The best Greek islands to visit in 2023

With 227 Greek islands to choose from, here are the ones that make for the best holiday

By Tal Dekel-Daks, Arabella Bowes, Antonia Bentel, Virginia Clark and Arta Ghanbari

28 April 2023

Whitewashed churches with blue domes emerging out of rocky cliffs, gentle beaches rivalling that of the Caribbean and fresh fish suppers at rustic tavernas – it’s no wonder that the Greek islands explode with sun-seeking holidaymakers. Despite their abundance, no two Greek islands feel quite the same – from the Cyclades in the south Aegean to the Ionian and Dodecanese to the west near the Turkish coast. We take a closer look at what makes some of the standouts.

When is the best time to visit the Greek islands?

The Greek islands summer holiday season begins around late spring in April and ends in autumn around October. The weather is at its hottest (and the crowds are at their fullest) between early July until the end of August. If you want the warm weather with less of the crowds, visit in June or September. Autumn is also beautiful and the Aegean islands, the southerly Dodecanese and Crete are extremely pleasant.

How many Greek islands are there?

There's an impressive 6,000 islands and islets scattered in Greece, most of which are located in the Aegean and Ionian Sea. Of those thousands, only 227 islands are inhabited. The Cyclades is a popular group of islands in the Aegean Sea which includes Mykonos, Santorini and Naxos in its number, along with plenty of smaller, quieter islands. The Dodecanese islands are located further east towards Turkey, with Rhodes being the main island and the gateway to others such as Patmos and Symi. Another popular group is the Ionian islands, which lie off the west coast of Greece, and include popular holiday destinations like Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos. Closest in to the mainland are the Saronic islands, of which Hydra is a longstanding favourite for Greek holidaymakers.

Which is the most beautiful island?

If you close your eyes and imagine a Greek island, all whitewashed houses, blue roofs, craggy landscapes and sparkling sea, Santorini is probably the closest you’ll get to this mental image. There are some caveats, however: it’s a pretty crowded place from a tourism point of view, with visitors landing in planes and cruise ships every day. For a more unspoiled beauty, head a little further north-east to Amorgos, where you can find equally dramatic landscapes and charming villages without the crowds.

Which is the quietest Greek island?

There are plenty of quiet islands out there, but Antiparos and Amorgos in the Cyclades are the best ones for our money. If peace and tranquility is a priority, we recommend staying away from the hotels and renting a villa.

