Which Are The Greenest Greek Islands? 10 Emerald Gems

Does your idea of paradise feature lush forest reflected in emerald waters, the sound of cicadas, and the smell of pine and salt? If rocky barren isles aren’t your style, and you like somewhere to sling your hammock, here are 10 of the greenest and most forested islands in Greece.

Greece is most famous for its scenes of whitewashed sugar-cube houses sitting atop rocky landscapes. And don’t get me wrong, I love those places too.

But overall I’m a total sucker for a greener isle. I don’t feel like I’m on holiday unless I can smell the scent of pine trees.

As with most of the Med, visit in spring (late April-June) for peak green, as there’s very little rainfall over the summer months.

Corfu

Corfu is known as the greenest Greek island. Part of the Ionian island group off the west coast of the mainland, it’s one of the most northerly and most beautiful islands.

Along with its mountainous interior, this means it has a slightly wetter and more humid climate than most of the Greek islands, providing perfect growing conditions for all those trees.

Paleokastritsa is one of it’s most famous beauty spots, but I also rate its North East Coast.

10 Most Beautiful Beaches on Corfu

Corfu’s Best Luxury Beach Hotels

Thassos

The Aegean island of Thassos (or Thasos) is carpeted with the green stuff. In fact, it’s sometimes known as The Emerald Isle. No surprise, then, that it’s the most northerly island in Greece.

Just 10km from the mainland, it’s a popular vacation spot for Greeks and Balkan holidaymakers thanks to its marvellous beaches. The ferry from Kavala takes just over half an hour.

Thassos is home to some incredible beaches including the unique Marble Beach and aptly-named Golden Beach.

Poros

One of the islands in the Saronic Gulf, Poros (not to be confused with Paros, a very un-green Cycladic island) is a green haven that’s well connected to the mainland, both via ferry links to Athens and the mainland town of Galata which is just 200m away.

It’s small but hilly and green and has some lovely pine-backed beaches including the serene Love Bay (pictured above).

Read more:

A Quick Guide to Poros

8 Beautiful Beaches on Poros

Skiathos

Skiathos is the largest and most popular of the Sporades Islands. In fact, all of the Sporades (the others being Skopelos, Alonissos, and Skyros) are densely wooded and great for lovers of green islands.

Skiathos has an international airport and is the easiest to reach. It’s also the best for sandy beaches such as Koukounaries (pictured above). But head to the north of the island for magical forest walks, or take a boat trip to one of the tiny nearby islets such as Tsougkrias.

Skopelos

If you’ve ever seen the film Mamma Mia then you’ll have a good idea what Skopelos looks like – it was one of the main filming locations.

Skopelos is a short ferry ride from Skiathos but has quite a different vibe. The scenery is more rugged, the beaches are mostly pebble, and its towns are a mix of rustic and chic. It’s one of my favourite Greek islands.

Agistri

My favourite hidden gem in Greece, this green jewel of an island is a short (and cheap) trip on the ferry from Athens. There’s not much to do on Agistri but relax, although the island is popular with weekending Athenians.

With its dense pine and turquoise waters, it feels a million miles from the city. The sound of cicadas will lull you into a deep sense of peace as soon as you step off the ferry.

Lefkada

There’s plenty of deep green is lovely Lefkada, a heavily forested extension of the mainland which you can reach by a floating swing bridge. The island has become Greece’s watersports capital; the strong winds have kept mass tourism at bay.

Paxos

The tiny island of Paxos is remarkably pretty and – along with its sister island Antipaxos – has some of the clearest, most beautiful seas for swimming in Greece.

A short trip from Corfu by boat, its pine-fringed bays have an exclusive feel thanks to their popularity with yachties. Its starring role in Netflix’s Maestro in Blue has also boosted its popularity.

Samos

One of the greener North Aegean islands, Samos is just 2km from Turkey and has plenty of lush wooded interior for you to explore.

Nature is at its peak on Samos, which is a top spot for flora and fauna as well as beautiful beaches such as Potami (pictured above), Megalo Seitani and Mikri Seitani.

Evia

Evia is the second-biggest island in Greece but is not at all well-known internationally. It’s separated from mainland Greece by the narrow Euripus Strait and is an easy drive from Athens.

Aside from a few simple resort towns and the city of Chalkida, it’s an unspoilt island and the north in particular is green and mountainous. Watch out for Boris Johnson who has spent the last two summers here.

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