While Greece has hundreds of inhabited islands, they are all made up of various groupings. When choosing which islands to visit during your time here, this is important to know.
If you are expecting to see the white and blue scenes of the Cyclades and then take a ferry to Corfu or Crete, you will be in for a shock. Each island group has certain distinguishing factors.
Here’s a breakdown to help you start planning your island hopping adventure.
Ionian Islands
On the west coast of the Greek mainland, the Ionian islands have an Italian heritage and green landscapes.
Large islands
Corfu
Corfu, located in the Ionian Sea, is known for its lush landscapes, rich cultural history, and beautiful beaches. This Greek island offers a unique mix of traditional villages, Venetian-style architecture, and lively entertainment options.
Ithaca
Ithaca is a tranquil Greek island in the Ionian Sea, famous as the mythical homeland of Odysseus, characterized by its rugged landscapes, serene beaches, and charming villages steeped in ancient history and tradition.
Kefelonia
Kefalonia is a captivating Greek island in the Ionian Sea, known for its dramatic mountain scenery, stunning beaches like Myrtos, and charming towns, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Kythira
Kythira, a serene and picturesque island located at the southern tip of the Ionian Sea, is known for its unspoiled landscapes, traditional villages, and beautiful beaches, offering a peaceful retreat rich in history and natural beauty.
Lefkada
Lefkada, connected to the Greek mainland by a causeway, is an Ionian island famed for its striking blue waters, white sandy beaches like Porto Katsiki, and its blend of lively resorts and tranquil, traditional villages.
Paxos
Paxos, a small and tranquil island in the Ionian Sea, is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, olive groves, quaint villages, and hidden coves, offering a peaceful and authentic Greek island experience.
Zakynthos
Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a vibrant Greek island in the Ionian Sea, renowned for its stunning beaches like Navagio with its famous shipwreck, lush landscapes, and lively nightlife, blending natural beauty with a rich cultural scene.
Small islands
Antikythira
Antikythira is a remote and tranquil Greek island situated between Crete and Kythira, known for its unspoiled natural beauty, significant archaeological finds like the Antikythera Mechanism, and a small, close-knit community, offering a glimpse into a slower, traditional way of life.
Meganisi
Meganisi, a serene and picturesque island in the Ionian Sea, is known for its lush greenery, crystal-clear waters, and charming fishing villages, offering a peaceful and authentic Greek island experience away from the hustle of larger tourist destinations.
Argo-Saronic Islands
These are the islands located in the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs. They are called the Argo-Saronic islands and are all very close to Athens and easily accessible for a day trip.
Aegina
Aegina, a picturesque island in the Saronic Gulf near Athens, is celebrated for its rich historical sites, including the well-preserved Temple of Aphaia, lush pistachio groves, and a lively port town, offering a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Agistri
Agistri, a small and idyllic island in the Saronic Gulf, is known for its lush pine forests, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters, offering a serene and natural escape just a short distance from the bustling city of Athens.
Poros
Poros, a picturesque island in the Saronic Gulf, is characterized by its lush pine-covered hills, a charming town with neoclassical architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a favored getaway for both relaxation and exploration near Athens.
Hydra
Hyrda, an idyllic and car-free island in the Saronic Gulf, is renowned for its well-preserved stone mansions, vibrant harbor with a rich maritime history, and artistic heritage, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and a tranquil, timeless atmosphere.
Spetses
Spetses, an elegant island in the Saronic Gulf, is known for its rich naval history, beautifully preserved mansions, car-free old town, and pine-covered landscapes, offering a blend of historical charm and natural beauty, popular among both tourists and Athenians.
Cyclades Islands
This is definitely the most famous of all the Greek island groups. It’s called the Cyclades and it’s where you will find the picturesque white and blue theme throughout. Although there are tons of amazing options to choose from, most tourists head to Mykonos or Santorini. They’re both undeniably beautiful, but also busier and more expensive so it is better to branch out!
Large Islands
Amorgos
Amorgos, a rugged and enchanting island in the Cyclades, is celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, the stunning cliff-side monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, and pristine beaches, offering a blend of serene beauty and rich cultural heritage in a less-traveled corner of the Greek islands.
Anafi
Anafi, a small and tranquil island in the Cyclades near Santorini, is known for its unspoiled landscapes, striking rock formations, and beautiful beaches, offering a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into traditional Greek island life away from the crowds.
Andros
Andros, the northernmost island of the Cyclades archipelago, is known for its lush landscapes, abundant water springs, distinctive architecture, and a rich maritime tradition, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with numerous hiking trails and pristine beaches.
Antiparos
Antiparos, a charming and small island in the Cyclades, close to Paros, is celebrated for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful sandy beaches, and the stunning Antiparos Cave, offering a relaxed and authentic Greek island experience.
Folegandros
Folegandros, a hidden gem in the Cyclades, boasts dramatic cliff-top views, a quaint and unspoiled Chora (main village) with traditional Cycladic architecture, and secluded beaches, offering a tranquil and authentic Greek island atmosphere.
