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Best Things to Do in Greek Islands

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

Greek Islands

The Greek Islands combine millennia of history with sunshine and blue waters like few other destinations in the world. Strewn across the Aegean and Ionian seas like glistening jewels – there are more than 6,000 in all, including small islets, with 227 inhabited -- Greece’s fabled islands are rich in cultural and natural treasures. Fortunately for the traveler, their variety is as great as their numbers – so pick an isle or two or three, and find a tour that matches your dreams.

Top Greek Islands Experiences

Gazing out at  an ancient volcanic caldera-turned-harbor from the deck of a small taverna perched above Santorini’s sheer cliffs

Having a drink by the sea amid the whitewashed houses and traditional windmills on trendy Mykonos

Wandering among the ancient ruins on the small island of Delos, once considered sacred to the god Apollo

Exploring the Turkish and Knights Templar-influenced architecture on the island of Rhodes

Sampling the fragrant wines on the verdant island of Samos, just off the Turkish coast

Discovering the charms of lesser-known Cycladic islands such as Folegandros, Milos or Amorgos

Touring the large island of Crete, savoring the beauty, the sunshine, the history, and the beaches

Hiking and dining on the gorgeous mountainous island of Naxos

Retracing the literary footsteps of Lawrence Durrell on the lush Ionian island of Corfu

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Things to do in Greek Islands - Expert’s guide

The Greek Islands combine millennia of history with sunshine and blue waters like few other destinations in the world. Strewn across the Aegean and Ionian seas like glistening jewels – there are more than 6,000 in all, including small islets, with 227 inhabited -- Greece’s fabled islands are rich in cultural and natural treasures. Fortunately for the traveler, their variety is as great as their numbers – so pick an isle or two or three, and find a tour that matches your dreams.

1. Santorini

Santorini, Greece

The famous island of Santorini will guarantee to take your breath away. With picturesque views of whitewashed cliffs overlooking the vast caldera, Santorini is a must-see location on your Greek Islands trip! Visit the popular cliff-top towns of Oia and Fira for the traditional, iconic view of Santorini’s blue top buildings. Choose from Stride’s 200 tours that visit the beautiful Santorini for a Greek Islands experience of a lifetime!

2. Acropolis of Athens

Athens Acropolis in Greece

Although located on the mainland of Greece, Athens is the starting destination for several Greek Islands trips. Among many of Athen’s historical treasures is the Acropolis of Athens, the most prominent of the ancient city. On Stride you can choose from over 300 tours that visit this landmark including some of the most ancient buildings and destinations of Greece, most famous being the great Parthenon.

3. Crete

Isle of Crete in Greece

Crete is Greece’s largest island and is packed with wonder and adventure. When booking one of Stride’s near 200 trips that visit Crete, you can experience white, sandy beaches, mountainous hikes, Greek culture and shopping, and ancient archaeological sites.

Crete has a tour for every traveler. Some of the top locations to check out on your Greek Islands tour to Crete are Knossos Palace,  Samariá Gorge National Park, and Elafonissi.

4. Rhodes

Island of Rhodes in Greece

Visiting Rhodes will give you a taste of all that the Greek Islands have to offer. Here you can experience the resort, beach lifestyle, ancient history and magnificent architecture, and the prominent Greek culture and cuisine.

Stroll around the popular old town for an authentic Greek feel, visit the Acropolis of Rhodes, and brush up on your ancient Greek history. Choose one of 150 Stride tours to experience the largest of the Dodecanese Islands for an unforgettable Greek Islands adventure!

5. Mykonos

Mykonos, Greek Islands

Get ready to live it up on the lively island of Mykonos! If you are looking for an exciting nightlife and party scene on your Greek Islands excursion, choose from Stride’s 150 Mykonos tour options. Y

ou will have the time of your life dancing the night away on Paradise Beach listening to the top DJs and artists. Don’t forget that Mykonos has gorgeous beaches, so take some time for some fun in the sun during your exhilarating Mykonos trip!

