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Top Greek Islands Attractions
- Gazing out at an ancient volcanic caldera-turned-harbor from the deck of a small taverna perched above Santorini’s sheer cliffs
- Having a drink by the sea amid the whitewashed houses and traditional windmills on trendy Mykonos
- Wandering among the ancient ruins on the small island of Delos, once considered sacred to the god Apollo
- Exploring the Turkish and Knights Templar-influenced architecture on the island of Rhodes
- Sampling the fragrant wines on the verdant island of Samos, just off the Turkish coast
- Discovering the charms of lesser-known Cycladic islands such as Folegandros, Milos or Amorgos
- Touring the large island of Crete, savoring the beauty, the sunshine, the history, and the beaches
- Hiking and dining on the gorgeous mountainous island of Naxos
- Retracing the literary footsteps of Lawrence Durrell on the lush Ionian island of Corfu
Greek Islands Tours & Travel Guide
Greek Islands Attractions & Landmarks Guide
The Greek Islands combine millennia of history with sunshine and blue waters like few other destinations in the world. Strewn across the Aegean and Ionian seas like glistening jewels – there are more than 6,000 in all, including small islets, with 227 inhabited -- Greece’s fabled islands are rich in cultural and natural treasures. Fortunately for the traveler, their variety is as great as their numbers – so pick an isle or two or three, and find a tour that matches your dreams.
With more than 200 islands from which to choose, it helps to know that the Greek Islands can be divided into six main groups and the island of Crete. You can then begin to search for tours and cruises that meet your ideas of a dream trip.
Are Greek Islands cruises only for young people?
Most definitely not! Tours geared towards younger travelers are only a small fraction of the plethora of tour Greek Islands cruise options offered on Stride. A large portion of tours are tailored for family trips, active adventure, and senior travel. The great thing about Greek Islands cruises is that you can customize your trip to fit your travel preferences.
If you feel like touring Mykonos, but are not interested in a party atmosphere, you can explore the town and famous windmills throughout the day and catch a relaxing sunset beach view dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night engaging in your activity of choice on your cruise ship.
When docked at various Greek Islands, you can choose to participate in more active or water-related activities, you can meander around the town and shop, or you can have a carefree day lounging on the beach. The world is your oyster on a Greek Islands cruise!
Here are the major islands and recommended destinations in each group – though it’s hard to go wrong on most any Greek island.
Touring The Saronic Gulf Islands
Salamis, Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses
Just south of Athens and an easy boat trip away lie the five islands of the Saronic Gulf. While not as stunning as other island groups, they’re still packed with scenery, sights, history, hotels, decent beaches – and that incredible Greek sun-kissed light.
Each is different from the other, however, in some respects. Hydra has a stylish port and no motorized traffic. Spetses (the setting for John Fowles’ novel The Magus) bans cars in town, but allows motorbikes. And unlike Hydra, Spetses is woodsy and has better beaches.
Aegina, where Nikos Kazantzakis wrote Zorba the Greek, boasts the best preserved classical temple in all the Greek isles: the Doric Temple of Aphaia – as well as the best pistachios. Poros, near the Peloponnesian Peninsula, has a lively harbor and colorful hillside ambiance. Salamis is the closest to Athens and a reasonable choice if you just have a short time to visit an island.
Touring The Cyclades
Major islands include Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos, and Folegandros, as well as the “Minor Cyclades”: Donousa, Irakleia, Koufonisia and Schinousa.
The 56 Cycladic islands are the most popular with international travelers, and many promise the prototypical Greek island experience of sun, sand, and sea with healthy doses of ancient history tossed in for good measure. They are situated southwest of Athens in the Aegean Sea.
Best known are Mykonos and Santorini. Since the early 1960s, both have developed from islands filled with mostly sleepy fishing villages into hot spots attracting travelers from around the world. A third “party” isle, Ios, is another transformed Cycladic island.
Mykonos, where dazzling whitewashed cubist houses and traditional windmills dot rocky, often barren hillsides, attracts a mostly younger but well-heeled crowd. Mykonos is also the logical starting-off spot for a tour of nearby Delos, uninhabited except for the ruins of ancient temples dedicated to Apollo, the sun god.
Santorini, whose narrow, winding, cobbled streets in its two main towns, Fira and Oia, draw thousands of visitors per day in summer, is the site of the world’s most violent non-tourist explosion some 3,500 years ago – a volcano that left a spectacular caldera, now filled with water and serving as the harbor, that offers some of the finest views in the world from atop the island’s cliffs. Santorini is often cited as the location of legendary Atlantis, the mythical civilization buried beneath the sea.
