Of the 227 inhabited Greek islands, these are Conde Nast’s high picks for subsequent 12 months.
Of the 227 inhabited Greek islands, these are Conde Nast’s high picks for subsequent 12 months
(Picture: Getty)
With an unbelievable 227 inhabited islands, every providing one thing completely different throughout the Aegean, Mediterranean and Ionian seas, selecting the place to go in Greece can really feel much less like vacation planning and extra like an endurance sport. From social gathering hotspots to sleepy hideaways the place you might be unlikely to see one other soul, the choices are dazzling – and fairly overwhelming.
Fortunately, Condé Nast Traveller has completed the exhausting work for us, narrowing it right down to the easiest islands to bookmark now for a 2026 escape. Whether or not you are dreaming of white-sand seashores, postcard-perfect villages or a bit extra of a energetic environment, contemplate this checklist of 15 islands your shortcut to a stress-free Greek getaway – lengthy earlier than everybody else books theirs.
1. Paros
First up is Paros, a gem that usually goes unnoticed in comparison with its Cycladic neighbours like Mykonos and Santorini. It’s identified for its gorgeous seashores, conventional whitewashed villages like Parikia and Naousa and its well-known Parian marble utilized in historic sculptures.
Discover bustling ports like Parikia (the capital) with its Byzantine church, Panagia Ekatontapiliani, and charming outdated city, in addition to the picturesque fishing village of Naousa. It additionally presents numerous sandy seashores for households, party-goers, and water sports activities lovers, together with distinctive rock formations at Kolymbithres.
(Picture: Getty)
2. Sifnos
Additionally within the Cyclades island group lies Sifnos, an island fringed by sandy seashores and famend for its quiet but charming environment. The birthplace of contemporary Greek cooking, it’s a foodie paradise, well-known for slow-cooked dishes in clay pots and recent native elements.
Sifnos additionally has a long-standing pottery custom, with workshops in villages like Vathi and Kamares, producing distinctive earthenware. For these in search of a extra bodily expertise, there are additionally over 62 miles of mountain climbing trails that join villages and seashores. A must-see is Kastro, a medieval fortified village with historic ruins and gorgeous views, in addition to the Chrisopigi Monastery, situated on a small islet related by a causeway subsequent to Chrysopigi seaside.
(Picture: Getty)
3. Syros
Persevering with our tour of the Cyclades, Syros (or Syra) is the executive capital of the archipelago. Its capital, Ermoupoli, is a bustling port and a cultural hub with grand neoclassical structure, contrasting with its conventional Cycladic look.
Often known as the “Queen of the Aegean,” it blends Venetian, Catholic, and Orthodox influences, providing festivals, seashores, wealthy delicacies (like loukoumi and halvadopita) and an genuine Greek island really feel with fewer vacationers than its extra well-known neighbours. It additionally boasts some unbelievable sandy seashores, comparable to Galissas and Megas Gialos, famend for his or her calm, clear waters, that are excellent for swimming.
(Picture: Getty)
4. Folegandros
The subsequent on the checklist is one which few could have even heard of, not to mention visited. Folegandros is a small Greek island within the Aegean Sea that, along with Sikinos, Ios, Anafi and Santorini, varieties the southern a part of the Cyclades.
With simply 719 inhabitants and no airport, it’s a rugged island that boasts a tranquil, unspoiled different to its bustling neighbours. It’s a hidden gem for these in search of genuine Greek allure, quiet escapes, stunning hikes, and secluded seashores with crystal-clear waters, solely accessible on foot or by boat, comparable to Agali and Katergo. It additionally options stunning conventional villages, such because the cliff-top Chora. It is just accessible by way of ferry from Athens or its different Cycladic neighbours, serving to to protect its peaceable nature.
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