Guide to Greek islands – 10 most beautiful islands for your upcoming vacation
🕗 8 minutes | January 22, 2024 | Text Klara Krysiak, Mateusz Łapuć
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Do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Leave your worries at home, pack your suitcase and set off for the most paradisiacal corners of the world. The Greek islands are calling! There are over 2,500 of them, and deciding which one to visit first can be overwhelming. Don't worry — we've taken care of everything for you! Join us on a tour of 10 stunning Greek islands.
- Crete — the largest island in Greece
- Santorini — the most beautiful Greek island
- Charming Lefkada on the Ionian archipelago
- Mykonos — the cosmopolitan Aegean island
- Rhodes — the sunny Greek island
- Kefalonia — the most underrated Greek island
- Zakynthos — a wonderful, small Greek island
- Corfu — the queen of the Ionian Islands
- Tinos — a small island with a rich history
- Summary
- Greek islands — which one to choose? Frequently asked questions.
Top 10: the most beautiful Greek islands — a guide to famous and lesser-known Greek islands
A holiday in Greece guarantees an unforgettable break, filled with relaxation and rejuvenation! What else can you expect?
- a Mediterranean climate,
- great weather,
- sandy beaches,
- charming towns,
- delicious Greek cuisine,
- breathtaking landscapes of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago.
Are you wondering which Greek island is the best choice for your holiday? Read our guide to the Greek islands, choose your favourite spot, and start planning the journey of a lifetime today. How? By booking flights to Greece, of course!
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![A beautiful blonde in a bikini on a boat enjoying the view of the famous Navagio shipwreck beach on Zakynthos Island in Greece, among the Greek islands.](/content/dam/lot/lot-com/other-images/people/woman-boat-greece.coreimg.jpg/1723631885893/woman-boat-greece.jpg)
Crete — the largest island in Greece
Crete — the largest Greek island with fairy-tale landscapes, a vibrant culture, and delicious local cuisine. It's a place where boredom simply doesn't exist, and its charm attracts tourists from all over the world. Ancient landmarks, towering mountains, and paradisiacal beaches… it's no wonder Crete is known as the queen of the Greek islands. Here, mythology intertwines with historical events, and ancient ruins add to the overall allure and ambiance. Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Knossos Palace — these places are must-sees on your list!
While exploring Crete, be sure to visit the birthplace of Zeus (or the death of Zorba the Greek), immerse yourself in the emerald waters on one of the fairy-tale beaches, and in the evening settle in at a local taverna. While holidaying in Greece, try the local dishes and products that have earned Cretans a reputation as the healthiest people in the world. Fragrant olives, grilled feta, or perhaps juicy tomatoes ripened under the Greek sun? These are just some of the suggestions that Crete has to offer!
Which Greek island for your holiday? The largest Greek island — Crete — is an option you should definitely consider! So, shall we fly to Chania?
![Aerial view of a turquoise beach on Crete, in Greece (Elafonissi Beach). Greek islands.](/content/dam/lot/lot-com/destination-photos/grecja/crete-greece.coreimg.jpg/1700668667257/crete-greece.jpg)
Santorini — the most beautiful Greek island
Santorini — the most beautiful Greek island, is located on a volcano in the Aegean Sea. Extraordinary landscapes and nature, picturesque architecture, and delicious local food — is there a better combination?
The island of Santorini is the perfect choice if you crave romantic landscapes during your holiday. It is here that you'll find iconic buildings with blue domes and white finishes. Numerous steep cliffs and fairy-tale beaches with azure waters also capture your attention.
![Santorini — a small Greek island in Greece, view of Oia, traditional architecture with windmills, Greek islands.](/content/dam/lot/lot-com/destination-photos/grecja/Santorini.coreimg.jpg/1723626299250/Santorini.jpg)
Santorini is undoubtedly the calling card of Greece, appreciated not only by tourists but also by businessmen, celebrities, and artists from around the world. Which Greek islands are worth visiting? The fairy-tale Santorini is a perfect hit!
Charming Lefkada on the Ionian archipelago
Greek islands — which one to choose searching for golden beaches and picturesque landscapes? Choose charming Lefkada and relax amidst its characteristic white cliffs.
Lefkada is regarded as an unpolished gem in the crown of the Ionian Islands, and its lower popularity attracts tourists seeking peace and relaxation in nature. When visiting the island, head to the fairy-tale beaches of Porto Katsiki and Egremni, which tempt with crystalline waters and stunning scenery.
![A picturesque Greek region — colorful houses above turquoise water. The most beautiful islands of Greece.](/content/dam/lot/lot-com/destination-photos/grecja/preveza/parga-preveza1409949213.coreimg.jpg/1723626299228/parga-preveza1409949213.jpg)
Lefkada is also a paradise for trekking and water sports enthusiasts. While you're here, try your hand at kitesurfing and snorkelling, and explore the local nature on one of the 20 available hiking trails. Lesser-known Greek islands, perfect for an unforgettable holiday? Lefkada is number one!
Mykonos — the cosmopolitan Aegean island
A charming Greek island that you simply cannot miss — Mykonos. Also known as the island of winds, it belongs to the Cyclades archipelago and is ideal for a calm and relaxing holiday.
