🗺️ Guide to the islands of Greece: ferries, seasons and tips for choosing

Greece is spread across three seas, and every island has its own character. Somewhere you will find a lively resort with discos until dawn, and somewhere a quiet bay with a single port and a couple of tavernas.

We have gathered the islands of Greece for vacations and sorted them by trip type: beach, family, active, or secluded. This way you can see how one island differs from its neighbor and pick the option that fits your vacation.

Ad: this article contains affiliate links, we earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

How to choose an island in Greece

💡 In short:

Greece has about 6,000 islands and islets, only 227 of them are inhabited (as of 09/2026, Greek tourism office).
For vacations with kids, people most often choose Corfu, Zakynthos, Rhodes, Kos, and Thasos.
For quiet without crowds, people go to Ikaria, Samos, Karpathos, and Andros.

The islands are grouped into archipelagos, which makes choosing easier. The Cyclades offer white towns and volcanic beaches, the Dodecanese, ancient history, the Ionian Islands, greenery and a mild climate, the Sporades, pine-covered shores. Below we go through the islands in order, from the most popular to the quiet ones.

Logistics matter just as much as the beach itself. Large islands have direct flights, while small ones are reached by ferries from neighboring islands. In high season, ferries and hotels get booked up in advance, so it is better to build your route around one or two islands rather than trying to cover them all at once.

1. Crete

Venetian harbor of Chania with lighthouse in Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece and the most famous one. According to myth, Zeus lived here, King Minos ruled here, and Theseus defeated the Minotaur. The Minoan civilization left behind palaces, fortresses, and cave temples that you can actually see over a few days.

The main site is the Palace of Knossos with the Minotaur's labyrinth (according to the Greek tourism office, 09/2026). The Dikteon Andron cave is no less impressive: according to legend, Zeus was born there, and it was later turned into a temple. Venetian castles, Ottoman mosques, and fortress monasteries stand right next to modern hotels.

Crete is washed by several seas at once, so the beaches here come in different types: sandy, pebbly, and with pink sand. You can easily combine swimming with staying at a seaside hotel and hiking in the mountains and valleys.

Hotels in Crete on Trip.com

2. Rhodes

Medieval fortress walls and arched gate of Rhodes

Rhodes is a large resort and an open-air museum at the same time. The Old Town is surrounded by medieval walls, and along the Street of the Knights of Saint John you will walk past the Palace of the Grand Masters.

The island's capital dates back to antiquity. The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, once stood here. The statue itself has not survived, but its story is told in detail on tours. Besides the city of Rhodes, it is worth seeing ancient Kamiros, the Valley of the Butterflies, and the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite.

The best swimming is on the east and south: the beaches of Lindos, Faliraki, Kolymbia, and Ixia suit both families and water sports lovers. Warm thermal springs flow at Kallithea. The sea, sand and pebbles, and plenty of sun make the island a full-season destination.

Hotels in Rhodes on Trip.com

3. Kos

Kos was once called the garden of the Aegean Sea. The island is small and green, and its main theme is medicine. According to legend, Hippocrates founded the first school of healing here. The symbol of the island is a huge plane tree linked to his name.

Christian churches, part of the old town, and the fortress wall have survived. The beaches are suitable for diving, surfing, and yachting. The largest resort area is Kardamena: boats regularly call at the small bay, and many modern hotels have been built nearby.

Getting around here is easy: shops, cafes, and restaurants can be found in every town, and you can easily reach the far side of the island by bus or taxi.

The Asklepion on Kos was once the island's main temple complex, dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. People came here for healing from all over the Mediterranean, and the ruins are worth seeing even if you came only for the beach. In the evening, life moves to cozy bars and nightclubs that stay open almost until dawn.

Hotels in Kos on Trip.com

4. Corfu

Corfu is a large island in the northern part of the Ionian Sea. It is tied to the legends of Jason and the Golden Fleece and of Odysseus, who found shelter here. Even Napoleon admired the beauty of its bays.

