With 6000 islands to choose from – only 227 of which are inhabited – there’s enough secluded beaches, ancient history, simply epic food, dramatic nature, charming towns (and people) to fill a lifetime of travels.
That’s why we’ve chosen some champions to represent the many Greek island holiday possibilities – from adventure hiking to wine and dining – and to give you a sense of the wonder they have to offer.
Top things to do:
Take a boat to tucked away Lalaria Beach
Explore the Bourtzi fortress on the waterfront, and the Chora’s old town
Dive and see a shipwreck up close
Go to the dark side of sea and sun at Perissa Black Sand Beach
Watch the sun set over Santorini and the caldera (preferably while sipping a great wine)
Soak in the sights on the scenic 9 km Fira-Oia hike
Shell out for Crete’s signature snail dishes
Go off the beaten track to see eye-opening natural wonders at Samaria Gorge and the Elafonissi lagoon (best reached from Chania on the west of Crete)
Travel back in time at Knossos, one of the major Greek archaeological sites
Take a tour of Kritinia, a 16th century Venetian fort, and the sea-facing Lindos Acropolis.
Spend a day relaxing on the quiet, golden sands and clear waters of Agtathi Beach.
Get lost in the narrow, nameless streets of the Old Town.
Admire the pretty patterns on the building facades in Pyrgi village
Develop a taste for the aromatic mastic gum, which graces everything from pastries to liquor
Pay your respects at one of Greece’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nea Moni Monastery
After a day of adventure, replenish yourself with fresh seafood at the harbor tavernas in Pothia
Take a calm day trip to neighbouring Telendos
In between dives and climbs, take time to relax at Kantouni Beach
Swim in a infinity pool made of rock by the sea at Giola lagoon – or at one of Thassos’ many blissful beaches
Visit the picturesque Monastery of Archangel Michael, perched on a cliff with a view of the Aegean
Taste Thassos’ fine olive oil and dishes like pitarakia – a light, tasty courgette fritter
Swim and soak up sun by day, sweat and dance to world-class DJs by night at Mykonos’ famous beach clubs
Try out windsurfing at Kalafatis
Stroll around the well-preserved, Instagram-friendly streets of Mykonos town and see the powder-white walls of Paraportiani Church
Explore the abandoned town of Old Perithia – and the wild fruit trees, vineyards and Venetian ruins around it.
Take your pick of the 6 heavenly beaches of Paleokastritsa
Find your way around the Venetian old town
Walk the trails of Mount Ainos National Park, and Fiskardo
Watch the sunset at Myrtos Beach – and get a view from above if you can
Fall deeply in love with Melissani Cave, or explore the depths by scuba diving at Fiskardo
Indulge in the beauty of Hozoviotissa Monastery, and the oh-so-pretty white houses of Amorgos town (Chora)
Taste local delights like Xerotigana – fried pies filled with white beet and fennel
Snorkel in the deep blue waters, or sit back at Ayia Anna Beach, where The Big Blue was shot
Enjoy an ouzo at one of the tavernas on the coast – and try out Symi’s famous mini shrimp
Make your way to Nos, Agios Georgios, Agios Nikolaos, Nanou, Marathounta or Faneromeni beach… any beach really
Climb the 500 stone steps of Kali Strata to see the postcard-worthy town from above
Visit the Solomos Museum – and the Byzantine Museum in Solomos Square – to immerse yourself in local culture and history
In addition to famous Navagio, visit Laganas beach – it’s where the endangered loggerhead turtles lay their eggs
Take a trip to the Venetian Castle, which stands where the Acropolis once did
Rejuvenate in the pool at Therma Beach, where hot springs meet cool sea water
Visit the medieval settlement of Palio Pyli
Explore the Ottoman quarter and end the day with fennel pie, fresh fish and proper tsípouro (or ouzo) at Pote tin Kyriaki – the name translates to “Never on Sundays”, and should give you an idea on opening times
Climb up to see the rectangular marble arch of Portara – or see the island from a thousand metres above at Mount Zas
Visit a 6th century Byzantine monastery at Panagia Drosiani
Get away to secluded Alyko or Plaka Beach
Visit the protector of the island, the 15th century Castle of Agia Mavra
Lounge and swim in the shadow of cliffs at Porto Katsiki
Find some time to explore the Dimossari Waterfalls
Explore Heraion of Samos
Visit Pythagoreio Archaeological Museum
Climb to the cave of Pythagoras
