With 6,000 islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas, Greece is a haven of sun-drenched shores, natural beauty and captivating history.
by Olivia Morelli
Whether you're part of the boho crowd, craving culinary adventure or in search of a bargain, there's an island for you. We've picked out some of the best, and spotlighted the hotels you should book now.
For the bohemian set
Samothraki
This sleepy enclave is ideal for those looking to get back to nature. Spend mornings trekking around the cascading waterfalls and natural pools hidden throughout Samothraki's hilly hinterlands, or hike up Fengari mountain, the highest peak in the Aegean. In the afternoons, soak up panoramic views and soothe aching muscles in the hot springs of Therma, which have been melting away stress since the Byzantine period.
Hydra
You'd be forgiven for thinking you'd taken a step back in time as you arrive on this island. Working donkeys meander down cobbled streets, fishermen haul their latest catch onto the harbours and food markets selling fresh Aegean food line the shore. Home to the School of Fine Arts, this car-free island has become a haven for the art crowd, with rugged cliffs and whitewashed buildings providing ample creative inspiration.
Naxos
With ancient Byzantine history, crumbling ruins, enchanting hilltop villages and endless white sand beaches, this relatively unknown Cyclades island offers rugged charm at its most alluring. Head to the shore for meals of freshly caught fish accompanied by golden sunsets.
Halkidiki
Famous for being Aristotle's birthplace, this place in northern Greece epitomises Grecian beauty. While forested land gives way to tranquil sandy beaches, the island gives off a party vibe on the Kassandra peninsula, where beach bars and clubs draw in an exceedingly boho-crowd.
For the adventurous crowd
Crete
Brimming with unadulterated natural beauty, Greece's largest island has much to explore. Meander among olive groves and go for barefoot walks along sandy beaches, or immerse yourself in millennia of culture and history as you navigate historic monasteries and crumbling ruins.
Rhodes
The historical capital of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is chock-full of things to see and do. With names that evoke fond memories of the Game of Thrones, many of the places here are every bit as mystical as they sound. Split your time between Mandraki Harbour, the Acropolis of Lindos, the ancient cities of Kamiros and Ialysos, and Petaloúdes - the Valley of the Butterflies.
Serifos
Eschew the crowds of the more popular Greek islands for dreamlike Serifos. For those looking for an off-grid retreat, this is the place for you. Satisfy your need for adventure with hikes along unpaved dirt tracks to discover hidden bays and empty beaches, or rent a boat to set sail in search of uncharted coves.
For the bargain hunters
Santorini
One of the more popular Greek islands, Santorini has plenty of entertainment to ensure you get your money's worth. Avoid costly attractions and glitzy tourist traps, and head to some of the remarkable (and free) spoils the island has to offer. Stop by Akrotiri for the ruins of a Bronze Age village, the caldera - a volcanic crater - or Vlychada Beach for white sands backed by rugged cliffs.
Kefalonia
The pine-fringed beaches of Kefalonia make it hard to stray too far away from the shore. Instead of splashing the cash on fancy meals and expensive drinks, spend days sunbathing on rocky coastlines, pootling round seaside villages and walking through national parks.
Andros
Draped in a blanket of lush greenery, the verdant wonderland of Andros invites visitors to while away the hours on ethereal treks. Keep an eye out for natural springs cascading down hillsides, and elegant villas looming within forests.
For real foodies
Lesvos
Covered in rows of vineyards and olive groves, this island has a well-earned reputation for producing some of the best food and wine in Greece. Taste-test your way around fertile farms and don't forget to try the ouzo - the island makes half of the country's output of this popular liquor.
Paros
Every tiny restaurant on Páros boasts a menu of delicious mezze and freshly caught fish. Take yourself on an epicurean's tour of the island, spending extra time in Parikiá and Náoussa, two particularly foodie regions which specialise in seafood platters and juicy moussaka.
Ithaca
This island of mythical reputation is much more than simply Odysseus's homeland. Work up an appetite exploring castle ruins, emerald coves and 16th-century churches before heading straight into the capital, Vathy, for family-run restaurants housed in pastel-hued buildings.
For the revellers
Mykonos
A popular spot with those looking to blow off some steam, Mykonos has earned a reputation as a party island. Watch the sun go down at shoreside restaurants with a cool glass of Greek wine before joining the rest of the Mykonos crowd at the island's top watering holes.
Zante
While its reputation as a party island still stands firm, Zante has much more to offer than just buzzing bars and crazy clubs. Spend days exploring the paths less trodden to find acres of forested land and charming rural villages. Then head back to the bustling centre for sunset cocktails and late-night partying.
Corfu
Less extreme than Mykonos or Zante, Corfu defines revelling in a more sophisticated manner. Afternoon drinks should be accompanied by large quantities of fresh Greek food at traditional restaurants, naturally followed by more drinks on terraces overlooking the island's verdant olive groves and pristine beaches.
For the aesthetes
Symi
Known for its picturesque harbour, Symi is the place to potter about the bay admiring candy-coloured houses and cute cafés. Alternatively, head into the wooded hinterlands to explore ancient ruins and more than 100 crumbling monasteries. Ditch your snap-happy pals, you'll want to keep the view all to yourself.
Milos
An island of colour, Milos is relatively unknown in spite of its breathtaking beauty. One for the art lovers, Milos has been the location for the discovery of countless ancient artefacts and artworks, including the Venus de Milo and the Asclepius of Milos. Once you've satisfied your inner art-nerd, choose between any of the island's 70-plus beaches, or explore countless castle ruins and catacombs.
Tinos
Very different to neighbouring island Mykonos, Tinos is defined by tranquility and beauty. Olive groves thread among the vineyards, interrupted only by quaint hamlets and towering chapels. Across more than 50 tiny villages, visitors will find elaborate marble sculptures interspersed among pared-back architecture. A favourite among surfers for its good waves and beach bars, this picture-perfect island is the ultimate destination for chilling.
Therasia
Known as Santorini's little sister, Therasia is clad in whitewashed houses with cobalt blue doors and shutters - but unlike Santorini, it is often entirely tourist-free. Like stepping back in time, Therasia has moved at its own pace over the years; electricity didn't arrive until 1980 and the first road wasn't paved until 2008. Come for true serenity and views that must be seen to be believed.
Source: suitcasemag