The Paleokastritsa area is considered the cradle of the island: picturesque bays surround villages perched right on the cliffs. For children, it has one of the best water parks in Europe, and there are riding, surfing, and diving schools.

You should add to your itinerary the climb up Mount Pantokrator, the old fortress of Palaio Frourio, the Church of the Virgin Mary in the Panagia Spiliotissa cave, and Liston Street in the capital. Here you can easily combine beach time, history, and leisurely walks.

Corfu's beaches alternate between sand and pebbles, and the most picturesque bays hide on the west side of the island. The easiest way to move between them is by car, which you can rent at the port or from your hotel. In the evening, take a walk through the old town, where Venetian architecture sits alongside British and French buildings.

Hotels in Corfu on Trip.com

5. Zakynthos

Panorama of Zakynthos town with bay and mountain

Zakynthos is the southernmost island of the Ionian archipelago. Its coastline is cut by bays with sandy and pebbly beaches, cliffs, and caves. Some bays have springs with sulfurous water.

In the north are the Blue Caves, Navagio Bay, and Askos Park with animals and plants from around the world. Ancient fortresses, castles, and Byzantine churches stand among fruit orchards, with modern hotels nearby.

One of the bays is home to a sanctuary for caretta sea turtles, which come here to breed. The capital, Zakynthos Town, has many museums, and the Church of Saint Dionysius holds his relics. For a full picture of the island, take a jeep safari.

The beaches on Zakynthos are small and scattered across the bays, so finding a secluded spot is easy. From many points you can set off on a sea trip: boats go into the Blue Caves and to Navagio Bay. If you are lucky, you will see the oldest turtle, named Satiris, near the Laganas tourist center. Feeding it by hand is not a good idea.

Hotels in Zakynthos on Trip.com

6. Evia

Evia is the second largest of the Greek islands. It is separated from the mainland by narrow straits and connected to it by a bridge. From the bridge you can see a rare phenomenon: the current in the strait changes direction from time to time. The island preserves the history of the ancient cities of Chalcis and Eretria.

Ancient monasteries still operate on the island, and part of the Temple of Apollo and the Karababa fortress have survived. In Chalcis, a mosque, a synagogue, and a Christian church stand side by side, a rare combination for Greece.

The beach season lasts from May to October, and the beaches stretch for hundreds of kilometers. There are almost no crowds, especially on the secluded shores of small bays. Hotels and apartments here are mid-range, and some sit right on mountain slopes. The best resorts are Karystos, Eretria, Edipsos with its therapeutic springs, and the Lichadonisia area.

The Aegean Sea off the coast of Evia is clean and clear, with no seaweed or jellyfish, so swimming with children here is worry-free. There is almost no influx of tourists even at the height of the season, and accommodation is mostly mid-range. The island is not suited for nightlife: people come here for nature, the sea, and quiet.

Hotels in Evia on Trip.com

7. Thasos

Sandy beach with pine trees and an island in the sea

Thasos is almost entirely covered by forests, which is why it appeals to those who do not handle heat well. It is quiet here, and the air smells of pine, plane trees, and oak. You can drive around the island in one day and see ancient stone monasteries.

The capital is ancient Limenas, with its old sanctuaries and altars. In the mountain village of Theologos there is an ethnographic museum, and nearby lie the ruins of the ancient city of Istaniο. The best beaches are called San Antonio, Psili Ammos, Makryammos, Paradise, and Marble Beach.

The summit of Mount Ipsario opens up a panorama of the island and the sea. The route to it passes through the village of Potamia, where the museum of sculptor Vagis stands. One day with a rental car is enough to see the main sights.

Hotels on Thasos on Trip.com

8. Mykonos

Mykonos is one of the most expensive vacation areas in the country. It attracts fans of nightclubs and round-the-clock parties. Modern hotels and well-developed infrastructure have made the island a fashionable, bohemian resort.

The beaches cater to every taste: from quiet sunbathing to sports and water activities. Some upscale beaches draw a cosmopolitan crowd from around the world. The capital, Chora, grew out of a maze of narrow streets where locals once hid from pirates.

