16 Greek Islands You Should Visit
Thinking of booking a last minute getaway, or some guaranteed sun for next year? Then you can't go wrong with one of these Greek islands.
Although some of the most popular islands were removed from the FCDO travel corridor recently this doesn't mean a visit the Greek Islands are off the cards, after all, there are 6,000 islands to choose from.
Whether you want to hit the beach, indulge in Greek food or explore some ancient ruins - there's so many excellent islands to choose from. In fact why choose only one?
Rhodes
Direct flights available daily
Flight time approx. 4 hours
Time zone GMT+3
Rhodes (or as the locals say, 'Ro-dos'), is the 4th-largest Greek island in the Aegean Sea and the capital of the Dodecanese islands. Famous for its beaches and ancient ruins, we were lucky enough to visit to film one of our travel guides and we loved our time there.
Check out the guide for everything you need to know about a holiday in Rhodes, but our number one tip is to make sure you visit the old town - this is the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe, and you can spend hours wandering the streets and taking in the sights of this famous walled city.
Rhodes | Travel Guide
When it comes to travelling in Rhodes, rest assured that we've been there, done that and eaten our body weight in halloumi along the way. Now we're back, we're ready to share everything we learnt from our travels throughout Greece, including the vital stuff about food, money, and transport - plus a whole lot more about things to do in Rhodes.
Island hopping from Rhodes
Though we think Rhodes is worth visiting in its own right, it's also the gateway to the smaller Dodecanese islands which aren't directly reachable from the UK. There are ferry services that run throughout the islands, so here's a quick guide to some of the islands you can explore.
Halki (approx. 1 hr 15 mins) The smallest and quietest of the islands - visit for secluded beaches reachable on foot, seafront tavernas, historic ruins and an 'authentic' Greek experience.
Tilos (approx. 2 hrs) One of the most curious bits of trivia for the Greek islands, Tilos was home to Dwarf elephants and is the last place elephants lived in Europe. We're not making this up, really!
Nisyros (approx. 4 hrs) Nisyros is an active volcanic islands and one of the easiest volcanoes to visit - it last erupted in the 1880s. This has made it a unique landscape, with almost moon-scape craters and thermal springs you can bathe in.
Symi (approx. 2 hrs) Visit for the colourful harbour at Symi Town, the 18th-century Monastery and of course its beaches!
Santorini
Direct flights available daily
Flight time approx. 4 hours
Time zone GMT+3
Restored to the travel corridor from 10th October, Santorini has long been our most popular Greek island. Out in the southern Aegean, Santorini was formed from a volcanic explosion in the C16th, which gives its bay - really a volcanic caldera - the iconic, picture-box quality that draws tourists and Instagrammers from all aver the world.
As well as perfect views and warm, blue seas, Santorini has a number of resorts and towns to explore conveniently scattered over the small island, all easily accessible by car.
Corfu
Direct flights available daily
Flight time approx. 3 hours 15 mins
Time zone GMT+3
On the opposite side of Greece (to the west) is the island of Corfu. Situated not far off the mainland this is an island which has been influenced by Venetian, French and British culture throughout its long history. This means it has some distinct architecture you might not find elsewhere in the Greek islands - such as the Liston Arcade which was built under French rule in the 1800s.
As with every Greek island, there are also a number of beautiful beaches to visit - some of the most popular can be found at Avlaki, Paralia Issos and Agios Georgios.
Zakynthos (Zante)
Direct flights available daily
Flight time approx. 3 hours 25 mins
Time zone GMT+3
Restored to the UK's flight corridor list on October 10th, Zante is an abidingly popular island break. Just three and a half hours from London and less busy than the better-known party islands, if you want direct flights to an authentic Greek island this may well be your best bet.
Skiathos (Bonus: Skopelos)
Direct flights available twice a week
Flight time approx. 3 hours 25 mins
Time zone GMT+3
Skiathos has become a popular spot for party-goers with its great beaches and excellent nightlife. So if that's your scene, head to Skiathos Town where you'll be spoiled for choice. If you're looking for something a little more laidback or cultural then we suggest heading to some of the museum and monasteries you can visit on the island - such as the Evangelistria Monastery. For something a little special head to Paralia Lalaria, this is a spectacular white-pebble beach that you can only reach by boat.
Bonus: Are you a fan of Mamma Mia? Then only a short ferry ride away (about 30 minutes) is the smaller island of Skopelos, the main filming location - some say you can still hear the echoes of Pierce Brosnan's 'singing'.
Book your holiday extras early
It pays to book your airport parking, airport hotel or your lounge as soon as you book your flights. Prices usually go up nearer the date you fly, and last year Holiday Extras saved our airport parking customers £100 each on average when they pre-booked their airport parking instead of paying on the day.
Book my hotel and parking todayKefalonia
Direct flights available 4 days a week
Flight time approx. 3 hours 30 mins
Time zone GMT+3
Made famous as being the setting of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Kefalonia is in the Ionian sea to the west of mainland Greece. This island is characterized by limestone cliffs and small bays with secluded beaches (top tip - make sure to visit Fteri Beach, it's absolutely stunning!). One of the top things to do on the island is to visit Melissani Cave - where you'll find a crystal clear blue lake nestled within a cave. We're sure you've seen this one all over Instagram!
Whilst you're staying in Kefalonia we definitely recommended a trip to nearby Ithaca, famously known as the home of Odysseus and the story of his journey back there after the Trojan War is where we get the word odyssey from. This small island is one of the most untouched of the Ionian islands, and you'll find yourself wanting to stay as you swim in the blue waters or explore the small but charming villages.
Kos
Direct flights available 5 days a week
Flight time approx. 4 hours
Time zone GMT+3
Last, but by no means least, there's Kos. To the east of Greece in the Dodecanese archipelago, the island is a stones throw from Bodrum the famous Turkish resort. Kos brings you an excellent blend of culture and relaxation - with some gorgeous beaches to choose from but also some excellent historic sites, such as the Plane tree of Hippocrates and the Asklepion. If you're travelling with kids (or big kids!), then there's also a couple of water park on the island - great to keep everyone entertained when you tire of the beach.
Island hopping from Kos
Though these islands can also be reached by ferry from Rhodes, the ferry time is much shorter from Kos. So hope on a ferry and get away from the crowds.
Kalymnos (approx. 1hr 20 mins) Visit for a laid-back holiday with beaches, diving, rock climbing and excellent tavernas.
Patmos (approx. 5hrs 20 mins) Known as the location in which the apostle John wrote the Book of Revelations, this is a significant site of Christian pilgrimage. There's a stunning cliff-top fortress which overlooks the Old town below.
Island hopping from Athens
There is of course always the option to fly directly to Athens and then catch a ferry from there. The main port is Piraeus and from there you can travel to the Cyclades.
Sifnos (approx. 2 hrs 25 mins) Sifnos is a foodie heaven, so if you like greek food this is the island to go to, make sure you try the bourekia (it's an almond, honey and cinnamon pastry). It's a romantic getaway heaven, and we recommend it as an alternative to the crowded Santorini.
Milos (approx. 3 hrs 25 mins) This volcanic island is where the famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered. The island has beautiful Aegean waters, and colourfully painted buildings. Make sure to head to Sarakiniko beach, with it's dramatic white volcanic cliffs.
Naxos (approx. 3 hrs 30 mins) or by air from Athens
Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and here you'll find the Apollo Temple and the Temple of Demeter. When you tire of history you can relax on one of the many amazing beaches it has to offer.
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