According to Greek mythology, there are around 1,200 to 6,000 Greek islands and islets. 227 of them are populated1. Each island has its own charm and beautiful beaches. This makes it hard to choose the prettiest one.
Still, some islands are known for their stunning beauty and landscapes. We will look at these places to see which one is the winner.
Santorini
Santorini is a stunning island in Greece. It grabs your heart with its beauty and magic. The island is known for its breathtaking views and a famous volcano2.
You’ll be in awe of the view over the caldera, the volcanic beaches, and unique landscapes. They all look amazing with the bright blue sea in the background2. The white buildings, blue domes, and colorful houses fit perfectly with this scenery2.
Oia village stands out with its blue-roofed houses. They say the sunsets here are among the best in the world2. You can chill in peace or find fun nightlife in Fira2.
Santorini also holds a lot of history. You can see this in places like Akrotiri and Ancient Thera2.
Naxos
Naxos is the biggest island in the Cyclades. It blends stunning nature with rich history. Its long beaches are perfect for those who love the sun and sand. It also has beautiful towns and villages filled with local traditions.
Naxos Town stands out with its Venetian style3. Its old streets and buildings make you feel like you’re in the past. Mount Zeus is great for hiking and has amazing views from the top3.
I’ve visited Naxos for over 35 days, and it’s truly special3. It’s different from other islands because it’s not crowded with big cruise ships. This lets the island’s natural beauty shine. Naxos also has many locals who live there all year. This makes it a lively and real place to visit3.
Getting around Naxos is easy with the airport and ferry port close by3. You can explore the island without a car, especially in Naxos Town. This town is a good starting point for seeing nearby sites, like the Temple of Demeter and the Apollonas Kouros statue3.
The Nissaki Beach Hotel is a top pick for a place to stay in Naxos3. It offers great views of the Aegean Sea. Car rentals in Naxos cost between €45-60 per day, as per summer 2024 prices3.
The middle and north of Naxos are often explored, but the beach villages might not get as much attention3. These places, though, have their own special charm. If you’d like to explore more, Paros is a great island to visit for a day trip. It’s just 45 minutes away from Naxos by ferry34.
It’s easy to reach Naxos from Athens thanks to flights by Olympic Airlines5. They operate up to 5 flights daily, with a quick 40-minute flight. You can also take a high-speed ferry from Rafina to Naxos, which takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. It’s a lovely trip across the sea5.
Don’t forget to visit Naxos’ beautiful beaches. Plaka Beach is known for its long stretch of sand and clean facilities5. Agios Prokopios Beach, not far from Naxos Town, has soft white sand and clear waters. It’s perfect for relaxing5. Mikri Vigla Beach is great for those into wind and kite surfing5.
Naxos Town, also known as Chora, is vibrant with a lot of activity. It has the Naxos Archaeological Museum, where you can learn about the island’s past. And the Naxos Castle offers a great view of the town and sea5. Nearby, Chalki (Halki) village was once a big trade center. It’s under 20 miles from Naxos Town5.
Naxos is a top spot in the Cyclades for its nature, history, and welcome35. You can relax on its beaches, explore its cultural sites, or enjoy thrilling experiences. There’s something for everyone in Naxos.
Corfu
Corfu stands out in the Ionian islands with its amazing mix of nature, history, and culture. The island is famous for its Byzantine buildings and colorful villages. Places like Paleokastritsa beach are perfect for those who love the sea.
The island’s buildings show a strong link to Venice, with a lot of Italian influence6.
If you love adventure, Corfu is perfect. You can explore different beaches, dive into clear waters, and rent a boat to find quiet spots. Snorkeling and olive oil tasting are also popular here. Those who enjoy history will like the old fortresses and castles around the island.
Finding a place to stay on Corfu is easy, with options to fit your style and budget. You can choose from fancy seaview rooms to simple apartments with great ocean views.
