Why are they famous and popular? Because of hospitable Greek people and nature of islands, with estimates from somewhere around 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited. Greece is well-known as the cradle of western civilization. It is known as the birthplace of civilization and democracy, western philosophy, literature and drama, marathons, the Olympics, plus some of your favorite math principles. So, which are the most famous Greek islands in the world?
They are famous and popular because they are classic Greek islands and of course has many blue flag beaches and crazy nightlife. Besides these, modern Greece consists of a mountainous mainland and hundreds of islands surrounded by the Aegean, Ionian, Cretan and Mediterranean Seas. Over two hundred of the islands are inhabited, many of them rich in history and mythology, as well as the Mediterranean culture, cuisine, maritime and beach lifestyle that makes Greece one of the top bucket list travel destinations.
Lets Discover The Most Famous Greek Islands
Some people like to have summer holiday in famous places, others come to Greece only for nightlife or beautiful beaches. Lets discover famous and popular Greek islands that we suggest you next summer.
Santorini
Why famous and popular is Santorini among other greek islands? Because, many high profile celebrities, such as Dwayne Wade and Heidi Klum, treat Santorini as their go-to romantic getaway destination. In fact, the island’s setting and atmosphere have influenced countless couples to choose it as the place to get engaged or married or both.
Located on the southern side of the Aegean sea, Santorini in Greece is a part of Cyclades islands complex. The island was created after a huge eruption of a volcano, occurred in 17th century B.C., which shaped the breathtaking caldera.
The enthralling sunset view in Oia Santorini, the minimal Cycladic architecture, the luxurious Santorini Greece hotels, the delicious restaurants, the dramatic rocky landscape, and the Santorini volcano are just some of the reasons you’ll have a crush on this unique island!
Once you set your foot in Santorini, you’ll feel like entering a whole new world. A world where all the shades of red create unreal sunsets, Santorini caldera offers the most dramatic sea views you’ve ever seen and enormous cliffs are dotted with dreamy Cycladic whitewashed houses!
Santorini accommodation is incomparable! Infinity pools, luxurious Santorini hotels, Cycladic whitewashed villas, and 5 stars service promise to make your stay in Santorini unforgettable! Spoil yourself with spa treatments, wine tasting, vineyards tours, shopping in luxurious fashion boutiques and romantic dinners with a view to the endless Aegean Sea. You’re worth it!
The ultimate highlight of Santorini is, obviously, its magical sunset. Watch the sun sinking in the horizon while the sky breaths fire and the colorful light washes up the island, at Fira or Oia. No photo can capture the magic of this moment!
Mykonos
How Mykonos became the famous and popular “Jet Set” Destination among other Greek islands? Mykonos is in the center of the Cyclades island group, Mykonos is one of the best Greek islands for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and vivid nightlife! No wonder why it’s widely known as the “Ibiza of Greece”! Mykonos holiday is an experience of a lifetime and there’s a whole heap of amazing things to do in Mykonos.
Marvel the amazing sunset from Little Venice Mykonos, stroll around the narrow paved streets of Chora, enjoy your stay at the luxurious Mykonos hotels, dance the day away at epic beach parties and swim at the exotic Mykonos beaches. When the sun goes down, join the nightlife scene of the island and party all night long at the legendary Mykonos clubs!
What’s more, Mykonos is the most famous and popular gay-friendly destination in Greece. The island welcomes every year many LGBTQ tourists, who choose Mykonos for their holidays!
What do holidays in Mykonos mean? Luxurious Mykonos hotels, award-winning restaurants, cosmopolitan vibes, a crazy party scene, amazing Mykonos beaches…We could go on forever! Greece holidays experience goes to another level in this famous gay-friendly destination!
Famous and popular for its minimal Cycladic architecture, Mykonos is full of traditional whitewashed houses and blue domed churches. The trademark of the island, though, is the beautiful traditional windmills in Little Venice, where you can also enjoy the magical sunset and capture the colorful light washing up the island’s Chora. Pure bliss!
Chora, the main town of Mykonos, is where the heart of the island beats! Awarded Mykonos restaurants, designer boutiques, elegant bars, and top clubs, guarantee an unforgettable Greece holidays experience!
And what can we say about Mykonos beaches? They are simply unique! With emerald, azure or deep blue waters, pebbly or sandy, the island has epic beaches for every taste! To name a few, Super Paradise, Paradise, Platis Gialos and Lia are some of the best Mykonos beaches. The best part? You can enjoy lots of water sports activities, such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
As for the things to do in Mykonos, the options vary! Visit the historical Delos island, do island hopping from Mykonos to Santorini, try water sports, do Mykonos tours and many more!
Rhodes
Being the largest and most famous Greek islands of the Dodecanese group, Rhodes Greece is a top holiday destination!
Also known as the “Knights’ island”, Rhodes has a rich historical past, which you can tell by its historical buildings and monuments. The atmosphere in Rhodes Old Town is simply unique! Strong walls, stone-paved alleys, elegant mansions, and a medieval castle create the illusion that you have time-traveled back to the age of the knights. Don’t be surprised if you believe you’re into a medieval fairytale. Who knows? Maybe you were a knight or a princess in your past life!
