Main Islands of Greece: From Santorini to Crete. Price and Sightseeing Guide

Greece – it's a big country, standing at the origins of the origin of the whole of Europe. In Greece there are about 1400 Islands, some of which are not inhabited.

But there are Islands that are world famous, are in high tourist demand, and also provide high quality of rest.

Among the most important Islands of Greece are: Crete, Corfu, island of KOs, Paros, Patmos island, Rhodes, Santorini and Thasos. Download the trip to any other island is extremely difficult, but still possible.

we Offer you an interactive diagram of the Islands and cities of Greece:

A brief description of each island of Greece

the Island of Crete – the largest and most populated island of Greece. Covers an area of 8300 KM2, is home to more than half a million local residents. The island is so amazing place that tourists simply fail. From the shores of the island are almost equal distance to Europe, Asia and Africa (300 km). To read more about the island of Crete.

the Island of Corfu – belongs to the group of the Ionian Islands, the second largest island. The island is quite picturesque, has good transport links. The fertile land of the island of Corfu produce many products, especially olive oil. On the island featured in many adventure movies. To read more information about the island of Corfu.

the Island of KOs – located in the Aegean sea, is included in the Southern Sporades. Golden beach, clear sea, Turkey 4 kilometers and more, awaits You on the island. To read more information about the island of KOs. Additional information about the island of KOs.

Paros Island – a fairly large island, with rocky terrain. Earlier it was a desert, but with the development of civilization is changed. Read more about the island of Paros.

the Island of Patmos – a small island in the Greek, has a rich history and is described in many myths. On the island there is a large monastery of St. John the Evangelist, containing many relics and national values. According to legend, in a cave on the island of Patmos, contains information about the coming Apocalypse. Continuation of information about the island of Patmos.

Rhodes – located in the Aegean sea, the fourth largest island. One of the oldest Islands, which was inhabited by the people. Information about the island of Rhodes.

Santorini Island – comprise a group of 4 Islands (Thirassia, Palea Kameni, NEA Kameni, Aspro), located in the Aegean sea. Each island has its own characteristics and attracts different tourists, for example, the island of Thira is a former volcano, the crater of which is sea. Read more about Santorini island.

the Island of Thasos – had been a source of marble, today is an important tourist center. Located in the Aegean sea, 6 kilometers from the Balkan Peninsula. More detailed information about the island of Thassos.

Top Greek Islands 2026: How to Choose Your Perfect Resort

Geography and Types of Vacation: The Two Faces of Hellas
Choosing the perfect Greek island isn't a matter of luck, but a task with multiple variables: budget, type of vacation, season, and geography. This country, located at the junction of the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas, offers dozens of unique locations. The main tourist clusters are the Cyclades archipelago (Santorini, Mykonos) with its whitewashed architecture and volcanic landscapes, and the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zakynthos) with emerald greenery and gentle beaches. The key difference between them lies not only in the scenery but also in the tourist "DNA": the Cyclades are about hype, trends, and media buzz, while Ionia offers a more traditional, relaxed pace.

Year-Round Magnets and Climate Nuances

What constitutes a must-see for any season? These are attractions unaffected by weather. In Santorini, it's the caldera and the sunsets in Oia, whose popularity ensures a steady flow of tourists even in winter. In Crete, it's the year-round archaeological parks like the Minoan palace of Knossos. In Rhodes, it's the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The weather on most islands is classic Mediterranean with a long dry season from May to October (average temp +28...+30°C) and mild, rainy winters (+10...+15°C). However, there are nuances: Mykonos and the Cyclades are windy (up to 300 windy days a year), which is critical for yachting and surfing, while Crete and Rhodes have the longest tourist season.

From Budgets to Airports: Technical Data for 2026 Planning

Logistics and Accommodation: Airports and Price Segments
Tourist popularity is shaped by three factors: air travel accessibility, variety of offerings, and "Instagrammability." The leader in the first two is Crete, receiving charters and low-cost flights to Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ) airports. Its closest competitors are Rhodes (RHO) and Corfu (CFU). Santorini (JTR) and Mykonos (JMK) are served mainly by seasonal and regular flights, making logistics more expensive. Average prices for 4-star hotels in the high season of 2026 clearly segment the market: Mykonos and Santorini (Oia) — from €300 per night; Crete, Rhodes, Zakynthos — €120-200; less promoted islands (Naxos, Paros) — from €80.

Real Estate Market and Investment Trends for 2026

The real estate market for purchasing property on the Greek islands is experiencing a boom, fueled by the state "Golden Visa" program. Price forecasts for 2026 show the highest growth on Santorini and Mykonos (5-7% per annum), where the cost of a property with a caldera view starts from €500,000. Growth in Crete and Rhodes is more modest (2-4%), with a starting price for an apartment within a 10-minute walk from the sea at around €150,000. This creates diverse opportunities both for rental business investments and for purchasing a private villa.

Practical Planning: Savings Strategy and Itineraries

What should you do to save money and plan effectively? Key steps include choosing the shoulder seasons (May, June, September), and booking accommodation and ferry crossings 4-6 months in advance. For a multi-island trip, it is recommended to use local airlines (e.g., Sky Express) or carefully plan an itinerary following a ferry route ring to avoid inefficient returns to Athens. This approach not only helps reduce costs but also maximizes the experience, allowing you to visit both beach and cultural destinations in a single vacation.