✈️ Which Greek island to choose: comparing 20 destinations for a vacation

Greece is washed by two seas, and every resort here has its own character.

The Aegean islands hold wind and waves, while the Ionian islands offer green slopes and quiet bays. Halkidiki is known for its pine-fringed beaches across three peninsulas, and the country's official tourism portal writes about this (as of 09/2026, Visit Greece). Below are 20 destinations with a description, beaches, and a short catch for each. You will quickly figure out where to go with kids, where to look for nightlife, and where the quiet bays are hiding.

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How to choose a resort in Greece

💡 In short:

Sand and gentle entry: Kassandra, Kefalonia, Kos
Views and romance: Santorini, Ithaca, Sithonia
Nightlife: Rhodes, Mykonos, Kavos
Beach certification: 2026, 624 Blue Flags, according to Blue Flag

First, decide what matters more to you: the beach, sightseeing, or the journey. Crete and Rhodes have direct flights from most European cities, while you reach the small islands by ferry. That is why small islands are better placed as the second leg of your trip, once you have acclimatized and are not spending your first days on transfers.

The second question concerns the season. In April and May it is warm on Crete, Rhodes, and in Halkidiki, and the water becomes comfortable by late May. In July and August it is hot everywhere, and the beaches of Rhodes, Mykonos, and Santorini are crowded. You will have the most relaxed trip in June and September: the sea is warm, and the ferry lines and museum queues are shorter.

Resort	Sea	Beach	Best for
Crete	Aegean and Mediterranean	sand and pebbles	families, mountain lovers
Rhodes	Aegean and Mediterranean	sand and pebbles	everyone, lots of sightseeing
Kos	Aegean	sand and pebbles	families, windsurfers
Corfu	Ionian	pebbles	families, young people
Kassandra	Aegean	sand	families, young people
Sithonia	Aegean	sand and pebbles	couples, road trippers
Thasos	Aegean	sand	a quiet getaway
Lefkada	Ionian	sand	road trippers
Zakynthos	Ionian	sand	families, divers
Santorini	Aegean	volcanic sand	couples, photographers

1. Crete

Crete ranks first by area among the Greek islands (as of 09/2026, Visit Greece). The sun shines here almost year-round, and the mountains descend straight into sandy bays. In one week you can cover both the beach and the mountain villages with their gorges.

The eastern part, Lasithi, holds Mirabello Bay and high-end hotels. In the north, Rethymno is popular: a mix of sand and pebbles, a gentle slope into the water, and a freshwater lake with its own beach. The town has many beachfront hotels, and evening strolls run along the Venetian and eastern architecture.

The west is taken up by Chania, with its lush greenery, Venetian mansions, and the island's best sandy beaches. Heraklion buzzes with water parks, an aquarium, and youth bars. For white sand you go to Elafonisi and Balos, for red sand to Matala, for the palm bay to Vai.

The catch: Heraklion is noisy both day and night.

Hotels on Crete on Trip.com

2. Rhodes

Medieval walls of Rhodes with harbor and boats

Rhodes offers the best balance between beach and sightseeing. All the island's beaches are free, and the water entry is calm almost everywhere. The medieval city of Rhodes has been on the UNESCO list since 1988 (as of 09/2026, UNESCO).

The capital lies in the north, on a cape between two seas. The water temperature here differs noticeably: the western side has waves and wind, while the eastern side is almost calm. In the north, families choose Elli because of its calm sea and white sand. Parapoula, Ixia, and Ialyssos beaches are covered with pebbles and suit those who like waves and don't mind depth.

The eastern coast holds the Kalithea bays with thermal springs and the long stretch of Faliraki. Beyond it lies Anthony Quinn Bay framed by rocks. Kolymbia and Afandou have Blue Flags, and Tsambika, Stegna, and Agathi round out the comfortable sandy beaches with loungers.

Between swims, you can visit the Lindos Acropolis, the Valley of the Butterflies, Rodini Park, and the ostrich farm. Three days is enough for everything.

