Greece is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, Byzantine monasteries, and Venetian castles, but history buffs don’t have to stick to Athens or famous islands like Crete to explore the past. There are plenty of lesser-known islands where you can wander through thousands of years of history without the crowds.
If you love standing in the ruins of ancient civilisations, exploring medieval fortresses, and uncovering stories from Greece’s past, here are three islands for history buffs where history comes alive.
3 Islands for History Buffs
1. Delos – The Birthplace of the Gods
Delos is an open-air museum and one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. According to Greek mythology, this tiny uninhabited island was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, making it a major religious centre in antiquity. At its peak, Delos was a bustling trade hub, home to temples, grand houses, and marketplaces, and its ruins are astonishingly well-preserved.
Walking through Delos feels like stepping back in time. You can explore the grand Temple of Apollo, wander through the Terrace of the Lions, where ancient marble statues still stand guard, and even see remnants of ancient mosaics in the House of Dionysus. The entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s one of the best places in Greece to immerse yourself in history.
Delos is an easy day trip from Mykonos, with boats departing regularly. Since no one lives on the island, you’ll need to return the same day.
2. Rhodes – A Medieval Marvel
If you love medieval history, Rhodes is the island for you. Famous for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the island is also home to one of the best-preserved mediaeval towns in Europe. Walking through the Old Town of Rhodes feels like stepping into a medieval fantasy novel, with its cobblestone streets, towering stone walls, and Gothic architecture.
The highlight is the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a massive fortress built by the Knights of St John in the 14th century. You can explore its grand halls, admire mediaeval artefacts, and learn about the island’s fascinating history under Byzantine, Ottoman, and Italian rule.
Beyond the Old Town, history buffs will love exploring the Acropolis of Lindos, where ancient ruins sit dramatically above the turquoise sea. The Ancient City of Kamiros, a lesser-known but fascinating archaeological site, gives a glimpse into life in classical Greece.
Rhodes has an international airport with direct flights, or you can take a ferry from Athens.
3. Naxos – Where Ancient Greece Meets Mythology
Naxos may be known for its stunning beaches and traditional villages, but it’s also an island rich in ancient and mythological history. According to legend, Theseus abandoned Ariadne here after slaying the Minotaur, and the island has connections to the Greek gods that stretch back millennia.
The most iconic historical site is the Portara, a massive marble doorway standing on a small islet just off the main town of Chora. This unfinished temple from the 6th century BC was dedicated to Apollo, and today it remains one of the most photographed landmarks in Greece—especially at sunset.
Further inland, you’ll find the Temple of Demeter, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek sanctuaries dedicated to the goddess of agriculture. The island is also home to Kouros statues, giant, unfinished marble statues dating back to the 7th century BC, which were abandoned in ancient quarries.
Naxos has a small airport with flights from Athens, or you can take a ferry from Piraeus.
For History Lovers, These Islands Are a Dream
From the birthplace of Apollo to mediaeval castles and ancient temples, Delos, Rhodes, and Naxos are must-visit islands for anyone who loves history. Each one offers a unique journey through time, allowing you to experience Greece’s rich past without the tourist crowds of Santorini or Mykonos.
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