The best Greek islands

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Sifnos, Cyclades
Best Greek island for food
Why go
Simple yet delicious feasts are a major part of the appeal of this Cyclades island, a two-and-a-half-hour ferry crossing from Athens, which has a reputation as a standout culinary destination. In part, this stems from its being the birthplace of the influential early-20th-century chef Nikolaos Tselementes, who wrote the first cookbook in Greece (before that, recipes were passed on by word of mouth). But the island’s renown is also backed up by an abundance of fresh produce – wild caper plants grow through the cracks of stone walls at the side of the road; there are clusters of olive trees in car parks; and a great meal is almost guaranteed at any of the unassuming tavernas. Restaurant-hopping in a rental car (vital for those wanting to explore) is easy: the island is only nine miles long and there are just a handful of empty, winding roads between the terraced hillsides and arid mountains, all leading to whitewashed villages or blissfully quiet bays. – Emma Love
The three-star clifftop hotel, Verina Astra, is situated in Poulati, a 10-minute drive from the capital, Apollonia. Fourteen low-rise, sea-facing rooms and suites all have a similar rustic-luxe aesthetic with distressed floorboards, white rope Balinese lampshades and earthy-hued linens. It feels understated and laidback, in keeping with Sifnos’s low-key vibe. Tree-trunk-frame daybeds, wicker umbrellas and loungers with grey and white striped cushions are arranged round the infinity pool, and in the restaurant, Mediterranean-inspired dishes served up on the candlelit terrace – pasta with beef-tail ragu, sea bass with beluga lentils – are sublime. Even the tomatoes at breakfast, grown on the hotel’s own vegetable plot, are amazingly sweet; the secret to the cooking, we are told, is roasting them in rosemary and salt. – Emma Love
Further south on the coast is the elegant NOS hotel, a stone's throw from the beach at Faros. Its stylishly designed rooms, beautiful infinity pool, and international restaurant (don't worry, there's plenty of Greek food) make it a draw for discerning tourists.
How to get there
You'll need to travel by ferry to get to Sifnos. There are ferries almost daily from the port of Piraeus in Athens, and can take between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the vessel and the route. There's also a good connection between Sifnos and other islands of the Cyclades.
Where to stay
For understated glamour: Verina Astra
For beachfront luxury: NOS hotel
For families: Verina Terra
Alistair Taylor-Young
2/21
Patmos, Dodecanese
The most stylish Greek island
Why go
Patmos has been a place of spiritual solace since the Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos bequeathed the island to an enterprising abbot named Christodoulos in 1088. When he arrived, the only building was a chapel to St John, who wrote the Book of Revelation in a cave there in the 1st century CE. The monastery Christodoulos built eventually attracted a larger settlement, but the island’s statement as a place of religion and intellectual sanctuary continued. Walking through the Chora (old town) of Patmos is like a trip back through the last 900 years; cars are not allowed and the whitewashed buildings seem to tumble out of the rock. Patmos is also renowned for its unspoiled beaches – you won’t find many sunbeds or beach bars here. The island plays host to quite the fashion scene in high summer, so you may want to consider visiting in spring or autumn for a quieter time.
For a beautiful house in the historic Chora, do your best to nab a booking for legendary decorator John Stefanidis’ house, which has glorious gardens and a rich mixture of Anglo-Indian, Venetian and English furnishings. For more of a hotel experience, the boutique Pagostas, also in the Chora and owned by the founder of RainbowWave and Mouki Mou, offers highly stylish accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.
How to get there
To reach Patmos, fly to Kos or Leros and board one of the Dodekanisos Seaways ferries (12ne.gr), which take one to three hours; or fly to Athens and travel overnight on one of the nine-hour Blue Star Ferries (bluestarferries.com) – be sure to book a cabin.
Where to stay
For design connoisseurs: John Stefanidis House
For a stylish guesthouse: Pagostas
Athina Kontos
3/21
Syros, Cyclades
The best Greek island to visit in October
Why go
Syros has plenty going on, but without the rammed feeling of fellow Cycladic islands Mykonos and Santorini. Architecture is a highlight of the island, with the main town of Ermoupoli filled with neoclassical buildings, the legacy of a strong Venetian presence on the island from the 13th century onwards. The city holds frequent cultural festivals, including the International Classical Music Festival of Cyclades, which takes place each August. Beyond the town, the island is full of charming villages such as Posidonia, Galissas and Episkopio, and sandy beaches at Megas Gialos, Kini and Foinikas. The scene at Ermoupoli means that the island is a great one to visit when the season is passing over, so you can get a cheap deal (and a still-warm sea) if you choose to visit in October.
