How many Greek islands are there? | A 6.000 Island Hopping Heaven to Explore
Updated: Sep 28
Author
George Papadellis | SG Head
With some tips from AI
Greece is one of the countries in the world made up of numerous islands, each with its own charm and beauty. So, the question arises: How many Greek islands are there? The answer might surprise you. Greece has thousands of islands. The Greek islands are approximaterly 6.000 and they have several sizes. But how many Greek islands are inhabited? There are 227 inhabited islands and only 78 of them have more than 100 residents.
Karpathos Island | ID 59985116 © Freesurf69 | Dreamstime.com
The largest Greek island, located at the southern part of the country, is Crete with four zones: Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno and Lasithi. The second largest island is Evia, which is separated from the mainland by the Evripos Strait. The third largest of the Greek islands is Lesbos (capital of North Aegean region) and the fourth largest Greek island is Rhodes (at the south-eastern corner of Greece).
Photo by: in the public domain (according to Wikimedia Commons)
The Greek islands to visit (for holidays) are grouped into the following geographical segments (Greek islands groups or complexes):
Argosaronic Islands (or Saronic Islands - Greek Islands close to Athens)
Photo by: Юкатан, Poros panorama, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Saronic Islands are located in the Saronic Gulf, off the eastern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula. They are made up of 7 islands, of which only 4 are inhabited. The most famous islands in the Saronic Gulf are Hydra, Spetses, and Poros. These islands are famous for their traditional architecture, stunning beaches, and rich history.
The main Greek islands near Athens are:
Aegina
Agistri
Dokos
Poros
Salamina
Spetses
Cyclades (at the north part of South Aegean)
Photo by: Frente, Fole abhang, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Cyclades are the most famous and popular group of islands in Greece. They are located in the Aegean Sea and are made up of 220 islands, of which only 33 are inhabited. The most famous islands in the Cyclades are Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Ios. These islands are famous for their stunning beaches, white-washed houses, and traditional Greek cuisine.
The main islands in Cyclades complex are:
Amorgos
Anafi
Andros
Antiparos
Delos
Donoussa
Folegandros
Gyaros
Ios
Iraklia
Kea
Keros
Kimolos
Kythnos
Makronissos
Naxos
Paros
Polyaigos
Schinoussa
Serifos
Sifnos
Sikinos
Syros
Thirasia
Tinos
North Aegean Islands
Photo by: FrontierNG, Lagada, Limenas, CC BY-SA 4.0
The North Aegean Islands are located in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea. They are made up of 9 large islands and numerous smaller islands. The most famous islands in the North Aegean Sea are Lesvos, Samos, and Chios. These islands are famous for their unique architecture, stunning beaches, and delicious local cuisine.
The main islands of the North Aegean complex are:
Agios Efstratios
Fournoi Korseon
Ikaria
Lemnos
Oinousses
Psara
Samos
Dodecanese (south-eastern part of South Aegean region)
Photo by: Bernard Gagnon, Offices of the Prefecture of the Dodecanese 02, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Dodecanese is a group of 12 large islands and numerous smaller islands located in the southeastern Aegean Sea. The most famous islands in the Dodecanese are Rhodes, Kos, and Patmos. The islands are famous for their medieval castles, stunning beaches, and rich history.
The main islands of the Dodecanese complex are:
Astypalaia
Karpathos
Kasos
Kastellorizo
Kos
Leros
Nisyros
Patmos
Symi
Tilos
Sporades (north-western Aegean)
Photo by: Wisniowy, Skiathos wisnia6522, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Sporades are located in the Aegean Sea, off the eastern coast of Greece. They are made up of 24 islands, of which only 4 are inhabited. The most famous islands in the Sporades are Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonnisos. These islands are famous for their stunning beaches, lush green landscapes, and crystal-clear waters.
The main islands of the Sporades complex are:
Alonissos
Skiathos
Skopelos
Skyros
Ionian Islands (west Greek borders)
Photo by: in the public domain (according to Wikimedia Commons)
The Ionian Islands are located in the Ionian Sea, off the western coast of Greece. They are made up of 7 large islands and numerous smaller islands. The most famous islands in the Ionian Sea are Corfu, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia. These islands are known for their lush green landscapes, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
The main islands of the Ionian complex are:
Ithaki (or Ithaca)
Kythira
Paxi
Greek Islands How Many?
With over 6,000 islands, each with its own charm and beauty, visitors of Greece are spoilt for choice. From the famous Cyclades to the lesser-known Saronic Islands, there is an island for every taste and preference. So, whether you are looking for stunning beaches, rich history, or traditional cuisine, the Greek Islands have it all.
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