🌴 The 20 Largest Greek Islands – A Complete Guide
Greece is known for its breathtaking islands, each with its unique charm, history, and landscape. From mountainous terrains to turquoise beaches and ancient ruins, here are the 20 largest Greek islands ranked by size, along with key highlights for each.
1. Crete – ~8,336 km²
The largest Greek island, Crete lies in the southern Aegean Sea. It boasts towering mountains (Lefka Ori, Psiloritis), famous beaches like Elafonissi, and the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos.
2. Evia (Euboea) – ~3,655 km²
Evia is just a short drive from mainland Greece and connected via bridge to Chalkida. It’s known for its hot springs, mountainous nature, and charming villages.
3. Lesvos (Mytilene) – ~1,633 km²
Located near Turkey, Lesvos offers olive groves, medieval castles, and the unique Petrified Forest, a UNESCO-listed site.
4. Rhodes – ~1,401 km²
The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is famous for its medieval Old Town, the legacy of the Knights of St. John, and sun-soaked beaches.
5. Chios – ~842 km²
Chios is known worldwide for its mastiha (mastic resin), as well as its medieval villages and UNESCO-listed Nea Moni monastery.
6. Kefalonia – ~781 km²
The largest Ionian island, Kefalonia features turquoise beaches like Myrtos, the underground lake of Melissani, and romantic scenery.
7. Corfu (Kerkyra) – ~592 km²
Lush and elegant, Corfu blends Venetian architecture with Ionian greenery. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. Lemnos (Limnos) – ~477 km²
In the northern Aegean, Lemnos offers peaceful beaches, volcanic landscapes, and archaeological sites like ancient Poliochni.
9. Samos – ~477 km²
Close in size to Lemnos, Samos is the birthplace of Pythagoras and home to the Heraion sanctuary and excellent wine.
10. Naxos – ~430 km²
The largest of the Cyclades, Naxos combines mountains, fertile valleys, traditional villages, and the iconic Portara.
11. Zakynthos (Zante) – ~406 km²
This Ionian gem is famous for the Navagio (Shipwreck Beach), sea turtles (Caretta Caretta), and blue caves.
12. Thasos – ~380 km²
Known for its pine forests and white marble, Thasos lies close to the mainland and offers a blend of archaeology and nature.
13. Andros – ~380 km²
Andros stands out among the Cyclades for its natural springs, hiking trails, and neoclassical mansions.
14. Karpathos – ~324 km²
Located between Rhodes and Crete, Karpathos is known for its remote villages, traditional customs, and rugged terrain.
15. Kos – ~290 km²
Birthplace of Hippocrates, Kos blends ancient Asclepieions with modern resorts and cycling-friendly towns.
16. Kythira – ~279 km²
Although geographically closer to the Peloponnese, Kythira is part of the Ionian Islands. It offers castles, waterfalls, and mystical beaches.
17. Ikaria – ~255 km²
Known for the longevity of its people, Ikaria is a slow-paced island with natural hot springs and wild landscapes.
18. Skyros – ~209 km²
The largest of the Sporades, Skyros is home to traditional white-washed houses and the rare Skyrian horses.
19. Paros – ~196 km²
A Cycladic favorite, Paros has charming villages like Naousa, crystal-clear waters, and white marble used in antiquity.
20. Tinos – ~195 km²
A spiritual hub known for the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, Tinos also has marble villages and wild, dramatic landscapes.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Whether you dream of mythology, mountain hikes, hidden coves, or divine food, Greece's islands offer a world of variety. These 20 largest islands are just the beginning of a deeper journey into the beauty and soul of the Aegean and Ionian seas.