10 Greek Islands to Visit in 2025

The gorges and mountains on Crete echo not with just tumbling rocks, but with ancient myths infusing every realm of Cretan life. Travellers who are passionate about ancient history and civilization will find this island as their slice of paradise! According to Greek mythology, it was on this island that Zeus was born in a mountain cave, and that Theseus braved the Labyrinth to slay the Minotaur. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and Knossos Palace are definitely worth a visit for all travellers. Head to the covered Chania Market where you will experience a typical Greek town with a beautiful harbour, towered by an extraordinary lighthouse built in the 16th century. If you’re looking for a beach, head to Falassarna Beach, located at the western end of the island. 

One of the largest islands in Greece, this Mediterranean gem flourished during the 4th century BC. Today, Rhodes is known for its beach resort and ancient ruins with remains of the island’s occupation by the knights during the Crusades. The island’s Old Town features the medieval Street of the Knights and the picturesque Palace of the Grand Masters, which will fascinate history buffs! Away from the Old Town, animal lovers can enjoy feeding ostriches in the Valley of the Butterflies. Rhodes is also an island with great natural beauty, with beaches facing the pine woods on the mountainsides, and mountain villages overlooking seaside towns.

The famous Cycladic island of Santorini is a favourite for honeymooners, where sugar-white villages and bubble-domed churches teeter on blackened cliffs, offering jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean. The fathomless caldera, formed around 1620 BC is famous for a hike on the soil where one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the last 10,000 years happened. Frescoes from the Late Bronze Age town of Akrotiri that were buried in ash after the eruption can be found on display at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. To really experience this island’s sulphurous smell and heat, sail across the caldera to Nea Kameni island, where the volcano last erupted. And don’t leave this island without doing a sunset sail, which will be the most beautiful sunset you’ve ever seen!

To the west of Santorini lies the island of Milos, also formed by a volcanic eruption. Its 80-mile coastline is scattered with geological wonders, among them the formations of volcanic ash white and frothy as meringue, and an abandoned sulphur mine with a yellow-sand beach. The towering sea rocks shaped like dancing bears and the ports with colourful boat garages hollowed out of the stone are some unique sights on this island. And for the best adventure, hire a quad to tackle the road up Profitis Ilas to the 2,450-foot summit for beautiful inland and sea views! The nation’s only catacombs can be found in Plaka, the capital city, along with the Archaeological Museum of Milos, which houses a replica of the Louvre’s famed Venus de Milo sculpture.

The beaches of Mykonos’s southwest coast are among the best in the Mediterranean for party goers. Head east to find a totally different vibe, among a rocky coastline dotted with sandy coves. Sunsets are some of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, especially from spots with famed windmills in town or from the west-facing Kapari Beach. Sporting enthusiasts will love the circular Kalafati Beach is beloved for its steady winds that blow the sails or windsurfers and kit surfers. Rent a board and get lessons at Windsurfing Mykonos, located right on the beach. Travellers who prefer an easy outing, Agari is only a 15-minute walk from the main town and it’s not as crowded as Elia Beach. 

An island off the coast of the Ionian Sea, Corfu is defined by rugged mountains and a shoreline with plenty of resorts. The island is famous for young travellers looking to party with options from clubs and bars to beach parties and party cruises. The island’s cultural heritage reflects its years spent under British, French and Venetian rule before uniting with Greece in 1864. The town of Corfu contains two imposing Venetian fortresses, the Old Fortress and the New Fortress. Beach lovers can swim at the island’s fabulous beaches while staying at one of the island’s many hotels and resorts. And for a unique experience, take a full-day guided cruise to the Blue Lagoon, an exotic place where you can swim in its turquoise waters and see the Papanikolis Cave and other secluded spots.

Ones a maritime superpower where mansions were built on hillsides, Syros is one of the quiet curveballs of the Greek Islands. For travellers seeking a less busy destination than the top celebrated islands, Syros is a great alternative. The island is home to several points of interest and beaches with crystal clear waters. The island’s capital, Ermoupolis, combines cultural traditions and entertainment, along with history. Everywhere on the island exist remnants of ancient history, with salutations made by ancient Greek sailors thanking the gods for a safe harbour. Syros has a number of sea activities for families as well as adventurous travellers to experience, as well as a rich and delicious cuisine.

The largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos is best for food lovers! The island has been celebrated as a food producer for centuries due to its freshwater springs and fertile soil. The island’s Temple of Demeter, dating back to the 6th century, was built to honour the goddess of hte harvest. Mountain vineyards, village tavernas and markets surround the island’s capital of Hora. For a complete experience, learn to make Naxian specialties by taking a cooking class. Off-topic from the topic of culinary tourism, Naxos also offers scuba diving and many other watersports, all near its white-sand beaches!

A short ferry hop from Santorini, Ios has a charming and renowned reputation among the young for its vivid nightlife. The Cycladic island has a reputation for its top-notch parties, however, nowadays it’s becoming more of a resort destination and a place for travellers to just relax and unravel on the beach. The old town, Chora (or Hora in Greek) sits on a hill with its maze of alleys lined with cafes, shops and bars. Travellers can enjoy the stunning sea views, the pretty churches and windmills. The best way to explore the island’s secluded coves and hidden beaches is by doing a boat trip around the island. Some of those excursions could even include cave swimming or scuba diving! History lovers can enjoy the ancient Odysseas Elytis open-air theatre with its views. 

Most visitors to Evia, the second-largest Greek island, are locals, making it less touristy. With its lush and volcanic landscapes, Evia is nicknamed the “Seychelles of Greece” for its many blue-and-green shades in the shallow sea, turquoise sea. If you enjoy hidden gems which are not crowded with tourists, Evia is your destination! Stop at the seafood tavernas in the fishing village of Agios Georgios Lichados, and take a tour of the island’s vineyards to truly experience the local life. After a day of sightseeing, reward yourself with a retreat in the Thermae Sylla in the spa town of Edipsos.