Greek islands are some of the most beautiful travel destinations in Europe, and depending on your situation, a trip to a Greek island might be the perfect trip for your wedding, your honeymoon, your family holiday, or even your solo getaway.
In my opinion, the best Greek islands are those in the Cyclades island group, which are located in the beautiful Aegean Sea. Visiting a Greek island is one of the best things to do in Greece.The best Greek island depends on your situation and what you are looking for from your vacation in Greece, as every island is different. Greek islands are destinations with incredible natural beauty and are worth a visit, even for a day trip, if you can.
Best Greek islands to visit
- Santorini (the most famous Greek island, romantic, amazing views, costly)
- Mykonos (celebrity hotspot, sandy beaches, very expensive)
- Crete (massive island, very diverse, stunning beaches)
- Corfu (very green, west side of Greece)
- Zakynthos (also called Zante, similar but smaller to Corfu)
- Kefalonia (a large island close to Corfu, very green and diverse)
- Rhodes (close to Crete, quite big and very unique)
- Naxos (the most underrated Cyclades island with excellent food)
- Ios (used to be a party island, but not anymore)
- Paros (sandy beaches, close to Mykonos)
- Milos (less touristy but beautiful; Venus de Milo is from there!)
- Skiathos (the “Mamma Mia” island…)
However, not all Greek islands are the same, and the best time to visit them might differ. Some Greek islands are better for families, and some are perfect for couples. All of them are incredibly idyllic locations, and a top 10 wouldn’t make any sense as they are all equally beautiful (at least to my Greek eyes!).
And I can tell you that I have been to all of them because I am Greek! (Yes…you will find Greek island travel guides online from people who have been there once or twice and are not even Greeks…).
So, I am explaining the differences and which Greek island is best for you, depending on your situation and who you are traveling with. Keep reading…RECOMMENDED WEBSITES FOR GREECE:
🛏️ Booking.comis the website with the most available rooms and Private Villas in Athens, Santorini , Mykonos & Crete (more than Airbnb!)
⛴️ Ferryhopperis the best website to book your ferry tickets or check the timetables for Santorini, Mykonos , Crete & all Greek islands
🎫 Get Your Guide has the best and largest variety of Tours in Athens and the Greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete etc)
✈️ Booking.com Flights has all the available flights to and from the Greek islands
🚕 Book Your Driver (Taxi) directly with booking.com’s large and safe platform of available certified drivers
- The high season (peak season) for the Greek islands is between May and October. This is when the islands are most crowded with tourists and when the weather is the warmest (temperatures between 25-30 degrees Celsius or 70-100 degrees Fahrenheit); read more: When is summer in Greece?
- The best time to visit the Greek islands: End of the high season, in September and October. The weather will still be warm (more than 20 degrees Celsius), and you can swim in the sea.
- When You Can Swim in the Sea Water of the Greek Islands: The sea water is perfect in Greek islands between June and October (and including these two months), so if you are visiting anytime outside of these months, you may get sunshine and a temperature of 30C degrees, but the sea water won’t be warm enough; you can certainly give it a try, though!
- Best Greek Island: undoubtedly Santorini is the best Greek island and the one you have to visit if you are only visiting Greece for a few days; you should know, though, that it is the most touristic and the most visited by cruise ships
- Best Greek islands near Athens: Aegina, Hydra, Poros, Spetses (all are very cute and scenic, but only worth a day trip from Athens as they are tiny)
- Best Greek islands for beaches: The Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Crete beaches are the best in Greece; Santorini beaches are lovely but not the best in Greece.
- Best Greek islands for families: Naxos, Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu
- Best Greek islands for couples: Santorini, Crete, Milos, and Skiathos
- Best Greek islands for honeymoon: Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Paros, and Skiathos
- Best Greek islands close to Athens (Saronic gulf): Hydra, Egina, Agkistri, Poros
- The Mamma Mia island is Skiathos. This is where the movie (part 1) was set.
- How to get to Greek islands: almost all of the Greek islands have direct flights from Athens (Booking.com Flights has all the options), but you can always take a ferry from Athens (check the Ferryhopper website for timetables and prices – Piraeus or Rafina, Athens’ main ports )
- Most romantic Greek island:Santorini (but each one can be romantic if you want it to…)
- To avoid tourist crowds and cruise ships on Greek islands, visit in late September or early October.
