How Many Days Should You Spend on Each Greek Island?

Greece is a country world-renowned for its dazzling collection of breathtaking islets. With so many picturesque landmasses to choose from, planning a vacation to the islands of Greece is no easy task.

With so many stunning areas to decide between, you must first consider how much time you can dedicate to touring the islands of Greece. This can prove rather difficult when you haven’t yet been to the destination and are struggling to get a grasp of what there is to see and do there. 

So, in this article, we outline how much time to spend on each of the top Greek islands to visit and give a flavor of what to expect during your stay. In doing so, we hope to assist you in planning the most sensational vacation possible in this picturesque part of the world.

Santorini is often viewed as one of the best Greek islands to visit. Despite its small size, it offers so much to those who are lucky enough to set foot on it. 

There are jaw-dropping views lying around every corner, incredible black-sand beaches and gorgeous whitewashed houses that form some of the prettiest villages in the world. It truly is a destination like no other. 

So, how long should you leave to explore this little patch of paradise? Well, it all depends on how much time you have to spare! At the very least, set three days aside to investigate Santorini. 

This will give you time to see the Oia, the volcano and one or two of the island’s spectacular beaches. However, the optimum duration of stay in Santorini for tourists just looking to stay on one island would be five days and over. 

Granting yourself just that bit of extra time to explore one of the most beautiful Greek islands in all of its grandeur is never a bad idea. Tour idyllic whitewashed villages, delve into the vibrant marine life within its sapphire waters and sample all of the regional delights such as tomato fritters and local wine.

While we’re on the topic, wine tours are an absolute must for anyone visiting Santorini. Sipping your way through the island’s highlights is easily one of the top experiences in Greece when you’re on a landmass so highly renowned for its grape juice.

Mykonos is another of the most popular Greek islands. Renowned for its Cycladic architecture, sublime coastline and sensational party scene, it is no surprise that the island goes down so well with tourists. 

So, how many days do you need to spend in Mykonos?

If you’re island hopping the Cyclades, leave three days aside to get a real taste of all the islet has to offer. For those planning a single-destination getaway, you can choose to stay on the island for five days upwards.

Despite having made a name for itself as the best party island in Greece, the delights of Mykonos are certainly not limited to its exceptional array of beach bars and clubs. 

While you should of course sample the island’s highly-acclaimed nightlife scene, also be sure to dip your toe in some of its other attractions. For example, the Mykonos Windmills.

The enchanting windmills can be found at the summit of a hill on the border of Mykonos Town. An idyllic sight, their whitewashed structures look straight out of a fairytale with traditional thatched roofs and baby blue accents. 

To add to the charming setting, you’ll be treated to sensational panoramic views over the town below. All in all, the Mykonos Windmills are one of the places to go in Mykonos.

Other wonderful activities to tick off while staying on what is one of the prettiest islands in Greece are catching a sunset at Alefkandra (otherwise known as Little Venice), and going for a dip along its glistening shoreline.

As the largest and most populous of the country, you will need to dedicate four days to staying in Crete. However, do not fret if you simply do not have this amount of time at your disposal, this makes for a perfect excuse to come for a second trip! 

However long you decide to spend here, prepare to be blessed with some of the most beautiful surroundings you’ve ever seen!

Crete is absolutely brimming with things to do and see including investigating historic forts, stunning beaches and hiking trails. With so many activities at your disposal, it is absolutely one of the best islands to visit in Greece.

Spend several days going between hidden coves along Crete’s rugged coastline where you will find bright turquoise waters and flawless white sand. 

You can also catch a boat ride to the tiny island of Spinalonga which is nothing short of breathtaking, with electric blue waters and an incredible untamed landscape. 

Another must-visit in Crete is Chania Town. A postcard-perfect setting, the idyllic town offers a wonderful blend of temples, squares and high-end restaurants, set alongside a gorgeous harbor. 

The Old Town is one of Chania’s stand-out highlights. It was built into the ruins of the Venetian Fort and serves as a sensational architectural melting pot of Venetian, Turkish, traditional and contemporary styles.

