Greek mythology began as oral storytelling that passed down through the centuries. This list of the most beautiful Greek islands with famous mythological legends includes stories of gods, goddesses, nymphs, and monsters. This is a great jumping-off point for travelers who long to island hop with a purpose across Greece the ancient-fashioned way. This list is also perfect for visitors who have a tight budget. The vast majority of islands listed are off the typical tourist beat.

Ferries to the islands from Athens as well as the best tours to really get a taste of the true culture of Greece are included here, so travelers can avoid any transportation-related setbacks. Now, it's time to strap on some leather sandals and visit the hometowns of some of Mount Olympus's most famous residents. Oh, and just to be safe, travelers, beware, if you see Hera and Zeus's dad Cronus...run the other way.

10 Samos Is Fit For A Queen (Or King)

Welcome to the hometown of Hera! The queen of Mount Olympus was born on stunning Samos, just off the coast of Turkey. This verdant, mountainous island with otherworldly beaches is a slice of heaven, and Samos' famous sweet wine may just leave travelers feeling closer to the gods.

Hera's parents were King Kronos and Queen Rhea, who ruled the Titans. After Hera and her siblings were born her father swallowed them whole but, not to worry he eventually vomited them up. Hera then married her brother Zeus (Yuck!), and the rest is mythological history. Visitors to the spectacular island of Samos can't miss the Heraion, the world's largest temple dedicated to Hera, where her cult has worshiped since the mid-2nd Millennium BCE.

Related:10 Interesting Facts About Greece That Will Make You Want To Visit

9 Delos Is Kind Of A Big Deal-os

The ancient Greeks considered Delos to be the most sacred of all their islands. Twins Apollo (God of the sun) and Artemis (God of the moon) were born on this teensy island in the Cyclades archipelago. Their mother, Leto, was impregnated by Zeus which made his sister-wife Hera furious, and she banned Leto from giving birth on land. Leto had her twins on Delos which appeared to not be attached to the Earth.

Located only 20 minutes from Mykonos by boat, Delos makes for a fabulous day trip when travelers need a break from clubbing. Delos is uninhabited but has a massive cache of ruins and artifacts that can't be missed.

8 Milos Is For Lovers

It's no wonder that the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, was born on this breathtaking island where white rock formations glow in stark contrast to rippling turquoise waters. Milos is known for being where the Venus de Milo was discovered which is now located in the Louvre. Travelers to Milos must take a walk through the ancient catacombs, which date back 2,000 years. The catacombs are located within walking distance of the Ancient Theatre of Milos, which is on a hill overlooking the glistening azure waters below. Milos just may be the best island in Europe. It is known for fabulous dining, and scenery that will have travelers canceling their return tickets, and it's maybe the most romantic island in the world.

7 Syros Is For The Gods And Goddesses Of Travel

Syros is where Hermes hails from. Hermes was somewhat of an overachiever. He was born at noon, and by the time the sun went down, he had invented the lyre (a kind of harp) on which he wrote songs about his own birth before he slept that night. Average newborn behavior from who would become the god of travel. Travelers should pay homage to Hermes on Syros, which is the capital of the Cyclades. Syros balances the ancient and modern in an incredible fashion. Its port town of Ermoupoli is an architectural gem dotted with Orthodox churches. High above lies Ano Syros, which has a much more traditional feel with its white houses. With beaches galore and a compelling history of being a haven for refugees across the centuries, Syros is full of never-ending surprises.

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6 If You're On The Run, Be Sure To Hide In Kythira

The second alleged birthplace of Aphrodite on the list is Kythera, where she may have risen from the sea a la Botticelli's Birth of Venus. Kythira was also the refuge for Paris and Helen of Troy, the most famous lovers in all of the Greek mythology after they escaped Sparta. Their love nest was in a fairy cave, now referred to as Agia Sophia Mylopotamos, that travelers can visit today with their partner. The cave was once a Byzantine chapel and is pictured above. Kythira has so much to offer and is considered to be one of the most affordable Greek islands to explore. Travelers will feel right at home on this hospitable island and will fall head over heels for its medieval villages and delightful cuisine. Oh, and there are too many beaches to count, which is always a plus.

