Greek islands are some of the most amazing travel destinations in Europe and depending on what your situation is… a trip to a greek island might be the perfect trip for you.

But not all greek islands are the same.

And I can tell you that because I am actually Greek and I have been to almost all of them.

(yes…you will find greek island travel guides on the internet from people who have been there once or twice). 

So, I am explaining here what are the differences and what is the best greek island for you depending on your situation and who are you traveling with.

Best Greek Island for Honeymoon: Santorini, Skiathos

Best Greek Island for Families: Naxos, Allonisos, Rhodes, Paros

Best Greek Island for Partying / Nightlife : Mykonos, Skiathos

Best Greek Island for solo travellers and singles: Mykonos, Ios, Paros, Skiathos

Best Greek Island for elderly and seniors: Naxos, Paros

Best Greek Island for Teenagers: Ios, Paros, Skiathos

Best Greek Island for culture, history and museums : Crete

Best Greek Island for Hiking: Crete , Naxos, Santorini

Best Greek Island for Beaches and Beach Bars: Mykonos, Naxos, Crete

Best Greek Island to be away from tourists and cruise ships: Naxos, Amorgos, Folegandros, Alonisos

Best Greek island closer to Athens: Hydra, Spetses, Egina

Best Greek Island for Wine-tasting and Winetours: Santorini

Best Greek Island for Foodies: food will be amazing everywhere (but I can give a small edge to Naxos…)

Best Greek Island for greenery and landscapes: Corfu, Zante (Zakynthos) , Kefalonia, Lefkada, Crete

Best Greek Island for Outdoor and Extreme Activities: Santorini, Crete, Rhodes

Most Romantic Greek Island: Santorini

Famous Navaghio Beach: in Zante island (also called Zakynthos)

1. Santorini

Santorini is probably the most famous greek island and there are many good reasons for that. Believe all the hype and all the instagram pictures you have seen. This island is amazing and you have to visit it!When it comes to honeymooners, Santorini is the place to enjoy your ideal honeymoon as the island offers some of the best honeymoon hotels in Europe. It is the ideal location for couples but it has lots of things to do for families and solo travellers. There is a ton of things to do in Santorini and there is no shortage of activities and restaurants you can visit and enjoy a romantic dinner.

How to Get to Santorini island:

• With a 5hrs or 8hrs direct ferry from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina ports) – Book your Ferry ticket to Santorini here – read more here
• With a direct 1hr flight from Athens (all year)  – you can book on Expedia (Santorini airport JTR)
• With a direct flight from all the major European capitals (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Rome) – only during the high season between April and October mostly (always check Expedia because the flights change every year)

Best Hotels in Santorini:

• Cosmopolitan Suites
• Grace Hotel Santorini
• Maregio Suites 

Where to Stay in Santorini

• The best area to stay in Santorini is called Imerovigli.
• Oia is packed with tourists and I do not recommend it.
• The sunset is the same from Imerovigli and also from Fira.
• The best hotels of Santorini are located at Imerovigli.
• If you cannot afford Imerovigli (get prepared to pay at least $200/night unfortunately) then you can stay at a hotel close to the beach *but you won’t have the famous Santorini views). You can stay at Perissa or Kamari (Best affordable hotel in Perissa is: xxxxx)

Best Time to Visit Santorini:

• The best time to visit Santorini is late September, early October or early June where the sea water will still be warm enough to swim, all businesses/hotels are still open (this is still high season) and you won’t find the millions of tourists that July and August have.
• If you visit Santorini in the winter (between November-May) then you won’ t be able to swim in the sea and you may get strong winds and cold weather (below 10 degrees Celsius)

Best Things to Do in Santorini:

• Winetasting
• Enjoy the beach life and the beach bars at the famous Red Beach, Kamari beach, Perivolos Beach
• Sunset Cruise
• Hike the path from Fira to Oia
• Visit the Eros Beach Bar
• Visit the famous Franco’s Bar (in Fira and in Pyrgos town)
• Visit the famous Pyrgos village
• Nightlife at Fira
• Rent a quad (ATV) and go on a road trip to visit the secret

Best Restaurants in Santorini:

• Metaxy Mas
• Xxxx
• Xxxxx
• Xxxxx
• Xxxxx
• Xxxxx
• xxxxx

2. Mykonos

Mykonos is probably the second most famous greek island with millions of tourists every year. Mykonos is all about the amazing nightlife, incredible parties, celebrities boats and private beaches. Mykonos though has some of the most amazing beaches and beach bars you will find in the world.  Some of the most famous chefs in the world have established restaurants in Mykonos and some of the most famous DJs play every year in the nightclubs of Mykonos. But Mykonos is not only about partying. The island offers amazing opportunities for a relaxing trip as it has some of the best hotels in Greece with incredible 5 star service and amenities. Also, Mykonos town is one of the most picturesque and cute among the greek islands.

How to Get to Mykonos island:

• With a 3hrs or 5hrs direct ferry from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina ports) – Book your Ferry ticket to Mykonos here
• With a direct 1hr flight from Athens (all year)  – you can book on Expedia (Santorini airport JMT)
• With a direct flight from all the major European capitals (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Rome) – only during the high season between April and October mostly (always check Expedia because the flights change every year)

Best Hotels in Mykonos:

• Hotel 1
• Hotel 2
• Hotel 3

Where to Stay in Mykonos

• The best area to stay in Mykonos is Mykonos Town.
• This is where everything is happening.

Best Time to Visit Mykonos:

Best Things to Do in Mykonos:

MORE SECRETS:

• Where to stay in Santorini 

• Santorini or Mykonos ?

• Top 10 Best Hotels in Oia

• 5 greek islands near Santorini

• How to get from Santorini to Mykonos

• Best Beaches of Santorini

• 16 Best Wineries & Wine Tours of Santorini