Listed by size.
We refer to various clusters. The clusters will give you an indication of where the various Greek islands are located.
Excluded from our list are Crete’s surrounding islets and Euboea. Also, the Peloponnese, which is technically an island, but is rarely considered to be one.
Also known as Kriti, or Krete
June to September is the best time for a bewitching beach holiday fun. That said, the countryside is absolutely beautiful and very popular for hiking. From May to October, the weather is superb for outdoor adventures.
Probably the most famous Greek singer, Nana Mouskouri was born on the island of Crete on October 13, 1934 in Hania.
Crete is also known for its sultry and photogenic beaches, and enchanting villages. For instance, meander around the old town of Kritsa and admire the beautiful Byzantine frescoes. Krista is also known for its fine shopping.
What to eat and drink in Crete? Raki, Rakia, rakija (Greek: Ρακί) is a very strong fruit brandy which Crete is famous for. And then, land snails is a Crete specialty.
From Athens, you can fly direct to Heraklion (the largest and the capital city) or Chania. Before Heraklion, Chania was the capital city, until 1971.
You can also take a ferry from Athens to Crete.
The best way to get around in Crete is by car. There is public transport to the major cities, but Crete has much more to see than the major cities.
Suggested Read: There’s so much more to Crete, a definite bucket list holiday destination. Check out “Unwind In The Sun: Your Ultimate Guide To A Summer Holiday In Crete, Greece”.
Superb beachfront location | Good food | Spacious accommodation
10 acres of beautiful gardens and lush vegetation | Relaxation, and fun for couples and families
or Evia (Greek: Εύβοια, Evvoia, pronounced [ˈevia]; Ancient Greek: Εὔβοια, Eúboia, [eúboja])
The island has it all, history, mythology, gastronomic delights, cocktail inspirations, coffee corners, the most gorgeous sunsets, promenades and villages to lose yourself in, museums, churches, monasteries, castles, fortresses, archeological sites and so much more. I can go on and on. (Lookout for a soon-to-be-published article on the beautiful Evia Island - Euboea - in the Aegean Sea)
Things do to and places to see in Euboea or Evia include hiking in the Ochi or Dirfi (highest peak on the island with spectacular sea views) mountains. Of the 40 different and amazingly beautiful beaches along the coastline of this fabulous island, Kalamos beach, consisting of two bays, stands out to me. I love it for the combination of nature on the 2nd bay and then the 1st bay lined with cafeterias and restaurants.
Euboea does not have an airport.
From Athens, the best and fastest way is to drive 55 km to Agia Marina. Then, there is a car ferry 3 times a week to Almiropotamos (about 35 minutes). The last leg to Euboea will take you around 50 minutes by car (42 km).
Also spelled Lésvos, also called Mitilíni
This stunning island, facing the Turkish coast from the north and east, has something for everyone's taste.
From art to beautiful beaches, to rich culture, romantic villages, and of course Ouzo. Ouzo is a dry anise-flavored aperitif that is widely consumed on the island.
The island was also the home of the Greep poet Sappho in the 6th century BC.
You're bound to fall in love with Kea and its traditional, age-old cafes, salted sardines, quaint villages, and unsurpassed view.
Book a ferry from Piraeus port, Athens. Alternatively, if you find yourself on the northern side of Greece you can take a ferry from the port of Kavala.
The cosmopolitan Rhodes island has some of the most important historical sights and monuments of all the Greek islands. Despite modern diversity, the island kept its traditional character, and that makes it one of the best Greek islands to visit.
And then of course the beaches. With around 300 days of the year bathing in sunshine, Rhodes long and beautiful beaches are enough to tempt anyone!
You can book an almost 16-hour long ferry, or do island-hopping via the ferry, or you can fly into Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras". The air time is about 50 minutes.
Eli Beach
Chios, which was constructed on the east coast of the Greek island facing Ionia in Asia Minor, is evidence of the island's naval prowess and aristocratic heritage.
Visit the Naval Museum to witness exact reproductions of steamboats and sailing ships. The magnificent houses of the ship owners can be seen as you stroll through the charmingly tiny lanes of Kaloplitis. Continue all the way to Tampákika to witness the Ioustiniani Palace and the stately mills of the former tanneries.
Worth visiting are:
Daskalopetra, Komi, and Limnos Beach.
Also known as Cephalonia
Kefalonia is the gem of the Ionian Sea. It’s popular for snorkeling and diving.
The island is home to the rare, “caretta caretta”, sea turtle.