- How to get around on Greek islands: all islands have local buses and taxis (no Uber or Lyft unfortunately) that run frequently but it is highly recommended that you rent your means of transportation as it will give you more flexibility and let you visit more areas on any island (Rentalcars.com is the cheapest and safest website to rent a car for Greek islands)
- MY TIPS: if this is your first time in Greece you should start with the Cyclades islands fist (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos) and then at your second trip visit Crete and leave for your third trip the Ionian islands like Corfu or Kefalonia; the main reason for this is that what you probably have in mind as a Greek island is what Mykonos, Santorini or Paros look like. Also, unless this is your first time in Greece (and even so, I do not highly recommend it more than once), try to fly to a Greek island instead of taking the ferry. Ferries in Greece are very expensive, very slow, and very unreliable. Oh, and before I forget it… You need to hire a car on almost every Greek island so that you can explore them at your ease and be independent.
1. Santorini
Believe all the hype and all the Instagram pictures you have seen. This island is amazing, and you have to visit it! It is indeed one of the best Greek islands (even though there are a lot of haters).
Regarding honeymoons, Santorini is the place to have your ideal honeymoon, as the island offers some of the most romantic hotels in Europe. It is indeed the perfect location for couples, but it has many things to do for families and solo travellers.There are many things to do in Santorini, and there is no shortage of activities and amazing restaurants where you can visit and enjoy a romantic dinner.
Best Time To Visit Santorini Island
How To Get To Santorini Island
- READ THE DETAILED GUIDE:Athens to Santorini
- With a5-hour or 8-hour direct ferry from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina ports) – Book your Ferry ticket to Santorini here.
- The price of the ferry ticket to Santorini is from 30 euros to 80 euros (depending on the ferry speed and the seat)
- With a direct 1-hour flight from Athens (all year) – check flights on Booking.com Flights.
- With a direct flight from all the major European capitals (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Rome) – only during the high season between April and October, mostly (always check Booking.com Flights because flights change every year)
Where To Stay in Santorini
- READ THE DETAILED GUIDE:Where To Stay in Santorini
- Imerovigli is the best area to stay in Santorini (it is on Google Maps).
- Oia is packed with tourists and overpriced,and I do not recommend it.
- The sunset is the same as that of Imerovigli and Fira.
- Thebest hotels of Santoriniare located in Imerovigli.
- If you cannot afford Imerovigli (get prepared to pay at least $200/night, unfortunately), you should stay at a hotel close to the beach (Perissa, Kamari, or Perivolos). Still, you won’t have the famous Santorini views.
- If you are visiting with your family with kids or seniors, then staying close to the beach is the best option (Perissa, Kamari, or Perivolos)
- If you are visiting Santorini in the winter (November-April), then the best place to stay is the capital, called “Fira,” as this is the liveliest place (all beach towns will be empty in the winter)
Best Hotels in Santorini
- Cosmopolitan Suites: one of the most luxurious hotels in Santorini, with amazing views and close to all shops and main restaurants of the island in the capital town of Fira.Show Prices
- Grace Hotel Santorini: the most impressive swimming pool in Europe and 5-star luxury with stunning views at Imerovigli – a perfect hotel for honeymoons with very secluded suites and villas.Show Prices
- Maregio Suites: the best hotel in Oia with stellar service and some of the best hot tubs and private plunge pools of the island; also one of the best honeymoon suites in Santorini…Show Prices
Best Things To Do In Santorini
- READ THE DETAILED GUIDE: Best Things To Do In Santorini
- Visit a winery: if you don’t have much time, visit Santowines wineryor take a winery tour
- Enjoy the beach life, the beach bars, and the sea restaurants of Santorini beaches (Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, Ammoudi)
- Go on a Sunset Cruise (like this one)
- Hike the path from Fira to Oia (more details here)
- Enjoy the nightlife of Santorini (mainly at Fira town)
- Watch a movie under the stars at Kamari Open Air Cinema (Google Maps)
- Visit the Ancient Akrotiri (alone or with a highly recommended guide)
Best Restaurants In Santorini
- READ THE DETAILED GUIDE:Best Restaurants in Santorini
- Metaxy Mas (Google Maps)
- Avocado (Google Maps)
- Panorama (Google Maps)
- Katina’s in Ammoudi (Google Maps)
- Anogi (Google Maps)
- Aroma Avlis (Google Maps)
- Lucky’s (Google Maps) and Pitogyros (Google Maps) for souvlaki, Greek street food
2. Mykonos
Mykonos is the second most famous Greek island, with millions of tourists annually.
Mykonos is all about the fantastic nightlife, incredible parties, celebrities’ boats, and lovely sandy beaches. It also has some of the world’s most amazing beaches and beach bars.Some of the world’s most famous chefs have established restaurants in Mykonos, and some of the world’s most famous DJs play there every year in the nightclubs.
But Mykonos is not only about partying. The island offers fantastic opportunities for a relaxing trip as it has some of the best hotels in Greece with incredible 5-star service and amenities.
