⛱️ Where to go in Greece: 15 Aegean Sea resorts for different vacations

Resorts in Greece on the Aegean Sea are nothing alike. One holds the wind and surfers, another lives on nightlife, a third suits a family with a toddler. A wrong choice costs you a week of vacation.

Below are fifteen destinations to compare before booking. For each: who it's for, what to do, and where the catch is.

Choose a resort by the type of vacation, not by the flight price.

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How to choose a resort on the Aegean Sea

💡 In short:

One sea, different vacations: a family with a toddler, surfing, nightlife, or quiet.
Rhodes, Kos, Crete, and the Cyclades are reached by ferry from Piraeus or by plane, while Halkidiki is accessible by mainland road.
The swimming season runs from May through October, with the peak in July and August.
Beach infrastructure and season: as of 09/2026, according to Visit Greece.

The type of shore matters more than the hotel's star rating. Sand and shallow water mean families with children. Pebbles and wind mean water sports. A center with bars means noise until morning, while quiet coves stand apart from it.

Our picks by vacation type:

If you want	Look at
Shallow water and peace for children	Chania, Karidi, Lemnos
Wind and water sports	Ixia, Ialysos, Psalidi
Nightlife and partying	Faliraki, Lambi, Kallithea
Quiet and nature	Kiotari, Fava, Skiathos
Views and romance	Santorini, Mykonos
Treatment and spa	Edipsos, Eretria

1. Chania

Panorama of the old Venetian harbor of Chania with lighthouse

Chania in western Crete combines an urban vacation with sandy beaches. The historic center revolves around the old Venetian harbor. Here stand the lighthouse and the Kucuk Hasan Mosque, the only one in the city. A walk along the waterfront takes about an hour, and the Agora market opens in the morning.

The Chania coastline is covered with golden sand, and some beaches hold the Blue Flag. If you came with children, choose Agioi Apostoloi: the entry is gentle, and volleyball and basketball courts are nearby. Iguana Beach has more waves and suits adults. Chrissi Akti has many tavernas open, where you eat at a leisurely pace.

Who it's for: families with children and those who combine city and sea.
Not for: those who need loud bars until morning.
How to get there: Chania airport and ferry from the port of Piraeus.
The catch: the main landmarks lie away from the beaches, so part of the route you'll have to drive.

Hotels in Chania on Trip.com

2. Heraklion

Church of Saint Titus in Heraklion with palm trees

Heraklion serves as the main city and port of Crete. The season here runs from June through September. The beaches are outside the center, and you reach them by bus or taxi. But nearby stand the Palace of Knossos and the Venetian fortress of Koules.

Heraklion's cuisine differs from the rest of Crete. In the evening, bars, clubs, and discos open, and festivals take place in summer. Children will enjoy the water park, the aquarium, and the amusement park. For shopping, head to the boutiques in the center.

Who it's for: those who want history and a city near the sea.
Not for: those who need a beach right outside their hotel window.
How to get there: Heraklion airport and ferry from Piraeus.
The catch: the beaches are outside the city limits, and the trip takes time.

Hotels in Heraklion on Trip.com

3. Faliraki

Panorama of Faliraki with the sea and white houses

Faliraki on Rhodes started as a quiet town, and now it also draws nightlife. One of the country's largest shopping centers and a water park operate here. Thermal springs bubble up on the outskirts.

The main beach is calm, lifeguards are on duty, and the administration keeps it clean. If you seek seclusion, Traounou a few kilometers from the town will suit you, where you dive among the seaweed. In Anthony Quinn Bay they filmed "Zorba the Greek," and now people come here for diving. Nudists choose Mandamata.

Who it's for: couples and young people who want both beach and bars.
Not for: those seeking complete quiet.
How to get there: Rhodes airport and a bus from Rhodes town.
The catch: at Mandamata the bottom is covered with sharp rocks, so you need water shoes.

Hotels in Faliraki on Trip.com

4. Ixia

Ixia Beach with high-rise hotels on the shore

Ixia holds the wind and water sports. Here you dive, sail, fish, and rent boats. The wind is almost constant, so families with toddlers are few. The infrastructure is dense: restaurants, bars, clubs, horseback riding, and golf.