Hotels in Rhodes on Trip.com

3. Kos

Kos is smaller than Crete and Rhodes, so you can cover the whole island in a week. The coastline here is mostly sandy, the water is clear, and the Aegean wind keeps the heat milder than on neighboring islands. The beaches in the main town of Kos are crowded, so it's better to head farther from the capital for quiet sand.

Calm sea and good facilities await you at Kamari and Kefalos. Nearby lies the sandy Paradise beach with volcanic gas bubbles right at the shore. To the southwest stands Kardamena with the ancient temple of Apollo, and to the north there are rare black beaches and Lake Aliko with flamingos.

Windsurfers choose the pebbly Psalidi, while families with kids head to the wide white-sand Mastichari with its gentle water entry. Ten kilometers from the capital, Therma awaits with its hot springs (see map).

History lovers will find plenty in the ancient city of Paleo Pyli, Antimachia Castle, the Asclepeion healing center, and the Roman Odeon.

Hotels in Kos on Trip.com

4. Corfu

Panoramic view of Corfu Old Town from above

Corfu lies two kilometers from mainland Greece in the northern Ionian Sea (see map). The island is lush with greenery, and a chain of resort complexes with pebble beaches runs along the coast. The differences between resorts here are greater than on other islands, which helps you pick an area to your taste.

Paleokastritsa is tucked among bays in the northwest: sunbathing and snorkeling go hand in hand with bars and restaurants. In the southeast, Kavos keeps the young crowd busy with loud nightlife. The southern resorts of Messonghi and Moraitika suit families and older guests better, while Lefkimmi is where you go for seclusion.

The northeast is covered by Dassia, Barbati, Nissaki, and Kontokali. In Sidari, young people gather at the Canal d'Amour, while Roda and Acharavi offer more comfort. Kommeno is chosen for its upscale hotels, villas, and restaurants.

For sightseeing, check out the four fortresses, Achilleion Palace, medieval churches, and the islet of Pontikonissi.

Hotels in Corfu on Trip.com

5. Kassandra Peninsula

Potidea Canal with ancient walls and bridge

Kassandra occupies the western prong of Halkidiki and is connected to the mainland by the Nea Potidea bridge. The peninsula is about 15 kilometers wide and stretches nearly 50 kilometers along the coast (see map). It has more hotels and tavernas than neighboring Sithonia, so the area is chosen by those who don't want to depend on a car.

Young people head to Kriopigi, Kallithea, and Hanioti: there are bars, clubs, and crowded beaches. Families stay in Nea Moudania and Sani, where the shore is sandy and the water entry is gentle. In Nea Fokea, a Byzantine tower stands above the sea, with a spring and a chapel nearby.

Pefkochori delivers seclusion with its pine grove and golden sand. The peninsula's beaches regularly earn Blue Flags, and water parks cover windy days. The seabed at Glarokavos drops off, so people snorkel and take boat trips here.

The catch: in season, the beaches of Hanioti and Kallithea are packed.

Hotels in Kassandra on Trip.com

6. Sithonia Peninsula

Aerial view of Kalamitsi Bay with beach and village

Sithonia occupies the middle prong of Halkidiki and is considered its quietest part. Here the mountains meet the sea, pine groves descend to the water, and the coast is carved with bays and fishing harbors. Road-trippers love Sithonia precisely for its uncrowded beaches between villages.

There is one major tourist hub here: Neos Marmaras, with two beach zones on either side of town, Paradisos and Neos Marmaras. In Parthenonas you'll find a 17th-century church and above-average hotels. In the center of the peninsula lie Kriaritsi, Marafias, Azapiko, Kalamitsi, Tristinika, and Karakas.

On the eastern side sit the mountain-and-sea town of Sykia with its long promenade, plus the small towns of Vourvourou and Sarti. For sandy beach time, plan on Porto Koufo Bay: the water entry is gentle, so it's convenient with kids. Tavernas serving seafood operate right by the water.

Hotels in Sithonia on Trip.com

7. The Athos peninsula and Ouranoupoli

Mount Athos with monastery among wooded hills

Athos closes off the trident of Halkidiki, and its monasteries admit only men. Mixed groups and families are better off staying in Ouranoupoli, the resort town closest to Athos with developed infrastructure. From here you head out on a boat trip along the monasteries and return the same evening.

