Top 6 Greek islands and activities to enjoy during your visit

With more than 200 islands available, discovering the best Greek islands is essential before planning your next vacation. Whether you're looking for popular tourist destinations or hidden gems, there's an ideal island (or islands) for basking in the sun. Experience stunning volcanic beaches, intriguing historical sites, breathtaking sunsets, and so much more on Greece's premier islands.

Discover the best Greek islands: Sifnos

Nestled in the Aegean Sea, Sifnos is celebrated for its charming Cycladic architecture, picturesque views, and exceptional cuisine. This island is a favorite among couples and families alike, offering a range of family-friendly accommodations and romantic experiences. Upon arriving in Sifnos from Piraeus port in Athens, you’ll likely land near the inviting Kamares Beach.

Kamares Beach features a long, pristine stretch of shallow waters and golden sands, making it the perfect starting point for your adventure, with numerous restaurants and bars nearby. If you visit in spring, you’ll witness blooming wildflowers and vibrant Easter celebrations. Summer brings the warmest weather but also the most visitors, while fall, especially October, offers warm temperatures with fewer crowds. Even in winter, the island enjoys plenty of sunshine, though temperatures dip and waters cool down.

Exploring sights and activities in Sifnos

Sifnos boasts charming villages adorned with small, white-washed homes that blend seamlessly into the island’s natural beauty. Kastro, once the island's capital, is a highlight, preserving its medieval character and offering breathtaking sea views from its elevated position. Just about 2 miles west of Kastro lies Apollonia, the current capital of Sifnos, situated in the center of the island. This town features stunning churches and a folklore museum showcasing artifacts from the island’s rich history.

Accommodations in Sifnos

Sifnos offers a variety of delightful neighborhoods for your stay. In Platis Gialos, you can find beachfront options like Niriedes Hotel, located just about 100 meters from the shore. Aglaia Studios provide beautiful waterfront apartments in Kamares, while Astarte Luxury Apartments offer a pampering experience with a large pool and panoramic sea views. In the island’s capital, Apollonia, Gerofinikas Boutique Hotel features minimalist rooms in a tranquil setting, and NiMa Sifnos Residences offers centrally located apartments in Apollonia.

Discover the best Greek islands: Corfu

Corfu, one of the most sought-after Greek islands, is ideal for couples seeking a romantic escape or solo travelers eager for history and art. The main attractions are located in Corfu Town on the island's east coast. After exploring the mansions, museums, and historic squares, you can venture to the coast and uncover some of the island’s stunning beaches.

The beaches are surrounded by lush forests and mountains, featuring soft sands and clear blue waters that are typically warm and inviting during spring and summer. To enjoy pleasant weather while avoiding the crowds, consider visiting between April and May or from September to November. For those who don’t mind busier periods, July and August are the hottest months.

Exploring sights and activities in Corfu

The Achillion Palace, constructed in 1890 for the Empress of Austria, is a magnificent landmark. Its gardens are particularly remarkable, adorned with statues of Greek deities. Corfu also boasts numerous museums and galleries, including the Archaeological Museum, showcasing finds from across the island, and the Municipal Art Gallery, which primarily features local artists and often hosts temporary exhibitions.

Accommodations in Corfu

The ideal place to stay in Corfu depends on your vacation plans. If you aim to enjoy the beaches, consider accommodations in the seaside village of Paleokastritsa, like the Corfu Akrotiri Beach Hotel, which offers balconies with stunning sea views.

You might also explore the beachside resort of Dassia, situated closer to Corfu Town than Paleokastritsa, which offers small boat tours to nearby beaches. For those wanting to remain in Corfu Town, fantastic centrally located options include Divani Corfu Palace, a four-star hotel about 2 miles from the town center, and Acanthus Blue, a three-star hotel near both the airport and the town center.

Discover the best Greek islands: Mykonos

Mykonos is among the most famous Greek islands, celebrated for its vibrant nightlife and lively beaches. If you seek an energetic atmosphere, visiting Mykonos during the high season, from June to August, will offer the sunniest days and the largest crowds.

Spring and fall provide a more relaxed experience and are perfect for using Mykonos as a base for day trips or sailing tours to nearby islands. In winter, you’ll find the best prices and fewer visitors, making it an excellent time to explore the island’s cultural highlights that can be crowded in spring and summer.

Exploring sights and activities in Mykonos

The Mykonos Windmills, iconic landmarks of the island, are primarily found in Chora and are distinguished by their white walls and red blades. From this vantage point, you'll enjoy stunning views of Little Venice, where charming old houses perch right at the edge of the Aegean Sea, attracting artists drawn to its unique ambiance.

For a taste of Mykonos nightlife, visit Cavo Paradiso Club on Paradise Beach, which can host up to 3,000 revelers. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, check out Kastro’s in Little Venice, featuring a sea-facing balcony that offers the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Accommodations in Mykonos

For those seeking vibrant nightlife and cosmopolitan attractions, the main town of Chora is ideal, with options like A Hotel Mykonos just outside town or the Belvedere Hotel located in the Fine Arts District. If a beachfront stay is your preference, consider the luxurious Mykonos Blanc Hotel, situated near Ornos Beach. For a distinctive experience, book one of the charming houses that sit right on the water in Little Venice.