The sea at Ixia is covered with pebbles, so lying is more comfortable on a lounger, and you'll need one. Some beaches are public and free. Nearby you can see the Palace of the Grand Masters, the ancient stadium, and three temples from the Hellenistic era.

Who it's for: active travelers and sailing enthusiasts.
Not for: families with small children because of the wind and pebbles.
How to get there: from Rhodes town along the coastal road.
The catch: pebbles instead of sand, and lying without a lounger is uncomfortable.

Hotels in Ixia on Trip.com

5. Ialysos

Panorama of Ialysos town and the bay from above

From May through October, the meltemi blows over Ialysos. Divers, surfers, and windsurfers come here, and there are schools for beginners. Competitions are often held on the coast. Horseback riding and volleyball are also popular.

The town preserves ancient monuments: old temples and bas-reliefs. You should make the trip to Kamiros and Lindos with its Acropolis.

Who it's for: surfers and divers.
Not for: inexperienced swimmers and families with children, as the water gets deep right at the shore.
How to get there: near Rhodes Airport, bus from the city.
The catch: steep entry into the sea right at the shoreline.

Hotels in Ialysos on Trip.com

6. Kiotari

Long beach with blue-and-white umbrellas by the sea

Kiotari lies on the southeast coast of Rhodes and only recently appeared on tourists' radar. Back in the nineties, almost nobody knew about it. The beach is clean and well maintained, covered with sand and patches of pebbles. There are loungers, umbrellas, showers, and toilets, with tavernas and cafes nearby.

The area's main fortress is named Asklipio. From here you can easily reach Lindos on a day trip. Couples and honeymooners come here for the peace and quiet. It also works well for families with children.

Who it's for: couples, honeymooners, and families looking for a calm sea.
Not for: fans of clubs and big parties.
How to get there: southeast road from Rhodes Town.
The catch: quiet in the evening, no nightclubs.

Hotels in Kiotari on Trip.com

7. Kos

Kefalos Beach and Kastri Islet with chapel on Kos

Kos is a green island full of gardens and parks. The season starts in May, when the island bursts into bloom. The north holds the administrative buildings and historical monuments. Young travelers choose Lambi with its bars open until morning, windsurfers head to Psalidi, and you'll find quiet in Tigaki.

The south has preserved ancient monuments, with Kardamena and the thermal springs near Agios Fokas drawing visitors. The beaches in the south are wild, with no facilities, but also no crowds. The coffee shops, pastry shops, and tavernas here are considered some of the best.

Who it's for: families, nature lovers, and water sports enthusiasts.
Not for: those who need loungers and cafes on every beach.
How to get there: Kos Airport and ferry from Piraeus.
The catch: beaches in the southern part are wild, with no loungers or cafes.

Hotels in Kos on Trip.com

8. Kassandra

Panorama of a sandy beach with vacationers by the sea

Kassandra, the first "finger" of Halkidiki, is the most developed. From here you can see Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (according to Visit Halkidiki). The peninsula has many ancient monuments, and it's best to hire a guide.

Nightlife is centered in Kallithea. Visitors head to Afitos for monuments and to Pefkochori for nature. Nea Moudania hosts business travelers and holds the Festival of the Sea. Sani is chosen for luxury, and celebrities can be spotted on its beaches.

Who it's for: those who want sand, services, and trips to Mount Athos.
Not for: those who need a secluded, wild shoreline.
How to get there: highway from Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki Airport.
The catch: the peninsula is popular, and villages get crowded at the height of the season.

Hotels in Kassandra on Trip.com

9. Sithonia

Boats and nets in the harbor of Nikiti, Sithonia

Sithonia, the second "finger" of Halkidiki, works well for budget travel. Prices are lower than at other resorts in Greece, and there are fewer people. Getting there is easy: a road from Thessaloniki leads here. The most developed spot on the peninsula is called Nikiti.

Sithonia is wrapped in myths, and local guides love telling them. People come for nature to Vourvourou, Fava, and Porto Koufo. In August, Azapiko hosts a psychedelic music festival, and in September Porto Koufo holds a tuna festival. Karidi suits children: sand, warm water, a gentle bottom. Neos Marmaras keeps the parties and shops going.

Who it's for: families and those watching their budget.
Not for: those who want Sani-level service.
How to get there: road from Thessaloniki via Nea Moudania.
The catch: Vourvourou is popular, so it gets crowded in season.