Mykonos’ main town (also called Chora) is one of the most picturesque and cute in the Greek islands.Best Time To Visit Mykonos Island
How To Get To Mykonos Island
- READ THE DETAILED GUIDE:Athens to Mykonos
- With a 3hrs or 5hrs direct ferry from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina ports) – Book your Ferry ticket to Mykonos here
- The cost of the ferry varies from 30 euros to 80 euros (depending on the ferry speed and the seat)
- With a direct 1-hour flight from Athens (all year), you can book flights on Booking.com Flights (Mykonos airport JMK)
- With a direct flight from all the major European capitals (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Rome) – only during the high season between April and October, mostly (alwayscheck Booking.com Flightsbecause the flights change every year)
Where to Stay In Mykonos
- READ THE DETAILED GUIDE: Where To Stay In Mykonos
- The best area to stay in Mykonos is Mykonos Town (the capital) (this is it on Google Maps).
- Mykonos Town is the best place to stay if you want to enjoy the nightlife of the island and its best restaurants and bars.
- If you are visiting with family and kids and want a much quieter area, you should stay in the Ornos or Platis Gyalos areas. These are also seaside villages with some really good hotels.
- Avoid staying in areas like Kalo Livadi or Elia beach because, apart from the fantastic beach, there is nothing else around, and you will need a car to get around if you stay there.
Best Hotels In Mykonos
- Rocabella Mykonos Hotel: Possibly one of the most Instagrammable hotels of Mykonos, with one of the most incredible swimming pools on the island. Show Prices
- Bill & Coo Suites & Lounge: This is a 5-star hotel with one of the best restaurants in Mykonos and impeccable design. Show Prices
- Lyo Boutique Hotel: This is a 5-star hotel with one of the best restaurants in Mykonos and impeccable design. Show Prices
Best Things To Do In Mykonos
- Go to a beach: Mykonos beachesare some of the best in Greece (and in Europe), so don’t miss out on these—all of them have golden sand and crystal clear blue waters. The thing is that most of them are occupied by expensive and luxurious beach bar restaurants, but nothing and nobody is blocking you from sitting down with your towels. Sitting on a sunbed, though, might cost you anything from 20 euros to…3000 euros…!
- Eat at some of the most amazing restaurants in Greece:Mykonos is full of famous restaurants, and chances are you will be dining next to a celebrity.
- Go on an island cruise to Delos and Rhenia, cute nearby islands: Delos was an ancient island inhabited only by cats, today!
- Enjoy the amazingMykonos Nightlife in Skorpios, Scandinavian Bar, or Cavo Paradiso.
- Visit a traditional Mykonos home andtake a Greek Cooking Class
Best Restaurants In Mykonos
Just to warn you, Mykonos is super expensive, so be prepared to pay New York, London, and Tokyo prices at the restaurants.- To Maereio (Google Maps)
- Apallosa (Google Maps)
- Alegro (Google Maps)
- Souvlaki Story (Google Maps) – for yummy souvlaki…
- Matsuhisa Mykonos (Google Maps) – the famous one
- Captain’s (Google Maps)
- Joanna’s Nikos Taverna (Google Maps) – the original one
3. Crete
Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean Sea.
Crete is a big island. It’s almost the size of Hawaii‘s Big Island, so you need a car to move around.Crete is famous for its unique beaches, amazing local food and produce, the hospitality of its local people, and thousands of years of history.
Honestly, though, Crete beaches are out of this world…
Crete is full of impressive hotels and all-inclusive resorts, making it an ideal destination if you are looking for an island with everything.The biggest cities of Crete are Chania (West), Rethymnon (West), Heraklion (East), and Aghios Nikolaos (East). Heraklion city (the capital of Crete) is the 4th biggest city in Greece (population-wise).
It is not advised to visit Crete for 2-3 days.
You need at least a week in Crete; even during that time, you can only see 20-30% of the island.You need yourmeans of transportation in Crete (preferably a car) unless you will only be staying in your all-inclusive resort and are not interested in seeing the rest of the island.
Best Time To Visit Crete Island
How To Get To Crete
- With a 7 hours, 10 hours, or 12 hoursdirect ferry from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina ports) to Heraklion or Chania cities – Book your Ferry ticket to Crete here
- The cost of the ferry varies from 30 euros to 80 euros (depending on the ferry speed and the seat)
- With a direct 1-hour flight from Athens (all year), you can book flights on Booking.com Flights (Chania airport: CHQ and Heraklion: HER)
- There is also a direct flight from all major European capitals (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Rome) – mainly between April and October (check Booking.com Flightsfor specific schedules)
- You can fly directly to Chania or Heraklion, as these are the biggest airports on the island.
