Top 10 Best Greek Islands to Visit this Summer

Greek Islands are a popular holiday destination for many people around the world. The islands are known for their whitewashed Greek buildings, cobblestone streets, Greek foods, nightlife, and crystal-clear white beaches. For instance, you can pick Mykonos for the parties, Santorini for the views, Paros for the beautiful Instagram photos, and Kefalonia for a private holiday with fewer people. 

There are also tonnes of activities to do while in the Greek islands, such as;

• Exploring the sandy beaches and crystal clear waters
• Exploring Greek architectures 
• Sampling Greek Cuisines
• Cliff jumping
• Swimming
• Shopping 
• Boat tour
• Snorkeling
• Sundowner

With all the beautiful activities to explore while on Greek Island, you definitely don’t want to miss the experience of the natural beauty of paradise. Be mesmerized by the beauty of its beaches and see the islands at their finest in your own eyes.

Here are my Top 10 Greek Islands

Santorini

When I think of Greece, what comes to mind is Santorini. It is a classic island for a good reason. In fact, I don’t understand why people say that Santorini is so hyped up for no reason. This island, located in the southeast of Greece, has one of the most beautiful views in the world, breathtaking beaches, the best wine, and a combination of social life and nightlife. 

When in Santorini, the first place you should visit is the classic town, Oia. The town has beautiful white-colored houses rising out of the red volcanic sand. Here you can experience a unique combination of the ancient, archaeological, and ecological value of Santorini with modern tourism opportunities. Sample the local cuisine to get a taste of Greek foods.  

The next stop should be at the Red Beach Santorini. The beach’s coast is surrounded by rocks and red sand, giving it a unique view. Don’t also forget to visit a winery while in Santorini. The town produces one of the best wines because of its climate. They produce at least 30 different types of indigenous Greek grapes perfect for making wine—examples of Wineries to explore while in Santorini include Santo Winery, Vassaltis Vineyards, and Boutari Winery. 

Paros 

Paros island is also one of the most popular Greek Islands. It is located in the central Aegean Sea. To get to Paros island, you will have to take a ferry from Mykonos, which is the quickest way to the island within an hour. The island is perfect if you want an active beach holiday or to relax in a luxurious hotel. The best beach to check out while in Paros is Kolymbithres Beach. It is located in northern Paros. The beach is unique, with insane views because huge granite blocks are stretched across the beach. You can also hire a tent and relax at the beach. There are also beautiful towns in Paris, and you can visit Naoussa village, a perfect place for a sundowner and dinner. Other activities to do while in Paros are horseback riding and cliff diving.

Milos

Milos is a tinny Greek island located in Cyclades. It gets tons of tourists during summer because of its beaches, churches, Cuisines, and taverns. As a tourist, take advantage of the beaches on Milos island, such as Kleftiko beach. For instance, Kfeftiko beach is accessed by taking a boat tour which is a fun way to enjoy your ride. The boat ride will tour sea caves and rock formations. You will also have a chance to dive in the blue waters and enjoy the crystal clear waters because they have popular tourist snorkeling spots. Don’t also forget to visit the Papafragas Caves. There are huge cliffs which are a great spot for crystal clear beaches, and Instagram photos from the cliffs. Another place I would recommend visiting while in Milos is Barriello Restaurant. The seafood experience here is just the best. You will enjoy their cheesy couscous with shrimps and various types of sea salads. You will also get a taste of the islands’ self-sufficient lifestyle by sampling delicious local cheeses.

Crete 

Crete is situated in the south of the Greek mainland. It is actually one of the biggest Greek islands featuring exotic natural beauty, beaches, archaeological sites, and vibrant nightlife. Crete offers an unforgettable vacation for any tourist. The first place I would recommend visiting while in Crete is Balo Beach. It is an enchanting beach with a lot to offer, including sunbathing, swimming in clear blue waters, and relaxing on the shore. 