The food scene here is great too, mixing Greek and Italian flavors. You’ll find many places that serve vegetarian and vegan meals at good prices.
Corfu is a dream with its mix of history, fun things to do, and lovely sceneries. It’s perfect for anyone looking to explore ancient sites or relax on beautiful beaches. This island is full of charm and a favorite for many visiting Greece.
Sifnos
Sifnos is famous for its tasty dishes and slow way of life. It’s the Greek islands’ place to be for great food and calm days.
Its pottery workshops are also known worldwide. They’ve made terracotta casserole dishes for years. This adds to the island’s food culture7.
In Vathi, Atsonios Ceramics is a top spot. It’s one of Sifnos’ oldest pottery makers, keeping the island’s history alive7.
The island is also a beauty, with over 100 kilometers of walking trails. You can see old dovecotes, monasteries, and hidden coves7.
Long ago, Sifnos was all about farming. Crops like chickpeas covered the land. Today, you can see walls and paths that farmers and shepherds made all around the island7.
But Sifnos isn’t just for eating and pottery. It has a lot of churches – 237, to be exact. These show the island’s deep culture and traditions8.
If you want a fancy place to stay, check out Verina Astra. It’s a hotel with stone suites and a sea view. Perfect for a quiet vacation8.
The island is also a foodie’s dream. Omega 3 and Cantina are top restaurants. Even stars like Jeff Bezos and Barack Obama have eaten there8.
Sifnos is big on eco-friendly building too. The Pavlidis family designs homes that blend with nature. This is good for the island’s beautiful landscapes8.
It’s easy to get to Sifnos from Athens, with just a three-hour ferry ride. It’s a great place for a quieter Greek island experience9.
The island’s beaches are stunning. Faros Beach is famous for its calm and clear water. It’s ideal for relaxing9.
But if you want more activity, try Platys Gialos Beach. It’s full of resorts, restaurants, and bars9.
Sifnos’ main town, Apollonia, is charming. It has narrow streets, white houses, and small shops. It’s a true taste of authentic Greece9.
For cat lovers, Sifnos is a must-visit. Its many cats are loved by all who visit. They’re a big part of the island’s character9.
And don’t miss the sunset at Kamares. It’s a stunning sight that makes Sifnos even more beautiful9.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the prettiest Greek island is up to you. Everyone has their favorite. Some of the top choices include Santorini, Naxos, Corfu, and Sifnos. These islands are stunning and each offers something special.
Santorini is famous for its cliffside villages and colorful beaches. You can’t miss its unique landscapes and beautiful sunsets.
Naxos stands out with its history and lovely beaches. The Portara is a huge marble gate that remains from ancient times. It’s an amazing site to see, with huge stones that are 6 meters tall and 3.5 meters wide10.
Corfu is known for its green views and historic architecture. It has charming villages and streets, plus an old town that’s part of UNESCO’s list.
Sifnos is a quiet delight in the Cyclades. Its scenery with white villages, olive groves, and hills is perfect for a calm holiday. Plus, it’s a food lover’s heaven with its tasty local dishes.
No matter the choice, Greece will wow you with its beauty and history. Each island has its own appeal. It’s a place that truly captures the interest and heart of visitors worldwide111012.
Source Links
- The Most Beautiful Islands in Greece | Original Travel Blog
- Why Santorini is the best Greek island?
- Naxos Greece: Our Favorite Island
- Which Greek island is right for you – Paros or Naxos?
- 7 Reasons Naxos is the Best Greek Island (for pretty much everything)
- Corfu or Santorini: Which Greek Island to Visit?
- Sifnos: the most delicious Greek island
- The Magical Greek Island Of Sifnos: Top Hotels And Dining For 2023
- What To Do In Sifnos-My Favorite Greek Island – This Way To Paradise-Beaches and Islands
- Portara (or Temple Of Apollo) in Naxos, Greece | Greeka
- Greek Landmarks Off the Beaten Path to Visit in 2024
- Acropolis, Athens
