Most Beautiful Greek Islands – Complete Guide 2024

Where are the most beautiful Greek Islands

Let’s try to understand, first of all, how the best Greek islands are divided and which are the archipelagos of Greece. The best known, without a doubt, is the Cyclades archipelago, characterized by an arid landscape, but with the classic golden beaches of Greece and the blue and white houses that we are used to seeing in photographs. Then, there are the Sporades, on the contrary rich in vegetation . Furthermore, it is important to know that many islands in this archipelago are uninhabited and unexplored rocks.

Next, we find the Ionian Islands, those closest to Italy, and the Dodecanese, facing Turkey, the Saronic archipelago, close to Athens , and the North-Eastern Aegean, still little known to tourists. Finally, in the middle, lies the great Crete, which is not part of any archipelago.

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What are the most beautiful islands in Greece, from A to Z

Therefore, now we will see together which are the 20 best most beautiful Greek islands from A to Z that you cannot miss!

1. Aegina (Egina)

The island of Aegina , or Aegina, is located in the Saronic Gulf , just 50 km from Athens . For this reason, the island is among the most beautiful and best islands in Greece for spending holidays, or a few summer weekends to find relief from the heat of the city where most of the capital’s inhabitants go. Characterized by a quiet and relaxed atmosphere . So it is ideal if you are looking for tradition and wild nature.

2. Andros

Second, but only in alphabetical order, in our best Greek islands list, we find the island of Andros, the northernmost of the Cyclades archipelago. A peculiarity of this island, for example, is the variety of its nature , the characteristic of this Greek island is the variety of landscapes, which allow you to combine relaxing holidays by the sea in Greece with more sporting and active holidays, with the possibility of doing trekking or long walks.

3. Amorgos

In our list of the most beautiful and best islands in Greece, Amorgos could not be missing, called the Jewel of the Cyclades , it is one of the most beautiful Greek islands, absolutely not to be missed. The furthest from Athens in the Cyclades archipelago, it is an island with a timeless atmosphere. Furthermore, its sheltered beaches and its excellent climate make it a perfect place for families, although the Chora area also offers entertainment for young people and groups of friends . In fact, Chora is the capital of the island with the typical Cycladic historic center with houses painted white and blue.

Katapola is the main port of the island of Greece, a very simple village where the pace of life flows slowly. Furthermore, the most characteristic area is the Aegiali area . Famous thanks to a beautiful bay bathed by crystal clear waters. For this reason, this is the area where most of the accommodation facilities are concentrated.

4. Astypalea (Stampalia)

Among the westernmost of the Dodecanese, Astypalea is one of the most beautiful and recommended Greek islands. In fact, its coasts are wild and the beaches are mainly characterized by pebbles , but there are also heavenly sandy beaches . The main city, Chora, develops on the slopes of a hill and is one of the most authentic in Greece with the Castle dominating the entire city. Finally, here you can find the typical white houses of the most beautiful Greek islands to visit.

5. Kefalonia

Kefalonia is an island in the Ionian archipelago made famous by the film “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” , one of the films to see to discover Greece. This island offers lush vegetation and a wonderful sea, you can find incredible beaches that will be the perfect postcard of your trip. Finally, the island of Kefalonia is renowned for its production of excellent wine.

6. Folegandros

The island of Folegandros is one of a kind, characterized by rugged landscapes and simple beauty, but which enchants anyone who visits it. In fact, the beaches are natural , wild and unequipped , often they can only be reached on foot, this makes it a perfect destination for trekking and nature lovers.

7. Hydra

Hydra is certainly a renowned Greek island, especially thanks to its uniqueness. In fact, it is also known as the Capri of the Saronic Islands and is 20 km long and 6 km wide. Ideal for those seeking tranquility and relaxation, escaping from modernity, also because there are no cars on the island . In short, you can get lost among the numerous paths that will take you to small coves surrounded by nature.

