Top Greek Islands to Explore in 2025
From the sun-soaked Cyclades to the lush Ionian Islands, Greece's archipelago offers a rich tapestry of experiences that go beyond the typical beach activities. Here's a guide to some of the most unique activities on each island group.
Cyclades
Known for iconic whitewashed villages, beaches, and volcanic landscapes, the Cyclades offer a variety of exciting experiences. Hiking to Santorini's volcanic craters and taking a dip in the volcanic hot springs and mud baths is a must-do. The ongoing archaeological excavation of Akrotiri, a well-preserved Bronze Age settlement buried by volcanic ash, is another distinctive attraction.
Sporades
Lush greenery and clear waters define the Sporades. Unique activities include scuba diving among rich marine life, with excellent dive centers on islands like Skiathos or Alonissos. Exploring the relatively unspoiled natural landscapes with marine parks is a highlight.
Dodecanese
Rich in medieval and ancient history, the Dodecanese offers a plethora of activities. Rhodes, the largest island, boasts walking tours of the Medieval Old Town and the Palace of the Grand Masters, alongside visits to ancient ruins like Kamiros and nature excursions such as the Valley of Butterflies. Kalymnos is known for sponge diving, a traditional and unique local activity.
Saronic Islands
Close to Athens, the Saronic Islands are ideal for day trips. Unique activities include visiting the historical monasteries on Hydra, with no cars allowed, lending a peaceful old-world ambiance, or exploring ancient sites and sailing around the cluster.
North Aegean Islands
Lesser-known and diverse in culture and scenery, the North Aegean Islands offer hiking in wild, mountainous terrain, visiting ancient archaeological sites (with some islands affiliated with Homeric legends), and exploring traditional villages far from mass tourism.
Ionian Islands
Characterized by lush landscapes and Venetian architecture, the Ionian Islands offer a variety of experiences. Exploring Paxos’s grottos and Venetian heritage, swimming in the crystal waters of tiny coves and grottos like Tripitos Arch, and boat trips to smaller islets such as Antipaxos are just a few highlights. Corfu offers cultural explorations of its Venetian fortresses and gardens.
Unique Activities by Island Group
| Island Group | Unique Activity | |------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | Cyclades | Hiking Santorini's volcanic craters and mud baths; Akrotiri archaeological site tour | | Sporades | Scuba diving among diverse marine life and natural parks | | Dodecanese | Exploring Medieval Rhodes; Valley of Butterflies; sponge diving in Kalymnos | | Saronic Islands | Visiting car-free Hydra’s monasteries and old towns | | North Aegean | Hiking remote mountainous terrain and ancient village visits | | Ionian Islands | Exploring Paxos’s grottos and Venetian heritage; boat trips to Antipaxos |
These highlights showcase the diversity of experiences unique to each island group beyond typical beach activities.
Individual Island Experiences
- Paxos: With a seven-mile by two-and-a-half-mile blot off the south coast of Corfu, Paxos is perfect for beach-hopping and discovering secluded coves.
- Karpathos: The remote hamlet of Olympos, isolated until 1979, offers a glimpse into traditional Greek life, with local women still wearing flowery scarves and long skirts and keeping to many traditional ways.
- Santorini: Try both dry and sweet Vinsanto, a dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes.
- Skiathos: Hit the beach, with 62 beaches offering a stretch of sand for every taste.
- Lefkada: Lefkada's port of Nydri is the best place to start sailing around the islands, with sheltered bays and an archipelago of emerald islets.
- Tinos: Embark on a food weekend, with specialities like fourtalia (a fluffy omelette made with potatoes) and louza (spice-cured pork).
- Poros: Wander in a lemon forest near Galatas, a port town on the mainland.
- Ikaria: Ikaria is known for its saint's day festivals that happen almost daily in different villages. Fuelled by the island's heady natural wine, they involve all ages dancing in unison together.
These islands offer a wealth of unique experiences, waiting to be discovered by the adventurous traveller.
- The Cyclades present a unique opportunity to hike Santorini's volcanic craters, soak in volcanic hot springs, and explore the fascinating archaeological site of Akrotiri.
- In the Sporades, scuba diving among rich marine life and exploring the natural parks on Skiathos or Alonissos offers an exhilarating adventure.
- The Dodecanese provides travelers with a chance to delve into history, visiting the medieval Rhodes along with its Palace of the Grand Masters, Kamiros ancient ruins, and the Valley of Butterflies, while also immersing in the traditional activity of sponge diving in Kalymnos.
- The Saronic Islands, close to Athens, offer a tranquil escape with visits to the historical monasteries on Hydra, exploration of ancient sites, and sailing around the island cluster.
- The North Aegean Islands, less touristy yet culturally diverse, offer adventurers the chance to hike through wild mountainous terrain, visit ancient archaeological sites, and explore traditional villages away from the crowds.
- The Ionian Islands showcase unique experiences like exploring Paxos's grottos, Venetian heritage, and boat trips to Antipaxos, along with cultural explorations of Venetian fortresses and gardens in Corfu.
Each island group in Greece offers distinctive experiences beyond typical beach activities, providing a wealth of opportunities for adventure-seeking travelers eager to delve deeper into the country's history, culture, and natural beauty.
