3 days Ago By Elise Taylor
Curious what the best Greek islands to visit are? There’s a lot of them—there are 227 inhabited isles across the Ionian and Aegean seas, and many boast the classic laid-back Grecian charm of whitewashed houses, fresh seafood, cobblestone streets, and slow living that Mamma Mia made famous. Whether you are Greek island hopping via boat or ferry, here are Vogue’s favorite idyllic isles to visit in the summer months, from under-the-radar locales to famed tourist getaways. Then, check out our hotel guide to learn even more—and get booking.
Hydra The car-free island of Hydra has long been a beloved destination of the discreet fashionable travel set—just last year, cool girl Copenhagen brand By Malene Birger did a pop up at the island’s Melisses Gallery this summer. There’s a rich art scene on the island: from Deste, an offshoot of the Geneva-based Foundation for Contemporary Art to The Old Carpet Factory, a recording studio housed in an 18th-century mansion. Most people rent villas, but those looking for a hotel should look into the Orloff Boutique Hotel, an eight-room property that once belonged to a Russian count, or the Mandraki Beach Resort, which is housed in a former 19th-century naval base and boasts a sandy beach with crystal clear water.
Milos There’s an inherent romanticism to Milos, where in 1920, archaeologists discovered the Venus de Milo. With over 70 beaches—the most of any Greek island—Milos is a destination for those seeking lackadaisical days spent lounging in and out of cerulean waters. (Firiplaka Beach, with its shallow waters, is a particular favorite.
) Rent a boat for a day and sail between all of them, stopping at hidden swimming coves and sea caves in between. There’s something almost mystical about Patmos, a Dodecanese island that’s closer to the mainland of Turkey than Greece. Part of it is the spiritual history: Patmos is where John the Apostle wrote the Book of Relevations in 96 AD.
But part of it is just the island itself: exceedingly remote (it is only reachable via an eight-hour ferry from Athens or a two-hour ferry from Kos) and with the main town of Chora high up in the hills, life on Patmos takes an unhurried pace. You won’t find over-the-top hotels or restaurants at Patmos—although the Atkis Hotel on the island is plenty luxurious—but that’s part of the point. The utter casualness of Patmos is the reason why it is one of the best Greek islands to visit.
Corfu Corfu has all the typical qualities of a summer Greek island destination—a mild climate, turquoise waters, and secluded beaches. But what makes the island stand out above the idyllic others? Its architecture. Due to its rich history as a Mediterranean trading port, the Old Town of Corfu boasts buildings with Venetian, Turkish, and British influence.
(The Neoclassical style, brought over by the English during their temporary rule of the island in the early 1800s, is particularly predominant in its squares.) In case you needed even more proof of its beauty: the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sifnos Margot Robbie, Dua Lipa, Tom Hanks, and Jeff Bezos are just some of the famous figures that have visited the Greek island of Sifnos over the past couple of years.
The main draw? Its food. Nikos Tselementes, the chef considered the founder of modern Greek cooking, was born on Sifnos. (His 1950 tome Greek Cookery was the first Greek cookbook translated into English—and contributed to the cuisine’s now world-wide popularity.
) Today, the culinary ethos lives on in restaurants like the beachside Omega-3, known for its fresh seafood; the romantic Bostani; and Cantina, which offers a zero waste menu. Meanwhile, Theodorou’s Sweet Shop is beloved for its Cycladic confections, including the Greek almond cookie amygdalota. Mykonos The party island.
Go to Mykonos if you are looking to have dancing-on-tables, DJ-music blasting fun that you might not remember the next morning. While there’s no shortage of beach clubs to choose from, our favorites are Scorpios or Alemagou, as well as Sea Satin for a rowdy dinner afterwards. As for hotels? Kalesma Mykonos , with its Rick Owens furniture, is a fashion-forward choice.
Santorini Santorini, the island famous for its blue domes, volcanic landscape, and stunning sunsets, is one of the most popular Greek islands for all the reasons just listed. Stay at the Auberge Resorts’ Grace Hotel, and make sure to spend an afternoon swimming—then eat at any of the local tavernas for lunch. It’s important to note that Santorini is suffering from overtourism—so consider going in the early fall to avoid the crowds and help preserve the magic of the island.
Tinos This tiny island (nicknamed the “windy island” for its strong seasonal Meltemi winds) has not yet reached the popularity of its other Cycladic neighbors like Paros, Santorini, and Mykonos. Yet that is beginning to change: famous for its whitewashed monasteries and marble quarries, a number of talented artisans and ceramicists have settled on the islands to show off their wares. Recently, the luxury Odera Beach Resort opened in a cove with crystalline waters.
Antiparos We love Antiparos because of The Rooster , a rustic wellness retreat that sits on the rugged but beautiful isle that’s only reachable via ferry from Paros. (Also worth a visit— you can see our guide here. ) With only 16 suites and villas, there’s a low-key tranquility about the property that borders on the magical.
Much of the food comes from the organic kitchen gardens or their farm, while local fisherman provide their catch of the day. Eat breakfast surrounded by lemon trees, or wander to one of their beach shacks for a fresh smoothie. Then indulge in whatever wellness activity you want: a facial, yoga, cupping, even tea ceremonies.
End the day with a swim—or perhaps a cocktail and a dinner of piri-piri squid. (The Rooster isn’t interested in restrictions or limitations.).
