Greek Island Groups Explained: Which Islands To Choose

Greek island groups are the simplest way to plan a trip to Greece: pick the cluster that matches your flight options, ferry frequency, and the kind of holiday you want (nightlife, beaches, history, or quieter villages).

Greece has around 6,000 islands and islets, but only 227 are inhabited, so most itineraries focus on the six classic island groups travelers search for, plus Crete and Evia (Euboea).

Greek Island Groups At A Glance

Island Group / Island	Best For	Typical Gateways	Notes That Change Planning
Cyclades	Iconic views, beach towns, and easy island hopping	Athens ports; Santorini/Mykonos airports (seasonal frequency varies)	Most popular islands can feel very crowded in peak summer
Sporades	Pine forests, beaches, relaxed pace	Skiathos airport (summer gateway); Skyros flights often via Athens	Smaller cluster; fewer ferry options than the Cyclades
Dodecanese	History, bigger islands, possible Türkiye crossings	Rhodes/Kos airports; seasonal ferries	Some routes are seasonal; border and ferry rules can vary</td hookup>
Saronic Islands	Short breaks from Athens	Athens-area ports (Piraeus and others)	Ferry duration varies widely by island and vessel type
Ionian Islands	Beaches, lush scenery, summer resorts	Corfu/Zakynthos/Kefalonia airports; ferries between islands	Navagio access rules can change; confirm before booking boat trips
North Aegean	Local character, quieter stays, history	Island airports (varies by island); ferries (often longer distances)	Island hopping can be slower because distances are larger
Crete	One-base trips with beaches + ancient sites	Multiple airports; ferries from Athens and the islands	Large island: car or tours help for inland and remote sights
Evia (Euboea)	Mainland-adjacent island escape	Road access from the mainland; Athens-area access	Good for flexible trips without relying on ferries

Did you know that Greece has approximately 6,000 islands and islets, of which 227 are inhabited? That’s a lot to choose from, especially because many of the most visited islands pack in beaches, towns, and standout sights.

Of course, there are countless uninhabited islands, but knowing about the ones you can visit means you can choose the best island for your needs.

Things To Know Before You Choose An Island Group

1. Greece has around 6,000 islands and islets, but only 227 are inhabited.
2. Most travelers choose islands based on (1) the easiest gateway airport or ferry hub, (2) ferry frequency within a cluster, and (3) how crowded the peak summer weeks get.

If you’re not sure which island you want to visit, we’ve got plenty of information for you. From the six main island groups to what each one is best for, let’s cover what you need to know.

Cyclades Islands: Best Picks For Views, Beaches, And Island Hopping

The first thing you need to know about the Cyclades is that it’s the best-known island-hopping cluster. There are around 220 islands in this group, and many of the smaller ones are uninhabited.

However, the Cyclades islands list you can visit includes:

• Mykonos – Best for partying
• Santorini – Best for views
• Syros
• Sifnos
• Serifos
• Naxos
• Paros – Best for beaches
• Antiparos
• Delos – Best for history
• Amorgos
• Milos
• Folegandros
• Sikinos
• Tinos
• Anafi
• Andros
• Ios – Best for off-the-beaten track
• Kea
• Kythnos
• Kimolos – Best for adventure

You’ll probably instantly recognize the top two, at least. Santorini is one of Greece’s most visited islands, and we’ve all seen the photos: hillside views, whitewashed buildings, and blue-domed churches.

Mykonos is another famous island, known for its nightlife, beach clubs, and summer party scene.

Island hopping is a big thing in Greece, and you can quickly check out a few different islands within the space of one break if you’re ferry savvy. But the lack of knowledge about the other islands in this huge group shouldn’t prevent you from heading to some of the islands you haven’t heard of.

For instance, Andros and Amorgos are simply beautiful islands with a wild, untamed feel. You’ll feel like you’ve landed on a castaway island.

If it’s beaches you’re after, then Paros is a great choice. You’ll also find stunning beaches on Mykonos, but perhaps you’re not after a party vibe. If that’s the case, relaxed Paros has a calmer, more relaxed feel, with sandy beaches to relax on all day. The water is clear and calm, and ideal for swimming.

