9 sublime Greek islands where to put your suitcases

Translucent waters, divine gastronomy, history with a capital H: the promises of the Greek islands make many travelers dream. But which ones to choose?

Greece has a total of 6000 islands and islets, of which 227 are inhabited. The Cyclades are arguably the best known of them all – who hasn’t seen a picture of the white houses cascading down the sides of Santorini? -, but there are several island regions to be enchanted.

Based on favorites from “travel bibles” such as Condé Nast Traveler and National Geographic, among other things, here is a selection of nine Greek islands to add to your wish list.

1. Crete

Birthplace of Zeus according to Greek mythology, Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest in the entire Mediterranean Sea. We go there for the sun, the local wines, the history – in particular the vestiges of the ancient Minoan civilization – and nature. The island is home to impressive gorges (36, according to the Greek tourist board) and several hiking trails. National Geographic recommends the Samaria Gorge hike in the national park of the same name, while CN Traveler magazine suggests hiking through the Aradena Gorge to the Libyan Sea.

2. Santorini (Cyclades archipelago)

Santorini is on all the charts, and it’s not for nothing! The beauty and romanticism of its volcanic landscapes make it a great destination for honeymoons, but also for a first trip to the Greek islands. With its famous white houses above the sea, Oia is the most popular locality, but discoveries are also to be made in the rest of the island: black sand beaches, “Greek Pompeii”, hiking trails, pretty terraces. CN Traveler magazine draws the attention of travelers to Pyrgos, an increasingly trendy village located inland, where you can discover typical little cafes and pretty Airbnbs.

3. Skopelos (Sporades Islands)

Its name is not necessarily known to everyone, but its landscapes have been seen by millions of people: it was on this island of the Sporades that the film “Mamma Mia” (2008) was shot. Skopelos seduces travelers with its pine-lined turquoise water beaches and delicious local cuisine, famous among other things for its cheese puffs (“strifti”). Its capital Chora is worth visiting for its unique architecture and its medieval castle. And in the village of Aϊ Giannis, no one will want to miss the perched chapel where the character of Meryl Streep sings Abba for that of Pierce Brosnan in the film “Mamma Mia”!

4. Corfu (Ionian Islands)

A cosmopolitan main city, Tuscan flair and some of the best beaches in Europe: that, in a nutshell, is why CN Traveler recommends travelers visit Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek), the star of the Ionian Islands. The Corfiot culture mixes Venetian, French and British influences, and is particularly interesting to discover. The city of Corfu is to be put on the itinerary for its old city, recognized by UNESCO, as well as for its chic Liston street. As for the rest of the island, there are historical sites, olive forests, small villages and crystal clear waters where it is good to navigate.

5. Naxos (Cyclades)

Are you a “foodie” traveler? The largest island in the Cyclades is “the most delicious of Greek destinations,” according to National Geographic. Particularly fertile, it is indeed recognized for its gastronomy, whether in its capital, Hora, or elsewhere on the island. Must try: kitron, a local lemon liqueur. In Naxos you will also discover many ancient monuments and remains as well as scenic roads, olive forests, traditional villages in the mountains and many sandy beaches.

6. Hydra (Saronic Islands)

This island is about 2 hours by ferry from Athens and is known as an artistic destination where it is good to escape from the urban bustle and technology. Many personalities stay or have stayed there, starting with Leonard Cohen who bought a house there in the 1960s. In Hydra, there are no cars or scooters. So we walk everywhere on foot, and it is the mules that help transport luggage. You should not miss strolling around the port, walking the small stone paths, or exploring the coves with their clear waters on the island.

7. Milos (Cyclades)

In the western part of the Cyclades, Milos is a volcanic island with singular and very “instagrammable” landscapes. According to National Geographic, there is nothing better than exploring its approximately 125 km of coastline by sea kayak. On your way: white cliffs, black cliffs, colorful precipices, strange rock formations and pretty small fishing villages. The “Venus of Milos”, a famous marble sculpture now in the Louvre in Paris, originated in Milos and it is possible to see a republic of it in the capital, Plaka.

8. Rhodes (Dodecanese Archipelago)

A large island in the Dodecanese archipelago, Rhodes is a popular tourist destination for beachgoers and history buffs alike. According to CN Traveller, your first stop on this large Aegean island should be the medieval walled old town of Rhodes, where you’ll encounter Byzantine churches, Roman ruins, synagogues and minarets. You should also visit the town of Lindos, for its imposing perched acropolis and its beautiful emerald waters, and take advantage of the seaside hotels in the south of the island for a moment of relaxation.

9. Kefalonia (Ionian Islands)

There are at least two good reasons to choose Kefalonia: its green mountains and its wine! The island is renowned for its Robola, a grape variety that produces particularly popular dry white wines. National Geographic suggests visiting the Omala Valley, on the western flanks of Mount Ainos, to discover the winemakers and artisans. The island is also popular for its beautiful white sand beaches and transparent waters for snorkeling. As for the gastronomy of Kefalonia, it is also recognized and you will certainly have to taste the local olive oils, feta cheeses and honey during your visit.