However, picking the right island to maximize your vacation experience can take a little work.
Each one has a unique personality.
Some have desolate beaches, others have wild nightlife, and many have must-see cultural attractions.
Beach with clear blue water on a Greek Island.Credit:taniaphotography/Getty Images
Getting Around the Greek Islands
Several of the larger Greek islands have airports.
Thanks toHoper, you might also take a quick helicopter ride from Athens tomany islands or between major islands.
That’s when the weather is at its peak, with warm sunny days and little rainfall.
People swimming off the coast of Milos.Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure
Crete also offers warm weather year-round.
It’s home to more than 70 beaches, each with its own personality.
Dont miss the boat tours around Kleftikos sea caves for an added adventure.
White buildings on the island of Tinos.Rawf8/Getty Images
But there’s much more to this island than its spiritual draw.
Where to Stay:Aeolis Tinos Suitesoffers a boutique experience in Triantaros village.
Each suite blends Cycladic architecture with modern comforts, and the panoramic views of the Aegean are unforgettable.
Sand bar between two islands in Crete, Greece.Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure
Crete
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Creteis the ideal island for groups with diverse interests.
Where to Stay:Phaea Bluein Elounda delivers top-tier elegance with a private beach and a luxurious spa.
Upgrade to a waterfront bungaloweach comes with a fantastic view of Spinalonga island.
Walkway along the water in Corfu, Greece.Chris Marinaccio/Travel + Leisure
The pristine beaches here are plentiful, though Paleokastritsa is a favorite for its spectacular snorkeling.
Where to Stay: AtDomes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, guests can experience plenty of Corfiot elegance.
The adults-only resort features beachfront suites plus a chefs menu focused on local flavors.
Buildings on the hills in Santorini, Greece.Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure
Vineyards flourish on the island, growing grapes you’ll only find here thanks to the unique volcanic soil.
Where to Stay:Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collectionoffers gorgeous suites carved directly into the cliffside.
Mykonos
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Anyone wanting to party in Greece should head directly toMykonos.
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The island is known for its lively nightlife and upscale beach clubs that stay open late.
Expect spacious suites, a serene spa, and a cliffside pool that offers fantastic sea views.
(Water taxis are also a popular option here.)
Buildings on hills overlooking the ocean on Hydra.Anton Petrus/Getty Images
The natural beauty is plentiful here, too, with scenic trails leading to secluded beaches.
Where to Stay:Hotel Leto Hydraoffers a refined experience steps from the waterfront.
The neoclassical mansion-turned-hotel also has a tranquil courtyard for leisurely breakfasts.
Harbor of Paros, Greece.Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure
Paros
Parosis a quintessential Greek island, with both quiet whitewashed buildings and a lively nightlife scene.
Also, don’t miss Naousa, a once-quiet fishing village now packed with restaurants and bars.
Book the Sun Suite, which comes with a private pool.
Ruins in Naxos, Greece.Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure
The islands compact size makes it easy to explore by car or even scooter.
Just get to Skiathos town when the sun goes down to party well into the night.
Where to Stay:Elivi Skiathosis a sleek retreat set on a peninsula with direct access to multiple beaches.
Skiathos harbor along the Aegean Sea.david abrams/Getty Images
Ikaria
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Want to learn how to live to 100 years old?
Where to Stay: Ikaria has limited high-end properties, but theCavos Bay Hotelis more than good enough.
It offers sea-view rooms, a glittering pool, and a lovely waterfront location that checks all the boxes.
Small hidden beach on Ikaria, Greece.Gatsi/Getty Images
However, there’s much more to do here than one dive.
And its capital, Zakynthos town, is another Greek island that shows off both Venetian and Byzantine influences.
The property even has an exclusive beachfront, a spa, and an on-site restaurant highlighting local island produce.
Aerial view of wrecked ship on the coast of Zakynthos.Artur Debat/Getty Images
It even has its own ancient acropolis that attracts day-trippers.
Kos
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Kos is the place to be if you need some healing.
The island also has its own sandy beaches, from quiet coves to bustling stretches lined with beach bars.
Old castle in Rhodes, Greece.Angelina Pilarinos/Travel + Leisure
Come explore its Old Harbor area, which features grand captains mansions and a bustling promenade.
Where to Stay: For a classic stay, book a few nights at thePoseidonion Grand Hotel.
Come sing your favorite tunes in its forests or by its emerald waters.
Ruins of the Basilica St. Stefanos on Kastri, Greece.Simon Dannhauer/Getty Images
Find Byzantine-era churches and charming tavernas tucked in its narrow alleyways, all serving the islands specialty cheese pie.
Where to Stay: Surrounded by greenery,Adrina Resort & Spaprovides a hillside escape with private beach access.
Expect panoramic sea views, a seawater pool, and a full-service spa within its peaceful setting.
Colorful buildings on the coast of Kefalonia.miljko/Getty Images
It’s also filled with medieval villages like Mesta and Pyrgi, known for their distinctive black-and-white geometric facades.
Where to Stay: TheChios Chandris Hotelsits just by the waterfront in Chios town.
letting guests enjoy the views from the balcony rooms and sample local specialties at the on-site restaurant.
Pebble beach and umbrellas on Spetses Island.RUBEN RAMOS/Getty Images
The island is notable for both its culinary tradition that includes chickpea soup and its exquisite ceramics.
A pebble beach on the coast of Skopelos.LAURENTIU BRATU/Getty Images
Empty pedestrian street in Chios, Greece.Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure
White and blue buildings in Sifnos, Greece.papadimitriou/Getty Images
Church in Patmos, Greece.Freeartist/Getty Images