Hotel Aristide is a new, boutique art hotel–a former Neoclassical mansion house–is a sanctuary of just nine rooms and suites, overlooking Ermoupoli port. There’s an immediate feel of ancient glamour, with architectural relics from the building’s days as a shipowner’s home, spritzed with teal velvet and art deco furniture. The ceilings are crane-your-neck high on every floor and tall columns announce a grand marble staircase up to an elegantly styled, pea-green lobby. It’s a fine spectacle, romantic and fun, carefully curated but not contrived and brimming with personality. The rooms–each unique in soft pinks, yellows and aquamarines–are generously spacious, with sufficient room for gliding around in a dressing gown while enjoying the amenities package of hair straighteners and a bluetooth speaker. Each bedroom is finished with statement pieces of art, modernist lighting and plants. Some suites come with their own terraces for private sun-basking, and even a deep, blue plunge pool to reset the nervous system after a night of Ouzo. Read our full review of Hotel Aristide
How to get there
Flights depart from Athens to the airport on Syros all year round, or you can get a ferry from Athens that takes 2 hours (for a speedboat) or 4 hours for a normal ferry.
Where to stay
For exceptional interiors: Hotel Aristide
For the best of both town and beach: Syros Hotel
Cavan Images / Alamy Stock Photo
4/21
Amorgos, Cyclades
The best Greek island for peace and quiet
Why go
A tiny island at the easternmost edge of the Cyclades, Amorgos is likely one you’ve never heard of. Shaped like a seahorse, the 48 square metre island is a quiet haven for natural beauty, forever immortalised in the opening scene of filmmaker Luc Besson’s cinematic homage to blue, Le Grand Bleu. With its winding hiking trails and quaint village tavernas and kafenios, the island is perfect for those seeking a quieter Greek island experience, far away from the tourists and nightclubbers thronging the rest of the Cyclades.
Sprinkled amidst Amorgos’ breathtaking landscape are charming villages and architectural marvels. Clamber up steep steps chiselled into the island’s rocky eastern cliffside towards the Hozoviotissa monastery to take in the dramatic views onto the azure Mediterranean 300 metres below. On the way back down, wave to the seemingly hundreds of sleepy goats shading themselves under olive trees. Stroll through the narrow, medieval streets of the island's capital, Chora, lined with whitewashed houses and slowly spinning windmills before visiting a 13th-century Venetian castle built into the rocks. When you get tired and in need of refreshment, do as the Amorgossians do: sip raki neat at Parvas, Chora locals’ favourite kafenio and feast on juicy meatballs and tangy tzatziki prepared by the three generations of women who run Kali Kardia, a taverna in the tiny village of Tholaria.
As with many of the Greek islands, Amorgos’ season runs from mid-April through October; whilst never overrun with visitors (the bottom of the island’s map reads: ‘Welcome to Amorgos. Nobody will find you here’ – do with that what you will), tourism peaks in July, so to enjoy the island’s sandy beaches (Aghia Anna is Amorgos’ best known beach), meandering trails and raki-slinging kafenios to their fullest, we’d recommend visiting in late spring or early September.
Just above the sandy beaches of Aegiali is the Hotel Vigla, nestled in the tiny village of Tholaria. Rooms are modernly furnished, ranging from single bedrooms meant for solo travellers to larger family suites. A traditional Greek breakfast buffet is prepared each morning, which can be enjoyed on the pool’s terrace overlooking the sea. It's a frill-free accommodation, but the hotel is nonetheless one of the sleekest on the island. If you would rather stay in a holiday home, we’d recommend this modern Cycladic studio with truly breathtaking views onto the cobalt blue bay of Agios Pavlos.
How to get there
As with many Greek islands, the main reason for its quiet atmosphere is that it's difficult to get there. The island is 1 hour and 20 minutes away by ferry from Naxos, just under two hours from Santorini and about seven hours’ journey from the port of Athens. For those making a beeline to Amorgos, we’d recommend flying to Santorini and hopping on the ferry to the island, or, if you are island hopping along the Cyclades, having your visit to the island fall in the middle of your holiday.
Where to stay
For pared-back simplicity: Hotel Vigla
For panoramic views and privacy: Cycladic Studio

