With 6000 Greek Islands offering crystal clear waters, spectacular sunsets and insta worthy spots it can be daunting trying to choose which Greek island you should visit.
Islands with international airports, like the sensational Santorini or the family friendly Rhodes, are ideal for shorter breaks or hassle-free holidays. But with 224 more that are inhabited which islands can they be a spring board to?
There are quaint smaller islands, through to party places accessible only by ferry or internal flights. Decamp on one of these for a week or you could explore multiple islands. ‘Greek island hopping’ has become hugely popular with extensive ferry schedules to cater to demand so you can explore the unique character of each island.
If you are considering island hopping, the first thing to understand is just how far some islands are from each others. Rhodes to Skópelos could take you 8 hours! So it’s best to plan your islands from the same groups. This map helps to illustrate the distance and opportunities!
I have visited 10 of the more popular islands and here’s my snap shot guide to help you decide. For full guides on these islands, click here.
Greek Islands to visit:
Cyclades Islands
Santorini
Greek Island Group: Cyclades
International airport? Yes
Why pick Santorini? Famed for its blue domes, romance, and saturation across social media feeds, Santorini would have been truly magical to experience before it gained such fame. Honestly, I wasn’t too keen to visit, feeling as though I had already ‘been there’ just from seeing it so much online. Plus, I’d heard about the overwhelming crowds and steep prices. But when a dear friend from Australia, who isn’t on social media, asked if we could go because she’d heard the sunsets were beautiful, I couldn’t deny her this bucket list trip on the condition that we’d use it as a springboard to explore other islands.
What was interesting was how much she loved it. It was everything she had hoped for despite the crowds, the expense, and the lack of originality for photos. I am glad I went to see it for myself because it truly is breathtaking, but it wasn’t a favourite Greek Island. The wines however are worth going for! Click here for more.
Mykonos
Greek Island Group:: Cyclades
International airport? Yes
Why pick Mykonos? This is one of the most expensive Greek islands I have been to. Which is wild considering the same sunset and stone washed streets are just a boat ride away. However you don’t come here for the authentic Greek experience – you come for the scene. The party scene. It is the Ibiza of Greece and if you like that – you will love it! I did! But if it’s pretty streets and authenticity you want then Paros is for you! Click here for more.
Paros
Greek Island Group: Cyclades
International airport? No
Why pick Paros? This picture perfect island has a bit of everything. Uber lux hotels, fancy restaurants and boujee beach clubs right through to authentic Greek tavernas and unspoilt beaches. It might be my favourite Greek island balancing of a genuine Greek experience to supporting 5 star tourism! Click here for more.
Antiparos
Greek Island Group: Cyclades
International airport? No
Why pick Antiparos? Just 7 minutes from Paros is its baby cousin – Antiparos. Even more gorgeous but small and so limited options for beach clubs and hotels. However it is utterly charming and I wish I had spent a night or two here, not just a day trip, to appreciate its beauty and rooftop bars (which tend to open in the evening only). Click here for more.
Naxos
Greek Island Group:: Cyclades
International airport? No
Why pick Naxos? Naxos is a stunning Greek island neighbouring to Paros. It has just one main town but is home to some beautiful beaches stretching for miles. It’s mountainous terrain gives the opportunity to explore stunning scenery and Greek mythology whether by car or hiking. However it the allure was the rooftop bars and the chance to try the liquor Kitron (that you only try and buy here) that I loved most. Click here for more.
Dodecanese Islands
Kos
Greek Island Group: Dodecanese
International airport? Yes
Why pick Kos? I feel this island gets less recognition on socials so it probably will explode soon! I loved it for that reason. It is quirkier than some islands but with a standard Greek main town (boasting one of my favourite rooftop bars!). What captivated me most was the breathtakingly beautiful village in the centre of the island. Click here for more.
Rhodes
Greek Island Group: Dodecanese
International airport? Yes
Why pick Rhodes? Rhodes Island was a big surprise. I knew it from the 90s party scene and being a family destination but it has so much more to offer. The old town presents a 14th palace, cute streets and was the site for one of the seven wonders of the world. But is was the most magical rooftop town of Lindos that stole my heart! Click here for more.
Crete
Greek Island Group: Isn’t part of one as it is the biggest Greek island.
International airport? Yes
Why pick Crete: This is the largest island in Greece so there is so much on offer. I have only been to the east coast and it was utterly mesmerising. If you are looking for a slice of heaven and total relaxation then the east coast is for you. Click here for more.
Ionian Islands
Corfu
Greek Island Group: Ionian Islands
International airport? Yes
Why pick Corfu? If you love resorts, plane spotting and a English speaking Greek Island then Corfu is for you. It is also a gateway island to Albania should you want to island hop to another country! Click here for more.
Kefalonia
Greek Island Group:: Ionian Islands
International airport? Yes
Why pick Kefalonia? A hugely unrated Greek Island and indeed my first European family holiday so holds a special place in my heart. I remember it for the taverns, the crystal clear water and getting a puncture up a hill! I clearly need to go back to explore it all these years on. As should you.
Where is the island that Mamma Mia was filmed on
Even though I haven’t been it is an island I have looked into and including for anyone else considering it. Plus in part is why the islands have gained such notoriety for their scenery. Mamma Mia was filmed on the Greek island of Skopelos, You can’t fly directly to any of the Sporades island group except Skiathos which does have an international airport. So you could lay all your love there!