Not sure where to go?
From wild and rugged to polished and serene — every island has its own personality. Take our quiz to discover which one was made for the way you travel.
Take the Quiz →
Greece, and especially the Greek Islands, hold a special place in my heart. It is the country I’ll return to again and again and never tire of: the food, the landscapes, the people, the unhurried way of life.
Once you discover the authentic side of Greece, there’s something about it that will continue to pull you back in.
From iconic destinations like Santorini and lesser-known islands like Folegandros and Sifnos, to design-forward accommodations in Paros and the dramatic landscapes of Milos, there’s something for everyone here.
Last updated August 2026 This guide is for anyone planning time in Athens, whether it’s your first visit, a return trip, or a stopover before heading to the Greek Islands and beyond. If you’re heading to the Greek Islands before or after Athens, don’t miss my Greek Islands Digital Guide which includes day-by-day itineraries, ferry tips, curated stays, and recommended…
Read the PostLast updated August 2026 After visiting over twenty Greek Islands, I still maintain that Milos, Greece is one of the most picturesque islands you’ll ever see. Between the unforgettable beaches (if you haven’t checked out photos of the ‘moonscapes’ of Sarakiniko Beach, check them out ASAP), delicious fresh seafood, and quaint downtowns, it’s truly a slice of paradise. Milos has…
Read the PostUpdated for 2026 with current hotel recommendations, restaurants, and travel tips. Naxos is the largest of the Cycladic islands, and one of its most underrated. With nearby Paros getting a lot of recent attention, and neighboring Mykonos and Santorini making for easy ferry transfers, Naxos is a great pick if you’re looking for a quieter, more authentic Greek island experience….
Read the PostUpdated for 2026 with current hotel recommendations, restaurants, and travel tips. Paros has become increasingly popular in recent years since we first visited during this Greek island hopping trip; it was initially recommended to us as a ‘foodie’ island. Naoussa town in particular attracts visitors seeking both authentic Greek charm and cosmopolitan amenities. Paros is incredibly diverse: this crowd-pleasing island…
Read the PostLast updated April 2026 Zakynthos Island, also known as Zante, is one of the most diverse Greek islands I’ve visited. The southern tip near Vasilikos is lined with sandy beaches and local restaurants tucked among groves of trees. The main port, Port of Zakynthos, where most visitors arrive by boat or plane, is lively and packed with shops and restaurants…
Read the PostSerifos doesn’t show up on most people’s Greek Islands shortlist, and that’s exactly what makes it worth visiting. While nearby Sifnos and Milos continue to gain popularity, Serifos has remained the slow island alternative: rugged, unhurried, and low-key. It’s the kind of island where the beaches shift from wild and windswept to perfectly calm depending on the day. What originally…
Read the PostGreece is well known for its stunning islands but choosing the right one is the key to an exceptional trip. Whether you’re seeking romance, nightlife, beauty or history, this guide will help you find your destination.
While I don’t think there’s a bad time to visit Greece, I like shoulder season the best. September when the sea is warm but the crowds have gone home, and early June before schools let out are two of my favorite times of year to visit.
Everyone and every island is different, but I recommend aiming for at least 4-5 days per island so you aren’t rushed.
I would include at least 2-3 days in Athens on any first-timer trip before heading to the islands. Santorini is really the destination most people have in mind when they imagine Greece and is an iconic spot for first-timers, but I also recommend island hopping in the Cyclades if you’re making the trip.
I find myself wanting to return most to the islands that are off the beaten path, like Folegandros and Sifnos. Both have beautiful untouched beaches, an excellent food scene, and plenty of authenticity to be found even as they continue to grow in popularity. I also especially love and recommend Sifnos for families with kids.
I find Greece to be unique in that each Greek Island has it’s personality; but at their core, the culture, food, and way of life is the same. My mom is Greek-Cypriot and I grew up visiting, so I also feel a bond with Greece.
Kimolos is a welcome escape from the beautiful but often crowded beaches of Milos. Think of Kimolos as Milos’ quieter neighbor: everything here moves a little slower. The vibe of the people, restaurants and towns reflects that. The beauty of the beaches here is underrated. Some feel relatively untouched, while others have that relaxed, boating vibe where local fishermen still…
Read the PostGetting from Milos to Kimolos is one of the easiest journeys in the Cyclades. There’s no pre-booking involved, so you can decide to make the day trip the morning of, and be standing on Kimolos less than an hour later. As Milos continues to grow in popularity, Kimolos is a welcome escape to enjoy beaches and authentic village life without…
Read the PostMilos might be the most dramatic island in the Cyclades, and one of the most unique in terms of experience depending on where you choose to base yourself. Between the lunar-white cliffs of Sarakiniko, the red rocks of Firiplaka, the bustling center of Plaka, and the colorful fishing villages tucked into hidden coves, your visit can feel completely different based…
Read the PostLast updated August 2026 After visiting over twenty Greek Islands, I still maintain that Milos, Greece is one of the most picturesque islands you’ll ever see. Between the unforgettable beaches (if you haven’t checked out photos of the ‘moonscapes’ of Sarakiniko Beach, check them out ASAP), delicious fresh seafood, and quaint downtowns, it’s truly a slice of paradise. Milos has…
Read the PostNaxos isn’t the first island that comes to mind when people ask me to name a beautiful, authentic Greek island, though it has plenty to offer on both fronts. It’s often labeled the “family-friendly” island, or the greenest of the Cyclades, and I understand why. It has more long stretches of sandy beach than most islands I’ve visited, and it’s…
Read the PostLast updated August 2026 Astypalea landed on my radar about five years ago, and I’ve been wanting to visit it ever since. Its unusual butterfly shape lends a different feel to the island, creating a unique set of beaches and a breathtaking hilltop Chora with views stretching across both wings of the island. Astypalea has been called the Santorini of…
Read the PostSifnos is becoming one of the most talked-about islands in the Cyclades, and it’s easily one of the most family-friendly Greek Islands I’ve been to. The food scene alone is enough to put it on the map (it’s long been known as Greece’s ‘foodie island’) and the restaurant quality here would hold its own against some major cities. But what…
Read the PostSerifos doesn’t show up on most people’s Greek Islands shortlist, and that’s exactly what makes it worth visiting. While nearby Sifnos and Milos continue to gain popularity, Serifos has remained the slow island alternative: rugged, unhurried, and low-key. It’s the kind of island where the beaches shift from wild and windswept to perfectly calm depending on the day. What originally…
Read the PostLast updated May 2026 Like every Greek Island, Mykonos has its own unique character that sets it apart from the rest. It’s the most glamorous island in Greece; but also the most expensive! Like Santorini, it’s not the island for an authentic, slow Cycladic experience, and I’d be doing you a disservice to suggest otherwise. But if you’re here for…
Read the Post