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Santorini, Cyclades
The best Greek island for couples
Why go
Santorini’s caldera is one of those instantly recognisable sights that has travellers flocking from all over the world to see it for themselves. But no photograph quite prepares you for the view along the moon-shaped bay with white-washed villages perched impossibly atop the crimson and black volcanic cliffs, like a sprinkling of snow.
It is said there are about 70,000 hotel beds on Santorini and that, pre-pandemic, the island welcomed more than two million visitors each year. Santorini is a hot commodity, but despite this there remain a few quiet retreats and hidden gems on this tiny, compact island. Vora – a refreshingly subtle, unmistakably cool and painstakingly designed hotel between the village of Imerovigli and the island’s capital, Fira – feels far removed from the tourist trail, while being within easy reach of all the attractions that make Santorini so popular. The only marker to hint at your arrival is a discreet black-painted gate with a small sign fixed on volcanic stone, through which lies three one-bedroom cave villas carved into the steep cliff hang-ing above the sea. Designed by Athens-based starchitects K-Studio, a long-time collaborator and friend of Vora’s charismatic owner Yiannis Bellonias, the interiors have been decked in custom-made furniture, creating a contemporary look that is a far cry from the conventional cave-house aesthetic. Other beautiful hotels we love can be found in Oia, among traditional whitewashed houses and blue-domed roofs. Mystique Hotel, located on the edge of Oia – the island’s postcard coastal town – is perfectly positioned for taking in the mesmerising scenery, with its maze of 41 suites emerging from the cliff face in the traditional cave style that has long been synonymous with the island. Andronis Boutique Hotel, with its luxury spin on Santorini’s cave-style architecture is in one of the most desirable spots on the island. There’s also the spectacular Perivolas, made up of 22 private houses in restored 300 year-old caves that were once the homes, wineries and stables of Santorini's fishermen and farmers, there’s a spectacular pool flowing over the edge of the cliff into a glistening horizon.
How to get there
As with most Cycladic islands, you can reach Santorini by plane or ferry from Athens. Most ferries to Santorini (but not all) leave between 7am and 8am from the Piraeus ferry port. Several airlines including Norwegian, British Airways and Easyjet also have non-stop flights to Santorini from the UK during the summer months.
Where to stay
For those who want to avoid the crowds: Vora
For a romantic bolthole with a panoramic pool: Mystique Hotel
For the most desirable spot in Oia: Andronis Boutique Hotel
For a historic stay: Perivolas
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Corfu, Ionian islands
Best Greek island for families
Why go
Corfu is one of the most popular of the Greek islands for travellers, famed for its Blue Flag beaches and UNESCO-listed old town with mediaeval monasteries and Venetian fortresses. The recent adaptation of Gerald Durrell's popular memoir of his childhood on the island, My Family and Other Animals, has only increased its appeal. Families tend to congregate in northern Corfu, especially Paleokastritsa, known for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning natural beauty.
There are lots of options when it comes to places to stay on Corfu. Upmarket hotel brand Ikos has two idyllic family-friendly and all-inclusive hotels with Ionian Sea vistas, the new beachfront Ikos Odisia protected in a secluded bay across from Ikos Dassia, which comes with 7 swimming pools surrounded by landscaped gardens. Guest perks include a Mini Cooper for cruising around the island.
Featured in the Bond film For Your Eyes Only, this villa does look straight out of a film. With nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms, Ice Cold Martini is the ultimate large group destination, sleeping 18. Swim in the pool, dive off the dock or mix a cocktail on the terrace. For more villa options, CV villas are well worth a scroll through.
How to get there
You can get to Corfu from mainland Greece by ferry or by plane but there are lots of direct flights to Corfu from the UK.
Where to stay
For families: Ikos Odisia, or Ikos Dassia
For those who like their drinks shaken, not stirred: Ice Cold Martini
For the spa set: Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa
REDA&CO
7/21
Symi, Dodecanese
Why go
Closer to Turkey than Greece, Symi is one of the country’s most distant Eastern Aegean outposts, far from where the Greek mainland crumbles into the sea. Reputedly the birthplace of the mythical Three Graces and named after the nymph Syme, it lies in the Dodecanese archipelago, the largest island of which is Rhodes. Symi could not feel more different from its neighbour. Too far from Athens for a social scene, with no large hotels, it is small and quietly sophisticated. It has largely remained the preserve of inquisitive island hoppers and sailors bewitched by its harbour. Surrounded by steep slopes forming a natural amphitheatre, Symi harbour greets its travellers with an enchanting tumble of tiered, Neoclassical mansions suggestive of an Italian village in hues of ochre, terracotta, sherbet pink and lemon. Further inland, the island’s mountainous interior is dotted with churches, monasteries, windmills and few roads. – Aoife O'Riordan
Another reason to visit is the recent arrival of the 1900 Hotel. Already the haunt of in-the-know Greeks, it is easily the island’s most charming place to stay, with just four rooms. Located right on the waterfront, the handsome, three-storey captain’s house built in the 1890s is known as the Mastoridis Mansion. It is named after the man who introduced the diving suit to Greece and Symi in 1862, revolutionising the island’s fortunes when it became a centre for sponge diving and shipbuilding.
How to get there
Symi has regular ferries from Rhodes. The ferry ride from Rhodes to Symi takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on whether it's direct or or if there's a stop at Panormitis.
Where to stay
For those in-the-know: 1900 Hotel
For something with a little history: The Old Markets
Athanasios Gioumpasis/Getty Images
8/21
Hydra, Saronic Islands
Why go
Usually, a ten-mile, mostly uninhabitable stretch of island does not a holiday destination make – at least, that’s what you may be inclined to believe, at first. However, there is something intoxicating about the paradoxical little Saronic island of Hydra. Indeed, it is to Hydra where members of the Greek aristocracy, including Aristotle Onassis and his bride, Jackie O, flock for marriages, celebrations and quick getaways; Leonard Cohen, who owned a house in the port city of Hydra, the only on the island, summered here for decades. While just a stone’s throw from Athens, Hydra is an entirely other world: one of old-world elegance, where cars are banned and the local donkeys’ laboured clip-clops are considered movement at top speed. Lounging poolside at your villa is the only ‘must do’ for the day, save for an indulgent meal or two at one of the upscale tavernas and restaurants in town.
Those hoping for a beach holiday will not find one in Hydra, as the island is devoid of the sandy beaches found on most other Greek islands (don’t fret, though, there is plenty of opportunity for salt water swims). However, for those whose perfect holidays are ones spent lolling about, going from bed to pool to restaurant for days on end, a holiday in the always-chic Hydra is unparalleled.
With stunning views onto the bright blue sea, we’d recommend staying in this chic, serviced villa in Kamini, just a 15 minute walk from the centre of Hydra’s port city. With six bedrooms, maid service and a fabulous pool, you and your travel companions will want for nothing whilst here, tucked away in your Greek island idyll. Should you be more interested in a hotel stay, the Poseidonion Grand Hotel is an iconic fixture on the island, having hosted members of high society, royalty and well-to-do Athenians for over a century.
How to get there
The island is only accessible by ferry. Luckily, you’ll have your pick: ferries leave from Piraeus port in Athens regularly, and there are rides from many of the Saronic and Peloponnese islands, too (just be sure to consult your local port’s schedules, as these tend to change frequently and without advance warning). For those flying into Greece and moving on to Hydra afterwards, flying into Athens is the fastest and easiest choice.
Where to stay
For stunning views: Villa Kamini
For a stay in an iconic island property: Poseidonion Grand Hotel

