Extend your stay and explore the beautiful Greek islands

If you're planning to make a little more of your trip to Greece, there are over 200 islands to choose from as well as many beautiful mainland destinations to see. To help you narrow it down, we've curated some recommendations including our favorite spots and tried to summarize them by the "vibe" you might be looking for.

Getting to the Islands: Most islands are a 3–5 hour ferry ride from the Piraeus (near Athens center) or Rafina (near the airport) ports. We recommend using Direct Ferries to compare times and book tickets. If you're short on time though, many islands also have airports with 45-minute flights from Athens or direct connections from major European cities!

The Cyclades

Santorini
The iconic Greek island with white-washed cliffside villages and blue domes, and where we got engaged! The views and sunsets are truly breath-taking. Visit it for the cliffside dinners, the volcanic ruins of Akrotiri, and catamaran rides, more so than the beaches. Note: It's busy in the summer! Stay in-land in towns like Pyrgos for a quieter, more authentic feel. It is also generally recommended that you book sunset tables far in advance although you can sometimes get lucky with a last-minute table.

Mykonos
The "glamour" island. High-end beach clubs and world-class nightlife, but also the gateway to the ancient ruins of Delos (the birthplace of the ancient Greek gods Apollo and Artemis).

Paros & Naxos
Our recommendation for a balanced destination with a bit of everything. Paros is chic and vibrant, while Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades with a more laid-back vibe, long sandy beaches and amazing local food.

Milos
Otherworldly. Visit Sarakiniko to feel like you're swimming on the moon! Milos is about simplicity and relaxation and is best explored by boat - either by taking a tour or renting one for the day!

Syros
The elegant capital of the Cyclades. It feels more "Venetian" than Cycladic, with marble squares and neoclassical mansions, but there is plenty to do and is a great base for island-hopping.

Ionian Islands

Corfu
A mix of Venetian history and rugged nature. The Old Town is a UNESCO site, and the food (influenced by Italy) is delicious.

Lefkada
No ferry needed! You can drive here from Athens. It has some of the most dramatic cliff-backed beaches in the Mediterranean (Porto Katsiki beach is a must).

Zakynthos (Zante)
Where you will find the famous Shipwreck Beach. Go for the sea caves and turtle spotting, but stay in the north for a quieter experience.

Quick Escapes from Athens

Hydra
This is a small car-free paradise where donkeys and water taxis are the only way to get around. It feels frozen in time and is very romantic. Perfect if you only have 2-3 days to spare and want a very calm and cultured retreat without a long journey.

The Big Islands

Crete
It's huge - almost its own country! Base yourself in Chania for the harbor and pink-sand beaches, or Heraklion for the Palace of Knossos.

Rhodes
A medieval wonderland. The Old Town is perfectly preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We hear the hilltop village of Lindos is breathtaking.

Mainland Getaways

Nafplio
One of Greece's most beautiful towns. It offers beautiful beaches, seaside promenades, high-end boutiques, and amazing cafes and restaurants. Only 2 hours from Athens and ideal for visiting the Ancient Theatre of Epidauros.

Monemvasia
A medieval fortress town carved into a massive rock of an island. It's car-free, dramatic, and incredibly cinematic. It feels like stepping back 500 years.

Elafonisos
A tiny island at the tip of the Peloponnese. It's home to Simos Beach, which has some of the finest white sand and turquoise water in the country! Beautiful!

Whether you're drawn to dramatic cliffs, soft-sand beaches, lively nightlife, or quiet villages with sweeping sea views, there truly is a place to suit every travel style! Greece is wonderfully easy to explore, and wherever you go you'll always be greeted with warm hospitality (Greek "filoxenia"), incredible food, and beautiful scenes that will stay with you!

Although we haven't been to all these places yet, do reach out to us if you have any questions or if you want any more tips and we'd be happy to help!