Aegean Islands

Travel Guide

Pefkos Beach showing a sandy beach
Rhodes showing heritage architecture and street scenes
Prassonissi showing a beach
Pefkos Beach which includes rugged coastline and general coastal views
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 vacations.

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 showing heritage architecture and a city

Rhodes Old Town

4.5/5(61 area reviews)

Rhodes Old Town is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Rhodes Port and Castle of the Old Town while in the area.

Rhodes Old Town
Mandraki

Neochori

If you're spending some time in Neochori, Old Town Gates and Bar Street are top sights worth seeing.

Neochori
Default Image

Agios Nikolaos

If you're spending some time in Agios Nikolaos, Zephyros Beach and Rhodes St. Francis Church are top sights worth seeing.

Agios Nikolaos
Amus Hotel & Spa
Amus Hotel & Spa
5 out of 5
Iraklidon Avenue 100, Ixia, Rhodes, Rhodes Island
The price is ¥37,817 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
¥37,817
¥45,626 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (485 reviews)
"Very enjoyable stay. The staff are super-friendly and go out of their way for the guests at the hotel."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Amus Hotel & Spa
Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort
Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort
5 out of 5
Kallithea, Rhodes
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥62,326 per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
¥62,326
¥73,527 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
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! (249 reviews)
"The p"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort
Elissa Adults-Only Lifestyle Beach Resort
Elissa Adults-Only Lifestyle Beach Resort
5 out of 5
Kallithea, Rhodes
The price is ¥49,338 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥49,338
¥58,748 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (202 reviews)
"Great resort!"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Elissa Adults-Only 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! (323 reviews)
"I liked everything about it"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Petasos Beach Resort & Spa, Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Castellum Suites
Castellum Suites
4 out of 5
Ag.Ioannou 8 - Nea Poli, Rhodes
Stay at this 4-star all-inclusive aparthotel in Rhodes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Rhodes Port and Palace ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (85 reviews)
"Friendly staff, good choice of food and drink."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Castellum Suites
Zefi Hotel & Suites
Zefi Hotel & Suites
4 out of 5
Naoussa, Paros, Paros Island
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Paros. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (196 reviews)
"Awesome location and staff."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Zefi Hotel & Suites
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.

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Cities near Aegean Islands