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9/21
Paxos, Ionian islands
Why go
Paxos has all the beauty and greenery of Corfu without the crowds. What the tiny Ionian island lacks in sandy beaches or five star hotels it more than makes up for in crystal blue waters, natural beauty and character – and some of the best seafood in Greece. One of the main draws of Paxos is its two traditional fishing villages, Gaios and Loggos. Gaios is the largest of the two, and has a beautiful harbour filled with yachts and fishing boats. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many waterfront tavernas, or explore the village's charming alleys. Loggos, on the other hand, is a smaller and quieter village, nestled in a picturesque bay surrounded by olive groves and loved for its laid-back atmosphere with views overlooking the Ionian Sea.
On a hill overlooking a small marina on Paxos, Villa Santa Marina has been added to, lived in and loved by its Italian owner for the past 25 years or so. Fittingly, there is an Italian flair about the space, set off by the elaborate wrought-iron dining chairs and tables found both inside and out, and with the paintings hung on the stone walls under the pergola in a similar vein to houses in Tuscany or Umbria. Most spectacular of all are the sprawling outdoor areas across multiple levels, which follow the curve of the hillside and are connected via stone steps.Another pretty rustic-style farmhouse with modern touches is the Architect’s House, decorated with the yellows, greens and blues of its surroundings on the unspoilt hillsides of Paxos, the smallest of the Ionian islands.
How to get there
Corfu is the closest airport to Paxos. The ferry from Corfu to Paxos can then take anywhere from 50 minutes to two and a half hours, depending on the weather and boat you get.
Where to stay in Paxos
For a charming villa stay: Villa Santa Marina
For laid back luxury: Architect’s House
Realy Easy Star/Tullio Valente / Alamy Stock Photo
10/21
Serifos, Cyclades
Why go
Still relatively wild and unknown (to the British market, at least), Serifos is an excellent destination for those wanting an under-the-radar holiday. Many of the islands have choras, but Serifos boasts both the prettiest and best preserved in the Cyclades, its labyrinth of tiny, cobbled passageways and whitewashed houses as confusing today as 500 years ago. If the chora is best for an evening preamble, a spot of shopping and dinner in the main square, the tourist focus – such as it exists on this island – is predominantly centred round the port of Livadi, with its characteristic sweep of waterfront tavernas, shops, apartments and busy moorings. The season, though, is short here, and beyond July and August the island is quiet. There are 72 beaches and bays on the island, many of which are accessible only from the sea. Our favourites were sandy Kalo Ambeli, picture-perfect Agios Sostis, remote Sikamia and sweet Platis Gialos with its pretty taverna. You can easily island-hop to the foodie destination of Sifnos from Serifos, so consider a multi-destination trip.
This is not an island for five star glamour, so we'd recommend a villa for maximum peace and quiet. One of our favourites is the Faros Guest House, where two listed residences are built into the cliffside on the western side of the island, with a stone-paved path leading down to a bathing area by the sea. Blue and white striped fabrics make the interiors highly appealing, and the house is a short walk from the historical village of Mega Livadi and its taverna-lined beach.
When it comes to hotels, our pick would be the three star Coco-Mat Eco Residences, a group of former miners' houses on the beach at Vagia. There's an emphasis on natural materials, of course, plus amazing sea views and a lounge bar where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails.
How to get there
You will need to take a ferry to get to Serifos; the route takes approximately two hours and there are regular departures from Athens, or you can fly to Milos and take the ferry from there (we recommend the former).
Where to stay
For sea-front calm: Faros Guest House
For sea views built on sustainable qualities: Coco-Mat Eco Residences
NurPhoto SRL / Alamy Stock Photo
11/21
Mykonos, Cyclades
Why go?
Mykonos has a longstanding and well-deserved reputation as a party island, and this is a place where you go for the scene and expect to pay for it. Visiting the island in July and August, expect to be cheek by jowl with other tourists, but you can still find a little peace and quiet in the spring and autumn. Mykonos Old Town is awash with high-end boutiques, high-fashion restaurants, and glamorous hotels, so it's not exactly a retreat from the outside world, but that can be part of the fun. For a quieter life, head to Kalafatis, which has a much more rural feel, though there are still bars and open-air restaurants to enjoy in the town. It's also an easy trip to the spectacular classical ruins of Delos, with easy ferries every day. The bonus with Mykonos is how easy it is to get to, with direct flights from many major cities. Make sure you hire a car, as getting around the island can be tricky.
For hotels, we love Cali in the low-key seaside town of Kalafatis on the south-eastern side of the island, which combines an emphasis on sustainability with discreet luxury in its 40 villa like suites. It's far removed from the hustle and bustle of Mykonos city, but still has a great bar and restaurant so you won't feel like you're missing out on the nightlife. Located in the same town is The Wild, a rustic-chic hotel with a spa, glorious hillside pool and the most charming private beach.
Big groups should make a beeline for Villa Ipanema. Sleeping twenty guests in comfort with lots of space is no mean feat, but cleverly, this Mykonos villa is split into three main residences, allowing lots of privacy for all. It's on the north of the island, close to Mersini beach and set in a secluded spot on a hill, with sweeping views across the sea beyond.
How to get there
It's super easy to get to Mykonos, with regular flights running from London and most other major European cities. Ferries also run frequently from Athens.
Where to stay
For group holidays: Villa Ipanema
For discreet luxury: Cali
For exclusivity: Soho Roc House
Pavel Dudek / Alamy Stock Photo
12/21
Crete
Why go
The largest and most southern of all the islands, Crete is famed for its good weather, beautiful scenery and long summer season. There’s something for everyone in Zeus’s birthplace, so whether you’re a sightseer, hiker or beach bum, you’re sure to be enthralled by this historic place.
Culture vultures should head to the Minoan palace of Knossos - the political heart of Europe’s oldest city - believed by many to be the setting of the Minotaur myth. Those travelling in peak season should get in early to avoid the crowds, as well as the heat of the day. If you can’t face the crowds this most major of sites draws, there are plenty of smaller ancient sites on the island, including Malia and Aptera.
Sportier types will get to see the very best of Crete hiking through one of its famed gorges. Samaria Gorge, with its ‘doors’ is probably the most well known, though there are plenty of others to explore. Kourtaliotiko Gorge in Rethymno offers a relatively easy hike with waterfalls and epic views to be enjoyed. The walk culminates in the palm tree speckled Preveli Beach, where hikers can swim or laze about after the morning’s exertion. For something a little different, try Patsos Gorge, which is also in Rethymno. It’s further inland, and you’ll need at least two hours to complete it. Here it is more about the journey than the destination, with rest places, a bird observatory, and even a tiny chapel to nip into en route.
Those who prefer lazing on the beach won't feel short changed here either. The south has some of the very best beaches in Crete, with Ligres, Sougia and Kedrodasos being the most popular. Hersonissos also has a glut of beaches with plenty of fun to be had–these are particularly great for families. Elounda, in East Crete, offers a little slice of Mykonos, with yacht clubs and upmarket restaurants dotted along its pretty coastline. If you have a little more time on your hands, why not take a day trip to Elafonisi, the famous pink sand beach. The best way to get there is to rent a car: it’s about an hour outside of Chania.
How to get there
London Gatwick and Stanstead, Manchester and Birmingham airports all have direct flights to Crete. Flight times average 4 and 4 hours and minutes, depending on whether you're flying to Heraklion or Chania.
Where to stay
For honeymoons and adults only holidays: Stella Island Luxury Resort
For families: Domes Zeen Chania
For reconnecting with nature: Milia Mountain Retreat
For every generation: Grecotel Amirandes
For group villa holidays: Horizon of Helios

