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Best Greek Islands: Discover Europe's most beautiful beaches
Greece has around 6,000 islands, so you're bound to find one you love for your next holiday. Whether you're looking for a getaway in the Aegean, the Ionian or the Mediterranean, there's an island waiting for you. Some are perfect for romantic breaks, while others are ideal for family fun. The hardest part is choosing which one to visit.
The Greek Islands at a glance
Greece is a country rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty and cuisine, and you'll find all three of those in the Greek islands. The islands are best known as beach holiday destinations, and many would say they have the best beaches in Europe. They're popular with young and old and have something to suit every budget and taste. The Greek islands deserve a place on every traveller's bucket list.
Choosing the right island to visit
The Cyclades Islands, in the central Aegean, are a good choice for first-time visitors. This group includes islands like Santorini and Mykonos. They can be expensive, but they're undeniably beautiful.
The Ionian Islands lie off the west coast of Greece and have some Italian cultural influences. They include Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos.
The Dodecanese Islands are close to Turkey, so they have a unique, distinctive vibe. Rhodes is the most famous of this group.
The Sporades Islands lie just off the east coast. Skiathos and Skopelos are both known for their superb beaches.
The best Greek Islands for family trips
A family holiday to the Greek islands is always a good idea. However, there are a few things to consider before booking. Look for an island with easily accessible beaches. The Greek islands often have steep mountainous roads, which can be difficult to manage with small children. Many all-inclusive resorts offer family-friendly packages with great entertainment options to keep the little ones happy.
Top Greek islands for children
Consider a trip to Kos, which has plenty of sandy beaches with warm, shallow waters that are suitable for kids to paddle. Children will enjoy the historic Neratzia Castle and the wild goats that roam the island. Crete and Corfu are also considered good family destinations, with lots of fascinating ancient sites to explore and relaxing beaches.
Places to visit in the Greek Islands
It would be impossible to list every place worth going to in the Greek islands. So much depends on your tastes. Do you want wild nightlife, a peaceful romantic atmosphere or Instagram-worthy scenery? Are you a dedicated foodie in search of authentic cuisine or a history buff looking for ancient ruins? You may also want to combine islands for an island-hopping holiday, which will allow you to soak up some very different vibes as part of your trip. Here are a few of our top picks:
The best Greek islands for an adults-only trip
Santorini is the ultimate honeymoon island. Enjoy the gorgeous sunsets, stunning scenery and great cuisine.
For world-class nightlife, head to Zakynthos or Mykonos. Here, you'll be able to party all night.
Skiathos is also a good party destination. Hit the bars by night and explore the filming locations from Mamma Mia by day.
The best Greek islands for history
Rhodes was once home to a wonder of the world, the Colossus. It was destroyed hundreds of years ago, but the island is still full of intriguing ruins.
The Palace of Knossos is a major attraction on Crete. According to myths, the legendary Minotaur lived there.
Delos is known as a sacred island, thanks to its beautiful ancient Greek sanctuary.
It's time for your Greek getaway! Choose your favourite island, and check out our special offers for flights, hotels or packages. Book today for your next sunshine break.
Best Greek Islands holiday FAQs
Q: What is the best Greek island to visit on a budget?
A: It's possible to enjoy a cheap holiday in the Greek islands, but you'll need to plan carefully. Islands like Crete, Corfu and Naxos have budget-friendly accommodation. Transportation on these islands is also pretty cheap. For an authentic Greek experience on a budget, consider the tiny island of Tinos, which still keeps the old traditions alive.
Q: Which is the best Greek island to go on holiday?
A: That depends on what you're after. Some of the most famous islands include romantic Santorini, lively Mykonos and scenic Corfu. Every traveller has their own preference. Part of the joy of the Greek islands is visiting as many as you can.
Q: What three Greek islands should I visit?
A: If you want an island-hopping adventure in Greece, look for chains of islands close together. The Cyclades route is a popular choice, including islands like Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini. You could also visit the Ionian islands, like Kefalonia, Corfu and Lefkada.
Q: Which month is best for the Greek islands?
A: July and August are the busiest months of the year. During this time, the islands are crowded, and you can expect extreme heat. It's often better to visit during the shoulder seasons, from May to June or September to October. Many businesses in the islands close from November to March, so visiting in the winter is not recommended.
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