Greek island holidays

A beautiful beach in Greece looking out to the sea

Best hotels in Greek islands

Greek island holidays remain the top choice for sun lovers, foodies and adventure seekers. With balmy sunshine, ancient sites and harbourside tavernas, these rugged beauties know just how to reel you in.

And when you’re not lapping up blue skies on sandy coastlines, or trekking through whitewashed mountain villages, you’ve got the best nightlife in the Mediterranean at your feet. From their stunning good looks to the endless things to do, it’s no wonder Greek island holidays are a summertime favourite.

Greek islands at a glance

• Watch the sunset over the blue domes in Santorini

• Rub shoulders with A-listers in party hub Mykonos

• See loggerhead turtles in under-the-radar Kefalonia

• Uncover the medieval city of Rhodes

All the Greek islands have their own unique charm, but which is right for you? Let's dive in...

Best Greek island holidays for hopping

• Crete

• Kos

• Corfu

Always fancied island hopping? Why not pack multiple destinations into your Greek island holiday? Touch down in Crete and board the direct ferries for a day trip to Santorini, or from Kos to Rhodes. Or stay in Kavos and springboard to the tiny islands of Paxos and Antipaxos.

Best Greek island holidays for peace and quiet

• Kefalonia

• Lefkas

In search of less touristy Greek island holidays? Step away from it all with a peaceful stay in Kefalonia. You can spot sea turtles in Katelios Bay, ride horses through the Sami mountains and descend into the Drogarati caves, 60 metres below ground.

Laid-back Lefkas (or Lefkada) is another under-the-radar destination for those seeking quieter holidays to the Greek islands. This rugged beauty boasts pastel-coloured boulevards, fringed by wild waterfalls and striking natural caverns.

Best Greek island holidays for romance

• Santorini

• Corfu

For first-timers and romantics, Santorini is a must. All blue-dome chapels and whitewashed walkways, this has to be one of the most magical Greek island holidays for couples. Take the 300-step descent down to Amoudi Bay for a swoon-worthy sunset stroll.

Corfu is another island that will sweep you off your feet! Fall in love with sunbathing sessions in the Kassiopi Coves and horse rides through the olive groves in Sidari.

Best Greek island holidays for party animals

• Mykonos

• Kos

Holidays to the Greek islands aren’t limited to sun lounging and feta-eating. If you’re looking for a party scene to rival Ibiza, Mykonos is it! Behind its pretty facade, this island is host to the wildest celeb hotspot in the Med.

Kos is another must-visit nightlife hub with superstar club nights and lively bars. For all-night blowouts, make your way to Kardamena.

Best Greek island holidays for families with kids

• Rhodes

• Zante

Rhodes is one of the best Greek islands to explore with the kids. Alongside its sheltered beaches and shallow waters, its Old Town feels like an endless museum, with knights and ancient relics galore.

Away from party-central Laganas, Zante is another one of the best Greek islands for a family holiday. Watch turtles nesting on Kalamaki Beach, find thrills at Water Village and take in the sights from the Trainaki train. Why not make the most of your trip with a Greek island holiday package.

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11°C - 38°C

Sun-seekers rejoice! You can soak up balmy temperatures from June and August. For cooler days, book your Greek island holidays for spring or autumn.

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Approximately four hoursThe main Greek islands have their own airports, with varying transfer times. See our individual destination guides for more information.

Types of holidays in Greece

Map of Greek islands

The Greek islands are best for...

History buffs: A Greek island holiday is perfect for history lovers. With a rich ancient heritage, archaeological treasures like the Acropolis, Minoan ruins, and Byzantine churches, you can immerse yourself in millennia of captivating culture.

Sun-seekers: Stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant sunshine. The islands' idyllic coastal scenery and warm Mediterranean climate is made for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation.

Families: With a mix of child-friendly beaches, family-oriented resorts, and attractions like water parks, boat trips, and cultural sites, a Greek island holiday is a must for families.

Getting around the Greek islands

By public transport: Most Greek islands don’t have a rail network. But you can visit the main towns, villages and attractions using local bus services.

By ferry: One of the best ways to experience the Greek islands is by boat. You can book a ferry to nearby islands, or a boat trip to uncover nearby islets and hidden coves.

By car/ scooter: If you want to explore as much of the island you're visiting, hiring a car or scooter will give you so much flexibility. Remember to drive on the right!