Hotels in Sithonia on Trip.com

10. Mykonos

Mykonos waterfront with white houses by the sea

Mykonos holds its reputation as a place of bohemian life and parties. In season the island is packed, and prices run higher than elsewhere. During the day people sunbathe on the beaches, and in the evening they move to the bars. Windmills and white houses have become the island's symbol.

Super Paradise Beach operates around the clock: sea by day, party by night. Ftelia remains a wild beach with no facilities, but with views. Psarou holds a Blue Flag, has a diving school, and calm sea. Paranga suits you if you want to sunbathe by day and dance by night. Visitors leave the island with photos of the tame pelican, which has long become a mascot.

Who it's for: party lovers and fans of upscale vacations.
Not for: families and those seeking quiet.
How to get there: Mykonos airport and ferry from Piraeus.
The catch: in July and August, high prices and constant noise persist.

Hotels in Mykonos on Trip.com

11. Santorini

View from Fira of the caldera and Nea Kameni

Santorini rises in white towns above volcanic cliffs. It holds monuments worth seeing at least once. Even people staying at another resort visit the island, most conveniently as part of a group.

It's best to book a room in advance: in season, there aren't enough places. Families choose the east coast, where it's calmer and hotels cater to children. In the white churches, weddings are held according to the Orthodox rite. Grapes grow in the volcanic soil, and connoisseurs prize the local wines. The island's capital lives with parties until morning.

Who it's for: couples, newlyweds, and those who want the views.
Not for: those looking for a quiet and cheap island.
How to get there: Santorini airport and ferry from Piraeus.
The catch: in season, hotels get booked up in advance, and vacancies are scarce.

Hotels in Santorini on Trip.com

12. Thasos

Satellite view of Thasos Island in the Aegean Sea

Thassos is called the greenest island in Greece. Olive, pine, linden, and cedar groves grow here. Hippocrates himself said the air on the island heals. The beaches are clean, the views are open.

The monuments are concentrated in the capital in the north: ancient temples, antique ruins, museum collections. Families with children head to Chrysi Ammoudia and Chrysi Akti, where the water is shallow. Potos has campgrounds. Pefkari is surrounded by pines, and people come here for the air. Accommodation is available in different price ranges, and you'll find an option that fits your budget.

Who it's for: nature lovers and those looking for an affordable vacation.
Not for: those who want a wide choice of clubs.
How to get there: ferry from Keramoti or Kavala.

Thassos hotels on Trip.com

13. Skiathos

Skiathos town harbor with boats and pine trees

Skiathos is part of the Northern Sporades and works well for a beach vacation. There aren't many people here, it's quiet and unhurried. Hotels offer a standard set of amenities, and the beaches are equipped with everything you need. Excursions and water activities are available.

The most famous beach is named Lalaria, covered with white pebbles. Nearby are the Dark and Azure grottoes and the Castro rock. Bars, restaurants, and shops are open, and discos open in the evening.

Who it's for: families and those who value peace and quiet.
Not for: those coming for loud parties.
How to get there: ferry from Volos and Skiathos Airport.
The catch: fans of lively entertainment will find it boring here.

Skiathos hotels on Trip.com

14. Evia

Satellite image of Euboea Island in Greece

© Sentinel-2 cloudless 2016 by EOX IT Services GmbH is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Lic · CC BY-SAPhoto: Sentinel-2 cloudless 2016 by EOX IT Services GmbH is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Lic, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Evia, the second-largest island in Greece, is connected to the mainland by a bridge at Chalkida. The resort area is centered around Eretria. Springs with healing water flow in Edipsos. The radon and hydrogen sulfide water is used for spa treatments.

Karystos in the south has bars and nightclubs. Edipsos is known for its thermal springs, but prices there are higher. People stop in Chalkida for comfort, with its upscale hotels and monuments. In the village of Prokopi stands the Church of Saint John the Russian, a destination for pilgrims. The mountainous part of the island is good for hiking, and the vineyards host tastings where you can try the local wine.

Who it's for: those seeking treatments, mountain walks, or wine.
Not for: those looking for classic island sand.
How to get there: bridge from Chalkida and ferries from Attica.
The catch: prices in Edipsos are noticeably higher than on the rest of the island.

