The Greek Islands Are NOT Interchangeable 🇬🇷

Greek island-hopping trips are some of the most common trips I plan for my clients.

So, I completely understand why you might want some extra help planning one!

There are SO many options. You can read about Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Crete, and dozens of other islands, and after a while, they can all start blending together.

But, choosing your islands isn't just about figuring out which ones are considered the “best.”

The Greek Islands are not interchangeable.

Every island offers something a little different, and they're not all going to make sense for the kind of trip YOU want to take.

For example, I want to share with you how Leah and Chad's trip came to life.

Let's start in Athens. Most travelers treat Athens like a quick stop before heading to the islands. Their priority is to see the famous Acropolis and other highlights, but then get to that Greek island experience they've been dreaming about.

Leah and Chad wanted something different.

They wanted more time to soak up the history on the mainland.

So, we added an extra stop in Mycenae, where they could explore one of Greece's most important ancient archaeological sites.

As for the islands, they wanted a more laid-back island retreat. So, instead of automatically sending them to the ever-popular Santorini and Mykonos, we set them up in Paros and Naxos, where they could experience the beauty and culture of the Greek Isles without all the hustle and bustle of Greece's biggest tourism hot spots.

We also added a boat day to the neighboring island of Antiparos, giving them another taste of the Cyclades while they were staying on Paros.

Their trip wasn't built around the islands they were “supposed” to visit. It was built around the way they wanted to experience Greece.

And, that's how I want you to think about your own Greece trip.

Don't start with, “Which Greek islands should I visit?”

Start with, “What do I actually want my time in Greece to look and feel like?”

Once you know that, choosing the islands gets a whole lot easier!

So, just in case you're wondering, “What does Megan think of the Greek islands?” here's what I would tell you about some of Greece's most talked-about islands...

SANTORINI

We know her. We love her. Santorini is truly one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. There are views there that you really can't capture in a photo and iconic Greek architecture that we all think about when we discuss Greece.

BUT... I don't think it's a slam dunk for everyone, especially during peak travel season!

You need to be ready for crowds on top of crowds, backed-up public transportation during sunset, and some steep, steep hills and stairs. When we were there on our honeymoon, my husband literally could not get through the 2-minute walk from our hotel room to the main road without dripping in sweat.

Because, yes, it can be HOT in summer...think white concrete reflecting the island sun in every direction.

My pro tip: If the sunset and those iconic white cave buildings are what you're going for, stay in Oia. You can watch the sunset from your own balcony instead of fighting the crowds for a viewpoint every night.

🔥 My hot take: Overpriced. You are definitely paying your tourist tax here. Would I personally still go back? Yes!

MYKONOS

Again, we know her. We love her. But, please stop automatically putting Mykonos on every first-time Greece itinerary.

There are two ways you are most likely going to experience Mykonos. One, you're staying at more basic, 3-star accommodations connected to lively beach clubs (that famously compete with Ibiza) and partying the day and night away with the younger crowds. Two, you're staying in a 5-star luxury property and reserving a spot at a more elevated, luxurious beach club.

Anything in between is hard to come by.

🔥 My hot take: The windmills are pretty and all, but don't make them your sole reason for coming here.

PAROS

Paros can be pretty sleepy when it comes to organized excursions and tours, so you need to be comfortable being a slow, independent traveler here.

Think rental cars, public transportation, wandering around on your own, and days that aren't packed with scheduled activities.

As for where to stay, I LOVE the town of Naoussa. I send almost every client there.

It's chic, boutiquey, and one of my favorite places to wander. When I went in 2022, it was THE only place to find almond milk or a green juice. Is my LA showing?

🔥 My hot take: Beaches were meh. Though, they did have cabanas, water sports, and activities at many of them if you're into that!

NAXOS

Naxos is where I'd send you if you told me you wanted to feel like a local.

So much is family-owned, it's super quaint, and you're going to rely on buses and public transportation quite a bit if you're exploring without a car. But, that public transportation can also be pretty unreliable. Bring your patience and flexibility!

My pro tip: Take the bus up into the mountain villages. Don't spend your entire stay along the coast. Getting farther into the island is part of the experience.

🔥 My hot take: Naxos Town was okay, but the real gems were the villages beyond the main port town.

THE NEXT TWO ON MY LIST 👀

There are still plenty of Greek islands I haven't personally visited, and two are at the very top of my list:

CRETE

Crete is Greece's largest island and has SO much to offer.

It has some of Greece's most popular beaches and stunning road trips if you want more adventure, but there are also all-inclusive resorts where you can plop yourself on the beach and barely move.

This is one I already know I'm going to want plenty of time to explore.

MILOS

Milos is famous for its unique terrain and beaches, and I'm dying to spend a boat day around the island and see that coastline with my own eyes!

So, when you're planning your first—or next—trip to Greece, don't worry about whether you've included all the islands you're “supposed” to visit.

Think about what you actually want your trip to look like.

Do you want to spend your days at beach clubs? Wander tiny villages? Eat really good food? Dive into history? Rent a car and explore? Spend all day on a boat? Check into a luxury hotel and do absolutely nothing?

The “best” Greek island depends a whole lot more on your answers to those questions than it does on which islands are the most famous.

Planning a trip to Greece and realizing there's a little more to choosing the right islands than you thought?

That's exactly the kind of trip I specialize in!

If you're considering working with a Travel Advisor for your Greece trip, schedule a complimentary Discovery Call with me. We'll talk about the trip you're envisioning, where you are in the planning process, and whether working together is the right next step for you!

-Megan