5 Colourful Greek Islands you Can't Miss

5 Colourful Greek Islands you Can't Miss

The Greek islands attract visitors with their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water and culinary delights. But their characteristic colourful houses are also a reason that many travellers to take a trip to the Ionian Islands, the Cyclades or the Dodecanese. We’ve rounded up five destinations, some of which are already well known, whilst others still manage to stay under the radar.

Colourful influences from times gone by 

In its eventful history, modern-day Greece has been under various rulers. Many of these have left their mark in the form of the colourful houses scattered across the numerous islands – and these are easy to explore on a holiday to Greece. Often a few hours apart by ferry, the various Greek island groups are ideal for an island-hopping holiday.

Colourful fishing villages on Milos 

Milos is the westernmost island of the Cyclades and a place full of natural beauty and historical significance. Milos is also a magnet thanks to its picturesque boathouses, which are especially noticeable in the fishing village of Klima. Once colour-coordinated with the boats of the local fishermen, these colourful dwellings are now mostly rented out to tourists. And with the lunar landscape of Sarakiniko Bay, numerous volcanoes and thermal springs, and as the site where the world-famous statue ‘Venus de Milo’ was found, the island really has a lot to offer its visitors. From the islands of Sifnos and Kimolos, you can take the ferry to Milos in less than an hour. The Folegandros-Milos ferry is also quick, taking just under an hour. 

Picturesque arrival on Symi

Symi is located in the Dodecanese and is not only dotted with mountains, but also has beautiful coastal towns to offer. Upon arrival at the port of Symi, you‘re greeted by a postcard-perfect view of sandy yellow houses and colourful accents stretching across the hilly landscape. It’s this combination of colourful eye-catchers and rugged nature that makes Symi an increasingly popular holiday destination. What's more, the island is a perfect place for a day trip or island hopping: the ferry from Rhodes to Symi takes you to the island in 45-90 minutes, and from Tilos it takes only 1 hour 40 minutes on average.

Venetian influences on Kefalonia 

For several hundred years, the Ionian Islands, including Kefalonia, were under Venetian rule – and when you look at the island's houses, you can still see this influence today. Pastel-coloured buildings stand amongst lush green pine trees, cypresses and olive groves, harmonising with the turquoise blue water. From the neighbouring island of Ithaca, the ferry takes only 20 minutes to reach the port of Sami, where most ferry connections arrive. There is another port in Poros, where ferries from Kyllini dock.

Pastel landscape of Syros

Just over 21,000 people live on Syros, an island in the Cyclades whose name means ‘rocky’. The port city of Ermoupoli stands out on one of several hills, its sea of pastel-coloured houses lying directly on the dark blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Ermoupoli merges seamlessly into the town of Ano Syros, whose cathedral towers high above the equally pastel-coloured buildings. It takes just under three hours to reach Syros from the island of Andros, while the Folegandros–Syros ferry takes just over six hours.

White and blue scenery of Santorini 

Of course, we can't end this blog post without mentioning Santorini. In recent years, this island in the southern Cyclades has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for travellers from both Europe and the rest of the world. This is not least due to the white and blue houses that are so often found on Instagram and other social media platforms. Beyond that, Santorini also offers impressive ruins, cobbled streets in historic old towns and breathtaking views of the crystal-clear sea. Getting there couldn't be easier: from Ios, the ferry takes just 50 minutes, whilst the ferry from Naxos reaches the port of Thira on Santorini in 1 hour 45 minutes. The ferry from Folegandros to Thira also takes less than 90 minutes. 

Where to go? 

Whichever Greek island you choose, with several ferry crossings from the surrounding islands and the Greek mainland, your dream destinations are just a short trip away. Use our price finder now and book your next holiday in Greece!