The main street is packed with boutiques, jewelry stores, bars, and galleries. People relax here around the clock, and guests in any mood are welcomed without judgment. A special excursion takes you to the uninhabited island of Delos, where traces of the Aegean civilization remain, and the site itself is protected by UNESCO.

Mykonos hotels on Trip.com

9. Santorini

View from Fira of the caldera and Nea Kameni

Santorini is the main island of the Cyclades and perhaps the most recognizable in Greece. A volcano once erupted in the center of the archipelago, leaving a huge caldera with steep walls where the crater used to be. The legend of the lost Atlantis is also linked to this eruption.

White houses with blue roofs cling to the slopes directly above the water. Next to the hotels, wellness centers offer pools, solariums, and spas, while some guests come here for a quiet getaway and beautiful views.

Along the coast you will find beaches with black, white, and golden sand, so the shore and the sea look different in every bay. Families with children often choose Monolithos with its shallow, warm sea, while Perivolos Beach is the place to go for parties.

Couples also come to Santorini: some get married right at the edge of the caldera, and a local legend promises strength to such unions. Officially the island is called Thira, but the name Santorini has stuck in tourism circles.

The island is small, so in a couple of days you can drive around it by car or scooter, and buses run between the villages. In high season, accommodation near the caldera gets more expensive, so you should book your hotel in advance. Swimming is more convenient in the south and east, while the best sunset views are from the west coast.

Santorini hotels on Trip.com

10. Kefalonia

Stone bridge over the lagoon in Argostoli

Kefalonia is the largest island in the central Ionian Sea. According to one legend, it was named after King Cephalus, who was exiled here for killing his wife. Even after a devastating earthquake, ancient monuments and lush nature remain.

The peak season falls on August 15, the day of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, one of the country's major religious events. Around that time, harmless snakes with markings on their heads crawl toward the Church of Panagia Langouvarda in the village of Markopoulo. Locals collect them and bring them to the icon, believing it to be a good omen.

A separate story of the island is its underground water rivers: they flow through the Melissani Cave into lakes. The largest town here is Argostoli, home to the island's best beaches and two old monasteries with ancient icons. You will find plenty to do both in the heat and on a cloudy day.

Kefalonia hotels on Trip.com

11. Paros

White houses of Naoussa on Paros from the sea

Paros belongs to the Cyclades group and, geologically speaking, is the peak of a mountain hidden underwater. Only the summit of Profitis Ilias rises above the surface. The island became known for its nature, hotels, beaches along the Aegean Sea, and snow-white marble.

Statues of Hellas that have survived for millennia were carved from this local stone. Traces of the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations are visible across the island, and its marble deposits and its own fleet once made Paros a powerful island state.

Today, recreation includes water activities and a large water park with slides for all ages, located on the grounds of the Porto Paros hotel. The capital, Parikia, is adorned with the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, an archaeological museum, and an old castle. With children, it is worth visiting the Valley of the Butterflies, where tiger moths live in the gorge.

Paros hotels on Trip.com

12. Symi

Colorful houses of Symi on the slope above the sea

Symi lies not far from Rhodes and is noticeably smaller than its neighbor. It was once the capital of the Dodecanese archipelago, and its residents were considered the best shipbuilders in Greece. The sponge diving trade fed the island's inhabitants for a long time under every ruler.

Today, hotels and infrastructure are gradually growing in the town of Symi. Most often people come here for a day from Rhodes: to lie on the beaches, the main one being Agios Nikolaos, and to wander through the beautiful surroundings. In the bay of the port of Yialos, ships are greeted by a sculpture of a fisherman boy.

Steep staircases lead from the coast up to the center, and in places the climb is not easy. At the top stand hundreds of Christian churches, monasteries, and chapels, and excursion routes pass through the island's most interesting sites.

Hotels in Symi on Trip.com

13. Lesbos

Panorama of the Mytilene waterfront on Lesbos

Lesbos does not stand out for dramatic scenery, but it is ruled by rocks, the sea, and the Petrified Forest. Hundreds of trees, buried by an ancient volcanic eruption, have been preserved as if sealed in an atmosphere of antiquity.