Ios
Ios, part of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, is known for its golden beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant nightlife, alongside a charming village of Chora with classic Cycladic architecture, appealing to both party-goers and those seeking picturesque tranquility.
Kea
Kea, also known as Tzia, is a tranquil island in the Cyclades, close to Athens, known for its oak forests, almond groves, picturesque villages with stone houses, and ancient ruins, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.
Kimolos
Kimolos, a small and serene island in the Cyclades, is known for its crystal-clear waters, chalky white cliffs, traditional Cycladic architecture, and a laid-back atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat and an authentic slice of Greek island life.
Kythnos
Kythnos, a serene and unspoiled island in the Western Cyclades, is known for its traditional charm, thermal springs, picturesque villages like Chora and Driopida, and beautiful beaches, offering a genuine and tranquil Greek island experience.
Milos
Milos, a volcanic island in the Cyclades, is famous for its dramatic coastal landscapes, unique moon-like terrain, rich history including the famous statue of Venus de Milo, and stunning beaches like Sarakiniko, offering a distinctive and captivating Greek island experience.
Mykonos
Mykonos, a cosmopolitan island in the Cyclades, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, iconic windmills, whitewashed buildings in Mykonos Town, and stunning beaches, attracting a diverse crowd looking for both lively entertainment and picturesque beauty.
Naxos
Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands, is known for its fertile landscapes, ancient ruins like the Portara, charming villages, and long sandy beaches, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Paros
Paros, a popular island in the Cyclades, is celebrated for its traditional villages like Naoussa and Parikia, beautiful beaches such as Kolymbithres and Golden Beach, and a lively yet charming atmosphere, blending natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage.
Santorini
Santorini, a world-famous island in the Cyclades, is renowned for its dramatic caldera views, stunning sunsets, unique white and blue-domed buildings in towns like Oia and Fira, and a rich history, making it a top destination for romance and breathtaking scenery.
Serifos
Serifos, a rugged and authentic island in the Cyclades, is known for its striking hilltop Chora, traditional Cycladic architecture, unspoiled beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat with a sense of untouched Greek island charm.
Sifnos
Sifnos, a charming island in the Cyclades, is celebrated for its picturesque villages like Apollonia and Kastro, renowned pottery tradition, beautiful beaches, and a thriving culinary scene, offering a blend of artistic culture and serene Mediterranean beauty.
Sikinos
Sikinos, a small and tranquil island in the Cyclades, is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, traditional Cycladic architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere, offering a retreat into authentic Greek island life away from the bustling tourist spots.
Syros
Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades, stands out with its elegant neoclassical architecture in Ermoupoli, rich cultural heritage, and a blend of Greek and Venetian influences, offering a unique urban charm combined with beautiful beaches and traditional villages.
Tinos
Tinos, a culturally rich island in the Cyclades, is renowned for its famous Church of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site, as well as its traditional villages, marble artistry, and unspoiled landscapes, offering a blend of spiritual heritage and natural beauty.
Small Islands
Donoussa
Donoussa, a small and serene island in the Lesser Cyclades, is known for its crystal-clear waters, unspoiled sandy beaches, and a laid-back, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and an authentic Greek island experience.
Iraklia
Koufonisia
Koufonisia, a small group of islands in the Lesser Cyclades, is celebrated for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, golden sandy beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle, making it a popular destination for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and relaxed, authentic Greek island living.
Schinoussa
Schinoussa, a tiny and tranquil island in the Lesser Cyclades, is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, pristine beaches, and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat ideal for those looking to unwind in a serene, traditional Greek island setting.
Dodecanese Islands
These islands are called the Dodecanese. They all have lots of history to explore, as well as gorgeous beaches. Also from this island group, it’s easy to go island hopping over in Turkey.
Astypalaia
Astypalaia, a butterfly-shaped island at the boundary of the Cyclades and Dodecanese, blends Cycladic and Dodecanesian elements in its architecture and culture, and is known for its Venetian castle, quaint windmills, and beautiful, tranquil beaches, offering a unique and peaceful Greek island experience.
Kalymnos
Kalymnos, part of the Dodecanese islands, is renowned as a world-class destination for rock climbing due to its rugged terrain, and also boasts a rich sponge-diving heritage, picturesque landscapes, and beautiful beaches, offering a unique blend of adventure and traditional Greek culture.
Karpathos
Karpathos, a long and narrow island in the Dodecanese, is known for its rich traditions, diverse landscapes ranging from rugged mountains to idyllic beaches, and picturesque villages like Olympos, where age-old customs are still preserved, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural depth.
Kastellorizo
Kastellorizo, also known as Megisti, is the easternmost Greek island in the Dodecanese, near the Turkish coast, known for its colorful neoclassical houses, crystal-clear waters, and rich history, offering a tranquil and picturesque escape with a strong sense of its past.
Leros
Leros, a small and scenic island in the Dodecanese, is known for its unique Italianate architecture, a legacy of Italian rule, tranquil beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere, offering a blend of cultural history and natural beauty in a less touristy Greek island setting.