But there are many other less crowded choices, including beautiful islands like Naxos and Milos, and still largely undiscovered – but equally scenic -- Cycladic islands like Folegandros and Amorgos.
Touring Crete
The largest and most southerly of the major Greek islands, Crete is a “group” unto itself – and worthy of an entire tour on its own. It rivals Corfu, Santorini and a few others as the most beautiful of all the islands, and it’s one of the most historic as well – it was once the center of the highly developed Minoan civilization, wiped out by the volcanic explosion on Santorini. You can view the ruins of that civilization – including famed frescoes - - at Knossos near Iraklio on Crete’s north coast.
Crete draws as many as one quarter of all visitors to the Greek islands, but has more space to accommodate them; still, the best times to visit are the off seasons, spring and fall, when air temperatures are cooler and the sea waters are generally warm enough for swimming. Beyond the archaeological and sand-swept attractions lie a host of traditional villages, mountains, caves, wineries, and more.
Touring The Dodecanese
Islands include Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, and Chalki.
The Dodecanese, closer to Turkey than to mainland Greece, have been invaded and occupied countless times, and some show strong Ottoman and other influences in architecture and culture.
Rhodes displays a distinctly medieval look, having been home to the crusading Knights Templar order for hundreds of years. You can explore many of the Templars’ architectural gems in the old section of its major city, Rhodes Town.
Kos, just three miles from the Turkish coast, was the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and is reputed to be good for what ails you even today – that is, if you yearn to experience mountain villages, beautiful beaches, and historic archaeological ruins.
Patmos was the island where St. John is said to have written the Book of Revelations while living in a cave. You can hike up a trail from the town of Hora (the main port) to view the cave and a nearby monastery.
Touring The Islands of the Northeast Aegean
Islands include Agios Efstratios, Thasos, Ikaria, Lesbos, Limnos, Inouses, Samos, Samothrace, Chios, and Psara.
North of the Dodecanese, also near Turkey, are the Islands of the Northeast Aegean. A bit off the beaten path, they make excellent places to discover both ancient and contemporary Greece.
Lush, mountainous Samos – within easy sight of the Turkish coast -- is home to classical ruins, most notably the remains of the Temple of Hera (wife of Zeus), Samos was also the birthplace of the famed mathematician Pythagoras, while, in the early 19th century, the English poet Lord Byron sang the praises of Samian wine, as do many wine drinkers today.
Lesbos, the third largest Greek island, is known for its mountain trekking and perhaps the finest of all Greek olive oils. Lesbos was also home to Sappho, the ancient Greek poet, and hosted Aristotle himself while he taught at a school of philosophy.
Though little visited today, Samothrace is steeped in the myths of the Trojan War – Homer wrote that Poseidon, the god of the sea, watched the action from there. It was also the site of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, a celebrated religious cult of the pre-Christian era.
Touring The Sporades
Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos, and Skyros
The Sporades are a small group of islands not far off the northeast coast of mainland Greece. Two of them -- Skopelos and Skiathos – are major tourist draws.
Skiathos is blessed with gorgeous sandy beaches that fill up with European tourists in July and August but are less crowded the rest of the year. If you get away from the most popular beaches, you’ll find that picturesque, traditional Greece still flourishes here.
Skopelos, where the beaches are more pebbled than sandy, attracts fewer beachgoers but offers vineyards, forests, olive groves, and steep cliffs, adding to its reputation as one of the most scenic Greek islands.
Touring The Ionian Islands
The main islands are Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefallonia, Lefkada, Paxi, and Kythira
The seven major Ionian Islands lie not in the Aegean but in the Ionian Sea, off the western coast of mainland Greece and Albania.
Corfu, often called Greece’s most beautiful island, was the home of Lawrence Durrell, who wrote extensively and lovingly about it. You can visit the Durrell Gardens in Old Town Corfu, which is a maze of medieval streets with both Venetian and Ottoman influences. Lush and largely mountainous, Corfu earned praise from Homer as a “beautiful and rich land,” and Shakespeare is said to have used it as a setting for The Tempest.
Kefallonia, the largest Ionian island, combines mountain scenery with beaches, traditional villages, and forests.
What are the busiest Greek Islands?
The Greek Islands are frequented by tourists year-round, with each island offering a unique and memorable experience. There are several iconic destinations within the Greek Islands that are must-see locations for tourists to visit. These locations tend to be the most popular, busiest islands, especially within the heavily traveled months of summer.
