There are many different Greek islands that are ideal for different holidaymakers, whether they’re looking for a family break, a cheap place to party, or somewhere where food comes first
A summer jaunt to a Greek island is the stuff holiday dreams are made of, but there are so many to chose from – meaning it can be tough to plump for the right one.
Here’s our guide to picking the perfect sunshine escape.
Hiking and Cycling – Andros
The northernmost island in the Cyclades, Andros offers outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Hiking enthusiasts will revel in the diverse landscape with its mountainous villages, fertile valleys, waterfalls and gorges, leading to secluded beaches and abandoned chapels.
The Andros Routes network of trails allows visitors to explore nature paths and stone-paved paths. Cycling is also a great way to explore the island with an extensive network of cycling routes featuring undulating trails, coastal paths and scenic lanes.
Best for Families – Crete
The island favourite offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, family-friendly amenities and food that everyone will love.
Pick from the many hotels geared up for families with kids’ clubs and water slides like the Stella Palace Resort & Spa in Analipsi.
When you feel like venturing out there are animal attractions such as Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre in Hersonissos and Cretaquarium near Gournes.
Head into the White Mountains and hike the dream-like Samaria Gorge which, according to legend, is the birthplace of Zeus. Try crowd-pleasing Cretan snacks such as kalitsounia – cheese pies drizzled with honey – and gamopilafo, an indulgent buttery risotto.
Couples – Milos
Part of the Cyclades and sitting serenely between the islands of Sifnos and Kimolos, Milos is known for its volcanic landscape, 75 beautiful beaches and geological formations.
Its villages are a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed buildings adorned with colourful flowers. Exploring by boat is a fun way to discover the island’s sea caves and beaches.
Its close proximity to Santorini, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos make it an excellent base for island hopping.
And there’s an array of boutique hotels across the island – perfect for a romantic getaway.
Foodies – Agistri
On the island of Agistri, in the Saronic Gulf, the waterside tavernas serving fresh-off-the-boat seafood, prepared in traditional Greek styles, are a highlight.
Island specialities include Âbourdeto, a spicy fish stew, kakavia, a fisherman’s soup, and ladenia, a flatbread topped with tomatoes, onions, oregano and olive oil.
Breakfast is a real treat – simple yet hearty with Greek yogurt, honey, nuts, fresh bread, cheese pies and pastries. The beaches are dreamy too, from the secluded bay of Skliri and the picture perfect Mikri Dragonera, to the family friendly Skala and pebbled shores of Megalochori.
History and Culture – Aegina
Not far from Athens and part of the Saronic islands, Aegina is easily accessible by ferry from the port of Piraeus making it a great spot for day trips or weekend getaways. It’s bursting with cultural and historical attractions including ancient archaeological sites, Byzantine churches and museums. You can while away the days strolling through the narrow streets of Aegina Town, around its harbour filled with colourful boats, or marvel at the well-preserved 28-column temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, which is older than the Parthenon in Athens.
Great Value – Zante
There’s a huge varietyof accommodation options on Zante – or Zakynthos – and package deals to suit all budgets. Olympic Holidays offers amazing deals, with seven nights at the Athina Studios, Tsilivi, from £379 in June including flights.
Zante is known for its local produce such as olive oil, wine, honey, and its traditional sweets such as mandolato and pasteli, which are both inexpensive.
There are plenty of reasonably priced restaurants and tavernas, as well as bakeries and street food stalls.
Watersports – Kefalonia
If you’re keen to hit the water, the Ionian island of Kefalonia is the one for you. There’s a mix of calm bays, sheltered coves and waves which make it an excellent destination for some wet and wild adventures, whatever your skill level.
Lassi Beach and Makris Gialos Beach are popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while Kefalonia’s underwater world is teeming with marine life and dive sites.
Stand-up paddleboarding and sea kayaking are hugely popular here and are great ways to explore the coastline and access secluded beaches and sea caves.
Nightlife – Ios
Ios is renowned for its vibrant nighttime scene and attracts visitors from around theworld.
Clubs and bars in caves and on clifftops offer unforgettable nights in spectacular locations or you can head to the parties on the beaches, at the Âpoolsides, or in the main square in Ios Town, also known as Chora, which comes alive as the sun goes down.
Mylopotas and Koumbara beaches are two popular spots for dancing and drinking after-dark. By day, you can fill up your insta-feed with shots of the island’s dazzling white houses, blue-domed churches, steep hills and sheer cliffs.
Island Hopping – Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos
Island hopping in Greece is a great way to pack in the sights and the Sporades is perfect for this. Set your sights on Skiathos and Alonnisos for an idyllic island-hopping holiday, with a pause at picturesque Skopelos, the island that was catapulted to fame as the backdrop for the movie Mamma Mia! along the way.
Each island has its own character, from the dazzling beaches and bustling Old Town of Skiathos to the tranquil appeal of Alonnisos with its mountain of greenery and aquamarine bays.
Getting away from it all – Halki
This island in the Dodecanese has a land area of just 11square miles. Close to Rhodes, it is characterised by its simple charm and chilled vibes.
Car-free Nimborio has a pretty harbour and is the island’s only inhabited village, featuring Venetian-style houses and tiny alleyways. Its horseshoe shaped bay is lined by waterfront tavernas.
Discover some of the 360 churches, remnants of a medieval castle and Chorio, the island’s ancient capital.
Off-season – Rhodes
Visit in spring or autumn for a more tranquil escape. Rhodes basks in 300 days of sun per year and you can take advantage of the milder weather if you’re into walking or cycling, when the landscape is lush. Make your money go further in shoulder season as hotel prices drop significantly.
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