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- More Iconic Greek islands to consider for first-timers.
Greece has dazzling natural beauty, but there are more precious attractions that are more magnificent than their stunning homeland. Particularly, the islands are special and mostly feature pristine beaches, beautiful waters, and splendid weather. With summer right around the corner, first-time travelers to Greece probably have its picturesque islands on their bucket lists. While the country is packed with 6000 islands, only a few of them would be convenient for first-timers. The best part about these islands is every traveler has something unique to experience, be it nightlife, outdoor activities, charming towns, or sandy beaches. Here are the 14 Greek islands to consider for the very first time there.
UPDATE: 2023/02/15 15:05 EST BY JOANE ACAR
More Iconic Greek islands to consider for first-timers.
Greece is full of endless stunning options for a beautiful escape. Happily, every choice serves travelers' needs and expectations. The article was extended to add four islands in Greece that wanderers should check out on their first visit to get the finest combination of what this diverse country has to offer.
14 Rhodes: Cozy And Historical Towns
Rhodes is a spectacular island featuring beautiful cozy towns and is home to a medieval town surrounded by fortifications. It has quaint small courts and tavernas throughout its beautiful villages. Rhodes is the largest Greek island of the Dodecanese archipelago, it boasts stunning beaches, as well as ancient ruins and gorgeous historical buildings to explore. People spend their time visiting the ancient ruins, such as the beautifully preserved Acropolis of Lindos, after ending the climb of the abrupt path running 116 meters above Lindos.
- Best time to explore: April, May, September, and October
- High season in Rhodes: July, August
- The cheapest month to visit the island: May
13 Hydra And Spetses: Best For Limited Period Of Time Near Athens
If the clock is ticking and someone's days to spend in Greece are limited, people choose islands near Athens. Being within a few hours from the port of Piraeus, Hydra, and Spetses are gorgeous and convenient to visit. They are extremely picturesque islands with cobbled paths and ancient stone houses overlooking the setting. They don’t need a car as people can walk everywhere on foot or by taking a local taxi. The Saronic islands have an authentic Greek ambiance tricking everyone into thinking they’re way more than an hour away from the capital.
- Best time to explore: May
- High season in Hydra and Spetses: June to September
- The cheapest month to visit the island: Mid-November
12 Ithaca: Best For Relaxing And Escaping Reality
Greece is also a dream destination for people who want to relax and spend their time in a peaceful, aesthetically attractive setting with a serene ambiance and charmed landscapes. Ithaca, known as the home of Odysseus, is an ideal destination for resting, unwinding, and taking a break from reality. Both young and older people come from all over the world to witness the thermal baths of Ithaca that can cure skin conditions, arthritis, and neurological diseases. Ithaca represents the return to the shelter, the discovery, and the satisfaction. Those who visit the island are sure to comprehend why Odysseus tried so hard to return to it!
- Best time to explore: May to October
- High season in Ithaca: June, July, and August
- The cheapest month to visit the island: March
11 Syros: Best For Cultural Enthusiasts
Syros island has an authentic style blended with a calm atmosphere and is ideal for visitors seeking a destination less dynamic than the neighboring islands of Mykonos, Santorini, or Paros. It is popular among families and wanderers who love to witness the architecture of its main towns, which is one of the Syros' greatest highlights.
- Best time to explore: June to mid - September
- High season in Syros: May, June, and Jul
- The cheapest month to visit the island: May
10 Santorini: The Most Famous Island
If travelers could only visit one of the many Greek islands, Santorini would be the first choice. The Island has it all – from picturesque black lava sandy beaches to breathtaking hilltop whitewashed villages to vibrant traditional culture. On this island, travelers will experience calm seas, tasty wines, and active volcanoes to explore. No one would visit Greece for the first time and fail to include this beautiful wine island in their itinerary. Luckily, most of the Greek cruises, the preplanned ones, visit Santorini.
- Best time to explore: June and September
- High season in Santorini: January, November, and December
- The cheapest month to visit the island: October
9 Naxos: Ideal For Windsurfing And Kite surfing
While Santorini is the most famous island in Greece, some travelers, for some reason, may not fancy the island. If this happens, then one shouldn't hesitate to head to Naxos, another beautiful island with so much to offer. A splendid breeze is guaranteed on the western coast, making this island a perfect destination for kite surfing and other water sports. It is also an ideal vacation spot for couples, thanks to Portara’s romantic sunset. Some of the world-class beaches on this island include Plaka and Aliko.
