KC's Endless Adventures

I’ve visited Greece quite a few times now, but when planning my first trip I felt overwhelmed. There are so many different islands to choose from! Not to mention all the possible destinations in mainland Greece. With some 1,400 islands, 230 of which are inhabited, it can be a challenge to decide which Greek islands to visit. Unless you’re lucky enough to have unlimited time in the country, of course.

The Cyclades, Dodecanese, the Ionians? So many choices!

Every Greek island group from the famous Cyclades and the Ionian islands to the Dodecanese near Turkey offers unique appeal. Some are renowned for sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, while others offer intriguing historic sites or both.

It seems nearly every first-time traveler to Greece plans to visit Santorini and Mykonos. They’re two of the most famous islands to visit and two of the most expensive and busiest islands. That said, many love them and the countless luxury hotels. They are worth experiencing once if only to say you’ve been there, but why not venture beyond? There are so many better choices unless you’re just looking to check items off your bucket list.

What are my top priorities when choosing a Greek island to visit? The chance to get to know the locals for a more authentic stay, beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and delicious traditional foods. Shopping and nightlife are far down the list. If that’s you, you’ll appreciate my recommendations for the best Greek Islands to visit.

Of course, you’ll need to think about what you hope to experience during your Greek vacation. If you’ve always wanted to do the “flying dress” photo shoot or are looking for a big party, book that trip to Santorini or Mykonos. Otherwise, you might want to consider these islands which include some popular destinations along with a few lesser-known gems.

Naxos

I’ll start with Naxos, the very first inhabited island I visited and one of my favorites. It’s the largest Greek island in the Cycladic islands with diverse terrain that ensures fun activities for nearly everyone. Enjoy everything from relaxing on some of the country’s best beaches to hiking scenic mountain trails. You’ll also find many authentic charming villages for experiencing genuine Greek hospitality and authentic daily life with Venetian mansions and classic whitewashed structures draped in bougainvillea.

Mountain villages and seaside towns

There are 46 traditional villages in Naxos. Each one has a bakery or cafe and a square where locals gather, sipping coffee and chatting. In Naxos Town, you’ll also find a 13th-century hilltop castle and an archaeological museum. It showcases artifacts like figurines uncovered on the island in the early Cycladic period and finds from chamber tombs and other graves.

Most visitors stay in or near Naxos Town with its charming waterfront lined with many shops and eateries. The historic center is filled with a maze of marble-paved streets. Framed by Venetian mansions with ironwork balconies, they’re enjoyable to get lost in. But if you want more of a taste of local life, you might stay in the mountain village of Filoti. The island’s second-largest town sits amphitheatrically on a steep hill. It has a lovely square and main street with a wide selection of tavernas, hotels, and other facilities. That said, it’s at least 30 minutes from the nearest beach. It is closer to the island’s east coast, however, known for its empty stretches and enchanting seaside villages.

Must-dos in Naxos:

• Spend the day at 2.5-mile-long Plaka Beach. It offers family-friendly areas and beach bars as well as a secluded beach for nude sunbathing.
• Hike to the summit of Mount Zeus. You’ll be rewarded with a panoramic vista of the endless blue of the sea and multiple neighboring islands.
• Explore Naxos Town (Chora). The steep winding lanes lead to the hilltop castle providing a fabulous place to stroll in a traffic-free atmosphere. They’re also lined with many shops, galleries, and rooftop patios for dining with a view.
• Catch a sunset from the iconic Portara at the entrance to the port. This monumental 6th-century BC marble frame is what remains of an unfinished portal to the temple of Apollo.

Crete

If you can only choose one island, make it Crete. The largest Greek island, it offers it all. Its diverse landscapes include incredible beaches with clear turquoise water for swimming, some of which have pink stretches. There are also soaring mountains, rugged canyons, sea caves, and hills covered with vineyards and olive trees. History enthusiasts will find plenty too. That includes archaeological sites like Knossos Palace which dates to around 1700 BC, and numerous museums. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum displays remarkable artifacts spanning 5,000 years.

