My 5 Favorite Greek (Aegean) Islands

Greece has two seas - the Aegean Sea to the east between Greece and Turkey, and the Ionian Sea to the west between Greece and Italy. Within each sea, there are multiple island groups and it can be a totally overwhelming process to decide where to go during your vacation. The Aegean Sea is the more common of the two to visit because (1) it has the Cycladic Island group (which covers your quintessential Greek islands with your white and blue houses) and (2) it just has more islands to choose from!

To help make things easier, i’m focusing this list on the islands in the Aegean Sea. To ensure you make the most of your vacation, I have chosen islands that meet the following criteria:

1. They are beautiful (of course)
2. They have airports (so much easier and more efficient than ferries)
3. They are fun and safe for female travelers.

5 Beautiful Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea:

1. MILOS

Milos is a volcanic island in the Cycladic island group – the group of islands known for their dry climates, and white and blue villages. The island features phenomenal beaches, as well as jaw-dropping rock formations, caves and swimming holes, that you can only reach by boat.

Unlike some of the other islands on this list, you will find this island to be more off-the-beaten-path, with fewer tourists – and finding authentic greek, local experiences is impossible to miss.

When to go: June-September. Beautiful year round, but such a great swimming spot that the warmer Summer months are the way to go. It is also a quieter island off-season so activity, restaurant, and hotel choices will be more limited. 

2. CRETE

Crete is Greece’s largest island - and is so rich in its own geography, history and culture, that an entire week in Greece can be dedicated to just seeing this island, and you still wouldn’t see it all.

Geographically, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world in Crete as well as impressive snow-capped mountains, and the deepest canyon in all of Europe. The perfect destination for both relaxing, and adventure.

Culturally and historically, Crete has its own personality, influenced by centuries of occupation by various cultures including Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Some of the earliest ancient civilizations also hailed from Crete – and there are several preserved sights on the island you can visit today.

You’ll find a mix of locals and tourists, the ratio of which will depend on the time of year you go.

When to go: Year round.  Crete has no shortage of things to do and is a very active place both on and off season, but know, Cretan beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world.

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3. Skiathos + Skopelos

These two islands are part of the Sporades island group – in the northern Aegean sea. Unlike the Cycladic island, they are lush with evergreens year-round dotted with white villages with terracotta rooftops. You could dedicate your entire time there to just riding the local bus to a new beach each day – and enjoy the aquamarine waters.

For a busier, cosmopolitan experience, visit the island of Skiathos. Expect more tourists, but also more restaurants, nightlife, and buzz. For a more peaceful, less-touristy experience, stick to Skopelos and consider a day trip out to the third, even more calm island of the group, Alonnisos.

When to go: June-September. It’s all about the summer beaches on this island. Activity, restaurant, and hotel choices will be more limited off-season.

4. Santorini

I have a love-hate relationship with Santorini. The best way I can describe this island is by saying – It’s touristy, but for a reason. The views, the buildings, and the sunset, is really one of a kind and it really is as magical as the pictures you have seen. Having said that, for every Instagram photo you’ve seen of a fashion blogger perched on the white-washed wall of a domed church, “candidly” overlooking the endless blue Mediterranean – there are about 100 tourists with selfie sticks cropped out just outside the frame. ;)

My general recommendation for Santorini, is to do it – but make it a short stop on your adventure. See the white washed village clinging onto the Cliffside, drink local wine overlooking its famous sunset, and get a taste of the local produce that is specially grown on its volcanic soils. Past that, there are so many other Greek islands (literally thousands) you can add to your itinerary, that have so much to offer, at a much lower cost.

When to go: Off season. (avoid June-August) Santorini is so popular, that going off season will give you relief from the insane crowds. The beaches in Santorini are not that special (by Greek beach standards), so you won't be missing out on much during the colder months.

5. Paros

Paros is another island that is loved by tourists and locals alike. Depending on the time of year, you’ll find restaurants buzzing and plenty of nightlife to satisfy the traveler who enjoys a busier scene. The beaches are also beautiful and range from long and sandy to impressively carved out rock formations that you can bask on all day.

You can also choose to stay away from the nightlife and buzz by staying in its neighboring island of Antiparos, which is just a short ride away. You’ll still have access to exploring both islands but with the benefit of a quieter, more local, experience.    

When to go: June-September.  Another great summer destination with beautiful beaches that's quieter during the off season.