20 Best Greek Islands to Visit—and Where to Stay on Them

From choosing the right hotel to getting around, here’s how to plan the ultimate island-hopping adventure in Greece.

Beach with clear blue water on a Greek island.Credit: 

taniaphotography/Getty Images

• Best tourist destination: Corfu
• Underrated hidden gem: Ikaria
• Best for families: Crete
• Best for couples: Spetses
• Best for solo travelers: Paros

The very idea of planning a trip to the Greek islands should make your heart grow three sizes. With more than 6,000 islands to choose from—200 of which are inhabited—there’s a place for every kind of traveler. However, picking the right island to maximize your vacation time can take a little work. Each one has a unique character. Some have desolate beaches, others have wild nightlife, and many have must-see cultural attractions.

But don’t worry—we’re here to help you pick a place that’s best suited to your travel preferences. Read on to learn about some of Greece’s best islands, including where they are and what they offer, so you can create a tailor-made Greek island experience.

Getting Around the Greek Islands

Many larger islands have airports, but they are usually small domestic ones, with a few exceptions like Greece and Santorini. You’ll likely be flying through Athens to reach your island of choice, and then on a domestic carrier like Aegean Airlines. Alternatively, transportation services like Hoper offer helicopter transfers from Athens to many islands or between major islands, but ferries are typically a more affordable way to travel. Seajets offers high-speed ferry rides, while Greek Ferries provides cheaper fares.

When to Visit the Greek Isles

The best time to visit the Greek islands is during the summer months, between May and September. That’s when the weather is at its peak, with warm sunny days and little rainfall. However, the high season runs between July and August, meaning you should expect the islands to be crowded and hotels to book out early. If you’re hoping to find a little more solitude, book a trip to the Greek islands during the shoulder seasons (April to June and late September to October). Crete also offers warm weather year-round—don’t expect a beach day in February, but it’s comfortable enough to explore any time you wish.

Corfu

Corfu stands out among all the Greek islands thanks to its UNESCO-listed Old Town, where Venetian, French, and British influences converge across its winding cobblestone alleyways. Travelers can explore its pastel-hued buildings and relax in shaded squares brimming with cafes (don’t skip Coconela) before exploring the island’s interior, home to lush, rolling hills punctuated by olive trees. The pristine beaches here are plentiful, though Paleokastritsa is a favorite for its spectacular snorkeling.

Where to Stay: At Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, guests can experience plenty of Corfiot elegance. The adults-only resort features beachfront suites plus a chef’s menu focused on local flavors.

Ikaria

Want to learn how to live to 100 years old? There’s no better spot than Ikaria, famed for being one of the world’s Blue Zones, areas where, statistically, people are more likely to live long lives. The credit usually goes to the laid-back lifestyles and Mediterranean diets, which you can experience on vacation in Ikaria. Explore the island’s terrain by hiking, soaking in natural hot springs, and grounding yourself in verdant forests. Then, visit villages like Christos Raches for a taste of all that delicious food that’s said to add years to your life (at the very least, it will bring your taste buds plenty of joy).

Where to Stay: Ikaria has limited high-end properties, but the Cavos Bay Hotel is more than good enough. It offers sea-view rooms, a glittering pool, and a lovely waterfront location that checks all the boxes.

Crete

Crete is the ideal island for groups with diverse interests. History lovers will appreciate sites like the Minoan Palace of Knossos, while culture seekers will enjoy the buzzy cities of Chania and Heraklion. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse landscapes filled with miles of hiking trails, and those simply wanting to relax will find total bliss on idyllic beaches like the pink-sand Elafonisi. Plus, with a mild climate year-round, it’s a place you can visit at any time for a vacation to remember.

Where to Stay: Phaea Blue in Elounda delivers top-tier elegance with a private beach and a luxurious spa. Upgrade to a waterfront bungalow—each comes with a fantastic view of Spinalonga Island.

Spetses

Spetses has a storied maritime past that’s worth diving into during its September Armata Festival, which reenacts a famous naval battle. Come explore its Old Harbor area, which features grand captain’s mansions and a bustling promenade. Like Hydra, the island mostly prohibits private cars, so visitors often get around by horse-drawn carriage or bicycle, making it all the more romantic.

Where to Stay: For a classic stay, book a few nights at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel. The landmark property was built in 1914 and overlooks the main port. Guests here enjoy elegant rooms with plenty of vintage flair. 

