Planning a Greek island hopping adventure can feel like navigating a labyrinth, even for seasoned travelers. With thousands of islands and islets scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, choosing the Best Places To Travel In Greece can be overwhelming. Each island group, from the iconic Cyclades with their sugar-cube houses to the verdant Ionian Islands and the historically rich Dodecanese, offers a distinct flavor of Greek island life. To simplify your planning, this guide dives into the best Greek islands to visit, highlighting the unique charm of each archipelago and providing essential travel tips for your Grecian escape.
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Chania Harbour in Crete, showcasing Venetian architecture, a popular destination and one of the best places to travel in Greece.
Island Hopping in Greece: Getting Around
While many Greek islands boast airports, not all cater to international flights. Domestic airlines like Aegean Airlines frequently connect islands to Athens and each other. For international arrivals, islands like Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini have international airports offering direct flights from major European and Middle Eastern cities.
Ferries are the quintessential mode of transport for Greek island hopping, particularly within archipelagos. In the Cyclades, high-speed ferries like Seajets are popular, and comprehensive options, including budget-friendly ferries, can be found via Greek Ferries. For adventurous travelers, renting a car in Athens or on an island and taking it on ferries transforms island hopping into a unique seafaring road trip. Car rentals are readily available on most islands, requiring an international driver’s license.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Greek Isles?
For pleasant weather and fewer crowds, May, June, and late September are ideal times for Greek island travel. The peak season, from mid-June to mid-September, offers more ferry routes, flight options, and fully operational restaurants and beach bars, but expect higher prices and more tourists. Weather varies across island groups; Crete, being the southernmost, enjoys warmer temperatures year-round, making it a great off-season destination. While islands like Hydra maintain a local population and year-round tourism, others, such as Santorini, experience a significant slowdown from November to March. Let’s explore the best places to travel in Greece by island group to help you tailor your Grecian adventure.
The Cyclades: Iconic Greek Island Charm
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Santorini’s caldera view with a boat in the foreground, highlighting the volcanic landscape and a quintessential best place to travel in Greece.
The Cyclades archipelago, a quintessential image of Greece, is a popular starting point, especially for first-time visitors. Home to iconic islands like Mykonos and Santorini, this group comprises about two dozen inhabited islands and over 200 isles in total. Expect to see the classic Greek postcard scenes: whitewashed houses with blue-domed churches and vibrant bougainvillea cascading down narrow streets.
Mykonos, famed for its vibrant nightlife and glamorous beaches, also boasts a charming Cycladic town center, complete with iconic windmills and maze-like streets designed to deter pirates centuries ago. Santorini, renowned for its luxury and romance, is a honeymooner’s paradise, offering breathtaking caldera views from private pools and a plethora of high-end hotels. Beyond these famous islands, the Cyclades offer diverse experiences. Milos, an up-and-coming destination, is celebrated for its unique beaches and sea caves. Tinos is a pilgrimage site, home to the significant Church of the Virgin Mary. The Lesser Cyclades (Koufonisia, Donousa, Schinoussa, and Iraklia) offer a rustic escape ideal for camping and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Larger islands like Naxos and Syros (the archipelago’s capital) and smaller, less touristy islands like Sikinos provide even more variety, making the Cyclades one of the best places to travel in Greece for diverse island experiences.
Exploring the Cyclades Islands
The Cyclades tourist season runs from mid-April to mid-October, peaking in June, July, and August. For first-timers, Mykonos or Santorini are excellent starting points. Santorini entices with wineries like Venetsanos and Santo, while Mykonos draws visitors with legendary nightlife at clubs like Scorpios and Super Paradise Beach Club. Smaller islands such as Ios, Folegandros, and Milos offer swimming, snorkeling, and exploring fortress-like towns. Wander the cobbled alleys of island capitals (often called “Chora,” or “Plaka” in Milos), where you’ll find shops, galleries, bars, and traditional tavernas. Sailing trips are a must in the Cyclades; consider companies like Polco Sailing in Milos or Sunset Oia Cruises in Santorini for unforgettable sea adventures.
Where to Stay in the Cyclades
In Santorini, begin your stay in Oia, amidst the iconic cliffside houses, at Andronis Luxury Suites. Move along the caldera to Imerovigli for ultra-romantic hotels like Andronis Concept Wellness Resort and Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection. Conclude with a night in Pyrgos old town at Santorini Sky for a different perspective.
Mykonos offers a range of world-class accommodations. The Wild Hotel by Interni provides a luxurious boutique experience with a private beach, while Kalesma Mykonos offers exceptionally romantic suites, each with a private infinity pool, perfect for a Greek honeymoon.
Across the Cyclades, discover luxury boutique hotels like Milos Breeze on Milos, Coco-Mat Eco Residences on Serifos, Calilo on Ios, and Naxian Collection Luxury Villas & Suites on Naxos, each offering unique island hospitality.
Crete: A World of Its Own
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Agia Pelagia in Crete, showcasing the coastal beauty of the largest Greek island, a top destination when considering the best places to travel in Greece.