Accommodation in Ouranoupoli covers a range of budgets: from a hotel with a pool in the center to apartments. Those who like luxury will find a hotel with a private beach. The shore here is mixed, pebbles with sand, and the beach areas are equipped with loungers, umbrellas, and cafes. The town's main landmarks are a 14th-century Byzantine tower and the Frankish castle.

For nature, it is worth heading to the Komitsa beach campsite near Ouranoupoli: there are bars, shops, and shade from pine trees. Aristotle was born in Stagira, and a statue of him stands in the town park. In Ierissos you can see the ruins of an ancient settlement, Byzantine churches, and the remains of fortress walls.

Hotels in Ouranoupoli on Trip.com

8. Ammouliani island

Harbor of Ammouliani village with houses by the sea

Ammouliani lies at the entrance to the gulf near Halkidiki and is considered a place for a quiet getaway. The landscape is defined by olive groves on the hills, sandy coves, and small hotels. The island is small, so you can walk around it on foot in a couple of days.

More than forty hotels operate here, along with nightclubs and tavernas serving seafood, and water sports are available for active guests. The main beach, Alikes, has a Blue Flag: the sand is golden and the water entry is easy, so it is calm and safe with children.

Couples looking for seclusion choose Agios Georgios, Megali Ammos, Karagatsi, Zaska, Faka, and Nisakia. There are fewer people there, but loungers, umbrellas, and swimming gear rentals are available. The island has few sights, and people come here for the unhurried pace, the blooming Mediterranean nature, and the authentic houses of local residents.

Hotels on Ammouliani on Trip.com

9. Thasos island

Turquoise Kinira Bay with beach and mountains

Thasos is the northernmost and greenest island in the Aegean Sea. Forests, oak, chestnut, and plane tree groves cover it entirely, and you can drive around the island in one day. Limenas is considered the ancient capital, with fortress walls behind which sanctuaries and altars have been preserved.

Beach holidays await you in Potos, where bars and clubs open in the evening. In the mountain village of Theologos, next to the ruins of an ancient city, lies an organized beach that surfers love. In Alyki, the beach and nature are joined by fragments of an ancient temple with inscriptions.

A strip of sand runs for dozens of kilometers along the island, and some beaches hold a Blue Flag. San Antonio, Paradise, Psili Ammos, Makryammos, and the marble beach keep their water clean and their entry easy. The road around the island takes little time, so you can switch between several beaches in a day and return to your hotel in the evening. There are enough hotels for both standard stays and all-inclusive formats, so you have plenty of choice.

Hotels on Thasos on Trip.com

10. Skiathos island

Panorama of Skiathos coastal town with white houses

Skiathos is small, but people usually spend more than one week there. The coastline is jagged, towns and villages sit right at the water's edge, and the beaches are covered with fine sand. From the port you can leave by boat or by car, and transport here is well organized.

There are dozens of beaches on the island, so choosing takes time. The sandy Little Banana and Big Banana keep turquoise water, while Vromolimnos surprises with its pine tree backdrop. The secluded Nikotsara, Kastro, and Lalaria are reachable only from the water: a boat leaves the port in the morning and picks you up in the evening.

Skiathos is good for yachting, and in Chersonisos you can see the Bourtzi fortress and a beautiful harbor. Every coastal village has a well-kept beach area, cafes, and equipment rental, so the infrastructure does not end at the main town. Leisure options are rounded out by the ruins of the medieval Kastro fortress, monasteries from the 17th and 18th centuries, and good hotel service.

Hotels on Skiathos on Trip.com

11. Lefkada island

Porto Katsiki Beach with white cliffs and turquoise water

Lefkada is part of the Ionian archipelago, and its name translates from Greek as "white." White sheer cliffs frame the western coast and give the island its recognizable look. The resorts are lush with greenery, and the bays are sheltered from the waves, so swimming here is calm.

There is one tourism hub here: the town of Lefkada with its colorful houses. Porto Katsiki in the southwest keeps soft sand and azure water, while Egremni in the southwest suits those seeking seclusion. The sandy Kathisma and Nidri in the pine forest are chosen for comfort and a relaxed pace.