Paros

Paros is a quintessential Greek island, with both quiet whitewashed villages and a lively nightlife scene. The adorable main port, Parikia, is lined with tavernas that never disappoint. If you venture inland, you can discover medieval churches and narrow cobblestone alleys filled with cafes, too. Also, don’t miss Naousa, a once-sleepy fishing village now packed with restaurants and bars.

Where to Stay: Parīlio, located near Kolymbithres Beach, has a striking pool area framed by Paros’s natural scenery. Need privacy? Book the Sun Suite, which comes with a private pool.

Milos

Milos, part of the Cyclades island group, is famous for its lunar-like landscapes. It’s home to more than 70 beaches, each with its own personality. From the surreal rock formations of Sarakiniko to the charming fishing village of Klima, the island also provides a perfect Instagram-worthy backdrop, with plenty of Cycladic architecture. Don’t miss the boat tours around Kleftiko’s sea caves for an added adventure.

Where to Stay: Milos Cove, located on a secluded stretch of coastline, comes with a private beach just for guests. 

Tinos

Tinos is known as the religious epicenter of the Greek islands, with pilgrims making their way to the Church of Panagia Evangelistria each year to visit a seventh-century artwork of the Virgin Mary. But there’s much more to this island than its spiritual draw. Here, visitors can roam quaint villages renowned for their marble-sculpting traditions and eat some of the best food in Greece thanks to its thriving farm-to-table food scene. Tinos is also a hub for art lovers, with local galleries galore, and naturally, it has plenty of white-sand beaches to plunk down on for a day or an entire vacation.

Where to Stay: Aeolis Tinos Suites offers a boutique experience in Triantaros village. Each suite blends Cycladic architecture with modern comforts, and the panoramic views of the Aegean are unforgettable.

Santorini

Santorini has dramatic caldera views, iconic blue-domed churches, and romantic sunsets. The island, formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, is home to scenic villages like Oia and Fira, each lined with boutique shops and chic restaurants. Vineyards flourish on the island, growing grapes you’ll only find here thanks to the unique volcanic soil. But whatever you do during the day, just make sure you’re free at sunset, whether you head out on a cruise or make it to the shoreline to see the sun dip below the horizon in a fantastic blaze of color.

Where to Stay: Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection offers gorgeous suites carved directly into the cliffside. Guests can dine on the panoramic outdoor terrace and swim in an infinity pool that doubles as the perfect sunset destination.

Mykonos

Anyone wanting to party in Greece should head directly to Mykonos. The island is known for its lively nightlife and upscale beach clubs that stay open late. But beyond the social scene, it boasts quieter corners, like the winding lanes of Mykonos town, filled with trinket shops, cafes, and landmark windmills. Visitors can also take an easy day trip to the smaller island of Delos, 30 minutes away by boat, to explore archaeological ruins.

Where to Stay: Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort, overlooking Agios Ioannis Beach, is a haven for those seeking a chic stay. Expect spacious suites, a serene spa, and a cliffside pool that offers fantastic sea views.

Hydra

With a ban on cars that allows pedestrians, bikers, and donkeys to rule the roads, Hydra is as tranquil as islands come. (Water taxis are also a popular option here.) Stone mansions and narrow streets make Hydra Town worth exploring, while locally run art galleries and museums offer inspiration. Natural beauty is plentiful here, too, with scenic trails leading to secluded beaches. The Dokos Islet hike, for example, is a 2.1-mile stretch that starts at Agios Nikolaos church and takes you from the beach to the mountains.

Where to Stay: Hotel Leto Hydra offers a refined experience steps from the waterfront. The neoclassical mansion-turned-hotel has a tranquil courtyard for leisurely breakfasts.

Naxos

Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, is beloved for its bountiful farmland, mountain villages, and beaches that are prime for both windsurfing and sunbathing. Highlights include the Temple of Apollo’s Portara, a massive marble gate that has become a symbol of the island. During your visit, spend some time in the medieval Old Town to see more of the destination’s Venetian influence.

Where to Stay: Check into the beachfront Nissaki Beach Hotel for a boutique stay that has both modern rooms and an upscale restaurant highlighting island-fresh ingredients. 

Skiathos

Skiathos draws visitors to its lively port town, which provides just as rich a party atmosphere as its better-known cousin, Mykonos. However, it’s also beloved for its more than 60 beaches, including Koukounaries, with clear, blue water lapping soft, white sand backed by a lush pine forest. The island’s compact size makes it easy to explore by car or even scooter. Just get to Skiathos town when the sun goes down to party well into the night.

Where to Stay: Elivi Skiathos is a sleek retreat set on a peninsula with access to multiple beaches. Guests enjoy access to private pools, stylish suites, and gourmet dining that shows off the best Mediterranean flavors.

