The UK and Greece are in talks about vaccine passports for this summer. Start dreaming now...

By Laura Hampson

Just when we’d given up hope, a summer holiday to Greece could be on the cards.

Early discussions have begun between the UK and Greece about the prospect of vaccine passports, paving the way for a possible escape to the Mediterranean this year. Greek tourism minister Harry Theoharis has said he’s hoping for a ‘semi-normal summer.’

Ideal for both the fly and flop brigade and those who like more action-packed holidays, pick any one of the 227 inhabited Greek Islands and you’re sure to find your perfect holiday fit.

From the whitewashed houses, to blue-domed churches and the iridescent Aegean Sea, read on for our pick of the best Greek Islands to visit this year.

Naxos

Imagine powdery white sand beaches stretching languorously along the coast, flanked by the kind of unbelievably blue water Greece is known for and you’ll find Naxos: a sun-worshipper’s paradise. Cobbled alleyways line the capital of Chora and contrasts nicely with the vast countryside filled with mountain villages, idyllic beaches and historic sites.

Serifos

A typical Cycladic island, you’ll find whitewashed villages spread across Serifos, but without the usual tourist hubbub of nearby Ios and Santorini. With quiet harbours and golden beaches, the island is rugged and best explored by car.

Patmos

The Dodecanese islands lie in the sunniest corner of Greece, close to the Turkish mainland. For the spiritual, the island of Patmos is best visited at Easter when the locals hold a number of religious festivals to celebrate Holy Week.

Amorgos

To the west of Naxos and Ios, Amorgos is a long and narrow island, famed for its mountainous landscape, with steep cliffs, narrow inlets and enchanting towns, ideal for hiking, diving and rock climbing.

Astypalaia

Where the Dodecanese meets the Cyclades, this butterfly-shaped island boasts hilltops covered with historic whitewashed villages. Sun-drenched beaches are aplenty and the capital of Chora is one of the most picturesque towns in the Aegean, with a castle and blue domed church towering over the town.

Corfu

A mainstay summer destination for British travellers, Corfu is one of the more urban islands. With a UNESCO world heritage Old Town, intertwined with historic monuments, stunning beaches and glorious natural landscape – it’s easy to see why this is a family favourite.

Symi

Located just off the coast of Turkey, Symi is part of the Dodecanese group and the foreign influence is prevalent. Symi’s main town of Ano Symi is filled with colourful neoclassical buildings introduced by the Italians who ruled the island almost a century ago, that descend the hill slopes to the water’s edge.

Santorini

There’s a reason why Santorini is the most revered Greek Island – and it’s largely due to its iconic pink-hued sunset. But Santorini is also home to its famous red beach, black sand beach and Akrotiri – a prehistoric village. While there, be sure to go cliff diving under the cliffs of Oia.

Crete

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. Elafonissi is often touted as one of the best beaches in Europe, while the 11.1 mile-long Samariá Gorge is the Continent's longest and well worth the hike – even to see a Cretan badger or a spiny mouse.

Sifnos

Known as the foodie island, Sifnos is packed with fresh, local fare as well as charming villages, great swimming spots, excellent hotels and a whopping 366 churches. If you’re into hiking, swimming and good food – this is the island for you.

Mykonos

A shoulder season visit to Mykonos is your best bet to experience it’s beauty without the party scene. Snack on a gyros underneath its famous windmills while you bathe in the glowing sunset.

Ios

Usually a stomping ground for heady youth in the height of summer, it’s Ios’s hilltop monasteries, fine sand beaches and undiscovered trails that makes it truly magical.

Paros

Hop in a rented car or quad bike on Paros to discover all corners of the isle - often finding private beaches you’ll have all to yourself. The Cycladic island is also home to the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a landmark Byzantine church built around 300 AD.

Zakynthos

It’s likely you’ve seen various images of Navagio beach in Zakynthos pop up on the ‘gram - it’s the site of a 1980 shipwreck and is surrounded by tall cliffs – only accessible by boat. Zakynthos is home to some of the bluest water in Greece, so whichever beach you land on, you’re in for a treat.

Kefalonia

The largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is made up of limestone cliffs and white sand beaches – many of which are only accessible by foot. Myrtos beach located on the northwestern coast is a must-visit and is considered one of the best beaches in the world.

Milos

Perhaps the most visually-exciting of the Cyclades, Milos boasts a volcanic landscape filled with surreal rock formations that contrast beautifully with its twinkling teal seas.

Skopelos

When Mamma Mia was filmed in Skopelos it cemented the island’s place in Hollywood history - be sure to look for the church of Agios Ioannis Kastri that features in the film. Other than fawning over movie sites, Skopelos has plenty of traditional tavernas and hidden beaches to discover.

Skiathos

Skiathos is part of the Sporades archipelago and is best known for its gorgeous beaches and buzzing nightlife. Yet, unlike Ios and Mykonos, Skiathos' nightlife is less touristy but just as hedonistic. Shake off the hangover by exploring sea caves or lying on one of its magnificent beaches.

Andros

The northernmost and lesser-trodden of the Cyclades, Andros is home to tavernas, stunning beaches and … a Museum of Contemporary Art. MOCA, as it is known, has earned a reputation in the art world for its summer exhibitions of famous artists like Picasso and Matisse – definitely worth a visit while you’re there.

Source: Evening Standard