Greece is, hands down, perhaps the most popular and iconic tourist destination in the world when wanting a summer escape or a weekend getaway. With such profound diversity in landscapes, experiences, and opportunities to soak up Greek culture and authenticity, it is no wonder that Greece is visited by millions of people every single year. As expected, the Greek islands are the stars in summer vacation plans mainly due to the incredible beaches and the crystalline waters that surround this blessed land. Below is a list with the 5 best and most famous Greek islands one should rightfully add on their bucket list:

1. Crete – Hypnotic and diverse

Sun-kissed shores washing time-forgotten, legend-drenched lands, ancient civilisation remains, heart-stopping mountain vistas, green valleys, deep gorges, great cuisine, and supreme levels of hospitality paint the experiences on the 5th largest Greek island in the Mediterranean Sea. From charming Chania city and its incredible National Park, beautifully-preserved Venetian-era buildings, iconic Old Town with the maze alleys, White Mountains, and museums, to bustling, history-filled Rethymnon, pristine nature with mediaeval era charm, imposing Mount Psiloritis, Venetian fortifications, cobbled paved streets, arches, Orthodox churches, mosques, and a long list of events and festivals, including the popular Renaissance Festival, Crete definitely has a lot to offer, regardless of the reason that will get you there.

For archaeological treasures, Heraklion city is where you need to be, while Agios Nikolaos is a cosy beach town that greets visitors with the legendary Lasithi windmills, the mythical Vai forest of palm trees, sugary shores, picture-perfect Gulf of Mirabello, fine dining establishments, a beautiful lake, and waterfalls. As for Matala, it is the town closest to the 2nd biggest Minoan Palace on the island, Phaistos.

Other popular places to visit in Crete include:

  • Malia for its vibrant night scene
  • Hersonissos for family-oriented fun
  • Elounda for its crystalline waters
  • Palaichori for its unspoiled natural beauty
  • Kissamos for a deep dive into the local traditions and life
  • Sissi for the most romantic ventures

Where to stay in Crete: You will find a plethora of luxury hotels and other accommodation options to match your requirements (i.e., Airbnb). Some of the most popular hotels and resorts are Domus Renier Boutique Hotel, Atlantis Beach Hotel, Minos Beach Art Hotel, Blue Marine Resort & Spa, Capsis Eternal Oasis Resort and Creta Maris Resort.

2. Rhodes – Magnetising with an Old-World appeal

Basking in the glistering azure waters of the Aegean Sea, the magnificent Greek island dazzles with its rich past, impressive architecture, jaw-dropping countryside, culture, and scenic beaches, attracting more than one million tourists yearly.

From the Old Town walls with the seven gates, old Byzantine and Gothic churches, old Turkish bazaar, over 200 cobblestone, pedestrian-only alleys (including Knights Street that leads to the Grand Master’s Palace), and the Archaeological Museum that is home to Aphrodite of Rhodes and myriads of artefacts, to Kalithea Beach and its thermal springs with the healing waters, beautiful mosaics and lush gardens, Rhodes has everything for every taste and desire.

Feel free to stroll along Faliraki to experience the island’s vivid nightlife and join the party vibes, or head to Kolymbia for more relaxed moments and family-packed activities, including water sports and boat trips. For a bit more seclusion, Stegna, Kalathos and Haraki are all ideal resorts for you that will allow you to soak up the local lifestyle and culture, while exploring the fine-sand shore, rock pools, and the lemon tree groves that contrast wonderfully with craggy landscape that’s untouched by commercialism to a great extent.

As for Lindos, it’s the most popular destination on the island after the Old Town, with traditional whitewashed architecture, a maze of winding, cobbled alleys, hilltop acropolis, powdery shores featuring crystalline waters, lots of entertainment options, and tons of places that will make a photographer’s heart leap with utmost bliss.

Other places worth visiting in Rhodes are both Pefkos and Kiotari, for their high-end family-friendly resorts, water sports facilities, delicious cuisine, and great beaches.

Where to stay in Rhodes: Lindos Blu, Boutique 5 Hotel and Spa, Delfini Beach Hotel, Hotel Porto Angeli Beach Resort, F Charm Hotel, and Lefka Hotel and Apartments, to name a few.

3. Paros – A delightful mix of cosmopolitan and scenic

Tucked in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Paros is the 3rd largest Cycladic island that enchants with its volcanic land, pine-dotted countryside, sparkling waters, more than 30 sandy beaches, lively bars and cafes, secluded tavernas, historic architecture, and traditional villages snaking across the island.

Your explorations can start from the picturesque fishing village of Naoussa, just a few kilometres from the lively capital (aka Parikia). Dotted with crispy-white cottages with blue shutters and doors and flower-filled balconies, narrow paved alleys, a Venetian castle, iconic churches, the Byzantine Museum hosting precious 13th-century icons, a romantic harbour, seafront tavernas, and delicious seafood, Naoussa awaits to steal your heart.

Of course, the vibrant Parikia is perfect for sightseeing and is also the cultural and commercial hub of Paros, providing a wealth of tourist facilities and amenities, including the major shopping area around Market Street, the Bountaraki Mill, the Church of the Virgin of September, the Valley of butterflies, and lots of elegant resorts and hotels.

For family-centred activities and fun, Piso Livadi village is probably a great option, offering a variety of shops, hotels, apartments, bars, cafes, and tours, as well as a sugary beach and access to other traditional villages on the island.