Tourists come here for the convenient beaches, water sports, and hikes in the surrounding area. Lovers of ancient architecture will explore fortresses and monuments of the Ottoman Empire. The most popular beaches are considered to be Skala Eressos, Molyvos, and Skala Kallonis.

At all recreation areas you will be offered yacht trips, diving, and windsurfing. Nearby, olive and oak groves rustle, some of the trees more than several centuries old. In the evening, guests can enjoy clubs, tavernas, and Greek music nights in the capital.

Hotels in Lesbos on Trip.com

14. Aegina

Harbor of Aegina from the water, waterfront and boats

Aegina is chosen for a beach vacation. The island has many convenient beach areas, and the most popular ones lie near the capital: Avra, Agia Maria, Kolona, the youthful beach of Aeginitissa, and the quiet bay of Klima. Nearby stand old buildings that locals carefully preserve.

The island is still adorned by the columns and foundation of the ancient temple of Athena, which is more than two and a half thousand years old. Among the greenery, the Monastery of Saint Nectarios has been operating for more than a century. Festivals are held here every year, drawing pilgrims.

The town center is graced by the "Kyvernio" building: the first government of independent Greece once met there. Today it houses the country's Historical Archive. Getting to Aegina is easy: vessels of varying comfort depart from the Athenian port of Piraeus every hour, and you will be there in about an hour.

Hotels in Aegina on Trip.com

15. Hydra

Hydra town with harbor and boats on the slope

Hydra is part of the Saronic group and has long been a favorite vacation spot for Athenians and visiting intellectuals. In ancient times the island was almost uninhabited: pirates and refugees hid here, so private homes were not built for a long time.

Later, locals mastered shipbuilding and took up maritime trade, and the main town flourished. Outstanding Greek military leaders were born on Hydra. Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall worked here, and the island gained wide fame from a film with Sophia Loren.

There are few beaches, apart from Mandraki, but life in the town is always bustling. You will walk along stone streets past many churches and monasteries, and it is especially crowded here on weekends. Hydra is the only town in Greece where motor vehicles are banned, so it is truly quiet here. For a longer stay, the Miramare hotel is a good choice.

Hotels in Hydra on Trip.com

16. Milos

White houses by the sea on a slope, Milos

Milos stands out among the western Cyclades for its volcanic landscape and wealth of minerals. The island became famous thanks to archaeological finds from past centuries: the statue of Aphrodite, which now stands in the Louvre, drew history lovers here.

Beach lovers followed in their footsteps. Pollonia became the most popular resort, with modern hotels and well-planned infrastructure. Between beach days, you should visit the archaeological site of Phylakopi and learn about the history of the Minoan civilization.

Nearby is the famous Papafragas Cave: the entrance to the underground is surrounded by white cliffs. You can take a boat through its mysterious chambers, which once served as a hideout for pirates. A convenient base is the capital, the town of Milos, also known as Plaka.

Milos beaches are known for their unusual sand and rock colors: you will find white, red, and black shores here. The easiest way to reach them is by car or scooter, and some coves are accessible only by sea. That is why the island appeals to those who are up for a small adventure in exchange for beautiful views.

Hotels in Milos on Trip.com

17. Patmos

Panorama of Patmos island with town and bay

Patmos is a quiet, secluded island in the Aegean Sea that long remained off the tourist trail. Its wild nature, cozy beaches such as Kampos, Grikos, and Aspri, tavernas, and bars have made it popular in recent years.

The main reason to come is the Cave of the Apocalypse. The Apostle John lived there and wrote the Book of Revelation, which made the site a center of pilgrimage. Nearby, on the hill of Chora, stands a monastery, and its crenellated walls and chapels are visible from various points in the town and along the coast.

The monastery treasury holds Byzantine icons, embroideries, manuscripts, and frescoes. The island is ringed by capes with sea views and numerous caves. Most visitors come for a day trip without staying overnight, although you should linger for at least a full day. The only port is Skala, where all ships arrive.

