If this list doesn’t inspire your next beach holiday, we don’t know what will. Go forth and go island hopping”
Ah, the Greek islands. Is there any place in the world that seems as blessed by the gods? Home to some 6,000 islands, with only 227 actually inhabited, its crystalline blue waters, bleached white sand and scorching hot summers have made it a beacon for wanderers since the dawn of travel. And it’s not hard to see why – spread across the stunning waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, this archipelago of islands is home to some of the most picturesque beaches and coastlines you’ll see in Europe.
Header Image: Paliochori Beach, Milos. Image credit: Instagram.com/finduslost.
It stands to reason that every European summer you can near guarantee your Instagram feed will fill up with the highlight reel of some of the Greek isles most popular spots, think: Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu. And while we’ve got nothing against those islands per se (they’re home to some of the best beach clubs and restaurants), if you’re willing to go further afield your efforts will be swiftly rewarded with less crowds, quieter beaches and – of course – the most stunning natural beauty.
While each island is unique in its own way – some offer world-famous beaches that give the Amalfi a run for its money, like Lefkada’s Porto Katsiki Beach, others have more dubious claims to fame, such as Skopelos, which is one of the islands where Mamma Miawas filmed. So whether you’re looking to party (hello, Mykonos), go hiking (Crete’s your friend) or exploring an ancient town (try Tinos), then look no further than one of these stunning islands.
From the obvious to the lesser known, we’ve picked 28 of our favourites below.
Amorgos – Aigiali #Cyclades
Image credit: Instagram.com/adelantis
Andros #Cyclades
Image credit: Instagram.com/j.hatz
Astypalea #Cyclades
Image credit: Instagram.com/theviennesegirl
Cephalonia #Ionian
Image credit: Instagram.com/alexandros_nikolaou
Corfu #Ionian
Image credit: Instagram.com/sportsandtravelihk
Crete
Image credit: Instagram.com/manoleas
Folegandros #Cyclades
Image credit: Instagram.com/whatalexloves
Hydra #Argo-Saronicos
Image credit: Instagram.com/elea.zar
Ithaca #Ionion Sea
Image credit: Instagram.com/ithaki_island
Kythnos #Cyclades
Image credit: Instagram.com/katerinakatopis
Image credit: Instagram.com/minogiannisvalantis
Image credit: Instagram.com/finduslost
Mykonos #Cyclades
Image credit: Instagram.com/greece.vacation
Naxos #Cyclades
Image credit: Instagram.com/rorybrini
Paros #Cyclades
Image credit: Instagram.com/myshoesinthecity
Patmos #Dodecanses
Image credit: Instagram.com/joanna_ardi
Image credit: Instagram.com/giannis_osep
Rhodes #Dodecanses
Image credit: Instagram.com/nicky74toscana
Santorini #Cyclades
Image credit: Instagram.com/lebnomad
Serifos #Cyclades
Image credit: Instagram.com/athinaaki
Sifnos #Cyclades
Image credit: Instagram.com/vengio
Skopelos #Sporades
Image credit: Instagram.com/loucosporviagem
Spétses #Argo-Saronicos
Image credit: Instagram.com/katerinakatopis
Symi #Dodecanses
Image credit: Instagram.com/viadtahar
Syros #Cyclades
Image credit: Instagram.com/the_brunette_photographer
Thassos #North-Aegean
Image credit: Instagram.com/giorgos.zondi
Tinos #Cyclades
Image credit: Instagram.com/j.hatz
Zákynthos #Ionian Sea
Image credit: Instagram.com/chrispoops