6 must-visit Greek islands and what you can do on each

The islands of Greece are renowned for their unrivaled beauty and island-hopping is one of the best ways to experience the unique landscapes. Few things are better than wandering through the cobblestone walkways, swimming in the crystal blue sea and tucking into delicious Greek food.

However, with over 227 inhabited islands, choosing which islands to visit can be overwhelming. Here, we've listed some of the best Greek islands to add to your itinerary.

Best for: Lush greenery and history

Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and luscious greenery, Corfu is one of the most beloved destinations among both locals and travelers. Corfu offers plenty of nature, hiking trails, and opportunities to rest and relax. Two to three days is enough to tour the island’s highlights, but to explore different parts of Corfu, we recommend no less than five days.

Corfu Old Town is one of the top visited places and a good starting point for your trip. Some of the famous landmarks include the Spianada Square, Church of Saint Spiridon, The Liston and the Statue of Georgios Theotokis. If you like history, the Archeological Museum of Corfu has a good collection of artifacts from the different periods.

Located 14 miles from Corfu Town, the beaches at Paleokastritsa boast incredibly clear waters perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Rent a boat or take a private tour to visit the beaches. If time permits, take a day trip from Corfu to discover Paxos’ Blue Caves and Antipaxos.

Where to stay: For somewhere with lots to do, see and eat, Corfu Town will fit your bill. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed town features stunning Venetian architecture; check out the unmissable Siora Vittoria Boutique Hotel.

For a family-friendly coastal resort, head to Kontokali. There are many places to choose from and if budget is not an issue, stay at the magnificent Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa.

Best for: First-timers and honeymooners

Santorini is the most spectacular island and a must-visit when in Greece. We recommend sticking around for a minimum of three days, but it’s easy to linger for five to seven days.

Santorini’s gorgeous coastline is best admired from the water. Go on a catamaran cruise to beaches and other hidden gems only accessible by boat, and visit the island’s volcanic hot springs. During your trip, be sure to visit Fira, Santorini’s capital.

Here, discover the famous white and blue houses and wander through picturesque narrow alleys. Oia is another must-see spot. You can hike from Fira to Oia and enjoy magnificent views of the island along the way. Time your hike to arrive in Oia for the sunset—you can thank us later. There are also half-day hiking tours with a guide.

Where to stay: The four main towns located along the caldera–Fira, Oia, Imerovigli, and Firostefani—are the best places to stay in Santorini. Oia is the most picturesque town in Santorini and is filled with great restaurants and shopping. Imerovigli is a small village that’s quiet and peaceful.

Firostefani, which sits between Imerovigli and Fira, offers amazing caldera views and is less touristy. Fira is centrally located and has good public transportation. However, it tends to be busy and noisy.

Best for: Nature, beaches and food

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is packed with ancient ruins and natural beauty. It’s said that Crete should be a country on its own (yes, it’s that big); we don’t recommend anything less than seven days to fully explore the island.

For the avid hiker, the Samaria Gorge National Park is one of the most scenic national parks in Europe. To save the hassle of arranging your own transportation, consider a hiking tour that includes a guide, and hotel pick-up and drop-off.

For beach bums, explore world famous beaches like Elafonissi or the breathtaking Balos Lagoon. There’s also something for history buffs: take a tour to Knossos Palace and the Heraklion city, including a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Where to stay: Chania Town is one of the most popular places, offering plenty of excellent restaurants, bars and shops. The town is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to get to other places. Heraklion is another great area with a bustling nightlife.

Best for: Escaping the crowd

While still bearing the idyllic stone streets and white-washed building, Paros is definitely worth a visit for travelers looking to escape the buzz of Mykonos and Santorini. Two to three days is enough to discover the best of Paros, but you can spend more time enjoying the serenity of the place if you wish.

Parikia is where the majority of Paros’ landmarks are located, such as the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the Frankish Castle ruins and the Archaeological Museum. Spend a lazy afternoon sipping wine at Moraitis Winery, or take a dip in the clear waters of Lageri beach.

For a truly traditional Greek village experience, head to Lefkes. Popular things to do include walking the Byzantine Road from Lefkes to Prodromos, stopping by Kallitechniko Kafenio, and visiting the town of Marpissa.

Where to stay: The best areas are the two main villages, Parikia and Naoussa. Parikia is a budget-friendly option; it’s also well connected by public transportation. For a more upscale and modern feel, Naoussa is a good bet. There are also more luxury hotels or villas to choose from in the area.

Best for: Families

While the Greek islands are often great for partying, there are family-friendly options like Naxos. It’s a large laid-back island with long and sandy beaches (sans the crowd) and plenty of family-friendly attractions, from ruins to museums.

For a fuss-free introduction to Naxos, hop on a bus tour to explore the island and experience top attractions such as the ancient Temple of Demeter, the Archaeological Museum of Apiranthos, and the church of Agios Georgios Disasoritis. You can also see Greek mythologies come to life on a Naxos mythology tour. Also, don’t miss out on the views from the top of Kastro of Naxos.

Agios Georgios Beach (St. George Beach) is one of the most family-friendly beaches with activities for everyone. Lounge under an umbrella and enjoy the Aegean sun while the kids splash and play in the shallow waters. The shallow lagoon is also popular with windsurfers. If you need windsurfing lessons, head to Laguna Beach Park where Naxos’s premier windsurfing school is located.

Where to stay: Chora is the main town on Naxos and it’s the most convenient area to stay with good bus services to other parts of the island. For a picturesque beach getaway, stay in Plaka, a laid-back seaside town; Agia Anna or Agios Prokopios are also popular locations for a secluded getaway.

Best for: Nightlife and beaches

Known as the Greek party island, Mykonos is certainly the most cosmopolitan (and luxurious) island destination in Greece. Two to three days in Mykonos is enough to take in some history and culture, while four to five days will allow you to experience the island in a whole different way.

With so much to see and do in Mykonos, a half-day tour will cover the main highlights of the island, such as Little Venice, Panagia Paraportiani, and Monastery of Panayia Tourliani. You can also tailor your itinerary according to your interest with this private tour.

From Mykonos, take a half-day trip to Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. In summer, head for the pristine beaches in Mykonos. For a challenging (but fun) surf in the summer winds, check out Kalafatis, Platis Gialos or Ftelia. Hopping on a cruise is another great way to discover the beauty of the south coast. Plus, you get to hit some of the best beaches in Mykonos along the way.

Where to stay: Most of the action takes place in and around Mykonos Town, Ornos Beach and Platis Gialos Beach. Mykonos town offers lots of nightlife, restaurants and shopping, and it’s compact and walkable. There are also buses running regularly from Mykonos Town to the beaches.