Greece is a can’t miss destination, especially if you’re a fan of history, incredible food, and relaxing in a unique and picturesque coastal town. The country is also well-known for its high number of beautiful and charming islands – nearly 6,000! In fact, no trip to Greece is complete without experiencing what these islands have to offer. When considering all of the Greek islands to visit, it may be hard to decide exactly which ones you should add to your itinerary. While all of the islands have something wonderful they can add to your trip, these seven islands offer a blend of relaxing experiences, luxurious accommodations, and chances to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region.
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Santorini
We’re starting off the list with one of the most popular and well-known Greek Islands to visit. One of the most well-known images of Greece is probably the image of Santorini’s whitewashed, blue dome structures, and if you visit you’ll be able to see them for yourself in person. Although this island does attract a higher number of tourists, it’s still worth a visit because of both the incredible natural beauty of the region, and the traditions and cultures that are still beloved by the locals.
Where to Stay:
- The Celestia Grand – these beautiful villas offer you a luxurious experience with amenities such as a private pool
- Oia Castle Luxury Suites – this historic hotel is located in a former fortress, making it a unique place to stay
- Hotel San Antonio – this cliffside hotel has an infinity pool which is an incredible way to enjoy the view!
See more amazing Santorini hotels here.
What to Do:
- Watch the famous Santorini sunset – people come from all over the world to get a glimpse of this natural marvel
- Learn about the history of the island by exploring the abandoned city of Ancient Thera
- Explore the beautiful port of Amoudi Bay. Surrounded by red rock cliffs, this picturesque village has shops and restaurants for you to enjoy.
Discover more amazing things you can do in Santorini here.
Crete
Crete is the largest and most densely populated of the Greek Islands. It’s a popular travel destination and when you visit you’ll see why. Crete also has something for everybody from the incredible history that Greece is known for, to hiking trails through the scenic canyon of Samaria Gorge. You’ll also be able to wander through the picturesque cliffside village with the whitewashed structures standing in stark contrast to the lush greenery and bright flowers that are scattered throughout.
Where to Stay:
- Megaron Hotel – this elegant hotel is within walking distance of many historic sites and attractions
- Antica Dimora Suites – this historic boutique hotel features exposed stone walls and antique furniture
- Domus Renier Boutique Hotel – this small but luxurious hotel has nine guest rooms, making it perfect for a quiet and peaceful retreat
See more Crete hotels here.
What to Do:
- Discover the incredibly restored Palace of Knossos. Full of distinct architecture and stunning frescos, legend says this palace was the home of King Minos, of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth legend
- Hike through Samaria Gorge, one of the longest canyons in Europe
- Relax on the pink-tinted sand of Elafonisi Beach
Discover many more amazing things you can do in Crete here.
Mykonos
If you’re looking for an incredible beach retreat or an iconic nightlife scene you’ll be able to find it in Mykonos. This is also one of the most popular Greek Islands to visit and you’ve likely seen images of it before on blogs or on social media. Mykonos is also well-known for being an incredible culinary destination. You can try some local dishes such as kopanisti, which is a spicy and salty type of cheese, and louza, a carefully prepared pork dish.
Where to Stay:
- Belvedere Mykonos – this hotel has beautiful standard rooms, and luxurious upgraded suites that include hot tubs or outdoor small pools
- Cavo Tagoo Mykonos – this is one of the island’s most iconic hotels – the 38-meter long infinity pool is a popular photo op
- Semeli Hotel Mykonos – this luxurious hotel features a sparkling turquoise pool and whitewashed structures
Discover more hotels in Mykonos here.
What to Do:
- Wander down the vibrant Matogianni Street. This picturesque alley is lined with shops and restaurants for you to explore
- Walk through history at Church of Panagia Paraportiani. This series of five churches was initially constructed in 1425
- Enjoy incredible views and scenery when you visit the Alefkandra area. Nicknamed “Little Venice”, the neighborhood has colorful buildings that are perched over the edge of the water
- Try Mykonos private yachting experience: South coast and Dragonisi Island
Discover many more amazing things you can do in Mykonos here.
Paros
If the vibrant nightlife and gorgeous beaches of Mykonos are appealing to you, but the potential for immense crowds makes you wary, consider Paros. The city of Noussa is known as a great center of nightlife, and while the island still draws many visitors every year, it’s not nearly as overwhelming as some of the other popular destinations nearby.
Additionally, Paros also has several traditional villages and remains in touch with its rich culture and history. Enjoy the pristine beauty of the whitewashed structures throughout the island.
Where to Stay:
- Saint Andrea Resort Hotel – this luxurious place to stay has a beautiful pool and other amenities to make your stay as wonderful as it can be
- Hotel Senia – this beautiful hotel has a variety of room types – you can stay in a standard room or level up your stay by booking one of the suites with a hot tub
- Apollon Boutique Hotel – this stylish hotel is located in a more residential area which gives you a more authentic experience when visiting the island
See more Paros hotels here.
