Santorini’s central location in the Aegean Sea makes it easy to combine your journey to Greece with a visit to neighboring islands. Even though they are rather close, each one has a personality of its own. The following are just four of over 20 islands you could consider hopping to.

Amorgos

Amorgos is where the Big Blue movie was filmed back in 1988. Similar to Santorini, this island also boast some dramatic natural scenery. The whitewashed monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, built on the edge of a rocky cliff that plunges down to the sea, is one of the island’s most iconic places to visit. The treats that monks offer visitors who make the steep climb up the steps is indicative of the island’s warmhearted hospitality.  

Naxos

Venetian heritage inside what once used to be the castled city of Naxos’ island rewards the visitor with an eye for architecture as well as those in search of lost family roots. Apart from the architectural gems hidden in the alleys of the old city, the island also has some of the best beaches in the Cyclades: miles of sandy beaches and turquoise seas.  

Crete

One of Greece’s biggest islands, Crete combines off-the-beaten-path mountain villages and world-renowned archaeological sites like Knossos. The old towns of Chania and Rethymno combine elements of Venetian and Ottoman architecture and a visit to the Gorge of Samaria is a must for nature lovers.

Anafi

Anafi is a small island of few inhabitants who live in its one and only village. What abounds in Anafi are exotic beaches with a bohemian vibe, most of which are accessible by foot. This is the place to go to get away from it all.