Another place to visit is Elafonissi Beach, located on the southwest side of Crete. The beach is known for its beautiful pink sand, a great spot for pictures and swimming. The beach is normally busy with people, restaurants, and cozy chilling spots to enjoy the view. However, I would advise you if you want to have a better view of the pink sand to visit the beach in the morning.  

Next, visit Heraklion, the central part of the city, where you will find many restaurants, bars, and shopping centers. You will enjoy Heraklion cuisine and the beautiful architecture sold at their market. Also, sample the street foods such as Raki, greek coffee, and pork souvlaki gyro. The island will offer you a combination of great history, food, and beautiful beaches. 

Amorgos

Amorgos is a beautiful, small island located in the middle of Greece. It is also a lesser-known island. However, the place is serene and the perfect getaway if you want a peaceful vacation in a town with fewer people. For international travelers arriving in Athens, you can book a ferry that will take you directly to the island. Another alternative is to fly to Naxos Island and take a ferry to Amorgos for only 50 minutes.

Amorgos offers great beaches and unmatched scenery, ideal for a vacation. One of my favorite beaches that you should try while in Amorgos is Levrossos Beach. This is the kind of beach with natural trees and restaurants. You can easily order a sun bed, buy cocktails and sunbathe while enjoying your cocktail. The water is also clear for swimming. You also have to visit the Panagia Hozoviotissa Monastery, one of the main tourist attractions on the island. The climb to the cliffs and the building is worth it because you will end up with a breathtaking view of the island once you are on top.

Zakynthos

Zakynthos is another paradise located on the Greek islands. It has many beaches and lots of local restaurants to explore. The first place you must visit while in Zakynthos is Zante town. You can explore the town on foot, rent an electric bike, or cruise around town. It looks like paradise, very beautiful and peaceful. The island offers warm weather, delicious Greek food, bars, and tourist shopping centers.

The next place is the Bouka Beach Tsilivi. The beach is beautiful, with clear waters to swim and go snorkeling. Another place that I highly recommend is the Olive Press Museum, located in Lithakia, Zakynthos. Here you will have an opportunity to try different flavored olive oils and olives. 

Mykonos

Mykonos is a small island in the Aegean Sea, located off the coast of Greece. It is the ideal place for a girls’ trip, vacation, and party at the beach. While on the island, you must visit beach clubs such as Scorpios. Here you will experience a great ambiance, music, drinks, and food. Also, Little Venice is the best spot to be while in Mykonos. It’s a perfect place to get one or two margaritas while watching the sunset. You can also hire a boat in Mykonos and enjoy your dinner while in the middle of the ocean. Other places you can visit while in Mykonos are the Old Port of Mykonos which is rich in Greek history, and Mykonos Brewing Company.

Naxos

The Island of Naxos, in the Cyclades, Greece, is also an amazing island for your next vacation. They have various restaurants, including Rotonda restaurant, which has breathtaking views over the mountains. You will have a better opportunity of seeing the sunset while having your wine or cocktails. Don’t forget to visit Agia Anna Beachcliff jumping and swimming. Other places to visit while in Naxos are Portara,  Temple of Apollo, and Temple of Demeter, which are historical buildings with beautiful views.

Kefalonia

Located in the west of mainland Greece, Kefalonia is an ideal vacation island. I don’t know why it rarely gets much attention, but I guarantee you that it is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. The nature of this island is gorgeous. The perfect beaches I will suggest you visit in Kefalonia are Mythos and Skala Beach. Also, it would be best if you visited Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia. It is near the airport and hotels and has beautiful shopping centers. You will have a great time shopping for Greek artifacts. There are also numerous beaches around the town which are worth visiting.

Koufonisia

Koufonisia is also another hidden gem located in the Cyclades, Greece. With this exotic island, you will feel like you are on another planet, maybe mars. There are two islands in Koufonisia, and I recommend you visit Ano Koufonissi. Take a trip to Fanos Beach and swim in the turquoise and super crystal water, which is ideal for swimming. There are also beautiful restaurants and bars where you can order drinks and Greek seafood and the famous Raki drink.