34 best Greek islands to visit in 2025

Introduction : best Greek islands to visit

“The Greek islands are a siren’s call—each one singing its own irresistible melody of sun, sea, and myth.”

When most travelers think of Greece, Santorini’s whitewashed cliffs and Mykonos’ glamorous nightlife come to mind. But beyond these famous names lie over 200 inhabited islands, each with its own charm. Recently, under-the-radar destinations like Milos, Folegandros, Tinos, and Keá have emerged as favorites for those seeking authenticity over crowds.

Whether you crave fine dining under the stars or fresh seafood on a secluded beach, a buzzing party scene or serene sunsets in solitude, there’s a Greek island perfectly suited for you. Below, we’ve curated 34 tried-and-tested favorites for 2025, initially listed in no particular order before ranking them based on our team’s expert opinions.

How We Choose the Best Greek Islands

Our rankings consider:
✔ Landscapes – Dramatic coastlines, hidden beaches, volcanic wonders.
✔ Food & Drink – Local tavernas, seafood feasts, and wine culture.
✔ Beaches – Secluded coves, golden sands, and turquoise waters.
✔ Hotels & Atmosphere – Luxury stays, boutique hideaways, and authentic village life.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler looking beyond Santorini, this guide will help you find your perfect Greek escape.

The 34 Best Greek Islands to Visit in 2025

1. Milos

The best Greek island for: A photogenic and dramatic coastline.

Milos is a geological wonder, shaped by volcanic forces into otherworldly rock formations, hidden sea caves, and lunar-like beaches. The island’s Sarakiniko Beach, with its smooth white volcanic rock, feels like walking on the moon, while Papafragas offers a breathtaking swimming hole tucked between cliffs.

Don’t miss:

• The colorful fishing villages of Klima and Mandrakia, where boat garages are painted in pastel hues.
• Plaka, the charming hilltop capital, for sunset views over the Aegean.
• Fresh seafood at Medusa Restaurant in Mandrakia.

Milos is no longer a secret, but it still retains an unspoiled magic.

2. Santorini

The best Greek island for: Iconic sunsets and luxury stays.

Yes, it’s crowded—but Santorini’s caldera views are unmatched. Stay in Oia or Imerovigli for the best sunset panoramas, explore ancient Akrotiri, and indulge in world-class wine tasting at Santo Wines.

For a quieter experience, head to Pyrgos, a medieval village with fewer tourists.

3. Mykonos

The best Greek island for: Glamorous nightlife and high-end beach clubs.

Mykonos is the party capital of the Cyclades, with legendary beach clubs like Scorpios and Nammos. But beyond the VIP scene, Little Venice and the windmills offer postcard-perfect charm.

Newer luxury hotels, like Kalesma Mykonos, balance hedonism with serenity.

4. Crete

The best Greek island for: Diverse landscapes and ancient history.

Greece’s largest island has everything—pink-sand beaches (Elafonissi), the Samaria Gorge for hiking, and the Minoan ruins of Knossos.

Food lovers must try dakos (Cretan bruschetta) and raki at a local taverna.

5. Paros

The best Greek island for: A mix of nightlife and traditional charm.

Paros strikes the perfect balance—lively Naousa offers chic bars, while Lefkes village is a peaceful escape. Kolymbithres Beach has unique granite rock formations, perfect for swimming.

6. Naxos

The best Greek island for: Authentic villages and long sandy beaches.

Naxos is the greenest Cycladic island, with Mount Zeus, charming mountain villages like Apeiranthos, and endless beaches (Plaka, Agios Prokopios).

Try local cheeses and kitron liqueur for a true taste of Naxos.

7. Folegandros

The best Greek island for: Untouched beauty and romantic cliffside charm.

If you love Santorini’s aesthetics but hate the crowds, Folegandros is your answer. This tiny Cycladic gem has whitewashed houses clinging to vertiginous cliffs, a car-free Chora (main town), and an atmosphere of serene authenticity.

Don’t miss:

• Hiking to the Church of Panagia, perched on a cliff with jaw-dropping views.
• Dining under the stars at Mimi’s, serving refined Greek cuisine.
• Agali Beach, a secluded crescent of sand reachable by boat or a scenic hike.

Folegandros remains blissfully underdeveloped—perfect for travelers seeking raw Cycladic magic.

8. Tinos

The best Greek island for: Artistic heritage and unspoiled villages.

