You’ve set your eyes on Greece for your next sailing holiday, but you’re still having a hard time choosing the best Greek island(s) for your vacation? It is not at all surprising since Greece is a country that has a great selection of islands to visit and explore. There are more than 200 inhabited islands to choose from for your ideal sailing holiday in Greece. Moreover, there is a great variety between the islands. Most of them are so charming and unique that it’s not at all easy to choose which one to visit. So, let us help you save heaps of time with our updated insights into the best of Greek islands depending on your vacation aspirations.
Charter a yacht on the Greek islands and spend the best time sailing this gorgeous part of the Mediterranean. Also, don’t forget to check out what to eat while sailing in Greece.
List of the top 10 Greek Islands
10) Kos
Kos is one of the most popular islands of the Dodecanese, just behind Rhodes. Diversity is the main word when it comes to this enchanting island. It consists of many beautiful beaches, landscapes, historic sites and quiet places that are ideal for a family vacation. On the other hand, it can be a pretty good place for people seeking parties and fun. Kos is also very well located and accessible by plane, it is connected to Athens on a daily basis. So, it can be a starting point for many Greek island cruises and daily trips to other islands plus it’s very easy to move around on Kos as it is known as a cycling island as well.
Where is Greek Island Kos on a Map
The best beaches on Kos:
Our selection of the best beaches on Kos inlcudes: Agios Stefanos, Xerokambos, Agios Thelogos, Camel, and Tigaki.
9) Milos
The small island of Milos is famous for its volcanic history, barren landscape, and exotic white sand beaches, especially on the southern side of the island. It has more than 70 beaches and most of them are hidden. That makes this island a perfect spot for a quiet and calm vacation. One of the most famous ancient Greek sculptures The Aphrodite of Milos was discovered on Milos, an island with less than 5,000 inhabitants. Furthermore, one can explore the early Christian catacombs, prehistoric settlement in Fylakopis and a mining museum which makes it an excellent destination for archaeologists as well.
Where is Greek Island Milos on a Map
The best beaches on Milos:
Our selection of the best beaches on Milos inlcudes: Provatas, Hivadolimni, Tsigkrado, Sarakiniko, Gerontas, Papafragas, and Lagkada.
8) Paros
Paros is a Greek island historically known for its great white marble while today it is one of the main tourist attractions. If you are looking for a great nightlife scene, Paros will not disappoint you, in particular its main villages Parikia and Naoussa. Ideally located in the central Aegean Sea, Paros island also makes a great base for Greek island tours and daily trips. It has a lot of beautiful sandy beaches ranging from the quiet to the crowded ones. Moreover, on Paros a lot of windsurfing competitions take place. Attractive nightlife, restaurants, cultural heritage, beautiful beaches and location make Paros one of the best and most diverse Greek islands.
Where is Greek Island Paros on a Map
The best beaches on Paros:
Our selection of the best beaches on Paros includes: Lageri, Faragas, Martselo, Aliki, Monastiri, Golden Beach, and Piso Aliki.
7) Naxos
Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclade and, like many other Greek islands, can satisfy many tastes. However, we would call it most suitable for a family or a quiet couple’s vacation as it doesn’t get too crowded. Naxos still preserves its place under the radar allowing people to quietly enjoy their holidays as opposed to other more popular Cyclades islands. The western side of the island is well known for amazing beaches with exotic water and soft sand. Mikri Vigla Beach is one of the most popular places on the whole island. It is considered to be the best kitesurfing and windsurfing spot in the whole Cyclades. On the other hand, this island as well boasts many ancient sites and truly breathes history!
Where is Greek Island Naxos on a Map
The best beaches on Naxos:
Our selection of the best beaches on Naxos inlcudes: Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios, Alikos, Kastraki, Mikri Vigla, and Plaka.
6) Kefalonia
Blue-flag beaches, perfect weather, attractive Mount Enos, striking caves and tasty local cuisine. It all ensures Kefalonia has a secured spot on the list of the best Greek islands. This island became planetary popular after the filming of the Hollywood movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, starring Penelope Cruz, Nicolas Cage and John Hurt. Like Naxos, Kefalonia is a popular summer destination for couples and families alike. It has an atypical coastline, filled with scenic beaches and dramatic landscapes which makes it a unique spot on the map of Greek islands.
Where is Greek Island Kefalonia on a Map
The best beaches on Kefalonia island:
Our selection of the best beaches on Kefalonia island includes: Kimilia, Petani, Fteri, Kaminia, Myrtos, and Makris Gialos.
