Greece, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, traces its history back to at least 7000 BCE, when Neolithic settlements emerged across the region. By 3000 BCE, the Cycladic, Minoan, and Mycenaean civilizations flourished, setting the stage for Greece’s cultural and intellectual dominance. The Minoans of Crete (2700–1100 BCE) built Europe’s first known advanced society, followed by the Mycenaeans (1600–1100 BCE), who left behind monumental palaces and epic tales like the Iliad and Odyssey. Classical Greece (5th–4th centuries BCE) saw the rise of democracy, philosophy, and the arts, shaping the Western world. Greece is also home to thousands of islands, many of which played pivotal roles in ancient history. These islands still house ancient ruins, temples, and cities, offering visitors a chance to step back in time. Here are ten ancient Greek islands that history lovers should explore.
1. Crete (c. 7000 BCE)
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is often hailed as the cradle of European civilization. Around 7000 BCE, early settlers established communities here, laying the foundation for the illustrious Minoan civilization that flourished between 2700 and 1100 BCE. This advanced society is renowned for its monumental architecture, intricate art, and sophisticated urban planning.
A visit to Crete offers a journey through millennia of history. The Palace of Knossos, located near Heraklion, stands as a testament to Minoan ingenuity. Believed to be Europe’s oldest city, Knossos features a labyrinthine complex that has been partially restored to showcase its former grandeur.
Complementing this site is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses the world’s most significant collection of Minoan artifacts. Visitors can marvel at frescoes, pottery, and everyday items that provide insight into the island’s ancient past.
Beyond these, the Historical Museum of Crete offers a comprehensive overview of the island’s journey from the early Christian era through World War II. Exhibits include Byzantine icons, Venetian artifacts, and works by El Greco, Crete’s famed Renaissance painter.
2. Delos (c. 3000 BCE)
In the heart of the Aegean Sea lies Delos, a modest island with an extraordinary past. As the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, Delos was revered as a sacred sanctuary long before the advent of Olympian mythology. This divine association transformed it into a bustling cosmopolitan center, attracting pilgrims and merchants alike. Today, the island stands as an open-air museum, its landscape adorned with remnants of its illustrious history.
Visitors can wander through the Agora of the Competaliasts, once a vibrant marketplace near the Sacred Harbor. The Minoan Fountain, a public well hewn from rock in the sixth century BCE, offers insights into ancient engineering. The Temple of the Delians, dedicated to Apollo, showcases classic Doric architecture, while the Terrace of the Lions, with its marble guardians, stands as a testament to Naxian dedication to the god. The island’s residential quarters reveal intricate mosaics, particularly in the House of Dionysus, reflecting the opulence of its inhabitants. Perched atop Mount Kynthos, the Temple of Isis exemplifies the island’s religious plurality during the Roman period.
3. Rhodes (c. 4000 BCE)
Rhodes, an island at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, has a history as vibrant as its sunlit shores. In the 5th century BC, the island’s three prominent cities, Ialyssos, Kamiros, and Lindos, united to establish the city of Rhodes, designed by the famed urban planner Hippodamus of Miletus. This strategic location flourished as a maritime hub, leading to the creation of the Colossus of Rhodes, a towering bronze statue of the sun god Helios, erected in 280 BC. Although it stood for only 54 years before succumbing to an earthquake, its legacy endures as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
When visiting, you can explore the Acropolis of Rhodes, perched on Monte Smith hill, which houses remnants of the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus. The nearby Ancient Stadium and Odeon offer glimpses into the island’s athletic and artistic endeavors.
The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, situated in the medieval city, showcases artifacts spanning the island’s extensive history, including the renowned Crouching Aphrodite statue.
Wandering through the cobblestone streets of the Medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reveals the enduring legacy of the Knights Hospitaller, with structures like the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights standing as testaments to Rhodes’ storied past.
4. Naxos (c. 4000 BCE)
Naxos is the largest of the Cycladic islands. Its capital, Chóra, is a labyrinth of narrow alleys and whitewashed houses, crowned by the imposing Kastro, a 13th-century Venetian fortress. Within its walls, the Archaeological Museum showcases artifacts spanning millennia, offering a window into Naxos’s storied past.
Venturing beyond the capital, the island reveals its diverse heritage. In the village of Melanes, visitors encounter the enigmatic Kouros of Flerio, an unfinished 5.5-meter marble statue dating back to the 6th century BCE, reclining eternally in its ancient quarry.
The Temple of Demeter near Sangrí stands as a testament to Naxos’s religious significance in antiquity. Constructed around 530 BCE, this marble edifice dedicated to the goddess of harvest showcases early Ionic architecture and offers insights into ancient worship practices.
Naxos’s charm also lies in its traditional villages. Apiráthos, nestled in the mountains, enchants with its marble-paved streets and vibrant folklore. Here, local museums celebrate everything from archaeology to natural history, reflecting the island’s multifaceted identity.
For those seeking sun and sea, Naxos offers pristine beaches like Agios Prokopios, where crystal-clear waters meet golden sands.
5. Santorini (Thera) (c. 5000 BCE)
Santorini, known in antiquity as Thera, is a testament to nature’s power and humanity’s resilience. Around 1600 BCE, a cataclysmic volcanic eruption devastated the island, leading to the preservation of the Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri beneath layers of volcanic ash. This catastrophe is often linked to the legend of Atlantis.
Today, visitors can explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Akrotiri, where multi-story buildings, advanced drainage systems, and vibrant frescoes offer a glimpse into a sophisticated ancient society.