Hotels in Patmos on Trip.com

18. Samos

Panorama of Samos town and harbor from above

Samos is the greenest island in Greece. The coastal slopes are covered in orange and olive groves, and palms, cypresses, and fig trees provide shade even in the heat. There are no large tourist crowds here, so nature has remained almost untouched.

The best beaches are considered to be Tsabou, Mikali, Tsamadou, Kokkari, and Lemonakia. In the bay of Pythagorio, the figure of the ancient sage Pythagoras rises above the water: he spent most of his life on Samos. Ancient philosophers and astronomers were born here, and the island itself remained uninhabited for nearly five centuries after pirate raids.

Today, visitors reach Samos from Piraeus, neighboring islands, and even from the coast of Turkey. A couple of days is enough to combine beaches with walks through villages nestled in greenery.

Hotels in Samos on Trip.com

19. Lefkada

Egremni beach with turquoise sea on Lefkada

Lefkada got its name, "White Island," from the ancient white cliffs that surround its western side. Its main treasure is its sandy beaches. On the world-famous Kathisma beach, you stand on the shore of a turquoise sea while relaxing under natural overhangs formed by the cliffs.

The cliffs contain many caves that you can explore. In one of them, Papanikolis, ships once hid during wartime. The town of Perigiali clings to the slope and makes a convenient base, and in your free time you can explore the ruins of ancient fortresses, monasteries, and ordinary dwellings.

Other goals include the Nydri waterfalls, the archaeological museum, and the art gallery. A major landmark is the bridge that connects the island to the mainland. From here you can see the fortress of Santa Maura and the town of Lefkada with its distinctive architecture.

Hotels in Lefkada on Trip.com

20. Skiathos

Rock arch in turquoise sea off the coast of Skiathos

Skiathos belongs to the Northern Sporades, and tourism began developing here only recently. Its many beaches, both organized and wild, quickly gained popularity, and the well-maintained roads are convenient for exploring by car, moped, or motorcycle.

There are nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, and lively discos, which is why Skiathos is especially popular with young travelers. The best beaches are concentrated in the south: Koukounaries, Banana, Elias, Mandraki, and Agistros. Some of them turn into open-air dance floors by evening.

Near the central harbor stands the Bourtzi fortress. It was once the main residence of the Venetians, and today it houses a library, a theater, and a museum. The island has preserved many monasteries, including Panagia Kounistra and Evangelistria, and the liveliest part of town is the waterfront with its boutiques and tavernas.

Hotels in Skiathos on Trip.com

21. Ikaria

Messakti sandy beach on Ikaria with turquoise sea

Ikaria got its name from the mythical Icarus: he took to the sky on homemade wings, fell into the sea near the island, and died. On the waterfront of the capital, Agios Kirykos, there is a monument shaped like the legendary wings. The mild climate, natural foods, and easy access to the sea make the island popular in the summer season.

A separate reason to visit is the healing hot springs with radioactive water. They have been used here since ancient times, which may be why Ikaria has so many centenarians. Health resorts and spas have been built around the springs, so combining relaxation with treatment is easy and hassle-free.

The best beaches are considered to be Fles, Miliopo, Armyristis, Prioni, Kampos, and the shores near the village of Yaliskari. The symbol of the island is the Koskina fortress on top of Mount Afera, visible from anywhere on Ikaria. It has observation decks inside, and archaeology lovers can explore caves with finds from ancient civilizations.

Hotels in Ikaria on Trip.com

22. Ithaca

Ithaca is the island where, according to legend, Odysseus reigned. History lovers still search here for artifacts that confirm the legend. Ithaca was once an important port and the capital of the Ionian kingdom, but today it is a quiet place with romantic bays and clean beaches.

The main attractions are concentrated in the capital, Vathy. Staying at one of the city's hotels, you can start exploring with the Cave of the Nymphs Marmarospili and the settlement of Alalcomenae, both linked to the story of Odysseus. Near the Arethusa spring there is a cave where the swineherd Eumaeus sheltered the hero.

