With more than 200 inhabited islands, each with its own spectacular dining and entertainment options and views for days, Greece has plenty of islands to choose from. How is a traveler new to the Greek Isles to know which to visit first? Below is a countdown of our Top 3 Must-See Greek Islands, rated for their climate, activities, and traveler feedback. These islands represent a variety of things to do and different island vibes, so there’s sure to be something for everyone.
#3 Paros
Coming in at #3 in our Top 3 Must-See Greek Islands list is Paros. Active travelers will love Paros for its amazing selection of water sports activities. Visitors can kitesurf, windsurf, scuba dive, go snorkeling, sailing, or waterskiing, among others. Paros is an absolute water-sports lover’s dream! However, even if water sports are not your thing, Paros still has a bounty of things to see and do. The town of Parikia has shopping options, as well as plenty of places to find amazing food and drinks. There’s even a 13th-century Venetian castle! ProTip: Schedule your visit during the Festival at the Park, which is held annually in the summer at Paros Park, an 800-acre setting.
#2 Mykonos
There are so many reasons why Mykonos is our #2 must-see Greek island. Its gleaming white, cube-shaped buildings beckon you from the sea. While there are many beautiful churches on this island, Mykonos is most well-known for its raucous nightlife. Featuring rowdy beach parties, on Mykonos, you’re really never very far from a party of some sort. If the party scene is not what you’re going for, there are still plenty of other things to see, explore, and eat on Mykonos. Grab a gyro from a street vendor, sample local cheeses, or enjoy fresh-caught seafood while on the island.
#1 Santorini
And the #1 absolute must-see Greek island is…Santorini! With beautiful beaches and iconic whitewashed, blue-dome-roofed houses, the island of Santorini is actually two inhabited islands. Most people spend the majority of their time on Thira, home to Fira and Oia, Santorini’s largest towns. If beaches are your thing, you will have your choice of black, red, or white sand options here. Consider a winery and vineyard tour or, if you’re a little more adventurous, explore the volcano. Restaurant 1800 in Oia will provide you with a Mediterranean fine dining experience. The crowds are the scarcest between September and October or April and May, but you can still take advantage of the warm weather during these months. For the best value, winter is your best bet, though it may be a bit too cold for a day at the beach.
With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by selecting a Greek island to visit. Have no fear, traveler! Every Greek island has its own vibe and subculture and is a joy to explore. Rest assured, no matter which island you choose, you’ll be well-fed and have the opportunity to learn about thousands of years of Greek history and culture, so strap on your walking shoes and get ready to discover Greece! Opa!
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