Thinking of booking a last minute getaway, or some guaranteed sun for next year? Then you can't go wrong with one of these Greek islands.
Short on time? Let us summarise this guide for you.
Not sure which Greek island to book? You're not alone — with thousands to choose from, it's overwhelming. So we've done the hard work and narrowed it down to 16 of the best. Whether you're after Santorini's world-famous sunsets, Rhodes' medieval old town, Corfu's Venetian charm or Zante's laid-back beaches, there's something here for every kind of holiday. We've also thrown in the lesser-known gems — Milos, Sifnos, Nisyros — for anyone who wants to go beyond the obvious. Flight times, top tips and ferry routes included.
Whether you're dreaming of sun-drenched beaches, freshly grilled octopus by the harbour, or wandering through millennia-old ruins, Greece's islands offer something truly special. And with 16 brilliant options to choose from, why limit yourself to just one?
Rhodes (known to locals as 'Ro-dos') is the fourth-largest Greek island and the undisputed jewel of the Dodecanese. From its UNESCO-listed medieval old town — where crusader walls and cobbled streets have stood for centuries — to the crystal-clear waters lapping at Lindos Beach, it's a destination that effortlessly blends history with holiday. We were lucky enough to visit whilst filming one of our travel guides, and it's safe to say Rhodes left a lasting impression on us.
Check out the guide for everything you need to know about a holiday in Rhodes, but our number one tip is to make sure you visit the old town - this is the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe, and you can spend hours wandering the streets and taking in the sights of this famous walled city.
Though we think Rhodes is worth visiting in its own right, it's also the gateway to the smaller Dodecanese islands which aren't directly reachable from the UK. There are ferry services that run throughout the islands, so here's a quick guide to some of the islands you can explore.
Halki (approx. 1 hr 15 mins) The smallest and quietest of the islands - visit for secluded beaches reachable on foot, seafront tavernas, historic ruins and an 'authentic' Greek experience.
Tilos (approx. 2 hrs) One of the most curious bits of trivia for the Greek islands, Tilos was home to Dwarf elephants and is the last place elephants lived in Europe. We're not making this up, really!
Nisyros (approx. 4 hrs) Nisyros is an active volcanic islands and one of the easiest volcanoes to visit - it last erupted in the 1880s. This has made it a unique landscape, with almost moon-scape craters and thermal springs you can bathe in.
Symi (approx. 2 hrs) Visit for the colourful harbour at Symi Town, the 18th-century Monastery and of course its beaches!
Santorini has long been our most popular Greek island, and it's not hard to see why. Perched in the southern Aegean, this extraordinary island was forged by a catastrophic volcanic eruption in the 16th century, and the evidence is breathtaking. That world-famous bay is actually a vast volcanic caldera, its sheer cliffs plunging hundreds of metres into the deep blue sea — creating the kind of dramatic, picture-perfect scenery that stops you in your tracks. From the whitewashed clifftop villages of Oia and Fira to those legendary sunsets, Santorini delivers on every promise.
As well as perfect views and warm, blue seas, Santorini has a number of resorts and towns to explore conveniently scattered over the small island, all easily accessible by car.
On the opposite side of Greece (to the west) is the island of Corfu. Situated not far off the mainland this is an island which has been influenced by Venetian, French and British culture throughout its long history. This means it has some distinct architecture you might not find elsewhere in the Greek islands - such as the Liston Arcade which was built under French rule in the 1800s.
As with every Greek island, there are also a number of beautiful beaches to visit - some of the most popular can be found at Avlaki, Paralia Issos and Agios Georgios.
Zante remains one of Greece's most beloved island escapes, and it's easy to see why. Just three and a half hours from London, it strikes the perfect balance between lively and laid-back — far less hectic than Mykonos or Ios, yet still brimming with character. If you're after direct flights to somewhere that feels genuinely, authentically Greek, Zante should be at the top of your list.
Skiathos has become a popular spot for party-goers with its great beaches and excellent nightlife. So if that's your scene, head to Skiathos Town where you'll be spoiled for choice. If you're looking for something a little more laidback or cultural then we suggest heading to some of the museum and monasteries you can visit on the island - such as the Evangelistria Monastery. For something a little special head to Paralia Lalaria, this is a spectacular white-pebble beach that you can only reach by boat.
Bonus: Are you a fan of Mamma Mia? Then only a short ferry ride away (about 30 minutes) is the smaller island of Skopelos, the main filming location - some say you can still hear the echoes of Pierce Brosnan's 'singing'.
Made famous as being the setting of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Kefalonia is in the Ionian sea to the west of mainland Greece. This island is characterized by limestone cliffs and small bays with secluded beaches (top tip - make sure to visit Fteri Beach, it's absolutely stunning!). One of the top things to do on the island is to visit Melissani Cave - where you'll find a crystal clear blue lake nestled within a cave. We're sure you've seen this one all over Instagram!
Whilst you're staying in Kefalonia we definitely recommended a trip to nearby Ithaca, famously known as the home of Odysseus and the story of his journey back there after the Trojan War is where we get the word odyssey from. This small island is one of the most untouched of the Ionian islands, and you'll find yourself wanting to stay as you swim in the blue waters or explore the small but charming villages.
Last, but by no means least, there's Kos. To the east of Greece in the Dodecanese archipelago, the island is a stones throw from Bodrum the famous Turkish resort. Kos brings you an excellent blend of culture and relaxation - with some gorgeous beaches to choose from but also some excellent historic sites, such as the Plane tree of Hippocrates and the Asklepion. If you're travelling with kids (or big kids!), then there's also a couple of water park on the island - great to keep everyone entertained when you tire of the beach.
Though these islands can also be reached by ferry from Rhodes, the ferry time is much shorter from Kos. So hope on a ferry and get away from the crowds.
Kalymnos (approx. 1hr 20 mins) Visit for a laid-back holiday with beaches, diving, rock climbing and excellent tavernas.
Patmos (approx. 5hrs 20 mins) Known as the location in which the apostle John wrote the Book of Revelations, this is a significant site of Christian pilgrimage. There's a stunning cliff-top fortress which overlooks the Old town below.
There is of course always the option to fly directly to Athens and then catch a ferry from there. The main port is Piraeus and from there you can travel to the Cyclades.
Sifnos (approx. 2 hrs 25 mins) Sifnos is a foodie heaven, so if you like greek food this is the island to go to, make sure you try the bourekia (it's an almond, honey and cinnamon pastry). It's a romantic getaway heaven, and we recommend it as an alternative to the crowded Santorini.
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