Plan your Greece island hopping tour with a local expert

There’s a Greek island for every kind of traveler, but with so many to choose from, narrowing down your options can be equal parts fun and daunting.

Start by deciding which of the six main Greek island groups to visit:

• Cyclades: Home to more than 200 islands that include Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and Milos, this is one of the best-known groups, characterized by blue-and-white villages, party islands, and volcanic landscapes.
• Dodecanese: More than 150 islands make up this group, including Rhodes, Kos, Symi and Patmos. They combine ancient attractions, rugged landscapes, serene beaches, and sites steeped in spirituality.
• Ionian Islands: Located off the mainland’s western coastline, this group features Zakynthos, Corfu, Lefkada and Kefalonia, each praised for its striking natural beauty, from waterfalls to ancient trails across the homeland of Odysseus.
• Saronic Islands: Easily accessible from Athens, these are ideal for a small yet flavorful taste of Greek island living. Extend your trip away from the mainland for divine beaches, historical sites, and a slower pace.
• Sporades Islands: Of 24 islands, four are inhabited: Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros, and Alonissos. They’re perfect for a toned-down experience that takes you off the beaten path to enjoy more traditional Greek island charms.
• North Aegean Islands: Home to Lesbos, Lemnos, Samos and Chios, this underrated group offers wild nature, ravishing beaches, home-grown produce, and unwinding away from it all.

Many visitors land in Athens and head straight for the honeypots of Mykonos, Santorini or Crete, but there are myriad other islands to explore. From undeveloped Chios with its elaborately decorated village houses, to the unspoiled charms of hiking paradise Amorgos, to the beautiful harbor of Symi or the enchanting low-key Leros, there is a lesser-known Greek island to suit everyone.

Consider planning your itinerary around just one or two island groups, which will allow you to spend more time exploring and less time ferrying between each stop—perfect for those short on time, on a tighter budget, or wanting to experience the beauty of slow travel.

Visiting the classics, such as Mykonos, Santorini, Crete and Corfu, offers greater accessibility, convenience, and plenty of memorable experiences that will make your first trip worthwhile.

Time your visit carefully to avoid bigger crowds and price surges, and don’t shy away from the many other incredible islands that are just as worth exploring. Your local expert will be able to carve out a realistic Greek island hopping itinerary based around your interests and budget, so let them know if you’re keen to stray from the tourist trail.

The best Greek islands to visit