- It is not advisable to visit Crete for one or two days because you will miss a lot…You should dedicate your entire holiday to Crete. So, you should not consider combining a trip to Santorini and Mykonos with one or two days in Crete. They are connected with ferries, but it’s not worth it.
Where to Stay In Crete
- READ THE DETAILED GUIDE: Where To Stay In Crete
- The best area to stay in Crete is the island’s west side in or around Chania town (this is it on Google Maps).
- The west side of Crete has the best beaches and the most impressive hotels, but there are excellent resorts in other areas too (Elounda Beach Hotel is probably the best hotel in Crete, and it’s in Elounda on the east side of Crete)
- If you are visiting with family and kids, staying close to Chania is also the most preferred option, and renting a villa in Crete is generally a wise option, as the island has lots of them.
- Avoid staying in very remote areas or up in the mountains (there are lots of villas located in the hills of Crete), as you will be very isolated, and the road network of Crete is in very bad condition.
- Avoid staying in Heraklion; unfortunately, it is not a pretty city. Chania, Rethymnon, and Agios Nikolaos are the most picturesque towns you can stay in.
Best Hotels In Crete
- Elounda Beach Hotel: Undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Greece. You will have the Aegean Sea on your balcony and 5-star service 24/7. One of the best hotels in Europe! Show Prices
- Amirandes Grecotel Resort: Located on a private beach between palm trees and a sea lagoon, this is the best resort close to Heraklion. With more than 10 restaurants and many shops, this is probably Crete’s most impressive all-inclusive resort. Show Prices
- Mitsis Rineia Beach Resort & Spa: One of the best spas in Greece and Crete with lots of space for kids and families. An ideal all-inclusive resort for families with amenities for everyone. Show Prices
Best Things To Do In Crete
- Visit the amazing Knossos Palace and its ancient ruins (close to Heraklion, which also has an impressive archaeological museum). A guided tour like this one is highly recommended, as there are many things to see and learn from Minoan history; this is one of the most impressive archaeological sites all over Greece, so it’s a must-do!
- Visit the incredible beaches of Balos Lagoon and Elafonissi. These are two of the most impressive beaches in the world, with the most impressive sea waters you will ever find; they can easily be compared to the Maldives.
- Wander the picturesque towns of Chania and Rethymnon and go shopping.
- Take the boatand visit the famous island, the former leper colony of Spinalonga (featured in many films and books)
- Taste some of the best olive oil in the world and learn about olive oil production in Crete through the incredible Terra Creta Olive Oil Experience
- Visit the unique palm tree forest of Vai Beach (Google Maps)
- Hike the wild Samaria Gorge alone or with a guided tour like this one
Best Restaurants In Crete
Cretan food is probably the best in Greece, and you will be surprised by the large portions and the free stuff you will be offered in every restaurant (free fruits, dessert, and local drinks at the end of the meal):- Gramboussa (Google Maps)
- Tamam (Google Maps)
- Peskesi (Google Maps)
- Central Park (Google Maps)
- Thraka (Google Maps)
- Saradari (Google Maps)
- Karnagio (Google Maps)
4. Corfu
Corfu is one of the biggest islands in Greece and has an entirely different landscape from Santorini and Mykonos. The scenery is much greener, but the sea water is still incredibly blue and crystal clear.
Corfu is an island at the sea between Italy and Greece (Ionian Sea), and the Italian and Venetian influence is spread all over the island.The Greek name of Corfu is Kerkira.
Corfu has been a famous tourist destination for the last 70 years, and many good reasons. The island is full of beautiful beaches, picturesque towns, and villages.
You need at least a week in Corfu,a pretty big island.It is nearly impossible to combine a visit to Corfu with another Greek island like Santorini or Mykonos because these islands are on the other side of Greece, and you must travel through Athens. It is doable but not smart…
Best Time To Visit Corfu
How To Get To Corfu
- There is no ferry from Athens to Corfu.There is only one flight that connects Athens to Corfu.
- But there is also a 1.5-hour ferry service that connects Corfu to Igoumenitsa (a town opposite Corfu, which is about a 5-hour drive from Athens) – Book your Ferry ticket to Corfu here
- The easiest way to get to Corfu is to take the direct 1-hour flight from Athens (all year) –you can book flights on Booking.com Flights (Corfu airport: CFU)
- There is also a direct flight from all major European capitals and big cities (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Rome, Manchester, Newcastle, Madrid, Barcelona, Warsaw, Oslo, Hamburg, Hanover, Stuttgart, etc) – mainly between April and October (check Booking.com Flights for specific schedules)
- There are no direct flights to Corfu outside Europe (e.g., the USA, Australia, India, or elsewhere).
- You should not consider visiting Corfu along with the other famous Greek islands like Santorini and Mykonos, as they are not connected. You have to travel through Athens and take two flights. This is doable but silly, as you will be wasting too much time on transfers.
