Picture sandy beaches backed by whitewashed homes rising up hillsides from small busy ports. Bright blue sky meets deep blue ocean, resulting in scenic beauty.
The Greek Islands beckon visitors for romantic getaways, relaxed holidays, family retreats and fun beach and bar vacations. Choose from thousands of islands across the Aegean and Ionian seas. Besides luxurious beaches and dramatic rocky shorelines, you’ll find delicious food, fascinating history and friendly local residents when you visit the Greek Islands.
Most of the Greek Islands are in the Aegean section, grouped in several clusters. The Cyclades have two very popular islands: Mykonos and Santorini. Stay on either to enjoy beautiful beaches and plenty of spots for exciting nightlife. See some of the area’s most notable archaeological ruins on Delos.
The Argosaronic Islands are fairly close to Athens, within several hours by ferry. Honeymoon on the romantic Aegina Island or go back in time on Hydra, where donkeys are used for delivery of goods.
Head to the Sporades Islands east of Thessaly for iconic Greek island scenery. Look for film locations from Mamma Mia! on Skopelos.
Travel to the Dodecanese Islands in the southeastern part of the Aegean for pleasingly warm days. Dating back to 400 B.C., Rhodes is known for its medieval Old Town, with stone walls and buildings in a mix of Byzantine and Hellenistic architecture. Sit under a 2,000-plus-year-old plane tree on Kos, where Hippocrates is said to have taught medicine.
Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands, with a perfect mix of history, food and scenery. Tour the Venetian Fortress in Heraklion, hike in Imbros Gorge, relax at Elafonissi Beach and visit inland olive farms and cooking schools.
Off the coast of the Peloponnese, Corfu is one of a handful of the islands in the Ionian Sea. Visit its fascinating Old Town and wide-ranging museums including the Byzantine Museum, the Banknote Museum and the Museum of Asian Art. For great beaches, try Lefkada, Zakynthos and Kefalonia.
Fly to airports on Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Corfu and elsewhere, ride ferries from Piraeus in Athens and other ports or arrange a leisurely sailing cruise to travel between the stunning Greek Islands.