There are traditional seaside and mountain villages, as well as lively cities with modern delights. You’ll find no shortage of shopping, dining, and nightlife venues here. No matter where you are on the island you’ll mouthwatering Cretan cuisine featuring high-quality local or regional ingredients. Highlights include everything from fresh fish and seafood to signature sheep and goat cheeses, island-grown greens, and wild herbs.

As one of the best Greek islands, there is an endless array of fascinating places to explore in Crete. But if you don’t want to do anything but relax on one of the many beautiful beaches in between swimming in crystal-clear blue waters, that’s fine too. It’s one of the Greek islands I could easily return to again and again without hesitation.

Must-dos in Crete:

• Visit the Palace of Knossos. It’s the most important archaeological site in Crete. An ancient city abandoned in 1450 BC, you’ll get an excellent glimpse at what it might have been like centuries ago.
• Explore the many beautiful beaches like Elafonisi with its pink-hued sands and photogenic Balos. Balos is more difficult to reach requiring a hike or boat ride, but that keeps the crowds away.
• Wander through Chania, the main town in western Crete. It has a history dating back to 5000 BC along with significant Venetian influences. Stroll the romantic narrow streets and alleyways with pastel-hued buildings enclosed within 16th-century walls.
• Hike Samaria Gorge in Samaria National Park. It cuts through the White Mountains, providing spectacular views along with unique Cretan fauna and flora.

Rhodes

Rhodes is one of the more touristy islands, particularly on its north side around the medieval town, but it’s also a Greek island that’s truly a must-visit. It’s filled with historic sites like the Temple of Apollo and the Acropolis of Lindos. Old Town Rhodes is one of the most well-preserved in Europe, surrounded by massive walls with a magnificent castle and elegant stone mansions.

This Dodecanese island is also quite picturesque with mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and streams. The town of Lindos is especially lovely with its sugar-cube-like houses that spill down to the glistening turquoise bay. There are also beaches like Pefkos with some of the island’s most enticing sands, edged by shallow waters ideal for swimming. Others, such as Ialissos, are popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Take a walk right atop the historic city walls in Rhodes from the Palace of the Grand Masters. Measuring about 2.5 miles long, these are one of the world’s finest medieval fortifications. They include magnificent gates, bastions, towers, and artillery firing posts.

Must-dos in Rhodes:

• Discover rich history at Lindos’ ancient Acropolis in one of the prettiest parts of the island. One of the most popular archaeological sites in the Greek Islands, it includes ancient walls, a temple, battlements, and a Hellenistic stoa.
• The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is the best of its kind in the Dodecanese island group. Tracing 7,000 years of history, its fascinating artifacts date from the Archaic, Roman, Mycenaean, and Hellenistic periods. Some of the crown jewels include Aphrodite Bathing, a marble statue from the 1st century BC, and a marble head of the sun god Helios.
• If you visit the island between June and September, don’t miss the Butterfly Valley. An area of incredible natural beauty with hills, trees, and streams, it will be filled with countless colorful butterflies.

Symi

Symi is a tiny island that’s ideal to combine with your visit to Rhodes. If you have time for more than one island, don’t miss it. While it may be one of the lesser-known Greek islands, the scenery can rival even that of Santorini’s. The highlights are the beaches, Panormitis monastery, the port area, and Chorio at the top of the hill. The first glimpse almost always impresses, with the harbor surrounded by colorful neoclassical mansions that spill down the steep hillsides. Along the waterfront are a variety of shops selling Symi’s famous sponges, handmade leather goods, and other items, while traditional tavernas and other eateries are tucked in between. Most feature dishes with Symi shrimps, the local delicacy.

Although Symi does get its fair share of tourists, most seem to be return visitors who come from Britain, Italy, and France. The area around the port can get busy but it’s not the kind of island where you’ll encounter big crowds gathering around a world-famous attraction. You won’t find any big resorts but there are some luxury boutique hotels. Enjoy epic hikes with incredible views and a wide range of gorgeous beaches, sandy and pebbly, many of which can only be reached by boat, and all edged by crystal-clear aquamarine water.

