surrounded by pine forests. The main town has a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere, with cobbled streets and harbor views. Skiathos is ideal for travelers looking for relaxation without sacrificing a touch of nightlife.
What Are the Top Things to Do in Zakynthos?
Zakynthos is world-famous for Navagio, or Shipwreck Beach, but its appeal goes beyond one iconic view. Visitors can explore sea caves, swim with loggerhead turtles, and wander through traditional mountain villages. The island combines striking natural beauty with a warm, welcoming spirit that keeps travelers coming back.
Why Is Kefalonia So Stunning?
Kefalonia is one of the most dramatic islands in Greece, with towering mountains, caves, and coastlines that inspire awe. Myrtos Beach is its most famous sight, but the island also offers underground lakes like Melissani and charming villages such as Assos. Kefalonia’s scale means you can find both lively resort towns and quiet, untouched corners all in one trip.
Why Visit Koufonisi, the Tiny Gem of the Cyclades?
Koufonisi is one of the smallest inhabited Cycladic islands, yet it offers some of the clearest waters and most unspoiled beaches in Greece. The island is so compact that you can walk from one end to the other, discovering sandy coves, turquoise bays, and laid-back tavernas right by the sea. Its relaxed pace and simplicity make Koufonisi a favorite for travelers seeking peace, natural beauty, and authentic island life.
Bonus: Why Visit Chania, Crete?
Chania is technically not an island itself, but a part of a larger one in Crete. Chania it feels like a world of its own. The old Venetian harbor, with its lighthouse and waterfront promenade, is one of the most picturesque in Greece. Wandering through Chania’s old town reveals narrow alleys full of history and charm. Just outside the city, you’ll find some of Greece’s best beaches, including Balos and Elafonisi, as well as rugged mountains for hiking. Chania combines culture, cuisine, and nature in a way that few places can.
Final Thoughts
From world-famous Santorini to the longevity secrets of Ikaria, the Greek islands each tell a different story. Together they form a mosaic of culture, landscapes, and traditions that keep travelers returning year after year. By diving into our dedicated “10 Things to Do” guides, you’ll discover the details that make each place unforgettable.
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This article was created by GetGreece.com (formerly Greece Media), founded by Tony Kariotis, one of the most recognized voices on Greek travel and culture. Followed by nearly one million people worldwide, with millions of monthly impressions and years of firsthand experience exploring Greece, we provide authentic information and practical guides that combine lived experience with expert insight. Our mission is to help travelers discover Greece beyond the postcards, with accurate, trustworthy, and inspiring content.f
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