1. Crete
Crete is Greece’s largest island, equipped with the terrain and ample space for extensive nature exploration, such as hiking, trekking, and walking tours, water adventures, such as rafting, kayaking, and canoeing, and cultural and local immersion. One of the top destinations, most frequented by tourists in Crete is Knossos Palace and archeological site.
Known as Europe’s oldest city, Knossos attracts many of Crete’s visitors, who can walk through the city streets envisioning the powerful city as it stood over 2,000 years ago. Less than 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Knossos lies the port-city and capital city of Crete, Heraklion. Here you can explore the city’s scenic harbors and historic frescoes and baths.
2. Santorini
Santorini is known around the world for its iconic whitewashed houses with blue roof buildings in the city of Oia. These celebrated buildings drape over the cliffs overlooking the vast caldera. This postcard-worthy location brings over 2 million tourists to the Greek Island per year.
Expect to wait in a line to get your shot overlooking the picture-perfect town, especially during sunset or sunrise, but don’t worry, the once-in-a-lifetime view is well worth it! The small towns of Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira are frequented by tourists for their traditional Greek culture, scenic architecture, and quaint shops and restaurants.
3. Rhodes
Equipped with both exotic beach resorts and historical ancient ruins, this Greek island is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. Many tourists spend time exploring the old city of Rhodes, which is the largest medieval city in all of Europe.
The nearby temple and towers of Lindos is a popular sight to see among tourists, and one of the most photographed locations in all of Rhodes. History buffs will love the Archeological Museum of Rhodes, and nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Butterfly Valley and Seven Springs in the southwestern region of the island.
4. Mykonos
When people think of Mykonos, the first thing that comes to mind is the party culture and lively nightlife atmosphere that the island provides. While this is true, and a large reason that the island is as popular with tourists as it is, there is much more to Mykonos than just a party scene.
There are beautiful beaches to spend a relaxing day in the sun, top-notch shopping, and authentic Greek restaurants. The famous row of 16th-century windmills, which sit on a hill above Mykonos town, are also a landmark frequented by tourists. If you are looking for a lively party experience or a more low-key Greek Island experience, Mykonos is an island to visit!
5. Corfu
Most known for its resort infused beaches and mountainous terrain, Corfu is a popular island off of Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea. Exploring the nearby waters by private boat or tour is a must while in Corfu. Corfu town is a quaint must-see location to visit where you can find traditional Venetian influences and delicious Greek food.
6. Naxos
Naxos is the largest Greek Island of the Cyclades group. The city of Charos Naxos is at the heart of the island and is one of the most beautiful cities in all of the Cyclades Islands. A popular destination for tourists, this city is filled with traditional white houses and narrow streets that will give you an authentic Greek feel. The island is also known for its archeological sites such as Portara, the Venetian fortresses, and The Monastery of Panagia Drosiani.
7. Paros
This traditional Greek Island is home to lavish beaches and charming villages. The busiest region of Paros is Parikia, a business center and main port of the island. Around the circumference of the island, you can find countless beaches, fishing villages, and water activities. Tourists love the water-related, laid back atmosphere that Paros has to offer!
Can't-Miss Greek Island Food & Drink
For those who have eaten Greek food, you know it is to die for. Authentic Greek cuisine found on the Greek Islands is even more delicious, believe it or not! There are certain islands that are critically acclaimed by international foodies. These islands are:
Crete: Don’t leave Crete without trying the delectable Dakos salad, consisting of lightly soaked bread topped with chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives.
Naxos: Kitron liqueur is a Naxos specialty. This citron liqueur is famous to the island made from the fruit and leaves of the local citron trees.
Sifnos: Mastela is a must-try when in Sifnos. A slow cooked lamb marinated in red wine, this dish is a popular and appetizing Greek traditional dish.
Santorini: Tomatokeftedes are very popular to the island of Santorini. This dish is made from pureed tomatoes fried to perfection.
Folegandros: Matsata is a dish most famously served in Folegandros. This is a fresh-made pasta dish paired with red sauce and chicken or rabbit.
You will find an assortment of traditional Greek food on all of the Greek Islands, the most popular being:
Gyros: This Greek dish is comprised of slow-cooked, rotisserie meat shaved to perfection and served in pita or over rice.
Baklava: This sweet, flaky pastry is infused with honey and rich nuts and flavor.
Moussaka: This is a layered eggplant or potato based Greek dish often served including ground meat.
Greek Salad: This chunky salad consists of tomato slices, cucumbers, onion, feta cheese, and olives. It is often seasoned with salt and oregano, and tossed in olive oil.
Keftedes: These small meatballs are spiced with herbs and onions for a perfect taste.
Dolmades: This popular Greek dish is comprised of grape leaves stuffed with a delicious mix of herbs, rice, and meat.