Where to Stay In Corfu
- The main town is the best area to stay in Corfu, as it allows you to explore the island and enjoy a Venetian old city from within.
- If you want a quiet and picturesque area close to the beach, Paleokastritsa is your best bet. It has plenty of hotels and is next to turquoise waters and pine forests.
- Paleokastritsa is also excellent if you are visiting with family
- Avoid staying in Kavos as it is a famous teenagers’ resort with cheap nightlife… (unless this is what you are looking for, obviously)
Best Hotels In Corfu
- Corfu Imperial Grecotel Resort: One of the most impressive and most significant hotels in Greece at a fantastic location with lots of swimming pools and incredible 5-star services (including one of the best breakfast buffets in Greece…) Show Prices
- Bella Venezia Hotel: This is undoubtedly the best hotel in Corfu town, and it feels like you will be staying at a Venetian palace! Service is always excellent, and you won’t be disappointed by the breakfast options and the lovely views of the old town of Corfu. Show Prices
- Lena Mare Boutique Hotel: A small oasis, a little boutique hotel with some of the best reviews online. Excellent and friendly owners who would take the extra step to make your stay unforgettable. Location is also perfect, at a 10-minute walk from the lovely beach of Acharavi. Show Prices
Best Things To Do In Corfu
- One of the best things you can do in Corfu is simply…to wander the old town, which is truly unique and extremely beautiful and offers thousands of photo opportunities…!
- Visit the unique Palaiokastritsa monastery, which is located in a magnificent location with stunning sea views.
- Take a cruise to the blue Lagoon and the incredible islands of Paxoi and Sivota(check prices and times here).
- Visit the impressive Achilleion Palace of Sisi, the empress of Austria,where she spent her summer holidays in the 1800s.
Best Restaurants In Corfu
Corfu has no shortage of excellent restaurants, but these are the best!
- Venetian Well (Google Maps)
- Veranda Taverna (Google Maps)
- Corfu Sailing (Google Maps)
- Da Giovanni Aglio e Olio (Google Maps)
- Avli (Google Maps)
- Nautilus (Google Maps)
5. Zakynthos (Zante)
Zante is a pretty big island (6 times the size of Santorini), which has become a famous tourist destination for people worldwide.
Zakynthos is also called “Zante”. You should not combine visiting Zakynthos with another Greek island because it is not easily accessible.Though the main town of Zakynthos is not as picturesque as Corfu, it is still a beautiful island town, and the island has many picturesque villages by the sea.
Best Time To Visit Zakynthos
How To Get To Zakynthos
- The best time to visit Zakynthos is in June or July, when the weather is hot but the island is less crowded than in August.
- You can still visit Zante in August, but availability will be low and prices higher.
- The weather, with lots of rain, might not be that good in September or October. Also, a trip to Zakynthos in winter is not advisable because the island becomes pretty much deserted, with only locals and quite cold weather.
- The best way to get to Zakynthos is by directly flying to the island.
- There is also a 1.5hr ferry service that connects Zakynthos to Killini (a town opposite Zakynthos which is about a 3hrs drive from Athens) – Book your Ferry ticket to Zante here (you should put Killini as your departure port but bear in mind that you have to take a bus from Athens to Killini first)
- The easiest way to get to Zakynthos, though, is to take a direct 1-hour flight from Athens (all year) – you can book flights on Booking.com Flights (Zante airport: ZTH)
- There is also a direct flight from all major European capitals and big cities (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Rome, Manchester, Newcastle, Madrid, Barcelona, Warsaw, Oslo, Hamburg, Hanover, Stuttgart, etc) – mainly between April and October (check Booking.com Flightsfor specific schedules)
- There are no direct flights to Zakynthos from outside of Europe.
- There are no flights or ferries connecting Zakynthos with other Greek islands (sometimes there is a 30-minute flight to Kefalonia island, but that is not happening every year, so always check Booking.com Flights first)
Where to Stay In Zakynthos
- The best time to visit Zakynthos is in June or July, when the weather is hot but the island is less crowded than in August.
- You can still visit Zante in August, but availability will be low and prices higher.
- The weather, with lots of rain, might not be that good in September or October. Also, winter is not advisable for a trip to Zakynthos because the island becomes pretty much deserted, with only locals and quite cold weather.
- The best area to stay in Zakynthos is the main town (capital), as it will allow you to be in a central location to explore the island (yes, you need to rent a car in Zakynthos)
- Avoid staying in Laganas as it is a famous teenagers’ resort with cheap nightlife… (unless this is what you are looking for, obviously)
- To stay near the beach, you should stay close to Gerakas or Dafni beaches.