Fast facts for the Greek Islands

Language: The official language spoken in Greece is Greek. While English is widely spoken in most resorts, locals in more rural areas may have a limited use of English, so it’s always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Greek.

Currency: The currency in Greece is the Euro (EUR).

Local time: The Greek islands are 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: The main Greek islands have their own airports, with varying transfer times. See our individual destination guides for more information.

Flight time from the UK: The average flight time to the Greek islands is 3 to 4.5 hours from the UK.

Tourist information: You can find more tourist information on the official website for tourism in Greece.

Travel advice: You can check out the latest advice before you travel by heading to The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Events on the Greek Islands

Corfu: The Corfu Carnival, a lively festival in February/March, features colourful parades, music, and dancing, with locals and visitors celebrating together in vibrant costumes.

Crete: The Cretan Diet Festival, held in summer, showcases the island's culinary traditions with local delicacies, wine tasting, and cooking demonstrations for foodies.

Rhodes: The Medieval Rose Festival, occurring in May, brings Rhodes' rich history to life with medieval reenactments, jousting tournaments, music, and theatre.

Greek island safety and security

Do I need a passport?

You will need to carry a full UK passport when travelling to the Greek islands. You can find out more about passport validity with our handy guide.

Do I need a visa?

If you are a British citizen you won’t need a visa to visit the Greek islands as a tourist. For up-to-date advice on entry requirements please visit the FCDO website.

Should I get travel health insurance?

It’s always recommended to take out travel health insurance. This will protect you financially in the case of an accident or illness while on holiday. Travel insurance helps pay towards the cost of things like medicine, treatment and even returning to the UK, if necessary. Always check your policy to see what your cover includes.

For up-to-date advice on travelling to the Greek islands, please visit the FCDO website.

Greek islands weather

Temperature: The temperature averages from 10°C in the winter to 28°C in the summer.

Best time to go?

Between June and the end of August, the weather in Greece hovers arounds the mid 30s. The sun-drenched days create an ideal setting for beach lovers, while cool sea breezes provide some relief. March and May cool off to a pleasant 24 - 25°C. Clear skies and minimal rainfall make it a paradise for outdoor activities and exploring ancient ruins.

More hotels in Greek islands

Discover the best destinations to visit in Greek islands

RhodesAn ancient island rich in stunning beaches and lively nights

CorfuGreen hillsides, hidden coves and legendary nightlife

KefaloniaWhite sandy beaches and picture-perfect villages

ZanteRich in culture and famed for its beaches

KosFamily-friendly island with lots to explore

SkiathosSmall but perfectly-formed slice of Greek island life

SantoriniThe quintessential blue-domed roofs of your Greek dreams

CreteAbundant history and culture on this captivating island

FAQs

Which is the safest Greek island to visit?

Greece is generally a safe country for travellers, as are most of its islands. Some islands are known for their lower crime rates and safety, making them popular destinations for tourists.

One of the safest being Naxos, located in the Cyclades. Naxos is known for its friendly locals and tranquil atmosphere. Other safe Greek islands include Paros, Skiathos, and Skopelos. These islands offer a relaxing and peaceful environment, as well as beautiful beaches and stunning scenery.

Crete, Rhodes, Zante and Corfu are generally considered safe to visit for tourists. However, travellers should still exercise basic safety precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings and belongings.

What is the nicest Greek island to visit?

The nicest Greek island to visit depends on what you’re looking for. Santorini is without a doubt the best for honeymooners, with its romantic views over the famous caldera (volcanic crater), white-washed cave houses and iconic blue domes. Best for its cosmopolitan vibes is Corfu.

Amongst the verdant landscapes, rolling olive groves and pastel villages are vogue cocktail bars and world-renowned bistros. The best Greek island for families is Kefalonia. Loved for its laid-back sandy beaches (Avithos, Trapezaki and Lourdata), marine life, underwater lakes and short flight times.

Which Greek island is the cheapest?

The cost of travelling in Greece will vary greatly by destination and time of year, but there are some islands that are generally considered more affordable than others. One of the cheapest Greek islands to visit is Crete, which offers a mix of sandy beaches, spectacular natural scenery, and those traditional sleepy villages.

Paros and Naxos are the low-key affordable islands with a laid-back atmosphere, cheaper authentic food and plenty of pretty villages and ancient sights to explore. Ultimately, the cost of travelling in Greece will depend on your travel style, but these islands can offer great value for budget-conscious travellers.