5) Rhodes
Rhodes is the most cosmopolitan of the Dodecanese islands. It is located near the Turkish coast, on the southeastern side of the Aegean. It has a strong cultural heritage and historic monuments such as the medieval Old Town, the spectacular Acropolis of Lindos, the Governor’s Palace and the Temple of Apollo. Rhodes became worldwide famous because of the Colossus of Rhodes, a 32m-high bronze statue of the sun god Helios, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and finished in 282 BC.
However, if you are more into resort-style vacations, Rhodes again is an excellent choice. On the south side of the island, you can find high-rise resorts and modern luxury hotels which present an absolute contrast to the atmospheric and bustling Old Town, a reminiscence from the past. To sum up, with Rhodes you can’t go wrong as you get the best of both worlds.
Where is Greek Island Rhodes on a Map
The best beaches on Rhodes:
Our selection of the best beaches on Rhodes includes: Ostria, Agios Pavlos, Agathi, Traounou, Traganou, Oasis, and Tsambika.
4) Corfu
Similar to Rhodes, Corfu is the cosmopolitan capital of the Ionian islands. Colonial influences of France, Great Britain and Venice can be seen all over the island – Venetian architecture, wonderful beaches and attractive monuments are just a few of many reasons why so many people visit this beautiful Greek island. On the other hand, even if you’re not a histrophille, this island will not disappoint you. Its luxurious resorts and hotels, stunning sand beaches, classy restaurants with local cuisine and untouched nature are what attracts a lot of tourists right to this Greek island.
Where is Greek Island Corfu on a Map
The best beaches on Corfu island:
Our selection of the best beaches on Corfu includes: Voutoumi, Porto Timoni, Bataria, Rovinia, Marathias, and Arillas.
3) Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It has strong historic importance due to its connection with the Minoan civilization, the earliest known civilization in Europe. Crete is on the map of the best Greek islands because it offers a wide range of activities – from mountain climbing, hiking, swimming, and gorge trekking to exploring many historic and archaeological sites. Western Crete has beautiful and stunning beaches, historic monuments and breathtaking mountains you just need to visit. This island is one of the sunniest spots in the Mediterranean and it has a climate with stronger winds, which is great for sailing addicts and people seeking an adventure. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a history enthusiast or a nature-lover, the island of Crete will definitely meet all your expectations.
Where is Greek Island Crete on a Map
The best beaches on Crete island:
Our selection of the best beaches on Crete includes: Elafonissi, Marmara, Kedrodasos, Triopetra, Falassarna, and Balos Lagoon.
2) Mykonos
The list of the best Greek islands without Mykonos is not a complete one. This party island had a crazy nightlife scene long before rave culture was invented. So, if you want a full-on luxury experience, Mykonos is the right place for you. Today it attracts celebrities who visit this beautiful island regularly. However, it is believed that way back in the 6th century, it was a popular pirate’s hangout.
Moreover, Cycladic architecture and magnificent beaches show another side of the island. It is not just for party people; you can enjoy long walks through the streets of Chora, see gorgeous sunsets from one of the most scenic corners of the island, Little Venice, or swim on exotic beaches like Paradise, Kalo Livadi or Super Paradise. As you can see, Mykonos is not just one of the best Greek islands, it is one of the most popular and beautiful ones in the whole world. Thus, look no further, and set sail on an adventure to discover this fascinating island where glamour meets simplicity.
Where is Greek Island Mykonos on a Map
The best beaches on Mykonos:
Our selection of the best beaches on Mykonos includes: Ekia, Kalo Livadi, Platis Gialos, Ornos, and Fokos.
1) Santorini
The king of all Greek islands. Beautiful Santorini was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in world history, and the only still inhabited caldera. It is worldwide famous for its stunning sunsets, an active volcano, white houses, and luxury hotels. Its resorts, diversity, and uniqueness of its landscape made it one of the most popular honeymoon destinations around the globe. Most of the beach resorts are located on the east coast of Santorini, but if you’re more into stunning views and dramatic scenery of the caldera then your best choice are resorts in either capital, Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli or Oia on the west coast.
However, to fully experience the romance of outstanding Santorini, our recommendation is the romantic little village of Oia. In any case, you can’t go wrong wherever you choose to spend your unforgettable days on Santorini which truly deserves to be on the top of the list of best Greek islands. Not just because of its historic importance, but also because it is indeed one of the most beautiful and unique places on our planet.
Where is Greek Island Santorini on a Map
The best beaches on Santorini island:
Our selection of the best beaches on Santorini inlcudes: Perivolos, Vlychada, Perissa, Kamari, Red and White Beach, and Kambia.
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