VW Pics/Getty Images
13/21
Paros, Cyclades
Why go
The island of Paros has something of the Goldilocks effect about it. It's on the bigger side for a Greek island, with a few villages and different coasts to explore, but it's not too big. It's easy enough to reach–it has its own airport, meaning you can transfer straight from Athens–but it's not too easy like Mykonos or Santorini. It is neither deathly quiet nor rowdily busy–you can find nightlife if you want it, or head to a peaceful spot if you don't. The town of Naousa on the north coast has the liveliest nightlife on the island, plus plenty of shops and cafes to keep you entertained during the day. The busy fishing port of Parikia has one of the most charming old towns on any Greek island, with an astonishingly ancient Byzantine church, winding streets lined with tempting shops, and plenty of fascinating architecture, including the Venetian watch-tower built using the remains of a classical temple. And in the centre of the island, the mountain village of Lefkes is well worth a visit for its traditional Greek tavernas, sweeping views of the islands, and a thriving contemporary art scene. – Virginia Clark
Situated just outside the town of Naousa, Cosme is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Luxury Collection Hotels and Resorts group, and the new sister to nearby Parilio. It is a place of elegant, minimalist comfort, designed to look like a Greek village, with architecture that resembles the neat, closely packed houses of the nearby communities. The aesthetic is down to the Greek design studio ID Laboratorium, and is both deeply rooted in tradition and impeccably modern. The interiors are clean, sleek and modern, with clever contemporary references to classic Cycladic styles. Spacious and calming, some rooms come with private pools, others with expansive sea views, and all have immensely comfortable beds and well-designed furniture.
How to get there
Paros has its own airport with regular flights from Athens in season, or you can fly to Mykonos and catch a ferry, which takes around 1 hour.
Where to stay
For minimalist elegance: Cosme
For world-class service: Parilio
Paul Massey
14/21
Antiparos, Cyclades
Why go
The smaller, quieter neighbour to Paros, Antiparos often slips under the radar for visitors to the region. Once the preserve of backpacking hippies, who came to the island in the Seventies to dance under the stars at Disco La Luna and pay homage to Jim Morrison at a bar called The Doors (both still in existence today), Antiparos has moved on gently over the decades to embrace the more sophisticated bohemian crowd who sought out the island for its simplicity, its wind-swept landscape and its rugged aquamarine bays. The island has a short season, only from mid-May to mid-September.
The Chora is the only town on Antiparos, but there is still enough life to give the waterfront and the main pedestrianised shopping street – which weaves to a 15th-century Venetian castle via a labyrinth of typically tiny alleyways – a cheerful sense of vibrancy. Pop over to the fishing village of San Giorgios for a boat trip round the uninhabited island of Despotikó, where the ruins of a 6th century BC temple to Apollo are being unearthed. At Captain Pipinos Seafood Taverna, you can lunch on grilled squid and octopus, which has been dried in the sun on an old fishing line stretched out over the water. Then take the rough, bumpy track down Antiparos’s southern peninsula to tiny, picturesque Faneromeni beach.
The Rooster is the place to be on Antiparos, a hotel of 16 standalone villas and suites arranged around a hub of reception, boutique, indoor/ outdoor restaurant and bar, positioned, fortress-like, on a small hill with commanding views of the west coast. To this has been added a spa, known as the House of Healing – more yoga and restorative spiritual treatments than ubiquitous pampering – turning The Rooster into a self-styled wellness retreat. Subtlety is the name of the game here. There are no sunbeds lined up along the beach and no beach service – though guests can collect picnic baskets and umbrellas to take with them. There are no televisions in the rooms (unless specifically requested), no main pool – as each room comes with its own – no loud music, no ostentation
How to get there
One of the reasons Antiparos is so quiet is that you can only get there via ferry from Paros. For the most efficient trip, fly into Paros airport and transfer to Parikia for the daily crossing - it’s super short.
Where to stay
For the privacy of a villa, but service of a hotel: The Rooster
For group stays: Oliaros Villas
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15/21
Rhodes, Dodecanese
Why go
Long favoured by stylish Brits (see Jasper Conran’s very covetable house in the south of the island), Rhodes is one of the most well known spots in the Greek archipelago. With its own airport and several flights a day from airports across the UK, the offering from this island is varied. For those with children, there are plenty of family-friendly activities: the island is littered with beaches, and even has a waterpark. Situated just a short distance from many smaller islands known for their quaint beauty, such as Patmos, Kos, and Simi, day trips are certainly an option and ferries operate throughout the day from its harbour in the north of the island. The village of Lindos, on the south east of the island, has recently become a popular spot amongst tourists. This is in large part thanks to its traditional whitewashed buildings, cobbled streets and a plethora of delicious restaurants (we recommend Dolphinos on Lindos beach for traditional greek seafood and Broccolino for Italian food), as well as lively rooftop bars.
For those looking for history and culture, Rhodes does not disappoint. The Lindos Acropolis - ruins of an ancient city - is a short hike uphill and provides sweeping views out to the mediterranean sea. The town of Archangelos is known for its ceramic production - a traditional craft which dates back centuries. Here you’ll find a number of vendors of classic, terracotta pieces. Our favourite is Papas Ceramics.
On Elli beach, Cook’s Club City Beach Rhodes is refined, stylish and most importantly is situated right on the beach. With sweeping views of the ocean and the Rhodes Old Town just a stone’s throw away, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do here. The Airbnb offering on Rhodes is plentiful - this private Villa sleeps two, and alongside its airy and traditional decoration, comes complete with its own pool, and is a short walk from Lindos beach.
How to get there
Flights run throughout the day from airports across the UK directly to Rhodes. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Athens to Rhodes, or from other major islands, like Santorini.
Where to stay
For a luxurious seafront hotel: Cook’s Club City Beach Rhodes
For a private villa stay: Luxury Suite Athena
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16/21
Kea, Cyclades
Why go
Also known as the island of Tzia, the island is perhaps the least Cycladic of the chain. You will not find the typical whitewashed houses with blue domed roofs, spinning windmills and sleepy villages whose goat population rivals that of humans. Close to Athens, Kea is a popular weekend getaway for Athenians and is built up as a miniature version of the Greek capital: neoclassical houses stand next to farmhouses next to modern family cottages topped with terracotta roofs here. Unlike bustling Athens, however, the island is verdant, home to rare flora and fauna, with nature trails snaking their way along the rolling hills and down Kea’s rugged cliffs. The island’s relaxed capital, Ioulida, is full of architectural and archaeological marvels, as well as plenty of fabulous tavernas and restaurants. Adding to the town’s calm atmosphere is the banishment of cars: in Ioulida, foot traffic is all you’ll encounter. Further steep yourself in total relaxation on one of the island’s sandy beaches: Gialiskari and Koundouros beaches are organised, whilst Liparo and Xyla beaches are more secluded and less populated during the high season. Indeed, after a few days spent on Kea, it will become clear as to why it is the relaxation destination for holidaying Athenians. However, should you be in the mood for a less-than-calming (but more than fun) dance after one too many local liqueur, tsipouro, fear not: there are a few dance clubs in the capital and across the island.
Spread across 65-hectares of unspoilt beach will soon be the breathtaking One&Only Resort, set to open in April 2024. Here, expect modern luxury and unparalleled comfort – from rooms’ stunning sea views, modern facilities and excellent spa amenities. O&O also promises an array of vibrant, excellent eateries, bars and beach clubs, at the ready for your each and every tzatziki-flavoured whim. For those hoping to travel to Kea before next April, staying at the updated bed and breakfast Zen Blue Mills is a must. A beachfront property with a spectacular infinity pool, the quaint bed and breakfast is well-located on the island and serves some of the freshest Greek-style breakfasts on the island.
How to get there
A stone’s throw from Athens, Kea is one of the most accessible Cycladic islands. Ferry rides from Lavrio Port – of which there are two or three a day – take about an hour; island hoppers coming from Kythnos and Syros have only a quick ferry trip away. Kea is often the first stop on the long Cycladic ferry loop, so expect a crowded ship.
Where to stay
For total tranquility: Zen Blue Mills
For a first look: One&Only Resort

