Compare Greek Islands Holidays

Whether you’re looking for indulgent luxury, simple pleasures, high-octane adventure or somewhere to just kick back, the Greek islands are hard to beat.

Sea and sand

Greece’s islands make up a large chunk of the country’s coastline, and there’s a beach for every occasion. Hit the sands of Mykonos for sun-loungers, bars and DJs, or head under the waves at Zakynthos to dive with turtles and monk seals in the Bay of Laganas.

For something a little more active, Kos’s Psalidi Beach has a world of watersports. Head here for windsurfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, parasailing and plenty more to get your heart racing.

Food and drink

The more Greek islands you visit, the more you realise the subtle differences in Greece’s iconic cuisine.

If you’re holidaying in the Ionian islands, try the pastitsio, a delicious layered dish of pasta, beef ragu and bechamel. In the Aegean islands, oven-baked fish with sesame paste is a local favourite, and well worth a try too.

Seafood is, as you’d expect, the star of the show. Whichever island you visit, fresh cod, red mullet, squid and swordfish are menu staples.

Island nightlife

If you want to dance the night away, make a beeline for Mykonos. Cavo Paradiso on Paradise Beach is one of the hottest tickets on the global clubbing calendar, and during the summer months, you can get down to DJs, rub shoulders with celebs and party beyond sunrise. 

Corfu’s Kavos is another jewel in the Greek islands’ clubbing crown. Book a stay near the main strip for easy access to Limelight, Future, Atlantis and plenty more banging bars.

History and culture

Step back in time to Ancient Greece on a visit to Crete. Spend your days walking the historical sites of Zakros Palace, Gortyna and the Palace of Knossos. Want to brush up on your knowledge? Make time for the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

It’s always worth checking the local listings in Rethymnon, Heraklion Town and Sitia when visiting Crete, too. There’s usually a good chance a religious or cultural carnival will be taking place on the streets.

Instagrammable scenery

The Greek islands are packed with Instagrammable backdrops. But nowhere shows off for social quite like Santorini. This island is a stage for spectacular sunsets, so you can spend the day chilling in a beachfront bar before finding the perfect vantage point in one of the island’s whitewashed villages to watch the show.

Santorini can get crowded in peak season, so if you’d like something a little more low key but no less indulgent, it’s the island of Poros you need. Expect lemon tree forests, yacht-filled marinas and sublime sunsets over the sea.

Whether you’re dreaming of a beach that’s perfect for family fun, or you’ve got something with a couple more cocktails in mind, Greek islands holidays have it all.

Agia Kiriaki, Milos

The volcanic island of Milos has perfect conditions for watersports. Book a trip here for incredible kayaking, diving, snorkelling and your choice of ways to whip across the waves. 

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Bay), Zakynthos

A trek to the cliffs above this bay rewards you with views of the shipwreck that gives this beach its name. Join a boat trip for a closer view or settle on the sand to work on your tan in the sheltered cove. 

Mavra Volia, Chios

For sun, sea and sand away from the tourist traps, pay a visit to the black-pebbled beach of Mavra Volia. What it lacks in facilities, it more than makes up for in total tranquillity.

Super Paradise Beach, Mykonos

If you’re a party person, the place to be is Super Paradise. Sip champagne and throw shapes in the sand between cooling dips in its beautiful blue waters. 

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Myrtos is perfect if you want to pack a family beach bag and hit the shores from dawn to dusk. You’ll need to get here early to secure a spot, but its stunning sands and warm shallow waters are more than worth it.

For family holidays

Corfu is classic Greece. Its charming old town, fortress and Venetian architecture give you a taste of Greek history, while its easily accessible beaches at Canal d’Amour and Avlaki are perfect for family days out in the sun.

Kefalonia is another great choice for families. The resort towns around Argostoli and Lassi in the south of the island are packed with kid-friendly facilities. Its beaches are equally well stocked with cafés, bars and sun-loungers lining the shores of Gradakia and Paliostafida.

For cheap holidays

The abundance of resorts in the west of Crete makes it the perfect spot for a budget break. Check out the popular resort towns of Gouves, Malia and Stalis to find your bargain getaway and settle in for bar-lined strips and long stretches of sun-lounger-packed sand. 

For an outdoor adventure that’s easy on your bank balance, take a look at Kos. Take an e-bike tour of the island’s trails, pay a visit to Marmari Beach for windsurfing and more watersports, or book into an all-inclusive resort in Kardamena to fly and flop for less.

For romantic breaks

You’ll feel loved up all day long in Santorini’s beautiful whitewashed streets. Pick a spot by the beach for local seafood, fine wine and some of the best sunsets this side of the Cyclades. For more breathtaking views, stroll hand in hand around Akrotiri Lighthouse at dusk and gaze down on the blue roofs surrounding the caldera’s waters. 

If your partnership is built on partying, the buzzing bar scene in Mykonos is perfect for couples’ holidays. When you’re not painting the town red in Chora, you can recharge your batteries on Ftelia Beach.

For all-inclusive holidays

There’s a break to suit most all-inclusive budgets in Rhodes. Its resorts come fully loaded with pools, water parks, spas, beach bars and, of course, service straight to your sun-lounger. If you do step beyond the resort gates, take a tour of the medieval old town or walk with wildlife through the stunning Valley of the Butterflies. 

Crete is another top spot for all-inclusive convenience. Book a break here for kids clubs, waterparks, full-service spas and plenty of pools right by the beach.

For a luxury break

Once again, Santorini is hard to beat for no-expense-spared indulgence – think infinity pools cut into cliff sides, boutique rooftop bars and spa treatments for every day of the week. Whether you explore your surroundings or stick to the resort, you can expect fine wine, finer dining and views that will last long in your memory.

For a quieter luxury escape, get the ferry from Rhodes to Symi. Hit the harbour for a taste of yacht life or hire a boat to explore the island’s beautiful bays, colourful villages and wild coves.

For nightlife

If you’re planning to party, Mykonos more than merits a mention. The island affectionately known as the ‘Ibiza of Greece’ teems with bars and nightclubs and regularly attracts international DJs to its golden sands.

Its less well known but equally fun-loving neighbour, Paros, is fast gaining a similar reputation. Head to its capital, Parikia, to dance until dawn on the shores of the Aegean. The smaller town of Naoussa is packed with places to party, too. Its former fishermen’s lodgings are now nightclubs blasting tunes long into the night.

There’s no bad time to take a trip to the Greek islands. Head here for the heat of summer or the cooler climes of the low season – or any time in between.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

It’s easier to book bargain Greek island breaks outside the busy summer season. For a cheap trip in the warm weather with fewer fellow travellers, visit between October and November or March to May. That said, the hottest islands still reach temperatures of 15C-20C well into the depths of January. Just keep in mind that tourist facilities on some islands shut down over the off-season. Do your research before you book.

When should I go for the best weather?

The Greek islands enjoy a long and sunny summer. July and August temperatures regularly break the 30C mark. For enough sun to top up your tan with cool enough temperatures to explore, book a trip in the shoulder seasons between April and June or September and October.