5 Visit Ikaria And Live Forever?

Ikaria is named for Icarus, who flew too close to the sun with wings made of wax and fell to his death near this beautiful island in the East Aegean. Ikaria is Dionysus, the Greek god of wine's birthplace, and Artemis, the goddess of the moon's favorite place to hang out. Ikaria's mythological pedigree is a major draw, but it's also known for being a Blue Zone, a place where an inordinate number of residents live to be over 100. The island's breathtaking landscapes, countless waterfalls, and delectable cuisine will have visitors feeling like they've drunk from the fountain of youth. Ikaria is often passed up for the nearby Mykonos, but travelers would be remiss if they skip out on this less touristy paradise.

Related:10 Historic Destinations To Explore In Greece's Peloponnese Region

4 Crete's Minotaur Myth Will Keep You On Your Toes

Crete is an island with such a storied past that it's impossible to list all the myths associated with it. This awe-inspiring paradise was home to King Minos and his wife's baby she had with a bull...the Minotaur. Later Theseus would kill the Minotaur with the help of his beloved Ariadne. Zeus even was allegedly raised by his foster mother in a cave where he hid from his father's baby-eating wrath.

Travelers to Crete can experience Ancient Greece in Knossos, Europe's oldest city. Greece's largest island has experiences galore, and visitors can spend an entire Greek vacation solely on Crete, enjoying everything it has to offer. History lovers, beachcombers, foodies, and extreme sports fans will all be pleased on the "Island of Heroes."

3 Naxos May Steal Your Girl

Theseus and Ariadne left Crete after the Minotaur's death, and on their way to Athens, they made a stop in Naxos. Dionysus, the god of wine, was particularly fond of the island (that's why the vineyards are so bountiful to this day), and when he saw Ariadne, he fell in love. Dionysus tells Theseus in a dream to leave Ariadne, so he does, and in the morning, she and Dionysus get married. Mythology is wild.

Naxos is a gorgeous island with whitewashed houses that glimmer on hillsides above sandy beaches. Naxos has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has many ruins to wander for tourists that want to feel close to the gods. The unfinished Portara, or the Great Door, is from an unfinished temple of Apollo (above) and can't be missed.

2 Corfu Is The Land Of Friendly Phaeacians

In Greek, Corfu is known as Kerkyra, a riff on the name Korkira. Korkira was a nymph who Poseidon, the god of the sea, fell in love with. He kidnapped her and hid her in Corfu. Together, Korkira and Poseidon gave birth to the Phaeacians, who later helped Odysseus get back to Ithaca when he was shipwrecked on Corfu.

The land of the Phaeacians is made up of lush hillsides peppered with ancient villages surrounded by the unreal blue waters of the Ionian Sea. If travelers get tired of lounging on the awesome beaches of Corfu that even Poseidon couldn't resist, they should spend a day exploring the fishing town of Kassiopi, where there is a striking Byzantine castle.

1 Santorini Is Truly One Of The Most Beautiful Places On Earth...Just Ask Euphemus

Santorini is one of the most famous Greek islands. It truly is spectacularly beautiful with its white cube buildings that cascade down steep cliffs, nearly tumbling into the sea. Santorini is beyond romantic and offers plenty for couples as well as solo adventurers. It also happens to be a mythological miracle. Poseidon's son Euphemus had a dream one night in which he impregnated a nymph who was the daughter of Triton. She was afraid of her father's reaction and told Euphemus to grab some dirt from the island Anaphe. She told him to throw it into the sea, knowing it would turn into an island where she could safely birth their child. When Euphemus woke up, his dream became a reality, and when he threw the dirt into the sea, it became Santorini or Calliste, meaning 'The Most Beautiful.' The nymph bore their son Theras, and Santorini is indeed one of the most beautiful islands in the world.