What Are the Best Greek Islands to Visit?

Greece is a travel destination that can be overwhelming when it comes to deciding where you’re going to visit. With 227 inhabited islands, several archipelagos and thousands of small islets to explore, as well as the mainland, you’ve got a lot to choose from if you’re planning a trip to this popular European country.

Cruising the islands in Greece is a fantastic way to spend a holiday exploring coastlines, visiting towns and villages and learning about the country’s rich and varied history. But with so many different options to choose from, how do you decide which Greek islands to visit?

Everyone who has been to Greece has a favourite Greek island. The team at Blue Water Holidays has selected some of our favourites to help you decide on the best Greek islands to visit.

The​​ Best Greek Islands for Couples

Greece has always been a popular destination for romantic holidays. Here are some of the best islands to visit if you want to spend quality time with your other half.

• Santorini

  Whenever you see a picture of a Greek island, it's probably Santorini and the blue-roofed churches in the town of Oia in the north of the island. Oia is famous not just for its churches, but also for its fabulous sunsets, which is why this is one of the best Greek islands for couples. What could be more romantic than watching the sky erupt into colour with your partner beside you?

  Arriving by ship at Santorini is a magical experience, sailing past high cliffs with white houses perched on the cliff tops and even down the cliffside. The massive ancient volcano which blew the island apart has created a giant bowl with steep sides; a tribute to the massive power of the eruption.

  Cruise ships anchor near a little harbour at the foot of the cliffs below the main town of Thira. You can take a cable car to town or walk the winding donkey track.

  Thira can be extremely busy during the mornings as large cruise ships disgorge their passengers for a day visit. Smaller ships tend to arrive later in the day as the town gets quieter and leave later in the evening to allow guests to enjoy the sunset.

• Paros

  Paros is an up-and-coming contender for the best island to visit in Greece, but still feels quiet enough that it’s a good choice for couples looking for some peace and privacy. Life on the island feels relatively slow-paced and authentic, with plenty of charming villages and independent shops and restaurants to explore.

  If you’re exploring the Cyclades then Paros should definitely be on your list of islands in Greece to visit, especially if you’re planning on relaxing on the beach with your partner as there is 120km of coastline to explore. With classic whitewashed, blue-topped buildings, several impressive historical sites and some excellent walking trails, it’s one of the best Greek islands to explore together.

The Best Greek Islands for Families

Exploring the Greek islands with your family is a wonderful way to experience history, adventure and spectacular scenery. Here are some of the best places to visit with your children in Greece.

• Corfu

  Corfu’s location just off the northwest coast of Greece is one reason why it’s one of the best Greek islands for families, as it’s only a short boat trip from the mainland and therefore ideal even if you have younger children. As well as typical sandy beaches, Corfu is known as the ‘Emerald Isle’ because of the large number of trees and flowers that grow across the island, offering a diverse range of scenery to explore with your family.

  Corfu is also known for being one of the most cosmopolitan places in the Ionian islands, with a tourism offering that is ideal for families who need restaurants, activities and places to stay that will cater to travellers with kids of all ages. The south of the island is where you’ll find a lot of partygoers, but if you visit the north-east coast you’ll discover beautiful villages, secluded coves and plenty of excursions to keep your children busy.

• Zakynthos

  Zakynthos, or Zante, might have once had a reputation for being a party destination, but that’s simply not the case for the majority of places on the island. It’s another Ionian location that is covered in greenery, once called ‘The Flower of the Orient’ by ancient Venetians because of the range of plants and trees. This stunning countryside, and the plethora of beaches, are the perfect place to take your family.

  The south coast of Zakynthos is quite geared towards nightlife, but elsewhere you’ll find plenty of family-friendly places to stay and things to do. Kalamaki has attractions like a Fun Park and protected marine area, whilst Tsilivi is a great size for trying different places to eat and shop.

The Best Greek Islands for Beaches

You’ll find wonderful beaches across all of the islands in Greece, from small, secluded coves only reachable by boat to sprawling expanses of soft golden sand. But if you’re searching for an island with beaches that are really special, here are some of the best Greek islands to visit.

