A select list of the twenty most beautiful Greek islands has been published by the British newspaper, the Evening Standard. 

“Crystal clear waters, sun, souvlaki, and a different side of Greece without overcrowding” promises travel editor Laura Hampson, choosing 20 of the country’s 227 inhabited islands.

At the top of the list sits Naxos, with its paradise beaches and spectacular historical monuments. Next are Serifos, with its characteristic white-washed villages, sunny Patmos for an unforgettable Easter, refreshing Amorgos and picturesque Astypalea, renowned for its historic settlements. In the next places are family-friendly Corfu, beautiful Symi and awe-inspiring Santorini.

The list goes on with glamorous and impressive Crete, gastronomic Sifnos, cosmopolitan Mykonos, youthful Ios with its paths and monasteries, timeless Paros, Zakynthos, famous for its Shipwreck Beach, unforgettable Kefalonia, exotic Milos and idyllic Lefkada. Finally, the list features Skopelos as the island of “Mamma Mia,” Skiathos with its nightlife, and Andros, distinguished for its arts and unique beaches.

Representatives of destinations on the list conveyed their reactions to the Athens News Agency:

“The international press continues to respond warmly to the evolution of Ios. The Municipality strengthens the island’s development with ‘green’ initiatives, infrastructure projects, culture festivals and the improvement of the walking network,” said the Mayor of Ieton, Gikas Gikas.

“With systematic effort, Astypalea shows the future by combining sustainability, quality, tradition and special forms of tourism. The tourism industry has shown an early interest, creating a climate of optimism,” added the Mayor of Astypalea, Nikos Komineas.

“We have been seeing a significant increase in bookings to Skopelos from abroad, especially from Great Britain. Mamma Mia excursions, diving, hiking, monasteries and gastronomy, are just a few of the elements that we are highlighting this year and, so far, we have had a great response,” commented the President of the Tourism Committee of the Municipality of Skopelos, Ioanna Efstathiou.

“Through activities such as the religious music festival and the operation of a ‘smart’ kiosk that ‘tells’ the history of Patmos, we promote the island’s religiosity and traditions as part of an experience that continues to captivate tourists, especially in recent years,” stated the Deputy Mayor of Tourism of Patmos, Nikos Koutouzos.

“The interest of travelers from abroad has begun in earnest. We bring Naxos to the fore, conquering new firsts internationally. Beaches without crowds, local products and outdoor activities place Naxos at the very top,” emphasized the Deputy Mayor of Tourism of Naxos and Small Cyclades, Vangelis Katsaras.

“According to recent research by the Municipality, in the post-covid era, tourists have discovered in Andros a safe haven of peace and rejuvenation through paths, arts and exotic waters,” noted the Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Nikos Moustakas.

This article was previously published in Greek at moneyreview.gr, with information from the Evening Standard.