Aegean Islands

Travel Guide

Pefkos Beach which includes a sandy beach
Rhodes showing heritage architecture and street scenes
Prassonissi which includes a sandy beach
Pefkos Beach which includes general coastal views and rocky coastline
Anthony Quinn Bay which includes rocky coastline

In the warm waters between Greece and Turkey, these islands have beautiful scenery and pleasant towns that are ideal for relaxing holidays.

Visit any of the Aegean Islands to get away from the bustle of everyday life and simply relax on gorgeous beaches. The thousands of islands here are grouped into seven main clusters.

For some of the most popular beaches and nightspots, come to Mykonos or Santorini in the Cyclades. Bask on sandy beaches on sunny days and gaze down at rocky shoreline while enjoying cocktails and dancing with like-minded revelers during long, balmy evenings.

Select from the Northeastern Aegean Islands for specialized opportunities. Learn about the healthy Greek diet on Ikaria, where many people live for a century. Enjoy excellent seafood on Lesbos and great wine on Limnos.

The Sporades has islands known for wildlife and vegetation. See monk seals on Alonissos and Skopelos. Skiathos is very green, with many acres of fig and olive trees.

Close to the mainland, the Argosaronic Islands are especially convenient for short visits. Travel to Hydra, a quaint location where cars are not allowed, but donkeys and cats are plentiful. Agistri has great beaches, including one known for welcoming nudists. Aegina is a perfect microcosm of Greek island life, with beaches, ancient temples and exceptional food.

Closer to Turkey than Athens, the Dodecanese islands have the warmest climate among the Aegean Islands. Watch spongefishing in Kalymnos, observe traditional customs in Karpathos or snorkel around Kastellorizo.

Two larger islands have somewhat different atmospheres from any of the smaller Aegeans. Connected by bridge to the mainland, Evia or Euboea has its own fantastic beaches as well as hot springs and history ranging from Eretria’s ancient days to 17th-century Karababa Castle. Visit Crete for wide-ranging attractions from King Minos’ castle of Knossos to the biosphere reserve of the Samaria Gorge.

Fly to many of the islands’ larger cities. You can also travel by ferries, which connect from the mainland and between many of the Aegean Islands. For the ultimate vacation, craft your own island-hopping itinerary on a chartered sailboat.

Where to stay in Aegean Islands

Rhodes Old Town which includes a city and heritage architecture

Rhodes Old Town

5/5(57 area reviews)

Rhodes Old Town is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Rhodes Port and Castle of the Old Town while you're in town.

Rhodes Old Town
Default Image

Neochori

While visiting Neochori, you might make a stop by sights like Old Town Gates and Bar Street.

Neochori
Default Image

Agios Nikolaos

While visiting Agios Nikolaos, you might make a stop by sights like Zephyros Beach and Rhodes St. Francis Church.

Agios Nikolaos
Sheraton Rhodes Resort

Sheraton Rhodes Resort

5 out of 5
Ialyssos Avenue, Ixia, Rhodes, Rhodes Island
The price is €217 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
€217
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rhodes. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (692 reviews)
"Just a smooth easy stay for us. No issues at all. Staff were smiley, friendly and superb and in particular the Exec Chef Nikolas was super reassuring with my son's nut allergy."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Sheraton Rhodes Resort
Elissa Lifestyle Beach Resort – Adults Only

Elissa Lifestyle Beach Resort – Adults Only

5 out of 5
Kallithea, Rhodes
The price is €342 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€342
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rhodes. Enjoy free WiFi, 15 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (218 reviews)
"Food amazing. Very clean elegant hotel"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Elissa Lifestyle Beach Resort – Adults Only
Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort

Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort

5 out of 5
Kallithea, Rhodes
The price is €500 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
€500
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rhodes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (265 reviews)
"We’d definitely recommend it for families. The hotel was really clean, Everyone was so friendly and great with our little boy. There were loads of food options, and we loved being able to grab snacks all day from the beach bar and street food hub. The pools were great, and the whole place had a really ..."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Petasos Beach Resort & Spa, Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Petasos Beach Resort & Spa, Small Luxury Hotels of the World

4 out of 5
Platis Yialos, Mykonos, Mykonos Island
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Mykonos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (331 reviews)
"Had an amazing private pool suite. Greeted with flowers and champagne on arrival in the room. Service and staff was impeccable. Every bit of this resort is 5 star (even worth 6 in my eyes) Can not recommend enough, an unforgettable stay!!"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Petasos Beach Resort & Spa, Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Aqua Luxury Suites

Aqua Luxury Suites

5 out of 5
Imerovigli, Santorini, Santorini Island
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Santorini. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (205 reviews)
Perfect holiday stay
"Fantastic stay at Aqua Luxury suites. Everything was perfect. Highly recommend stay here when in Santorini. Excellent Caldera views. Great food and service."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Aqua Luxury Suites
Sun Rocks Boutique Hotel

Sun Rocks Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
Fira - Firostefani, Santorini, Santorini Island
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Santorini. Enjoy an outdoor pool, room service, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Athinios Port and Kamari Beach ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (161 reviews)
"This is such a wonderful place to stay. The staff is amazing, the rooms were clean and well taken care of. The food was also excellent. I highly recommend this hotel and can’t wait to go back next year."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Sun Rocks Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do