1. Santorini
You might feel like you’ve already been there; you’re bound to have seen the stereotypical shots of domed white-washed houses set against bright blue sea (if not, see here). Well, you’ve got to go there to see it for yourself, and you might be surprised to find that not all the beaches are pristine swathes of golden sands, but some are in fact black! The most southern island in the Cyclades chain, Santorini is made of volcanic rock, hence the unusual colour of their dunes.
Find cheap flights to SantoriniHotels in Santorini2. Mykonos
While its cousin in the Cyclades, Santorini, is the spot for canoodling lovers, Mykonos is the place to go to party ’til dawn. It’s a popular stop for island hoppers, looking for a good time. Head to Mykonos Town for your pick of the island’s best bars and nightclubs; from classy cocktails in Caprice, to pumping dance music at Argo Bar.
For more on what to do in Mykonos, read our guide: top 10 things to do in Mykonos.
Find cheap flights to MykonosHotels in Mykonos3. Corfu
The hideaway of choice for Jason and his Argonauts after they took the Golden Fleece, playwright Willy Shakespeare was also apparently inspired by Corfu, basing Prospero’s island in The Tempest on this place. You’ll find plenty of drama in the flashy bars and nightclubs in Kavos, but head to Old Perithia to the north-east to see a different side to the island. This is Corfu’s oldest village, nestled at the foot of Mount Pantokrator, surrounded by peaceful vineyards and beautiful Venetian-style ruins.
Find cheap flights to CorfuHotels in Corfu4. Milos
Another volcanic island in the Cyclades, Milos is earning itself a reputation as a holiday hotspot with international tourists, although its turquoise water and rocky hills have been popular with locals for years. Also known as ‘the Island of Colours’, Milos is relatively quiet compared with its bigger neighbours, so stop by soon to enjoy its unspoilt landscape.
Find cheap flights to MilosHotels in Milos5. Kos
Moving over to the Dodecanese islands, Kos is the third largest in this group, after Rhodes and Karpathos. The birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, why not see where he trained, the Asclepeion? Lazy beach days are best enjoyed down on the south-west coast; head to Kefalos for the best selection of sandy spots to throw your towel down on.
Find cheap flights to KosHotels in Kos6. Crete
The largest Greek island, Crete is home to the legendary Palace of Knossos. The Bronze Age complex is considered Europe’s oldest city, dating back to 7000 BC. Today, there are scores of beaches for you to top up your tan on, plenty of fun in party town Malia, and traditional tavernas tucked away in hillside villages all over the island. Make sure you try a plate of snails, steamed, fried or grilled, they’re a delicacy and island delight.
Find cheap flights to CreteHotels in Crete7. Naxos
Possibly the greenest island in the Cyclades, Naxos’s incredible natural beauty has earned its reputation as the Hawaii of Greece. Almost 100km of white beaches are lapped by incredibly clear waters, the perfect spot to get down on one knee perhaps? Do like Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, and find yourself a maiden to marry on Naxos, or take your own beach goddess there for a romantic retreat.
Find cheap flights to NaxosHotels in Naxos8. Paros
A pearl in the Aegean Sea, Paros is often just a stopping-off point for holidaymakers on their way to nearby Ios and Santorini, but it deserves a little bit more of your holiday time. Home to plenty of postcard perfect villages, make sure you pop in to Parikia (the main town), Lefkes and Marpissa, to name just a few, for your fill of white-washed houses and mountains of home cooked meze, the Greek version of Spanish tapas.
Find cheap flights to ParosHotels in Paros9. Folegandros
For an authentic slice of Greek island life head to Folegandros, where there are few distractions besides Angali Beach, Chora Town, Karavostasi Port and Ano Meria village. This little-known island escape is a great place to go hiking, but despite being a little quieter than its neighbours, Folegandros gets pretty busy in high season and accommodation fills up quickly – so make sure you book in advance.
Why not expand your island horizons? Here are 7 sweet spots for an alternative island adventure.
Hotels in Folegandros10. Alonissos
Pine forests and pebble beaches await in Alonissos. This island in the Sporades group has become popular in recent years with jet-setters looking for a greener Greek getaway; there are many eco-resorts on the island, which means there are plenty of camp grounds where you can stay and convene with nature. Alonissos is one big marine park, the largest in Europe, so head here if you want to see monk seals or enjoy a bit of snorkelling.