The island’s unique topography, characterized by steep cliffs and a submerged caldera, creates breathtaking vistas, especially from the towns of Fira and Oia. Santorini’s volcanic soil nurtures distinctive grape varieties, making wine tasting tours a popular activity.
6. Corfu (c. 1300 BCE)
Corfu, known as Kérkyra in Greek, is an island steeped in history and cultural fusion. Its earliest mention dates back to around 1300 BCE, referenced in Mycenaean Greek records as “ko-ro-ku-ra-i-jo,” indicating its ancient roots. Mythologically, Corfu is often associated with Scheria, the land of the Phaeacians in Homer’s “Odyssey,” where Odysseus found refuge.
Throughout its history, Corfu’s strategic location made it a coveted prize. The island experienced periods under Corinthian, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, French, and British rule, each leaving an indelible mark on its cultural and architectural landscape.
When visiting Corfu, you can see the Old Fortress, a testament to Venetian fortification, which offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. The Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, showcases neoclassical architecture and lush gardens. Strolling through the Liston Promenade, with its French-inspired arcades, provides a glimpse into the island’s cosmopolitan past.
Corfu also boasts stunning beaches like Paleokastritsa and Glyfada, where turquoise waters meet golden sands. The island’s cuisine, influenced by its diverse rulers, offers delights such as sofrito and pastitsada.
7. Samos (c. 3000 BCE)
Samos, an island nestled in the Aegean Sea, boasts a rich tapestry of history dating back to the 4th millennium BCE. Its strategic location fostered early settlements, evolving into a hub of culture and innovation. The island’s most illustrious period emerged under the rule of the tyrant Polycrates in the 6th century BCE, when Samos became a formidable maritime power.
One of the island’s most remarkable engineering feats from this era is the Tunnel of Eupalinos. This 1,036-meter-long aqueduct, constructed under Polycrates’ reign, served as a concealed water supply system, showcasing advanced engineering techniques of the time.
Another significant site is the Heraion of Samos, a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera. This sanctuary, with evidence of cult activity dating back to around 1700 BCE, became a monumental complex, reflecting the island’s religious prominence.
Visitors to Samos can also explore the remnants of the ancient fortified port city, the Pythagoreion, which includes archaeological treasures from Greek and Roman periods. The modern town of Pythagoreio, built upon the ancient city, offers a blend of historical insights and contemporary charm.
8. Chios (c. 6000 BCE)
Chios, an island in the northeastern Aegean Sea, boasts a rich history dating back to approximately 6000 BCE, with early settlements established in regions like Emporio. This long-standing habitation has cultivated a diverse cultural heritage that continues to captivate visitors.
One of the island’s most significant archaeological sites is the prehistoric settlement of Emporio. Excavations have revealed continuous habitation from the Neolithic era through the Bronze Age, offering valuable insights into early Aegean civilizations.
In the heart of Chios town lies the Archaeological Museum of Chios, which houses artifacts spanning from the Neolithic to the Roman periods. Notably, the museum features items excavated from sites like Emporio, providing a comprehensive overview of the island’s ancient past.
Another landmark is the Castle of Chios, a Byzantine fortress dating back to the 10th century. Over the centuries, it has undergone modifications under Genoese and Ottoman rule, reflecting the island’s strategic importance and diverse cultural influences.
Chios is also renowned for the Nea Moni monastery, an 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its exquisite mosaics that exemplify the Macedonian Renaissance art.
9. Lesbos (c. 3000 BCE)
Lesbos, an island in the northeastern Aegean Sea, boasts a rich history that stretches back to approximately 6000 BCE. Recent archaeological discoveries at Rodafnidia, near Lisvori, have unveiled stone artifacts dating to the Middle Paleolithic era, suggesting early human activity on the island.
One of the most significant archaeological sites on Lesbos is Thermi, located on the island’s eastern coast. Excavations led by British archaeologist Winifred Lamb between 1929 and 1933 uncovered five successive prehistoric settlements dating from around 3000 to 1000 BCE. These findings indicate that Thermi was a thriving urban center during the Early Bronze Age, with well-planned streets and advanced architectural structures.
In addition to its prehistoric significance, Lesbos has been a melting pot of cultures throughout its history. The island was home to the renowned ancient poet Sappho in the 6th century BCE and has seen influences from various civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, Genoese, and Ottomans. This diverse heritage is reflected in the island’s architecture, traditions, and cultural practices.
Visitors to Lesbos can explore its rich history by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Mytilene, which houses artifacts from various periods of the island’s past. Additionally, the island’s traditional pottery techniques have been recognized by UNESCO’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting the ongoing preservation of ancient crafts.
10. Lemnos (c. 4000 BCE)
Lemnos, an island nestled in the northern Aegean Sea, boasts a rich history dating back to approximately 4000 BCE. One of its most significant archaeological sites is Poliochne, considered one of the earliest urban settlements in Europe. Excavations have revealed a well-organized city with advanced infrastructure, including sophisticated drainage systems and multi-roomed houses, reflecting a high level of societal development during the Early Bronze Age.
In addition to Poliochne, Lemnos is home to the ancient city of Hephaistia, named after the god Hephaestus, who, according to mythology, landed on the island after being cast out of Olympus. Hephaistia served as the island’s capital from the 8th to the 6th centuries BCE. Notably, its ancient theater, dating from the late 5th to early 4th century BCE, was restored in the early 2000s and, in 2010, hosted its first performance in over 2,500 years, showcasing the island’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage.
