Which greek isles should i visit

Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Kythera all have airports, which receive domestic flights from Athens as well as international charters and airlines.

On Corfu, options range from modern luxury seaside resorts like the Grecotel Corfu Imperial to historic 18th-century estates in the Tuscan-like interior such as the Pelecas Country Club. Near Old Town, Banyan Tree recently opened their first European property on Corfu, and the gorgeous seaside enclave has rooms and lavish pool villas. Its sister property on Ithaka, the Perantzada , is a contemporary hotel within a 19th-century mansion on the harbor in Vathy. There are 24 of these green islands off of the northeastern coast of mainland Greece, but only four are inhabited—and if you've seen "Mamma Mia , " you know what they look like.

Dark green pine trees, white churches, and lots of sand, rocks, and singing. It's all part of the Sporades experience. Buzzy Skiathos is famous for its gold-sand beaches and nightlife, while low-key Skopelos is a natural paradise of white pebble coves, oak forests, monasteries, traditional villages, and lots of shipwrecks off the coast in the National Marine Park.

Alonissos is at the center of the National Marine Park, a great base for fishing, bird-watching, and spotting the protected Mediterranean monk seal. Finally, Skyros is known for its ceramics and local crafts, churches, and gorgeous Chora, a mountaintop capital crowned by a Venetian castle. Skiathos is also served by a ferry from Thessaloniki.

In summer, hydrofoils sail to all four islands from the port of Agios Konstantinos on the mainland. Each of the Sporades connects to the other by ferry or boat. On these four islands, tourism is all about sailing, swimming, mountain biking, sea kayaking, and hiking.

Hit the beaches — Skiathos's swanky Ambelakia to see and be seen, Skyros's Kalamitsa for wind-surfing, Skopelos's Hovolo for pine-scented breezes. And above all, do not miss sailing, swimming, or scuba diving in the National Marine Archaeological Park. There are villas to rent all over the islands like the ones with private pools run by Poikilma Villas on Alonissos. This collection of 13 islands the five most notable being Ikaria, Samos, Limnos, Lesvos, and Chios are the area of Greece closest to Turkey.

For your journey here, you'll be richly rewarded with incredible beaches and natural wonders a petrified forest on Lesvos, volcanic rocks and sand dunes on Limnos, and thermal springs on Ikaria.

Limnos, Lesvos also known as Mytilene , and Samos all have international airports, and Chios and Ikaria have domestic ones. There are several ferries from the port of Piraeus in Athens that can take you to these islands as well. Visit the archaeological sites of the Temple of Hera on Samos, the acropolis on Thassos, the ancient city of Ifestia on Limnos, and the magnificent castle atop Lesvos.

While these islands are known for their history, they're also known for their water sports. Keros Beach on Limnos is one of the best places to kite or windsurf in Europe.

Time-travel back to when Genovese nobility ruled Chios and stay at the majestic Argentikon Luxury Suites in a 16th-century estate. This archipelago gets its name from the Greek number twelve dodeca because it contains — you guessed it — 12 main islands and multiple smaller ones. Rhodes and Kos are the two largest islands, while the smaller 10 are quieter and less discovered.

Rhodes and Kos have international airports making them popular with charter flights from England and Germany , and Astypalaia, Kalymnos, and Karpathos receive domestic flights. Where to stay on Folegandros: Midway between the port and town, Anemi has a fresh, witty design and is ideal for families and fitness freaks, with a yoga studio in the vineyard. Simple and spare, Anemomilos is all about the staggering views.

Blue Sand hotel hovers on the hillside above Agali beach; space and privacy are a little limited, but those views and steps leading straight to the water make up for it. Mykonos had gay clubs and sunrise parties long before rave culture was even invented.

The influx of supermodels and superyachts has inspired hot new hotels and restaurants. The hippest place to show off your abs is Scorpios, a louche beach bar that puts Ibiza's finest in the shade book a cabana to watch the sunset.

