The Best Greek Islands to Visit: Luxury Holidays Made Simple

Discover the best Greek islands to visit. Whether you’re travelling as a family, couple, group of friends or solo adventurer, these ancient islands have everything you could wish for on your luxury holiday.

Santorini

Promising spectacular honeymoons and ultra romantic getaways, it’s clear to see why Santorini is the best Greek island for couples. Soak up the scintillating Mediterranean sunshine as well as pure luxury from the array of outstanding hotels. This island is famous for its traditionally Greek blue domes and whitewashed walls, as well as stunning scenery and unspoilt views of natural wonders like the Santorini caldera. The best place to see the sun set over this submerged volcano is from the top of the Castle of Oia. You’ll also find a plethora of cobblestone streets lined with boutique shops and seafood tavernas in Ammoudi Bay. Fira, the capital of Santorini, is home to the active volcano Nea Kameni, as well as the cliffside Anhydrous Winery, which is great for one-of-a-kind wine tastings. One unmissable spot to include on your Santorini holiday is Red Beach, which boasts copper-coloured volcanic sand and red rock formations.

Mykonos

Visit Mykonos, the best Greek island for nightlife, if you want a holiday bursting with lively evenings, luxury beach clubs and booming boat parties. Paradise Beach is a haven, as you can tell by its name, with golden sands, crystal-clear waters and an incredible day-to-nght party scene. Enjoy open-air clubbing with DJs as well as water sports like jet skiing and parasailing and rentable sun loungers for relaxing. For a more romantic setting, head to the captivating area of Little Venice. This hotspot has an 18th-century waterfront which features chic cocktails bars and restaurants. It’s also only a stone’s throw away from the iconic Mykonos windmills, so you can tick two bucket list experiences off in one go. Embark on a day trip to Mykonos’ neighbour Delos, an uninhabited island that is regarded as the mythical birthplace of the Greek gods Apollo and Artemis. You’ll also discover The Sacred Lake, marble amphitheatre and Archaeological Museum of Delos here, among other attractions.

Crete

Considered the best Greek island for family holidays, Crete will wow you with its myriad of child-friendly resorts and all-inclusive packages. Being the largest island in Greece, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you entertained on your Crete getaway, with something to suit all ages. Enjoy a refreshing day out to a waterpark, such as Pantheon or Watercity, where thrilling slides and swimming pools offer respite from the glorious sunshine. The magical pink-hued sands of Elafonissi Beach are perfect for building sandcastles and wading in the shallow turquoise lagoons. This area is also a protected nature reserve, so keep an eye out for turtles, birds and Cretan goats. Sample Crete’s rich culture by visiting Chania Old Town. Admire Venetian harbours, old stone walls and winding alleyways before dining in the quaint restaurants or cafés. The Palace of Knossos is an ancient ruin linked to the Greek myth of the Minotaur, who lived in the labyrinth beneath the palace.

Kefalonia

The best Greek island for relaxation has got to be Kefalonia thanks to its quiet luxury, slow-paced atmosphere, lush landscape and exclusive villas. If you’re a family or couple seeking somewhere a little more laidback, this is definitely the place for you. The most well-known beach on the island, Myrtos Beach, is a postcard-perfect cove with white pebbles along the shore and limestone cliffs overlooking the aquamarine waters. Spend a lazy day in the sun with no cares in the world on this Blue Flag stretch. Immerse yourself in some of Kefalonia’s natural beauty and ancient Greek mythology by visiting the Melissani Cave, also known as the Cave of Nymphs. The deep blue waters of the underground lake are perfect for swimming, while the surface reflects the sunlight to create a one-of-a-kind photograph. Situated on the northernmost tip of the island, Fiscardo is a harbour village with waterfront tavernas, a 16th-century Venetian lighthouse, scuba diving opportunities and rentable boats.

Rhodes

If you’re a fan of immersing yourself in a destination’s history and culture, then Rhodes is the best Greek island for you. Begin your holiday to Rhodes with a tour of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting cobblestone avenues that are lined with well-preserved medieval inns and the Roloi Clock Tower. The clock is the highest point in Rhodes Old Town, offering incredible views of the Aegean Sea. Similarly, Lindos features traditionally Greek whitewashed buildings and a maze of interconnecting streets. Visit the Lindos Acropolis and Athena Lindia Temple, which are set 116 metres above the village and provide delicious dining in the nearby rooftop restaurants. For a dramatic view of the acropolis from the ground, Lindos Beach is the best place, while Prasonisi Beach is a world-class spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. After spending sunny days exploring, you can relax in the comfort of your luxury resort, with many being great value for money.

Zante

Zaknythos, or Zante as it is more commonly referred to, is the best Greek island for beaches, promising holidaymakers a sublime selection of stretches to suit your every need. Choose from a host of affordable and luxury hotels across the island, with most boasting a beachfront location for easy and unlimited access to the soft golden sands. Banana Beach is the longest on the island, with sun loungers, beach bars and water sports opportunities on hand to ensure you live your best life while you’re on your Zante holiday. If you're seeking epic nightlife, Laganas Bay is nine kilometres of soft shores, warm waters and is extremely close to the Laganas Strip, the capital of Zante’s party scene. This spot is also a haven for loggerhead turtles, so ensure you keep an eye out for these delightful marine creatures. The Blue Caves are the most famous attraction in Zante; enjoy boat trips and swimming in the sparkling waters.

Corfu

Providing holidays to suit all types of visitors, Corfu is the all-round Greek island. Known as Greece’s Emerald Isle, expect a varying landscape of verdant forests, olive groves, luxury resorts and sandy coves. The green-tinged waters of the Ionian Sea are the perfect playground of aquatic activities and are easily reachable from many hotels. Corfu offers a fantastic array of family-friendly and adult-only accommodations, so you can relax, make memories and experience Greece your way. For the ultimate day out, head to Paleokastritsa. This photogenic coastal resort is spread across six small bays and features a hilltop fortress, active monastery and nearby sea caves which you can reach on a glass-bottomed boat trip. Admire the pastel-coloured houses of Corfu Old Town, another UNESCO-listed location, where ancient fortresses and a rich history wait to be discovered.

Your sun-soaked holiday awaits. Which is the best Greek island for you? Book today with Destination2.