Greek Island Holidays

Holidays to the Greek islands are all about adventures and making memories, and the great outdoors offers plenty of opportunities.

• Walk amongst butterflies in Rhodes: Discover the Valley of the Butterflies, a beautiful nature reserve with pretty pathways and rickety bridges weaving around small waterfalls and ponds. Admire the colours of the butterflies as you listen to the gentle splashes of water and quiet chirping around you.
• Scuba dive in Zante: The Aegean and Ionian Seas are magical for divers and snorkellers. Helped by Zante’s large protected south coast, the waters have an abundance of wildlife, such as sea turtles and monk seals, several fascinating shipwrecks and hidden underwater caves.
• Hike in Crete’s White Mountains: Discover Crete’s lush, green landscape away from the heavenly beaches. Hike the 16km path between the soaring cliffs and along the narrow passageways of Samaria Gorge, one of the longest in Europe.
• Cool off at a waterpark: Many Greek islands have exciting waterparks where you can get an adrenaline rush from daring slides and float around lazy rivers. At Aqualand in Corfu, younger children can play in the Fantasy Island area while the older kids race down the fast flumes.
• Rock climb in Kalymnos: A hidden gem with serene, unspoiled beaches, rugged Kalymnos has escaped mass tourism. However, the rocky landscape has made it one of the best rock-climbing destinations worldwide.

With castles, ancient ruins and rustic old towns, the historical sites on the Greek islands rival those from mainland Greece and incredible Athens.

• Minoan Palace of Knossos, Crete: The ancient city of Knossos was the centre of the Minoan, the earliest Aegean civilisation in Crete. Visit the Palace of Knossos to discover massive columns and frescoes at the restored archaeological site.
• The Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri, Santorini: A huge volcanic explosion in 1627 BC covered the settlement of Akrotiri in a thick layer of ash, in turn preserving what lay beneath it. Today, it’s an archaeological time capsule showcasing ancient buildings, paintings and objects.
• Corfu Old Town: Stroll along the neoclassical streets of the UNESCO-listed site, Corfu Town. You’ll spot Venetian influences in the buildings, and the elaborately decorated old churches are worth a look. The Old Fortress is a must-see, with incredible views of the old town from the viewpoint.
• The sacred island of Delos: A short ferry ride from Mykonos will take you to the uninhabited Delos Island. The mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis houses a myriad of scattered ruins and a museum filled with Greek sculptures.
• Ancient Agora, Kos: The excavation area of Kos Ancient Agora features ruins such as baths, temples, columns and mosaics. The site would’ve been a meeting point and marketplace for ancient Greeks.

Golden sands, azure waters and spectacular scenery – it’s hard to pick the most-loved Greek island beaches.

• Elafonissi Beach, Crete: Crushed seashells give the impression of pink-tinged sands at gorgeous Elafonissi. The crystal-clear water completes this paradise beach location on the southern coast of Crete.
• Shipwreck Beach, Zante: Officially called Navagio Beach, a washed-up shipwreck on the sands has made this bay one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Towering cliffs surround the beach, so you have to use a boat to reach it or admire the views from above.
• Paradise Beach, Mykonos: Trendy Paradise Beach is famous for its luxurious party scene. Listen to live DJs as you dance on the golden sand, sip on 2-for-1 cocktails and whizz across the aquamarine waters with a range of water sports.
• Paleokastritsa, Corfu: With a backdrop of olive trees, Paleokastritsa is a cluster of 6 sandy and pebbly beaches. Explore the blue-green water by pedalo or kayak, take in the coastal scenery or head beneath the waves with guidance from a local diving school.
• Saint Paul’s Bay, Rhodes: Picturesque Saint Paul’s is surrounded by cliffs with the ancient ruins of the Acropolis of Lindos standing tall to one side. The clear water is ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

From luscious Hollywood settings to black-sand landscapes, here’s a roundup of the most unusual Greek island beaches.

• Film locations: Kastani Beach on the southwest coast of Skopelos was the setting for Mamma Mia!. You’ll also recognise locations on the neighbouring island of Skiathos. The white, pebbled shore of Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia was the setting for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
• Unspoiled beauties: A protected cedar forest fringes the Alyko Beach in Naxos. Left relatively untouched by mass tourism, the white sand and turquoise waters are pure paradise. Lefkada, also known as Lefkas, has been named the Caribbean of Greece thanks to its unspoiled sandy beaches with exotic blue waters. The island of Paros also has charming bays with soft golden sands and plenty of secluded spots.
• Volcanic beaches: A volcanic eruption from thousands of years ago has shaped the landscape of the beautiful island of Santorini. The clear, blue sea laps ash-black sand on Perivolos Beach and, at Red Beach, the shore is covered in red and black volcanic rock.
• Historic sites: The photogenic beach of Agios Stefanos in Kos is popular with scuba divers and swimmers, but that’s not what makes it unique. Right on the sands are the ruins of a 5th and 6th-century basilica featuring grand marble columns and mosaic floors.

