Best islands in Greece for first-time visitors
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Summary
- Greece spans 6,000+ islands, of which 227 are inhabited, offering diverse first‑time travel options.
- Naxos stands out for food tourism, with fertile farmland and PDO‑protected Graviera cheese since 1996.
- Milos, Rhodes, and Skiathos offer beaches, layered history, and nightlife, all accessible by ferry and air.
With over 6,000 islands scattered across sparkling blue seas, Greece offers an astonishing variety of destinations to explore.
There are about 227 inhabited islands, so choosing which Greek Island to visit first can be challenging. However, with so many options, there really is something for everyone. Here are some of the best islands in Greece for first-time visitors based on your interests.
Best Greek Island for foodies: Naxos
Food across Greece is always delicious, and most islands have their own specialties, but what makes Naxos stand out in this regard is the rich, fertile soil, which gives the Island a reputation for some of the best fresh, organic produce. The potatoes, olives, and grapes here are all considered top-tier, as are the beef and the cheese.
Naxos is considered the premier destination in Greece for cow cheeses. Be sure to try Graviera Naxou, the Island's most famous cheese, which has held Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status since 1996.
Whether you are looking to join some local cooking classes or just enjoy delicious meals during your stay, Naxos will not disappoint.
Best Greek Island for beach goers: Milos
For those looking to explore Greece’s wild beaches, Milos is the best choice. The Island is home to several stunning beaches, although they aren’t always the easiest to get to. Some are only accessible by boat, so you will need to join a day trip. Others are a little spread out on the Island, so you’ll want to rent a car. However, they are worth the trip.
Sarakiniko Beach is the best known with its cliff jumping and lunar landscape, but Kleftiko, with its towering cliffs, and Papafragas, with its caves, are also stunning. For an extra-beachy experience, book a stay in one of the small fishing villages, such as Klima, where the old boat houses have been converted into accommodations.
Best Greek Island for history lovers: Rhodes
Greece is full of history and mythology, and one of the best places to experience both is Rhodes, thanks to its mix of Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader history.
The Medieval Old Town of Rhodes looks like it belongs in a fairy tale; enter via one of the many gates and stroll down the Street of Knights on your way to explore the Palace of the Grand Master. Don’t forget Mandraki Harbour, which is where the ancient Colossus of Rhodes once stood. You can even stay in boutique hotels that the Templar Knights originally built.
Old Town Rhodes is stunning, but make sure to explore the rest of the Island as well. You’ll find the 15th-century Kritinia Castle, the ancient Acropolis of Lindos featuring the Temple of Athena Lindia, and more recently, Villa de Vechi, Mussolini’s abandoned villa dating back to WWII.
Best Greek Island for the dancing queens: Skiathos
If you love dancing, partying, and Mamma Mia, then head to Skiathos. This Island has a reputation for being a party place, but it’s not as pretentious (or expensive) as Mykonos. Skiathos Town has a good mix of restaurants and nightlife, so that you can pick and choose based on your mood.
Skiathos is also one of the filming locations for the first Mamma Mia movie. Granted, most of the filming was done on nearby Skopelos, but you can take a full-day boat trip to explore those sites. However, a must-do in Skiathos is to go to the open-air cinema for a screening. Tickets book up very quickly, so make reservations in advance.
Things to keep in mind for your first trip to Greece
The Greek islands are a seasonal destination; the season usually runs from late May to October, but it can vary by business and Island. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months to visit Greece. While May, June, September, and October are much quieter and less expensive.
Only a few islands have their own airports, and typically, you will have to transfer through Athens first, so plan your itinerary accordingly. But all the islands listed above have airports and are easily accessible by ferry.
Ferries are a great way to visit multiple islands in the same chain, but book your tickets in advance to guarantee your spot (and get the best price). Note that public transit is limited on the islands, so if you don’t want to rent a car, look into day trips to see and do as much as possible.
Ready to book your Greek island vacation? Book an appointment with a CAA Travel Consultant today.
