How many islands are there in Greece?
Island hopping? Greece basically invented it
Home to 6000 islands and islets, with around 200 inhabited, Greece has one of the longest coastlines in Europe – and picking where to go can be tricky. The good news is, no matter where you end up, you’ll find a laidback pace, incredible food and some of the bluest water on the planet.
Well-known islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu and Rhodes offer a buzz with beach resorts, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of tavernas, cafes and shops, while islands like Naxos, Syros and Kea are much quieter.
Whatever you’re into – whether it’s experiencing rural life in Crete’s White Mountains, exploring ancient Doric temples or sailing to secluded bays – you can do it all in the Greek Islands. Here are a few of our favourites.
One of the most popular islands in the Cyclades, thousands of tourists flock to Mykonos every summer to enjoy its golden shores, beach clubs and world-renowned nightlife. But Mykonos is so much more than a party island. Get lost in the maze of narrow alleys in Chora, shop for artisan goods in Little Venice or kick back on some of Europe’s top-rated beaches. It's also a stone’s throw from the UNESCO-listed island of Delos, where you can explore ancient ruins in an open-air museum.
Famous for its whitewashed churches, blue-domed architecture and epic sunsets, Santorini oozes romance. It's also one of the busiest summer destinations in Greece (and Europe), so be prepared to share the highlights with large crowds. As a volcanic island, Santorini has hot springs, black sand beaches and excellent hikes – including the caldera rim trail from Thira to Oia. The island's mineral-rich soil also creates delicious wine.
Crete is Greece’s largest island. It’s a popular beach holiday destination with abundant seafront resorts and tavernas, but it also offers plenty of hiking routes and outdoor activities thanks to its diverse landscape of mountains, valleys, gorges and caves. History buffs can visit the ancient remains of Bronze Age civilisations at Knossos, while foodies can feast on local honey, olive oil, cheeses and Cretan wine in traditional mountain villages.
Corfu is known for its mountainous landscapes that extend to the shores, rich cultural heritage and UNESCO-listed Old Town which is flanked by two imposing Venetian fortresses. Explore the medieval lanes, a French-style arcade, and the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George. Or simply enjoy some R&R along its 217-km coastline. It’s also a great launching pad for day trips to neighbouring Paxos, Antipaxos and the Diapontia Islands.
This lesser-known island in the Cyclades is a great destination for hikers, with bald hills and rugged cliffs that offer expansive views over the Aegean Sea. One of the best trails is from Loutra to the Castle of Oria – a medieval fortress that sits atop a 250-metre-tall outcrop. Kythnos also has mineral-rich hot springs believed to have healing properties since ancient times, peaceful coves for swimming and quiet villages where life goes on much as it always has.
Paros is a great all-rounder, with a mix of trendy bars, authentic tavernas, beach clubs and crowd-free coves. It's also dubbed the foodie capital of the Greek Islands, with a wide variety of food grown or produced on the island and a big farm-to-table culture. Local specialties include gouna (sun-dried mackerel), karavoloi (snails in garlic sauce) and revithada (chickpea stew). The island also has some great swimming spots, like Kolymbithres Beach which is known for its unique rock formations that create natural swimming pools.
You might want to know
Trying to figure out when to plan your Greek adventure? We break it down month by month.
Seafood, yoghurt, olives, cheese – yes, please! Eat your way through Greece and try all its Mediterranean specialties.
Plan your trip around one of these festivals to dive into Greek culture. Food, dance, music – what more do you need?