Discover the best Greek islands: Santorini

Santorini is not only one of Greece’s most beloved islands but also a top global travel destination, famous for its breathtaking sunsets, towering cliffs, and surreal landscapes. The island’s current form was shaped by the eruption of the Santorini Volcano around 1600 BCE, giving rise to its stunning volcanic beaches featuring red and black sands.

If you're planning a summer visit, be sure to secure your flights and accommodations well ahead of time. Spring is typically the ideal season for a trip, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds, particularly before May. Fall is also a lovely time to visit, though be aware that some accommodations and restaurants may close in late November and not reopen until March.

Exploring sights and activities in Santorini

Oia is an ancient village renowned for its iconic whitewashed houses topped with blue domes. The Venetian Castle of Oia, built in the 15th century, attracts countless visitors eager to witness one of Greece’s most stunning sunsets over the Aegean Sea. The Santorini Volcano remains dormant yet active, and you can explore its crater on Nea Kameni, accessible only by boat. The ground is adorned with black and red lava stones, providing a view of the caldera, a crescent-shaped volcanic crater linked to the legend of the lost city of Atlantis.

Accommodations in Santorini

Santorini offers a wealth of charming towns and neighborhoods for your stay, whether you prefer lush inland nature or beachfront views along the Aegean Sea. Consider Revelis Villa & Canava in the capital, Fira, for a location close to the city center with beautiful sea views. The Art Maisons Oia Castle hotel is conveniently located near the Venetian Castle, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the town’s breathtaking sunsets while also offering stunning views of the Santorini Volcano. For a beachside retreat, the Atlantis Beach Villa sits right on the black sand beach of Perivolos and is also near the Santorini Water Park, perfect for water lovers.

Explore the best Greek islands: Crete

Crete, the largest of Greece’s islands, boasts spectacular landscapes, beautiful beaches, and intriguing historical sites, making it an ideal destination for families with numerous kid-friendly accommodations and activities. You can step back in time in the medieval towns of Chania and Heraklion or bask in the sun at picturesque beaches like Balos and Elafonsi.

You can easily access Crete from Piraeus Port in Athens, with daily trips available during the peak season. From Crete, you can also travel to nearby islands like Santorini and Rhodes from the Heraklion port. The island enjoys lovely weather from mid-May to late October; however, expect crowds during the summer months, particularly in July and August, so it’s wise to book in advance if you plan to visit during that time.

Exploring sights and activities in Crete

Crete is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. There are numerous walking trails and hikes, including the renowned Gorge of Samaria, located on the southern side of the Chania region, which is home to many rare plant and animal species. In Heraklion, you can explore the Minoan Palace of Phaestos on Kastri Hill, where excavations began in 1884 and continue to this day.

While much of the palace remains off-limits, visitors can access certain areas and appreciate its grandeur from the outside. The Rethymno region is a fantastic spot for divers, offering several diving tours to fascinating underwater reefs and shipwrecks. You can also visit the historic Preveli Monastery, which dates back to the 17th century.

Accommodations in Crete

Crete is divided into four main regions: Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, and Lassithi. Heraklion is perfect for those interested in Greece's archaeological treasures, with some of the best sites located nearby. Rethymno is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to explore beaches and hiking trails. Chania offers luxurious tourist resorts for a relaxing holiday, while Lassithi features stunning natural landscapes and charming villages throughout the island.

Discover the best Greek islands: Serifos

If you're seeking an authentic local experience away from the usual tourist traps, Serifos is one of the best Greek islands to explore. This less-visited yet stunning island features beautiful natural landscapes and has only a few tourist facilities near the port of arrival. You can access Serifos via ferry, with boats departing from Piraeus Port in Athens and reaching the island in about 4 hours. The ideal time to visit is between May and October, when you'll enjoy pleasant, sunny weather and minimal rain; for fewer crowds, consider traveling in May or during September to October.

Exploring sights and activities in Serifos

At the highest point in Chora, you'll find the charming Church of Agios Konstantinos, a small blue-and-white church adorned with murals and a lovely garden. The breathtaking sea views make the short hike to the church worthwhile. Serifos boasts 12 main beaches, with Livadakia Beach being particularly popular due to its stunning scenery and close proximity to the port. History enthusiasts will appreciate the various sites on Serifos, including the ruins of Grias Castle, the Archaeological Museum, and the Old Mines of Serifos.

Top accommodations in Serifos

Many hotels and accommodations in Serifos focus on eco-friendly designs and materials. Options with stunning sea views include Coco-Mat Eco Residences and Pende Natura Residences. Serifos Blue Apartments are located just about 1,200 meters from the harbor, offering direct views of the deep blue Aegean Sea. The stone villas at Pende Traditional Luxury Villas are situated only 80 meters from Livadakia Beach and come with fully equipped kitchens.