On the coast, it is pleasant to snorkel, rent a boat or yacht, and take part in water activities. Hiking trails run through the surrounding area, and there is also rock climbing. In the evening, it is worth sitting in small taverns decorated with paintings by local artists.

Hotels in Ithaca on Trip.com

23. Naxos

Port of Naxos with white houses and boats

Naxos is often called the island of Ariadne. Walking along the stone-paved streets among the marble walls of ancient buildings, you feel as if you are stepping into a legend. The impression is reinforced by the Portara gate, the Kastro fortress, and the Bazeos castle.

Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades. Dionysus was born here and Zeus lived here, and the high Mount Zas rises above the sea. Small churches and windmills stand along the island. The locals were among the first to carve sculptures from snow-white marble, and the ancient statues of young men are now kept in the Archaeological Museum of Athens.

Beach life is centered on a long coastal strip: the beaches of Agios Georgios, Prokopios, and Anna are suitable for swimming and water sports. In the evening, cafes, clubs, and open-air discos open against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.

Hotels in Naxos on Trip.com

24. Chios

Ruins of the stone village of Anavatos on Chios

Chios is located in the eastern Aegean Sea and is known for its sandy beaches, the architecture of its small villages, and its mastic trees. From mastic, which locals call the "tears of Christ," people here made medicines, cosmetics, drinks, and sweets.

Getting to know the island starts with walks through village streets. You won't find such beautiful houses anywhere else in Greece: they are decorated with xysta-style ornamentation. Be sure to see the medieval settlements of Pyrgi and Olympoi with its stalactite cave, the Daskalopetra rock where Homer is said to have taught, and the Nea Moni monastery.

Sandy and pebble beaches like Karfas, Mavra Volia, and Agia Markella have everything you need. Yacht trips, catamaran rides, and water skiing are popular here, and cozy coves for quiet relaxation are tucked along the coast. In the evening, clubs and restaurants open in the towns of Karfas and Chios.

Hotels in Chios on Trip.com

25. Paxos

Paxos is a small green island in the Ionian Sea, lost among centuries-old olive trees and ancient healing springs. Very few people live here: they grow olives and produce oil considered the best in Greece. Guests are offered expensive stone villas and apartments for their stay.

The island has three small towns: Gaios, Longos, and Lakka. According to ancient legend, the sea god Poseidon struck with his trident and created two islands, Paxos and Antipaxos, which are easy to see on a boat trip. Along the way you'll also visit one of the many sea caves beneath overhanging cliffs.

Hiking trails lead through the Sacred Olive Grove to ancient rainwater wells and healing springs. Besides beach time, it's worth trying the rare Fidia and Petrokorintho wine varieties, which are made only on these islands.

Hotels in Paxos on Trip.com

26. Karpathos

Karpathos is an Aegean island where tourism began developing only recently. Surfers were the first to arrive: near Cape Lyki they found amazing spots for their sport. Gradually, gorgeous beaches like Afiartis began welcoming more and more visitors, and resorts like Kyra Panagia turned into modern vacation areas.

Every year in the second half of August, the island hosts a famous festival in honor of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. The small settlements of Volada, Pyles, Othos, and Stes come alive with bright traditional costumes and music. Pristine nature and authentic villages attract lovers of off-the-beaten-path routes.

On hikes you'll see the ruins of the ancient town of Potideon, the ancient acropolis in Arkasa, and the remains of a Christian church. The capital is the town of Karpathos with modern buildings, hotels, and guesthouses. Here it's easy to combine beach time, surfing, and exploring history.

Hotels in Karpathos on Trip.com

27. Nisyros

Nisyros is a choice for volcano lovers. You can stay here for a few days by arranging with locals or booking a room in the island's only town, Mandraki. Most often, tourists come here on a day trip to see the main attraction, the active Nisyros volcano.

The last eruption was long ago, but the volcano remains alive: underground sounds can be heard, and yellow sulfur with a sharp smell seeps from the cracks. The road to the craters is rough, and it has been kept that way to show the volcano's true power and not disturb the sleeping giant Polybotes from ancient legend.

