The turquoise waters gently rippling in the Aegean Sea whisper not only peace but also thousands of years of divine secrets into our ears. The Greek islands offer not only beach holidays but also time journeys intertwined with mythology . From the anger of Zeus to the melodies of Apollo, from the birth of Aphrodite to the fall of Icarus, countless legends come to life on the rocks, mountains and harbors of these islands.
In this article, we will explore 6 special islands at the heart of Greek mythology . Each one invites you to the heart of the ancient world with its historical texture and mythological stories.

1. Delos – The Holy Island Where the Gods Were Born

  • Mythological significance: Birthplace of Apollo and Artemis
  • Where? Just south of Mykonos, in the Cyclades
  • Why should it be seen?
    Delos is considered the most sacred island of the ancient Greek world. It is believed that Zeus, the king of the gods, took refuge with Leto and gave birth to his twin children Apollo and Artemis here . The island is completely protected as an archaeological site; there is no settlement.

Must-see places:

  • Temple of Apollo
  • Terrace of the Lions
  • The Sacred Lake and the Temple of Artemis

2. Rhodes – Island of the Sun God

  • Mythological significance: Island of Helios, location of Colossus of Rhodes
  • Where? Rhodes , in the Dodecanese Islands, off the coast of Turkey
  • Why should it be seen?
    According to legend, the sun god Helios admired Rhodes emerging from the sea and took her as his wife. He also had a gigantic statue built as a gift to Rhodes: the Colossus of Rhodes (Kolossos) . This statue is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Must-see places:

  • Rhodes Old Town
  • Acropolis and Temple of Apollo
  • The ancient port and the area where Colossus is thought to have set foot

3. Naxos – Love, Betrayal and Salvation

  • Mythological significance: Ariadne's abandonment by Theseus
  • Where? The largest of the Cyclades Islands
  • Why should it be seen?
    According to legend, Theseus , who escaped from the Cretan Labyrinth by killing the Minotaur, took Princess Ariadne with him, but abandoned her on Naxos. The god Dionysus found Ariadne and married her there. The island is full of myths about love and loss.

Must-see places:

  • Portara (Apollo's Gate)
  • Ruins of the Temple of Dionysus
  • Ariadne Cave

4. Samothrace – Land of the Mysterious Gods

  • Mythological significance: Kabyle Mysteries and sacred initiations
  • Where? In the northern Aegean, close to Thrace
  • Why should it be seen?
    Samothrace is an island famous in the ancient world for its secret belief systems. It is believed that gods known as Kabeirs determine the fate of people here. The Statue of Nike (Goddess of Victory) originated from this island and is on display in the Louvre.

Must-see places:

  • Sanctuary of the Great Gods
  • Ancient Theatre
  • Waterfalls and sacred nature trails

5. Crete – Minotaur’s Labyrinth

  • Mythological significance: King Minos, the Minotaur and the Labyrinth legend
  • Where? The largest island in Greece
  • Why should it be seen?
    According to mythology, King Minos' wife Pasiphae had intercourse with a bull and the half-man, half-bull Minotaur was born. The king locked him in the labyrinth under the Palace of Knossos. Theseus killed the Minotaur here. Crete is also home to the story of the escape of Daedalos and Icarus .

Must-see places:

  • Palace of Knossos
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum
  • Phaistos Palace

6. Ithaca – The Endless Journey of Odysseus

  • Mythological significance: hero of Homer's Odyssey
  • Where? In the Ionian Islands, right next to Kefalonia
  • Why should it be seen?
    The legendary king Odysseus drifted through the seas for 10 years to return home after the Trojan War. Ithaca is his homeland, known for its loyalty, wisdom and endurance. This island is not just a place, but also a symbol of homecoming.

Must-see places:

  • The area thought to be Odysseus' Palace
  • Homer's Cave
  • Road routes with panoramic views

Journey in the Footsteps of Legends

Cruising the Greek islands actually means following the trail of ancient gods, heroes and tragedies . There is a story under every rock, a legend in every port. If you want to feel not only the sea and the sun but also the magic of the past; you should definitely add these mythological islands to your list.
Because every journey made in the Greek islands is also a journey of the soul and imagination. Are you ready to write your own legend in these lands where the gods set foot?