Nature enthusiasts, on the other hand, can head to Lefkes village that sits on a 300-metre altitude and welcomes visitors with spectacular panoramas of the island, a middle-ages charm, numerous trails and paths, the Museum of Aegean Folk Culture, byzantine churches with priceless icons, and an inviting time travel.

Needless to say, this is just an illustrative guide of the things to do in Paros and the places to visit as there are many more options and reasons to bring you here, including sports facilities to please the little ones, such as basketball and football courts and lots of snorkelling, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and diving opportunities, among others.

Where to stay in Paros: Some of the best resorts and hotels on the island are Saint Andrea Seaside Resort, Saint George Hotel, Contaratos Beach Hotel, Calme Boutique Hotel, Cove Paros, and Parilio. Of course, you will find plenty of villas and airbnb apartments to suit your needs, budget-wise.

4. Santorini – Volcanic intrigue and the most romantic sunsets

Welcoming almost two million visitors annually, Santorini is a captivating Queen of the Cyclades with impressive volcanic shores, emerald waters, chalky-white architecture, and some of the most arresting sunset views in the world. After suffering a massive earthquake at around 1500 BC that almost wiped the entire island from the face of the Earth, Santorini managed to find its footing again and rebuilt itself from the ground up.

Embracing its past and embedding it in its present, turning it into a pole of attraction, Santorini will bewilder you with its imposing Caldera overlooking the shimmering archipelago, traditional whitewashed villages, idyllic seascapes, and the award-winning wines.

From the vivid and bustling Fira, the capital of the island, and its interesting museums (The Museum of Prehistoric Thira, Megaro Gyzi Museum, and the Santorini Archaeological Museum), intense nightlife, entertainment, gastronomy (do not leave without tasting kleftiko and tomato fritters), and shopping scene, to charming Oia and its breath-taking sunsets, blue-domed churches, art galleries, Venetian fortress remains, and sun-washed, flower-filled verandas, Santorini is a charmer for sure.

Families and couples also love everything about Imerovigli, especially for its unique accommodation (see the elegant cave houses and series of hotels with cave apartments and suites) and low-key vibes. It is also where you can find the Ekklisia Theoskepasti hiking trail. For exceptional caldera views, Firostefani village is just perfect, which also offers a more laid-back lifestyle with wonderful bars, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy. Plus, the 14th-century Agios Nikolaos Monastery.

Regarding the volcanic shores, you could definitely try black-sand Kamari beach, the Red Beach, Vlychada Beach, and lava-shore of Perivolos, each capturing visitors’ hearts with their own unique appeal. Finally, the Akrotiri settlement will let you dive into the island’s volcanic past and give you a glimpse into the magnificent ancient civilisation that could have taken the world over with its pioneering technologies (such as underfloor heating) and organisation.

Where to stay in Santorini: Kivotos Hotels, Angel Luxury Suites, Asha Luxury Suites, Apeiron Blue Santorini, and many other options, such as stylish apartments, cave houses, and B&Bs.

5. Mykonos – Ultimate luxury and Greek island allure

Incredibly cosmopolitan, with an unbelievably world-class visitor-spoiling lifestyle, Mykonos is the main jewel in the Mediterranean Sea’s crown. The earth-renowned party mecca featuring international DJ events and night-long events that never end has been celebs’ playground for more than 50 years. Besides the vibrant and hugely animated night scene, Mykonos also has all the charms of a Greek island, including powdery shores, azure, crystal-clear waters, whitewashed, cubic-shaped houses with bougainvillaea-filled porches, and a refreshing vibe swirling in the air.

Add to all these iconic landmarks and attractions, such as the impressive Windmills overlooking the glistering sea, the picturesque Little Venice area with the Venetian-style seafront houses (turned into bars, restaurants, and cafes), the delightful Armenistis Lighthouse, the narrow cobblestone streets of Mykonos Town, the Aegean Maritime Museum, and Panagia Paraportiani Church and you will still have a very small picture of Mykonos’ true glam and charm.

Not to mention the island’s mascot, super-cute Peter the Pelican, who is seen taking selfies with visitors all the time along the harbour! Speaking of the beach front, the coastline fringing Mykonos is home to more than 60 shores, others more isolated and secluded, such as Ornos, Agios Ioannis, and Ftelia and others more vivid, gay-friendly, and lively, such as Super Paradise, Paradise, Elia, and Paraga.

Water sports facilities, an endless list of water sports, such as fishing, jet skiing, and SUP, exceptionally high levels of spoiling as you enjoy your cocktail or snack while dipping your toes in the golden sand, and quiet fishing villages that are a far cry from their bustling siblings, such as Ano Mera village help comprise a scenery that is just perfect in every sense for families, couples, groups of friends, or even solo travellers looking for a lifetime experience.

Where to stay in Mykonos: Being an ultimately luxury destination, it is important to choose your accommodation wisely because of the sky-high price tags. That being said, booking a hotel suite might be a superb option for a couple or 2-3 friends. For larger groups and families travelling together, opting for an exclusive villa might be the most convenient alternative. For example, we found Villa Chora at Kinglike Concierge’s portfolio, which can sleep up to 8 guests and costs 1900 euros per night  during the high season. It might sound a lot, but you need to consider the added perks, such as the concierge and complementary services and the fact that you have an extravagant villa all for yourself.