How many islands are there in Greece?

There are a staggering 1,200 to 6,000 islands in Greece, ranging from the extremely well-known islands of Mykonos and Santorini to the lesser visited and relatively unknown islands of Samothraki and Leros, but not all of them are inhabited. There are between 166 and 227 islands that have people living on them but some islands are only home to 100 people or less.

Greece is able to have so many islands because of its long coastline, beating out other countries such as India and Turkey. Crete is the largest island when it comes to land area but the one that's the most visited is Santorini.

What are the most popular islands in Greece?

Greece boasts incredible islands full of cobblestoned streets to wander and glittering sandy beaches you could easily spend hours on so regardless of which island you choose for your holiday, you're bound to have an unforgettable time.

However, if you're searching for the perfect Instagrammable picture location or you've been listening to travel recommendations from friends and family members who've been to Greece before, chances are the islands listed below are at the top of every list.

Mykonos

Undeniably one of the shiniest jewels in the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is famous for its cobblestoned streets, golden beaches, sparkling water, and electric nightlife with thousands of travellers flocking to its rocky shores each year. Whether you want to wander the picturesque streets of Mykonos Town, marvel at the iconic windmills perched on the edge of the island, sip on a cocktail from a table by the sea or live it up when the sun goes down by dancing to the sounds of some of the best DJs in Greece, this small but impactful island has it all.

Santorini

If you're travelling to Greece in the height of summer, and don't mind fighting off thousands of travellers all trying to do the same thing as you, then spending a few days on the magical island of Santorini is a must. From white-washed houses with their famous blue-domed architecture to sunsets that will completely take your breath away, this island promises luxury, relaxation, and unforgettable moments wherever you go.

Crete

Crete is the most populated out of all the Greek islands and is actually the 88th largest island in the world. It's also not hard to see why it's one of the most visited islands in the Mediterranean with beautiful geological features such as mountains, valleys, and gorges, ancient remains of centuries-old civilisations, mesmerising beaches with crystal-clear water you could lose yourself in, and small towns worth exploring for hours.

Corfu

You might think that once you've explored one Greek island, you've pretty much explored them all but Corfu promises something slightly different. With an origin that's rooted in Greek mythology and an old town that's now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, this paradise-like island is bursting with lush greenery, idyllic beaches, landmarks full of fascinating history, and a mix of Italian and Greek cuisine you could eat for days.

Rhodes

Mentioned by name by the great poet Homer himself, Rhodes is an ancient island with a medieval Old Town that's teeming with quaint restaurants, historical sites (think the Acropolis of Lindos and the Castle of Monolithos), winding streets, and traditional architecture. Boasting the title of Greece's sunniest island with no less than 300 days of sunshine per year, exploring Rhodes is bound to lead to unforgettable adventures thanks to its dramatic landscapes and long curves of golden, sandy beaches.

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