From the Cyclades to the Ionian, we’ve rounded up the best Greek island summer festivals taking place this summer!
This summer, some of Greece’s most captivating islands set the stage for a dazzling lineup of festivals- each one offering a unique window into local culture, from contemporary art and music to gastronomy, wellness, and ancient traditions.
Whether you’re drawn to barefoot beach parties or twilight concerts in historic squares, here are the island festivals worth planning your 2025 Greek escape around – listed in chronological order
Naxos Festival
For the first time ever, Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, will host a three-day dance festival that brings together over 40 artists and DJs from Greece and abroad. This exciting new event aims to celebrate and elevate the art of dance, while showcasing the island’s dynamic cultural spirit. The festival will feature an eclectic mix of music, dance, theatre, and cultural performances, creating a vibrant platform for artistic expression and community connection in one of the Aegean’s most inspiring settings.
When: 7-9 June, 2024
Where: Naxos Chora
Entry: Full pass 90€ , all inclusive pass 340€
Ikaria Dance Festival
Born from a deep love for dance and a connection to Ikaria — one of the world’s famed Blue Zones where movement is woven into daily life, the Ikaria Dance Festival fosters creative and cultural exchange between contemporary and traditional dance forms. Set against the island’s powerful natural backdrop, the festival provides a platform for professional dancers and choreographers to share their craft with the local community, while inviting global dance practitioners to bring diverse perspectives that enrich Ikaria’s vibrant energy. By bridging different expressions of dance, the festival celebrates artistic expression and the unique cultural richness of the island and its people.
When: 23-28 June, 2025
Where: all around the island
Kefalonia Gym Festival
Now in its 35th year, this much-loved festival transforms the Ionian island of Kefalonia into a stage for rhythmic movement and joyful celebration. Named in honour of local Olympic bronze medalist Anna Pollatou, the event brings together gymnasts from across the globe for a series of outdoor performances in towns like Argostoli, Lixouri, and Sami. Expect group choreographies, beachside flash mobs, and spirited cultural happenings, all set against Kefalonia’s lush landscapes and crystalline coastlines. It’s a moving tribute to the unifying power of sport, community, and the legacy of a hometown hero.
When: 26-29 June, 2025
Where: Kefalonia
Hip Hop Festival Rhodes
This summer, the island of Rhodes adds an urban edge to its ancient allure as it hosts its first-ever hip-hop festival, a two-day celebration of music, street art, and youth culture. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dodecanese capital, the festival promises high-octane performances from top-tier hip-hop artists, alongside live graffiti sessions, street food stalls, pop-up tattoo studios, and on-site barbers bringing street-style flair. It’s an immersive, full-sensory dive into contemporary culture, offering a bold new reason to explore this history-steeped island.
When: 27-28 June, 2025
Where: Rhodes
Entry: €20-€35
Kimolos International Film Festival
From June 21 to 25, the charming Cycladic island of Kimolos transforms into an alfresco cinema haven with the return of the Kimolos International Film Festival. Curated by Glory Films, KIFF offers a thoughtfully selected lineup of Greek and international features, documentaries, and shorts- all screened beneath the stars in breathtaking open-air settings. With special Aria Screenings and appearances by guests from major global festivals, this intimate yet cosmopolitan event is a must for cinephiles seeking a uniquely immersive cultural experience amid Kimolos’s timeless beauty.
When: 21-25 June, 2025
Where: Kimolos
Entry: Free
W: kiff.gr
Chania International Photo Festival
Founded by the visionary Blank Wall Gallery, the Chania International Photo Festival transforms the historic town of Chania into a vibrant global hub for photography each year. Drawing over 500 photographers from around the world, the festival showcases a diverse array of exhibitions spanning landscapes, portraits, wildlife, documentary, and more. With its stunning Venetian architecture and winding streets as a backdrop, Chania becomes a living gallery celebrating the art of visual storytelling in all its forms.