Zakynthos (Zante)

Zakynthos is perhaps best known for the postcard-perfect Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, but it also has sea caves, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters that are home to loggerhead sea turtles. The capital, Zakynthos town, is another Greek island town that shows off both Venetian and Byzantine influences.

Where to Stay: Lesante Blu in Tragaki is a gorgeous resort featuring private infinity pools that seemingly disappear into the sea. The property even has an exclusive beachfront, a spa, and an on-site restaurant highlighting local island produce.

Rhodes

Rhodes boasts a UNESCO-listed medieval city filled with cobblestone streets that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. But the island’s southeast coast is worth exploring, too, as it has golden beaches, lively resort towns, and whitewashed homes. It even has its own ancient acropolis that attracts day-trippers. For a nature fix, the Valley of Butterflies is a must-visit, teeming with black and white moths flapping their wings in unison in the summer months.

Where to Stay: Rodos Park, located near the medieval Old Town, is perfect for guests seeking elegant rooms, a tranquil spa, and a gourmet restaurant, all of which ensure a comfortable and culturally rich stay.

Kos

Kos is the place to be if you need some healing. It’s famously home to the Asclepieion, one of the most important healing centers of the ancient world, where people would come to worship the god Asclepius and learn about medicine. The island also has sandy beaches, from quiet coves to bustling stretches lined with beach bars. Kos town, meanwhile, is a lively destination, giving visitors plenty of options for how to feed their souls.

Where to Stay: At Diamond Deluxe Hotel, guests can expect sleek design and pristine pool areas, along with upscale dining and a full-service spa that will work out all your knots.

Kefalonia

Kefalonia is the island of choice for those wanting to spend as much time outside as possible. There are plenty of places that show off nature’s bounty, including Mount Ainos National Park, Myrtos Beach, and the enchanting Melissani Cave. Argostoli, the island’s capital, is brimming with waterfront cafes and shops, and its fishing villages, like Assos and Fiscardo, are here to charm. Kefalonia is also noteworthy for its robust wine production, particularly the robola grape, which thrives in the island’s limestone soil.

Where to Stay: F Zeen Kefalonia in Lourdata is a boutique hotel that stands out for its wellness offerings, including yoga classes, an on-site spa, and a farm-to-table restaurant—all catering to guests seeking both relaxation and a taste of local life.

Skopelos

If Skopelos looks familiar, that’s because it was the filming location for the first “Mamma Mia!” movie. Come sing your favorite tunes in its forests or by its emerald waters. The island’s two main settlements—Skopelos town and Glossa—are worthy of the big screen with their whitewashed houses and terra-cotta rooftops that cover the hillsides. Find Byzantine-era churches and charming tavernas tucked in its narrow alleyways, all serving the island’s specialty cheese pie.

Where to Stay: Surrounded by greenery, Adrina Resort & Spa provides a hillside escape with private beach access. Expect panoramic sea views, a seawater pool, and a full-service spa within its peaceful setting.

Chios

This island’s claim to fame is that it’s the birthplace of Homer, giving it plenty of gravitas. It’s also filled with medieval villages like Mesta and Pyrgi, known for their distinctive black-and-white geometric facades. On the island, guests can visit the Nea Moni monastery—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and see more of its art and history.

Where to Stay: The Chios Chandris Hotel sits just by the waterfront in Chios town, letting guests enjoy the views from the balcony rooms and sample local specialties at the on-site restaurant.

Sifnos

Sifnos captivates visitors with its serene beaches, terraced olive groves, and hilltop villages all connected by centuries-old footpaths. The island is notable for both its culinary tradition, particularly the chickpea soup, and its exquisite ceramics. The Folklore Museum is also a must, as the aim is to showcase and preserve the old ways of life on the island, giving visitors a glimpse of what it used to be like here.

Where to Stay: Elies Resorts, located by the water in Vathi Bay, delivers a luxe Cycladic escape with spacious suites and villas, a gourmet restaurant, and a peaceful pool area that all highlight the island’s laid-back luxury.

Patmos

Another religious pilgrimage destination in the Greek Islands, Patmos is said to be the place where Saint John went after being exiled to write the “Book of Revelation.” Here, visitors can check out the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, walk along the Skala harbor, or make their way to Grikos Bay for a calm beach day.

Where to Stay: Patmos Aktis, a Luxury Resort Collection Resort & Spa, located on Grikos Beach, is a sophisticated spot with everything you need, including a beachfront bar, a spa, and quick access to the water.