8. Ithaca

Made famous by the myth of Ulysses, Ithaca is one of the unmissable places on our Greek islands map. Furthermore, this island belonging to the Ionian Islands and is ideal for nature lovers, Ithaca offers breathtaking landscapes and turquoise waters. Here, peace and tranquility are guaranteed. Furthermore, in Vathi, the island’s capital, it is possible to visit the Archaeological Museum. Ithaca deserves to be included among the most beautiful islands in Greece!

9. Kalymnos

Another of the most beautiful islands in Greece is certainly Kalymnos, famous for the skill of the inhabitants in fishing for sea sponges . Furthermore, the island has become a rock climbing paradise in the last decade , thanks to the vertical walls and hundreds of crags scattered across the island. In fact, during the year it hosts around 17,000 inhabitants , welcoming and happy to receive tourists. Furthermore, the beaches are mainly pebbly and easily accessible on foot or by car. Furthermore, for the more adventurous, the island also offers paths immersed in nature, for long walks away from everyday stress.

10. Koufonissi

Koufonissi is a tiny island in the Small Cyclades . Characterized by a Caribbean sea, this island is unmissable for sea lovers. Wild and uncontaminated, Koufonissi is, therefore, ideal for those who want to relax in a true earthly paradise. This island, in fact, can be easily explored by bicycle and the silence that reigns there will be the soundtrack of your holiday. Ultimately, Koufonissi is certainly among the most beautiful islands in Greece.

11. Cost

Kos, also known as Kos, is one of the most beautiful and well-known Greek islands among tourists. Indeed, it is famous, above all, for its sandy beaches , the island is also home to several Greek and Roman monuments , mainly within the city of Kos. Furthermore, closer to Turkey than to mainland Greece, it is the third largest island of the Dodecanese .

12. Leros

Leros is a magnificent island that has maintained its identity. In fact, here the rolling hills, the magnificent beaches and the hospitality of the population make the island a paradise of relaxation . The island has numerous fascinating beaches . Among the most beautiful and heavenly, the following are worth mentioning: Agia Marina, Pandeli, Vromolitho, Alinda, Agios Isidoros, Mplefoutis, Laki, Merikia, Koulouki, Merikia, Gourna, Dyo Liskaria, Drymonas and, last but not least, Xirokambos.

13. Milos

Among the most beautiful islands in Greece, Milos cannot be missed, in the south-western area of ​​the Cyclades archipelago . Characterized by a long history , passing through different domains and populations. Furthermore, the remains of the Minoan, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine civilizations can still be visited today . The population lives mainly in the north-eastern part, in Plaka , Tripiti , Pollonia and Adamas . Finally, a large part of the island of Milos is uninhabited, without asphalted roads and with paradisiacal beaches , reachable only by sea.

14. Naxos

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands. Known, above all, for the myth of Ariadne , today it is one of the best islands in Greece famous among tourists. White and isolated beaches, crystal clear water, characteristic villages , but also historical sites, in conclusion, make it the perfect destination for all types of tourists.

15. Nisyros

One of the hidden treasures of the Aegean is the small island of Nisyros . Furthermore, its hot springs, which come directly from the volcano in the heart of the island , are one of the main attractions for tourists. The island, over the years, has maintained a natural and wild atmosphere, with volcanic beaches with dark sand and crystal clear sea , becoming one of the best Greek islands.

16. Paros

Paros, is definitely one of the most beautiful and best islands in Greece. The 120 kilometers of coast , in fact, are made up of paradisiacal beaches and crystal clear sea . Furthermore, the alternation of calm and wonderful bays with ancient fishing villages create the perfect environment for those who want to relax. In addition to the windswept beaches, loved by wind-surfers and kite-surfers , Paros is, finally, the ideal destination for culture lovers. The island, in fact, offers several examples of Greek-Byzantine architecture and art , as well as ancient ruins and archaeological remains not to be missed.