Tinos is Greece’s spiritual heart, home to the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, one of the country’s most important pilgrimage sites. But beyond religion, it’s an artist’s paradise, with marble-carving traditions and over 50 picturesque villages like Pyrgos and Volax.

Why visit?

• Exquisite dovecotes, unique stone towers dotting the countryside.
• Surfing at Kolymbithra Beach, a hidden windsurfing hotspot.
• Local delicacies like artichokes and louza (cured pork).

Tinos is authentic Greece at its finest—no mass tourism, just pure culture.

9. Keá (Tzia)

The best Greek island for: A quick, chic escape from Athens.

Just an hour by ferry from Athens, Keá (or Tzia) is where Athenians escape for the weekend. It’s a low-key luxury destination with Cycladic charm, hiking trails, and crystal-clear waters.

Highlights:

• Vourkari, a stylish marina village with seafood tavernas and boutiques.
• The ancient Lion of Kea, a 6th-century BC carved stone monument.
• Snorkeling at Koundouros Bay, with underwater shipwrecks to explore.

Keá is ideal for travelers who want Greek island beauty without the long ferry rides.

10. Hydra

The best Greek island for: Timeless elegance and car-free serenity.

Hydra is a step back in time—no cars, just cobblestone paths, donkeys, and neoclassical mansions. It’s long been a haven for artists and writers (Leonard Cohen once lived here).

Must-experience:

• Hydra Town, a postcard-perfect port with upscale boutiques and cafes.
• Mandraki Beach, a quiet pebble cove away from the crowds.
• Sunset drinks at Pirate Bar, overlooking the harbor.

Hydra is all about slow living and sophistication.

11. Sifnos

The best Greek island for: Foodies and hiking enthusiasts.

Sifnos is a culinary star, famous for its traditional pottery and mouthwatering cuisine. The island’s network of ancient footpaths makes it a hiker’s dream.

Top experiences:

• Dining at Omega3, a seaside spot serving incredible seafood.
• Exploring the medieval village of Kastro, with its Venetian charm.
• Relaxing on Vathi Beach, a sandy bay with turquoise waters.

Sifnos proves that great food and nature go hand in hand.

12. Serifos

The best Greek island for: Wild, rugged landscapes and quiet beaches.

Serifos is Cycladic Greece in its purest form—minimal tourism, dramatic hills, and untouched shores. The Chora (main town) cascades down a hill like a whitewashed waterfall.

Best things to do:

• Watching the sunset from the Chora, one of Greece’s most breathtaking views.
• Swimming at Ganema Beach, a secluded paradise.
• Mining history—Serifos was once a major iron ore producer.

If you want an island that feels undiscovered, Serifos is it.

13. Amorgos

The best Greek island for: Dramatic cliffs and spiritual retreats.

Made famous by the film The Big Blue, Amorgos is raw, mystical, and strikingly beautiful. The Hozoviotissa Monastery, clinging to a cliff 300m above the sea, is a must-see.

Why visit?

• Aegiali Beach, a long stretch of golden sand.
• Diving in crystal-clear waters with underwater caves.
• The slow pace of life—perfect for digital detoxes.

Amorgos is for those who crave adventure and solitude.

14. Symi

The best Greek island for: Colorful neoclassical architecture.

Symi’s harbor is a rainbow of pastel mansions, making it one of Greece’s most photogenic islands. It’s small, quiet, and ideal for relaxation and short getaways.

Don’t miss:

• Panormitis Monastery, a spiritual landmark.
• Pedi Beach, a family-friendly sandy bay.
• Fresh seafood at Tholos Restaurant.

Symi is like stepping into a watercolor painting.

15. Skiathos

The best Greek island for: Lush greenery and vibrant nightlife.

Unlike the arid Cyclades, Skiathos is covered in pine forests, with some of Greece’s best beaches (Koukounaries, Lalaria). By night, Bourtzi district buzzes with bars.

Perfect for:

• Beach-hopping by boat.
• Exploring the medieval Kastro ruins.
• A mix of relaxation and partying.

Skiathos offers the best of both worlds—nature and fun.

16. Rhodes

The best Greek island for: Medieval history and sun-drenched beaches.

Rhodes is where crusader castles meet golden sands. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a labyrinth of Gothic architecture, Ottoman mosques, and Byzantine churches. Meanwhile, Lindos dazzles with its acropolis views and turquoise coves.

Must-do experiences:

• Walk the Street of the Knights, where medieval history comes alive.
• Swim at Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Greece’s most photographed beaches.
• Explore the Valley of the Butterflies, a lush oasis with thousands of butterflies (June-September).

