Recent Instagram data reveals the most popular Greek islands. Santorini, which has almost 8 million Instagram hashtags, Crete and Mykonos took the top three spots as the most Instagrammable locations among Greece’s many islands.
Travel experts at Kinglikeconcierge.com examined Instagram hashtag data for over 50 Greek islands to establish the most popular and “Instagrammable.”
Thanasis Mougios from Kinglikeconcierge commented on the results, “Social media has become a vital factor when researching holiday destinations. It is fascinating what these insights have revealed, hopefully influencing others to visit the vast number of Greek islands.”
1. Santorini
Santorini took the top spot with 7,828,338 posts containing Santorini-related hashtags, more than any other Greek island. The dramatic sunsets over crystal blue seas are a huge draw for tourists and feature in many Instagram posts from the island. Santorini is also known for its blue dome churches and the myriad of beautifully colored, volcanic rock beaches—the perfect place for a yoga or martial arts class.
2. Crete
The second most Instagrammable Greek island is Crete. Crete has over 6,152,737 posts with hashtags relating to the island. It is the largest of all Greek islands, boasts unique coastlines and rich architecture, and is home to important cultural sites such as the Minoan settlements, which explains the vast number of posts.
3. Mykonos
Besides its white-washed houses built on top of one another and sandy beaches, Mykonos is known for its party scene. It ranks third, with 5,426,554 posts containing Mykonos-related hashtags. Celebrities such as Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Bella Hadid have visited the island and partied at its clubs.
4. Kos
Kos is one of the most accessible Greek islands, boasting its own international airport. Digital nomads working on apps like Obsidian templates with open laptops line the golden sand beaches lapped with crystal-clear waters. The island is also home to an Ancient Agora (marketplace) and Antimachia Venetian Castle. Kos is the fourth most Instagrammable island, with 2,817,622 posts containing Kos-related hashtags.
5. Rhodes
Rounding out the top five is Rhodes. Instagram has 2,514,587 posts with Rhodes-related hashtags. Also known as “Knights Island,” Rhodes is home to the Medieval Old Town, declared a World Heritage Site in 1988. This Instagrammable location has led Rhodes to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and explains the large number of hashtags found.
6. Corfu
In sixth place is Corfu, one of Greece’s most popular holiday destinations. The island’s dramatic limestone cliffs line many of its white sand beaches and make this Greek island the perfect place to find photo opportunities. Alpha and Sigma males post shots posing on the picturesque beaches. Instagram has 2,348,893 posts containing Corfu-related hashtags, most showing the island’s countless beaches and secret coves.
7. Zakynthos
Zakynthos is an island so popular it was named twice and is especially popular with British tourists. It had the seventh most posts found on Instagram, with 1,304,017. Shipwreck Beach is a tourist draw, as are many other stunning beach locations, such as Laganas Beach, Porto Vromi, and Gerakas Beach.
8. Zante
In eighth place is Zante, another name for Zakynthos. The Caretta sea turtle nests on the pure white sands of Zante’s beaches, and people flock from the mainland to see them. Many of the 1,115,256 posts tagged with Zante included photos of the island’s famed Blue Caves, a photographer’s dream.
9. Paros
Paros is a popular destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers, and with its vibrant nightlife, it’s easy to see why visitors looking for an exciting vacation flock here. On Instagram, visitors posted 1,032,217 times, tagging the island, bringing Paros into the top ten most Instagrammable Greek isles.
10. Hydra
Hydra is a small Saronic Gulf island located about an hour from Athens. The only modes of transport on the island are boat and donkey, which makes for unique Instagram posts. Combined with the traditional architecture and cobbled streets, it’s obvious why Instagrammers have tagged the island 1,008,231 times.
Find More Greek Islands on Instagram
Lesbos, Samos, and Evia are all fantastic vacation destinations that didn’t make the top ten. Greece has over 6,000 islands, and many are ideal for a Mediterranean getaway. Instagrammers make beautiful posts perfect for researching a summer vacation.
