If you’ve been captivated by the beauty of Greece, you’ll also be seduced by the beautiful islands spread around the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Watching the sunset from one of these fabulous Greek islands is one of the most remarkable experiences and you mustn’t miss out!
The crystal clear blue waters, many sandy beaches, luxurious hotels, and delicious Greek cuisine are some highlights of these splendid islands. While Mykonos and Santorini are attractions on their own, here are some of the best Greek islands for you to stay on or go island hopping.
Santorini
Santorini is probably the most famous of the Cycladic islands and a volcanic island that is a collection of five islets – Thirassia, Nea Kameni, Thira, Palea, and Aspronissi.
The picturesque island, with whitewashed walls and blue roofs carved into the cliffs, is a sight to behold. As the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll view the most spectacular canvas unfolding, making for breathtaking views. Don’t miss heading to the northern part of Santorini, the heart of Oia where few of the tourists go. Here you will find its the perfect place for a romantic getaway.
Mykonos
Hands down, one of the most popular islands in the Greek Isles, Mykonos is most visited for its nightlife, trendy shops, restaurants, beaches, and beach clubs.
Mykonos is all about endless beach parties, dancing, and cocktails. However, you can also go on a shopping spree in luxury stores or visit the art venues here, and for one of the best beach bars, head to Super Paradise Beach Club.
Skopelos
The unspoiled island of Skopelos is known as the Emerald Island or Green-Blue island, with its natural beauty. One among the Northern Sporades islands, Skopelos is where the movie Mamma Mia! was filmed.
With pristine white walls, beautiful stone-floored villas, and some marvelous places to visit, Skopelos is also one of the most luxurious islands in Greece. Beach lovers will enjoy the many beaches here with cobalt waters, like Elios, Panormos, and Stafylos.
Kefalonia
Kefalonia or Cephalonia one of the largest and most diverse of the Ionian Islands. Plus, you can only find the Greek fir trees here on this island! It’s just one of the wonders of natural beauty on the island.
The beaches are wonderful, but the one thing you can’t miss is Melissani Lake with its incredibly blue turquoise water. After being hidden underground for hundreds of years, this incredible spot became visible only when its “roof” collapsed.
Crete
Spanning 600 miles of coastline, Crete is the largest island in Greece. An island this big is bound to have a bit of everything, including beautiful towns, great beaches, historical sites, and rich gastronomic culture.
Among the 36 gorges here, the Samaria Gorge is Europe’s longest trekking gorge, at 11 miles, for those who love some outdoor adventure. Also, the two UNESCO Global Geoparks of Mt. Psiloritis and Siteia are abundant with nature’s amazing creations. One of the best five-star resorts in Europe, The Elounda Mare Hotel, a Relais & Chateaux, is a splendid place to stay and a good reason alone to Crete.
Zakynthos
Along the coast of the Ionian Sea, the island of Zante, or Zakynthos, is one of the most visited Greek destinations, with breathtaking beaches and turquoise waters.
Navagio beach is the best-known beach of Zakynthos, famous for the 1980 shipwreck, and features as one of the most beautiful beaches in endless travel books. Make your visit memorable by watching the sunset from the cliffs of Kryoneri and Keri, seeing the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles, and listening to the islanders sing their cantatas on this Ionian island. Lesante Cape is a remarkable stay in Zakynthos as are the Porto Zante Villas and Spa!
Rhodes
A UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is also known as the “Knights’ Island”.The well-preserved ancient city of Rhodes is famous for its ancient ruins, boutique hotels, luxury suites, and mesmerizing natural beauty. Beaches, bars, or ancient sites, Rhodes has an abundance of all.
This Greek island has great natural beauty; the lovely beaches face the mountainsides with pine woods, with the mountain villages overlooking the seaside towns. You can relax on Tsambika Beach, wander around Upper Town and catch a drink at a Rhodes taverna, or go sightseeing in the ancient city of Kamros and the Acropolis of Lindos.