10 Best Islands to Visit in Greece (Including One I Loved More Than Santorini)

Part of the Cyclades, Santorini seems to be on everyone’s list—and for good reason. The island welcomes over two million visitors each year, many of whom arrive by ferry and are instantly greeted by the dramatic caldera cliffs rising nearly 1,000 feet from the sea. That view alone earns Santorini a spot among the best islands to visit in Greece.

Travel Tip: To avoid the thickest crowds, it’s best to explore the island’s top attractions early in the morning. Hiking the scenic trail between Fira and Oia is a must. But instead of joining the masses for Santorini’s famous sunset views, consider heading to the Akrotiri Lighthouse or the Prophet Elias Monastery. Don’t miss the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri—often compared to Pompeii—which was preserved under layers of ash after a volcanic eruption nearly 3,700 years ago.

Naxos offers a little bit of everything—including some of Greece’s best beaches, where soft white sand meets calm, clear turquoise water that feels like swimming in a massive natural pool. The historic center of Naxos Town is a joy to wander, with its winding marble-paved streets, whitewashed buildings draped in bougainvillea and ancient ruins tucked around corners. One of the island’s most iconic landmarks is the 6th-century BC Portara, a massive unfinished marble doorway that greets ferry passengers as they arrive. Naxos is also beloved for its sea- and farm-to-table culinary scene, featuring fresh seafood and local products like Naxian cheese and potatoes.

Travel Tip: For hikers, there are mountain trails to explore, including those on Mount Zeus, the highest peak in the Cyclades at nearly 3,300 feet. From the summit—reachable via a 2.8-mile trail—you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of surrounding islands, scattered like gems across the bright blue Aegean.

As the largest island in Greece, Crete is incredibly diverse—with so much to explore, you might want to spend your entire vacation here, or at the very least, plan a return trip. There are stunning beaches along its 650-mile stretch of coastline, including some with pink sands. You’ll also find rugged canyons, vineyard-covered hills, towering mountains, ancient ruins and charming towns. Romantic Chania is a favorite for couples with its romantic feel and Venetian influence, complete with cobblestone streets, a Venetian castle and 16th-century walls.

Travel Tip: The Palace of Knossos is one of the most fascinating ancient sites to explore. Once the capital of Minoan Crete, it was originally built around 2000 BC and offers a glimpse into the civilization’s peak from 1700 to 1450 BC. Visitors can still see remnants of its advanced water and sewer systems, along with vibrant frescoes and towering columns.

One of the most well-known Ionian Islands—a lush archipelago west of the Greek mainland—Zakynthos is best known for Navagio Beach, often called Shipwreck Beach. Its pristine white sand is home to the rusted remains of a shipwreck, framed by towering limestone cliffs and electric-blue water so vivid it looks computer-generated. But yes, it’s real. For that iconic photo, head to the overlook point, easily accessible by car and a short walk. Boat tours also take visitors to the beach itself, offering a closer look and the chance to swim. Zakynthos is home to many other idyllic beaches as well, ranging from secluded coves to fully serviced shores with loungers and umbrellas.

Travel Tip: Beyond the beaches, the island offers charming shops, authentic tavernas and cultural attractions like the Solomos Museum, which houses archaeological finds and tributes to local history. Don’t miss the Venetian Castle of Bohali, perched on a hill above Zakynthos Town—an open-air museum with remnants from the Byzantine period, including ancient walls, gates and churches.

Corfu is another one of the remarkably lush islands in the Ionian Sea. It’s a favorite among beach enthusiasts, nature lovers and history buffs. You’ll find whitewashed villages with cobbled streets lined by Venetian buildings, turquoise lagoons teeming with birdlife, cascading waterfalls, emerald-green mountains and scenic hiking routes like the 93-mile Corfu Trail. The island is also home to stunning sandy beaches, all framed by that signature brilliant turquoise water. Corfu Town is a must-visit, with its magnificently preserved Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—where the architecture reflects centuries of British, French and Venetian influence.