Hotels in Alonissos11. Kefalonia
The sixth largest Greek island, Kefalonia is the place to go if you want to supersize your island experience; from wide lakes and towering mountains, to heaving plates of humous and olives dished out in local tavernas. For humble Greek cooking, get your laughing gear around a slab of Kefalonian meat pie; it’s not exactly dainty but it’s certainly delicious. Kefalonia also features on the big screen in the romantic war film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, starring Nicolas Cage.
Find cheap flights to KefaloniaHotels in Kefalonia12. Patmos
Supposedly picked by St. John as the place to pen the Book of Revelation, the caves of Patmos are a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth taking a peek at. Roam the island’s volcanic hills and swim in the azure waters – it’s the perfect spot to escape the usual package tours. The only thing likely to disrupt your peace and quiet are church and goat bells.
Feel the sand between your toes with these sun-drenched pictures of 50 of the world’s most stunning beaches.
Hotels in Patmos13. Hydra
Oh hai Hydra! This Saronic Gulf Island makes a great day trip from Athens – it’s only one and a half hours by Catamaran – but there’s plenty here to keep you occupied for longer. Hit up Hydra’s Cathedral and museum, or visit one of the many local art galleries and jewellery shops. While away the afternoon in a traditional taverna in Kamini, a small village that boasts a pretty pebble beach. Local favourite, Pirofani restaurant, has been serving up souvlaki (kebabs) here for over 20 years.
Hotels in Hydra14. Skiathos
The smallest spot in the Sporades, Skiathos is perhaps the most stylish. Here you’ll find narrow cobbled streets lined with local artisan shops, cafés and restaurants. Gems and jewellery, hand-crafted on the island, make unique souvenirs. Apart from shopping, the other two big past-times in Skiathos are sunbathing and swimming. Do both at any one of the 60 beaches on the island – Koukounaries and Kanapista are just a couple of the best spots.
Find cheap flights to SkiathosHotels in Skiathos15. Rhodes
If you were going to call a rose by any other name it might Rhodes, a name derived from rhodon, the Greek word for this romantic flower. This bloomin’ marvellous island is packed with historical sites, such as the castle of Kritinia, a 16th century Venetian fort. In fact, there’s so much ancient history here that Rhodes’s entire city centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.
Find cheap flights to RhodesHotels in Rhodes16. Samos
Still searching for more UNESCO World Heritage sites to tick off your bucket list? Sail over to Samos, the birthplace of famous mathematician Pythagoras, and see the Temple of Hera, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Zeus’s wife and sister – sounds like a case for Jeremy Kyle! Samos is also a brilliant spot for hiking and mountain biking; there are more than 45 trails for you to choose from.
Find cheap flights to SamosHotels in Samos17. Ios
This one time hippy hangout is now the place to party in the Greek islands, making it popular with all the bright young things looking for (responsible) fun in the sun. The best way to explore Ios is on two wheels, preferably motorised, as it’s quite hilly. Hire a scooter and go exploring all the hidden coves and bays – say hello to Homer as you ride past his tomb, which is also located here.
Hotels in Ios18. Zakynthos (Zante)
You’ve probably seen the photo above hundreds of times; Navagio beach on the island of Zante is one of the most photographed in Greece. The wreckage found here was a smuggler ship which lost power and washed up on this beautiful bay back in 1981. Other picture-perfect beaches to visit are Gerakas, a large nesting site for loggerhead turtles, and Tsilivi, great for families with a range of watersports on offer.
Sun, sea, sand and plenty of activities to keep the kids (and the adults!) entertained. Check out the 5 best beach destinations for families.
Find cheap flights to ZakynthosHotels in Zakynthos19. Skopelos
The largest island in the Sporades, stunning Skopelos is covered in rocky hills and pebble beaches. With just one main road on the island, you’re bound to end up in the main town which is also where most of the accommodation is. Get out to Glossa to see traditional houses and views across the water to neighbouring Skiathos.
Hotels in Skopelos20. Amorgos
Have an adventure on Amorgos and enjoy its unspoilt beauty. Take a hike and cross the island via various scenic trails, hitch a ride on donkey or hire a car. Whichever mode of transport you choose, have a look at Hozoviotissa Monastery, clinging to the cliff edge above the dazzling blue sea. In fact, the water here is so blue, it featured in the 1988 French film The Big Blue.
Hotels in AmorgosFind the cheapest flights to the Greek islands
