According to Greek mythology, the gods created the islands of Greece. They made them extremely beautiful and almost magical. Greece itself has between 1,200 and 6,000 islands, with just 227 of them having people living on them1.
All these islands have their unique appeal and stunning scenery. This makes it hard to pick just one as the most beautiful. So, what is the ultimate Greek island known for its beauty and charm?
Santorini – A Cliché Choice, yet Breathtakingly Beautiful
Santorini is known as one of the2 most gorgeous Greek islands. It has beautiful white villages on cliffs, with houses spilling into the sea. Oia is a dream with its blue roofs and amazing views.
Santorini gets packed with tourists but you can find peace, especially in the south. The south has lovely sandy beaches where you can relax away from the crowds. The beaches have colorful sand and are perfect for swimming in the sea.
Despite being small, at 76 square kilometers, Santorini is loved by many. Every year, about 2 million people are charmed by its beauty and food. Eating and drinking here during busy times can cost around €150 a day.
It’s suggested to stay on Santorini for three to five days for a great vacation. But if you have more time, consider visiting nearby islands too. This can make your trip even better.
In July and August, Santorini is windy, perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Enthusiasts find the conditions ideal for these fun water sports.
Getting to Santorini is easy from Europe, with many direct flights. If you are flying from North America, you’ll likely stop in Europe before reaching the island.
Santorini has become a top global travel destination, known for its beauty and history. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat in the Aegean Sea.
In the heart of the Aegean Sea, Santorini showcases the best of Greek islands. Its lovely beaches, special architecture, and amazing views make it popular. Many people believe it’s a must-visit place at least once in life.
Naxos – Powder-Sand Beaches and Local Charm
Naxos is the biggest island in the Cyclades, known for its beauty and friendly vibe. It has many beautiful beaches like Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, and more3. These beaches are perfect for relaxation and fun in the clear blue water4.
The island shows off its special towns and villages, too. Places like Halki and Apiranthos are full of history and lovely to visit3. Apiranthos is famous for its streets made of marble3.
Naxos also has lots of interesting old sites. The Portara, a big stone gate, is very famous there3. You can also see Kouros statues and the ancient temple of Demeter3.
Hora is important for the island’s businesses and is the main town of the Cyclades3. But, there is more to see than just the big town. Naxos has fun museums and old churches to explore3.
The sand in Naxos is special because it’s good for making paper3. There are many fun things to do on the island, from outdoor adventures to peaceful walks3.
People who love water sports will adore Naxos, especially because of the great winds3. Naxos is also beautiful with its unique buildings and ancient sites3.
Visit Naxos to enjoy its amazing beaches, tasty food, and pretty walking paths34.
Corfu – Byzantine Architecture and Pristine Beaches
Corfu is the gem of the Ionian islands, blending culture and beauty5. It has stunning Byzantine buildings on green cliffs and pretty villages. One such village, Paleokastritsa, is famous for its beautiful beaches and friendly trees5.
A visit to Paleokastritsa is a must, taking about 40 minutes from Old Town by car5. You’ll see amazing views of the Albanian coast from Acharavi5. A 90-minute boat ride to Albania’s city, Saranda, adds adventure to your trip5.
The Village of Lakones offers a special view over Paleokastritsa bay at The Golden Fox. It has a cafe, lodging, free WiFi, and a friendly team. This spot is perfect for enjoying Corfu’s beauty5.
Corfu has stunning scenery and a deep history. It was under Venetian rule for 400 years, giving it a unique Italian touch6. French and British influences also shaped its buildings. This mix makes Corfu appealing to European tourists6.
Walking in Corfu Town feels like stepping back in time. Its streets are like a maze, with old buildings and lively squares6. You can explore art and history at the Corfu Museum of Asian Art, which sits in a historic palace6. Don’t miss the St. Spyridon Church and the Vlacherna Monastery, both special places6.
The Achilleion Palace is a top spot for royal history fans. It was built in 1890 for Empress Elizabeth of Austria. Today, it’s a museum6. The Moní Theotókou Monastery in Palaiokastrítsa has unique carvings and a museum of historical items6.
Corfu’s beauty matches its historic buildings. It’s the second-biggest island in the Ionian group after Kefalonia7. The island’s 216 km of coast offer many beaches, from long sandy stretches to hidden coves7. Known for its greenery, Corfu is one of Greece’s most lush islands. Even with some beach crowds, it remains popular7.
Sifnos – Gastronomic Capital and Tranquil Lifestyle
Sifnos is known for its great food and calm way of life. It is called the food capital of the Greek islands.
A local chef, Nicholas Tselementes, wrote the first Greek recipe book in 19108. Sifnos food is cooked in special terracotta pots made locally. These dishes are known for their tasty flavors and fresh ingredients8.
The island also has a long history of making pottery. Many pottery shops used to be by the sea. They made ceramics that were sent all over the Mediterranean8. Today, you can visit pottery workshops and see how they make beautiful pieces9.
One of the oldest pottery places in Sifnos is Atsonios Ceramics in Vathi. It has a beautiful view and uses old pottery-making methods. Atsonios Ceramics has been running for over 25 years8.
A top food to try in Sifnos is mastello, made with lamb and red wine8. Chickpeas are also a big part of the food, like in chickpea fritters. The fritters have herbs like marjoram and mint in them8.