Travel Tip: You can learn more about the history of the island in the Archaeological Museum with artifacts from both the Roman and ancient Greek eras. History enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Paleokastritsa either. This still-active monastery dates back to the 13th century and you can even see the monks as they go about their daily work and soak up an awe-inspiring view.

Kefalonia is a romantic, unspoiled treasure with remarkable natural beauty. Another one of the lush Ionaians, it’s renowned for its soft, white sandy beaches and stunning blue-green sea, popular for swimming and snorkeling because the clarity of the water is crystal-clear. Many of the beaches are edged by pines providing shade from the summer sun. Myrtos is renowned as one of the most breathtaking, tucked between mountains with the water a dreamy shade of Easter egg blue. Mount Ainos National Park, made famous by the novel and subsequent movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, offers hiking trails and the chance to spot deer and wild horses roaming free throughout the picturesque landscapes.

Travel Tip: Located in the northern part of the island, Fiskardo is Kefalonia’s most well-preserved village, complete with Venetian architecture, a Venetian lighthouse, ruins of an ancient 6th-century basilica and numerous seaside tavernas for enjoying fresh fish and seafood.

Part of the Dodecanese archipelago, less than 20 miles from the Turkish coast, Rhodes is a favorite Greek island when it comes to exploring archaeological sites but it has plenty for beachgoers and nature lovers, too. The island also offers countless sandy beaches for sunbathing and swimming, while Butterfly Valley provides an oasis with trees and tranquil streams. In the summer, there are thousands of colorful butterflies fluttering about. Nearby, you can enjoy a refreshing dip at Seven Springs’ freshwater lake.

Travel Tip: Medieval Old Town Rhodes is a delight, home to one of the top attractions, the Palace of the Grand Masters. The medieval castle is one of the country’s few examples of Gothic architecture, hosting over 150 rooms that are all open to visitors. After exploring, take a stroll along a section of the 2.5 miles of 15th-century city walls that begin here.

A mountainous island just 25 miles northwest of Rhodes, Symi is easy to reach by ferry and offers a more serene, authentic Greek island experience. Part of the Dodecanese, it’s far from the party scene—you won’t find much nightlife beyond a handful of bars, but you also won’t find thick crowds interrupting the views.

It’s all about the scenery here, with hiking trails and a variety of spectacular beaches, both sandy and pebbly, all edged by clear aquamarine water. Symi tends to attract couples seeking a secluded, romantic escape, as well as adventurers, painters and photographers drawn to its peaceful beauty. In the main town, you’ll find unique shops selling handcrafted goods, including beautiful leather pieces made on the island.

Travel Tip: Symi’s famous shrimp feature heavily on local menus, appearing in everything from simple waterfront taverna dishes to refined plates at fine-dining restaurants—often paired with local goat cheese and other island delicacies.

Folegandros is Santorini’s neighbor but the islands don’t have too much in common. There aren’t hordes of tourists spilling out of the ferries and no big cruise ships pull into its port. Instead, visitors soak up a more laid-back atmosphere. You’ll find secluded pebble beaches lapped by azure waves, historic windmills spinning in the breeze and goats scampering up the rocky hillsides.

Travel Tip: Independent shops and casual mom-and-pop tavernas serve homemade Greek fare like matsata in the irresistible Chora, known for its traditional whitewashed architecture.

Spetses is one of the Saronic Islands, the closest archipelago to Athens. Beauty and nature abound here, from photogenic beaches perfect for sunbathing to the aromatic air scented by lemon and pine trees—earning Spetses its nickname: the “island of aromas.” Life moves at a slower pace, with locals and visitors getting around on foot, by bike, or horse and buggy, as cars are banned in the main town.

Travel Tip: Spend your time simply watching the wooden fishing boats bob on the water and fishermen selling their fresh catch to seaside tavernas along the charming promenade.