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 ¥42,221 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
¥42,221
¥50,652 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
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! (492 reviews)
"We loved our stay at Amus, the staff couldn’t be more helpful and friendly. The room was lovely and it’s great there are so many pools to choose from. I also have to eat gluten free and I ate very well here! Each meal time they would show me what I could and couldn’t eat and for breakfast I could ..."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Amus Hotel & Spa
Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort

Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort

5 out of 5
Kallithea, Rhodes
The price is ¥60,645 per night from Jul 23 to Jul 24
¥60,645
¥71,627 total
Jul 23 - Jul 24
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! (252 reviews)
Great place for kids
"Great rooms great pools and facilities, food is fine."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 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 ¥52,435 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
¥52,435
¥62,281 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
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! (205 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! (325 reviews)
"This is our second time here. This place is wonderful and the owner is on top of everything. Amazing service!!"

Reviewed on Jul 15, 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! (204 reviews)
"The staff of the hotel and Q bar / restaurant were phenomenal. The room was nice but the view was not quite as good as the photo. Our room was set back too much on the cliff. Santorini is not a place to save money. Get the best room and view you can."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Aqua Luxury 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