Best Hotels In Zakynthos
- Lesante Blu: One of the most impressive infinity swimming pools in the Ionian islands, with 5-star service from expert staff. The hotel is brand new, so all facilities are excellent!Show Prices
- Olea All Suite Hotel: Unique, quiet hotel with impressive architecture and views. The private suites with the pools are some of the best in Greece, and the hotel is ideal for relaxing and calming holidays. Show Prices
- Exensian Villas & Suites: Stone-built private villas with amazing views of the turtle island and great swimming pools. The villas are built in olive tree plantations and are perfect for quiet and relaxing holidays. Show Prices
Best Things To Do In Zakynthos
- Simply put, the best thing you can do in Zakynthos is visit the famous Navagio Beach. It’s a smart thing to do with a guided tour like this8-hour guided tour and cruise to Navagio beach and the blue Caves.
- Visit all the other beautiful beaches of Zakynthos, like Dafni, Gerakas, Agios Sostis, Makris Gialos, Kalamaki, and Tsilivi.
- Go for a Caretta sea turtle watching on the beautiful small island of Marathonisi. There are organised excursions to the turtle island where you will be snorkelling next to sea turtles if you get lucky. This turtle boat tour is one of the best in Zante.
- Visit the beautiful Grampsas Winery (Google Maps) and do some winetasting in a lovely location.
Best Restaurants In Zakynthos
Besides excellent food, Zakynthos has some extraordinary wineries with seriously good Greek wine. These are some of the best restaurants in Zante:- Komis Fish Tavern (Google Maps)
- Spartakos Taverna (Google Maps)
- Peppermint (Google Maps)
- Essence (Google Maps)
- Prosilio (Google Maps)
6. Kefalonia (or Cephalonia)
Kefalonia, or Cephalonia, is another Greek island in the Ionian Sea between Greece and Italy that you should visit if you are looking for green scenery, beautiful fish villages, and emerald Mediterranean waters.
Kefalonia is the 6th largest island in Greece and is 10 times larger than Santorini…so consider that when considering renting a car (yes, you need to rent a car in Kefalonia).Kefalonia cannot easily be combined with a visit to other Greek islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, or Crete because it is in the Ionian Sea, like Corfu or Zante.
It is only advisable to combine it with a visit to Corfu or Zante; otherwise, you have to travel through Athens, which will be quite expensive and time-consuming if you only have a few days.
Kefalonia has many pretty villages (Fiskardo, Assos, and Skala are the most famous ones) and is one of the greenest islands in Greece.The island is perfect for family holidays and offers some excellent boat excursions in the surrounding emerald waters.
Best Time To Visit Kefalonia
How To Get To Kefalonia
- The best way to get to Kefalonia is by taking a direct flight (either from Athens or a European city) to the island.
- There is also a 2hrs ferry service that connects Kefalonia to Patra or Killini (Patra is 2 hrs drive/bus from Athens and Kilini is about a 3hrs drive/bus from Athens) – Book your Ferry ticket to Kefalonia here(you should put Killini or Patra as your departure port but bear in mind that you have to take a bus from Athens to Killini or Patra first)
- The easiest way to get to Kefalonia, though, is to take a direct 1-hour flight from Athens (all year) – you can book flights on Booking.com Flights (Kefalonia airport: EFL)
- There is also a direct flight from all major European capitals and big cities (London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Rome, Manchester, Newcastle, Madrid, Barcelona, Warsaw, Oslo, Hamburg, Hanover, etc) – mainly between April and October (check Booking.com Flightsfor specific schedules)
- There are no direct flights to Kefalonia from outside of Europe.
- There are no flights or ferries connecting Kefalonia with other Greek islands (sometimes there is a 30-minute flight to Zakynthos island, but that is not happening every year, so always check Booking.com Flights first)
- If you want to visit other Greek islands from Kefalonia, then your main options are Zakynthos, Lefkada, or Ithaca through local ferry boats (no need to book online, you can just check these out when you are there)
Where to Stay In Kefalonia
- The best area to stay in Kefalonia is the capital town, Argostoli, because it is not isolated. You can also use the public buses more easily, as they all go through the city center.
- If you want to be closer to the beach, you should stay at the picturesque Assos, Skala, Poros, or Fiskardo villages, but you will need to have your means of transportation or spend most of your time there (still ok as these places are lovely)
- Alternative locations for staying are the beautiful second-largest town of Lixouri and the picturesque beachfront town of Sami.
