Over 200 inhabited islands — here's how to choose the right one for your trip.
Greece has over 200 inhabited islands spread across the Ionian, Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Choosing between them is one of the most common questions we receive — and one where the honest answer is almost always 'it depends on what you want'. Here's our guide to the main options.
Santorini is the most visually spectacular Greek island — the caldera views, the whitewashed villages, the famous sunsets from Oia are genuinely extraordinary. It's also the most expensive, the most crowded in July and August, and the most difficult to navigate (limited beaches, significant walking on stepped paths). Best for: couples, honeymooners, photography enthusiasts. Not ideal for: families with young children, those on a tight budget, anyone visiting in peak summer.
Mykonos is Greece's most glamorous island — beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants and a nightlife scene that runs until dawn. It's also expensive, very crowded in summer and has become genuinely hectic. That said, outside peak season (May, June, September) it's calmer, more affordable and still beautiful. Best for: younger travellers, couples who want beaches and evenings out, those who want to be seen.
Paros and Naxos are the islands we most frequently recommend to clients who want the Greek island experience without the Santorini/Mykonos price premium and crowds. Beautiful villages, excellent beaches, great food, genuine character — and accessible by ferry from Santorini and Mykonos. Naxos also has some of the best food in the Cyclades.
Crete is Greece's largest island and arguably its most rewarding for a longer stay. It has an extraordinary archaeological heritage (Knossos, the Minoan civilisation), dramatic Samaria Gorge, excellent beaches along the south coast, and a food culture distinct from mainland Greece. Best for: those spending 7+ nights on a single island, culture enthusiasts, families, walkers.
Crete and Rhodes are our top recommendations for families — both have calm seas, good infrastructure, plenty of activities for children and a wide range of accommodation. Kos and Corfu are also excellent family destinations.
By high-speed ferry, conventional ferry or domestic flight. Ferries are an experience in themselves — particularly the high-speed catamarans. We coordinate all inter-island transfers as part of your itinerary.
Crete has the most distinctive and celebrated island food culture in Greece. Naxos is outstanding for cheese, potatoes and local produce. Samos has excellent local wine. Across the Cyclades, the quality of fresh seafood is uniformly high.