Greek Islands
By Annie Mullens
Greece unfolds across its islands—each with its own rhythm, from dramatic caldera views to quiet village life. These are Annie’s notes from exploring the Cyclades and beyond over multiple trips.
Santorini
Visited: September 2022
Why Santorini
A bucket-list island that truly earns the hype.
Dramatic caldera views and whitewashed villages feel almost unreal.
One of the most visually striking islands in Greece.
The Vibe
Romantic, polished, and built around the view.
Long lunches, local wine, and time spent soaking in the scenery.
Busy in peak areas—but still unforgettable.
Must Do
Hike Fira → Oia (6.5 miles)
Plan 3–5 hours and start early.
Walking toward Oia keeps the sun behind you.
Favorite Stay
Only three suites—quiet and private.
Feels tucked away despite being in a popular village.
Breakfast served on a private patio overlooking the caldera.
Worth Knowing
Stray Paws Santorini — Megalochori
Local rescue building a permanent shelter for island dogs.
Visitors can donate or walk the dogs.
A meaningful way to experience a quieter side of the island.
Milos
Visited: September 2022
Why Milos
A more laid-back alternative to Santorini with the same Cycladic beauty.
Known as the “Island of Colors” for its volcanic landscapes and 70+ beaches.
Feels more authentic—less polished, more exploratory.
The Vibe
Relaxed, adventurous, and a little under-the-radar.
Less about crowds and nightlife, more about discovery.
Days spent exploring beaches and coves, nights by the water.
Must Do
Sarakiniko Beach
A striking, white volcanic landscape that feels almost lunar.
Wander the rock formations, explore sea caves, or cliff jump into deep inlets.
Go early—sunrise is quiet and the light is incredible.
Favorite Spot
Klima
A tiny waterfront village lined with colorful fishermen’s houses (syrmata).
Walk along the narrow path with the water right at your feet.
Calm, clear water makes it a beautiful, low-key swim spot.
Worth Knowing
Mandrakia
A quieter alternative to Klima with the same colorful charm.
Less crowded, more local feel.
Stop at Medusa for seafood right on the water.
Paros
Visited: September 2022
Why Paros
A balanced alternative to Santorini—iconic Cycladic beauty without the intensity.
Whitewashed alleys, strong food scene, and a lively but grounded energy.
Feels authentic and lived-in, not overly tourist-driven.
The Vibe
Effortlessly chic but still relaxed.
A mix of quiet village life and a vibrant harbor scene.
Polished without feeling precious.
Must Do
Rent a car and explore the island
Start in Lefkes—a quiet mountain village with marble streets.
Then head to Golden Beach or the coast for the afternoon.
Having a car makes the island feel flexible and easy to navigate.
Favorite Spot
The Jolly Roger — Parikia
A lively, welcoming pub near the port.
Great for a casual drink, live music, or catching a game.
Known as much for the atmosphere as the food.
Bonus: their resident dog, Jack, is part of the charm.
Worth Knowing
Souvlakia KARGAS — Naoussa
A tucked-away, no-frills spot in the backstreets.
Known for high-quality meat and quick service.
Perfect for a casual meal while exploring the village.
Antiparos
Visited: September 2022
Why Antiparos
A quieter escape just minutes from Paros.
Slower, more private, and intentionally low-key.
Classic Greek charm without the crowds or noise.
The Vibe
Barefoot, relaxed, and effortlessly stylish.
More about unwinding than being seen.
Days move slowly—beaches, village walks, long dinners.
Must Do
Agios Georgios (St. George Beach)
A laid-back stretch of coast with some of the island’s best seafood.
Ideal for swimming, lingering lunches, and easy afternoons.
A great base to boat over to nearby Despotiko.
Favorite Spot
Captain Pipinos — Agios Georgios
Classic seaside fish tavern right on the water.
Known for fresh seafood and an easy, unhurried atmosphere.
Best enjoyed lingering into sunset.
Worth Knowing
Despotiko (by boat)
An uninhabited islet just across from Antiparos.
Home to ancient ruins and pristine, untouched beaches.
A quick boat trip—and one of the most unique experiences in the area.
Naxos
Visited: September 2025
Why Naxos
The largest Cycladic island with a more authentic, grounded feel.