Frances Wilks
17/21
Naxos, Cyclades
Why go
Naxos is a large and accessible island with plenty to suit every kind of traveller. The island’s mountain villages – 25 in total – are a huge draw and reveal plenty of the legends, myths and spirit of Naxos. In the old capital Halki, tavernas, cafés, bars and galleries dot the cobbled lanes of neoclassical buildings leading to the lively main square. Meanwhile the Cretan village of Apiranthos, built like an amphitheatre on the slope of Mount Fanari some 650 metres above the sea, remains stubbornly traditional. Legend has it that Zeus – king of the gods and brother to Demeter – grew up here, and his childhood cave can be found a 15-minute drive away.
Naxos may have history in abundance but, like any much loved Greek island, it does not fall short on beaches either. Families with young children will favour Agios Prokopios on the west coast below the port for its shallow waters and proximity to a restaurant-lined tourist strip. The next bay along is Plaka – wide enough to escape the massed beach umbrellas and find a shady spot beneath a tree.
In contrast to the designer hotels and smart crowds in the north of the island, the south is where hippies have happily congregated since the Sixties. Past Plaka, the choppy waters of Mikri Vigla have made it a top windsurfing spot, where packs of surfers frequent the souvlaki joints and vegan restaurant on the dirt road behind it. Keep going further, and there’s Alyko forest – a desert-like landscape of golden sand dunes and low-lying cedar trees with secluded paths to various stretches of beach, accessed by a climb down a break in the cliffs.
Stylish travellers will love Ayiopetra, a boutique hotel on the outskirts of tiny Sangri village, owned and run by Dimitri, an actor, set designer and lecturer, and his mother Tonia, who edited the Greek editions of Elle Decoration and Harper’s Bazaar before diving into hospitality four years ago.
For a comfortable stay near the family hub of Agios Prokopios, the Naxian Collection is a laidback hotel with a handful of suites and 10 villas in the sleek, contemporary Cycladic style, complete with private pools and all mod cons.
How to get there
Ferries to Naxos take around 6 hours from Athens, or you can fly to Athens and take a domestic flight to the island.
Where to stay
For a boutique stay in beautiful surroundings: Ayiopetra
For a contemporary take on classic Greek design: Naxian Collection
Athanasios Gioumpasis/Getty Images
18/21
Zakynthos (Zante), Ionian islands
Why go
Forget everything you think you know about Zante because it is slowly shaking off its reputation as a destination for teenage hedonism. The party strip here impacts about as much of the island as Magaluf impacts Mallorca, so there is plenty to enjoy for those not in the cast of Sun, Sex and Suspicious Parents. Yes, you might have to endure some chanting lads on the flight there, but you can be grateful that their demand for petrol tinged alcohol has granted you a direct flight and relatively affordable fares. Simply avoid Laganas and you’re off to a good start.
Freed from the shackles of package holidays, Zaknythos is cultivating a new approach to dining that rivals many of its more upmarket neighbours. In the main town, look out for Avli, a small spot frequented by locals, where the owner makes all the wine herself. If experimental seafood is more your vibe, head to Prosilio: think sea urchin with seaweed oil and catch of the day tartar and you’re on the right track.
Over in Lagopodo, a small village at the foot of mount Vrachionas, there is a small family run winery called Grampsas, where tastings are available under the guidance of their master sommelier. It’s a romantic way to spend an afternoon and May 2023 will see the addition of a restaurant, headed up by chef Stavros Yfantidis who has worked under Marcus Wareing, Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsay to name a few. For the members of the Peligoni Club, August sees long table banquets and September is for a guest chefs series.
Beach bums rejoice too, for Zakynthos is awash with great sandy swathes and pebbly delights in equal measure. Crystal clear, turtle filled waters come guaranteed no matter which side of the island you’re on, so pack your beach bag and get going. For the wellness fanatics, Xigia Beach is the place to head. The waters here contain a large amount of sulphur, said to treat aches and pains as well as pamper the skin. Sure, the smell is slightly distinctive at first, but you quickly go nose blind to it. Up in the North, Porto Vromi, or Vromi Bay, is filled with small white pebbles that are smooth underfoot. From here, take a boat trip out to Navagio Beach, the site of the famous shipwreck. - Arabella Bowes
How to get there
Direct flights from (nearly) all major airports throughout the year.
Where to stay
For couples: Olea All Suite Hotel
For breakfast with your toes in the sand: Porto Zante
Apostolis Giontzis / Alamy Stock Photo
19/21
Tinos, Cyclades
Why go
Tinos has been an important centre of pilgrimage for two centuries, thanks to the neoclassical Church of Panagia Evangelistria, built to house a miraculous Marian icon, discovered in 1823 after a visitation from the Virgin Mary to a humble local nun. Recent moves to build an airport there were quashed by powerful church elders who are reluctant to sacrifice the sacred beauty of their island to tourism. When you consider that Mykonos is their closest neighbour, it is not hard to understand why.
The island is almost twice the size of both Santorini and Mykonos, yet with a quiet, untainted reputation and a rugged landscape of high cliffs, rocky peaks, terraced hillsides and remote, often exquisitely pretty, villages. Pyrgos has been a popular hangout for artists and sculptors since ancient times, thanks to its fantastic marble quarries, or visit Kardiani, which has a claim to be the prettiest village on Tinos. It clings to the precipitous slopes of Mount Pateles in a labyrinth of narrow stone alleys and marble-festooned houses and churches, is the prettiest.
Tinos has a great culinary culture, with the annual spring Tinos Food Paths festival forming a great reason to visit, when producers and restaurant owners gather together for feasts and barbecues to celebrate the culinary heritage of the island. A major highlight is in the tiny port of Ormos Isternia, where visitors flock from far afield to sample chef Antonia Zarpa's takes on Greek cuisine.
Of course the island also has great beaches. Favourites include hippy-chic Kolimbithra on the northern coast, where the larger of the two beaches has a surf club and beach shack selling crazy cocktails from a converted pink Volkswagen camper van, and Livada Beach. This is reached via a long and often bumpy drive to the remote north-east corner of the island, where the waves are big, the rocks are bigger and the landscape is unblemished and wild.
One key thing to be aware of is the unpredictable strength of the notorious meltemi, the wind that rampages through these islands between May and September and has been known to whip off open car doors. You do need a car though, exploring the island without one is impossible.
Pnoēs is one of the most luxurious places to stay on the island, a collection of villas with private pools and gardens. There's no restaurant, but an on-site chef can cook you dinner on your terrace using ingredients from the garden.
Diles & Rinies is a similar concept, a small assemblage of two-, three- and four-bedroom villas hidden down the narrowest of country lanes, each stylishly decorated in muted hues and natural textures. They are run collectively like a hotel with a central swimming pool (though a couple of villas have their own) and a small restaurant, Moonrise.
How to get there
Tinos is best accessed via direct flights to Mykonos and a 30-minute ferry ride.
Where to stay
For privacy without forgoing luxury: Pnoēs
For a charming villa stay: Diles & Rinies
dpa picture alliance / Alamy Stock Photo
20/21
Milos, Cyclades
Why go
It’s easy to see why previous visitors tried to keep Milos under wraps. The Cycladic island’s volcanic landscape means it’s home to some of the most dazzling, kaleidoscopic beaches in Greece. Volcanic rocks mean travellers will find beaches painted in various shades of reds and pink wedged between thermal hot springs, emerald green waters and beautiful caves eroded by the sea. Once you’ve had your fill of the sea, make for Klima, an unfussy and postcard-worthy working fishing village that’s known as ‘Little Venice’ for dinner and a stroll. Other popular Milos pastimes include a visit to the painstakingly-preserved marble amphitheatre that can be found on a slope below the village of Tripiti; it reopened for visitors in 2016 following extensive renovation work.
For secluded luxury, Milos Cove is a jaw-dropping five-star resort perched high on a hill in the village of Plaka. The five-star stay designed by Athens-born Dionisis Sotovikis comes with its own private beach and extraordinary views across the island. For a romantic, traditional stay for couples, this white-washed Cycladic Airbnb in the old Plaka village is just the ticket. The popular Santorini stay Adronis is also set to open their Milos property in 2023.
How to get there
Get there by ferry or by plane. The flight is an easy 20 minutes whilst the ferry from Athens can take between 2 hr 40 min to 6 hr 30 min, depending on the weather and the type of boat you take. The Athens-Milos ferry route is one of the most popular, so make sure to book tickets around three or four months in advance.
Where to stay
For five-star everything: Milos Cove
For couples: Cycladic Airbnb