A walk among the steaming craters takes about an hour, then the route covers the sights of Mandraki. Its blue-and-white architecture resembles Santorini. You'll see the ruins of the Paleokastro fortress, medieval streets, a museum, and the Church of the Cave Virgin Mary. The trip usually ends the same day.

Hotels in Nisyros on Trip.com

28. Andros

Panorama of the coastal town of Andros with white houses

Andros is located in the Aegean Sea and is considered one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. A necklace of mountains, canyons, steep slopes, citrus groves, and waterfalls plunging straight into the sea have made it a developed tourist center. Dozens of beautiful beaches stretch along the coast.

The infrastructure here covers every need: lazy beach days, active water sports, or hikes in the surrounding area. The most popular beach areas are Vlychada, Limnaki, Zorkos, and Pyrgos. Modern hotels and the main tourist center sit on the coast amid scenic landscapes and cozy villages.

Restaurants, cafes, pools, and entertainment centers for children and adults are all available. Wellness centers and spas offer treatments based on the healing waters of local springs. In your free time, be sure to visit the capital, the town of Chora: you'll walk along marble paths past old mansions, museums, and churches.

Hotels in Andros on Trip.com

29. Skopelos

Ferry approaching the pier of Skopelos town

Skopelos became famous thanks to the filming of Mamma Mia, where the island was given the fictional name Kalokairi. In the Northern Sporades group it is not the greenest, but its many coves with secluded beaches, abundant fruit, and healing remedies have made it a popular getaway for residents of Greece's larger cities since ancient times.

Skopelos is adorned with old churches, burial sites from different civilizations, and a mild climate. It is home to the famous Velona and Stafilos beaches. Unlike other resort islands, silence, tranquility, and unspoiled natural beauty reign here.

During walking tours, guests can climb to the top of Mount Delphi, go higher than the pine groves, and see niches in the rock that preserve traces of ancestral life. These are Neolithic burial sites: according to legend, the ashes of the first ruler, Staphylus, rest somewhere here. Finding accommodation is easy, with standard hotel rooms, villas, and apartments.

Hotels in Skopelos on Trip.com

30. Lemnos

Panorama of Myrina on Lemnos with bay and fortress

Lemnos is a small island in the Aegean Sea that ancient mythology considered the island of the god of fire. It was formed by an ancient volcano. Myths about Aphrodite, Odysseus, and the Argonauts led by Jason live on here, and the settlement of Poliochni is among the oldest inhabited places in Europe.

The island does not experience a mass influx of visitors, although it ranks among the top in the country for total beach length. Most beach areas are located near the capital. The best sandy beaches include Makrys Yalos, Louri, Agios Ioannis, and Keros, with a convenient gentle slope into the sea. There are many hotels with rooms of varying standards, including Porto Myrina Palace, Varos Village, and Lemnos Village Resort.

Travelers should know: you will not find more aromatic white dessert and dry wines anywhere in the country than on Lemnos. Vineyards of Muscat of Alexandria make it possible to create true masterpieces following ancient winemaking traditions. Even the traditional resinated wine, retsina, turns out special here. The taste of the local feta "kalafaki," aged in traditional baskets, and Achilladelis sesame halva lingers long in the memory.

The climate here is Mediterranean: dry, warm summers and humid, cool winters. If you choose August, be prepared for intense heat. In August, it is better to choose the northern parts of the island.

Hotels in Lemnos on Trip.com

Greek islands on the map

All the islands from our list are easy to view on a single map. Open it, select the region you need, and plot a route between islands: ferry lines connect most of them.