6. Corfu

Greek Islands, Corful

Corfu is one of Greece’s most beautiful islands. With its mountainous terrain, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear blue waters, it is a perfect island getaway destination. Experience the unique blend of architectural design influenced by Italian, British, and French styles that you will find in Corfu. Check out all that this mythical island has to offer by taking one of Stride’s 50 plus tours that visit the magnificent Corfu.

7. Naxos

Greek Islands, Naxos

The Greek Island of Naxos is one rich in beauty, history, and culture. Popularly known for its striking stretches of beaches, it is also home to the ancient Apollo Temple overlooking the surrounding town and sea. If your perfect trip to the Greek Islands looks like a mix of experiencing history and relaxing in nature, book one of Strides 50 tours to Naxos today!  

8. Paros

Greek Islands travel, Paros

If you are interested in boating or partaking in water adventures on your Greek Islands trip, Paros is the spot for you. A popular boating and transportation hub, Paros has breathtaking harbors creating that authentic small-town Greek Island feel. Stroll around the traditional villages to see the iconic whitewashed Greek-style buildings, and bask in the sun on the bright beaches of Paros.

9. Kos

Kos on the Greek Islands

Although Kos is often best known for its ample beaches and tranquil summer ambiance, it is also home to a significant amount of phenomenal Greek history and ancient ruins. Among these structures are the prominent 15th-century Neratzia Castle and Ancient Agora ruins. Satisfy your beach bum and history buff needs by visiting Kos on one of Stride’s 27 offered tours.

10. Ios

Ios Greek Islands

This authentic Greek Island is located in the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea. Get a taste of the bright Greek Island culture with its traditional whitewashed buildings cascading over the cliffs and hills of the island. Experience traditional churches, windmills, and delicious Greek cuisine when you take one of Stride’s 40 tours to Ios!

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Greek Islands Tours Reviews & Ratings

Write a review
Excellent
91
Great
54
Average
11
Disappointing
4
Terrible
17
rin
·
2023-06-07
Written on
The Greek Islands by EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break)
Good/Bad
The trips are awesome! Especially when you have a great tour director. The customer service sucks! They will run you around in circles before someone answers your questions. The chat customer service will tell you to call in, make you wait, just for you to get an answer that you could have received via the chat. You just can't get a solid answer. So after you book, you better not have any questions on changes you can make to your trip - you don't get a solid answer or wait for an hour on the phone to get it.
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Josy
·
2018-11-25
Written on
Greek Island Hopping by Wingbuddy
Such a Wonderful Company
This is such a professional and caring company. They are a great example why it's best to deal with real people instead of internet searches. I booked a condo on Tripadvisor for a month in Greece and found out about a week later that they had double booked and I was out of luck. But not really out of luck--a friend turned me to Wingbuddy and, considering the various curves our party of four threw at them (leaving from and returning to different cities, changing our minds, etc.), they proved to be patient, organized and reliable! They have an equally amazing partner in Greece called Courmouzis Travel. I had my passport stolen on the plane from Montreal and so was detained at the airport for a day. They did not miss a beat in providing logistics for me separate from the rest of the larger group to get me a new shuttle and ferry ticket. And when we did not like one of our accommodations, they immediately changed us the same day to a very acceptable alternative. I needed to extend my stay in Athens and they were kind enough to arrange their special pricing for me at the very nice Jason Hotel. I cannot say enough great things about them, but I do thank both Wingbuddy and Courmouzis in my most sincere way,
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Anonymous
·
2018-10-23
Provided by Exodus Travels
Walking on the Greek Islands by Exodus Travels
Great trip!
Very good in spite of unseasonable weather for September. High winds
cancelled ferries for several days. As a consequence we stayed only one night
on Paros and missed Santorini entirely. But we got to know Naxos very well,
and it is an island with plenty to do. it might have been frustrating, but
leader Cecile Deltreil made superhuman efforts to keep us well occupied.
Although we saw her frequently glued to her cell phone, she never seemed
stressed out and explained changing arrangements in a way that kept us calm
and happy. She was also an excellent guide on walks and in the towns we
visited. If Cecile is typical of Exodus quality of service, it is an
excellent company.

In general accommodation was good and food excellent. Cecile has friendly
relations with lots of good restaurants.

