All Articles Which Greek island is best for you?

Which Greek island is best for you?

Here’s our cheat sheet on the islands—from superstar Santorini to low-key Samos.

Helen Iatrou
By Helen Iatrou2 Apr 2024 7 minutes read
Fishing boats moored at the harbour, Sitia, Crete, Greece.
Fishing boats moored at Sitia on Crete.
Image: Nick Brundle Photography/Getty Images

Greece’s islands are spell-binding. In his travelogue, The Colossus of Maroussi, Henry Miller said this Mediterranean country made him feel “free and whole.” I only understood his words when I first visited my family’s homeland, over three decades ago. Not long after, I moved to Athens so that I could spend every possible minute exploring and island hopping. I’ve never looked back. Because why would I?

But with more than 227 Greek islands to choose from—and that’s only the inhabited ones—how do you know which spot is for you? Here’s my insider take on some of my faves, including the best island for gorgeous beaches, food, families, or a party vibe. Honeymooners and history buffs, I’ve got you, too.

For beaches: Paros

Kolimbithres beach with beauty stone rocks on the Paros island in Greece
Kolymbithres Beach
Image: saiko3p/Getty Images

Paros has been branded “the next Mykonos,” but, honestly, I’m not convinced. While they may be Cycladic sisters, the two islands couldn’t be more different. Paros is super chill. Sure, it does have a smattering of bars—but they’re a whole lot more understated. Style-conscious Athenians have long flocked to the whitewashed isle mostly to lounge on its golden, sandy beaches and swim in sparkling Aegean waters but also to mingle over a meal in the hip fishing town of Naoussa. I’ll never forget laying my eyes on Kolymbithres beach and its curvaceous rock formations for the first time. But if it’s action you’re after, head to Golden Beach for windsurfing lessons.

Where to eat: Paros lays claim to plenty of fancy dining spots but for real deal, high-end Mediterranean fare with French flourishes, try Henri G, housed in a restored 19th-century mansion in Parikia. Also don’t miss Markakis, an atmospheric open-air waterfront taverna in Piso Livadi that makes a mean gouna (sundried mackerel), a local specialty.

Hotel pick: If you’re seeking an upscale boutique address with direct beach access and an exceptional restaurant, check out Cove Paros in Naousa. Bathed in white and neutral shades, Apollon is an attractive alternative for the budget-minded.

Tip: Beyond its tempting beaches, the island’s traditional villages are wonderful repositories of old-school Paros. Pay a visit to Marpissa and order a one-of-a-kind bag handwoven on a loom dating to 1858.

For families: Naxos

High angle view of Chora town. Naxos, Cyclades, Greece
Chora town on Naxos
Image: Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

With long sweeps of blond, fine sand and shallow, cerulean waters, Naxos is blessed in the beach department. This island is seriously dialed in to families. Whether you have littles making their first splash or teens in need of adrenaline-spiking watersports, you can set your mind at ease here. Let’s not forget that this sizeable, mostly self-sufficient fertile isle delivers the goods on the food front, too, including all the artisanal cheese you can eat (looking at you, arseniko).

Where to eat: Barozzi, in Naxos Town, promises farm-to-fork fine dining, making the most of what Naxos has to offer. But if you’re hankering for a homespun taverna that’s a little atypical, try Axiotissa in Kastraki.

Hotel pick: Located a short walk from Naxos Town, Hotel Grotta is a longstanding family-friendly favorite with plenty of repeat visitors. Owned by savvy winemakers, 18 Grapes Hotel sits pretty at Agios Prokopios and serves an epic breakfast.

Tip: Make sure to book a day trip on a sailing yacht to the jewel-like Small Cyclades islands. Your brood will never forget it.

For couples and honeymooners: Santorini

Happy romantic couple on Greek Island Santorini
Santorini, Greece
Image: zstockphotos/Getty Images

Sorry, Instagram, but you’ll never do Santorini justice. I’ll never forget the first time I laid my eyes on the iconic whitewashed cave houses (called “yposkafa” in Greek) clinging to the precipitous cliffs suspended above a navy blue sea. This Cycladic supermodel simply has to be seen to be believed. With its palette of earthy hues and pops of pastel—and let’s not forget those instantly recognizable blue-domed churches—Oia village is the crown jewel. But don’t sleep on the rest of Santorini. Grab your amour by the hand and stroll the swoon-worthy streets of Imerovigli and the decidedly non-touristy inland village of Pyrgos.

