It has to be said, the Greeks have hospitality down to a fine art. Add long, sun-soaked days, exceptional food and an island to suit just about everyone, and it’s little wonder Greece continues to lure travellers back to its idyllic shores time and again.
With hundreds of islands scattered across the Ionian and Aegean Seas, choosing where to go can feel a little overwhelming. To save you the research (we haven’t quite made it to all of them…yet), we’ve narrowed it down to our favourites – from easy-going family islands and under-the-radar havens to places made for switching off completely or escaping to somewhere more romantic.
We can help with villas, boutique hotels, family focused hotels and yachts.
PAXOS
For a tiny island, Paxos has big character. Effortlessly charming, it’s best explored by boat, with a dramatic coastline of giant caves to steer into or swim through, and beaches that feel close to paradise. Its little sister, Antipaxos, dazzles with luminous waters and heavenly swimming spots. Days drift by with long lunches in Lakka or Longos, before easy, late evenings in Gaios’ lively square. Home to some of the Ionian’s finest villas, Paxos is ideal for relaxed, stylish stays and is a firm favourite with families, particularly those travelling with teenagers
CORFU
Corfu is a brilliant choice for families of all ages, with the added ease of direct flights from the UK. Whether you prefer relaxed days by the beach or pool, or exploring the island, there’s plenty to suit every pace.
The historic charm of Corfu Town, sandy coves and excellent tavernas make it one of the Ionian’s most appealing islands. Choose between a private villa or one of Greece’s most family-friendly five-star beach resorts, with outstanding children’s clubs and a truly easy holiday feel.
KEFALONIA
This Ionian island never fails to surprise. Best explored by boat, its dramatic pine-clad mountains, hidden coves and beaches contrast beautifully with the cosmopolitan harbour town of Fiskardo. Its proximity to Zakynthos makes it an easy addition to a wider Ionian itinerary, while island-hopping to Ithaca or the uninhabited islets of Arkoudi and Atokos offers a wonderful sense of escape.
ZAKYNTHOS
Many of us have been returning here with our families for years. A close neighbour of Kefalonia with a more vibrant social scene, it is home to the Peligoni Club, with its outstanding villa collection and wide range of activities for all ages. It remains one of our favourite Greek destinations for multi-generational travel, and one we never tire of revisiting.
PAROS & ANTIPAROS
These two sister islands ooze Cycladic charm, and come with their fair share of beautiful beaches. They also have a reputation for incredible cuisine, with exceptional tavernas and high end restaurants. Paros is known for its cool, boutique-style properties, and in our view the closer you are to Naoussa, the better. Evenings are easily spent wandering its lanes and dining at some of the island’s best tables. Antiparos, by contrast, offers true escapism.
FOLEGANDROS
For those seeking an off the beaten track destination with a sleepy and truly unspoilt feel, this tiny volcanic Cycladic island is the one to head for. Only reachable by boat, and with just one road across it, its secluded beaches are only accessible by path or from the water. In our view, it’s best suited to adults, or families with younger children happy to spend slow days by the pool, simply switching off.
NAXOS
For some of the best beaches in the Cyclades, Naxos is your island. Even with flights direct from Athens, it feels like one of Greece’s best kept secrets. More verdant than its sister islands, and dotted with fortifications and temples, it’s laid-back, authentic and fabulous value. It’s also an ideal island for hiking, mountain biking and exploring, and throughout the summer it comes alive with traditional festivals.
TINOS
We first visited this island last year and immediately wondered why it had taken us so long to discover it. With no airport (always a good sign in our book), it feels like a glimpse of Greece as it once was. Terraced hills dotted with cypress trees tumble towards the sea, tiny whitewashed villages cling to the landscape, and little churches and chapels appear on hilltops and along winding paths. The scenery is dramatic, the atmosphere seductively remote, and the whole island feels beautifully untouched.
CRETE
For couples after culture and exploration, or families looking for 5* pampering, Crete comes top of the list. Home to ancient archaeological wonders, coral pink and golden beaches fringed by palm groves, a stunning interior of mountains and gorges peppered with historic villages and monasteries, the island has the perfect mix. Soak up the sun from a hammock on the stylish north east coast, or indulge yourself at one of the larger all-inclusive resorts. We save this gem for later on in the year – when the rest of the country is cooling down for the winter, Crete can still provide the last rays of sun.