Greek islands guide: 20 islands, transport and car-free planning
There is no single best island: your trip length, arrival port and whether you will drive change the choice. Decide on transport and a base before building a beach and restaurant list. The transport notes here are not a live timetable.
Jump to the 20 places ↓A car-free trip is not the same as a car-free island
Greece’s official tourism source describes Hydra as an island without cars or motorcycles. A car-free holiday on another island depends on your hotel location, walking distances and local transport. Do not assume an entire large island will be easy to explore without hiring a vehicle.
Plan ferries and flights together
Before booking, confirm the correct port, travel date and return connection with the operator. Two islands appearing close on a map does not mean there is a direct sailing on your dates. Leave a buffer instead of relying on a ferry transfer immediately before an important flight home.
Choose one base for a short break
Our suggestion for a short break is to explore one island more deeply rather than constantly moving. Staying near a port may simplify transport, while a quiet bay may require extra transfers. Confirm restaurant addresses and opening days. Each island page below brings sightseeing, food and transport notes together.
20 Popular Greek Islands to Visit
Santorini
Far more than sunset: caldera villages, Akrotiri and volcanic vineyards.
Mykonos
Little Venice, windmills, Delos and beaches with distinct personalities.
Naxos
One of the most varied Cyclades, with Portara, a Venetian castle, mountain villages and rich food.
Paros
Combines Naoussa harbour, historic Parikia and Lefkes walks with lively beaches.
Milos
A geological open-air gallery of white Sarakiniko rock, colourful syrmata and boat-only coves.
Crete
Too large for one trip: Minoan heritage, mountain villages, hiking and one of Greece’s strongest cuisines.
Rhodes
Combines a UNESCO medieval city, whitewashed Lindos and broad coastline.
Corfu
Ionian elegance through a UNESCO old town, olive hills and Paleokastritsa coves.
Zakynthos
A striking Ionian island of Navagio cliffs, Blue Caves and protected loggerhead turtle habitat.
Kefalonia
A much broader route than beaches alone: Myrtos, Assos, Melissani and Mount Ainos.
Lefkada
A bridge-linked island opening to dramatic beaches such as Porto Katsiki and Egremni.
Kos
Combines the Asklepieion, Neratzia Castle and long beaches with a cycle-friendly town.
Skiathos
A compact escape of 60-plus beaches, pine forest and a walkable harbour.
Skopelos
Pines reaching the sea, Skopelos Town and Glossa at a gentler island pace.
Hydra
Close to Athens yet timeless, with a car-free harbour, captains’ mansions and coastal paths.
Aegina
An easy Athens escape of Aphaia Temple, neoclassical harbour and famous pistachios.
Syros
Pastel neoclassical Ermoupoli, Ano Syros and a strong cultural calendar set it apart.
Samos
A varied North Aegean island of Pythagoreio, Heraion, lush walks and Muscat wine.
Chios
Unique for Pyrgi’s geometric façades, Mesta’s maze and UNESCO-recognised mastic culture.
Ios
Beyond nightlife: quiet village mornings, an open-air theatre and long sandy bays.