Are you looking for the most beautiful islands in Greece? I have already visited quite a few and I would like to share my top 10 most beautiful islands in Greece with you. Of course, choosing an island also depends on where your interests lie, but the islands below have something for everyone. Got curious? Take a look at the top 10 most beautiful Greek islands and my tips for these places.
#1 Zakynthos
Zakynthos GreeceZakynthos is located in the Ionian Sea, to the left of mainland Greece. This is one of the most famous islands in Greece and that is of course not for nothing. Zakynthos is also called Il fiori di Levante, or Flower of the East, because of its lush vegetation. This is something that characterizes the Ionian islands anyway: these islands are generally a lot greener than the rest of the Greek islands. The most famous place on Zakynthos is the bay of Navagio. This beach is one of the most photographed and most beautiful places in Greece because of the wreckage that has washed ashore.
You should not miss these sights on Zakynthos:
- Galazies Spillis, impressive limestone caves
- Navagio Bay
- Zante, the capital of Zakynthos
- Spotting the protected Caretta Caretta turtle
- Xigia Beach, where there is so much goodness in the water that it is a natural spa for your skin
#2 Lefkas
Do you want to admire all the natural beauty of Zakynthos without crowds of tourists? Then Lefkada is a very good option. For me, Lefkada is definitely one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. Lefkada also belongs to the Ionian Islands and is just as beautiful in terms of nature. The sea water along the coast is intensely blue and the interior is beautiful green. Lefkas is very close to the mainland of Greece, so you can easily combine your holiday here with a visit to beautiful Parga, for example. The most beautiful place on Lefkas is without a doubt Porto Katsiki beach. I really have never seen such a beautiful beach in my life.
- Porto Katsiki beach, Egrmeni beach and Mylos beach
- Dimosari waterfall
- The Cape of Lefkas
- The town of Nydri
#3 Cephalonia
Kefalonia, like Zakynthos and Lefkas, is located in the Ionian Sea. This is a destination for peace seekers and nature lovers. The coastline of Kefalonia is spectacular and the azure sea water invites you for a refreshing swim. Myrtos beach has even been voted the most beautiful beach in Greece. One of the most beautiful places on Kefalonia is the underground lake Melissani. This lake is located in a cave of which ‘the roof’ once collapsed. In addition, the Drogarati stalactite caves are also worth a visit. Kefalonia is without a doubt one of the most beautiful islands in Greece.
The sights on Kefalonia that you should not miss:
- Melissa more
- Port town of Fiskardo
- The picturesque village of Assos
- The beaches of Myrtos and Paralia Petani
- Drogarati stalactite caves
#4 Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. This makes it one of the nicest Greek islands for many people. Crete is the ideal destination for people who like a varied holiday. Do you like to walk? Then the 18-kilometre-long Samaria Gorge is an attraction in Crete that you should not miss. An equally beautiful walk is the 8 kilometer long Imbros Gorge. History buffs will also enjoy themselves here: the ruins of Knossos are among the oldest in the world! Of course, Crete is also an excellent destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the sun, sea and beach. For example, on the beach of Elafonissi you almost feel as if you are on a Caribbean island instead of Greece.
The sights in Crete that you should not miss:
- Knossos, ruins over 4000 years old
- Chania and Rythmnon, the second and third cities of Crete
- Lassithi Plateau, a green oasis between gray rocks
- Arkadi Monastery
- Samaria Gorge and Imbros Gorge
- Vai beach, Elafonissi beach and Balos beach
#5 Chios
Chios should not be missing in this top 10 most beautiful Greek islands. This is one of my personal favorites, because you can still experience the real Greece here. It is not too touristy on this Greek island and you will mainly find quiet beaches and sleepy mountain villages. Chios is not a completely unknown island in Greece, but it is one of the less visited islands. The atmosphere on Chios is wonderfully relaxed and you really enjoy the good life here. Crazy about good food? Then Chios is the right place for you. the island has a number of unique specialties. Be sure to taste the baked Mastello cheese. So good. Another local specialty is Mastika. This is resin from the Mastika tree that only grows on Chios. Everything is made with it, from alcoholic beverages to chewing gum.