Where to eat: Panigyri, in Fira, is proof that some of Santorini’s best dining spots are off-caldera. White eggplant and other unique local produce are plucked straight from their organic garden and roasted in a wood-fired oven. If you want to go all out, Therasia—hidden away at the Katikies Kirini hotel in Oia—serves sunsets and Mediterranean artistry curated by chef Ettore Botrini.

Hotel pick: A serene oasis just a short walk from busy Oia, Santo Pure has spacious suites and divine yoga sessions. Pretty white Katikies Chromata—well-positioned in peaceful Imerovigli—oozes romance.

Tip: Dodge the heat and heaving crowds of summer by visiting in May or between late September and early October.

For history: Crete

Temple of Cnossos Crete famous minoan palace with trees in the background
The Palace of Knossos on Crete
Image: anyaivanova/Getty Images

Greece’s largest island, Crete is a magnet for history buffs. From the Minoan-era sites of Knossos Palace and the Palace of Faistos to the hippie caves of Matala and Rethymnon’s Fortezza, there’s plenty to explore.

Set aside time to pore over the countless archaic treasures on display at the Archeological Museum of Heraklion spanning 5,500 years from Neolithic to Roman times. Among them are the enigmatic Phaistos Disc and a fresco depicting the sport of bull-leaping.

Where to eat: Avli, in Rethymnon, has long been the standard-bearer when it comes to Cretan food traditions, more recently infusing classic island recipes with modern elements. More firmly traditional, Chrisostomos is my go-to taverna in the heart of Chania town, serving tummy-warming dishes like lamb and artichoke casserole.

Hotel pick: Adults-only Domes Aulus Elounda looks out over Elounda’s glittering Mirabello Gulf and features an all-day private club. Casa dei Delfini, a painstakingly-renovated Venetian mansion-turned-boutique hotel in the center of Rethymnon town, has all the old-world feels but won’t break the bank.

Tip: Crete is huge and distances are significant. Rent a car and focus on slowly exploring just one of its four prefectures per visit. Beach lovers might want to start with Chania.

For partying: Mykonos

The Chainsmokers at Cavo Paradiso Club Mykonos
The Chainsmokers at Cavo Paradiso Club on Mykonos
Image: Management/Tripadvisor

Mykonos is always a good idea. When it comes to living life out loud judgment-free, my mind always turns to this world-famous Cycladic isle. I’ll never forget my first surreal foray into the Mediterranean capital of big fun, dancing till dawn as big-name DJs played at Cavo Paradiso near Paradise beach. Some three decades later, this legendary cliff-top club (which doesn't opens until 11 p.m.) is still going strong.

But before you hit the big leagues, you’ll need to warm up first with a little bar-hopping in the capital. Head to Mykonos Town to catch the sun setting over the isle's emblematic windmills, ideally somewhere like Bao’s, a cool cocktail lounge in Little Venice. Upbeat Scandinavian Bar is another storied venue. In the late ‘70s and ‘80s, celebs and royalty mingled with fishermen (and the parties were epic).

Where to eat: Gather your crew for a fun-loving al fresco dinner at Jackie O' Mykonos, where signature dishes include red shrimp with sea urchin. Reserve a table with uninterrupted views of Super Paradise beach and take in the restaurant’s glorious drag show. For less flash but equally good fish and seafood, head to Fokos taverna, named after the remote beach where it’s located.

Hotel pick: Tucked into serene Ornos Bay with a rare private beach, Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos may have become fancier over the years, but the warm service of this family-owned hotel continues to shine. Looking out over Mykonos Town and the endless blue, MykonosView delivers on its name with value for money.

Tip: When you need a break from the party scene, enjoy a quiet night catching a flick in the cool, tree-lined surrounds of Cine Manto, an open-air cinema.

