15 of the most beautiful Greek islands

Zakynthos is famous for its spectacular Navagio Beach (also known as Shipwreck Beach) – a cove that is accessible only by boat and is characterised by its sheer limestone cliffs, sparkling white sand lapped by an impossibly blue sea and the shipwreck of a 1980s freightliner (pictured). It has often been called the most beautiful beach in the world and it’s not hard to see why.

The largest of the Ionians, Kefalonia is Greece at its picturesque best. Fragrant eucalyptus and vivid pink bougainvillea overhang sandy coves, and jagged cliffs level out to reveal vineyards and olive groves. Fiskardo, the island’s cosmopolitan fishing town (pictured), has earned its name as the "St Tropez of Greece" and regularly plays host to celebrities and their superyachts.

After Crete, Rhodes is the most visited island in Greece. Tourists from all over the world are lured by its picturesque walled Old Town, fabulous beach resorts and the promise of 300 days of sunshine per year. History buffs will marvel over its perfectly preserved medieval architecture. Take a trip to Lindos, a pretty seaside town to the south of the capital, which is overlooked by a magnificent acropolis. 

The tiny island of Tilos in the Dodecanese is known as Greece’s “green” island – it is an active nature reserve that is home to over 150 bird species and 650 plant varieties, but only 500 people. A decisive move toward clean energy also means that three quarters of the island's energy in summer is generated from wind and solar power, setting an example for other isolated communities looking to go green. Admire the stunning flora and fauna or relax on one of the many cove beaches with guaranteed privacy.

Lefkada in the Ionians is known as the “Caribbean of Greece” for the distinctive deep blue colour of the sea. Connected to mainland Greece by bridge, it is an ideal base for island-hopping excursions to neighbouring Ithaca or Kefalonia, among others. It is also popular with hikers who enjoy exploring its mountainous interior and dense pine forests.

The lush green landscape of Andros, with its abundance of naturally occurring waterfalls and springs, is just two hours by boat from Athens and is a popular weekend destination for residents of Greece’s capital. Apart from its many beaches, highlights include the Aladino Cave with its impressive stalagmites and stalactites, and the Castle of Chora, a ruined 13th-century Venetian castle connected to the mainland with a curving stone bridge (pictured). 

Corfu is one of the most popular islands and was one of the earliest to open its doors to the tourist trade. Although parts of its extensive coastline are packed with resorts, there are still pretty villages to be found in its olive tree-covered interior, and more remote beaches on the west and south coasts. 

For the ultimate relaxing break, head to sleepy and unspoilt Ithaca, a tiny island only 29 km (18 miles) across. The mythological home of Homer’s Odysseus, Ithaca has retained its mystical charm and sense of purity. There are ancient ruins and churches to uncover – some housing Byzantine treasures – and verdant countryside to enjoy in addition to the secluded beaches. 

Greece’s largest island is also one of its most diverse. If you’re not sunning yourself on its 1,045 km (650 miles) of coastline, there are stunning Minoan palaces, especially the remains at Knossos (pictured), Byzantine monasteries and Venetian towns steeped in history to discover. 

Symi’s harbour is one of the prettiest in all of Greece. Elegant Neo-Classical mansions in bright sunshine colours frame the shoreline, offering a keen sense of this little island’s rich history. Be sure to visit the Panormitis Monastery, a major pilgrimage site, and the stunning Marathounda Beach, perfect for snorkelling.

Build upon the remnant of a volcanic caldera, Santorini is unlike anywhere else in the world. Its capital, Fira, seems to defy gravity. Whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches cling precariously to the cliff edge, overlooking the sapphire sweep of the Aegean. Watching the sun set over this unique island, shading its dazzling white buildings orange and pink, is a truly unforgettable sight.

To experience Greece at its most authentic, head to the ruggedly beautiful Karpathos – one of the least commercialised of all the Greek islands. Step back in time in Olympus (pictured), a fascinating town built into dramatic mountainside, and only recently made accessible by car. Soak up local colour, watching the residents go about their business wearing traditional dress.

The olive tree-studded island of Skopelos will be recognisable to many as the film location for the Hollywood blockbuster Mamma Mia!. A small rocky outcrop in the Northern Sporades group (situated between Skiathos and Alonissos in the Aegean), it consists of two small towns separated by lush, mountainous landscape and rugged sandy beaches. Follow in the footsteps of Meryl Streep and climb the winding steps to the vertiginous Agios Ioannis church, which offers unparalleled views of the coastline and intense turquoise sea.

Although perhaps best known for its buzzing nightlife and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Mykonos is undeniably beautiful, with its iconic 16th-century windmills overlooking the Old Town, streets of dazzling whitewashed villas and postcard-perfect crystalline waters. Go for the parties, stay for the charm.

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