The Greek islands are numerous and over the years have become increasingly popular with tourists. There are also hidden paradises unknown to the crowds that flock to the Aegean and Ionian Seas in summer, but not everyone enjoys spending their holidays in solitude and without organized entertainment. Therefore, here are 15 popular Greek islands where you won't miss the opportunity to do sports, dance, eat, drink in good company, and have fun making new friends. There are popular islands in almost all archipelagos. Perhaps only the Argosaronic islands are somewhat overlooked by foreign tourism, although they are certainly very frequented by locals. Although these Greek islands are touristy, they do not have skyscrapers by the sea and nightmarish beaches where it is hard to find a spot to lay your towel. Moreover, they offer various types of accommodation (for all budgets), both excellent restaurants and rustic family-run taverns, not to mention the charming villages that come alive pleasantly in the evening. Here are the 15 popular Greek islands we have selected.
CORFU' (IONIAN)
Corfu is a beautiful island, praised even by Homer in the past, who chose it as the last stop for Odysseus before returning to Ithaca. Even Shakespeare chose it as the setting for the play “The Tempest.” Its nature is lush, its sea very beautiful, and the succession of various civilizations has also enriched it architecturally. It can also be considered the capital of nautical tourism in the Ionian Sea as numerous yachts and boats of all kinds pass through it.
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Visiting the island of Crete can hold many surprises because there are so many things to see beyond its beautiful sea. The island is large and also very varied. Having been the cradle of the great Minoan civilization, it offers very important archaeological remains. In recent years, tourism has increased dramatically, and the beaches between Heraklion and Aghios Nikolaos are literally stormed in summer.
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Ios does not offer museums, archaeological sites, monuments, buildings, or works of art of particular interest. People come to the island mainly to have fun, as it is very lively. In summer, it is a destination for many young people who flock to it in search of a somewhat wild holiday, especially focused on having fun. Its very white Chora is filled with loud music and people strolling and staying out late in the evening.
LEFKADA (IONIAN)
Easily accessible from the mainland as it is connected by a bridge, Lefkada is now very touristy. The reasons for its success are its beautiful sea, sandy beaches, protected bays with still waters, imposing cliffs, and lush valleys, not to mention its mountains and picturesque villages.
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Kos is very touristy (second only to Rhodes among the Dodecanese islands). Its charm comes from the simultaneous presence of antiquity and modernity. Tourists, in fact, reach it in increasing numbers both for its archaeological remains and characteristic villages and for its crystal-clear sea with beautiful fine sandy beaches and rocky coves. A characteristic of Kos is also the presence of the Islamic world, mixed with the Orthodox one. Finally, there is no shortage of lush pine nature, various museums, and many entertainment opportunities.
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The perfect island for sea lovers as it offers numerous sandy beaches and landscapes for all tastes: almost lunar environments, sulfur emissions, colorful pebbles, caves, and high cliffs overlooking the sea. Although it is an island where nature reigns supreme, the main inhabited centers, the typical “fishermen's sirmata,” and the monuments testifying to the island's history should not be overlooked.
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Mykonos in summer is stormed by tourists from all over the world and is particularly equipped to welcome and satisfy them both during the day and at night. The island's sea is beautiful, but Mykonos is especially famous for being the queen of Greek summer nights: fashionable, expensive, trendy, and a favorite destination for gay people worldwide. There are many venues where you can spend the night having fun.
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Naxos, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Cycladic islands, is appreciated for its fine sandy beaches, its beautiful crystal-clear sea, its green hinterland, and its beautiful towns, including the Chora. It is also dotted with many Byzantine churches and chapels.
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Paros is very busy and lively in summer, and the services for tourists are well organized. The island offers a holiday for all tastes: fun, tranquility, water sports, shopping, and family relaxation. It embodies all the main characteristics of the Cyclades: beautiful beaches, clear sea, beautiful cliffs, charming towns, a beautiful nightlife atmosphere for those who love trendy entertainment, but also many quiet corners.
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It is said that in a cave overlooking the sea in Patmos, Saint John dictated the Apocalypse to a disciple, and even today, the island is the destination of many pilgrimages. In addition to the flow of faithful, the island also attracts international tourists for its sea and the charm of its Chora. Among all the Dodecanese islands, it is the most cosmopolitan and frequented by the jet set, as well as a destination for Aegean cruises.
RHODES (DODECANESE)
Currently, it is one of the most frequented tourist centers in Europe, also thanks to its well-equipped hospitality facilities. Its charm comes from the simultaneous presence of antiquity, modernity, and fantastic and gigantic medieval defensive works. Moreover, the spectacular Lindos alone is enough to justify a visit to Rhodes. The sea and beaches are very beautiful, but Rhodes also offers cedar and pine forests: this island lacks nothing.
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Samos offers a truly complete vacation as it is touristic both for its natural beauty and its archaeology. It is a very beautiful, large island with many things to admire. In addition to beautiful beaches, picturesque towns, and lush nature, the archaeological sites are particularly appreciated. In particular, there is an ancient underground aqueduct on the island that ingeniously supplied spring water from the mountains to the city after about a kilometer of its course.
SANTORINI (CYCLADES)
The island of Santorini is the most extraordinary in the Aegean Sea, and every year many tourists come to enjoy its wild beauty. Its landscapes are fascinating (especially the sunsets) and at the same time intimidating because the memory of the powerful eruption that changed the ancient island's appearance is present everywhere. There are many things to see and savor: the architecture of its beautiful villages, its volcanic aspect, and also its wines.
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Skiathos was among the first Greek islands to be discovered by tourism and is still one of the most renowned and frequented: a truly cosmopolitan place. The island is famous for its entertainment and the beauty of its sea and numerous beaches but also offers tourists several cultural attractions.
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The island of Zakynthos is very visited. Tourists come for its splendid sea, sandy beaches (the famous "shipwreck" beach), caves, museums, churches with beautiful icons and frescoes. The island has an additional literary charm as it is the homeland of Ugo Foscolo and Dionysios Solomos, author of the national anthem. Zakynthos is also renowned for its music and folk dances.
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