The sights on Chios that you should not miss:
- The unique houses in Pyrgi
- Mastika orchards and the Mastika museum
- Chios Castle
- Agia Dynami beach
- Windmills at Chios town
#6 Santorini
When you think of Greece, chances are you see the white and blue houses of Santorini in front of you. This picturesque looking island is the most famous place in Greece and it is also really unique. Santorini is a volcanic island, which means that the beaches are black instead of yellow or white. Every day several cruise ships dock on the small island and it is therefore really busy. If you think a few days of Santorini are enough, you can also choose to make it a combination holiday. For example, you can combine these two Greek islands with a (night) ferry from Rhodes to Santorini.
The sights on Santorini that you should not miss:
- Sunset from Oia
- Car-free Mechalogori
- Boat trip to the volcano
- Capital Fira
- Pyrgos, the highest point on the island
#7 Corfu
Corfu is one of the nicest islands in Greece. In addition, it is known as one of the most beautiful Greek islands:. it is also called the Flower Island or the Green Pearl. There are plenty of beautiful things to see in Corfu. For example, the beach of Glifada is regularly chosen as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and the capital of Corfu is very beautiful and cozy. In addition, it is highly recommended to explore the island with a scooter.
The sights on Corfu that you should not miss:
- Glifada beach
- Canal d’Amour
- Vlacherna Monastery
- Kerkyra, the capital
- Achilleion, Sissi’s summer home
#8 Samos
Speaking of green islands: Samos is also a beautiful green destination in Greece. Samos is a quiet island with no less than 250 kilometers of hiking trails. It is not for nothing that this is a popular hiking destination! In addition, there are also many beautiful, wide beaches, so holidaymakers who mainly come to Samos for relaxation can indulge themselves here. Samos is located off the coast of Turkey and you can make a day trip to the other side from here. Don’t worry about a visa: it is always included in the tour. The island’s most famous export product is the very sweet Samos wine. After you have taken a sip, you will see the sugars sitting on the edge of your glass like syrup. So extremely sweet, but delicious with a dessert.
The sights on Samos that you should not miss:
- Port of Pytagorion
- Livadaki beach
- Atmospheric Kokkari
- The cave of Pythagoras
#9 Lesvos
Lesvos is one of the largest islands in Greece and there is more than enough to see and do. I myself toured this versatile island with a scooter for a week. The most famous attraction on Lesvos is the Petrified Forest, a fossil forest that was created 15 million years ago after a volcanic eruption. In addition, there are many beautiful and atmospheric villages on Lesbos, of which Molyvos is definitely the most beautiful. This village nestled against the mountains is super atmospheric and photogenic and you can wander through the small streets. Because the village is built so steeply against the hill, there are few terraces. Instead, you take a seat on a balcony belonging to the restaurant. There are many special birds on Lesvos and it is therefore a popular destination among bird watchers.
The sights on Lesbos that you should not miss:
- Molyvos
- Mytilene, the capital
- Petrified forest
- Waterfalls of Pesas
- Vatera beach
#10 Rhodes
Rhodes was the very first island in Greece that I visited. I was five years old and even at that age I already lost my heart to Greece. For many people, Rhodes is one of the nicest Greek islands. I totally get that: Rhodes is a majestic island with a rich history. This was already a very important island in the Mediterranean in ancient times and you can see that everywhere. The capital dates back to the Middle Ages and is well preserved. In 1988, the city center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is therefore protected. You can visit various excavations on the island, such as the ancient city of Kamiros. Do not miss Butterfly Valley and the white city of Lindos. Rhodes is the island with the most hours of sunshine in all of Greece. The sun shines here for an average of 8.4 hours a day!
The main attractions of Rhodes are:
- Butterfly Valley
- By boat to the Acropolis of Lindos
- Excavations of Kamiros
- Rhodes Town
- Tsambika beach for parasaling
Most beautiful islands Greece on the map
The map below shows exactly where these Greek islands are located in relation to the mainland.
They were! My top 10 most beautiful islands in Greece.