For food: Lesbos

Medieval village Molivos is in the north of Lesvos island, Greece. View of the harbor with fish restaurant on the coast and waiter is ready for the customers.
A waterside restaurant on Lesbos
Image: YONCA60/Getty Images

Lesbos, also known as Mytilini, flies under the radar of most travelers. But Greek gourmands have long flocked to this unassuming northeastern Aegean isle for its singular cuisine, influenced by Asia Minor Greek refugees who arrived there in the early 1920s. Seared into my memory are the mind-blowingly simple meze I’ve shared with fellow sailors mid-regatta at rickety waterfront tavernas. No dish here is served without potent anise-flavored firewater ouzo, and Lesbos produces some of Greece’s finest.

Where to eat: In Skala Eressou, take a dip in the sea then dine at Karavogiannos Tavern, where sea bream is chargrilled to perfection and doused in a tangy lemon-oil dressing. Meanwhile, on Petra’s main square, the always-busy Women’s Co-operative Of Petra prepares dishes like zucchini flowers stuffed with local feta and gruyere.

Hotel pick: Housed in a stone-built mansion dating to 1850, Eressian Hotel & Hammam Spa features rejuvenating hammam therapies and a hearty organic breakfast. Located in the countryside south of capital Mytilini, Oikies Small & Elegant Houses serves as a relaxing abode.

Tip: Pay a visit to the fascinating Ouzo Museum and learn how the potent Hellenic firewater is produced.

For traditional island life: Karpathos

Assumption day festivities on Karpathos, Greece
Assumption day festivities on Karpathos, Greece
Image: Izzet Keribar/Getty Images

Set between Rhodes and Crete, this long, narrow Dodecanese island has a beguiling remoteness about it. As a result, traditions on Karpathos are revered, even among the youngest generations. Feast days, or panegyria, are celebrated with fervor in villages such as Menetes and Vrykounda. Greek Orthodox Easter is a particularly poignant experience.

In the far-flung matriarchal mountain village of Olympos, brides don colorful traditional costumes and chains of gold coins denoting a hefty dowry. Each Sunday, elder women wearing black dresses and headscarves with floral trim bake bread in outdoor communal wood-fired ovens—make sure to buy a loaf.

Where to eat: Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, Taverna Evdoxia serves zero-mile farm-to-fork fare such as oven-roasted goat, accompanied by organic vegetables from their garden. You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted chargrilled scorpion fish (which is reminiscent of lobster) at Mama Cuisine in the fishing settlement of Finiki.

Hotel pick: My favorite place to stay is Silene Villas, with stylish yet warm family-run accommodations above Amoopi beach. I also adore Renata's Villas, situated on a secluded hillside with views of capital Pigadia, for its spotless, roomy self-catered apartments.

Tip: Book a trip on a traditional wooden fishing caique to the uninhabited nearby island of Saria to snorkel amid caves.

For a quiet escape: Samos

Picturesque Kokkari village on Samos island, Greece
Kokkari village on Samos, Greece
Image: Cavan Images/Getty Images

With its deep, turquoise waters, pine-forested landscapes and traditional villages, the northeastern Aegean island of Samos draws intrepid sailors and serenity seekers. In Samos Town, the capital, take a stroll through the 17th-century neighborhood of Ano Vathi along cobblestoned alleyways amid candy-colored, terracotta-roof houses. History aficionados mustn’t miss the Tunnel of Eupalinos, an engineering feat dating to the 6th century BCE, though it’s not for the claustrophobic. Above all, Samos is known for dreamy beaches washed by emerald waters. Among the most spectacular are small, sandy Livadaki, isolated Mikro Seitani, and long, lithe Psili Ammos.

Where to eat: In the village of Platanos, award-snagging Orizontas executes contemporary Mediterranean fare (otherwise hard to find on Samos) with aplomb. Expect dishes like rooster with spinach and nectarine. For homestyle dishes in a humble setting, settle in at Νostimies tis Ouranias in Samos Town.

Hotel pick: Earthy-hued, adults-only Casa Cook Samos on Potokaki beach—featuring the island’s hippest digs and a fabulous spa—is my hotel of choice when in Samos. In Kokkari, Semeli Boutique Hotel has stylish rooms with wood and stone accents.

Tip: In Samos Town, the Samos Wine Museum gives an intriguing look into the history of muscat wine production on the island, as well as tastings of the sweet, fruity drop. It’s believed that in the late 19th century, the French took cuttings of the indigenous muscat grape and planted them in France, earning plaudits for the wine’s global success.