15 Amazing Greek Islands That Should Be On Every Bucket List
When you think about visiting Greek Islands, some, such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, are on everyone’s bucket list. The Greek Islands are known for their beautiful beaches, archeological sites, classic architecture, and cultural richness. If you’ve traveled to any Greek Islands, you’ll know how special these islands are.
There is so much to see from the gem-toned waters to the stunning landscapes. Because there is so much to see in the Greek Islands, knowing which islands you should visit can be hard. If you’re looking for Greek Islands to add to your bucket list beyond the classic few everyone visits, keep reading! We’ve got 15 amazing Greek Islands that should be on your bucket list to share!
1. Astypalea
While it will take you nearly 8 hours to get to Astypalea from Athens if you take the ferry, Astypalea is worth every minute of it. This more remote island will be more relaxed and refreshing than others you could visit since there are far fewer tourists. Enjoy a captivating sunrise or sunset over the Aegean Sea. This island will show you what island life in Greece is really all about without all the tourists.
2. Sifnos
Another unique Greek island to add to your bucket list is Sifnos. Many tourists skip this island, but it is worth visiting, especially if you need a quiet, relaxing moment. As home to the Greek culinary icon Nikolaos Tselementes, who brought Greek cuisine to the next level in the 20th century with his famous cookbook, the cuisine on the island is unmatched. There are also plenty of trails and beaches to explore, with fewer tourists. So you can enjoy it in peace.
3. Folegandros
Although you’ve likely heard about Santorini, you may not have heard about Folegandros. This island, in the south of the Cyclade islands, boasts lots of beautiful cliffs and expansive caves to explore. The beaches are gorgeous, and most are accessible by foot, making it easy to walk around. Plus, the beaches are stunning white sand with clear waters and amazing landscapes. Add this island to your bucket list immediately!
4. Naxos
With all the history you want, plus adorable towns to explore, Naxos provides the perfect mix of history and culture in Greece. You can get a little of everything on this island, from the historical sites, walking trails, and archaeological sites. Don’t forget about the stunning stretches of beaches to enjoy. As the largest island in the Cyclade Islands, Naxos has grown more popular over the years, but it is still worth a visit!
5. Zakynthos
If you’ve heard about Zakynthos before, it is likely because of the famous shipwreck along the cove. The Navagio Shipwreck attracts many people, but it doesn’t distract from the idyllic scenery. You will have plenty to do from diving and hiking spots to beach getaways. Bring your camera to this amazing spot, because you will want to remember it.
6. Kythira
Get ready for some gorgeous natural landscapes when you visit Kythira! You won’t run out of beautiful spots to explore From olive and cypress trees to the gem-toned waters and beaches. Even so, you don’t have to skip out on the historic spots that many come to Greece to see, as monuments and sites are scattered around the island. Mythically known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, once you see this island, you’ll know why!
7. Paros
If you’re looking for the best Greek island for beaches, look no further than Paros! With nearly 75 miles of immaculate coastline, Paros is one of the most gorgeous Greek islands. While the stunning golden beaches are incredible, you won’t be without villages to explore or nightlife while on the island. That’s what makes Paros a bucket-list worthy island. You can have a relaxing beach day or a buzzing night out.
8. Corfu
If you’re familiar with Greek mythology and the history of Greece, you should be familiar with Corfu. Located off the northwest coast of Greece, Corfu is characterized by mountains, beautiful green scenery, and vacation-worthy beaches. As mythology tells it, Corfu is named after Kerkyra, a beautiful nymph with whom Poseidon fell in love. You’ll have plenty of archaeological sites, beaches, and fun towns to see, which makes Corfu well-worth visiting.
9. Rhodes
Rhodes is the enchanting capital of the Dodecanese islands, featuring medieval architecture and gorgeous natural landscapes. Since different people have occupied Rhodes throughout the years, it has a distinctive look and cultural feel compared to some of the other Greek islands. You’ll see traces of this history everywhere. In addition to this specialatmosphere, you’ll find all the beaches and stunning landscapes you’d expect from a bucket-list worthy island.
10. Ios
For stunning cliffs along the Aegean Sea, you want to visit Ios. Although it is not the most-visited of the Greek islands, Ios has gained a reputation for having wonderful nightlife, with bars and places for dancing. While Ios has a lot to offer at night, it also has amazing beaches to appreciate during the day. There are even ancient ruins, such as an aqueduct, which you can visit. Plus, if you’re a fan of Homer, an ancient site to the north of the island is rumored to be Homer’s tomb.
11. Kefalonia
Just to the west of the Grecian mainland, you’ll find Kefalonia, the most oversized island in the Ionian islands. The island is beautiful, with the green mountains rising above and the jewel-toned waters below. The trees stretched over Mt. Ainos will lead into the island’s specialty vineyards, known for Robola wine. Whether you want to explore the Melissani Cave, which will make you feel like you’re in a movie, hike around the island, or relax on the beaches, Kefalonia will make you fall in love.
12. Syros
Owing to the long Venetian occupation of this Greek island, Syros has a unique character compared to other islands in the country. Syros is full of culture and arts from the Italianate architecture in the buildings. Around every corner, you’ll find music, dance, and many other cultural attractions. While Syros doesn’t have the best beaches on the islands, the way the city reaches the sea’s edges is incredible.
13. Milos
In the past few years, Milos has risen on the list of islands tourists visit. The social-media fame of Milos’ gorgeous coastline has brought this island into the popular zeitgeist. The clear waters of the Aegean sea, with unique geological features, make this island unforgettable. Plus, it is full of excellent restaurants, hotels, and villages. You’ll be charmed by this island.
14. Hydra
Among all the islands in Greece, Hydra has one of the most enchanting ports of them all. Shipping merchants built this beautiful island over the years, filling it with stunning mansions and architecture, which only complement the natural beauty of the island. Beyond the stunning port, Hydra has plenty of historical spots to see, museums to wander, and natural beauty to appreciate. Don’t forget to add Hydra to your travel bucket list!
15. Ithaca
Although Ithaca is last on our listing, it deserves to be at the top of your Greek Island Bucket List. The famed home of Odysseus, Ithaca is a perfect destination to relax and take a break. With beautiful greenery spotted with cute, little fishing boats and quaint villages and churches, it is no wonder that Odysseus desperately wanted to return home to this gorgeous island.
Stunning Greek Islands to Add to Your Bucket List
While there are a few obvious answers for the Greek Islands to visit, these fifteen islands may not be on your radar. But they should be! Each one of these islands has something unique to offer. From stunning beaches and cultural sites to culinary gems and architecture, these Greek islands should be added to every last bucket list. Add your favorites, and keep on planning your next trip today!
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