Guide to The Greek Isles; My Ultimate Guide
The Greek Islands are a group of over 6,000 islands located in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, near the coast of Greece. Only approximately 227 of these islands are inhabited, and even fewer are accessible to tourists! The islands are popular tourist destinations attracting millions of visitors each year for their beaches, varied attractions and nightlife. I thought it was about time I wrote a bit of a guide to one of my favourite destinations, so my guide to the Greek Isles was born…
The most popular Greek islands among tourists are:
- Santorini
- Mykonos
- Crete
- Rhodes
- Corfu
- Zakynthos
These islands are arguably the easiest to get to from the UK, but as these islands become busier, more routes are opening up to some of the lesser-known islands such as:
- Hydra
- Ios
- Andros
- Paros
- Paxos
Many of these islands can be reached directly from the UK. Otherwise, they can be reached via ferry from other Greek Islands or the Greek mainland. So here’s your whistle-stop tour of some of the more off-the-beaten-track islands.
Alonissos
Getting there: Take a ferry from the mainland, or fly to Skiathos and catch a ferry from the port there.
Where to stay: Patitiri is the main port of Alonissos and has a good selection of accommodation. Otherwise, Alonissos Old Town, Steni Vala – a small fishing village, and Votsi – a village near Patitiri – all offer hotels and apartments.
What to do:
- Explore the old town, a picturesque village with narrow streets and whitewashed houses.
- Visit the National Marine Park of Alonissos, which is home to rare marine species such as the Mediterranean Monk Seal. You can take a boat trip to get there.
- Relax on some of the island’s beaches, said to be some of the most beautiful in Greece.
- Go scuba diving, there are many colourful reefs, caves and dive sites to explore. There are also diving courses offered on the island.
- Visit the Alonissos Folklore Museum which showcases the island’s traditional way of life.
- Hike some of the trails on the island which will take you through the island’s forests, olive groves and countryside.
Best for: Nature lovers, beach-goers, culture enthusiasts and foodies.
Andros
Getting there: Andros can be reached by ferry from Rafina (near Athens). Or by flying to Andros Island National Airport via internal flight.
Where to stay: Andros offers a range of accommodation options in areas such as Batsi, Chora and Paleopolis.
What to do:
- Hike the island’s scenic trails which offer amazing views of the island.
- Visit some of the traditional villages such as Chora and Paleopolis, each with its own character.
- Enjoy the local cuisine and nightlife.
- Visit the Men’s Monastery, dedicated to the patron saint of the island. It offers stunning views across the island.
- Visit the baths of Aphrodite. It’s said to have been the birthplace of the goddess of love and beauty.
- Swim, sunbathe and relax on one of the island’s many beaches.
Best for: Wellness seekers, foodies, beach lovers, solo travellers and families
Folegandros
Getting there: Folegandros can be reached by ferry from Piraeus (Athens), or from other nearby islands such as Santorini and Ios.
Where to stay: There is a range of accommodation available, from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels in areas such as Folegandros Town and Karavostasis.
What to do:
- Explore the main town of Folegandros which is a maze of narrow streets, surrounded by whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches.
- Visit the church of Panagia.
- Visit the ancient ruins at Chora.
- Relax on one of the island’s beaches or snorkel in the crystal clear waters.
- Hike the trails on the island which offer amazing views of the island.
- Visit the Folegandros Folklore Museum.
Best for: Nature lovers, beach lovers, couples, solo travellers and adventure seekers.
Hydra
Getting there: The easiest way to reach Hydra is definitely flying into Athens and then getting the ferry across.
Where to stay: Most of the accommodation in Hydra is centred around Hydra Town. There is something to fit most budgets.
What to do:
- Explore Hydra Town with its cobblestone streets and traditional buildings. There are no cars on the island – transportation is limited to on foot or donkey!
- Take a boat trip around the island, or visit one of the nearby islands of Dokos or Spetses.
- Visit the Hydra Museum which showcases the island’s heritage.
- Relax on one of Hydra’s beaches, or hunt down one of the island’s more secluded beaches which you may be lucky enough to have to yourself.
- Head out for a walk on one of the hiking trails on offer, the most popular leads up the Monastery of Profitis Ilias which overlooks Hydra town.
- Visit Hydra Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, dating back to the 17th Century.
Best for: Couples wanting complete relaxation, history and art lovers, and hiking enthusiasts.
Ios
Getting there: Ios can be reached by ferry from either Athens or Santorini, both easily accessible from the UK.
Where to stay: Popular tourist areas on the island include Chora, Mylopotas, and Ormos, with accommodation to suit every budget and taste.
What to do:
- Visit Homer’s Tomb. This is where according to Greek mythology, the poet Homer is buried.
- Visit the island’s main village, known as the Chora, with narrow alleys, whitewashed buildings and views over the sea.
- Relax on one of the island’s beaches – whether you prefer small and secluded, or lively with beach bars, there’ll be a beach for you.
- Ios is famous for its nightlife, so get your dancing shoes on and experience the island’s nightlife at one of the many bars or beach parties.