Sifnos is great not just for eating but also for a quiet life. It has over 100 kilometers of walking paths. You can see dovecotes and monasteries while walking these trails8.
The island’s farming past is shown in its terraced walls and stone paths. These old farm ways make Sifnos very pretty and calm today. They invite visitors to relax and enjoy simple living8.
Buttery-Sand Beaches in the Southeast
Sifnos is not just about food and peace. It also has beautiful sandy beaches. Platis Gialos in the southeast is famous for its soft, golden sand10.
Here, the waters are crystal clear. There are many places to eat and enjoy the beach scene10.
Platis Gialos offers a mix of food from around the world. You can find everything from Middle Eastern meals to high-end dining by the sea10.
Apollonia is a key spot to learn about the local life. It has pretty white houses, lively bars, and cute cafes. You can find real Greek food as well as Italian dishes here10.
Mykonos – Iconic Beauty and Hedonistic Vibes
Mykonos – Iconic Beauty and Hedonistic Vibes
Mykonos is famous for being the fun place in Greece. It’s a town full of beauty that draws people in with its pretty looks and lively feel. Both party-goers and beach lovers find what they’re looking for here.
Lately, Mykonos has become the spot for big names and fancy parties. Everyone knows it’s where the rich come to have fun. Places like Soho Roc House and Alemàgou are very popular among the fancy crowd.
The island’s night scene is getting better. This is thanks to everyone feeling more hopeful after getting vaccines. Now there’s a cool place called Pacha, also from Ibiza, that runs a hotel here too. Even DJ Idris Elba has played here.
Mykonos is a place for anyone wanting a special trip. There are tons of fancy boats docking here, showing how much people like it. Plus, there are many great places to stay, such as the Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort.
The ‘Endless Aegean Summer’ move, letting in tested or vaccinated tourists, has made more people want to come to Mykonos. It’s made Greece a top choice for holiday searches. Everyone’s curious about this lovely place.
Mykonos is all about charming white buildings and churches. Kalesma Mykonos is one place with nice views and rooms. Then there’s Kenshō Psarou, with its luxurious rooms and even a big villa. They both offer a dreamy stay.
Mykonos wants to be known for its wild parties again. When night falls, Mykonos turns into a lively place that invites everyone in. It’s beautiful and full of fun, just waiting for visitors to enjoy it all111213.
Hydra – Beauty in Simplicity and Artistic Charm
Despite its small size, Hydra is beautiful and full of art. This island has no cars, making it a quiet place to escape from daily stress. It’s near Athens, offering an easy getaway for city folks14.
The unique art scene makes Hydra special. You’ll see old stone mansions with beautiful paintings. Walking around, you find art galleries and studios, showing the island’s creative vibe14.
Even without sandy beaches, Hydra is stunning. Its clear sea has hidden spots for swimming and snorkeling. Sitting by the water, you’ll enjoy a peaceful view of the Aegean Sea14.
Hydra is also rich in history and interesting buildings. You’ll love the traditional houses, flower-filled yards, and colorful fishing boats. Many famous artists and writers found inspiration here, like Leonard Cohen and Henry Miller.
Step into Hydra’s beauty and creative atmosphere. This island is a unique, serene place that has drawn people for centuries14.
Discover the Beauty of Greece’s Islands
Greece is filled with amazing islands waiting to be explored. From lively Santorini to calm Sifnos, there’s a place for everyone. You can mix it up by visiting different islands on your trip. This way, you’ll see each island’s special beauty.
Greece has lots of cultural sites that are UNESCO World Heritage. Athens has a history over 3,000 years old15. Crete is famous for the Minotaur story and its stunning beaches1516. Rhodes is known for its beauty, with forests and flowers everywhere1516. Milos has unique beaches and a relaxing vibe, perfect for a quiet holiday1516.
Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city and has lots of history15. Mykonos is popular for its exciting nightlife and unique setting15. Santorini is loved for its romance, including blue domes and tasty food1516.
Don’t miss the chance to visit famous spots like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. They are rich in history and natural beauty1517. The islands are perfect for beach lovers, families, and those who enjoy water sports. With more than 200 islands to explore, Greece has something for every traveler1617.
Source Links
- The Most Beautiful Islands in Greece | Original Travel Blog
- Original Travel: 10 Most Beautiful Greek Islands – tovima.com
- Read our travel guide to Naxos | Greece like a local
- Is Naxos Worth Visiting? What You Need To Know To Visit Naxos
- Corfu: The Lush, Emerald Island of Greece – Dame Traveler
- Corfu, A Very Different Greek Island
- General Information and Reviews about Corfu | Greeka
- Sifnos: the most delicious Greek island
- Sifnos – Mysterious Greece – The Insider’s Travel Guide
- Feast on What Sifnos has to Offer – Eat & Travel – Food nerd rockstar
- The Hedonist’s Guide to Mykonos—Greece’s Unforgettable Island Getaway – Maxim
- 18 Beautiful Greek Islands for Every Kind of Traveler
- 6 Best Greek Islands – for families, couples, beaches, hiking, food
- The 47 Most Beautiful Greek Islands
- Most Beautiful Greek Islands – The Best Greece Islands To Visit
- 12 Most Beautiful Islands in Greece That Will Make You Finally Plan That Getaway
- Best Greek Islands & Mainland Destinations | Greeka