17. Patmos

Not only for its beauty, but Patmos is known, above all, in the religious world . In fact, according to an ancient Christian tradition, the apostle John was exiled here by the emperor Domitian. During this period, he apparently had visions of him from Jesus, which ultimately led to the writing of the Book of Revelations. The island is of volcanic origin , therefore predominantly rocky, but still remains among the best in Greece. Furthermore, the beaches are also composed of rock or dark sand .

18. Samos

Close to the coast of Türkiye, Samos is one of the most beautiful Greek islands. This island combines places rich in culture with magnificent beaches. Don’t miss the Heraion of Samos, the Ionian sanctuary dedicated to Hera, and the neoclassical style village of Karlovassi. As we said, the beaches of Samos are wonderful and the nature is lush and green. In conclusion, Samos is suitable for both lovers of Greek history and lovers of relaxation.

19. Santorini

Santorini is one of the most beautiful and internationally known Greek islands. Furthermore, part of the Cyclades archipelago was destroyed in the 16th century BC . from a volcanic eruption . Today, the coasts still show the signs of this devastation. The white, cube-shaped houses , above all, are what distinguish the two main towns, Oia and Fira . On the opposite side, however, we can relax by the sea along the black, red and white volcanic stone beaches .

20. Serifos

Despite being not very far from Athens, the island of Serifos is a pearl still unknown to mass tourism . In fact, this island is ideal for those who want to spend a peaceful holiday . Furthermore, the Chora perched on top of the hill is one of the most authentic in the Aegean. Finally, with more than 60 beaches and coves , the island still hosts a few hotels, asphalted roads and equipped beaches. The island offers mainly sandy beaches , not equipped and with a lot of exposure to the sun.

21. Sifnos

Sifnos is an island still little considered by mass tourism , it is certainly one of the most beautiful and authentic in Greece. Furthermore, it is the perfect size for a holiday that combines relaxation and discovery. The magnificent villages painted strictly in white and blue , a dense network of paths and paradisiacal beaches make Sifnos the ideal destination for your relaxing holiday in Greece.

22. Symi

Symi is a small island in Greece which is only 41 km from the island of Rhodes, and a few kilometers from Turkey . The rugged coasts and deep inlets , in particular, characterize the landscape of this island.
In fact, it is ideal for those who want to spend a relaxing holiday . Finally, in the same way, those who choose to spend their holiday in Symi will appreciate the good sea, excellent food and quiet evenings , in which to chat in front of the typical colorful houses.

23. Syros

Syros is the administrative capital of the Cyclades . The City Ermoupoli , elegant and majestic, is characterized by magnificent squares and neoclassical buildings. Above Ermoupoli, stands Ano Syros , the typical Cycladic-style village where Orthodox monasteries and Catholic churches are located, a legacy of Venetian domination in Greece. Indeed, Syros is an island full of contrasts, especially when it comes to the beaches. Finally, on the island you can find fantastic pebble beaches, as well as small hidden coves of sand and transparent water.

24. Tinos

Second to last, but only in alphabetical order, in our list of the most beautiful Greek islands, we find Tinos. We recommend this island to those looking for sea, sun and tranquility . In fact, it is authentic and rich in culture, history and traditions. In conclusion, the variety of its nature which has given long and sandy beaches makes Tinos ideal for those traveling with children.

Furthermore, lovers of hiking should not miss the island’s hinterland, characterized by a dense network of paths. However, those who love water sports absolutely must visit the beaches, which are beaten by constant winds. In conclusion, this is one of the favorite destinations for those looking for surfing in Greece .

25. Zakynthos

Finally, belonging to the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos is among the most popular locations that we suggest in our Greek Islands map. In addition to being full of nightclubs, ideal for nightlife lovers, this island offers, in fact, wonderful beaches and a dream sea: Navagio Bay , the shipwreck beach, is one of the most photographed in the world.

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