Evia hotels on Trip.com

15. Lemnos

Lemnos lies in the northern Aegean Sea, with little noise and few large hotels. The island preserves rare architecture, colorful villages, and clean beaches. The best place to stay is Myrina, where everything you need for a vacation is nearby. The city's symbol, a Venetian fortress, stands on a hill.

The island has dozens of sandy beaches with shallow water, which is why families with children come here. Thanos and Platy are popular, and further north lies Agios Ioannis Bay for seclusion. Gomati Beach looks like a mini desert with dunes and an oasis, but it's not suitable for swimming. Further on is Moudros with its lakes. A vacation on Lemnos is inexpensive, there are few entertainment options, but you'll get peace and quiet.

Who it's for: families and those seeking budget and quiet.
Not for: those who want a club island.
How to get there: ferry from Kavala or Lavrio and Lemnos Airport.
The catch: swimming at Gomati Beach is inconvenient; it's better for a walk through the dunes.

Lemnos hotels on Trip.com

Resorts on the map

Mark two or three options on the map before booking. That way you can see the distances between islands and the order of flights and ferries. Halkidiki is on the mainland, Rhodes and Kos lie off the coast of Turkey, and the Cyclades are in the middle of the sea.

Resorts of Greece on the Aegean Sea

Places on the map

1Chania Western Crete, a Venetian harbor, golden sand and Blue Flag beaches
2Heraklion Crete's main city and port, near the Palace of Knossos and Koules fortress
3Faliraki Rhodes, nightlife and a water park, thermal springs on the outskirts
4Ixia Rhodes, constant wind, sailing, a pebble shore
5Ialysos Rhodes, trade winds from May to October, divers and windsurfers
6Kiotari Southeast Rhodes, a clean sand-and-pebble beach, quiet in the evenings
7Kos A green island, Lambi with bars, Psalidi for windsurfing, quiet in Tigaki
8Kassandra The first finger of Halkidiki, a view of Athos, nightlife in Kallithea
9Sithonia The second finger of Halkidiki, budget holidays, Karidi suits children
10Mykonos The party island, windmills, Super Paradise beach runs round the clock
11Santorini White towns above volcanic cliffs, the east coast for families
12Thasos Greece's greenest island, shallows at Chrysi Ammoudia and Chrysi Akti
13Skiathos The Northern Sporades, Lalaria beach with white pebbles, grottoes and Kastro rock
14Euboea The second-largest island, thermal springs of Edipsos and Aidipsos
15Lemnos The northern Aegean, little noise, sandy beaches with shallows

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which Aegean Sea resort should I choose with children?

For families, Chania on Crete, Karidi in Sithonia, and the beaches of Lemnos work well. They have gentle entry, sand, and mild waves. In Ialyssos the water gets deep right at the shore, so it's better not to go there with toddlers.

When does the swimming season start?

The swimming season runs from May to October. The peak falls in July and August, when prices are higher and there are more people. June and September are calmer, the water is still warm, and the beaches are less crowded.

How do I get to the islands without a car?

Direct flights go to Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos, and Santorini, and ferries depart from the port of Piraeus near Athens. Ferries to Skiathos leave from Volos, and to Thassos from Keramoti and Kavala. Halkidiki and Evia are easier to explore by car.

Where on the Aegean Sea are there the fewest tourists?

Quiet options include Kiotari on Rhodes, Skiathos, Fava in Sithonia, and Lemnos. They have fewer bars and large hotels. On the other hand, there isn't a wide choice of entertainment nearby, so decide what matters more to you.

Where to stay for nightlife?

Parties are concentrated in Faliraki, Lambi on Kos, Kallithea in Kassandra, and Neos Marmaras in Sithonia. On Mykonos and Santorini, clubs run until morning, but prices there are higher. For a quiet evening, choose Kiotari or Skiathos.

What does the Blue Flag designation on a beach mean?

The flag confirms water purity and infrastructure quality. As of 2025, Greece has received 623 such awards for beaches, 17 for marinas, and 17 for eco-boats (as of: 2025, source). It does not guarantee low crowds.

In short: what's worth booking

The choice comes down to the type of vacation.

Compare hotels for your destination and look at tours in advance: in season, hotels sell out fast. Start with the resort that matches your vacation style. You can book a hotel using the link in the selected section above.

Resorts of Greece on the Aegean Sea: 15 destinations for different vacations