Greek islands near Cyprus
Cyprus lies to the southeast of the Greek mainland, making the islands in the eastern Mediterranean the closest Greek islands by geography. Although the distances involved are still substantial, these islands occupy the part of Greece nearest to Cyprus and have historically formed part of the wider network of maritime routes connecting the eastern Mediterranean. For travellers interested in proximity, accessibility or regional geography, the islands furthest east and southeast are generally the most relevant places to consider.
| Island — Description |
|---|
| Strongyli — Greece’s easternmost island and the closest island to Cyprus |
| Ro — Small island immediately west of Strongyli and among the closest Greek islands to Cyprus. |
| Kastellorizo — Easternmost inhabited Greek island and the closest major Greek island to Cyprus. |
| Symi — Located northwest of Kastellorizo and one of the nearest substantial inhabited islands. |
| Rhodes — Major southeastern Aegean island and one of the closest large Greek islands to Cyprus. |
| Chalki — Small island west of Rhodes and part of the same southeastern Dodecanese chain. |
| Tilos — Located between Rhodes and Kos and among the nearest islands after Rhodes. |
| Karpathos — Large island southwest of Rhodes and one of the nearest major islands beyond the southeastern Dodecanese. |
| Kasos — Small island west of Karpathos and geographically closer to Cyprus than most Greek islands. |
Large island meets many smaller ones
Greek islands near Cyprus are generally best suited to travellers who are interested in the easternmost reaches of the Greek islands and destinations that feel closely connected to the wider eastern Mediterranean. They tend to appeal to sailors, geography enthusiasts, independent travellers, history lovers, and visitors seeking islands with a stronger sense of remoteness and maritime heritage. People searching for islands near Cyprus are often looking for Greek islands located furthest southeast, where the Aegean transitions toward the eastern Mediterranean and where cultural, historical, and trading connections have linked Greece with neighbouring regions for centuries. These destinations can be particularly attractive to travellers who enjoy picturesque harbours, authentic communities, clear waters, boating, and exploring places that sit at the crossroads of Europe, Anatolia, and the Levant. They are generally less suited to visitors seeking major resort destinations, extensive nightlife, or the quickest access from Athens. For many travellers, the appeal lies in experiencing a unique corner of the Greek islands where geography, history, and culture combine to create a distinctly eastern Mediterranean atmosphere that feels different from the more familiar island regions further west.
Back to Greek islands by Proximity
The Greek Island Directory is a project of passion where a love of Crete, Data Integrity and Directories converge to create something truly special for users: Learn More.
Last Updated on June 9, 2026 by admin