When: 20-24 July, 2025
Where: Chania
Entry: free
Amorgos: Psimeni Raki Festival
Each year on July 26, the idyllic port of Katapola on Amorgos comes alive with the Psimeni Raki Festival- a spirited celebration of the island’s beloved signature drink. Locals and visitors alike gather to savor freshly distilled raki alongside a tempting array of traditional Ikarian delicacies. As the sun dips below the horizon, live music fills the harbour, and dancing spills into the warm night, creating an unforgettable evening steeped in Amorgos’ warm hospitality and rich heritage.
When: 26 July, 2025
Where: Amorgos
Entry: Free
Aegean Film Festival
Every summer, the tranquil island of Patmos transforms into a dynamic cinematic hub for the Aegean Film Festival. Now in its 14th edition, the festival screens over 70 carefully curated features, documentaries, and shorts from around the world. Beyond the films, guests can immerse themselves in workshops, panel discussions, and networking events, all framed by Patmos’s stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere. Notably, the festival’s “Echoes” program spotlights eco-conscious cinema, bringing social and environmental issues to the fore in this thoughtful celebration of storytelling.
When: 18-26 July, 2025
Where: Patmos
Entry: €7-€250
W: aegeanff.com
PHAEX Festival
This August, Corfu pulses with electronic energy as the Phaex Festival returns for four days of cutting-edge soundscapes. Hosting over 40 international and emerging DJs, the festival unfolds across open-air venues, beach stages, and iconic clubs, delivering an electrifying mix of techno, house, and experimental beats. Beyond the music, immersive art installations and boat parties create a full sensory experience against the island’s lush Ionian backdrop. For music lovers seeking a summer escape with a distinctly vibrant vibe, Phaex is not to be missed.
When: 7-10 August, 2025
Where: Corfu
Entry: €85-95
W: phaex.gr
Ιkaria Music Festival by Members of Dance
Every August, the island comes alive with 30 artists performing across 8 DJ booths and 12 bars, creating a dynamic soundtrack to your Icarian nights. Set against breathtaking landscapes, the festival blends music, rhythm, and movement, transforming the island into a vibrant celebration of sound and culture. From day to night, the beats echo through the hills and sea, making Ikaria one of the most electrifying destinations in the Greek islands.
When: 9-20 August, 2025
Where: Ikaria Island, various spaces, we recommend you check the announced official program
Entry: Free
Molyvos International Music Festival
Every August, the medieval village of Molyvos on Lesvos becomes a stage for one of Greece’s most captivating classical music events: the Molyvos International Music Festival (MIMF), founded in 2015 by Danae and Kiveli Dörken. This year the festival returns for its 11th edition under the theme “CHAOS – ΧΆΟΣ”, exploring the creative tension between disorder and harmony through a rich program of chamber music.The festival also features spontaneous “Molyvos Musical Moments,” where musicians perform pop-up concerts throughout the village, turning everyday spaces into stages.
When: 16-19 August, 2025
Where: Molyvos, Lesvos
Entry: €5-€30
Syros: Akropoditi DanceFest
Renowned for its rich cultural scene, Syros hosts the annual Akropoditi DanceFest, a dynamic celebration of contemporary dance that has been captivating audiences for over a decade. From August 16 to 19, 2024, the island transforms into a creative hub, offering an exciting lineup of performances, workshops, and masterclasses led by both Greek and international artists. The festival is dedicated to sharing the joy of dance and fostering artistic exchange in a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere.
When: 16-19 August, 2025
Where: Syros
Entry: €10–€12
Beyond Borders Kastellorizo International Documentary Festival
Set against the stunning backdrop of Kastellorizo, the easternmost island of Greece, the Beyond Borders International Documentary Festival returns for its 10th edition from August 24 to 31, 2025. This boutique festival celebrates compelling documentaries that delve into history, identity, human rights, and cross-cultural narratives, offering a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers.
Organised by the Hellenic History Foundation in collaboration with Écrans des Mondes, the festival features a curated selection of 42 films across its main and micro competition sections. Complimenting the screenings are a variety of events, including masterclasses, workshops, exhibitions, and the Audio-Visual Pitching Lab, fostering creative dialogue and collaboration among artists and audiences alike.
When: 24-31 August 2025
Where: Κastelorizo
Entry: Free