If you don’t want to spend the night on Symi, it’s easy to visit on a day trip from Rhodes as well, with multiple tour options.

Must-dos in Symi:

• Spend time on the beaches from Nos Beach near the port to secluded Agia Marina and Agios Nikolaos.
• Visit Panormitis Monastery with a bell tower and two museums.
• Hike the old donkey trails and pilgrimage routes.

Milos

Milos is a volcanic island that’s mostly remained unspoiled despite its surreal beauty. The southernmost of the Cycladic islands, it was where the famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered, but today it’s particularly renowned for Sarakiniko Beach. One of the most unique beaches on the planet, the lunar-like stretch on the north coast boasts smooth, chalk-white rock formations that stunningly contrast against the brilliant blue of the sea. But there are more than 75 beaches on this beautiful island, with everything from black and white sands to shell-covered and pebbly. You might take a tour to visit Sarakiniko and several other beaches.

Combined with quaint villages, a rich history, and a tranquil atmosphere, Milos is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a more unique experience in the Greek islands.

Must-dos in Milos:

• Enjoy sunbathing and swimming at Sarakiniko Beach in between swimming in the bright blue sea.
• Visit the ruins of an ancient Roman theater and the site where the Venus de Milo statue was found nearby.
• Wander through charming Plaka with its winding streets flanked by traditional whitewashed homes.
• Relax in the natural hot springs that are dotted along the shore

Kefalonia

One of the Ionian Islands which lie off the country’s west coast, Kefalonia is home to soaring emerald mountains that dip down to pristine white sandy beaches edged by the translucent turquoise Ionian sea and framed by pine forest. In addition to spending time on the sand and enjoying sea sports, there are some fantastic hiking trails, including treks on Mount Enos providing a panoramic view from the highest point on the island at more than 5,340 feet.

There are Roman ruins to discover while villages and towns in Kefalonia are filled with beautiful Venetian-style buildings. The mouthwatering food scene includes kreatopita, the island’s signature meat pie, best enjoyed with the local Robola wine in one of the open-air cafes in the Argostoli town square.

Must-dos in Kefalonia:

• Take a tour of Melissani Cave, sometimes referred to as one of the blue caves. It boasts an underground lake illuminated by the sun, transforming the water into a surreal shade of blue.
• Spend time on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Greek islands like Myrtos, tucked between two mountains at Kefalonia’s north end.
• Hike the Digaleto-Megas Soros trail on Mount Aenos for a breathtaking view of the Peloponnese peninsula and nearby Ionian islands, including Ithaca, Lefkada, and Zakynthos.
• Learn about the history of Kefalonia at the Corgialenios Historical and Cultural Museum, one of the best museums in Greece.

Zakynthos

Zakynthos is one of the more popular islands in Greece, thanks at least in part to its famous Shipwreck Beach where the rusted skeleton of a shipwreck rises from chalk-white sands that are flanked by dramatic limestone cliffs that sit at the edge of an electric blue sea. The water is so brilliant, it looks like someone tossed turquoise Easter egg dye in. While most assume the images they’ve seen were filtered, there’s no filter needed here, in fact, it’s even more surreal in person.

There are many other idyllic local beaches on the island for swimming and other water sports, and in Zante Town, you’ll find a booming local arts scene and a wide range of cultural and historical attractions. That said, this is one of the more touristy Greek isles, catering to many who come from Britain to enjoy its delights. It’s still well worth the visit with stunning beauty and more affordable accommodations and restaurants, especially when compared to destinations in the Cyclades islands like Santorini and Mykonos.

