Greece has around 227 inhabited islands, so trying to whittle down where to go is the trickiest part of planning a trip. Analysis paralysis is real! Each island has something special and unique about it.
I love the Greek Islands. And I’ll admit, it makes my heart sink a little every time I hear someone is visiting Greece but only going to Santorini and/or Mykonos. Whilst these islands are deservedly popular, they’re by no means the only stunningly beautiful Greek islands.
So if you’re looking for a little extra inspiration for your summer plans, here are 10 islands which will make your heart skip a beat.
Folegandros
Folegandros is Greece’s best-kept secret, although the word is getting out. There’s something bewitching and romantic about this quiet island in the Cyclades.
Just an hour from Santorini, Folegandros has similar stark scenery and stunning sunset. But this island has no airport which helps to keep the crowds at bay. You’ll need to hop on a boat to access most of the beaches, many of which are unorganised and free from sunloungers – a rarity these days.
Come here for simple pleasures, seclusion, and chic accommodation.
Milos
Milos is becoming one of the big-hitters of the tourist trail in the Cyclades, helped by its unique lunar landscape. Formed by volcanic activity and quite unique in its appearance, Milos is one for the photographers and the romantics.
Some of the beaches here look like nothing else you’ve ever seen (but there are plenty of cracking sandy beaches too). Natural wonders are complemented by colourful little houses by the sea known assýrmata which are used for storing fishing boats over the winter.
Hydra
For island gorgeousness in close proximity to Athens, look no further than Hydra. Part of the Argo-Saronic island chains, Hydra is near enough to make it within day trip distance. But as soon as you step foot on this island you’ll be won over. Vehicles are not allowed on Hydra (also spelt Ydra), making it a blissful traffic-free getaway from modern life. The harbour is one of the prettiest in Greece.
Hydra is known for its bohemian associations too; the island has played host to many writers, poets, artists and filmmakers over the years – most famously Leonard Cohen. There’s not much to see or do on the rest of the island thanks to its lack of roads but the main town is a yachtie haven and comes alive in the summer.
Andros
Another island within striking distance of Athens, Andros has been sheltered from mass tourism by its wealthy landowners. But the low-key Cycladic island is slowly making a name for itself a top destination for eco-tourism, wellness, hiking, and the arts.
There’s a cross-island hiking trail has for the active, art galleries in its handsome neo-classical capital and a wealth of fantastic sandy beaches around the island. The dark dense vegetation lends the light a special quality on Andros, as does the tinkling of the island’s many streams and creeks. It’s so close to Athens (just 2 hours on the ferry) but much quieter than its more famous neighbours.
Paros
Pretty Paros looks the quintessential Cycladic island with its turquoise seas, sandy beaches and gleaming white sugar-cube villages. It has some of the most picturesque scenes in Greece. Its reputation as ‘the new Mykonos’ is gathering pace; the narrow streets are quickly filling with boho shops, boutique hotels and chilled nightlife.
Prices are rising quickly, especially in Instagrammable Naoussa, but the rest of the island is just as picturesque.
Naxos
Just across the water from Paros but offering a distinctly different vibe is Naxos. Larger, more rugged and rustic, Naxos’ charming capital town incorporates Venetian styles as well as whitewashed buildings.
The town beach is surprisingly good town beach, but one of the best things about Naxos is that the best beaches are in a string down the shore from the main town and are easy to access by bus. No car hire required.
There’s much of interest inland; the views from Mount Zeus, historic mountain villages, ancient temples, verdant hikes.
Symi
Little Symi is just north of Rhodes, around 1 hour on the ferry. It’s so close that it’s usually visited as a day trip, but I can tell you it’s well worth staying overnight. Symi’s main town is called Gialos and is a contender for most stunning towns in Greece (a crowded category). Steep slopes adorned with pastel-hued neoclassical mansions surround the harbour. At sunset the whole town glows pink, it took my breath away. It’s up there with Santorini, in my opinion.
The rest of the island is best explored by boat, with the highlights being Panormitis Monastery and the epic cliff beach of Agios Georgios.
Koufonisia
Tiny Koufonisia used to classify as quiet and off-the-beaten-track. But in recent years, it has become popular as a post-Mykonos chillout island and has made its way onto car ferry routes from Athens, no longer requiring a ferry change in Naxos.
It’s part of the Little Cyclades, a tiny island group off the coast of Naxos. The beaches here are some of the best I’ve ever seen, and even now you won’t be fighting hoardes of people for space.
The vibe here is blissful barefoot boho. If you can’t make your own entertainment though it’s probably not the island for you – to give you an idea of how small it is, the year-round population is less than 500 people.
Sifnos
If you had to make up a Greek island, it would probably look something like Sifnos. It’s rugged and mountainous, but dotted with small beach villages where you’ll find impeccable sands, shallow turquoise seas, whitewashed houses, and some of the best food in the country.
The heart of the island is Apollonia, its hilltop capital, which is one of the best-smelling places I’ve ever been on account of its many bakeries.
Corfu
The greenest of the Greek Isles, mountainous and heavily forested Corfu (also known as Kerkyra) is closer to Albania than Greece. The promenades, ochre buildings and shuttered windows of old Corfu Town are more reminiscent of Malta or Sicily than the Cyclades.
With historic influences ranging from Venetian and Byzantine to British, Corfu Town has a distinctly cosmopolitan air. When you’re ready to get away from it all, head to the north of the rest of this lush island which is endowed with glistening emerald bays and hidden coves.
Read more:
Corfu – An Unspoilt Island Guide
Corfu – Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Greece
15 Best Greek Islands for Beaches
Greek Island Hopping 101 – Everything You Need to Know
10 Small Greek Islands Not to Miss
10 Colourful Places to Visit in Greece
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Image credits: Folegandros © jcfmorata / Adobe Stock, Milos © jsk12 / Adobe Stock, Hydra © kokixx / Adobe Stock, Andros © kite_rin / Adobe Stock, Paros © kite_rin / Adobe Stock, Naxos © kite_rin / Adobe Stock, Symi © The Mediterranean Traveller, Amorgos © costas1962 / Adobe Stock, Crete © smallredgirl / Adobe Stock, Corfu © © ernestos / Adobe Stock