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With only a handful of holiday days each year, it can be exciting but tricky to pick the perfect destination to travel to in Greece. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve crafted a fantastic 1-week itinerary in the heart of the Aegean Sea, offering a great choice for visitors looking to explore the best of the Cyclades. Enjoy the sandy beaches, crystal-clear shallow waters, iconic white churches, traditional tavernas, and a variety of water sports options on these beautiful islands. Combine these stops with a 24-hour stay in Athens, and you’ve got the perfect island getaway to visit the Greek Islands.
Which is the nicest greek island to visit and how many islands are there in Greece?
That’s a big question! To give you a sense of the scale of things, there are about 6,000 separate islands in That’s a big question! To give you a sense of the scale of things, there are about 6,000 separate islands in Greece. They are scattered across the country’s various seas—the Ionian in the north-west, the Aegean in the east and the Crete in the south—all of which are part of the wider Mediterranean.
Your choice will of course depend on your interests, your physical fitness, your appetite for island hopping, your desire for solitude or your curiosity for the unknown.
- There are, of course, the star island of Milos.
- For Leonard Cohen fans, there’s the charming fishing village of Hydra in the Saronic Gulf.
- Closer to Athens there’s the hidden gem of Spetses or furthera field the Ionian islands of Kefalonia and Corfu. Some would say these are undoubtedly the best Greek islands.
- Let’s not forget the Dodecanese Islands of Kos and Rhodes.
- But others might suggest the smaller islands of Paxos, Ios, Paros, Amorgos, Andros, Paros, Zakynthos, or even lesser-known Syros…
- The fictional island of Kalokairi in the Mamma Mia movie franchise set in Greece, known in reality as Skopelos, was the main filming location of the popular movie. It’s in the Sporades island group.
- If time allows, why not add a few days on Sifnos, the lesser known island of the Cyclades? As long as you can keep it a secret!
The reality is that each island in the archipelago prides itself on being the jewel of the Cyclades in its own way and is its own little corner of paradise.
What is the best way to visit the Greek Islands?
There are two ways to do island hopping in Greece. The first is by ferry, which is often the easiest and most scenic way to travel between islands. But if visitors prefer to fly to a specific island from Canada, they can fly to Athens with Air Transat and then continue to a number of Greek Islands with our local partner, Aegean Airways, via our platform Connectair by Air Transat. This offers a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the Greek Islands with ease.
3 days in Naxos – the most interesting of all Greek islands
If you’re looking for an underrated, thriving, unspoilt island that embodies everything that makes Greece so enticing, then spend a few days in idyllic Naxos.
No superlative could possibly do justice to the splendour of the Cyclades’ largest island, with its lofty whitewashed villages, sandy beaches, friendly locals of both human and feline variety and, finally, its vivid connection to Greek mythology—here, ungrateful Theseus allegedly abandoned Ariadne after she helped him escape the Cretan labyrinth.
More than just a pretty face, Naxos has a fascinating culture and history and a strong sense of culinary tradition, with many family-run producers of ouzo and raki, Greece’s most popular aperitifs, around the picturesque mountain villages of Apiranthos and Moni. You will also see abundant olive trees and lemon groves.
Closer to the seaside capital of Hora is the magnificent Temple of Apollo and its unparalleled views (especially at sunset), the Venetian castle and the labyrinthine, cobbled old town full of inviting tavernas and craft shops.
So yes, in case you were wondering, Naxos is a giant living postcard and definitely the most authentic island in the Greek Cyclades.
A half-day in Delos – the most mythical Greek isle
If you’re a visitor traveling to Mykonos, make sure to take a trip to Delos! Just a short boat ride away, it’s one of the best Greek Islands to explore. This UNESCO World Heritage site is full of history and myths, including being the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. As one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites, it’s packed with fascinating ruins. A guide is a great way to fully experience the stories and significance of this island, making it a memorable part of your travel adventure in Greece.
2 days in Mykonos – the most iconic of all Greece islands
For travelers visiting Mykonos, there’s so much more than just beaches and sunbathing. Take a stroll through the charming streets of Chora, where you’ll wander past spotless white buildings and vibrant bougainvillea. The iconic windmills, which once milled grain until the 1970s, are a must-see and can be spotted on almost every postcard of the Greek Islands. Nearby, Little Venice’s colorful facades and cozy terraces offer a perfect spot to unwind.
When you’re ready to explore, scuba dive into the crystal-clear waters or check out the chic boutiques, friendly locals, and lively nightlife.
And if you’re into surfing, don’t miss the Kalafátis surf center—Mykonos is known as the island of winds!
- Panagia Paraportiani and the monastery of the same name
- An asymmetrical chapel from the 1400s
- The Mykonos Archaeological Museum
- The Mykonos Maritime Museum
- or an open-air cinema
3 days in Santorini – perhaps the most scenic Greek island
Formed by one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions known to man, the dramatic reddish cliffs of this Formed by one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions known to man, the dramatic reddish cliffs of this crescent-shaped island surround the submerged caldera known to the literary world as Atlantis. Santorini’s incomparable sweeping vistas are, however, very real. Whether you enjoy them from the hilltop terraces of Oia or at sea on a catamaran (far from the narrow streets bursting at the seams with passing cruise passengers) is up to you, as long as you promise to stay overnight and really see what this world-famous island has to offer without the stifling crowds. Truly one of the most classic islands of the Greek Cyclades.
Aside from entertaining people watching and remarkable sunsets, Santorini has no shortage of enjoyable things to do:
- Bronze Age Akrotiri, one of the most underestimated archaeological sites in the region and Greece’s version of Pompeii
- Snorkel or dive off Perissa Beach and Caldera Beach
- Visit a winery and learn more about the unique local viticulture (hint: they grow vines close to the ground in a basket shape)
- Hike the vertiginous cliffside from Oia to Fira
- Shop for locally made oils and condiments
- Enjoy the view of the island from atop the high-perched village of Pyrgos
- Watch fishermen at work in Amoudi Bay and devour impossibly fresh seafood
- Shop for books from around the world at the cute Atlantis Bookshop in Oia
Santorini also lives and breathes its local wines, bequeathed by the Venetian Republic in the Middle Ages, which ruled the Mediterranean, including Greece. A visit to one of the vineyards is a must if you want to get to know the amazing technique of the basket vine! You will be able to taste the famous Vinsanto, a dessert wine and a great source of local pride. There are also plenty of restaurants in Santorini, not all of them good—check out our favourite spots.