Perhaps you want to review the history. If that’s the case, head to Delos. You can easily visit on a day trip from Mykonos. 

This is reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, huge names in Greek mythology. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great spot to visit, if nothing else. Delos is uninhabited today, and visitors come mainly for its archaeological sites and history.

Alternatively, check out Amorgos, one of the easternmost Cyclades islands. Here you’ll find winding streets, old buildings, churches, and architecture going back to Venetian times. The views from here are also impressive.

Of course, Santorini and Mykonos are two of the most famous, so we have to talk about those.

Mykonos has gained a reputation in recent years as a party island. However, it’s not a party island that’s particularly low quality. You’ll find many footballers and A-listers head here for their summer holidays. There is something for everyone nightlife-wise, but you can also find a quieter side of the island, with excellent restaurants and places to chill after dark.

The beaches on Mykonos are also beautiful and ideal for relaxing after a late night or simply enjoying the view.

As for Santorini, it’s famously scenic, but it can feel very crowded in peak summer. If you want fewer crowds, consider visiting outside the busiest months (especially July and August).

The island comprises two main towns: Fira and Oia. Both towns sit high on the hillsides and offer stunning views – be sure to check out the sunsets! Beaches on Santorini are pebbled with different colored stones depending on which side of the island you face. Because a volcanic eruption formed Santorini, the landscape is quite rugged, surprising many first-time visitors to the island.

Here is your guide to The Cyclades.

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Sporades Islands: Best Picks For Forests, Beaches, And A Quieter Vibe

You might not be familiar with this particular island group, compared to the last group we discussed. However, this group consists of 24 islands, and the four main inhabited ones are:

• Skiathos – Best for summer holidays
• Skopelos – Best for film buffs (Mamma Mia!)
• Alonissos – Best for off-the-beaten-track
• Skyros – Best for scuba diving

The most notable of those islands for tourism is Skiathos. Regarding air access, Skiathos is the main international gateway to the Sporades in summer, while Skyros also has scheduled flights (typically via Athens).

These islands are rich in nature, likely because you’ll usually see a bit more rain there than on the others. There are many hiking trails and pine forests to explore, but there are also beautiful beaches to spend your time on, too.

Let’s talk about Skiathos for a moment, as this is the most popular island in this group.

This island is packed during the summer season, and that’s partly because it’s compact: Skiathos is about 12 km long and around 6 km wide on average.

There are over 60 beaches to explore in that small space, so you probably won’t find yourself having to share a beach towel space with someone you don’t know, as there are plenty of spots to choose from. Yet, Koukounaries and Lalaria are two of the most popular and stunning beaches on the island.

For nightlife and shopping, Skiathos Town is a fantastic spot. The port area is cosmopolitan, with something for everyone, and you’ll find many places to pick up bargains to take home.

If you’re a Mamma Mia fan, you should visit Skopelos. Named Kalokairi in the film, this is the filming spot for the popular movie, and while you do get many hardcore fans hopping over to check it out, it’s never genuinely bustling. However, it is as beautiful as it was in the film. Of course, you have to head up that rather large hill (by donkey if you want) to check out Agios Ioannis Kastri, the church where the end-of-movie wedding took place.

Those who want to venture further afield and spend days surrounded by peace should consider Alonissos; however, if you’re a scuba diver, Skyros is the better option. While it’s still pretty underdeveloped, that’s not a bad thing. It’s calm and quiet, but it’s located in a large protected marine park, which means scuba diving here is excellent.

Dodecanese Islands: Best Picks For History And Easy Türkiye Day Trips

The Dodecanese is another group that includes several well-known islands. This group is located in the glittering Aegean, with some islands close to mainland Turkey. You can take a day trip from Turkey to two of the islands in this group.

This group comprises 165 islands, yet only 26 are inhabited and visitable. Without a doubt, two of the most famous islands in the Dodecanese are Rhodes and Kos. These are the two islands that you’ll find many Turkish visitors checking out on a day trip, as they’re the closest to Turkey itself. However, Symi is a trendy spot these days, albeit a tiny island. Of course, if you’re visiting Kos or Rhodes, that also means you can visit Turkey for the day too, namely Bodrum from Kos or Marmaris from Rhodes.

