How many islands are there in Greece?Â
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.Â
What are the most popular islands in Greece?Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
CorfuÂ
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.Â
RhodesÂ
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.Â
Click to return to Greece FAQs
Read more about Europe
Mar 01, 2023
10 reasons why you should visit the...
Remote, wild and insanely beautiful. Find out why you should add the Faroe Islands...
Dec 14, 2021
5 of the best walks in Europe – The...
For anyone seeking a truly rewarding holiday, the Great Walks of Europe offer a...
Nov 15, 2023
Don’t miss these top destinations in...
I would include these spots on any Turkey itinerary.
Apr 06, 2017
6 hot springs in Iceland even better...
When you think of hot springs in Iceland, you think the Blue Lagoon. Unfortunately...
Nov 16, 2023
Iceland’s Folklore: 4 mythical...
Keep your eyes peeled for these 4 famous creatures of Icelandic folklore.
Apr 18, 2022
Meet the 66-year-old Black solo...
Diana Petterson is often the only Black solo traveller in her tour groups – and...
Jan 08, 2020
How to travel in Istanbul on a budget
Straddling the divide between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a humming metropolis up...
Jul 12, 2023
The top 10 destinations to travel in...
From the iconic Incan ruins of Peru to the rolling Saharan dunes of Morocco, here...
Sep 08, 2016
Flamenco & fusion: A local’s guide to...
Granada may be the most dangerous city in Spain. No where else is there city so...
Oct 05, 2023
This couple is exploring the world...
When Leanne and Lyle McCabe met over a last-ditch coffee date, little did they...
Sep 02, 2022
The top 8 destinations for travel in...
Whether you’ve always wanted to get off the beaten track in Romania, watch the...
Sep 21, 2023
Step out with confidence with this...
Here are five tried and tested tips from Annette Richmond that every plus-size...
Sep 16, 2017
Italian gem: 12 photos that will...
The fact it's the largest Mediterranean island is, quite honestly, reason enough...
Jun 05, 2017
6 reasons why Krakow is Europe’s most...
Krakow looks like a city straight out of a Disney movie. Cobbled streets lined...
Nov 24, 2016
From Russia with love: 8 reasons you...
We love Russia. We love New Year. We love spending New Year in Russia. Here's why.
Jun 14, 2017
Why now is the time to visit Bulgaria...
As you stroll the narrow streets of historic Plovdiv, music echoes along the...
Feb 27, 2023
15 photos so beautiful they’ll put...
When it comes to talking about beautiful, vast landscapes, it's much easier to...
Dec 29, 2016
Why You Should Take A Sustainable...
Ask anyone that’s been to Croatia in the last few years: the familiar backdrop to...
Oct 15, 2014
Cruising the continent: we reveal...
When sailing in Europe, you have to slap yourself every once in a while to make...
May 24, 2017
Heading to Greece? Here’s why you...
The capital of Greece is like nowhere else on earth. Athens fuses the ancient with...