- Get your snorkel out and explore some of the stunning marine life and clear waters.
Best for: Party-goers, beach lovers and couples
Kefalonia
Getting there: Kefalonia can be reached by ferry from Rhodes, or by flying to Kefalonia International Airport.
Where to stay: Kefalonia offers a range of accommodation in the towns of Argostoli, Lixouri, Pesada, and Skala.
What to do:
- Visit the Assos Castle, a medieval fortress overlooking the village of Assos.
- Hike some of Kefalonia’s walking trails, looking out for some of the sights from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
- Visit the Melissani Cave with its crystal clear waters and unique rock formations. The cave is also said to have therapeutic properties.
- Visit another of island’s famous caves, the Drogarati Cave which features stalactites and stalagmites which have been forming for millions of years.
- Go wine tasting, there are several wineries which produce high-quality wines in Kefalonia. Visitors can take tours of some of these wineries, learn about the wine-making process, and of course, sample some of the local wines.
- Attend one of many music or theatre events that take place regularly on Kefalonia.
Best for: Families, couples, culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.
Kalymnos
Getting there: Kalymnos can be reached by via either from the mainland at Piraeus (Athens), or from the nearby islands of Kos and Rhodes.
Where to stay: The main resorts on the island are Masouri, popular with climbers and walkers, and Panormos which has several sandy beaches and many tavernas and shops.
What to do:
- Go rock climbing, there are hundreds of routes and crags which attract climbers from all over the world. There are also many experienced instructors on the island if you’re a beginner.
- Visit the Castle of Chora which is a medieval fortress overlooking the village of Kalymnos.
- Relax on one of the island’s beaches which have crystal clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Go scuba diving – Kalymnos features some of the most impressive diving sites in Greece, with rich marine life, underwater caves, and shipwrecks to explore. There are several diving centres on the island that offer courses and guided dives.
Best for: Climbers and walkers, dive enthusiasts, beach lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Lefkada
Getting there: Lefkada can be reached by ferry from Athens or Kefalonia. Or by flying to Aktion National Airport, followed by a drive over the bridge connecting the mainland to the island.
Where to stay: Popular areas for tourist accommodation include Lefkada Town, Nidri, Mikros Yialos, and Agios Nikitas.
What to do:
- Go windsurfing or kitesurfing – the island has some of the best wind conditions in Greece. There is a range of beginner and advanced courses available.
- Explore the historic landmarks of Agia Mavra fortress and the Archaeological Museum.
- Relax on one of the island’s beautiful beaches and watch the water sports taking place.
- Visit the waterfalls on the island such as the Dimosari Waterfalls and Nydri Waterfalls. They are located in lush green valleys so are perfect for seeking shade in the summer.
- Explore some of the island’s many villages which their narrow streets, colourful houses, shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- Visit the island’s wineries to take a tour and taste some of the local wines.
- Attend a festival on the island – there are many events during the year to showcase local traditions and customs. The most famous is the International Folklore Festival which takes place every August.
Best for: Families, couples, and water sports enthusiasts
Milos
Getting there: Milos can be reached by ferry or internal flight from Athens. With more routes to Athens now available from UK airports, the island is becoming increasingly accessible for a summer getaway.
Where to stay: There is a range of accommodation available in the main areas of Adamas, Pollonia, and Plaka.
What to do:
- Take a boat tour to nearby islands.
- Hire a car and explore the whole island, but be prepared for the winding roads!
- Go snorkelling in the beautifully clear waters at one of the island’s many beaches.
- Visit the ancient Roman theatre.
- Take in the island’s geology and beautiful beaches such as Sarakiniko Beach.
Best for: Couples, scuba divers/snorkelling enthusiasts, and foodies
Naxos
Getting there: You can reach Naxos by ferry from Piraeus (Athens) or some of the other nearby islands. Or you can also fly to Naxos via an internal flight from Athens.
Where to stay: The main areas for tourists to stay are Naxos Town, Agios Prokopios, Plaka Beach, and Agia Anna, which is a good option for people looking for a quieter holiday.
What to do:
- Explore Naxos Town which is the capital of the island with narrow streets and a lively waterfront.
- Visit some of the many historical sites such as the Castle of Naxos in Naxos Town, the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Dimitra, and the Temple of Dionysus.
- Go hiking in the mountains of Naxos. You can hike up Mount Zas, the highest peak, or explore the Tragea Valley.
- Visit some of the most charming villages on the island such as Aprianthos, Halki, and Filoti.
- Take a boat trip to some of the nearby islands such as Paros and Mykonos. You can also take a day trip to Delos, which was once a religious centre in Ancient Greece.
- Relax on one of the island’s many beaches, or try snorkelling in the waters around the coastline.
- Try the local cuisine such as fresh seafood, and locally made cheese, and traditional dishes such as potatoes with lemon and olive oil.
Best for: Beach lovers, history enthusiasts, foodies, couples, and families.
Paros
Getting there: Paros can be reached by ferry from Piraeus, or by flying to Paros National Airport.