This group includes the following islands:

• Rhodes – Best for shopping and partying
• Kos – Best for visiting Turkey
• Kalymnos
• Kastellorizo
• Symi – Best for architecture and culture
• Pserimos
• Telendos
• Karpathos
• Tilos
• Leros
• Patmos – Best for religious sites
• Astipalea
• Kassos
• Halki
• Nisyros
• Lipsi
• Agathonissi

Let’s start with Rhodes, as it is the largest and most popular island. Rhodes Town is located in the north of the island and is a beautiful blend of old and new. The Old Town sits within well-preserved castle walls and is lapped by the pristine waters of the Aegean. However, venture beyond those walls to find cosmopolitan restaurants, shops, and bars.

You can also head southeast to visit the resort of Faliraki, known for its clubs and lively nightlife. While it’s not as bustling as it was a few years ago, it still sees its fair share of visitors during the summer months, mostly relaxing on the beautiful beaches during the day, after a long night the evening before!

The key strength of the Dodecanese is its history. Because many historical groups have conquered the islands and moved on, you’ll see nods to each and to the architecture they left behind. Be sure to check out the Palace of the Grand Master if you’re in Rhodes, as it’s a standout example of medieval (Hospitaller-era) architecture.

Patmos is a smaller, less-visited island, but it’s well known in Christian tradition as the place where John of Patmos received and recorded the visions in the Book of Revelation.

If you are visiting Symi, be sure to check out Pedi, located on the coast. However, Symi has become increasingly popular in recent years, and you can explore its beautiful architecture while enjoying its beaches. There is also a music festival that takes place every year and that often attracts many visitors and music lovers.

Day-trip ferry links between Türkiye and the Dodecanese vary by season and operator, and there are multiple possible crossings (not just two islands). Always confirm the current route and border formalities for your exact travel date before planning a day trip.

Here is your guide to the Dodecanese island group.

Saronic Islands: Best Picks For Quick Trips From Athens

You’ll find many people from the mainland visiting the Saronic Islands on weekends, especially during the summer months. This is because these islands are close to Athens and have easy ferry links to the mainland.

Ferry times from Athens-area ports to the Saronic Islands vary by island and vessel type, ranging from under an hour to around two hours.

The island within this lesser-known group includes:

• Aegina
• Hydra – Best for an old-world feel and history
• Dokos
• Poros – Best for scenery
• Spetses
• Salamis (Salamina)
• Agistri

The best thing about the Saronic Islands is that they’re not as affected by mass international tourism. For instance, Hydra is famously car-free for most visitors; people get around on foot, by boat taxi, and by donkey, with limited service and emergency vehicles. 

It’s a feeling that’s not only historic but also stripped back, and it can be a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life back home.

History lovers will undoubtedly enjoy Hydra and its port. The port is also magnificent and a great place to sit and watch the world go by. During the Greek War of Independence (which began in 1821), Hydra played a major naval role, and you’ll see that maritime history is reflected in its mansions, museums, and port area.

For anyone who adores nature and hiking in particular, the Saronic Islands are ideal. The islands are very green and offer excellent opportunities to get out into the arms of Mother Nature. There are great treks on Aegina, Agistri, and Poros, with Poros perhaps having some of the best scenery of them all.

While you won’t find parties, huge shopping malls, and mass tourism on these islands, you will find relaxation and beauty – isn’t that what holidays are all about?

Ionian Islands: Best Picks For Beaches, Scenery, And Island Hopping

The Ionian Islands include several main islands plus smaller islets, with Corfu and Zakynthos among the most popular.

Sitting in the Ionian Sea, as the name would suggest, these islands enjoy clear water, fantastic weather, and fantastic tourism options during the summer months. From June to September, these two islands, in particular, are extremely busy with direct flights from many European cities. Still, if you want a quieter break, you can easily take a ferry over to one of the lesser-known islands in the group.

Within the Ionian Island group, you will find:

• Corfu – Best for partying
• Zakynthos (Zante) – Best for beaches and partying
• Kefalonia – Best for beaches
• Lefkada
• Paxos – Best for seclusion
• Kythira
• Ithaki (Ithaca) – Best for mythology

Corfu is one of the most famous islands and has a rich history.

