The 20 most beautiful Greek islands to do absolutely

Which Greek island choose for your trip to Greece? Here is our selection of the most beautiful islands in Greece!

Between the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea, between the Byzantine East and the Catholic West and between Europe and the Balkans, stretches out a mountainous and morcerated territory from which there is a archipelago composed of over 9,000 islands and islets of which nearly 200 are inhabited: Greece, one of the cradles of European civilization and today a major tourist destination in Europe.

The Greek islands, gorgated with sunshine all year round, offer a heavenly holiday in colours and flavors. Between ancient beaches, historical pilgrimages in the footsteps of Aristotle and Plato, nature sports (hiking, horseback riding, etc.) and nautical (length), culinary discoveries, islands to party or to enjoy a family holiday in all peace, the Greek islands have everything to offer. Here is our selection of 20 islands in Greece to do inevitably.

Find your accommodation in the Greek islands:

1. Zakynthos

Zakynthos, or Zante, is the typical postcard decor to visit the Greek islands of the Ionian Sea: the beach of Navagio is certainly the most photographed of Greece. The caves, between sea and cliffs give the water a bright blue color. In the north, Tsilivi offers a perfect setting for hiking. You may also see the sea turtles on the island, protected as a threatened species.

2. Santorini

Ideal for couples, this Greek island is loved in a caldeira and is world renowned for its flamboyant sunsets. Its blue domes surmounting the facades of a bright white, confusing in the Azur blue of the Mediterranean offer an idyllic setting to all its guests.

3. Mykonos

Mykonos, in the Cyclades, is the island where to celebrate par excellence. Drinking and dancing until dawn on a fine sandy beach, shopping in luxury boutiques and swimming in crystalline water at the beach of Elia or Kalafati, in the south. In the north, the beaches are relatively quieter and less frequented. Aficionados of clubs and trendy evenings, you are in the right place!

4. Ikaria

Often forgotten by tourists, Icare (Ikaria) is 20 kilometers from Samos and is one of the most beautiful but difficult to access the Greek islands: a breathtaking wild nature, small bays and splendid coves where the turquoise water mouilles a fine sand type tropical beach, an authentic architecture plunging the visitor into the past of ancient Greece.

5. Skyros

Here is an island northeast of Greece in the Aegean Sea: the calanques of Marseille times a thousand. Described as one of the quietest to visit the Greek islands, Skyros allows beautiful bike or scooter rides to explore its most magical corners. The north is mountainous and green while the south of the island is rather arid. To swim, go to the beaches Gyrismata, Atitsa, Palamari and Ahrounes.

6. Gavdos

South of Crete, the southernmost Greek island of Europe – Gavdos – is almost deserted: you go there to appreciate the charms of a recluse life, away from modernity and civilization. 80% of the beaches are naturist but this is the perfect place to sleep on the sand in the beautiful star. Do not miss the beaches of Agios, Ioannis and Potamos, renowned for being among the most beautiful in Greece.

7. Milos

Milos is a volcanic island of the Cyclades, still not frequented. It is called “the island of colors” and is rather quiet compared to its neighbouring islands. Unveils to the visitor a lunar landscape of white rocks and land plunging into the sea: a visual delight!

8. Cephalonia

Green and native island of Ulysses, Cephalonia will seduce lovers of nature and beaches to the waters of a deep sapphire blue. A must-see point: Myrtos Bay. Water sports (in Makrigialos), caves (Drogatari), spots where to kayak: Greece from another angle.

9. Corfu

This island in the shape of a horse pass west of Greece and Albania has long beaches and steep coasts, a rich nature and architecture with multiple influences (French, British, Venetian, Byzantine). Corfu has 250 villages to visit.

10. Crete

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and the largest of the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Aegean Sea. Renting a car or scooter to visit Crete will be free. What to do on this largest island in Greece? See a breathtaking nature, hike in impressive gorges, swim on paradise beaches, party in Heraklion, visit Knossos...

11. Kos

Here is one of the best Greek islands to celebrate: beaches, bars, discotheques. Close to Rhodes and Turkey, Kos allows to combine celebrations and cultural visits: to be done for young people. Cavo Paradiso and Agios Stefanos are the most popular beaches.

12. Naxos

The native land of Zeus, Naxos is the largest islands of the Cyclades and houses many Gallo-Roman ruins. Enjoy beaches, sunsets, visit archaeological ruins, enjoy culinary specialties, swim at the beach of Agios Prokopios are the must-sees.

13. Paros

Pearl of the Aegean Sea, Paros is the place to go shopping before going to Ios or Santorini. Again, the villages offer a postcard decor. Parikia, Lefkes, Angeria and Marpissa are the most interesting cities and villages to visit.

14. Alonissos

Located in the Sporades Islands, Alonissos is frequented for its National Marine Park of Alonissos, where there are 80 species of different birds and 300 species of fish. Nature lovers, you're in the right place!

15. Folegandros

Long preserved mass tourism, Folegandros is now fashionable: it comes to admire its Chora, perched on a plateau on the edge of cliff not far from the port. It is an ideal stop between Ios and Milos. This island is also an ideal place to hike in low and medium season.

16. Hydra

Located at one and a half hour south of Athens by boat, Hydra is an island where motorization is non-existent: the goods are transported back to mules. The island is classified as a historic monument and will seduce lovers of preserved nature, walking and swimming in peace.

17. Patmos

An important pilgrimage site for Christians, Patmos – in the middle of the Aegean Sea – is an open-air museum: the capital and the ancient city Chora are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. To be seen: the beaches Agriolivado, Kambos, Meloi, Vagia, Ammos, etc., the villages and historical monuments.

18. Rhodes

Lighted by 3,000 hours of sun per year, Rhodes is the fourth largest island in Greece, located in the Aegean Sea. Its old town has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988 and many are the things to visit: the beach of Tsambika, the water park of Faliraki, Anthonu Quinn Bay for snorkeling, among others.

19. Samos

Pythagoras was born there: Samos, promoted by UNESCO’s world heritage, is home to many ancient vestiges, like the temple of Hera. It is also a privileged place for nature, green, and swimming on white sand beaches. It is a concentrate of picturesque villages, many archaeological sites and small fishing ports that make it an island to see absolutely.

20. Ios

Ios, it is one of the dens to party and sunbath on the beaches of the Greek islands. Don't you want to interfere with the crowd? Go hiking in this magical setting of greenery and nature and finish a day on an isolated beach, for a guaranteed bucolic stay.

Visit several islands

You still can’t choose an island to spend your stay! We advise you to visit "Explora Project" , the agency that offers you unforgettable escapades. With their stay « Cyclades : sailing and exploration under the eye of Éole » , you will dive into the heart of the mythical islands. Accompanied by a local guide, it is a program for small onions that awaits you: beautiful hiking trails, discovery of islands according to the winds and learning of daily sailing life. Unbelievable!