Aegean Islands

Travel Guide

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

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
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Neochori

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

Neochori
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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
Sheraton Rhodes Resort

Sheraton Rhodes Resort

5 out of 5
Ialyssos Avenue, Ixia, Rhodes, Rhodes Island
The price is CA $272 per night from Sep 10 to Sep 11
CA $272
CA $334 total
Sep 10 - Sep 11
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! (696 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 Jul. 24, 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 CA $515 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $515
CA $610 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (220 reviews)
"Food amazing. Very clean elegant hotel"

Reviewed on Aug. 2, 2025

Elissa Lifestyle Beach Resort – Adults Only
Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort

Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort

5 out of 5
Kallithea, Rhodes
The price is CA $627 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
CA $627
CA $738 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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! (267 reviews)
"We had a lovely time at the Helea hotel. The staff were always polite and happy to help. A great selection of food choices, something there for everyone. The hotel was very clean. Would definitely be returning."

Reviewed on Aug. 11, 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! (332 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 Aug. 1, 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 Jul. 19, 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! (163 reviews)
"First time visiting for honeymoon. The staff are friendly and welcoming, stunning views, the bar/ restaurant staff serve the best drinks, the room is clean and the hotel near shopping and restaurants. The receptionist will schedule a taxi for anywhere you would like to go. I would recommend this ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 6, 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.

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Cities near Aegean Islands