The 11 Best Greek Islands to Visit in Your Lifetime, According to Travel Experts

Patmos is not only the island where Saint John reportedly wrote the book of Revelation; it’s also where the Athenians go for a chic, under-the-radar vacation, according to Sofia. Of course the island has plenty of picturesque beaches too. Be sure to visit the capital, Chora, built on a hill around the 12th-century Monastery of Saint John, and walk around its white-washed architecture. Also make sure to check out Chora’s unique windmills while you are exploring.

While it’s technically not an island, the Peloponnese Peninsula boasts beautiful beaches all the same and is an easy 55-kilometer drive from Athens and its historic sites. “The coloration has more olive tones and terra cotta,” Sofia says. Plus, there are “endless ridiculously beautiful olive groves,” and this area is where Kalamata olives are grown. Sofia especially recommends visiting Monemvasia, a village in a mountain with hotels and restaurants in its nooks and crannies (pictured here).

Chios is truly off the beaten path, and uniquely home to Mastika, a liqueur made from the mastic tree with a taste reminiscent of pines and herbs, that Sofia particularly enjoys. Be sure to explore the island’s villages and castles, and perhaps try a different beach each day. Mavra Viola Beach (pictured) is knowns for its black pebbles from the inactive volcano Psaronas.

Corfu reminds Sofia of Italy, and you’ll no doubt run into Italians who have travelled over to the island on ferry from home. Likewise, its cultural heritage and architecture reflects its years under Venetian, French, and British rule. You can explore Byzantine churches, remains of Venetian fortresses, and Greek temples all while there. It’s easy to get here from the Peloponnese region, and is more lush and green than some other islands that have more of a desert feel. You can see its beauty in Porto Timoni Beach (pictured).

“Before everyone leaves this planet they should see Santorini because it’s such a magical place,” Sofia says, but caveats that you should try and go when it's not peak tourist season. Santorini is what many people think of when they think of Greek islands with its classic cliffside vistas and whitewashed buildings, but its beauty is no secret and it attracts crowds because of it. To experience the island when it’s more quiet, travel in May or June or September or October. Some restaurants might be closed, but the weather is still enjoyable and might be cooler. Sofia recommends stopping by Amoudi Beach (pictured) with its rocky volcanic coast.

To get off the beaten path, Sofia recommends the magical beaches and beautiful caves on the small island of Paxos. Among its many caves is Tripitos Arch (pictured) that is part of a collapsed sea cave. It’s a quick boat ride from Corfu. Be sure to visits its three villages, Gaios (the capital), Lakka, and Logos with their traditional houses and beachfront boardwalks.

As the biggest island in Greece, there’s no need to island hop when you visit Crete, which has the historical experience along with the beaches, villages, and nature, according to Ragan and Anne. In fact, it’s home to a massive canyon, Samaria Gorge, along with some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Because it is so large, you might want to stick to one side of the island; Sofia recommends Chania (pictured), a city on the northwest coast known for its 4th-century Venetian harbor.

While a smaller island, Paros is the up-and-coming stunner with a laid back feel and smaller boutique properties. There you can explore Medieval villages, wineries, and harbors with a feel that the super-popular Mykonos had 20 years ago, complete with the lively restaurants and clubs it is known for today. Its white-washed towns intersect with its stunning turquoise water, and it’s a quick boat ride from the smaller island of Antiparos.

If you're eying a villa rental on Paros but finding options a bit limited, check out Lefkada. It offers the same authentic, laid back experience but has far more villas with more competitive price points, Anne and Ragan say. It can also be easily reached by a bridge from the mainland. It’s known for its Caribbean-like turquoise waters and soft white sand beaches, which are a far cry from the other rockier shores in Greece. One of its most stunning beaches is Porto Katsiki Beach (pictured) with its dramatic white rock backdrop.

This small island is the perfect spot for honeymooners and others looking for a quiet, tranquil escape, according to Ragan and Anne. Its capital, Ermoupolis (pictured), boasts Neoclassical mansions and elegant churches and is close to the island’s picturesque beaches on the southern and western coasts. Though it’s quiet, it’s only a short ferry ride from the larger, more popular Mykonos.

Casual and beautiful, Zakynthos could be the next Mykonos with its beach clubs, live music, and large numbers of villas for exceptional value, Anne and Ragan say. It’s not as easy to get to, so your best bet is settling in for a week versus island hopping. Navagio Bay (pictured), aka Shipwreck Cove, is known around the country for its beauty and is only accessible only by boat on the island’s western side.