The island is known locally as Kerkyra and, in mythology, is associated with Korkyra (Corcyra), daughter of the river god Asopus.

Kerkyra gave birth to Poseidon’s child, and from the Phaeacian race was born. Of course, there is more to Corfu than mythology; it also has a rich history and architecture. But what many people visit Corfu for is partying and summer vibes.

If you want to stay on Corfu, thanks to the lower cost of accommodation, it’s easy to island-hop from there, including Paxos. This island sits off the very southern portion of Corfu. It is a small, underdeveloped island, but that’s what gives it significant charm. You’ll find local restaurants with a family feel, fewer tourist-oriented hotels, and an extremely inviting, generally low-key atmosphere.

The beaches on Paxos are also stunningly beautiful, and some areas feel noticeably quieter than the busiest Ionian hotspots.

Ithaki, or Ithaca, is another island that is famous for its mythology. This is reputed to be the birthplace of Odysseus, but it also has impressive beaches! Be sure to check out Vathy, a stunning port town.

Of course, we have to discuss Zakynthos, or Zante. If you’ve ever seen a postcard photo of a shipwreck on a beach surrounded by cliffs, that’s Zakynthos (Zante) — Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), to be more specific.

If you want to party, Zante offers what you want, along with fantastic food, beaches, and shopping opportunities. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting outside the primary summer season, as availability is limited in July and August.

Ionian Island travel guide.

North Aegean Islands: Best Picks For Quiet Stays And Local Character

Last but certainly not least, we have the North Aegean Islands. These islands sit closer to Turkey than they do Greece, and as with Kos and Rhodes, you can take day trips by ferry back and forth. However, island-hopping within this group of Greek Islands can be challenging due to the long distances involved.

The Aegean island group includes:

• Thassos
• Lesbos – Best for ouzo culture
• Samos – Best for history
• Lemnos – Best for adventure
• Chios – Best for nature
• Samothrace
• Ikaria – Best for beaches

Given their location, this group of islands has a significant history. They were also important during the War of Independence, and you’ll find ruins and relics to explore. All of the islands in this group are stunningly beautiful, and the waters surrounding them are crystal clear. That means ample beach time!

Lemnos is ideal for adventure fans. It’s an excellent spot for walking, hiking, and biking, and to explore the rugged terrain. In Greek mythology, Lemnos is associated with Hephaestus, the god of fire.

There are also many fishing opportunities here and numerous small villages to visit along the way. Another natural island to visit is Chios, home to mastic trees. You can walk around the villages and see the natural and architectural features left behind from earlier periods.

If you like ouzo, be sure to check out Lesbos — it’s especially famous for ouzo distilleries and ouzo culture, even though ouzo is produced in many parts of Greece. It’s not a drink to take lightly, so make sure you pay it respect and don’t drink too much!

However, if beach time is all you’re after, you must go to Ikaria. The beaches here look like something from the Caribbean, and the waters are so unbelievably clear, you won’t be able to fathom it!

Of course, Samos is an island we can’t avoid mentioning. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s ideal for history and culture. This is the birthplace of Pythagoras. So, if you’re a maths fan, you have to visit this island! You must head to one of the island’s tavernas and enjoy some locally caught fish or meze – with a glass of ouzo, of course! Even if you’re not into numbers, the island has plenty of history to explore, as well as some excellent food.

After these six groups, you also have the two islands of Evia and Crete, the two biggest Greek Islands.

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Crete: Best For One-Base Trips With Beaches And Ancient Sites

Crete is Greece’s biggest island and one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean. A super-popular island destination, this is a place where you could spend a week or more exploring beaches and ancient sites.

Be aware that Crete is a pretty large island, and you might need a rental car or join a guided tour to get around and see the top sights beyond the coastal cities.

Evia (Euboea): Best For A Mainland-Adjacent Island Escape

Evia is the second biggest island in the country and is also known as Euboea. Less touristic than Crete, Evia is a vast island in the Aegean Sea, very close to the mainland.

Evia is a tranquil destination, like Crete, that requires several days to explore and appreciate.

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