6 Islands You Must Visit in Greece in Summer

Island hopping in Greece is probably my favorite way to spend a summer. There are always new islands to explore, and favorites to keep coming back to. On each island, you are guaranteed stunning sunsets, sundowners with beautiful people, amazing food and perfect beach days. So where should you head to for your Greek island escape? Here are my top 6 islands you must visit in Greece.

I will focus on the Cyclades Islands in this article, which are close together and easily done in one trip.

1. Mykonos – for Parties and Luxury

One of the most popular destinations in the Greek isles, is the party island of Mykonos. In recent years it became more notable for its upscale clubs and hotels, and celebrity clientele.

With that, brought even higher prices. Mykonos is great for crazy (and I emphasize the word crazy here) parties, but not good for budget. If you don’t like partying at all, a night or two here is enough.

Places to Visit

Mykonos Town

This is likely where you will either stay or end up, since most of the restaurants, bars and clubs are in this area.

It’s definitely worth a visit, and the narrow alleyways are super photogenic and charming. Although in summer, you can guarantee massive crowds of people, night and day.

Scorpios

My favorite spot for partying is Scorpios. It’s open and popping both during the day and in the night. It’s where you’ll likely see a celebrity or two, in one of the cabanas. During my stay, Dan Bilzerian was here.

It’s in a beautiful location, and you can easily spend and afternoon here nursing your hangover away with yet another drink.

Super Paradise Beach Club

Another party hotspot, that I can only describe as complete and utter madness, is Super Paradise. The parties here are anything but chill, but hey when you’re in your early 20s, or up for a crazy time, this is the spot.

It’s located right on the beach, so you can still get a beautiful sunset in amidst your drunken activities.

Cavoo Tagoo

This is a luxury hotel, which you may recognize from instagram. It’s where you’ll see influencers, posing on one of the seats in the infinity pool, overlooking the sea.

While only guests of the hotel can sit in the pool, anyone can come for a drink at the bar. Come to enjoy a fancy cocktail with the sunset.

Agios Sostis Beach

This is the only beach I really liked in Mykonos that wasn’t super windy or filled with rocks. It’s underdeveloped and natural, where locals come to swim and hang out.

But the real gem here is Kiki’s Taverna perched just above the beach. My Greek friend took us here, and trust me, it’s a meal you’ll never forget. Totally authentic Greek food at local prices, overlooking the beach.

2. Amorgos – for Outdoor Activities and Solitude

This one was recommended to me by my diving buddy from Mykonos. According to him, this island is the best getaway when the parties of Mykonos get too much. In stark contrast, this island is much quieter, remote and sees far less tourists.

By locals, it’s known for its diving and sailing. There are also several hiking trails to discover, going around the coast.

This island takes longer to get to, and is not a party destination. If you are an extrovert or a party animal, skip this island. If you are looking for peace, empty beaches and long hikes, this place is for you.

Places to Visit

Panagia Monastery

This is easily the most famous landmark on Amorgos. It’s an ancient monastery, which is built into a rock cliff along the sea.

3. Santorini – For Couples and Views

I’ve been to Santorini a few times, and that view over the caldera at sunset never gets old. It will take your breath away everytime.

I will emphasize that this is famously a honeymooners paradise, and rightly so. It’s as romantic as it gets here. I’m talking cliffside candle lit dinners, wedding photoshoot around every corner, and more cozy make out spots to watch the sunset from than you can count.

Even if you aren’t a couple, it’s worth the trip.

Places to Visit

Oia

Oia is the most popular town, offering the best caldera views. It’s located atop the cliff, and is where most of the iconic instagram hotspots are. It’s the best place to catch the sunset, although be warned, it’ll be crowded.

Fira

Fira is also another cool town to check out. This is actually a good place to base yourself, since it’s more centrally located on the island. There are restaurants and bars, and it’s a bit more lowkey than Oia.

Black Beach

The name of this beach comes from the color of its sand. This is a popular beach in Santorini, and you’ll find lots of people lounging on the black sand. There are large pebbles in the water though.

Red Beach

Alternatively, Red Beach is a beach with red sand. Both are results of the volcanic activity of the island. Red Beach is beautiful, but there are large and sometimes sharp rocks, so be careful in the water.

Visit the active Volcanic Crater

You can also opt to take a boat to the crater, center off the coast. Here, volcanic activity is still present and you can soak in the hot spring waters in the crater itself. A tour price generally costs about 60 euros.

4. Milos – for Coastlines and Beachlovers

This island is where you’ll find the best beaches in the Cyclades. The water is the most beautiful clear blue, and the sand is soft. It’s heaven on earth. Milos also has some of the most unique coastlines and rock formations, that you can easily discover around the island.

Places to Visit

Sarakiniko Beach

While here you can’t miss Sarkiniko Beach. It’s like if you brought the beach to the moon. Instead of sand, you have smooth, white rock formations along the coast. The rocks form really interesting shapes, and on a calm day, you can swim into the caves along the coast.

Kleftiko

One of the most famous landmarks on Milos is Kleftiko. It’s a natural rock bridge formation located in the sea just a bit off the coast.

You’ll have to take a boat tour to get there, but it’s well worth the effort. I’d definitely recommend snorkeling under the rock bridge itself to see an amazing underwater landscape.

