1. Mykonos
The first Greek Island I visited was Mykonos and I was awestruck by its beauty. Imagine strolling through a bustling, colorful town with unique shops surrounded by flowers, typical white Grecian buildings, and fancy restaurants that sit right on the shore. I'll admit I almost fell into the water a few times as I was distracted by the glowing sunset against the Aegean Sea. But what Mykonos is best known for is its windmills built by the Venetians in the 16th century. The windmills are a sight to see during the sunset if you can get past all the tourists! Mykonos is definitely an island for sightseeing, strolling, eating, and shopping.
2. Samos
Samos is my personal favorite because of all the activities you can enjoy and laughable memories you can create. First things first, I recommend hiking to the Panagia Spiliani Monastery which is a magnificent white structure with a cave where you can enter and pray (or just look around). Come prepared because this is a long and sunny uphill trek, and the bathrooms at the top are not functioning to put it lightly; we found that out the hard way. After that, you'll probably want a break, shade, and air-conditioning. In my opinion, the gelato in Samos was the best out of all the locations I visited, and trust me, I sampled a lot of gelato. After that, you can tour the air-conditioned shops and choose from a variety of Greek clothing, shoes, accessories, and other souvenirs.
Finally, the most exciting activity is saved for last: swimming off the coast of the Pythagoreio Beach. The crystal blue waters you've been gazing at the whole trip are finally in your reach so I hope you brought your swim suit...and shoes! That's right, the shore is very rocky and can cut through skin if you do not wear dependable water shoes such as Crocs or Chacos. Those you wore flip flops found it difficult to walk on the rocks without cutting their feet or slipping. Other than the rocks, the beach is stunning and the water is a refreshing temperature. If you would like to store your items on the beach, a chair with an umbrella is 2 euros. If you are lucky, you may be able to witness the locals catching octopus, a Mediterranean delicacy. I was able to watch a local woman beat an octopus against a rock with her bear hands. This makes sure the octopus is dead and tenderized. After, octopus are usually hung to dry like laundry. This is not the only way to prepare octopus, but I found it interesting. Samos is definitely an island for unique experiences, shopping, eating, sunbathing, swimming, and hiking.
3. Patmos and Crete
I have combined Patmos and Crete because I had similar experiences in both. In Patmos, there are several stores for a major shopping spree; literally, the whole island is covered in shops and restaurants. Similarly, Crete consists of numerous storefronts, cobblestone streets, countless tourists, and a unique port. While I was there, I was able to enjoy a fish spa where tiny red garra fish nimble but mostly tickle your feet. So, if shopping is too tiresome and your feet are gross from walking, relax at the fish spa in Crete. These two islands are perfect for shopping, eating, strolling, and relaxing.
4. Santorini
Santorini is the most well known and gorgeous of the Greek islands. First, you'll need to ride up the steep cliff from the port to the village in a cable car or by opting for a donkey ride; the donkey ride is significantly more time consuming. Once at the top you can stride through the aesthetically pleasing streets of Santorini or choose to pay the souvenir shops a quick visit. The island is like a dream and a maze with white plaster buildings, cute locks on unique gates, bright flowers, lovely decorations, cobblestone paths, imperfect little stairways, adorable doors to quaint houses, a view of the sea that gets better the higher you climb, and of course, the blue domes. From personal experience, I wouldn't spend too much time in the shops because it requires a long uphill climb to finally glimpse the blue domes. Santorini is an island for hiking, picture-taking, and sight-seeing.