Expansive beaches without the crowds or inflated prices.
A standout food destination with deeply local ingredients.
The Vibe
Relaxed, unpretentious, and rooted in everyday life.
A mix of beach time, mountain villages, and local culture.
Feels lived-in—not built just for visitors.
Must Do
Visit Filoti (mountain village)
A completely different pace from the coast.
Known for local food, traditional life, and a slower rhythm.
Ideal for a long, unhurried afternoon.
Favorite Spot
Irini’s — Naxos Town
A warm, local-feeling spot right on the waterfront.
Known for hyper-local ingredients and generous portions.
Try the Naxian salad with xinomizithra and the cheese croquettes.
Expect a relaxed meal that often ends with a small local treat.
Worth Knowing
Vallindras Distillery — Halki
A historic, family-run distillery dating back to 1896.
Produces Kitron, Naxos’s signature citrus liqueur.
Tastings available—an experience unique to the island.
los
Visited: September 2025
Why Ios
A true split personality—known for nightlife, but equally strong in quiet, untouched beauty.
Offers both high-energy social scenes and peaceful, secluded beaches.
More affordable and down-to-earth than neighboring islands.
The Vibe
Lively and social at night, calm and traditional by day.
Unpretentious, youthful, and easygoing.
Beyond the main town, the island feels rugged and wide open.
Must Do
Boat day with Ios Breeze
Explore hidden coves and beaches only accessible by water.
A completely different perspective of the island.
One of the best ways to experience its quieter side.
Favorite Stay
Ios Grand Pool Suites — Mylopotas
Boutique property perched above the beach with expansive views.
Private infinity pools and terraces with every suite.
Quiet, elevated feel with access to nearby hotel amenities.
Breakfast served on your terrace each morning.
Worth Knowing
Tsoukalaria Ridge (Gaitis-Simossi Museum + Amphitheater)
A surprising mix of modern art and panoramic island views.
The amphitheater overlooks the Aegean and is especially striking at sunset.
A completely different side of Ios that most visitors miss.
Syros
Visited: September 2025
Why Syros
A different side of the Cyclades—more European than traditional Greek island.
Known for its neoclassical architecture and cultural history.
Feels refined, layered, and less discovered.
The Vibe
A striking contrast between elegance and history.
Ermoupoli feels like a grand European capital with marble squares and mansions.
Ano Syros offers a medieval, maze-like hillside village.
More cultural and architectural than beach-driven.
Must Do
Explore Ano Syros
Climb (or drive) up to the hilltop village for panoramic views.
Wander the narrow stone alleys and take in the contrast to Ermoupoli below.
Ideal for a slow afternoon with drinks, small bites, and views.
Favorite Stay
Hotel Ploes — Vaporia
Set inside a restored neoclassical mansion overlooking the sea.
Feels intimate, refined, and highly personal.
Private sea access directly from the property.
Combines historic character with a quiet, elevated setting.
Worth Knowing
Agathopes Beach
A calm, shallow beach with clear, almost pool-like water.
Known for its relaxed but slightly elevated feel.
Great for sunset, with views of nearby islets.
Options nearby range from casual tavernas to more polished beachside dining.
Rhodes
Visited: September 2024
Why Rhodes
A historic crossroads where ancient, medieval, and modern Greece converge.
Home to one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval Old Towns.
Offers a mix of cultural depth, beaches, and easy access to nearby Turkey.
The Vibe
A blend of medieval atmosphere and relaxed island living.
Old Town feels immersive and historic, with stone streets and fortress walls.
Lindos brings the classic Greek island look with whitewashed houses and coastal views.
More varied and expansive than smaller islands.
Must Do
Lindos Acropolis
Set high above the village with sweeping coastal views.
Plan to go early to avoid heat and crowds.
Pair it with time wandering Lindos village below.
Favorite Stay
Kókkini Porta Rossa — Old Town
A restored medieval residence within the historic walls.
Intimate, design-forward, and deeply personal.
Known for exceptional hospitality and a curated guest experience.
Feels more like a private home than a hotel.
Worth Knowing
Apollona (inland village)
A quieter, local side of the island away from the coast.
Surrounded by pine forests and traditional village life.
Stop at Paraga for a slow, home-style meal.