The gay crowd has dwindled, but drag queens and oiled bodybuilders make a splash at Jackie O, overlooking Super Paradise bay. If the glitzy excess gets too much, escape to Fokos taverna for superfood salads and lamb chops, or Kiki's, an off-grid grill-shack overlooking Agios Sostis bay, where even Naomi Campbell has to queue for a table. Or cruise over to the tiny island of Delos, an archaeological sanctuary that once thronged with 30, sun worshippers the temple is dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of light.

Santa Marina resort tumbles down a private peninsula with a full-blown spa, a secret sandy beach, and a Riva to whisk you off to Nammos or Scorpios, if you can peel yourself off your canopied sunbed.

If you prefer to be in the thick of it, try Branco on Platis Gialos beach, or The Belvedere , the gold standard in Hora. For something more subdued, hide away at The Wild , whose main attraction is a glittering private cove. See five of the best new hotels in Mykonos. Tinos has more than 50 villages, each vying to be fairest of them all. In Pyrgos, famous for its marble craftsmen, sculpted birds and flowers decorate every doorway. In Volax, basket weavers squat outside cottages carved from giant boulders, seemingly flung from the heavens by Zeus in a fit of pique.

Tinos takes its food culture seriously: there are artichoke, caper and honey festivals. For a perfect meal in perfect surroundings, go for cuttlefish risotto and octopus caramelised in grape must at Thalassaki, served on the jetty in Isternia bay, then watch dusk bleed into the horizon from Exomeria bar.

Tinos is only 15 minutes from Mykonos, so it's a wonder it isn't overrun with tourists. The harbour is swarmed on 15 August, however, when Orthodox pilgrims flock here to kiss the icons at Panagia Evangelistria monastery, one of the holiest sites in Greece. Otherwise, the island is miraculously untouched. Solitary chapels and whimsical dovecotes stud thyme-scented hills, dropping to sandy bays whipped by the meltemi wind.

There's a nascent surfer scene on Kolibithra bay, where a VW camper van has been converted into a cute beach bar. Hipaway has villas with real personality, including a clutch of wonderful stone cottages on Lichnaftia beach.

Just remote enough, The Detailor is a thoughtful modern villa with mellow vibes and views for miles. Greece's largest island, the birthplace of Zeus, Crete has ancient ruins, snow-capped peaks and beaches galore. Sunshine is pretty much guaranteed year round, but spring is especially lovely for rambling and sightseeing. The Minoan palace of Knossos is glorious, despite the steady stream of coach parties go early: it opens at 8am ; but there are stunning ancient sites, such as Aptera and Malia, peppered all over the island.

With the exception of Elounda - a pocket of bling popular with oligarchs - the north-east coast is scarred by over-development. Head west to the Amari valley or Apokoronas for authentic villages surrounded by olive and orange groves. Or go south, where you'll find the best beaches in Crete — try Ligres, Sougia, or Kedrodassos. Alternatively, take a back-to-nature break at Milia, a 17th-century hamlet powered entirely by solar energy.

Everything on the organic menu is grown, caught or reared locally. Time slows almost to a standstill in the mountain villages, where locals with formidable whiskers welcome you with shots of raki Cretan grappa for breakfast and celebrate saints' days with a volley of gunshots.

Even the road signs are peppered with bullet holes. Where to stay in Crete: Metohi Kindelis , an intimate guest house on an organic estate, mirrors the swirling historical currents that have shaped Crete — built by the Venetians, occupied by the Ottomans, and later purchased by a family of Greeks from Constantinople who still own it a century later.

On a sandy bay near Chania, Ammos Hotel smartly combines Scandi chic with a child-friendly vibe. A year-old hamlet surrounded by olive groves, Kapsaliana Village Hotel exudes peaceful authenticity. Patmos has an indefinable je ne sais quoi - an otherworldly quality that radiates from its crowning glory, the medieval monastery of St John.

This turreted fortress, bursting with Byzantine relics, is named after John the Divine, who conjured up his apocalyptic revelations in a cave nearby. High walls and heavy doors conceal magnificent mansions dating back to the 16th century. The almighty church has kept nightlife in check. If you must see and be seen, head to quietly glamorous Astivi or Stoa bar, on miniature Agia Lesvias square, in Hora. Beach life is generally languid and low-key; Psili Ammos and Livadi Geranou are our favourite hideouts.

