Count down the days to summer by exploring the best islands to visit in Greece in 2024. Greece’s top destinations are waiting for you to explore them. Whether you are looking for a place synonymous with tranquillity or a place to party with your friends, Greece has many options to offer.
Above all, Greek Islands can combine wild and exotic landscapes with clear blue seas and golden beaches. if you are looking to spend a romantic vacation with your partner, we suggest taking a look at Cycladic Islands like Mykonos and Santorini. Both of these islands offer luxury and romance to any love bird out there. On the other hand, if you’re visiting Greece with kids, you should consider an island that can offer safety and is family-friendly like any of the Dodecanese Islands. For those traveling in groups and seeking adventure, Crete’s majestic landscapes and kicking trails are perfect for brave explorers. Last but not least, the Ionian Islands are the best choice for history and architecture lovers.
Ready to find out more about the best Greek islands to visit this summer? Go ahead and read the article.
Cyclades
The Cyclades are a dreamy collection of islands known for their iconic whitewashed buildings, blue-domed orthodox churches, and crystal-clear waters. These are the islands that you most probably know from postcards and images from Greece. The most famous islands are Santorini, Mykonos, and Naxos, offering luxurious vacations in Greece for every traveler. Let’s have a look at them.
Santorini
Surely, one of the best Greek islands to visit is Santorini, one of the most famous of the Cycladic islands. Santorini is famous for its beautiful sunset, its dramatic cliffside villages, and its volcanic beaches. Besides that, you can walk in Oia, the main town of the island, where bougainvilleas are down the walls, or you can lounge on the black sand beaches of Perissa. This is an island to visit if you want a romantic vacation. Of course, during summer there are a lot of events and parties around the island.
Mykonos
If you are a party person, then Mykonos is the right place for you. During the daytime, Paradise Beach is the place to be. This is a beach with golden sand and crystal-clear waters. There you can find great beach bars and restaurants. Besides that, the streets of Mykonos Town, are gorgeous with their iconic white buildings and blue wooden shutters. During the nighttime, people start gathering at the bars, the clubs, and the restaurants of the island, which can pleasure even the most demanding clients. In Mykonos, you can find chilling cocktail bars where they serve perfect cocktails while you watch the sunset. If you prefer something more energetic, you can find clubs where international DJs give a great show. The nightlife in Mykonos is second to none.
Naxos
Naxos is an island located close to Mykonos, but it’s so different from it. Naxos is more of a chilling island. Of course, the moment you arrive on the island, you can’t but admire its raw natural beauty. Its beaches are rugged and offer a rough beauty. Since it’s a big island there are plenty of small villages you can visit. Moreover, there are remnants of ancient Greece all over the island. For those seeking a calmer experience on a small island, consider visiting lesser-known islands like Milos or Serifos. These islands offer secluded beaches, traditional villages, and a slower pace of life, perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds. So the Cyclades offer some of the best Greek islands to visit, whether you want a nightlife experience or you are looking to relax.
Dodecanese
The Dodecanese are along the southeastern edge of the Aegean Sea. These islands are well known for their natural beauty, and there you can find from ancient ruins up to medieval castles. Rhodes and Patmos are two prominent examples of the beauty of the Dodecanese.
Rhodes
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese. In the heart of its town, you can find the magnificent medieval Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But Rhodes still has many more things to discover; it’s an island full of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. For adventurous travelers, Mount Attavyros, the highest peak on the island, offers a great hiking trail. From there you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Or for those who prefer to swim or sunbathe, there is Lindos Beach, one of the most famous Greek beaches.
Patmos
For a taste of island life beyond the tourist trail, consider visiting the lesser-known island of Patmos. The beauty of this island is well preserved, and even though it’s not one of the most well-known islands it surely is a must-see. Patmos offers charming villages, tranquil beaches, and a glimpse into traditional Greek island culture. For history buffs, the island has plenty of ancient sites and monasteries.
Crete
Crete, the largest of Greek islands, offers a variety of adventures for all types of travelers. Crete is considered one of the best Greek islands to visit for a variety of reasons; Whether you are looking for history and culture, stunning beaches, hiking trails, big cities, or small picturesque villages then Crete is the answer to what you’re looking for.
In Heraclion, you can explore the ruins of Knossos, the legendary palace of King Minos, or hike through the Samaria Gorge, one of the longest gorges in Europe. In Chania and Rethymnon, Venetian architecture and Ottoman influences come together with traditional Greek hospitality. Besides the beautiful architecture, the beaches of Elafonisi and Balos will leave you speechless. And whatever places you may visit you should taste the Cretan cuisine.
Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands are located in the Western part of mainland Greece. They are famous for their Italian-like culture and architecture, and their unique landscape. Unlike the islands of the Aegean Sea, where the scenery is rugged, the Ionian islands are very green, with plenty of forests. Corfu and Kefalonia are two of the most idyllic islands for vacations.
Corfu
Corfu, an island located in the northwest part of Greece, is famous for its Venetian architecture and its different culture. Visiting Corfu is like visiting Italy. Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of narrow streets and pedestrian walkways. Moreover, all around the island, each beach differs from each other. There are both sandy and rocky beaches. This island combines a cosmopolitan vibe with a place to relax. That is the reason why Corfu is one of the best Greek islands to visit.
Kefalonia
Kefalonia is a smaller and quieter island than Corfu. However, the landscape is similar. Since it is smaller, this island offers smaller and more relaxing beaches, and two small towns, Argostoli and Lixouri. It is the perfect location for those who seek peace and relaxation. If you are a wine lover you can taste plenty of local wines at family-run vineyards.
Conclusion
In case you seek peace or parties, you now know where to travel if you are looking for the best Greek islands to visit in 2024. You can pick the Aegean islands, with their nice white-and-blue villages. Or, you may choose the Italian-like, and full-of-green, Ionian Islands. Or Crete with its different locations. However, one thing is for sure; Greece has plenty of places for wonderful vacations. Everywhere you go, you’ll be welcomed with hospitality, you will enjoy the beaches and the villages, and you’ll be left with a feeling of joy. Greece will become a place in which you’ll seek to return.
Photos source: Freepik.com