Crete, the largest Greek island and southernmost outpost between Europe and Africa, feels like a country in itself. Its vastness and diversity often lead travelers to dedicate their entire trip to exploring Crete rather than island hopping further, making it one of the best places to travel in Greece for an in-depth island experience. Stretching 160 miles long, Crete offers an incredible range of landscapes and experiences.
Exploring Crete
Crete is easily accessible via two main airports from Athens. Renting a car is highly recommended to explore the island fully; driving from one end to the other takes approximately six hours and reveals diverse terrains and attractions.
Crete boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Greece, including Elafonissi with its unique pink sand and Elounda, known for luxury beach clubs. Adventure seekers can hike the breathtaking Samaria Gorge, a five-to-seven-hour trek through streams and towering cliffs, or explore wildflower-strewn paths in mountain villages. History enthusiasts will appreciate the ruins of the Knossos Palace, the heart of the Minoan civilization, and wine lovers can sample Cretan varieties at Boutari Winery. A day trip to Spinalonga, an islet off Elounda with a compelling history as a former leper colony, is also highly recommended.
Where to Stay in Crete
Elounda, with its picturesque olive groves and sandy beaches, has become known as the “Cretan Riviera,” lined with upscale resorts. Elounda Mare, Crete’s only Relais & Chateaux property, and the contemporary Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa are standout options.
Near Heraklion, the family-friendly Amirandes, part of the Grecotel chain, offers beachfront luxury (consider dining at their farm, Agreco). Westward, Rethymno, a well-preserved Venetian town, offers historic boutique hotels like Kapsaliana Village Hotel, set in an 18th-century olive oil mill, and Casa Delfino, a renovated 17th-century mansion in Chania’s old town.
Saronic Gulf Islands: Athens’ Coastal Retreat
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Hydra Island in the Saronic Gulf, a car-free island close to Athens, representing a serene best place to travel in Greece near the mainland.
The Saronic Gulf Islands, closest to Athens, are havens of scenic beauty and tranquility, less discovered by international tourists but beloved by Greeks and Europeans. Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Aegina, and Agistri offer diverse island experiences within easy reach of the capital, making them excellent best places to travel in Greece for short trips from Athens.
Exploring the Saronic Gulf Islands
Car-free Hydra, often likened to Nantucket, is small yet captivating. Spetses is characterized by pine forests, yacht-filled harbors, and charming horse-drawn carriages along the waterfront. Poros, popular with sailing enthusiasts, offers family-friendly beaches and a picturesque town with a landmark clock tower. Aegina, the closest island to Athens, features a bustling port town, sandy beaches, and the ancient Temple of Aphaia. Reaching the Saronic Gulf Islands is straightforward; hydrofoils from Piraeus port in Athens provide quick and convenient ferry services to each destination.
Where to Stay in the Saronic Gulf Islands
Hydra and Spetses are dotted with beautifully converted captains’ homes; consider Cotommatae on Hydra and Orloff Resort on Spetses. Poros offers Sto Roloi, a collection of traditional island houses transformed into villas, and Sirene Blue Luxury Beach Resort, featuring plush suites and private beach access. Villa rentals through Five Star Greece are a great option, especially on Aegina. The iconic Poseidonion Grand Hotel on Spetses’ harbor, dating back to 1914, is a highlight of Saronic Gulf luxury.
The Ionian Islands: Lush Green Paradises
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Corfu’s coastline showcasing lush greenery and rocky cliffs, exemplifying the Ionian Islands as naturally beautiful best places to travel in Greece.
The Ionian Islands, also known as “Eptanissia” or the “seven islands,” are distinguished by their verdant landscapes and unique cultural heritage. Corfu, the most famous, is complemented by six other main islands, each with its own allure: Paxos, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Ithaka, and Kythera. The Ionians offer a different Greek island experience, known for their lush scenery, music, art, cuisine, and Venetian-influenced architecture, making them some of the best places to travel in Greece for nature and culture lovers.
Exploring the Ionian Islands
Corfu invites exploration of its UNESCO-protected Old Town. Nearby Paxos, covered in olive groves, features charming bays and Antipaxos, renowned for its crystal-clear waters. Kefalonia, the largest Ionian island, is celebrated for its dramatic landscapes and wild horses roaming Mount Ainos. Zakynthos is home to Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), accessible only by sea, and mesmerizing blue caves. Lefkada, connected to the mainland by bridge, boasts woodland villages and stunning beaches. Ithaka, Odysseus’s legendary home, remains relatively undiscovered, while Kythera, geographically separate, blends Cycladic and Ionian characteristics.
Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Kythera have airports with domestic flights from Athens and international connections.
Where to Stay in the Ionian Islands
Corfu offers options from stylish seaside resorts like Grecotel Corfu Imperial to historic estates like Pelecas Country Club. Angsana Corfu, the first Banyan Tree property in Europe, provides seaside luxury near Old Town.
Kefalonia features the modern Tesoro Blu (adults-only) and Emelisse Nature Resort near Fiscardo. Ithaka’s Perantzada is a contemporary hotel in a 19th-century mansion in Vathy. Paxos is mainly villas and rooms for rent, with a few intimate hotels like Agali Hotel Paxos and Paxos Club Resort & Spa. Zakynthos offers Porto Zante Villas & Spa on the east coast and the family-run Nobelos in the quieter north.