The hallmark of this enchanting island is 18 — timeless white windmills that add beauty and atmosphere to the entire area. You'll also find stunning beaches, experience the local way of life, and delight your eyes with picturesque Greek architecture. There is no shortage of stylish tavernas and restaurants serving delicious Greek dishes. In Mykonos, boredom is simply impossible, and the party lasts until dawn!
Planning to visit the southern Aegean islands? Choose Mykonos and explore Greece the way you love!
![Mykonos coastline — white buildings by the sea at sunset. Greek islands.](/content/dam/lot/lot-com/destination-photos/grecja/mykonos2.coreimg.jpg/1723626299212/mykonos2.jpg)
Rhodes — the sunny Greek island
If you prefer an active holiday, be sure to head to the southern part of the island — it’s a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts, especially windsurfing amateurs! The island of Rhodes also offers sandy beaches and coastlines, enchanting nature, and (probably) is the most visited Greek island!
A mountainous Greek island where time seems to flow differently? Choose Rhodes and plan your journey with us.
![Charming coastline with white buildings and ships on Rhodes. Greek islands.](/content/dam/lot/lot-com/destination-photos/grecja/GettyImages-1072123446_rho.coreimg.jpg/1723626299183/GettyImages-1072123446_rho.jpg)
Kefalonia — the most underrated Greek island
Among the best Greek islands, the magical Kefalonia could not be missed! Feel carefree and at peace amidst Mediterranean nature, take a dip in the sea on one of its idyllic beaches, and savour excellent Greek cuisine at one of the local tavernas. Isn't that a wonderful promise of a great holiday? Be sure to also visit Melissani Cave, known in Greek mythology as the Nymph Cave, and the fairy-tale Mirtos Beach set against dramatic cliffs.
Among the lesser-known Greek islands, choose Kefalonia and immerse yourself in its extraordinary charm. Book a flight to Greece and spend your holiday on the most underrated Greek island.
![The most beautiful islands of Greece — Kefalonia.](/content/dam/lot/lot-com/destination-photos/grecja/kefalonia-greece.coreimg.jpg/1723626302260/kefalonia-greece.jpg)
Zakynthos — a wonderful, small Greek island
What makes Zakynthos stand out — a Greek island? Hmm, where to begin? Imagine stunning landscapes, the turquoise Ionian Sea, and mysterious limestone cliffs — but that’s not all. What mesmerizes tourists arriving on the island is… the scent of orange blossom honey filling the air! What’s next?
Have you heard of the Caretta Caretta turtles, which live only on Zakynthos? What an exciting and unique experience to see them with your own eyes! You can find them on Laganas Beach, near the famous Wedding Island — Cameo, and around Gerakas, where the turtle rehabilitation centre is located. An absolute hit of Zakynthos is also the Shipwreck Bay, which has gained worldwide popularity and is considered the most beautiful (and romantic) spot on the island.
![Shipwreck Bay on Zakynthos, Greek Islands](/content/dam/lot/lot-com/destination-photos/grecja/zakintos-1.coreimg.jpg/1723626299255/zakintos-1.jpg)
Corfu — the queen of the Ionian Islands
Corfu is the absolute queen among the Ionian Islands, so if you haven't yet found your place on Earth, it's worth heading there. Beautiful beaches, delicious food, breathtaking landscapes, and the art of enjoying life are just a few of the many advantages of the island.
Depending on what you're looking for in your Greek holiday, consider exploring different corners of the island.
- If you're dreaming of a family holiday, developed tourist infrastructure, and sandy beaches, head to the northern part of the island — Sidari, Roda, or Acharavi are perfect towns for you!
- If you're more into sightseeing and want to experience the local atmosphere, choose to stay in towns like Dassia, Gouvia, Moraitika, or Benitses, from where you can easily reach most of the key attractions.
![A beautiful beach on Corfu, Greece, Greek islands.](/content/dam/lot/lot-com/destination-photos/grecja/corfu-1.coreimg.jpg/1723626299068/corfu-1.jpg)
Tinos — a small island with a rich history
Tinos is a small but charming island in the Cyclades. It is primarily known for its picturesque dovecotes and the beautiful Panagia Evangelistria church. You could say it’s the Greek version of Częstochowa, Lourdes, and Santiago de Compostela all in one! But that's not all — Tinos also boasts amazing green marbles, which even Queen Elizabeth II admired. On the island, you’ll find many sandy beaches, charming towns, and a variety of other attractions. You’ll fall in love with Tinos!
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![Traditional Greek taverna on Tinos, Greek islands.](/content/dam/lot/lot-com/destination-photos/grecja/Greece.coreimg.jpg/1723626303319/Greece.jpg)
Summary
Which Greek islands should you visit during your vacation? You have many options, so you're sure to find something for yourself. However, remember that the most beautiful Greek islands are often the lesser-known ones, which most of us tend to forget. How about Milos — a small island surrounded by white cliffs, or Naxos, known for its green landscapes? Or perhaps a relaxing holiday on the mythological Greek island of Lesbos? Choose your dream destination and book flights to Greece!