Rhodes blends culture and coastline like no other island.

17. Corfu

The best Greek island for: Venetian charm and emerald landscapes.

Corfu feels more Italian than Greek, with its pastel-hued buildings, arcaded squares, and olive grove-covered hills. The island’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is a masterpiece of Venetian, French, and British influences.

Highlights:

• Paleokastritsa’s beaches, surrounded by cypress trees and hidden caves.
• Achilleion Palace, Empress Sisi’s neoclassical summer retreat.
• Canal d’Amour, a legendary swimming spot with mythic romance.

Corfu is a cultural cocktail with a side of Ionian Sea bliss.

18. Zakynthos (Zante)

The best Greek island for: Iconic seascapes and vibrant nightlife.

Zakynthos is home to Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove), Greece’s most famous beach, where a rusting smuggler’s ship rests on blindingly white sand. But beyond the Instagram hotspot, there’s lush countryside, sea turtle nesting sites, and lively Laganas nightlife.

Top picks:

• Kayak to the Blue Caves, glowing with electric-blue waters.
• Spot loggerhead turtles at Marathonisi Island.
• Sunset drinks at Bohali, overlooking the bay.

Zakynthos delivers drama and diversity in equal measure.

19. Kefalonia

The best Greek island for: Epic scenery and soul-stirring beaches.

Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island, celebrated for Myrtos Beach (a curved ribbon of white pebbles) and Melissani Cave, where sunlight turns an underground lake into a liquid sapphire.

Why visit?

• Assos Village, a pastel-fishing hamlet beneath a Venetian castle.
• Robola wine tasting at local vineyards.
• Hiking Mount Ainos, home to rare black pine forests.

Kefalonia is nature’s masterpiece.

20. Lefkada

The best Greek island for: Caribbean-like beaches and windsurfing.

Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Lefkada is easy to reach but feels worlds away. Its west coast beaches—Porto Katsiki, Egremni—rival the Maldives with their powdery sand and electric-blue waters.

Don’t miss:

• Windsurfing at Vassiliki, a global hotspot for water sports.
• Exploring the traditional village of Karya, famous for embroidery.
• Driving the coastal roads, where every turn reveals a new vista.

Lefkada is adventure and paradise rolled into one.

21. Samos

The best Greek island for: Lush forests and sweet wine.

Samos is Hera’s mythical birthplace and a green oasis near Turkey. It’s famed for ancient temples, mountain villages, and sweet Muscat wine.

Must-try:

• Heraion, a UNESCO-listed temple complex.
• Potami Waterfalls, a refreshing hike-and-swim spot.
• Wine tasting at Vourliotes wineries.

Samos is a sensory feast—history, nature, and flavor combined.

22. Patmos

The best Greek island for: Spiritual retreats and aristocratic vibes.

Patmos is where St. John wrote Revelation, and its monastery-fortress crowns the hilltop Chora. The island attracts discerning travelers with its refined atmosphere and unspoiled beauty.

Highlights:

• The Cave of the Apocalypse, a sacred pilgrimage site.
• Psili Ammos Beach, accessible only by boat or donkey trail.
• Chora’s aristocratic mansions, draped in bougainvillea.

Patmos is sanctuary and sophistication in one.

23. Alonissos

The best Greek island for: Eco-tourism and marine conservation.

Alonissos is the gateway to the National Marine Park, protecting Mediterranean monk seals and pristine islets. It’s a haven for snorkelers, hikers, and nature lovers.

Top activities:

• Boat tours to Peristera, the “Parthenon of Shipwrecks.”
• Old Village (Chora), a car-free labyrinth with panoramic views.
• Organic farming and yoga retreats.

Alonissos is Greece’s green heart.

24. Skyros

The best Greek island for: Traditional folklore and wild horses.

Skyros is mythical and mysterious, home to wild Skyrian ponies and Easter celebrations with Byzantine chanting. Its whitewashed Chora is straight out of a fairy tale.

Unique experiences:

• Meeting the miniature Skyrian horses.
• Falconaria Festival, a centuries-old carnival.
• Molos Beach, a long stretch of golden sand.

Skyros is culture and wilderness intertwined.

25. Anafi

The best Greek island for: Ultimate seclusion.

A tiny speck near Santorini, Anafi is the anti-tourist island. No crowds, no nightlife—just hiking trails, silent beaches, and starry skies.

Why go?

• Climb to the Temple of Apollo.
• Camp on pristine Klisidi Beach.
• Eat slow-cooked goat at local tavernas.