Best Hotels In Kefalonia
- F Zeen Hotel: Exceptional service, incredible views, and a stunning swimming pool at Lourdata. A very relaxing and calming environment (primarily for adults, though), but overall an impressive brand new hotel with very caring staff. Show Prices
- Kefalonia Grand: The best hotel in Kefalonia’s capital, Argostoli, with stunning views of the quiet port and yummy breakfasts. An excellent option if you want to stay in Argostoli. Show Prices
- Emelisse Nature Resort:Just minutes away from the fabulous small beach of Emplisi, this chic hotel is ideal if you want to relax by the pool surrounded by pine and olive trees and be close to the famous Fiskardo fish village. The excellent breakfast is also a big plus!Show Prices
Best Things To Do In Kefalonia
- One of the best things you can do in Kefalonia is to visit the unique beaches of the island, like Myrtos (many times voted as the best beach in the world), Platis Gialos, Petani, Emplisi, Antisamo,s and many mor.e
- Take a boat trip to see the famous Melissani Cave (this tour is very good)
- Gohiking at the national natural park of Mount Ainos, one of the most beautiful mountains in Greece.
- Visit the fascinating museum of Ancient Greek Technology (Google Maps)
Best Restaurants In Kefalonia
Kefalonia is a pretty big island, and there is no shortage of amazing family restaurants. However, there are also unique flavours and diverse Greek dishes all over the island.- Ladokolla stin Plagia (Google Maps)
- Olive Lounge Bar & Restaurant (Google Maps)
- Captain Nicolas (Google Maps)
- Deco Mediterranean Cuisine (Google Maps)
- Katelios Grill House (Google Maps)
- Anemos (Google Maps)
- 3 Umbrellas (Google Maps)
7. Rhodes
Rhodes is the fourth-largest Greek island and resembles Malta in many ways (the old town, the castle, the beaches…, etc.), though Rhodes is five times the size of Malta.
Just to give you the scale of its size: Rhodes is 20 times bigger than Santorini…!
Rhodes has some of the most impressive and well-established hotels and resorts in Greece, and all large tour operators in Europe have all-inclusive (or non-all-inclusive) packages for Rhodes, as it has been an extremely popular destination since the 60’s.Rhodes is part of Greece’s Dodecanese islands group and is the furthest island on this list from Athens (though still within a one-hour flight).
Rhodes cannot easily be combined with a visit to any other island; it is pretty big, and you should dedicate at least a week to exploring it and having a good time without any rush.Besides that, Rhodes is not well connected with other famous islands in the Cyclades (like Santorini or Mykonos), and you will waste too much time and money on transfers, as you may have to return to Athens.
Rhodesbeaches can be long and sandy, and the island, with its beautiful old town, is generally very well organised touristically (compared to other islands).
The island is an ideal destination for holidays with kids, and if you are looking for an all-inclusive in Greece, chances are you will find it in Rhodes or Crete. Many people say Rhodes is the all-inclusive capital of Greece…!Best Time To Visit Rhodes
How To Get To Rhodes
- The best way to get to Rhodes is by taking a direct flight (either from Athens or from any European city) to the island.
- Some ferries connect Athens (Piraeus port) to Rhodes, but they take ages to arrive (more than 15 hours on average!) and I would never advise anyone to waste 15 hours of her/his life and be bored to death in a slow ferry to Rhodes…Book your Ferry ticket to Rhodes here
- The easiest and fastest way to get to Rhodes is to take a direct 1-hour flight from Athens (all year) – you can book flights on Booking.com Flights (Rhodes airport: RHO)
- There is also a direct flight from all major European capitals and big cities (London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Rome, Manchester, Newcastle, Madrid, Barcelona, Warsaw, Oslo, Hamburg, Hanover, etc) – mainly between April and October (check Booking.com Flightsfor specific schedules)
- There are no direct flights to Rhodes from outside of Europe.
- The great thing about Rhodes is that it’s very well connected with a few hrs ferries to all the surrounding Dodecanese Greek islands like: Kos, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Ikaria, Samos and even Crete (though it’s not advised to combine a trip to Rhodes with a trip to Crete as you need at least a week on each island)
- You can even take a ferry to Turkey from Rhodes (Marmaris)—always check the Ferryhopper website first because ferry schedules change annually.
Where to Stay In Rhodes
- The best areas to stay in Rhodes are either the charming old town or Lindos because they are close to the best restaurants, beautiful beaches, and the main tourist attractions of the island.
- If you decide to stay at an all-inclusive resort (there are some good ones in Rhodes), then… it doesn’t matter as you won’t spend much time outside your resort. However, it would be good if you were closer to the old town, as it is always nice to spend a night there for dinner.
