From car-free Hydra to carefree Kastellorizo: 10 of the best Greek Islands to visit

Hydra

Best Greek Island for: sophisticated and cultured slow living 

A masterclass in relaxed luxury, artistic legacy, and slow living, Hydra offers a sophisticated slice of the Greek Islands. Carefree and car-free, it boasts dramatic rocky inlets primed for plunging, olive groves, and enchanting cobblestoned alleyways. Spend your days inlet hopping, diving deep into the azure blue waters, and soaking up spectacular sunsets at one of the many charming seaside bars. Be sure to climb Mount Eros – 600 metres above sea level – to the charming Monastery of Prophet Elias for stunning panoramic vistas and exquisite monk-made Turkish delight. 

Crete

Best Greek Island for: a wholesome family escape

Like any Greek Island, Crete is beloved for its sun-soaked beaches, exceptional cuisine, and warm hospitality. But what sets it apart is its unassuming mountain villages, rugged beauty, and deep-rooted Cretan pride. From unspoiled rocky inlets like Seitan Limania (nicknamed Devil’s Beach for its steep descent) to globally famed shores like Elafonisi, known for its blush-pink sand and shallow turquoise waters, Crete is a striking blend of wild nature and tradition. Feast on the freshest seafood, sip crisp local wines, and end each meal with a spirited toast of raki – a potent Cretan liquor – shared with the locals in true celebratory style. Crete also has tons of family-friendly stays, so it’s a fantastic spot if you have little ones in tow. 

Santorini

Best Greek Island for: postcard-perfect views

While Santorini may often find itself in the spotlight – sometimes for the wrong reasons thanks to overtourism – its allure is undeniably deserved. From postcard-perfect sea views and seafood-driven restaurants to cascading whitewashed villages and jaw-dropping sunsets, the island is as breathtaking as you’d hope, and then some.

Whether you immerse yourself in the cliffside buzz at one of Santorini’s spectacular hotels or opt for a serene inland Airbnb, be sure to carve out time for the island’s extraordinary pebble beaches. Red, White, and Black – each is distinct, shaped by volcanic forces and framed by dramatic dunes and sun-drenched loungers that beg for a slow afternoon spent unwinding and watching the sun set. 

Kastellorizo

Best Greek Island for: romance and quiet serenity

Kastellorizo may be one of the smallest islands in the Greek archipelago, but it has a remarkably big heart. Blending natural beauty, rich history, and effortless charm, it channels a sense of laidback luxury – without the crowds, cruise ships, or large resorts. Closer to Turkey than to mainland Greece, this serene hideaway invites you to slip into a slower rhythm. Spend your days exploring and swimming in the ethereal Blue Grotto – Greece’s largest sea cave – and your evenings indulging in alfresco, waterfront dining. On Kastellorizo, tranquillity reigns. Relish the peaceful serenity and embrace the art of doing nothing.

Paros

Best Greek Island for: understated natural beauty 

Fast becoming one of the most adored destinations in the Greek Islands, Paros is embracing a newfound confidence, thanks to a flurry of luxury and designer hotel openings – yet it remains a far cry from the late-night beach club culture of its neighbours. Situated in the heart of the Aegean Sea, this beloved Cycladic island is celebrated for its signature whitewashed architecture, charming villages, turquoise waters, and abundance of beaches – including the calm, otherworldly Kolymbithres and the golden sands of Santa Maria. Easily explored by scooter or car, Paros offers travellers the beauty of Santorini without the crowds, and the energy of Mykonos without the nightclub scene.

Naxos

Best Greek Island for: an epicurean feast

Brimming with history, mythology and ancient temples, Naxos is a naturally blessed slice of paradise – relatively untouched and blissfully free from commercial crowds. Its rare, fertile landscape (a novelty among the arid Cyclades) draws global epicureans and has earned the island a glowing reputation for gastronomy. With exceptional local produce, fresh seafood, and a proud farm-to-table ethos, Naxos is a destination best explored with your appetite in tow. Dine alfresco at one of the many waterfront tavernas, join a local cooking class, or simply stroll the cobbled streets after a morning swim and breathe in the aromas of wood-fired bread, salty sea air, and chargrilled octopus sizzling nearby.

Kos

Best Greek Island for: paradise with a side of history 

With over 112 kilometres of golden coastline and a rich cultural heritage, Kos offers the perfect island escape for travellers craving a dose of history between sunlounges. As the birthplace of Hippocrates – the Greek father of modern medicine – Kos is home to the revered Asklepieion, one of the most significant ancient healing centres in Greece. Rent a bike and leisurely beach-hop your way around the island, from the crystal-clear waters of Paradise Beach and Kefalos Bay to the calm stretches of Tigaki. And thanks to its close proximity to the Turkish coast, Kos delivers a mouthwatering fusion of Greek and Turkish flavours at its many waterfront tavernas – seafood meze aplenty.

Mykonos

Best Greek Island for: beach clubs and late-night dining 

Synonymous with luxury, resort-style living, and beach club culture, Mykonos effortlessly blends world-class nightlife with some of the most dazzling beaches in Greece. While intrepid travellers may be uncovering the rugged beauty of lesser-known islands among the archipelago’s 6,000-odd options, Mykonos is far from fading – it’s just getting started, with new hotel openings slated for 2025, including the highly anticipated Four Seasons Resort Mykonos.

If it’s a party you’re after, Paradise Beach lives up to its name. But contrary to its hedonistic reputation, Mykonos also offers plenty of tranquil stretches, such as Platis Gialos, Ornos, and Kalafatis – the latter a beloved windsurfing haven for the more adventurous.

Milos

Best Greek Island for: breathtaking scenery and swimming holes 

One of the few volcanic islands in the Greek archipelago, Milos boasts a dramatic and wildly diverse landscape, where kaleidoscopic cliffs and creamy, curvaceous rock formations plunge into the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. While the island is growing in popularity, it hasn’t succumbed to the influx of large, luxury resorts like some of its more party-centric neighbours. Instead, Milos offers a quieter kind of magic – with over 70 beaches to explore, travellers are truly spoilt for choice. Wade through spectacular sea caves and natural arches, like those at Kleftiko or Sykia Cave, or hop aboard a boat to discover hidden inlets and rocky coves before capping off the day with a smorgasbord of fresh, local seafood.

Corfu

Best Greek Island for: UNESCO World Heritage Venetian charm

Whether you’re on a romantic getaway, group holiday, or family trip, Corfu’s multicultural fabric – woven from Venetian, French, and British influences – makes it one of the most enticing islands to explore. Home to a plethora of both remote and organised beaches, there truly is a stretch of shoreline for every type of beachgoer. From the sandy, calm waters of Paleokastritsa to the pebbly, turquoise beauty of tiny Bataria Kassiopi, each beach offers something unique, giving travellers a varied and alluring taste of Greece without ever leaving the island.

But what really sets this cultural charmer apart is its UNESCO World Heritage-listed port city, Old Town. Preserving Venetian architecture in all its glory, it invites you to wind your way through a labyrinth of cobbled alleyways lined with pastel-hued, shuttered buildings, charming cafes, and elegant arcades.