Nisyros
Nisyros, a volcanic island in the Dodecanese, is famous for its dramatic lunar landscapes, especially the well-preserved Stefanos crater, traditional villages like Mandraki, and therapeutic hot springs, offering a unique and tranquil experience steeped in natural beauty and ancient mythology.
Patmos
Patmos, a small yet historically significant island in the Dodecanese, is revered as the site where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation. It’s known for its sacred Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, enchanting Chora, and serene beaches, blending spiritual heritage with tranquil beauty.
Rhodes
Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, is renowned for its rich historical sites, including the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beautiful beaches, and a blend of Greek, Ottoman, and Italian influences, offering a diverse and vibrant holiday destination.
Symi
Symi, a picturesque island in the Dodecanese, is known for its neoclassical architecture with colorful houses set in an amphitheatrical style around the port, crystal-clear waters, and a tranquil atmosphere, offering a charming and elegant Greek island experience.
Tilos
Tilos, a small and serene island in the Dodecanese, is known for its unspoiled natural landscapes, rich biodiversity, including rare bird species, tranquil beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful Greek island retreat.
Sporades Islands & Evia
These scattered islands are called the Sporades. They are situated just north of the Cyclades. The landscape in this group is very green, which compliments the turquoise waters.
Alonnisos
Alonnisos, part of the Northern Sporades islands, is known for its lush landscapes, crystal-clear waters, part of the largest marine park in Europe, and charming villages, offering a tranquil and natural environment ideal for relaxation and exploration of unspoiled Greek beauty.
Skiathos
Skiathos, a vibrant island in the Northern Sporades, is famous for its lively atmosphere, lush pine forests, and over 60 stunning beaches, including the renowned Koukounaries Beach, making it a popular destination for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking a lively Greek island experience.
Skopelos
Skyros
Skyros, the southernmost island of the Sporades group, is known for its unique blend of lush pine forests and rocky landscapes, traditional Skyrian houses and folklore, and secluded beaches, offering a distinctive and less-traveled Greek island experience with rich cultural traditions.
Evia
This is the second-largest Greek island, with a varied topography. In addition to the bustling city of Halkida, Evia offers sparkling Aegean beaches, lush green mountains, rivers, and forests, and even natural hot springs.
North Aegean Islands
These islands aren’t technically part of one specific group. However, the North Aegean islands are frequently added to the same island hopping itinerary because of their proximity. Maybe one of these will be your new favorite.
Agios Efstratios
Agios Efstratios, a small and secluded island in the North Aegean Sea, is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, tranquil beaches, and a laid-back, authentic atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the more tourist-centric Greek islands.
Chios
Chios, a distinctive Greek island in the Aegean Sea, is known for its medieval villages, unique mastic production, beautiful beaches, and the 11th-century Nea Moni Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Fourni
Fourni, a small and tranquil island group in the Eastern Aegean Sea, is known for its rich fishing tradition, numerous secluded coves and beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle, offering a genuine and peaceful Greek island experience away from the bustling tourist centers.
Ikaria
Ikaria, a unique island in the Aegean Sea, is famed for its relaxed lifestyle, longevity of its residents, rugged landscapes, therapeutic hot springs, and festivals, offering a distinctive blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a laid-back, health-oriented way of life.
Limnos
Limnos (or Lemnos), an island in the Northern Aegean Sea, is known for its diverse landscapes ranging from sandy beaches to volcanic terrain, significant archaeological sites like the ancient city of Hephaestia, and a rich tradition in wine and cheese making, offering a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Lesbos
Lesbos, also known as Lesvos, is a large Greek island in the northeastern Aegean Sea, famous for its rich cultural heritage, including being the birthplace of the poet Sappho, its diverse landscapes from olive groves to hot springs, and the production of high-quality ouzo, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Inousses
Inousses, a small and secluded island in the Aegean Sea near Chios, is known for its maritime heritage, tranquil atmosphere, and unspoiled landscapes, offering a quiet retreat with beautiful beaches and a glimpse into traditional Greek island life.
Psara
Psara, a remote and historic island in the Aegean Sea, is known for its role in the Greek War of Independence, rugged landscapes, and a small, close-knit community, offering a tranquil and authentic experience steeped in history and natural beauty.
Samos
Samos, an island in the eastern Aegean Sea near Turkey, is renowned for its rich ancient history, including being the birthplace of the mathematician Pythagoras, its lush landscapes with vineyards producing famous sweet wines, and beautiful beaches, offering a blend of cultural heritage and natural splendor.
Crete
As the largest island in all of Greece, (it’s also the fifth-largest in the Mediterranean), Crete is a fascinating place. You can find gorgeous beaches and an interesting history. It was home to the Minoans, who were the earliest known civilization in Europe. While walking or driving around you can still see buildings from the Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule. Keep in mind that due to the immense size of this island you won’t be able to see everything during your first visit. So, pace yourself and take advantage of what you can while you’re there.
Pick which island group you would like to explore first, then pick which kind of ferry ticket you would prefer. Bon voyage!