- Best time to visit: December and February
- High season in Naxos: January, February, and December
- Cheapest month to visit: January
8 Mykonos: Best Known For Picturesque Windmills
Sometimes referred to as the party island, Mykonos is full of energy, with several dance clubs and beach music attracting thousands of travelers every summer. The island's picturesque windmills and downtown are the most popular tourist attractions. Other than the perfect nightlife on this fine island, travelers can experience its stunning sandy beaches and spend their nights in the numerous luxury hotels mounted in the region. This island is not the place to experience some good cuisine or have seaside dining as the food offered here lacks diversity. There is not much to explore when it comes to food.
- Best suited for: Luxury hotels, partying, and sandy beaches
- Best time to visit: September and October
- Cheapest times to visit: April, May, and October
7 Corfu: Best For Food Buffs
While Mykonos is not a perfect island destination for dining, Corfu is ideal for food buffs. Many travelers visit Greece, and food is a key factor in their decision to explore the country. Signature dishes abound in most of the Greek Islands, but one of the perfect spots to enjoy some great cuisine is Corfu. Mostly influenced by Mediterranean, English, and Italian food, Corfu’s local dishes include sofrito, which is usually a beef dish cooked with lots of garlic and onion. Porpetas, cooked in tomato source, is an Italian-style meatball and is one dish not to be missed in Corfu. Corfu is also a place that has something for everyone.
- Best time to visit: April-May, September through November
- Cheapest month to visit: Late October to Late April
- The high season: July through August
6 Milos: Picturesque Beaches And Incredible Volcanic Landscape
Milos is one of the most interesting islands in Greece and has become increasingly popular over the years – thanks to its incredible beaches, beautiful towns, good food, and incredible volcanic landscape. This island is perfect for a week-long vacation as there is so much to explore. Those seeking nightlife shouldn't opt for this island. While Milos has a few bars and small clubs, they are not exactly for partying.
- Best suited for incredible beaches, food, beautiful hotels, and picturesque small towns
- Best time to visit: Late spring and early autumn
- Cheapest time to visit: January-April, September 10th to December 9th
5 Kefalonia: The Largest Of The Ionian Islands
Kefalonia is Greece's most diverse island, naturally, with flourishing green landscapes that are only found in its environs and on no other island. Its beaches are breathtaking, the waters are crystal clear, and there are impressive underground caves to experience. This island is not only the largest of the Ionian islands, but it is also one of the most stunning. Almost every traveler has probably seen this island somewhere on Instagram or postcards. What they don't know is that the beauty of this place is better than any camera could capture. It is better seen in reality than in some photos.
- Best time to visit: June-August
- Cheapest time to visit: June
4 Crete: Greece's Largest Island
Being a historic spot with a rich culture and history stretching back to millennia, Crete has a lot to offer. From medieval cities to historic towns to ancient sites, there is so much to explore. However, the island is mostly visited as some of the most spectacular in the world. The likes of Elafonissi, Balos, and Falassarna top the list. Travelers have every reason to visit and explore this beautiful island.
- Best time to visit: Mid-May-June, September-October
- Cheapest time to visit: April-May, Mid-Late October
3 Paros: Fewer Crowds, Incredible Vibe
Paros is a perfect island destination for travelers looking for an incredible vibe, nightlife, and architecture and to experience the beauty in a less crowded spot. The island is full of charm – thanks to the beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, clear waters, vibrant beach bars, and calm bays found there. One of the most famous beaches on the island is Kolymbithres, having picturesque white rock formations worthy of exploring.
- Best time to visit: April-October
- Cheapest time to visit: January-April, September 10th to December 9th
2 Zakynthos: For Nature Lovers And Nightlife Buffs
Home to the globally famous Navagio (Shipwreck) beach, Zakynthos is one of Greece's most visited islands – thanks to the spectacular landscapes and incredible beaches that feature sugar-fine sand and turquoise waters. Lined with flourishing pine trees and a natural green landscape, this place is perfect for adventurers. The island is known to be a playground for young people in their mid-20s - and is incredibly impressive for nature lovers and travelers looking to experience its beautiful stone villages and Venetian castles.
- Best time to visit: March through May, September to Early December
- Cheapest time to visit: July
1 Ios: For Incredible Sunset Views
Attracting thousands of visitors every year, Ios is one of Greece's most popular destinations. Famous for its picturesque beaches and vibrant part scene, this island is best suited for the youth. Other than its lively nightlife, Ios has much more to offer, from shimmering waters to beaches to beautiful cliff-top villages and so much more! One can easily reach this place by ferry from Athens or Rafina, or Piraeus ports.
- Best time to Explore: June-Mid September
- Cheapest time to visit: Late September