Plaka

Definitely the cutest town on Milos, and located on one of the highest points of the island. It’s the best place to wander, shop and eat, since many of the best restaurants are here.

For sunset, this is the best place on the island. The view can be compared to that in Oia on Santorini, but without the massive crowds.

Paliochori Beach

This is the best beach on Milos. The sand is super soft, the water is calm and clear, and the cliff is an amazing array of colorful rocks.

There’s also a beach bar here, making it the best place to relax all day.

Pollonia

This village is a bit out of the way, but worth it. Here, you can find lots of boutiques, shops and restaurants. Here you’ll find Rifaki my favorite restaurant in Milos, where they serve seafood and seat you right next to the bay.

Of all the islands in Greece you should visit, this one is my favorite.

5. Sifnos – for Authenticity and Food

Not far from Milos, is an island known to those in the know about food. It’s famous for it’s gastronomy scene and while small in size, you can visit for a few days and eat your way through the island.

Besides food, this island is much more quiet and low key than the others. Unlike the other islands, Sifnos is also more green, and has some trees throughout its terrain. It’s ideal for hikers, and I’d even suggest this as a very dog friendly travel destination. There’s a lot to explore for both people and four legged travelers.

Places to Visit

Panagia Poulati

A seaside church that has become an iconic symbol of Sifnos. This church is small, but it’s location makes it possibly one of the most beautiful you may see in Greece.

Kastro

An ancient medieval town atop a hill, that has kept it’s original structure. Wander through the narrow windy alleyways, among the iconic white houses and bougainvillea flowers, and enjoy views of the sea below.

Artemonas

Another cute village with impressive white churches and more highly photogenic nooks and corners to explore. It’s located on a higher point, so the sunsets here are amazing as well.

6. Syros – Architecture and City Break

Another new one on my list this year is Syros. It’s home to Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclade islands.  The architecture here is not the typical white homes and blue domes expected of the Cyclades, but instead Venetian: grand and vibrant in color.

This island is the most inhabited and is as close to a city vibe as you’ll get in the Cyclades. 

This island offers a different take on the Greek islands. It’s also less visited by foreigners, making it a very authentic place to travel. Here you’ll find all your vacation needs: beaches, shopping and endless alleyways to wander down.

Places to Visit

Agio Nikolaos Church

Conveniently located in Ermoupoli, not far from the pier. This church looks nothing like the usual cliffside white monasteries that are synonymous with the Cyclades. Instead, it’s built with the grandeur of true Venetian style, with colorfully painted domes, inside and out.

Astreria Beach

This beach is among the most unique I’ve been to. It’s a local midday hangout spot, so it can get crowded, but with hardly any tourists. The waters are calm, clear, and a strikingly beautiful emerald blue color. But the most amazing part is you have the view of the city and church right above the beach.

Honorable Mentions

Paros

Easily reachable from Mykonos and much quieter, Paros has some nice beaches and cute towns. It’s a good option if you have a short trip and just want to experience one other island besides Mykonos. Come here to recover from one two many nights out in Mykonos.

If you come here, be sure to plan a day trip to Antiparos for the best beaches.

Ios

If you want to experience another party island, without the hefty price tag, this is another fun one. Ios is exclusively marketed as a party island. Instead of posh nightclubs and cabanas by the pool, you’ll have mid sized bars and pool parties, mostly frequented by backpackers. The beaches are just as stunning as the other islands.

Crete

While not part of the Cyclades, it could be part of your itinerary if you have a longer trip. This island is large, so you’ll need several days to see it all. It’s got a bit of everything from ancient greek ruins, temples and pristine blue lagoons for swimming. It’s also quite cheap for those on a budget.

FAQ

How do I choose a Greek island to visit?

I’d say start by deciding what type of trip you want and your budget.

If you’ve got money to blow, and are after luxury and partying, Mykonos is an easy choice. For romance, luxury, and stunning photography landscapes, I’d say Santorini. Both options will be very crowded in summer.

For those who want more authenticity, and less crowds, I’d choose Paros and Sifnos.

For beach lovers, I’d choose Milos.

Which Greek island should I visit first?

If you will be flying in, then Santorini, Mykonos and Crete all have decent flight connections from around Europe, so it would make sense to start and end your trip in once of these islands.

Most people actually come by ferry from Athens, in which case it doesn’t matter which island you choose first.

Based on personal experience, I like to go to the “party” islands first, then taper off and visit the slower, more low-key islands to wind down. That could look like starting in Mykonos, Milos, Santorini, then ending in Crete, for example.

Which Greek island is cheapest?

The island I found with the cheapest prices for food, activities and overall, was definitely Crete. Sifnos is also reasonably affordable.

Getting Around

These islands are in many cases, bigger than people expect and getting around may seem to be a challenge.

The best way to get around is definitely by having your own car, otherwise, you’ll spend a fortune on taxis or waste lots of time on buses. Luckily, you can easily rent your car in Athens or wherever you fly in, and bring your car to the islands you visit via the ferry.

For car rentals for exploring the Greek islands, I definitely suggest Discover Cars for the best prices and offerings.

And there you have it. The 6 islands you must visit in Greece on your next summer holiday. Have you ever been to Greece? which islands should I hit up next? Let me know in the comments!

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