Where to stay: Popular areas for accommodation include Naoussa, Parikia, and Pounda.
What to do:
- Explore the island’s stunning beaches, such as Golden Beach and Santa Maria Beach.
- Visit the historic sites of the Venetian Castle in Parikia, the island’s capital and main port.
- Visit the ancient marble quarries on the island.
- Take a boat trip to some of the other nearby islands such as Antiparos and Despotiko.
- Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Naoussa and Parikia.
- Enjoy one of the island’s many cultural events or festivals which are held throughout the year.
- Try the local food, specialities include locally made cheese, fresh seafood, and Greek classics such as Souvlaki and Gemista.
- Visit Butterfly Valley which is a unique national park where thousands of butterflies gather in the summer months.
Best for: Couples, foodies, families, history enthusiasts, and party lovers.
Paxos
Getting there: Paxos can be reached by ferry from the Greek mainland, or from the island of Corfu.
Where to stay: Gaios is the largest and busiest town, but accommodation can also be found in Lakka and Loggos.
What to do:
- Visit the three main villages of Gaios, Loggos, and Lakka, each with its own character.
- Relax on one of the island’s beaches such as Vrika Beach and Erimitis Beach.
- Hire a boat and explore the island yourself, or take a boat trip to Antipaxos and the Blue Caves.
- Visit the Olive Press Museum which showcases the traditional process of olive oil production.
- Hike some of the ancient footpaths on the island.
- Go snorkelling or scuba diving in crystal-clear waters.
- Explore some of the main historical sites such as the remains of the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis of Paxos.
Best for: Couples, nature lovers, families, and beach lovers
Samos
Getting there: you can fly direct to Samos from some UK airports, or take an internal flight from Athens or Thessaloniki. You can also reach the island via ferry from Athens or some of the other nearby islands.
Where to stay: The island’s capital Samos Town is perfect for those looking for a quieter holiday. The other resorts of Kokari, Mikali, Pythagorion, and Votsalakia provide accommodation for all budgets and tastes.
What to do:
- Visit the Caves of Pythagoras on the island and find out more about where Pythagoras taught geometry.
- Take a day trip to Turkey.
- Visit some of the other nearby islands such as Patmos (which is twinned with Glastonbury!).
- Visit the Heraion of Samos which is an important archaeological site dedicated to the goddess Hera. It’s one of the largest temple complexes in Greece.
- Explore the town of Pythagoreio, named after the famous mathematician Pythagoras who was born on Samos.
- Relax on one of the island’s many beaches, or try water sports like snorkelling, diving, and windsurfing.
- Find the waterfalls, streams, and lakes in a gorge that leads to Potami Beach. Try climbing and caving in the area.
- Hike one of the many trails on the island which offer stunning views and visit some historical monuments.
Best for: Families, couples, beach lovers, adventure seekers, and history enthusiasts.
Skopelos
Getting there: Skopelos can be reached by ferry from Skiathos, so is perfect for combining the two in a multi-island trip!
Where to stay: There is a range of hotels and apartments available in the main areas of Skopelos Town, Glossa, and Staflyos.
What to do:
- Explore Skopelos Town where a lot of the film Mamma Mia was filmed. Keep an eye open for the famous flower-filled courtyards and cobbled streets.
- Visit one of the chapels on the island – there are over 100 to choose from!
- Relax on one of the island’s stunning beaches and explore the small covers and secluded bays around the island.
- Explore the island’s many villages which all have their own unique character.
- Try your hand at kayaking or snorkelling. You can rent a kayak or take a guided tour to explore the island’s coastline and hidden bays.
- Visit the Skopelos Folklore Museum.
Best for: Families looking for a quiet getaway, nature lovers, and beach lovers.
Syros
Getting there: Syros can be reached by ferry from Piraeus (Athens), or by flying to Syros Island National Airport via an internal flight.
Where to stay: Syros offers a range of accommodation. from budget-friendly to luxury in the areas of Ermoupolis, Galissas, and Vari.
What to do:
- Explore the main town of Syros, Ermoupoli, with its narrow streets, traditional houses, and churches. Also, visit the Apollo Theatre in the town
- Visit the Archaeological Museum of Syros, the Industrial Museum, or the Ermoupolis Maritime museum for a taste of the island’s culture and history.
- Visit the Church of Anastasi, a famous landmark on the island.
- Relax on one of the island’s many beaches which are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing. Or try windsurfing or diving if you want something a little more active.
- Visit the castle of Apano Kastro.
- Try the island’s unique cuisine such as revithada (chickpea stew), fava (split pea dip), and traditional sweets (loukoumia).
Best for: Couples, families, culture lovers, and foodies
Obviously, this is only a selection of the islands on offer which are easiest to get to, and where packages are already available. There are other islands you can visit, often on an island hopping holiday, or cruise, but to cover them all would take me about 6 months to write…and I imagine take you hours to read!
If you want to find out more about any of the islands, or are interested in booking a trip to one of them, just get in touch.
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Right, I’m off to dream of my own Greek Island getaway now!