Dinner reservations are essential at Benetos, for Med-Asian fusion on an organic farm, and Lambi for grilled fish on a purple pebble beach. Joining the Patmos in-crowd requires commitment. There's no airport and it's a nine-hour ferry journey from Athens, which keeps the hoi polloi at bay. Seriously reclusive types hop on a fishing boat from Patmos to Marathi population: 12 and play castaway at Pantelis, a divine taverna with modest rooms to let.

Where to stay in Patmos: Archontariki is a gorgeous, five-suite hideaway in Hora. Patmos has four houses in Hora brimming with charm and historical detail, all superbly restored by local architect Katerina Tsigarida. Overlooking Petra beach, Onar Patmos has a handful of antique-filled houses clustered around a pool. Read our full guide to Patmos , the spiritual Greek island. Little Symi has the prettiest port in Greece. As you round the headland, neoclassical mansions in every shade of apricot and peach rise like a mirage from the sea.

Built by 19th-century sponge and spice merchants, the whole town is now a national monument. You need strong legs to explore - it's about steps up to the crumbling acropolis - but you won't need a car. The only proper road peters out at Panormitis monastery, a major pilgrimage site. Ravishing beaches such as Ayios Yorgos Disalonas backed by monumental cliffs and Marathounda where goats will try to filch your picnic are only accessible by boat or on foot.

In the rugged hinterland, more than monasteries are hidden among the pine and cypress forests. With its laid-back glamour, luminous sea and almost tropical microclimate, Symi is a hit with French and Italian yachties. You'll find them eating flash-fried baby shrimp, a local specialty, at Tholos, a sensational taverna where the harbour views almost steal the show.

Where to stay in Symi: Hotel Aliki , right on the waterfront, is a throwback to the 19th century, right down to the creaky floorboards. The Old Markets is the only smart hotel, but there are just ten rooms so be quick and book one. Its simpler sister hotel, Emporio , also has just five rooms and a stand-alone cottage, dangling above the drowsy pebble bay of Nimborio, a one-taverna kind of town. Roll straight out of bed and into the sea at On The Rocks , an adorable cottage afloat on the Aegean.

Naxiots once made considerable fortunes exporting potatoes, cheese, marble and emery. Locals bequeathed undesirable seaside plots - useless for farming - to their laziest offspring. When tourists cottoned on to the island's scores of fabulous beaches, these wastrels found themselves sitting on gold mines.

The west coast of Naxos is fringed with mile upon mile of powdery sands. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna delight toddlers and teenagers alike with their shallow waters and beach bars. As you head south, the beaches get wilder: Plaka, where you can gallop across the dunes on horseback, Mikri Vigla for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and crystal-clear Kastraki.

Should you tire of frolicking on the shore, three supersized kouros statues are hidden in the hills and there are dozens of drowsy villages to explore. Try kitron , the local citron liqueur, at the Vallindras distillery in Halki or sample homemade wine and arseniko cheese under the plane trees in Ano Potamia village. No wonder Herodotus described Naxos as 'the happiest of islands'. Where to stay in Naxos: Corona Borealis is a seven-suite retreat with a pool poised for sunset and a private cove where you can have supper under the stars.

Read more: The best things to do in Corfu. Now, the island of Serifos is a pretty mountainous island and one of the best Greek islands to visit that has yet to be developed for mass-market travel. If you decide to come to Serifos, make sure to visit the white sands of Psili Ammos Beach, visit Kastro and gorge at Metalleio in Livadi.

Ios is one of the best Greek islands to visit and easily partnered with a trip to the islands of Santorini or Naxos. Afterwards, take your swimsuit and pop over to Dafni Beach for a little swim in the crystal-clear waters. Poros itself is actually made up of two islands, Sphairia and Kalaureia, both of which are beautiful to explore. Now, Poros might not be well-known as one of the best Greek islands to visit, but it certainly has a hidden charm that most visitors to Greece bypass.