Must-dos in Zakynthos:

• Take one of the many boat trips available to visit Shipwreck Beach from Zante Town or Agios Nikolaos which often include a stop to visit the blue caves and time to swim.
• Go snorkeling at Porto Limniona among everything from loggerhead turtles and moray eels to parrotfish, greater amberjack, and a wide variety of reef fish.
• Wake up early to watch a sunrise from the east side of the island, when the sky will be filled with a vibrant array of oranges, golds, and yellows.
• Drive the island’s backroads, particularly the winding lanes in the mountainous northern area between Shipwreck Beach and Skinari. Locals sell their products in random, often remote spots, bringing the chance to buy locally produced items like olive oil, cherries, and wine.

Skopelos

Skopelos is one of just four Sporades islands that have a permanent population. Nestled between the island of Evia and Mount Pelion, as it’s off the beaten path it’s managed to remain relatively unspoiled, providing a blissful retreat easily accessed just off the east coast of the mainland. Covered in pine trees, it’s one of the greenest Greek isles while idyllic beaches with brilliant blue waters await. While an increasing number of tourists seem to discover this island every year, the crowds aren’t nearly what they are on some of the more popular, larger Greek islands.

One of the reasons more have been drawn to Skopelos in recent years is that it was the main island used for filming in the popular movie “Mamma Mia,” along with another of the Sporades islands, Skiathos. If you’re a fan, you’ll want to visit Agios Ioannis Kastri where many scenes from the wedding were filmed. Everyone will appreciate the untouched natural scenery, including the underwater world of Sporades National Marine Park, renowned for its abundant marine life. Dolphins are frequently spotted here, and if you’re lucky you might even see the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.

Must-dos in Skopeolos:

• Take the Mount Delphi walk for some of the most stunning views of the island.
• Water sports: Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters with colorful reefs, caverns, and wide variety of marine life. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing are just a few of the other possibilities.
• See the famous church Agios Ioannis Kastri set atop a rocky ledge for a hint of the magic of “Mamma Mia” and an awe-inspiring sea view.
• Embark on an island-hopping sailing adventure to visit some of the other Sporades islands.

Kea Island

Another one of the small islands in Greece at just 57.5 square miles in size, Kea Island is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy a tranquil island getaway close to Athens without the crowds of the more popular destinations. Part of the Cyclades islands, it can be reached by a short ferry ride from the capital city (just 60 minutes on the high-speed ferry) providing the perfect place to spend a day or more relaxing on a picturesque beach.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy on this Greek island as well, including fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving. There’s even a shipwreck to discover – Brittanic, the sister ship of Titanic, also sunk only a few years later. If you like to hike, scenic paths lead to ancient ruins like stone temples dedicated to some of the Greek legends. The beaches are the biggest draw, with many fabulous stretches on this Greek island.

Must-dos in Kea:

• Spend the day at one of the postcard-perfect beaches, from popular Gialiskari with plenty of tourist facilities to remote and uncrowded Mavrabeli, accessed via a 5-mile walking path from Ioulida or by boat.
• Dive down to view the HMHS Britannic shipwreck or enjoy snorkeling in one of the many warm shallow bays with calm water.
• Explore the Archaeological Museum of Ioulis with artifacts dating back to the 7th century BC.

Folegandros

Folegandros is a nearly untouched Greek island. While it’s nestled in the Cyclades northwest of Santorini, it’s not anything like its more famous neighbor. Here you’ll find plenty of tranquility away from the big cruise ships and the crowds.

In Chora, the largest settlement on Folegandros, motor vehicles are banned, making it especially enjoyable to wander the cobbled streets flanked by whitewashed buildings. Discover tiny shops, enticing cafes, tranquil squares, and thousand-year-old homes in the oldest area, Kastro. It’s the kind of Greek island where peaceful beaches are lapped by azure waves, historic windmills spin in the breeze, and goats are often spotted scurrying up the hills.

Must-dos in Folegandros:

• Hike the 12.5 miles of paths that follow old donkey tracks, once used for local transport.
• Visit the hilltop Church of Panagia above Chora for an amazing sea and island view.
• Enjoy picturesque beaches like lively Agali with watersports and other tourist facilities or more secluded Ligaria.