Get to Know the Aegean Islands
The Aegean Islands are located in the Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey, with the vast majority belonging to Greece. They can be grouped into seven main clusters:
- The Cyclades - The most famous Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros. Known for whitewashed architecture and idyllic beaches.
- The Dodecanese - Islands are closer to Turkey including Rhodes, Kos, and Patmos. A mix of ancient history, medieval castles, and great sailing.
- The Sporades - Islands off the coast of mainland Greece like Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos. Lush forests and quiet coves.
- The Saronic Islands - Close to Athens, these islands like Aegina and Poros can be visited on a day trip.
- The Northeast Aegean Islands - Islands near the Turkish coastline including Samos, Lesbos (Mytilene), and Chios. Unique local cultures.
- The Eptanisa - The Ionian islands on the western side of Greece, including Corfu, Lefkada, and Kefalonia. Dramatic landscapes.
- The Argosaronic Islands - Very close to Athens, including the hydropolis and Agistri. Small fishing villages.
Every island has its own unique character. Do you want beaches and nightlife? Head to Mykonos or Kos. Prefer a quiet escape? Try Amorgos or Tinos. Love sailing? Explore the Dodecanese. From family-friendly islands to party destinations, you'll find your perfect match in the Aegean.
Top Things to Do in the Aegean Islands
With so much diversity across the Aegean Islands, you'll never run out of things to do. Here are some of the top activities and attractions not to miss:
- Bask on the Black Sand Beaches of Santorini - The stunning volcanic beaches of Kamari and Perissa offer incredible backdrops for sunbathing.
- Explore the Orthodox Monasteries on Patmos - Dating back over 1000 years, the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse provide spiritual insight.
- Hike the Trails on Crete - Trek through Crete’s incredible landscapes like the Samaria Gorge and the White Mountains.
- Marvel at the Acropolis on Naxos - Accessible only by boat, this iconic ancient Greek site towers over the Aegean Sea.
- Wander the Venetian Fortress on Corfu - An architectural marvel spanning two peaks and surrounded by blue-green waters.
- Take a Cooking Class on Chios - Learn how mastic and other local ingredients shape the island’s cuisine.
- Relax on the Pink Sand Beach of Elafonisi, Crete - This natural wonder features light pink and white sands and turquoise waters.
- Visit the Valley of the Butterflies on Rhodes - A wildlife spectacle from June to September, with thousands of butterflies clustering on trees.
- Explore Hydra’s Car-Free Town - Get lost wandering the pedestrian-only harbor town's stone paths and restaurants.
Getting Around Between Islands
Ferry travel is the most common and convenient way to island hop in the Aegean. Daily high-speed and slower ferries connect the various island groups. You can opt to take faster catamarans or slower car ferries depending on your budget and priorities.
Ferries run most frequently during the high season between April and September. Advance booking is recommended, especially for vehicles. One-way tickets are affordable, usually between 10 to 30 euros per person for common routes.
Some key ferry routes include Piraeus (Athens) to the Cyclades, Dodecanese/Eptanisa/Northeast Aegean Islands, Kos to Rhodes, Santorini to Crete, and Patmos to Samos.
Alternatively, you can fly between islands out of Athens or Thessaloniki. Flights are significantly shorter but also pricier. However, it can be worth it to maximize your time on the islands.
When to Visit the Aegean Islands
The best time to visit the Aegean Islands depends on your travel priorities.
- Late April to June offers pleasant weather without intense summer crowds.
- July and August are peak seasons with the hottest weather. Crowds flock and prices soar, but this is the best time for nightlife, cultural festivals, and water sports.
- September still has summer weather and fewer tourists. Great time for sailing, swimming, and saving money on accommodations.
- October brings authentic island life, lower prices, and the grape harvest celebrations.
- Avoid November to March when many hotels and restaurants close for the season.
Where to Stay in the Aegean Islands
From luxury resorts to budget rooms, you have endless accommodation options:
- Santorini - Splurge on sunset-facing suites in Fira or Oia. Or find more affordable options in Kamari or Perissa.
- Mykonos - Surrender to over-the-top luxury in exclusive villas or opt for more reasonable hotels outside Mykonos Town.
- Crete - Choose from all-inclusive beachfront resorts or authentic village hotels and Airbnb's in places like Chania.
- Paros - Stay in breezy, Cycladic-style hotels in seaside Naousa or mountainous Lefkes.
- Rhodes - Unwind in mid-range hotels within the walled medieval Old Town or out on the northern beaches.
- Small Quiet Islands - Disconnect from the world through guesthouses and villas on islands like Folegandros, Sifnos, or Symi.
Many hotels offer half-board options including breakfast and dinner. Family-run pensions, apartments, and camping are budget-friendly choices. Accommodation fills up quickly so advance reservations are essential in high season.
What to Eat in the Aegean Islands
Fresh seafood takes center stage across the Aegean, from grilled fish to seafood Mezedes. Look for regional specialties like lobster spaghetti on Santorini, chickpea croquettes on Rhodes, or Stamnagathi greens pies on Chios. Meat dishes feature lamb, goat, and rabbit. Vegetarians will find plenty of appetizing meatless Mezedes like fried zucchini balls, fava dip, and tomato keftedes.
Complement your meal with delicious Greek wines like the crisp whites from Santorini and the bold reds of Naoussa. Round out your feast with heavenly Greek yogurt, creamy feta, honey-drizzled baklava, and syrupy spoon sweets. Don't forget the iconic Rocky Road ice cream!
Each island also has its own food claim to fame:
- Feta Cheese on Mytilene
- Loukoumades Fried Doughnuts on Rhodes
- Souvlaki Skewers on Crete
- Mastelo Cheese on Chios
- Cretan Pies like Kalitsounia
The Secret Spots and Hidden Gems
Beyond the superstar islands like Santorini and Mykonos, quieter islands hold hidden treasures without the crowds. Off-season Naxos offers green lushness, Venetian castles, and nearly empty beaches. Visit the 11th-century BC ruins in secluded Keros.
Wander around the whitewashed village of Mesta in southern Chios. Take peaceful nature hikes through Sifnos’ pristine olive groves and meadows. Explore the mountain villages of Ikaria known as Greece’s Blue Zone for longevity. Marvel at Patmos’ intricate monastery mosaics and dust-free Chora quarter.
The options are endless across these lesser-known islands! You’ll find quaint tavernas, crystalline waters, and intimate hideaways where you can soak up authentic Greek island life.
Travel Tips for an Unforgettable Aegean Vacation
The sparkling Aegean Islands have so much to offer, but these tips will help ensure smooth travels:
- Avoid August if possible - the heat, crowds, and prices are intense.
- Give yourself 2-3 nights on the major islands; you’ll wish for more time.
- Take night ferries and sleeping cabins to save on accommodation.
- Pack motion sickness medicine - some of those smaller ferries rock!
- Bring cash and accept that some places don’t take cards, especially off-season.
- Confirm your ferries have not been canceled due to weather.
- Check open dates of archaeological sites and museums during shoulder season.
- Reserve a rental car/ATV/boat well in advance for high season.
- Leave the stilettos at home and opt for flat sandals for walks on cobblestones and rocks.
The Aegean Islands offer the quintessential Greek island-hopping experience. With incredible natural beauty, delicious food, and fascinating history and culture, the Aegean has something special for every traveler. Follow this complete guide to plan your own unforgettable odyssey across these magical Greek islands. Opa!