Now, the island itself is pretty mountainous, with loads of trails and coastline strolls that make this a nature-lovers dream island. After arriving, head over to Agios Fokas Beach, visit the Faltaits Folklore Museum and chow down at Asimenos, they serve up some of the best-grilled octopus.

Mykonos needs little introduction when it comes to the best Greek islands to visit. After arriving on Mykonos, make sure to spend some time wandering through Mykonos Town, sail over to Delos island and see the ruins and spot the iconic windmills of Kato Mili.

After a day exploring the island, head over to Little Venice especially at sunset for a bit to eat on the front. Read more: The best things to do in Mykonos.

An Island that is truly unique in its architecture and a perfect place to devour some local sea-food. Nestled within the Aegean Sea, Folegandros is a pretty small Greek island to visit but one that has loads of diversity and charm to experience. For one of the best beaches, head over to Katergo which is gorgeous. Alternatively, pop over to Vorina Beach which is pretty dramatic with the rocky cliffs.

Just remember to take sunblock, no one likes some burnt privates!!! Everyone is so friendly here. It serves up homemade dishes that are just mouthwatering. The restaurant serves up some of the best seafood and Greek dishes, too.

The plethora of Greek islands allows business travelers the opportunity to make quick trips and enjoy the beautiful sea, while also working and being close to airports and big cities. Places like Aegina , Hydra , Spetses , Poros , and Kea offer all luxuries that any bigger island would while at the same time they are easy to access and within close proximity to the Greek capital. Kefalonia , Corfu , Rhodes, and Lesvos are much bigger islands with international airports and a more cosmopolitan vibe for those who prefer working, but also combining work with exciting and eventful vacations.

Visiting Greece is a huge experience on its own. For those who seek more than mind-blowing views and fun nights, Greece has to offer adrenaline boosts in the form of extreme sports. Even in small islands like Anafi and Milos , tourists can go hiking and trek on the mountains admiring the sunset above the blue, Greek sea.

The best view has to be the one in Lefkada while paragliding above that gorgeous island of the Ionian Sea. In Santorini , tourists dive into the underwater parts of the isle where they visit dark caves and colorful riffs. Rock climbers travel on the quaint island of Kalymnos every year to explore its land. Windsurfing in Paros is the greatest way to exploit the windy weather of the Greek islands. If you want me to be even more specific, here are my suggestions of the top 5 Greek islands you should visit that are not the ones you usually hear about.

Please keep in mind that the following Greek islands are just indicative examples, so make sure to not restrict yourself to just those destinations, but rather explore your options before making an educated decision.

Known as the Greek island favored by families with children , not only because most of the beaches are sandy and shallow, allowing safe swimming, but also because of the wide offering of things to do that will keep your little ones entertained, Naxos is a sight to behold.

The whole southwestern part of the island, from the beach of Ag. George to St. Prokopi, Agia Anna, Plaka, and Pyrgaki, offers everything you could possibly ask for: crystal clear waters, organized, sandy beaches, and traditional taverns offering mouth-watering local dishes after your swimming endeavors.

A visit to Naxos Town in the afternoon is a must, as well as an evening walk in the green mountain villages of Apeiranthos and Filoti that maintain their traditional character. As for the sights that will impress history enthusiasts and children alike?

Although it is hardly ever talked about, Tinos is one of the most misunderstood islands, because in the minds of many it is connected exclusively to the Christian churches that have made it famous. And yet, it is a quiet island, with beautiful beaches, geological interest, and traditional settlements that are ideal for a walk, while its beaches offer a wide variety of water sports that will satisfy those looking for an adrenaline rush!

For swimming, families prefer the beaches found on the southern part of the island, from Ag. Fokas to the beach of Ag.

Ioannis Porto , as those are organized, sandy, and convenient. However, if you are looking for more exotic landscapes, Kolimbithra and Kionia are the ones for you. In the settlement of Kionia, you will find the archaeological site of the sanctuary of Poseidon and Amphitrite.