Many of Greece’s islands are said to have been created by the gods, and these creation myths seem appropriate considering the islands’ extraordinary beauty and otherworldly characteristics. Any of the Greek islands is a good choice because they each have their own distinctive charm and a scattering of lovely beaches, but if you’re not sure where to begin, keep reading for our selection of the most attractive islands in Greece.
1. Santorini
Santorini may seem like a cliché choice to start the list, but there are several reasons why the picturesque island, which served as the setting for many movies, is regarded as one of Greece’s most beautiful. Whitewashed towns with cube-shaped houses that tumble toward the azure sea are etched into the cliffside.
The distinctive buildings in Oia have blue roofs, and the village’s breathtaking sunsets make for an excellent photo opportunity. However, the south of the island does provide some relief from the throngs of Instagrammers and is worth visiting for the beaches with a variety of coloured sand.
2. Naxos
The largest island in the Cyclades archipelago and most famous for its ribbon of powder-sand beaches that line its western shore is Naxos. Numerous sleepy towns and villages dot the interior, where you may buy a wide variety of regional goods, such arseniko cheese, and reputable distilleries that serve kitron (citron liqueur).
In a tribute to its previous Venetian sovereignty, Naxos Town is infused with Venetian influences, while Mount Zeus, where Zeus is said to have spent his formative years, is dotted with well-travelled hiking routes.
3. Corfu
Corfu, another well-known addition to the list, is the focal point of the Ionian islands. The south of the island often caters to partygoers, but the remainder of the island is still charming and still resembles the paradise that Gerald and Lawrence Durrell wrote about.
The Angelokastro and Kassiopi Castles are two examples of magnificent Byzantine structures set on verdant clifftops. The pastel villages resemble those in Tuscany. Paleokastritsa Beach is regarded as one of Greece’s best beaches, which is the cherry on top.
4. Sifnos
Sifnos has been recognized as the undeniable culinary centre of the Greek islands ever since local chef Nicholas Tselementes penned the first Greek recipe book here in 1910. classic Sifnian melopita (honey pie), classic revithia (chickpea stew), and mastello (lamb with red wine and dill) are some of the best regional foods.
Aside from its excellent cuisine, the island fosters a relaxed pace of life and carefree days. Indulgent feasts can be broken up with excursions to the southeast’s renowned ceramic studios and buttery sand beaches.
5. Mykonos
As the “Ibiza of the Aegean,” Mykonos is an obvious addition to our ranking of the most picturesque Greek islands and a strong contender to serve as the country’s hedonistic capital. Hora, the nation’s capital, is frequently praised as one of the most picturesque Greek towns because of its distinguishing windmills and bougainvillaea-draped structures.
With the inflow of Instagrammers and racegoers, the island has become somewhat of a hotspot, but there are still some remote areas to be found, such as the beaches of Lia and Agrari.
6. Hydra
Despite its diminutive size, Hydra certainly carries a visual impact, and the city’s sophisticated elite frequently travel there on weekends due to its close proximity to Athens. The lack of cars on the island, along with the primary mode of transportation being mules and donkeys, adds to the laid-back attitude.
The island’s most vibrant feature is its burgeoning art culture. Unimaginably beautiful water surrounds the island, which makes up for its lack of sandy beaches with quiet coves and fascinating nooks.
7. Paros
The egg-shaped island of Paros is frequently compared to a less glamorous Mykonos and is dotted with charming towns and surrounded by golden beaches. Its nightlife is vibrant, and it has all the traditional Greek characteristics (quaint towns, sugar-white buildings, and medieval monasteries), yet the island’s isolation from other tourist destinations just adds to its attraction. The Acropolis, the temples of Zeus and Apollo, and Paros were all built with Parian marble, which was prized for its quarries in antiquity.
8. Milos
Up until quite recently, almost little was known about the volcanic island of Milos, which is located in the western Cyclades. This is the ideal Greek island for a beach-lounging, sun-tanning vacation with over 70 beaches, and because to its volcanic environment, it is endowed with a variety of free natural hot springs where you may soak. Even if you may not have heard of the secret island, you undoubtedly are familiar with its most well-known export: the Venus de Milo, which is proudly displayed in the Louvre today.
9. Crete
Crete hardly requires an introduction; it is both the biggest and most populous of the Greek islands, as well as, in Greek mythology, Zeus’ birthplace. Despite the island’s regrettable overdevelopment in some areas, there are still many authentic locations to visit, like the Amari Valley and the village of Milia, where the food is incredibly fresh, and the olive orchards are still unspoiled. Explore the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest hiking trails, have a picnic on the island of Elafonisi’s pink sand, and indulge in treats from Chania’s vibrant market.
10. Amorgos
Amorgos, an undiscovered treasure of a place, rounds up our list of the most stunning islands in Greece due to its remote location on the eastern end of the Cyclades. Many of its beaches can only be reached by traversing the mountainous topography, which attracts walkers, so there is a good possibility you won’t find one for yourself.
The welcoming sign at Katapola Harbour, which reads “Welcome to Amorgos,” perfectly captures the island’s understated mood. Blonde sand is caressed by startlingly clear waters that draw keen divers. You won’t be discovered here.