Souvlaki: This popular, quick Greek dish consists of a skewer of seasoned meat (pork, chicken, beef, or lamb) and often vegetables.
Loukoumades: This pastry is made of deep-fried balls of dough, soaked in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.
Tzatziki: This is a very popular dip or sauce added to many Greek dishes. Its main ingredients are yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, and olive oil.
Greek Coffee: This strong coffee is made with very fine coffee grounds and brewed in a small coffee pot called a briki.
Greek Wine: One of the oldest wine-producers in Europe, Greece has some of the best red and whites you will find, the most popular being Agiorgitiko, Assyrtiko, Roditis, and Moscofilero.
Top Souvenirs from the Greek Islands
When traveling the Greek islands, you will find many items unique to Greek culture, including local art, food, and clothing. Some of the most popular Greek Islands items to take home with you for friends and family (or for yourself!) as a souvenir are:
1. Handmade leather sandals: While shopping around the Greek Islands, you will see many shops that sell handmade, signature leather items, most famously, sandals. Bringing back this Greek fashion will carry on your travel experience with you at home.
2. Anything olive: The exquisite olives produced in the Greek Islands make for a variety of high-quality souvenirs. The most popular olive products produced are olive oil, soap, lotions, olive wood products, and of course, olives themselves!
3. Greek honey: Take a piece of Greece home with you by purchasing the sweet Greek honey. There are several fragrant varieties to choose from, such as thyme, chestnut, and pine honey.
4. Ouzo: The national drink of Greece, Ouzo, is a very popular souvenir item. Often sold in small bottles (great for throwing in your carry-on!), is a must-try when visiting the Greek Islands. This unique anise-flavored alcohol can be found in different flavors and varieties in Greece.
5. Jewelry to protect you from the evil eye: You will notice that many Greek shops sell pieces of jewelry or pendants resembling a blue eye. This jewelry is intended to protect from the evil eye, a curse of jealousy and envy.
6. Hand-painted Greek ceramics: Handmade pottery and ceramics are popular and prevalent items found througouht the Greek Islands. With traditional designs and artistry, these pieces are a must-have!
7. Komboloi: Also known as “worry beads,” Komboloi are traditional Greek beads tied together on a string. These beads represent reduced stress, relaxation, and solitude.
Top Cultural Activities on the Greek Islands
The unique essence of Greek culture is appreciated and enjoyed by travelers and tourists alike. The Greek Islands embody all the wonder that is Greek culture through several activities and experiences.
1. Greek cuisine: Experience authentic Greek food while touring the Greek Islands. Get a taste of traditional gyros, dolmas, and souvlaki!
2. Ancient Greek ruins: Visit the well-preserved ruins of ancient Greek civilizations while visiting the famous archeological sites of the Acropolis of Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo, and Knossos.
3. Ancient Greek history: Greece is a country rich with history. Since many Greek Islands tours kick off in Athens, start your history tour there with a tour of the ancient Acropolis. Follow it up with a history filled tour along the islands while visiting the Palace of Knossos in Crete, The historical wonders of Rhodes, and the educational Corfu Museums.
4. Greek mythology: Greek mythology is an important piece of Greek culture and history that can be experienced on many of the Greek Islands. Visit Delos, the birthplace of twin gods Artemis and Apollo, Mount Ida, Crete, the birthplace and hiding place of Zeus during his primitive years, and Paphos, Cyprus, the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.
5. Greek architecture: The beauty of Greek architecture can be appreciated throughout the Greek Islands. The famous whitewashed houses accompanied by blue roofs can be viewed most popularly in Santorini. You can also find traditional picturesque Greek architecture in Mykonos, Paxos, and Crete.
Greek Islands Reviews & Ratings
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Walking in the Greek Islands
This was a trip that stimulated all the senses, from the wonderful colours of the wildflowers on the walks and the blues and whites of the pristine villages we pas...
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Greek Islands Unplugged
A chance to see the parts of Naxos, Santorini and Paros that maybe most don't see. The trip ran smoothly, expertly organised by Cecile, and the weather was beauti...
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Greek Island Wanderer
A well balanced trip that gives a taste of 3 contrasting islands. Travelling in April proved to be an ideal opportunity to see a different side to Greece - quieter...
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Vigorous.
I rarely give ten out of ten, but this came close. The sun shone every day, I slepped well and didn't put on weight. The walks were just right, leisurely as it sai...
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Great trip!
Very good in spite of unseasonable weather for September. High winds cancelled ferries for several days. As a consequence we stayed only one night on Paros and mis...
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