I Visited 18 Greek Islands and These Four Blew Me Away

The Greek islands are the main reason people choose Greece for their vacation. The islands showcase incredible scenery, beautiful beaches, and unique architectural elements.

The challenge arises from Greece having more than 200 inhabited islands, making selection difficult. After visiting 18 islands in multiple regions, here are the ones I recommend the most. Undoubtedly, these islands will make you eager to return.

The shoulder season generally runs from May through June and from September to October. This time of year offers pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and moderate prices for accommodation, rental cars, etc.

Conversely, the peak season is July and August. During this time, the country experiences its highest tourism numbers, hottest temperatures, and most expensive prices.

Both seasons offer the chance to explore the outdoors and enjoy numerous activities. However, I’ve found that the shoulder seasons offer a more comfortable experience.

Milos is a stunning island in the Cyclades region and is a must-visit. It’s best known for its Cycladic charm and volcanic landscape, which was shaped millions of years ago.

Volcanic activity has also given the island some of the most unique beaches in Greece. I was so impressed with the greyish-white volcanic rock covering Sarakiniko beach, which provides a moon-like landscape.

In addition to its beaches, Milos has beautiful fishing villages and archaeological sites to explore. It’s no surprise that this island has become increasingly popular!

Despite its growing tourist numbers, the island maintains a more authentic experience than Santorini or Mykonos. The locals are also some of the kindest I have encountered anywhere in Greece!

Milos offers various activities, including visiting beaches, villages, archeological sites, and boat tours.

One of my favorite activities was visiting the charming fishing villages. The main ones to visit are Mandrakia, Klima, and Fyropotamos. The views, surrounding crystal clear waters, and colorful boathouses (syrmata) are unlike anything I’ve seen!

The catamaran cruise I went on in Milos remains my favorite one I’ve done in Greece. Since several beaches like Kleftiko are easier to access by boat, this is a great way to see the island!

During my visit to Crete, I found that this island has everything you would want from a Greek island. This destination is known for its beautiful beaches, history, versatile landscapes, and well-known cuisine.

Crete is also the largest island in Greece—it is quite honestly so big that it could be its own country!

Due to this, I recommend staying for at least a week, focusing on the east or west of the island. The West features the most popular attractions, and I spent two weeks there during my first visit.

Crete is also a year-round vacation destination as it is one of the warmest European islands in winter. Even in November, you can have a sunny beach day!

The options for things to do in Crete are endless! Whether I wanted to hike, visit a winery, beach hop, or take a cooking class, it was available!

The beaches I enjoyed the most were Balos, Falassarna, Kedrodasos, and Elafonisi. Exploring these beaches was also my first time seeing pink sands! The best pink sands are found at Elafonisi, but I also saw them at Balos.

Gorge hikes are a unique experience in Corfu. The lengthy Samaria Gorge is the most popular, but I did the easier Imbros Gorge due to my packed itinerary.

Corfu has been one of the most unforgettable island experiences for me. Located in the Ionian islands region, Corfu is visited for its lush landscape, serene beaches, history, and water activities.

Something that I appreciated the most about Corfu was how versatile its activity options were. From exploring the UNESCO-certified Corfu Town to hiking one of its many trails, there are many things to do.

It’s the perfect destination for appreciating Greek culture, visiting historical sites, and witnessing dreamy sunsets. Another pro I noticed during my visit was that it’s also one of the most affordable Greek islands.

Corfu is one of the best islands for adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts. The island is home to incredibly scenic beaches and viewpoints, such as Cape Drastis, Porto Timoni, and Giali Beach.

If you prefer calmer activities, I found wandering around Corfu Town and other beach resorts like Sidari enjoyable. The island is full of rich history and impressive Venetian architecture.

I was led to Paros when looking for a Cycladic island full of beauty and a more traditional environment. Located next to Naxos, Paros provides charming villages, unique beaches, trendy restaurants, and exciting nightlife.

Some even say Paros is a mini Mykonos due to its fun nightlife and luxury options. I found this true, but the island is still far more affordable and receives a fraction of the crowds.

One of my favorite things about Paros was its reliable public transportation that even visited tiny villages.

Visiting one of Paros’ numerous villages is the best activity on the island. Among all villages in Paros, I recommend visiting Marpissa, Lefkes, Prodromos, and Naoussa.

While I did view the beaches in Paros as average compared to other islands, they still have some that are well worth visiting! These include Kolymbithres, Santa Maria, Lageri, and Golden Beach.

A day trip to its sister island, Antiparos, is also a must! I had a fantastic time and thought it was a quieter version of Paros.