The Planet D, an award-winning travel blog, has recently published a list of the 18 Most Beautiful Mediterranean Islands to Visit in 2023, which includes Santorini, Corfu, Zakynthos, Rhodes, Milos, Folegandros, Lefkada, and Naxos.
The list included eight Greek islands, which received the highest number of mentions among Mediterranean countries. Spain came in second with three mentions.
According to the latest rankings, Santorini in Greece has secured the second spot for the Most Beautiful Mediterranean Island to Visit in 2023, with Mallorca taking the top position.
2. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a Greek paradise, and everyone knows it. Aside from blue-domed churches and bright white buildings, Santorini has developed a reputation as among the Greek islands’ most luxurious. It is easily one of the most popular of the Mediterranean islands. Between its luxe atmosphere, things to do, and iconic status, we just had to include Santorini on our list writes The Planet D
4. Corfu, Greece
Corfu is a significant island in the Mediterranean. The Greek island is off the west coast of the beautiful mainland. Both cruise lines and airlines flock to Corfu – it’s a popular spot amongst all. Busy and unapologetically a channel for passing tourists, Corfu has a constant movement of people. An easy fix to that, though, is visiting in shoulder seasons. In shoulder seasons, markets and attractions are much quieter, and the spring or autumn salty breeze keeps you cooler anyway.
9. Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Officially a republic in its own right, the picturesque island is full of gorgeous beaches and vibrant nightlife. Whether you stay on the north coast or the south, you’ll experience Greek or Turkish culture. Most visitors choose one of the other as a hard border is in the middle of the island. But you could always combine the two if you have time.
10. Zakynthos, Greece
Zakynthos (aka Zante) is one of Greece’s most popular islands. The island is revered by partiers and those wanting a classic Greek island escape. When you aren’t partying, there is the dramatic Shipwreck Beach to discover, plus white sand beaches and baby turtles. It encapsulates all the benefits of a brilliant Mediterranean island. Its wide range of activities is what impressed us. Read more about Zakynthos here.
11. Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese – the Greek islands off the coast of Turkey. This Mediterranean island is packed with history and is heaven for anyone wanting to jump between ancient ruins in between beach days. In fact, its history is what caught our eye (and UNESCO’s since its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Rhodes also has a fascinating history of occupation, and the Ottomans and Italians have put their stamp on its cultural makeup.
14. Milos, Greece
Milos is another Mediterranean island with sheer white cliffs. Except it also has moonlike landscapes- which is why we’ve added it to this guide. The volcanic island is situated off the east coast of Greece and has striking geographical features. It has also built an impressive reputation as a party spot, considering it is one of Greece’s lesser-known islands.
15. Folegandros, Greece
Folegandros is a tiny Greek island. Forget the crowds and major tourist attractions. This Mediterranean island is somewhere to unwind. The miniature ‘capital’ (picture a small town) is full of white-washed buildings. It clings beautifully to the blue waters of the coastline. With some medieval history to investigate, Folegandros is a Mediterranean island on your bucket list. It might be small, but it packs a punch, which impressed us.
16. Lefkada, Greece
Lefkada is a beautiful Mediterranean island in the Ionian Sea. Technically, it is connected to the Greek mainland, but only by a manmade causeway. So for the sake of this guide (and Lefkada’s dramatic cliffs and blue waters), we had to include it. It is accessible from mainland Greece and is one of the most pretty Greek islands. The limestone cliffs are like Zante’s Shipwreck Beach – just minus the crowds.
18. Naxos, Greece
Naxos may be the largest of the Cyclades islands in the Mediterranean. However, size doesn’t correlate with popularity here; Naxos isn’t the most popular of the Greek islands. We have no idea why because it is stunning. It's turquoise bays and golden sand do make it a sought-after beach destination for those in the know. And its capital, Chora, is a picturesque historic base full of iconic white cube-shaped houses. For us, the beaches and laidback vibe are major selling points.