• Mykonos

  Mykonos is one of the most popular Greek islands to visit, famed for its bohemian culture and frequent celebrity visitors. Found right in the centre of the Cyclades, visitors have a wide range of different beaches to choose from, ranging from exclusive and luxurious to rugged and quiet.

  If glamorous beach clubs and bars are what you’re searching for, Mykonos has plenty of these, with Paradise Beach on the south coast one of the most famous spots. Agios Sostis is well worth the journey to its remote location for total unspoiled scenery, whilst Kapari is a sheltered cove that offers a lovely setting for evening walks.

• Milos

  Milos is undoubtedly one of the best Greek islands for beaches thanks to its up-and-coming status which means the majority of spots along the coast won’t ever be overcrowded with tourists. The colours of the island create stunning photo opportunities and an environment where you’ll want to spend as much time exploring outdoors as possible when you visit.

  Sarakiniko Beach is one of the most famous spots in Milos, with unique white rock around the small stretch of sand which creates a lunar-like landscape on which to sunbathe and from which you can dive into the stunning blue water. Firiplaka Beach provides space to relax, swim and explore the nearby caves, whilst Paleochori Beach is a refined spot on the coast with beautifully clear water for snorkelling.

The Best Greek Islands for History

Greece is a country that is perhaps more famous for its ancient history than anything else. If sightseeing and immersing yourself in the stories of centuries gone by are top of your itinerary when you travel, here are some of the best Greek islands for history lovers.

• Symi

  Visited by small ships and day trips from the island of Rhodes, Symi is a small island with a rocky, almost barren hinterland. Its notable feature is its natural harbour, surrounded by cafes and restaurants - we recommend Aris Taverna on the harbourside near the clock.

  Symi has an outstanding selection of Viennese-style houses overlooking the harbour. Many were left to ruin by depopulation, these are now being restored by locals and a thriving ex-pat community which has made Symi home. The island still retains a historic feel thanks to this architecture, so it’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a taste of the country’s past.

• Ithaca

  The island of Ithaca might sound familiar because it is the home of the mythical figure Odysseus. If tracing the steps of the Odyssey’s hero is high on your agenda, you can visit the Cave of the Nymphs near Vathy, which is said to be the place where Odysseus spent time and hid some of his possessions when he returned to the island.

  Whilst remains of the settlement of Ithaca that Homer talks about in his epic poem are still yet to be discovered, palace ruins from the 8th century BC can also be explored on the island near Agios Athanasios. As well as all the history on the island, it’s also a lovely place to explore small villages, visit beautiful churches and sample local food, all surrounded by gorgeous views of the sea and the hills.

The Best Greek Islands for a Honeymoon

A honeymoon offers the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, and what better place to enjoy this time with your new spouse than a stunning Greek island? If you’re wondering which Greek island to visit, here are some of our favourite places for a romantic honeymoon.

• Hydra

  Hydra has a reputation for being an incredibly romantic destination, so it’s no surprise that it’s often suggested as one of the best Greek islands for a honeymoon. Favoured by celebrities for decades, including Leonard Cohen and Sophia Loren, it remains a glamorous location in the Argo-Saronic Gulf that has a thriving art scene thanks to the beauty of the island that has inspired so many creative visitors.

  If you’d rather stay somewhere that doesn't feel too busy on your honeymoon, Hydra is one of the best islands to visit in Greece, receiving a small but steady stream of travellers over the year which means it retains an authentic feeling without any really built-up areas or resorts. Enjoy the chance to disconnect from modern life and savour small moments like the sun on your skin, a local drink and the joy of a secluded beach for an afternoon.

• Skopelos

  Off the beaten track, Skopelos is one of the verdant Saronic islands in the north of Greece. Quieter than its nearby neighbour Skiathos, it has a superb natural harbour with a promenade full of bustling tavernas and fishing boats moored alongside. This laid-back atmosphere is ideal if you’re coming down from the busy high of your recent nuptials.

  Skopelos’ recent claim to fame is the setting for many of the scenes in the blockbuster film 'Mamma Mia'. Touring the island many sights will be familiar, notably the small church on an island hilltop used for the wedding scene at the end of the film, making it a wonderful destination to visit after your own ceremony.