Greece: Top Ten Greek Islands

With 227 inhabited islands, surrounded by crystal clear waters and offering world class beaches and landscapes, it is only natural that Greece was one of the first holiday destinations when mass tourism started a few decades ago.

Some islands became so popular that their entire economies are now centered on the tourist trade. However, there are others that have only been ‘discovered’ as holiday destinations - even by the Greeks - in recent years.

Santorini
Breathtaking volcanic views and one of the best sunsets in the world consistently place it at the top of any Greek islands list. Its beaches are very peculiar (and do not appeal to everyone) due to the black and red volcanic sand. more

Crete
The largest Greek island, Crete has a distinct local culture and will satisfy whatever it is you’re looking for. Busy touristy resorts, amazing deserted beaches even in August (especialy on the south coast), unspoiled mountain villages with people untouched by the tourism ‘gold fever’, and the best food by far among all Greek islands. more

Mykonos
Mykonos boasts of the best beaches in the country, the craziest nightlife and the most ridiculous prices you’ll pay in Greece. Bring along the best pieces of your wardrobe (preferably white), all your energy and credit cards. more

Hydra
Hydra is one of the prettiest Greek islands with a unique architecture that has been preserved due to a strict development policy. Large houses belonging to historic figures loom on the hills on both sides of the picturesque harbor and there is a total car and motorbike ban on the island. Instead, mules lining up with their owners undertake all the transportation burdens of locals and visitors. more

Cephalonia
Louis De Bernières has done for Cephalonia what the best PR consultant wouldn’t even begin to imagine with his wonderful novel and worldwide best seller ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ (Amazon £5.99) which is set on the island. And when the film came out a few years later the natural beauty and the sapphire waters of Cephalonia were advertised on screen too and its tourism fortunes were turned upside down overnight. more

Paros
The beaches, the nightlife and the accommodation choice are all above average and many holiday makers return year after year. Regular international windsurfing competitions are held at noisy Chrysi Akti beach but you can easily find quiet and isolated beaches if all you want is to relax and enjoy the blue waters. And if really quiet holidays are more up your street, Antiparos is the tiny and alternative neighbor just minutes away on a local boat. more

Corfu
Fine beaches with freezing cold waters on the eastern side attract thousands of visitors every summer and as in every large tourism-orientated Greek island the range of holidays one can enjoy is vast. more

Skiathos
Skiathos is flooded with pine trees that reach the sea and surround its numerous sandy beaches. An ideal destination for families and those not attracted by the harsh and rocky natural beauty of the islands of southern Aegean. more

Rhodes
Once home to one of the seven wonders of the world the ‘Colossus’, Rhodes is one of the earliest holiday destinations in the country. There is a good choice of resorts on the island. There is plenty of sightseeing to do, and a number of museums to give you that cultural alibi between your long days on the fine beaches and the long nights out. more

Ios
Its beaches are at par with the best in Cyclades and indeed the whole country. If you suddenly feel too old for the exhausting pace of the place, you are only a short ferry ride away from Santorini. more

What's your preference for island living? Socialization and parties til the wee hours, or a quiet, tranquil existence with nature?