Which Greek island is right for you?
Whether you’re after adventure, culture, relaxation or entertainment, our match-making guide will help pinpoint the best Greek Island for you.
Whether you’re after adventure, culture, relaxation or entertainment, our match-making guide will help pinpoint the best Greek Island for you.
Greece boasts more than 200 inhabited islands, which offer diverse landscapes and a rich history for travellers.
From the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos to the romantic sunsets of Santorini and the tranquil charm of Symi, each has its own appeal.
So, to help you narrow down your choice of holiday, whether you’re after adventure, culture or pure relaxation, we’ve got our match-making guide to the Greek islands for 2026, to help you find your perfect holiday destination.
Best for: Authenticity, scenery, hidden beaches
Under-the-radar Symi is a compact, picturesque isle in the Dodecanese Islands – a popular day trip option from Rhodes. The star turn here is harbourfront Symi Town (pictured), whose pastel-coloured neoclassical houses cling to a leafy hillside. Grab a waterside table at one of the tavernas or head into the winding backstreets to shop for local crafts and olive oil.
Other Symi attractions include dazzling beaches like Nanou and Agia Marina, which can only be reached by boat. And on the southwest coast, you’ll find the 18th-century Panormitis Monastery, a major Greek Orthodox pilgrimage site with an interesting Byzantine museum.
Best for: Snorkelling, history, virgin beaches
Another tranquil gem belonging to the Dodecanese group, the lesser-known island of Leros is Greece on a go-slow, and an easy one-and-a-half-hour ferry ride across the Aegean from lively Kos. The island has a ruggedly beautiful coastline, revealing hidden coves, unspoiled beaches, and crystal-clear waters just right for swimming and snorkelling.
It’s got a rich history, too – Byzantine castles and World War II fortifications pepper the landscapes, giving visitors a sense of its storied past. There are also dinky waterfront villages like Agia Marina and Panteli, which provide the backdrop for leisurely lunches and peaceful strolls.
Fancy two weeks travelling between three gorgeous Greek islands? Walk the pathways of medieval Rhodes, cruise along the craggy coastline of Symi (including entrance to Panormitis monastery) and see the sweeping island views from the Byzantine castle on Leros.
It’s all waiting for you in this wonderful island-hopping holiday from Saga.
Best for: Sunsets, romance, wine tasting
The poster child of the Greek Islands, Santorini is famous for its dramatic caldera, whitewashed villages and spectacular sunsets. The island blends romance, history and volcanic landscapes, so it’s a top choice for couples, photographers and culture lovers alike. Days here can include savouring seafood in the clifftop eateries at Oia (pictured), admiring Thira’s blue-domed churches, or exploring the archaeological treasures of Akrotiri.
Beach lovers can choose from striking variations like the black sands of Kamari and the rose-hued cliffs at Red Beach. Santorini also offers excellent wine tasting, thanks to its volcanic soil, as well as countless boutique hotels and villas.
Best for: Celebrity spotting, nightlife, stylish hotels
Mykonos has long been considered the starlet of the Greek Islands, attracting A-listers like Grace Kelly, Jackie O and The Rolling Stones since the 1960s. This once-sleepy isle has evolved into a cosmopolitan playground, with the capital, Mykonos Town, at its heart. Here, the winding cobbled streets are brimming with designer boutiques, cocktail bars and upscale restaurants, with international names like Nobu and Coya setting up camp here in recent years.
There’s no shortage of stylish accommodation, either – take your pick from luxurious resorts, sleek boutique hotels and contemporary villas. All that said, the island offers plenty in the way of Greek charm – you’ll find authentic tavernas, sugar-cube villages and footprint-free beaches, too.
Enjoy the highlights of Mykonos on this 11-day cruise and tour from Saga.
After three days exploring the iconic landmarks of Athens, you'll join a cruise to visit Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and Crete and other timeless destinations.
Best for: Sleepy villages, beautiful countryside, peace and quiet
Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, is a match made in heaven if you’re looking for an authentic slice of Greece without the crowds. The scenery here ranges from thick forests and rolling hills to picture-perfect beaches like Myrtos and Antisamos (these often top lists of Greece’s most beautiful).
The island has a slower pace than others, with cosy tavernas, superb wine and welcoming locals. Active types will find plenty to do, though – such as exploring Melissani Cave, hiking Mount Ainos, or visiting picturesque villages like Assos and Fiskardo.
Best for: Ancient sites, golden beaches, Venetian architecture
Crete is proof that good things don’t always come in small packages. The largest of the Greek Islands, this diverse offering fits firmly into the something-for-everyone category. History lovers flock here to visit the ancient Minoan ruins of Knossos, as well as Venetian towns like Chania and Rethymnon.
Sun-seekers can choose from more than 150 blue flag beaches, which unravel over a 650-mile-long coastline. And nature enthusiasts can hike the dramatic Samaria Gorge – one of the longest in Europe.
With bustling towns, serene villages, and warm, hospitable locals, Crete is perfect for travellers seeking a mix of adventure, culture and traditional island life.
Relaxation is taken to new heights at this elevated sea-facing resort, which is perched above Hersonissos. There are six swimming pools – including an Olympic-sized number – and immaculately manicured gardens.
There’s also Greek and international dining, multiple bars, and a shuttle to the nearby beach. Crete’s cultural highlights and atmospheric tavernas are within easy reach, too.
Best for: Nature, walking, wining and dining
Corfu has been dubbed the Emerald Isle, so-called due to its interior of olive groves, cypress trees and wildflower meadows.
Like Rhodes, its old town is a World Heritage Site, full of Venetian fortresses, pastel-hued houses and spindly alleyways that open onto cobbled squares full of cafés and restaurants. You’ll find a mix of cuisines – the island’s fusion of Greek, Italian and French influences is reflected in its food and laid-back sophistication.
Beyond the capital, there are hidden coves, gorgeous beaches like Paleokastritsa and Glyfada, and mountain villages that look like they’ve been frozen in time.
Best for: Sunshine, history, natural beauty
With an average of more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Rhodes is one of the most visited Greek Islands – and a must if you’re in need of some vitamin D.
The east coast is home to most of the holiday resorts, thanks to a never-ending belt of golden sand. It’s where you’ll find hotspots like Lindos (pictured), a whitewashed town sandwiched between turquoise shallows and a majestic hilltop acropolis. Rhodes’ most celebrated historic landmark, its ruins date back to the 4th century BC.
Speaking of history, the island’s UNESCO-protected old town is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities – a maze of cobbled streets, Gothic architecture and Ottoman influences cocooned by stone walls.
Love hiking and exploring? Head inland for green valleys and forested hills.
This sprawling resort is perched on the golden sands of Ialyssos Bay. Guests can take their pick from four inviting pools, including a tranquil adults-only option, and enjoy varied dining thanks to two à la carte restaurants and a buffet eatery.
A Saga lounge and fitness facilities are also highlights, and Rhodes’ UNESCO-listed old town is just a 20-minute drive away.
(Hero image credit: Getty)
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