NurPhoto/Getty Images
21/21
Kefalonia, Ionian islands
Why go
Back in 2001, Kefalonia became a bonafide holiday destination when John Madden used it as the backdrop to his film, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Whilst its dramatic, mountainous scenery is largely unchanged since, the island has much more on offer today than back when Penelope Cruz was running around.
Argostoli, the island's capital, is built around a charming main square with restaurants and refreshing spots to lunch at. Walking along the port, you wouldn't have to be too lucky to see a turtle popping up its head every now and again. The entire town was flattened by an earthquake in 1953, which means the buildings aren’t the most beautiful or quintessentially Greek, but the surrounding landscape more than makes up for what the architecture lacks. Over in Fiskardo, a pretty seaside town, you'll find a wealth of small, family-run restaurants that are well worth checking out. We recommend Tassia Restaurant, an orange walled seafood spot, that is frequented by holidayers coming in off yachts, including John Galliano and Jon Bon Jovi.
Myrtos beach is perhaps Kefalonia's most famous, with its azure waters and a long slither of white sand, but those who aren’t going on the shoulder seasons, or want to try something slightly quieter should head to Horgota beach. Demarcated by a row of lush pine trees, the beach here is pebbly, with occasional sharp stones. For the sportier type, a hike up Mount Ainos, the stoic, silent presider over Kefalonian life, is an essential. Wild horses roam here, and those who make the effort are richly rewarded by far-reaching views.
Kefalonia couldn’t, and wouldn’t, be accused of being the smartest Greek island. It’s not even the smartest of the Ionian islands. It is, however, one of the most charming spots to spend a lazy week or two. This is the kind of place where a sleepy villa is just right.
How to get there
Direct flights from London, with an average duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. Direct flights are also available from East Midlands and Manchester airports.
Where to stay
For families: Emelisse Nature Resort
For a private stay: Wilderness Whisperings house
For an elevated experience: Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa
For the very best views: Villa Mythos
For an adults only retreat: F Zeen
For a group villa stay: Villa Ersi