I would certainly recommend this trip, and will be investigating other Exodus
trips in future.
It was all good. I especially enjoyed exploring the small viliages, and the
museum in Naxos was a surprise - really good.


I praise Cecile Deltreil to the skies. She deserves a bonus for this trip and
a raise!


A word of caution about "leisurely," a word subject to interpretation. The
walks were not long, and there were stops for points of interest. But Greek
islands are up and down, and in some cases footing was rocky. So the walking
was easy for hikers of any level, but more challenging if you have any
walking difficulties. ( I had broken my leg 4 months prior, and found the
walks a bit hard. Again leader Cecile was wonderful in figuring alternative
activities for me as needed.)


Did I mention how wonderful Cecile was?


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Anonymous
·
2018-10-23
Provided by Exodus Travels
Walking on the Greek Islands by Exodus Travels
Greek Islands Unplugged
A chance to see the parts of Naxos, Santorini and Paros that maybe most don't
see.

The trip ran smoothly, expertly organised by Cecile, and the weather was
beautiful, late 20's. I travelled on my own and joined a lovely and friendly
group of 15 (3 couples, and the rest of us single, aged between 40 and 70).
We chose to have most meals together. All hotels had a swimming pool, all 3
star and air conditioned.

My favourite hotel was on Naxos and it definitely had the best breakfast. A
lovely traditional island with lots going on, a good beach, excellent
restaurants and beautiful countryside. I would definitely go back to Naxos.

Santorini was beautiful with fantastic views, but very steep, noisy,
expensive and busy, especially when a cruise ship arrived! My knees
struggled a bit on the uphill parts of this, the longest, walk. I cheated
and left early for a bus back to the hotel. Definitely glad I went by cable
car both ways to the boat trip too! Most walked down and got the cable car
back up, which wasn't scary by the way, and avoided using the few little
donkeys still having to walk up and down the hundreds of steps.

Paros was delightful and relaxing, a sleepy traditional island with beautiful
beaches and countryside, lovely shops and restaurants. If you want to shop
wait until you get to Paros, especially for clothes, in the lovely and cool
sheltered streets.

I arrived home from this holiday pleasantly tired and very happy, definitely
one of my favourite trips.
Walking through the countryside in Naxos and Paros.


Cecile was lovely, friendly and attentive, she listened to what everyone
wanted and fitted in with us and what we wanted, always available and giving
advice when needed. Her knowledge and love of the Greek Islands and the
Greek people clearly showed.


Take a small, light and comfortable rucksack, good walking boots/shoes and
stick/s as you will need them, some of the hills are steep and can be slippy.
Get out walking before you go as slightly harder than I had expected of a
Level 1 Leasurely, although, to be fair, I have never been on a walking
holiday before (hats off to anyone going on a Level 10!).


Travel between the islands and mainland was by ferry. A time to relax, maybe
sleep, or chat. Your suitcase is stored down below. Don't forget to take
something warm upstairs to wear as the air conditioning can be extremely
cold!


Show more
Anonymous
·
2018-10-23
Provided by Exodus Travels
Walking on the Greek Islands by Exodus Travels
Waliking on the Greek Islands
Excellent Guide, Scenery and organisation. Some of hotels were not of a
reasonable standard.
The walk along the Caldera, Santorini.


Excellent knowledge, very well organised and good personality.


Be prepared for the heat when you are walking at this time of year.
Keep luggage to a minimum as there are trips between the islands where you
have to manage your own luggage.


Some unplanned events occurred which the guide had to deal with and she
resolved the situations very professionally.


Show more
Anonymous
·
2018-10-23
Provided by Exodus Travels
Walking on the Greek Islands by Exodus Travels
Vigorous.
I rarely give ten out of ten, but this came close. The sun shone every day, I
slepped well and didn't put on weight. The walks were just right, leisurely
as it said, I didn't want a route march, I do enough of that. The group was
assorted, what more can I say ! J
Thanos eating my chips !


Thanos was a true professional with extensive knowledge of his job. Well
educated, kind,fit, just a great guy. For me he made the holiday, such a
pleasure when some one knows his job. I must thank Thanos for a happy Greek
Islands Trip.


Pack half what you think you need.


The breakfasts could be a little more substantial.


Show more

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