- Avoid staying in Faliraki as it is a famous teenagers’ resort with cheap nightlife (unless that’s what you are looking for)
- Staying in the new town of Rhodes is also not advisable, as it might feel like you live in the center of a big Greek city (like Athens), whereas there are many more beautiful locations on the island (like Ialyssos, for example)
Best Hotels In Rhodes
- Mitsis Alila Resort & Spa: Possibly one of the best all-inclusive hotels in Greece and Rhodes. Exceptional 5-star service at a hotel with everything…sushi restaurants, Greek restaurants, spa, massive buffets, and even a pizza oven on its private beach! Show Prices
- 10GR Hotel: Hands down, it is the most unique hotel in Rhodes, and it is a very artistic building that will make your accommodation very special in the old town of Rhodes. Drinking a glass of Greek wine on these colourful patios can be unforgettable… Show Prices
- Casa Cook Rhodes: A brand new hotel, designed to perfection and serviced to absolute relaxation and tranquility. This is an adults-only hotel, which can be the ideal getaway for couples. Not to mention that everything in the hotel is Instagrammable! Show Prices
Best Things To Do In Rhodes
- Undoubtedly, the highlight of Rhodes is the old medieval town of Rhodes with its castles and stone-paved alleys.
- Visit the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, a beautiful castle now home to the museum of medieval Rhodes. Yes, the place might be packed with tourists in the high season, but be patient, and you won’t regret it…
- Hike in the “Valley of Butterflies” in a lovely natural park filled with thousands of butterflies (Google Maps)
- Visit and swim at the beautiful beaches of the island: Tsambika, Faliraki, Traounou, Pefkos, Traganou, Lindos, and many more.
- Wander the beautiful streets of the picturesque village of Lindos.
- Go on a day cruise to the beautiful nearby island of Symi – this one is very good
Best Restaurants In Rhodes
The Italian influence is still vivid in Rhodes’ cuisine, but there are so many options and good restaurants to choose from that you won’t be disappointed:- Mageirotechneio Paraga (Google Maps)
- Wonder (Google Maps)
- Mea Terra (Google Maps)
- Ambrosia (Google Maps)
- Tamam (Google Maps)
- To Marouli (Google Maps)
- Kerasma (Google Maps)
8. Naxos
Naxos is one of the largest Greek islands and the largest in the Cyclades island complex. It’s one of my personal favourites…
Naxos is 6 times bigger than Santorini…! Naxos has long and sandy beaches that can be hit by strong winds during the summer, making the island a surfers’ paradise in recent years.
However, you can visit many beautiful beaches and picturesque villages, the most unique being the famous Apeiranthos village.Naxos can easily be combined with a trip to Santorini, but it’s an island that you need to spend at least 3 days on to appreciate it. The good thing is that the ferries that go to Santorini and Mykonos (especially the Blue Star Ferries) connect both islands well.
READ ALSO: Best Hotels in NaxosNaxos is a perfect destination (3 hours by ferry from Athens) for families and people who want the simple things: good food, simple accommodation, and lots of beautiful, uninterrupted sunsets away from the tourist crowds…
9. Ios
10. Paros
READ ALSO: Best Hotels in Paros
11. Milos
12. Skiathos
READ ALSO: Best Hotels in Skiathos
CONCLUSION
Greek islands are simply amazing. They are considered some of Earth’s most magical, romantic, and stunning places. There is no clear answer to what the best Greek island is.
No matter which one you choose for your holidays (or your life…), you will have fantastic weather, excellent food, and be surrounded by people who love life and care about each other in their local communities.
If you have time to visit just one Greek island, make it Santorini. It is the most famous Greek island and will impress you the most. If you have more time, visit Mykonos or Naxos as well. I genuinely believe that every Greek island deserves its own time to get the most out of your time there.
FAQ
Which is the best Greek island for a first-time visitor?
If it is your first time in Greece, start with the Cyclades islands—specifically Santorini, Mykonos, or Paros. These islands offer the classic white-washed architecture and blue domes that most travelers picture when they think of Greece. For a second trip, we recommend exploring larger, more diverse islands like Crete or Corfu.
Which Greek island has the best beaches?
The best sandy beaches are found on Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, and Crete. While Santorini is famous for its dramatic views and unique volcanic beaches (like the Red Beach), its beaches are mostly pebbled and not ideal if your main goal is soft sand and shallow water.
When is the best time to visit the Greek islands to avoid crowds?
The best time to visit the Greek islands without the massive cruise ship crowds is during the “shoulder season”—late September to early October. The Aegean Sea is still warm enough for swimming (unlike in May), but the summer peak crowds have left, and hotel prices drop significantly.
Is it better to fly or take a ferry between the Greek islands?
We highly recommend flying from Athens directly to your island if possible. While ferries are scenic, they can be expensive, slow, and sometimes unreliable due to high winds (meltemi) in the summer. Once you are in an island group (like the Cyclades), you will need to use ferries to hop between them, but always book the larger, more stable vessels to avoid seasickness.