Islands of Greece

Places on the map

1Crete Greece's largest island, the Palace of Knossos and Zeus's cave
2Rhodes Old Town within medieval walls, the Palace of the Grand Masters
3Kos Island of medicine, the school of Hippocrates, ruins of the Asclepion
4Corfu Second-largest island, the bays of Paleokastritsa, a water park
5Zakynthos Blue caves, Navagio bay, a loggerhead turtle reserve
6Euboea Linked to the mainland by a bridge, beaches stretch for hundreds of kilometres
7Thassos Covered in forests, ancient Limenas, Mount Ypsario
8Mykonos Nightclubs and discos, excursion to the island of Delos
9Santorini A volcanic caldera, white houses with blue roofs
10Kefalonia Underground rivers, the Melissani cave
11Paros Snow-white marble, the Butterfly Valley, the Porto Paros hotel's water park
12Symi Former capital of the Dodecanese, sea sponge fishing
13Lesbos A petrified forest, the beaches of Skala Eressos, Molyvos, Skala Kallonis
14Aegina The Temple of Athena, the monastery of Saint Nektarios
15Hydra The only island of Greece with no motor vehicles
16Milos Volcanic landscape, the Papafragkas cave, the statue of Aphrodite was found here
17Patmos The Cave of the Apocalypse, the monastery on Mount Chora
18Samos The greenest island, Pythagorion bay
19Lefkada White cliffs, Kathisma beach, the fortress of Saint Mavra
20Skiathos Northern Sporades, Bourtzi fortress, Koukounaries beach
21Ikaria Hot springs, the Koskinou fortress on Mount Athera
22Ithaca Odysseus's island, the Cave of the Nymphs at Marmarospilia
23Naxos The largest island of the Cyclades, the Portara gate, Kastro fortress
24Chios Mastic trees, the medieval settlements of Pyrgi and Olympi
25Paxos A small green island, olive groves, the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos
26Karpathos Ruins of the ancient settlement of Poteidaion, the Dormition festival
27Nisyros An active volcano, the town of Mandraki
28Andros Canyons and waterfalls, the beaches of Vlichada, Limnaki, Zorkos
29Skopelos Filming location for Mamma Mia, the beaches of Velona and Stafilos
30Lemnos The island of the god of fire, wines from Alexandrian Muscat

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the Greek islands?

High season runs from June through September, and in August the popular islands are hot and crowded. For a relaxed trip, choose May, June, September, or October: the sea is warm and there are fewer lines. Not all hotels operate in winter.

How do you get to the Greek islands?

Planes fly to the larger islands, and ferries run between islands. Crete, Rhodes, Kos, and Santorini are easy to reach by direct flight, while small islands like Symi or Patmos are usually reached by ferry from neighboring islands. Schedules depend on the season, and tickets are best booked in advance.

Which island is best for a vacation with kids?

Corfu, Zakynthos, Rhodes, Kos, and Thassos are great for families: they have calm seas, sandy beaches, and plenty of hotels with pools. Skiathos, Skopelos, Samos, Chios, and Lesbos also work well. Corfu has a large water park, and Zakynthos has a turtle sanctuary. The best months for a trip with kids are May, June, September, and October.

Where are there fewer tourists on the islands?

For peace and quiet, people head to Ikaria, Samos, Karpathos, Andros, Nisyros, and Lemnos. These islands have no mass tourism, accommodation is cheaper, and nature remains almost untouched. Even in high season, it is easy to find a secluded beach on these islands, and in the evening you will find quiet tavernas instead of noisy clubs.

Do you need a car on the Greek islands?

On large islands like Crete, Rhodes, or Lemnos, a car makes the trip noticeably easier: public transport runs infrequently, and reaching remote beaches and villages is otherwise difficult. On small islands like Hydra or Symi, a car is unnecessary, everything is close by, and on Hydra vehicles are banned altogether.

In short: what to book

The choice depends on what you are traveling for. If you are a family with kids, go for Corfu or Zakynthos: gentle seas and calm beaches. For history and sightseeing, Crete and Rhodes are a good fit; for nightlife, Mykonos; and for peace and quiet, Ikaria or Karpathos.

On popular islands, beachfront hotels get booked up as early as spring, so accommodation should be reserved in advance. Start with the destination, then choose a specific hotel based on location and guest reviews.

See hotels on your chosen island on Trip.com

30 Islands of Greece: which one suits beaches, family or quiet