On a Greek island, a good beer often arrives with its own geography: a bottle cooling beside grilled fish, a taproom just beyond Naoussa, or a fresh lager found only on Mykonos. Over the past decade, a loose archipelago of small breweries has taken shape from Paros and Samothrace to Corfu, Crete and Evia. Some draw on island spring water or local grain, while all are shaped by the places and summer tables around them.
These 12 beers are not a ranking or a claim to completeness. They offer a cross-section of a growing scene, from crisp lagers and pilsners made for long lunches to blonde and pale ales with citrus, malt and hop character. Some now travel well beyond their islands; others remain deliberately local. Together, they show that island beer is becoming part of Greece’s modern gastronomic identity, not simply a vacation novelty.
01
Paros
56 Isles Pariani Lager
Just outside Naoussa, Paros Microbrewery produces the 56 Isles range.
The name refers to the 56 islands of the Cyclades, and that connection to place also runs through some of the raw materials the brewery uses for certain labels. For our summer fridge, we’ve chosen the Pariani Lager, a crisp lager with 5% alcohol and lively carbonation. It has a balanced body, noticeable hop character and a mild, clean finish, making it an easy choice for hot days and a summer table of meze, fish and seafood.
02
Samothraki
Fonias Pale Ale
Near Kamariotissa, Samothrace Microbrewery produces Fonias Pale Ale with malt from Thrace and water from the island.
The fresh, unpasteurized and unfiltered pale ale has 6.2% alcohol, with peach and citrus aromas and a soft, balanced bitterness. Its name comes from Fonias, one of Samothrace’s best-known ravines and waterfalls. The label also carries the beer’s name and style in Braille, making Fonias the first Greek beer to do so.
03
Mykonos
Mikónu Fresh Lager
In Tourlos, Mykonos Brewing Company produces Mikonu Fresh Lager, an unpasteurized beer with 5% alcohol.
It has a refreshing character, aromas that move between malt, flowers and citrus, and lively carbonation. This particular label has one distinctive feature: according to the brewery, it is produced and distributed exclusively on Mykonos, making it one of the local beers worth seeking out if you happen to be on the island.
04
Lesvos
Nissiopi Blonde Ale
In Sigri, on western Lesvos, Sigri Brewery produces Nissiopi Blonde Ale and a growing range of island beers.
The brewery began as a nomadic project and now operates from its own facility; Nissiopi takes its name from the long, narrow islet opposite the village. At 5.5% alcohol, it brings a malty base, citrus notes, low bitterness and a dry finish, offering a fresh, quietly distinctive counterpoint to the lagers and pilsners elsewhere on this list.
05
Santorini
Yellow Donkey
In Mesa Gonia, Santorini Brewing Company produces Yellow Donkey and the rest of its distinctive Donkey range.
In Mesa Gonia, Santorini Brewing Company produces Yellow Donkey and the rest of its distinctive Donkey range. Yellow Donkey is fresh and unfiltered, with a golden color, citrus aromas and a balanced hop presence. It is the most recognizable of Santorini’s Donkey beers and a good starting point for anyone wanting to get to know the island’s local microbrewing scene.
06
Ikaria
Ikariotissa Lager
On Ikaria, Ikariotissa Brewery produces its namesake lager with water from the island’s natural springs.
Named for the island’s matriarchal tradition, Ikariotissa Lager is a golden 5% beer with a clean, easy-drinking profile suited to the height of summer. The same family now also includes an ale, red ale, porter and other labels.
07
Chios
Fresh Chios Beer
In Vaviloi, Chios Microbrewery produces Fresh Chios Beer and a broad range of small-batch beers.
In Vaviloi, Chios Microbrewery produces Fresh Chios Beer and a broad range of small-batch beers. The brewery began production in the early 2010s, and this fresh blonde label introduced it to a wider audience. It’s a fresh, unpasteurized beer made in small batches, with a fruity character and aromas of hops and citrus. As its name suggests, it’s meant to be drunk fresh, and it remains one of the beers most worth seeking out on Chios.
08
Corfu
Ionian Pilsner
In Arillas, northwestern Corfu, Corfu Microbrewery produces its 5% Ionian Pilsner as part of one of the island’s most established craft beer ranges.
In Arillas, northwestern Corfu, Corfu Microbrewery produces its 5% Ionian Pilsner as part of one of the island’s most established craft beer ranges. The beer is golden, full-bodied and rich in hop aroma, with a balanced finish that keeps it refreshing. It is particularly at home beside fried seafood, meze or a long summer lunch.
09
Kefalonia
Kefalonian Premium Lager
In Karavomylos, Kefalonia and Ithaca Microbrewery produces Kefalonian Premium Lager.
The unpasteurized 5% beer has mild bitterness, subtle citrus notes and a malty character. According to the brewery, it is produced year-round and available at a number of restaurants and bars on the island. Its mild flavor profile makes it an easy match for salads, fish, seafood and roast chicken.
10
Crete
Charma Lager
In Zounaki, near Chania, Cretan Brewery produces Charma Lager and a broad range of fresh beers.
Founded in 2007, the brewery’s 5% Charma Lager is unpasteurized and unfiltered, with a lightly malty profile, floral and grassy aromas and a delicate hop finish. The brewery is open to visitors, turning a glass of local beer into an easy stop on the way to western Crete’s beaches.
11
Zakynthos
Levante Xigia Pils
At Agios Petros, close to Xigia, Levante Beer produces Xigia Pils.
The nearby beach gives the unfiltered 3.5% pilsner its name; it is made from water, barley malt, hops and yeast. Its relatively low alcohol content makes it one of the lightest choices here and a particularly appealing summer beer.
12
Evia
Monday’s Pilsner
Just outside Naoussa, Paros Microbrewery produces In Orologio, Evia, Septem Microbrewery produces Monday’s Pilsner as part of an especially wide range. 56 Isles range.
Founded in 2009, Septem makes this fresh, unpasteurized beer with 5% alcohol. It has floral, citrus and hop aromas, while its taste combines malt with a refreshing acidity and bitterness. The result is a clean, refreshing pilsner with enough aromatic character to stand apart.
Where to Find Beers From Greek Microbreweries
These beers are not all distributed in the same way, and availability often changes with the season. Some travel widely through specialty beer shops, restaurants and online retailers; others are best sought at the brewery, its taproom or on the island itself. Tasting them close to where they are made adds a sense of place that a supermarket shelf cannot.
For current stock, check the brewery links above or specialist retailers such as Greek Beer Shop, Beer24, eKava and Canava. Availability should be confirmed before ordering.
Original story appeared at Cantina by Gianna Balafouti.
