Are you planning a trip to the Greek islands and wonder which are the best to visit? You’re definitely in the right place!
I’m Greek American and have been to Greece over 20 times, visiting family and traveling around the country. Larry and I even got married in Greece in 2014!
We love this country so much and can’t wait to share our top 7 Best Greek Islands to visit with you.
Please keep in mind, every Greek island has its own feel. I would happily revisit any of them, but the following 7 are – in our opinion – the most stunning.
Kefalonia: Best Greek Island to Visit in Ionian Sea
This island in the Ionian Sea is unmatched. Because of its proximity to Italy and its history of Venetian trade, it has a very Italian feel – think colorful buildings with terracotta roofs.
Kefalonia has something for everyone
- Fiscardo is a luxurious town where you’ll spot gorgeous sailboats and yachts. Here you’ll find high end resorts, great restaurants, and boutique shopping.
- There are high mountains in the center of the island, with tiny mountain towns where you can get a taste of authentic Greek traditions. There are also multiple hiking trails that criss cross the island.
- Argostolion, the capital of Kefalonia, is a very stereotypical Greek coastal city. With a beautiful boardwalk, wide open boulevards, and boat tours going out daily.
- Famous beaches, including Myrto Beach, surround the island.
Hydra: Best Greek Island to Visit near Mainland
This island is very near Athens, making it an easy 1-2 day trip to add onto your mainland Greece itinerary! Hydra is unique in that it is pedestrian only! No motorized vehicles on this island make it a paradise. Not to mention, beautiful beaches everywhere.
Milos: Best Greek Island to Visit for Unique Beaches
We’ve been to Milos 3 times, and each time we go, we explore something new! It’s been nicknamed “The Island of Colors” for good reason. The sea goes from electric blue, to deep turquoise, to crystal clear green depending on area and time of day. The dramatic cliffs of the island are brown, white, pink, orange, and more.
If you want killer photos and unforgettable beaches, you MUST stop in Milos.
Santorini: Best Greek Island to Visit for a Honeymoon
Santorini is ICONIC for good reason. Its cliffs are breathtaking and the Cycladic architecture here is second to none. However, this island is expensive.
That’s why I think Santorini is perfect for Honeymooners, when you’re likely spending more than you normally would anyway. If you are interested in knowing how Larry and I used our wedding registry to raise money for our own Greek Honeymoon, make sure to read about our Honeyfund plan here: Greek Honeymoon Tips You Need to Know
Patmos: Best Greek Island to Visit for Art Lovers
Okay, first of all, one of Tom Hanks’s Greek homes is in Patmos … so that just speaks for itself. But secondly, the medieval city on this amazing and tight-knit Greek island is so crazy picturesque. The small winding pathways, the famous and colorful front doors, the maze of neighborhoods really take you back in time.
And at the top of the island, you’ll find a beautiful monastery with a stellar byzantine art museum.
Patmos is small enough to be a day trip, but definitely consider taking your time on this beautiful island.
Rhodes: Best Greek Island for History Buffs
The walled city on this island makes you feel like you’re in a movie, or on the set of Game of Thrones. It’s a quite popular island, meaning you’ll have no trouble getting here by either plane or ferry from Athens (although it would be a very long – likely overnight – ferry from Athens, FYI).
This is a great island to visit with kids, who will love exploring the castles ancient walls of this incredible island.
Crete: Best Greek Island for a Long Visit
If you’re looking for an island where you can settle in for over a week, look no further than Crete! This largest Greek island contains multiple small cities, beautiful beaches, numerous archeological sites, and more. You could easily spend a month on this relatively massive island and STILL not see it all.
We hope our list of the 7 Best Greek Islands to Visit has been helpful! Don’t forget to check out our Greek Travel Itinerary Tips and our Athens 3 Day Itinerary before you finalize your Greece vacation plans!
