Surrounded in myth, blessed with natural wonders and encircled by sapphire seas, the Greek Isles really are what dreams are made of. Top that with succulent produce, tradition and a large dash of ouzo-infused fun and the holiday recipe is complete. Let’s take a look at the 10 best Greek Islands.
Kos
Impossibly picturesque dining, in Kos
The birthplace of Hippocrates, Kos invites you to laze on the beach under the watchful eye of historical legends. It’s the third largest of the Dodecanese islands and you can even see where the father of modern medicine trained, at the Asklepeion.
The island’s cultural, historical and religious diversity is rivalled only by the perfect stretches of sand. Namely, Kefalos Beach with refreshing, crystalline water and Paradise Beach with its unique bubbles from volcanic gases, rising along the coast.
Ios
Tradition blends with all-night parties, when you holiday on Ios
Before Mykonos took over as the ‘Greek party island’, the crown belonged to Ios. It’s still the domain of students on hiatus, with plenty of bars and clubs to keep night-owls happy. However, hire a scooter and you’ll discover a hilly terrain with hidden coves, bays and charming villages.
Stroll through the narrow streets of Chora, with its whitewashed houses and quaint chapels. Hit the beach at Mylopotus for afternoon cocktails on the sand, or head to Kalamos, on the eastern side, for rocky cliffs, olive trees and the transparent Aegean – without the crowds.
Mykonos
Mykonos – a favourite haunt of the jet set
When you want to party till dawn, Mykonos literally rings with pumping dance music. It’s the cosmopolitan home of the jet set and, according to mythology, was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules.
Paraga Beach is the spot to get your tan going, Mykonos Town charms with white buildings and bright blue doors, Little Venice hangs over the sea for perfect sunset dinners and don’t forget to take a happy snap with the famous Mykonos windmills.
Naxos
Naxos offers history on a backdrop of lush nature
With fertile, green landscapes, Naxos is often compared to Hawaii. Mix that with white sand beaches lapped by clear, royal blue seas for an island blessed by nature’s artistic brush.
The main city, Hora, combines a maze of steep, cobbled alleys with shops full of goodies for tourists. Traditional villages perch high on the mountains, Venetian castles and Cycladic cubic houses enchant and cultural events bring the fun. A thriving cheese industry, olive groves and seafood ensure your tastebuds don’t miss out on the action.
Santorini
If you’re looking to woo your loved one, Santorini’s white-washed splendour hits the spot
For a Greek Island honeymoon, romance is an absolute guarantee, in Santorini. The picture-perfect shots of blue domed houses tumbling towards the sea don’t lie – this heaven on earth has to be seen, to be believed.
The volcanic island in the Cyclades is famous for sweeping views, the black pebble beach of Kamari, Grecian architecture and dining at sunset. Take a trip to the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, scuba dive straight from the beach and explore the vineyards for premier wine tasting.
Rhodes
Rhodes Old Town encircled with transparent waters
The entire city centre of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the statue Colossus, dedicated to the sun god Helios. With a mountainous interior, museums, bars, shops and stunning beaches, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the sun shines for approximately eight months of the year.
Walk the walls of the Old Town for panoramic views, discover the ancient settlements of the Lindos Acropolis and the Athena Temple, windsurf on the southerly cape and take a day trip to neighbouring Symi Island.
Kefalonia
Kefalonia’s iridescent Melissani cave-lake
The largest Ionian island glows with greens and blues from lush mountains and glistening seas. Pine, olive and cypress trees bring the best Greek Island holiday alive, with vineyard-hopping, diving and eating topping the activities list.
It’s the setting for Louis de Bernieres’ novel, ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ and home to Myrtos Beach, backed by sheer cliffs and a favourite of photographers the world over. Hire a car to explore the mountains, visit the small fishing village of Fiskardo, go turtle spotting in Argostoli and immerse in the underground cave-lake of Melissani.
Crete
The village of Loutro, on the island of Crete
The ‘land of King Minos’ is crisscrossed with landscapes from deep gorges to mighty caves and lush vineyards. Minoan palaces speak of Europe’s first civilization and the beaches leave visitors awe-struck, time and again.
Wander the alleys of Rethymnon Old Town to see a neighbourhood that dates back to the 11th century and delight in the pink-tinted sand of Elafonisi Beach, often touted the most beautiful in the Greek Islands. The Palace of Knossos is a beautiful example of the Minoan civilization and Samaria Gorge National Park is a hiker’s dream, with canyons, seaside villages and epic views.
Corfu
Corfu’s fascinating rock formations, for fun in the sun
Corfu offers a little bit of everything, for an overall taste of the quintessential best Greek Island holiday. Indulge in water sports all day at vibrant beaches, discover ancient architecture and party all night at colourful clubs and bars.
Glyfada Beach is a favourite, with incredible rock formations and long stretches of glaring white sand. The 16th century Old Fortress, at the eastern end of Corfu Town is the place for endless views and don’t miss a visit to the Church of Agios Spyridon, the Saint by which many local males are named for.
Milos
A Milos sunset, custom-made for lovers
Get off the beaten path in Milos, with a volcanic landscape known for colourful rock formations and love. ‘The Island of Lovers’ is home to the statue Venus de Milo, the ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty – a fitting ode to the surrounding scenery. Along with romantic sunsets, quaint architecture and succulent food for couples to enjoy, Milos also attracts adventure-seekers. Go sea-kayaking, scuba diving, biking, sailing and windsurfing, to make the most of the islands array of incredibly diverse coastlines.