Anafi is Greece as it once was.

26. Ios

The best Greek island for: Epic nightlife and hidden hippie charm

Ios has long been famous for its wild party scene, but beyond the clubs lies a bohemian paradise of secret beaches and whitewashed villages. By day, explore Mylopotas Beach with its crystal waters and beachfront yoga. By night, join the legendary bar crawl through Chora’s narrow streets.

Insider tips:

• Escape the crowds at Magganari Beach, a serene stretch of sand
• Visit Homer’s Tomb (legend says the poet is buried here)
• Try local specialty “matsata” (handmade pasta with rabbit stew)

Why Ios? It’s the perfect balance of adrenaline and relaxation – where you can dance till dawn then recover on pristine beaches.

27. Kythira

The best Greek island for: Venetian castles and waterfall beaches

This off-the-radar gem between the Peloponnese and Crete feels like several islands in one. Discover:

• Kapsali’s twin bays with Venetian fortress views
• Neraida Waterfall, where you can swim under cascades
• Chytra’s volcanic islet with natural hot springs

Cultural bonus: Kythira was the birthplace of Aphrodite in Greek myth.

Perfect for: Travelers who want dramatic landscapes without the crowds.

28. Astypalea

The best Greek island for: Authentic Dodecanese charm

With its butterfly shape and Venetian castle, Astypalea blends Cycladic white with medieval touches. Highlights:

• Hora’s windmills glowing at sunset
• Vatses Beach – only accessible by 4×4
• Local cheese pies at Pylaia Café

Unique fact: The island runs on sustainable energy with electric vehicle sharing.

29. Lemnos

The best Greek island for: Sahara-like dunes and ancient mysteries

Lemnos breaks all Greek island stereotypes with:

• Gomati Dunes – a desert-like landscape
• Ancient Hephaestia (mythical forge of the gods)
• Keros Beach where volcanic rock turns the sea turquoise

Foodie tip: Try the PDO-protected Muscat wine and flomaria (handmade pasta).

30. Ikaria

The best Greek island for: Longevity secrets and wild nature

Named after Icarus, this Blue Zone island (where locals live to 100+) offers:

• Thermal springs at Therma
• All-night panigyria festivals
• Seychelles Beach – only reachable by hiking

Local wisdom: Embrace the “Ikarian pace” – clocks are optional here.

31. Chios

The best Greek island for: Medieval villages and mastic magic

Famous for its UNESCO mastic villages (like Pyrgi with geometric facades) and:

• Nea Moni’s Byzantine mosaics
• Black volcanic beaches at Emporios
• Mastic-flavored everything (even liqueur!)

Hidden gem: The Cave of Olympi with stunning stalactites.

32. Kalymnos

The best Greek island for: Rock climbing and sponge diving

This Dodecanese island is:

• A climber’s paradise with 3,000+ routes
• Home to traditional sponge divers
• Famous for citrus groves and honey

Must-try: Fresh spaghetti with lobster at Taverna To Kyma.

33. Paxos

The best Greek island for: Venetian harbors and olive groves

This Ionian jewel features:

• Gaios’ pastel harbor with tiny islets
• The Blue Caves at Mongonissi
• Olive oil tastings in 300-year-old mills

Best experienced: By private boat to hidden coves.

34. Kastellorizo

The best Greek island for: Colorful neoclassical houses and peace

Greece’s easternmost island (just 2km from Turkey) charms with:

• Lycian tomb carved in cliffs
• The Blue Grotto (rivalling Capri’s)
• Megalisti Museum’s Ottoman artifacts

Fun fact: The island inspired the Oscar-winning film “Mediterraneo.”

Greek Island Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit:

• May-June & September-October for perfect weather and fewer crowds
• July-August for vibrant atmosphere but book early

Getting Around:

• Ferries: Use Ferryhopper to plan routes
• Island Hopping: Focus on one archipelago (Cyclades, Ionian, etc.)
• Car Rentals: Essential for larger islands like Crete

Local Etiquette:

• Say “yamas” (cheers) with local wine
• Respect “mesimeri” (afternoon quiet hours)
• Always take small change for beach tavernas

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Greek Island

Whether you seek:

• Romance in Santorini’s caldera
• Adventure in Kalymnos’ cliffs
• Authenticity in Astypalea’s alleys
• Solitude in Anafi’s coves

Greece offers an island for every traveler’s dream. The hardest part? Choosing just one.

Which island speaks to your soul? Share your top pick in the comments!