What to Do:
- Experience the exciting nightlife of Naoussa
- Learn about the history of Paros by exploring the historic town of Lefkes. In the Middle Ages, Lefkes was the capital city of Paros
- Relax on the sparkling sand of Golden Beach
There are several other fun things you can do in Paros such as the bus island tour which can be a fun and relaxing way to explore. Paros and Antiparos are home to a number of sights, but getting around by public transportation is frustrating. With this tour, you’ll see all the highlights in one day by coach.
For more things to do in Paros click here.
Corfu
Corfu is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, so if you’re interested in learning about the illustrious history of Greece, as well as reveling in the natural and impressive landmarks of the region, this is a great place for you to go. The town is painted in warm orange and brown tones and stands out beautifully against the turquoise blue of the sea.
Where to Stay:
- Corfu Palace – situated in a 1950’s structure, this hotel also offers fine dining, a gym, a hair salon, and more!
- Bella Venizia – this picturesque hotel is situated in a former mansion and offers a cozy and luxurious experience
- Mayor Mon Repos Palace Art Hotel – this hotel is an adults-only spot, and overlooks the ocean
See more hotel options in Corfu.
What to Do:
- Marvel in the natural beauty of Cape Drastic and see the impressive cliffs and stunning beaches
- Swim through the Canal d’Amour with your partner. According to legend, couples who swim through the water of this magnificent natural rock formation will stay together forever
- Try snorkeling at Porto Timoni and see the marine life that surrounds the islands up-close and personal
- Discover the coast and villages of Paleokastritsa with ease—and a guide to preventing you from getting lost—on this scooter tour from Corfu Town
There are plenty more fun things to do in Corfu. See here for the complete list of what you can do while vacationing on this island.
Naxos
If the main reason for your Greek island retreat is relaxing on shimmering beaches and enjoying the views, Naxos is likely the place for you! You can also experience several water activities such as windsurfing when you spend time on this island. And of course, if you’re hoping to see the beautiful whitewashed buildings of Greece in person you’ll be able to do that here as well.
Where to Stay:
- Iria Beach Art Hotel – this luxurious hotel offers many amenities, such as a complimentary breakfast buffet
- Hotel Grotta – located in a historic home that is a fascinating example of Cyclaid-style architecture, this beautiful retreat offers incredible views and a peaceful ambiance
- Sphinx – this hotel offers beautiful rooms in a neutral color palette where you can relax and unwind after a long day of exploring the island
What to Do:
- Explore the bustling city of Chora. The capital city of Naxos has shops, restaurants, and more
- Visit the ruins of the Temple of Demeter, the 530 BCE temple. Demeter was the ancient goddess of grain, so this structure was likely built to encourage crops to grow in the area
- Hike on the beautiful Mount Zas, the tallest mountain in Naxos
Rhodes
The island of Rhodes has everything you could possibly want from a Greek island: sunshine, history, and culture. Although many aspects of this island are becoming more and more modernized, the people who lived here have made a point to stay in touch with their rich cultural heritage. There is no shortage of impressive ruins and museums where you can learn about the history of the area.
Where to Stay:
- Zacosta Villa Hotel Rhodes – this beautiful hotel is set against the backdrop of a Medieval city
- Lindos Blu – this luxurious adults-only hotel provides guests with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea
- Kókkini Porta Rossa – this small bed-and-breakfast is situated in a former historic home and is the perfect hotel for those looking for a peaceful and quiet retreat
Find more amazing hotels in Rhodes here.
What to Do:
- Discover ancient history at the Lindos Acropolis. The ruins of this citadel are accessible either by foot or by donkey
- Learn about the history of Rhodes by visiting the Palace of the Grand Master. This impressive fortress was built in the 1600s, but the primary use of the building changed throughout the years as the country and world around it changed as well
- Walk through the 600-acre Valley of the Butterflies. This nature park provides a natural home for thousands of butterflies
- Visit the most beautiful bays of Rhodes in one day with Day Cruise by a Sailing Yacht.
For more things you can do in Rhoades, see the full list of recommendation here.
Video Guide: 7 Most Beautiful and Best Greek Islands to Visit
Travel Resources for Planning a Trip to Greek Islands
To make planning your trip to Greek Islands easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in each destination during your trip.
Flights:
Agoda: Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.
CheapOAir: You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!
Kiwi.com: What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “Nomad” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.
JetRadar: You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.
Hotels:
Agoda: Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.
Hotellook: They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.
Transportations:
Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi, Viator
Train: EuroRail, Trainline or RailEurope
Bus: Flixbus: Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.
Car Rentals: AutoEurope, EconomyBookings, or GetTransfer (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)
Bike Rental: BikesBooking (Bikes & scooter rentals)
Transportation Comparison: Omio (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)
Tours & Activities:
TakeWalks (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.
Tiqets: Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.
Musement: They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.
GetYourGuide: A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities
Viator: The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportations and transfers options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.
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DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links, MultiCityTrips may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Need help planning a trip to Greek Islands?
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