Pristine, Blue Flag beaches, wild waterparks and fascinating history lessons – the Greek islands are idyllic for families.

• Crete: The charming town of Chania is like an open-air museum with its Venetian harbour, ancient fort and maze of old town streets. The kids will love learning about Greek history in the 3D museum and 9D cinema, and the beaches are ideal for the whole family.
• Zante: Tsilivi is a laid-back modern town with all the holiday fun a family could want, including a waterpark, sandy beaches and a bowling alley. Get your history fix at Bohali Castle – impressive ruins looming over Zante Town with beautiful views of the Ionian Sea.
• Kefalonia: This family-friendly island is ideal for a relaxed seaside adventure. Visit Odysseus Zoo Land to delve into Greek mythology, go turtle-spotting in Argostoli and horse ride along old donkey trails in the countryside.
• Corfu: The sandy beaches and picturesque hidden bays along the island's 200km coastline are perfect for lazy days, and the lush countryside is ripe for biking and walking.
• Lefkada: The unspoilt nature of Lefkada, with its little fishing villages, traditional houses and glorious beaches, is a slice of authentic Greece. The pristine, sandy shores are ideal for children, and there are lovely restaurants and hotels for a low-key family holiday.

From the golden sands to the rolling hills and cloudless skies to breathtaking sunsets, can you think of a better backdrop for romance than a Greek island holiday?

• Santorini: Beautiful Santorini is a dreamy location with volcanic landscapes, whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches. Catch that famous sunset shot at Oia Castle, cruise around the caldera, swim in hot springs and take a wine-tasting tour.
• Ios: Stroll around the gorgeous cobblestone alleyways of the capital, Chora, stopping at a cosy taverna for a bite to eat. The beaches of Ios are beautiful, with soft sands and water sports whizzing across the sea. The Odysseus Elytis Theatre offers breathtaking views and the evenings provide a vibrant nightlife.
• Crete: Stay in the postcard-perfect coastal town of Elounda. There are fascinating historical sites here, including an ancient underwater city and the mysterious island of Spinalonga. Choose an adult only hotel for a peaceful escape.
• Rhodes: History buffs love Rhodes for its ancient Acropolis and medieval castles. Faliraki is the place for buzzing beach bars and a thriving scene after dark. If you’re seeking secluded coves, head to the unspoiled south coast.
• Skiathos: Beautiful Skiathos is dotted with pine forests and remote white beaches that frame the coastline. Discover the cobbled streets of Skiathos Town and seek out the best sunsets on the west coast.

Whether a cold glass of raki on a terrace or locally made wine while watching dazzling sunsets, there are plenty of laid-back nightlife locations across the Greek islands. But what about the party hotspots?

• Malia, Crete: For holidaymakers looking to party, Malia is the ideal destination. Booze cruises, beach parties and a neon-lit strip full of nightclubs provide the entertainment. The old town offers a calmer contrast with cosy bars and cobbled streets.
• Faliraki, Rhodes: With 5km of golden sands, Faliraki Beach is the entertainment hub of Rhodes. There are bars, restaurants and nightclubs along the waterfront, and you can take on a range of exciting activities, such as parasailing and bungee jumping.
• Kavos, Corfu: Loud music, cheap drinks and late-night revellers are found in the bars and nightclubs of Kavos. There are plenty of beaches and boat trips to keep you busy during the day.
• Laganas, Zante: Laganas is the party hotspot of Zante, and it's a town of two sides. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the National Marine Park, Laganas has busy beach bars, karaoke venues and international DJs playing in the clubs.
• Mykonos Town, Mykonos: After the lavish beach clubs have shut up shop for the day, you can carry on partying well into the night in the chic cocktail bars and nightclubs of Mykonos Town. Sweeping views of the ocean are the main draw at 180 Sunset Bar, while lively tavernas, disco pubs and gay-friendly dance spots are found in the maze of streets that make up the island capital.

Each island has a unique cuisine, but they’re all focused on freshly grown local produce. Tuck into these authentic Greek dishes in a traditional taverna or a fine-dining restaurant.

• Dreamy dairy: Are you a cheese fan? Get set for a feast of island originals, including Crete’s graviera, kalathaki from Limnos and spicy kopanisti from Mykonos.
• Sharing plates: Meze with a shot of ouzo or raki is the perfect way to end a big day. Dolmades are a meze staple, with fresh fillings like minced meat, tomatoes, herbs and rice stuffed into vine leaves.
• Stifado: Take your appetite to almost any taverna and you’ll see the ever-popular stifado on the menu. The hearty stew is usually made with beef, lamb or rabbit and cooked in a rich red wine and tomato-based broth. Moussaka is another popular dish consisting of spiced meat in a tomato sauce layered with eggplant.
• Street eats: If you’re watching your wallet on cheap holidays to the Greek islands, tuck into tasty street food. Gyros is the most popular, with juicy portions of meat, tzatziki and salad wrapped in pitta bread.
• Perfect puds: From pastries dripping with honey to decadent local dessert wines, your sweet tooth won’t miss out on the Greek islands.