As for the things to do in Rhodes, you’ll never run out of options! Stroll around the historical Rhodes town, visit the medieval monuments of Rhodes Old Town, discover imposing castles, eat at excellent restaurants and swim at the amazing Rhodes beaches.
The natural landscape, imposing buildings, ancient towns and picturesque villages meet amazing beaches, fashion boutiques, top restaurants, and dance clubs. No wonder why Rhodes Greece never fails to surprise travelers from all over the world!
The most important monument of the island is Rhodes Old Town. Rhodes Old Town is a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, attracting millions of visitors every year! Stroll around the paved alleys, visit the Venetian Castle, the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master. The atmosphere of Rhodes Town will captivate you!
Apart from exploring Rhodes Old Town, there are so many things to do in Rhodes! Visit the imposing Acropolis of Lindos, the Valley of butterflies, the monastery of Filerimos, do water sports and Rhodes tours. The adventure never stops in Rhodes island!
As for Rhodes beaches, they are some of the best beaches in Greece. Secluded or crowded, cosmopolitan or hidden, there’s no way you won’t find the perfect beach for you. Lindos, Anthony Quinn, Faliraki, Tsambika, Kallithea, and Agathi are some of the best beaches on the island!
Naxos
Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands and, definitely, one of the most beautiful Greek islands! It may be a short ferry ride away from the super famous Paros and Mykonos islands, but Naxos is relatively unknown, staying under the mainstream radar.
Despite being relatively underrated, compared to the neighboring Cyclades islands, Naxos is one of the most interesting destinations in Greece! Its glorious ancient past and strong influences of the Venetians and the Franks are responsible for the abundance of ancient sites. Naxos breathes history!
Apart from its impressive monuments, though, Naxos boasts a beautiful natural landscape, as it is the greenest island of the Cyclades. Imposing mountains, green valleys, beautiful beaches, and rural villages will exalt nature lovers’ spirits!
Naxos Greece sits in the center of Cyclades island group, in the heart of the Aegean sea. It is the biggest and the greenest island of the Cyclades, boasting a magnificent natural landscape!
The island’s rich history is reflected in the many archaeological sites that embellish it. The most iconic of them -and the trademark of Naxos- is Portara, the remaining gate of an ancient temple dedicated to the Greek god Apollo.
Naxos Chora, the main town of Naxos, is a wonderful mixture of Venetian and traditional Cycladic architecture. Above the Cycladic whitewashed houses of Chora stands the imposing Venetian castle, oozing a medieval charm!
Are you a thrill-seeker? There’s a whole heap of amazing things to do in Naxos’ nature! Visit enchanting mountain villages, explore Mount Zas, test your skills in water sports such as windsurfing and kite surfing, hike in the verdant nature… Naxos holiday is a never-ending adventure!
As for Naxos beaches, they are considered as some of the best beaches of the Cyclades islands! The coastline of Naxos is fringed with small coves, creating an array of beautiful sandy- and uncrowded- beaches with cobalt waters. Don’t leave the island before having a dip in Mikri Vigla beach, Agios Georgios beach, and Plaka beach.
Paros
Paros sits in the heart of the Aegean sea and belongs to the Cyclades, the most famous Greek islands group. Being close to famous Cyclades islands, such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos, Paros Greece offers the perfect chance for island hopping!
Combining modern with traditional elements in the most unique way, Paros is a mix of traditional Cycladic architecture, vivid nightlife, magical Paros beaches, enchanting rural villages, and historical monuments. Whether you’re after a relaxing holiday or you are more of a thrill-seeker, Paros island Greece will give you exactly what you want!
Are you a water sports enthusiast? Then, you won’t be able to peel yourself away from Paros beaches, which are perfect for water adventures thanks to the island’s ideal wind conditions. On a break from the beach life, you will get lost in the narrow alleys of Parikia and Naoussa, the island’s most popular villages. Or, if you seek serenity, you’ll get lost in the isolated villages of Paros…
Paros Greece is one of the most famous Greek islands! Boasting a beautiful natural landscape and 120 km of coastline, it has endless blonde-sand beaches, verdant mountains and cliff-top villages galore.
Being a short ferry ride away from Athens, Paros Greece is easily accessible from Piraeus port and Rafina Port. What’s more, its proximity to famous Cyclades islands, such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos makes it the perfect Greece island hopping base!
The two main villages of Paros Greece (and also where the heart of the island’s nightlife beats) are Parikia and Naoussa. Full of traditional taverns, luxurious restaurants and sophisticated bars, Parikia and Naoussa overflow with young crowds every night. If crowded places and loud music aren’t your cups of tea, though, you can wander in the tranquil traditional villages of Lefkes and Marpissa. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the different faces of Paros!
In truth, this island is famous for one thing in particular: its beaches! Huge, sandy, with crystal clear waters and many facilities, Paros beaches are stunning! Santa Maria, Golden Beach Paros, Punta, and Kolymbithres are some of the most famous beaches in Paros. However, there are also many secluded beaches, for those who seek privacy!
