Lonely PlanetJul 30, 2026
The 12 Best Greek Islands
From Santorini to Crete, discover the best of the Greek islands.
15 things in this story
- Bath of AphroditeSightnatural pool on east coast of Kythira
- Elsewhere
- OktoberfestFestivalMunich, Germanyserving beer
- National Marine ParkSightAlonissos, Greecehome to turtles, dolphins, monk seals
- Peristera Underwater MuseumMuseumAlonissos, Greecedive down to a Classical-era shipwreck
- Rhodes TownFerry terminalRhodes, Greecerewards history lovers
- Seychelles BeachSightIkaria, Greecefrost-white, boulder-speckled with azure waters
- Afianes WineryRestaurantIkaria, Greecefamily-run, high in vine-strewn hills
- ThermaSightIkaria, Greecesulfur-rich hot springs
- HoraNeighborhoodAlonissos, Greecewhitewashed alleys and pavement cafés
- Kourtaliotiko GorgeTrailCrete, Greecerugged gorge at Preveli beach mouth
- VaïSightCrete, Greecegolden sand beach fringed by date palms
- ElafonisiSightCrete, Greecerose-hued sand, low dunes, turquoise water
- Dikteon CaveSightCrete, Greecestalactite-encrusted cave where Zeus was born
- Samaria GorgeTrailCrete, Greecedramatic path through sheer rock walls
- Palace of KnossosMuseumCrete, Greecegrand capital of Minoan Crete