Greece is blessed with beautiful islands and this is another outstanding and beloved destination with pristine beaches, lots of history, lively nightlife, beautiful nature, and crystal clear waters. Enough to take your breath away!
Kefalonia has a medium-sized airport, Argostoli Kefalonia or also known as Argostolion Airport (IATA: EFL, ICAO: LGKF).
You can also book a ferry from mainland Greece, via the ports of Patras or Kyllini. From Athens you can use the public bus to get to the various ports in Western Greece.
Lepeda Beach.
Also known as Kerkyra
By now you're definitely reading this article because you're keen to go to a Greek island. But what if I tell you, Corfu is not just another Greek island!? Corfu is most probably the most romantic and beautiful island of the Ionian cluster of islands.
As if this is not enough, we'll give you some more reasons to visit Corfu:
Picture epic cliffs and luscious green rolling hills falling into an epic coastline on a beautiful summer day from June to September.
Picture family-run tavernas in rustic quaint villages with traditional cuisine, as in yumminess overload, prepared by the friendliest, warmest people you could ever meet.
Picture the lively Greek culture and the many activities you can do such as snorkeling, exploring their history, museums and so the list goes on and on.... did I mention just relaxing on the beach and taking in the beautiful sunsets!?
Book a ferry from Piraeus port, Athens. Alternatively, if you find yourself on the northern side of Greece you can take a ferry from the port of Kavala.
Dassia, Paleokastritsa, and Ipsos Beach.
Also known as Kerkyra
Also known as Limnos
Lemnos, with its relaxing vibes and beautiful beaches, will keep the family busy. There are so many things to do on the island if you like to explore that you'll need some planning to fit it all into one holiday. And then you want to soak up the sun on its beautiful sandy beaches, too! By the way, they have 4 Blue Flag beaches. Namely, Thanos, Evgatis (or Nevgatis), Agios Ioannis, and Platy. Not bad!
If you're a birdwatcher, go see Alyki and Chortarolimni, two small lakes that are the breeding places of many rare and endangered bird species.
Byzantine Castle overlooks Mýrina, the capital and main port of Lemnos.
The archaeological site of Hephaestia (prehistoric capital of the Pelasgians) is an absolute must-see with ruins dating back to more than 2,000 years ago.
It is believed that the oldest parliament in the world lies in the prehistoric settlement of Poliochni. It's also the oldest Neolithic city on the European continent.
Near Moudros is the Petrified Forest where you will see fossilized pieces from nature aged 20 to 22 million years!
And in addition to all the above, this lovely Greek island has a waterfront lined with traditional taverns and restaurants. Try their renowned golden-colored Muscat of Limnos, a sweet white wine traditional to the island. Alternatively, ask for Bougatsa (a sweet pastry with custard creme) and Kafedaki (coffee).
Mesakti, and Therma Beach.
Day trips | Multi-Day trips | For Families | For couples | Solo travelers’ tours | For groups | Wheelchair accessible | Eat & drink | Water sports | Water activities | Cruises and boat tours | Air and helicopter tours | Safaris and wildlife | Archaeology | Nature and adventure | Culture and history | Entry tickets | Museums and exhibitions | Religious and spiritual activities | Transfers
Travel smart. Join Points.com and trade or exchange all of your points in one location! Do a Points Exchange, move points, or cash them in.
Sign up and score big with programs like Air France KLM FlyingBlue Points | Alaska Mileage Plan | British Airways Avios | Etihad Guest | Hilton HHonors | Hyatt Buy & Gift Miles | JetBlue Buy & Gift Miles | KLM Buy and Gift Miles | Mariott Hotel Points | Miles and More | Southwest Airlines Buy & Gift Miles | United Mileage Plus | Virgin America | Virgin Atlantic Buy & Gift Miles | Wyndham Rewards | …
Explore our curated collection now for fantastic finds and exclusive deals!
Day trips | Multi-Day trips | For Families | For couples | Solo travelers’ tours | For groups | Wheelchair accessible | Eat & drink | Water sports | Water activities | Cruises and boat tours | Air and helicopter tours | Safaris and wildlife | Archaeology | Nature and adventure | Culture and history | Entry tickets | Museums and exhibitions | Religious and spiritual activities | Transfers
Travel-and-home uses affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please see the disclaimer link at the bottom of this article and scroll to “Advertiser Disclosure”.
Copyright ©2023 TRAVEL AND HOME® All Rights Reserved.| Disclaimer | Privacy & Cookie Policy | About Us