The Sporades Islands: Mamma Mia! Landscapes
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Tzortzi Gialos Beach in Alonissos, Sporades, showcasing the natural beauty and tranquil waters of a less-known best place to travel in Greece.
The Sporades Islands, a group of 24 green islands off the northeastern mainland coast, are instantly recognizable from “Mamma Mia!”. Only four are inhabited: Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, and Skyros, each offering a blend of lush pine forests, white churches, and beautiful beaches, making them idyllic best places to travel in Greece for nature and film enthusiasts.
Exploring the Sporades Islands
Skiathos is known for lively beaches and nightlife, while Skopelos is a haven of natural beauty with pebble coves, forests, monasteries, and shipwrecks in the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades. Alonissos, at the park’s center, is ideal for nature-based activities like fishing, birdwatching, and monk seal spotting. Skyros is known for ceramics, crafts, churches, and its Venetian castle-topped Chora.
Skiathos and Skyros have airports with direct flights from Athens. Skiathos is also accessible by ferry from Thessaloniki. Ferries and hydrofoils connect all four islands from Agios Konstantinos port in summer. Island activities focus on sailing, swimming, mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking. Beaches range from Skiathos’s Ambelakia to Skyros’s Kalamitsa for windsurfing and Skopelos’s Hovolo for pine-scented tranquility. The Marine Park is a must-visit for sailing, swimming, and diving.
Where to Stay in the Sporades Islands
Villas are available across the Sporades, like Poikilma Villas on Alonissos with private pools. For hotels, consider the family-run Atrium Hotel in Skiathos or Adrina Resort & Spa on Skopelos beach.
Northeast Aegean Islands: Close to Turkey, Rich in History
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Pythagorion in Samos, Northeast Aegean Islands, highlighting a harbor town with historical significance, marking it among the best places to travel in Greece for history buffs.
The Northeast Aegean Islands, closer to Turkey than mainland Greece, comprise over a dozen islands, with Ikaria, Samos, Lemnos, Lesvos, and Chios being the most prominent. These islands reward visitors with stunning beaches and natural wonders, including a petrified forest on Lesvos, volcanic formations on Lemnos, and thermal springs on Ikaria, making them unique best places to travel in Greece for nature and history enthusiasts.
Exploring the Northeast Aegean Islands
Lemnos, Lesvos (Mytilene), and Samos have international airports, while Chios and Ikaria have domestic ones. Ferries from Piraeus port connect to these islands.
Historical sites include the Temple of Hera on Samos, the acropolis on Thassos, ancient Ifestia on Lemnos, and the castle on Lesvos. These islands are also renowned for water sports, with Lemnos’s Keros Beach being a top European kitesurfing and windsurfing spot. Swim at Seitani coves on Samos, Kipos beach on Samothrace, Seychelles beach on Ikaria, and Vatera on Lesvos.
Where to Stay in the Northeast Aegean Islands
Experience history at Argentikon Luxury Suites on Chios, a 16th-century Genoese estate. Stay above Tsamadou beach at Armonia Bay Hotel on Samos, enjoy sea views at Toxotis Villas on Ikaria, or try luxury safari tent camping at Surf Club Limnos on Lemnos.
The Dodecanese Islands: Castles and Crusader History
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Lindos Acropolis in Rhodes, Dodecanese Islands, showcasing ancient ruins and coastal views, representing historical best places to travel in Greece.
The Dodecanese Islands, named after the Greek word for twelve, include a dozen main islands and smaller ones. Rhodes and Kos are the largest, while the other ten offer quieter, less explored experiences. This archipelago is rich in history, particularly Crusader and Byzantine influences, making it among the best places to travel in Greece for history and culture aficionados.
Exploring the Dodecanese Islands
Rhodes and Kos have international airports, popular with European travelers. Astypalaia, Kalymnos, and Karpathos have domestic airports. Ferries from Piraeus serve all twelve main islands.
Rhodes is famous for its well-preserved walled city, Crusader castles, and ancient synagogue. Lindos features an ancient acropolis, a medieval village, and a modern beach town. Neighboring islands offer mansions on Kasos, colorful houses on Kastellorizo, and the beautiful hilltop Chora of Astypalea. For active travelers, Karpathos offers hiking and windsurfing, while Leros is known for WWII shipwreck diving.
Where to Stay in the Dodecanese Islands
Rhodes features Melenos Lindos, a 17th-century building beneath the acropolis with sea views. Astypalea’s Pylaia Boutique Hotel & Spa, inspired by the island’s Chora, offers a pool, spa, and ocean-view dining. Patmos offers The Petra, luxurious suites overlooking the sea and near the Monastery of St. John the Theologian.
Choosing the best places to travel in Greece depends on your preferences. Whether you seek vibrant nightlife, historical exploration, natural beauty, or tranquil escapes, the Greek islands offer a diverse range of destinations to create your perfect Mediterranean getaway.