While all of the Greek Islands are blessed with stunning shorelines, Milos Island is home to a particularly impressive collection of beaches. Shimmering crystal-blue waters adorn its rocky coastline, with sweeping hills and blue-roofed churches lying in the distance.

For those island-hopping around Greece, you can set aside a day to explore the spectacular coastline of Milos Island. However, you could equally spend several extra days exploring its divine tapestry of landscapes.

As one of the best Greek islands for beaches, it would be a crime to visit Milos without investigating its dazzling coastline. 

Sarakiniko Beach, in particular, stands out as one of the best beaches on Milos Island. The extraordinary little cove is incredibly famous thanks to its eye-catching appearance: a striking contrast of bright turquoise waters and chalk-white boulders. 

Beyond Sarakiniko, you will find plenty of other dreamy pieces of coastline to explore. In fact, visiting Milos Island’s breathtaking shoreline is one of the best things to do in Greece.

Milos also happens to be home to the statue of the ancient Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. It is a must-see attraction and a fitting one at that, as you are sure to fall head over heels for this beautiful island. 

During your stay on Milos, also be sure to pay a visit to its gorgeous selection of traditional villages. Stroll by whitewashed houses, colorful fishing homes and bright blue churches in a stunning display of classic Greek architecture.

The largest of the Cycladic Islands, Naxos is a fantastic place to head on a Greek vacation. A little more under the radar than some of the other places on the list, it makes an excellent destination for those seeking a tranquil getaway. 

You should spend at least three full days in Naxos. Despite its calm ambience, it is multifaceted with much to see and do. In fact, it is one of the best places in Greece to learn how to scuba dive. 

The island’s captivating shoreline boasts golden sands that stretch as far as the eye can see. Plus, electric blue waters are clear and mellow, offering the perfect for newbies looking to get their PADI license.

Drenched in cultural heritage, Naxos is perfect for history buffs. Start by paying a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Naxos. Here you can cast your eyes over an incredible range of works tracing as far back as the Late Neolithic period.

Other historical sites to see include the ancient Apollo Temple and the fortified castle of Kastro. What’s more, you’ll also be able to tackle the tallest mountain in the Cyclades during your visit to Naxos: Mount Zeus.

The peak stretches just over 1,000 meters at its highest point. While this might sound intimidating, all is sure to be made worth your while when you are met with jaw-dropping panoramic views over Naxos and the surrounding islands. 

Offering such a rich array of things to see and do, Naxos is certainly one of the best islands to visit in Greece.

Coined a ‘small Mykonos’, Paros is another of the best islands to go to in Greece. If you’re cruising between islands, dedicate at least one full day to this vibrant landmass. 

Equally, three days is a great length of time to spend in Paros for those looking to delve further into all that the island has to offer. And it certainly does have a lot to see and do.

Paros is the second-largest island in the Cyclades and has a sweeping coastline of golden-sand beaches. It is along this vast shoreline that you will find some of the best beaches in Greece for couples and families alike, thanks to its diverse range of coves.

There are bustling shorelines with a vibrant selection of watersports including windsurfing, kayaking and kitesurfing that perfectly lend themselves to those traveling with children. 

On the other hand, there are also hidden coves offering utter peace and tranquility that are ideal for those on a romantic getaway. Whichever beach you choose to visit, prepare to be blown away by dazzling-blue waters and pristine shores. In fact, the island is home to some of the most amazing beaches in Greece.

Yet, the allure of Paros is certainly not limited to its shoreline. Picture yourself meandering through the winding alleyways of the island’s whitewashed capital: Parikia. 

Here you will pass bustling bars, restaurants and cafes, and plenty of opportunities to stop for some local grappa known as souma. Also, be sure to call by the idyllic mountain village of Lefkes. 

A quaint paradise, this hidden gem is home to just 500 inhabitants, idyllic cobblestone streets and an array of traditional tavernas. Offering a wonderful example of classic Cycladic architecture, the captivating homes in Lefkes are a sea of white stone with striking blue accents.