I live in Greece and have been to over 30 of the country’s islands. Here are 6 I think are worth visiting.

Elafonisos, located off the southeast edge of the Peloponnese peninsula, is my favorite island to visit. Small but mighty, this gorgeous destination has everything I need for a relaxing getaway.

While there, I love lounging on Simos beach before getting a shrimp-pasta dinner at Aronis Fish Tavern. If I’m in the mood for a drink or dessert, I stop at Stin Akri (I love their banoffee pie).

Then, I finish out the day at another beach, Panagia, for incredible views of the sunset.

Although there’s not a ton to do on Elafonisos, that’s part of the reason I love it so much. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a book and do some swimming.

Located about two hours from Athens by ferry, Hydra is a great place for a weekend getaway from the mainland. Cars are prohibited on the island, which I think really adds to its old-time charm.

While here, I love lounging on Mandraki beach or visiting the unique Hydronetta. Unlike traditional beaches, Hydronetta is made up of rocky platforms that are great for jumping into the sea.

Plus, there’s a great variety of delicious restaurants, from higher-end options like Téchnē and Omilos, to quaint tavernas. And, I can never leave without visiting Kai Kremmidi for my favorite souvlaki to-go.

Crete holds a special place in my heart — my grandfather was from there, and I’ve been visiting every August since I was a baby. As the biggest island in Greece, a single trip won’t cover it all.

In my opinion, renting a car is essential for exploring as much as possible. However, I recommend starting with the western part of the island, which is home to some magnificent beaches like Balos and Falasarna.

Plus, if you’re looking for a mix of history, shopping, and great food, there’s nothing quite like walking around the Old Port of Chania, a 14th-century Venetian Harbour that’s bustling with souvenir shops, tavernas, and bars. I like to walk around before sunset and do some people-watching.

Often called the smaller sister of Milos, Kimolos is a lesser-known island filled with charm. I’ve only been a few times, but it quickly won me over.

The main town is small and picturesque, and the beaches are beautiful, with crystal-clear blue waters. I love visiting Dekas and Mavrospilia for beautiful sunsets.

One of my favorite unique activities on the island is attending the open-air cinema, which appears in different locations around the island during the summer months.

Sifnos is a relatively small island, and in my opinion, it’s the perfect destination to truly relax.

I love exploring Kástro, a village that’s name translates to “castle.” Here, I walk around the small alleys, enjoy the amazing views, and see the Church of the Seven Martyrs from afar. Then, I like to grab a drink and something to eat at Loggia.

While on Sifnos, I always make sure to visit the capital of the island, Apollonia, for shopping on its picturesque cobblestone streets.

I can’t talk about my favorite Greek islands without mentioning Corfu, the place where I spent many summers as a child — and where I recently got married.

The charming buildings, incredible restaurants, and beautiful beaches always keep me coming back for more.

While on the island, I always grab something to eat at Marina’s Taverna, To Tsipouradiko, and Klimataria. They all serve proper Greek food, and everything I’ve tried has been delicious.

I typically like stopping by the iconic 19th-century Achilleion Palace, but unfortunately, most of the interior portions of the site are currently closed for renovations.