Greece is a country of ancient wonders, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Whether you want to explore the ruins of Mycenae, the birthplace of the Trojan War, or the majestic Acropolis of Athens, the cradle of democracy, you will find a wealth of history and heritage in every corner. You can also enjoy the sun-kissed beaches of Lefkada, the dramatic cliffs of Meteora, or the charming villages of Crete, and savor the delicious cuisine, music, and hospitality of the Greek people.
Greece is a destination that offers something for everyone, from adventure seekers to culture lovers, and is one of the most important sectors of the country’s economy. Here are some of the best islands to visit in Greece in 2024, based on their popularity, beauty, and diversity.
Corfu, Greece
1. Corfu
Corfu is one of the most cosmopolitan and elegant islands in Greece, with a rich history and culture that reflects its past influences from the Venetians, the French, and the British. Corfu Town, the island’s capital, is an architectural gem, with its fortresses, palaces, churches, and museums. You can also wander around the narrow streets, known as “kandounia”, and admire the colourful buildings and balconies.
Corfu is also famous for its lush greenery and scenic landscapes, with olive groves, cypress trees, and wildflowers. The island has many beautiful beaches, such as Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, and Sidari, where you can swim, sunbathe, or enjoy water sports. Corfu is also a great base for exploring the nearby islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, which are known for their turquoise waters and white sand.
Santorini, Greece
2. Santorini
Santorini is the most iconic and romantic island in Greece, with its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and stunning views of the caldera. Santorini is a volcanic island, formed by a massive eruption that created a huge crater filled with seawater. The island’s villages are perched on the edge of the caldera, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Aegean Sea and the sunset.
Santorini is also a cultural and historical treasure, with ancient sites such as Akrotiri, a prehistoric city that was buried by ash, and Thera, the capital of the ancient civilization that flourished on the island. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, and the Naval Museum of Oia. Santorini is also famous for its wine, which is produced from the unique grape variety of Assyrtiko, grown on the volcanic soil. You can taste the local wines at the many wineries on the island, such as Santo Wines, Domaine Sigalas, and Gaia Wines.
Mykonos, Greece
3. Mykonos
Mykonos is the most glamorous and lively island in Greece, with its chic boutiques, trendy bars, and world-class clubs. Mykonos is the ultimate party destination, attracting celebrities, jet-setters, and fun-seekers from all over the world. The island’s nightlife is legendary, with venues such as Cavo Paradiso, Paradise Club, and Scorpios hosting famous DJs and performers.
Mykonos is also a beautiful island, with its whitewashed houses, windmills, and churches. The island has many gorgeous beaches, such as Psarou, Ornos, and Super Paradise, where you can relax, swim, or join a party. Mykonos is also a cultural and historical hub, with its main town, Chora, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit the nearby island of Delos, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, as the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Crete, Greece
4. Crete
Crete is the largest and most diverse island in Greece, with a rich and varied heritage that spans from the Minoan civilization to the modern era. Crete is a land of contrasts, with its rugged mountains, fertile plains, and sandy beaches. The island has something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs, from foodies to adventurers.
Crete is home to some of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece, such as Knossos, the palace of King Minos and the legendary Minotaur, Phaistos, the second-largest Minoan city, and Malia, a seaside resort with ancient ruins. You can also visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses the largest collection of Minoan artefacts in the world. Crete is also famous for its natural beauty, with its gorges, caves, lakes, and forests. You can hike through the Samaria Gorge, the longest and most scenic gorge in Europe, explore the Dikteon Cave, where Zeus was born, or swim in the Balos Lagoon, one of the most exotic beaches in Greece. Crete is also known for its cuisine, which is based on the Mediterranean diet, with fresh ingredients, olive oil, cheese, and herbs. You can taste the local delicacies, such as dakos, a bread salad with tomatoes and cheese, kalitsounia, cheese pies with honey, and raki, a strong alcoholic drink.
Rhodes, Greece
5. Rhodes
Rhodes is the largest and most popular island in the Dodecanese, with a rich history and culture that dates back to ancient times. Rhodes was once the home of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Knights of St. John, who ruled the island from the 14th to the 16th century. Rhodes is also a sunny and scenic island, with its golden beaches, green hills, and blue sea.
Rhodes has many attractions to offer, from historical monuments to natural wonders. You can visit the Medieval Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see the Palace of the Grand Master, the Street of the Knights, and the Archaeological Museum. You can also explore the ancient sites of Lindos, Kamiros, and Ialyssos, where you can admire the temples, acropolises, and theatres. Rhodes is also a paradise for beach lovers, with its long and sandy coastline, such as Faliraki, Tsambika, and Anthony Quinn Bay. You can also enjoy the island’s nature, with its valleys, forests, and springs. You can visit the Valley of the Butterflies, where thousands of colourful butterflies gather in the summer, the Seven Springs, where you can walk through a tunnel and reach a lake, or the Prasonisi, where you can see the Aegean and the Mediterranean seas meet.
Naxos, Greece
6. Naxos
Naxos is the largest and most fertile island in the Cyclades, with a diverse and authentic character. Naxos is an island of contrasts, with its mountainous interior, verdant valleys, and sandy beaches. Naxos is also an island of culture, with its rich history, mythology, and traditions.
Naxos has many sights to see, from ancient ruins to medieval villages. You can visit the Portara, the huge marble gate that was part of an unfinished temple of Apollo, the Kouros of Apollonas, a colossal statue of a young man that was never completed, and the Temple of Demeter, a 6th-century BC sanctuary dedicated to the goddess of agriculture. You can also explore the Venetian Castle of Naxos, which was built by the Duke of Naxos in the 13th century, and the Byzantine Museum, which displays religious icons and frescoes. Naxos is also a great destination for beach lovers, with its long and sandy shores, such as Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka. You can also enjoy the island’s nature, with its hiking trails, cycling routes, and windsurfing spots. Naxos is also known for its cuisine, which is based on the island’s agricultural products, such as potatoes, cheese, honey, and wine. You can taste the local specialities, such as rosto, pork cooked with garlic and tomato sauce, graviera, a hard yellow cheese, and kitron, a liqueur made from the leaves of the citron tree.
Paros, Greece
7. Paros
Paros is one of the most charming and picturesque islands in the Cyclades, with its traditional villages, whitewashed houses, and blue-domed churches. Paros is also a lively and cosmopolitan island, with its bustling ports, trendy bars, and stylish shops. Paros is an island that combines the best of both worlds, offering a relaxing and enjoyable holiday for all tastes and preferences.
Paros has many attractions to offer, from historical sites to natural beauties. You can visit the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of the oldest and most important churches in Greece, dating back to the 4th century AD, the Archaeological Museum of Paros, which exhibits artefacts from the Neolithic to the Roman periods, and the Frankish Castle, which was built by the Venetians in the 13th century using materials from ancient temples. You can also explore the picturesque villages of Paros, such as Naoussa, a fishing port with a Venetian fortress, Lefkes, a mountain village with a Byzantine church, and Marpissa, a village with traditional architecture and folklore. Paros is also a paradise for beach lovers, with its sandy and pebbly beaches, such as Golden Beach, Kolymbithres, and Santa Maria.
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