Beach infrastructure is well developed: hotels of various star ratings stand right by the bays, with rentals, cafes, and water activities nearby. Leisure options are enriched by the island's historical and cultural monuments and walks in the surrounding area.

Hotels on Lefkada on Trip.com

12. Kefalonia island

Bridge across the lagoon to a town on Kefalonia

Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea became a resort relatively recently. The capital is Argostoli, and the island's nature offers quiet shores, beautiful mountains, and clear water. The resort towns of Poros, Skala, Spartia, Lassi, and Svoronata are scattered across the island, so it's best to plan transportation in advance.

The most picturesque beach is in Assos: it has pebbles and a deep entry. The sandy Kaminia beach with shallow water suits families with children. Blue Flags are held by Myrtos with white pebbles and by Antisamos, where the shore is shallow at the water's edge and swimming is comfortable for both adults and children.

For waves, people head to Petani: a kilometer-long strip, high cliffs, and a strong sea (according to the map). The island has plenty of accommodation, from hotels of various levels to villas and apartments, so you can choose a room to fit your budget. There is an airport, and in the evening clubs, cafes, and a cinema are open.

Kefalonia hotels on Trip.com

13. Ithaca island

Bay with white houses and boats on Ithaca

Ithaca is tiny and lightly visited, largely because of the inconvenient route from the mainland. In return, it has preserved silence, narrow bays, and green slopes. Legend calls this island the birthplace of Odysseus, and there are noticeably fewer tourists here than on neighboring islands.

The introduction begins with Vathy, the most populated town and the capital of Ithaca. Buildings in Venetian traditions, historical monuments, and a large natural harbor hold your interest even in the heat. The shores are mostly pebbly, the water is clean, and tourist density here is one of the lowest in Greece.

The best beach is considered to be Filiatro in a bay among the mountains near Vathy. Poli Beach near the settlement of Stavros is just as good. For wild nature, you go to Agios Ioannis with its views, to Piso Aetos for boat rentals, and Gidaki and Dexa are suitable for snorkeling.

The only sandy stretch lies among olive groves. Ferries connect Ithaca with Kefalonia and the mainland, so the island is convenient to include in one route with its neighbors. Sea-view rooms and apartments are available, but in high season they are booked in advance.

Ithaca hotels on Trip.com

14. Zakynthos island

Panoramic view of Zakynthos town and bay

Zakynthos holds the status of a nature reserve, and its main attractions are Navagio Bay, the Blue Caves, and the stone park of Axos. In Laganas Bay, a marine park operates where the Caretta caretta turtle nests (as of 09/2026, Zakynthos park). The sea is warm from May to October.

The capital, Zakynthos Town, stands on the eastern shore and is notable for its historical monuments. Nearby lies the beach area of Kalamaki. On the east of the island, resorts with sandy beaches line up: Alykes, Argassi, Vasilikos, Agios Nikolaos, Gerakas, and Laganas.

On the west, Porto Limnionas hides in a rocky bay. The coastline surrounds the entire island, and everywhere you find clean water and easy entry. In the coastal towns, restaurants with traditional Mediterranean cuisine and bars on the waterfront are open. Regardless of the resort you choose, there are enough vivid impressions here for the whole trip.

Zakynthos hotels on Trip.com

15. Santorini island

View of Santorini caldera and Nea Kameni island

Santorini lies in the southern Cyclades above the caldera of an active volcano (as of 09/2026, Visit Greece). The white towns sit on the cliff edge, so the view opens up right from your room. Santorini, ancient Thera, is considered the most romantic island in Greece, and in high season that shows in the prices.

The capital Fira descends in terraces, with the blue domes of churches rising above it. There are plenty of hotels, bars and restaurants here, so book accommodation in advance. Many hotels are skafta, cave houses carved directly into the rock. The main beaches, Kamari and Perissa, are covered with dark volcanic sand and pebbles.

Dinner with a caldera view costs more than at a tavern two streets back from the edge. Wine tastings of local varieties, however, run at the island's usual prices. The cuisine leans on tomatoes, capers and local cheeses, and that alone is a reason to stay a couple of days.

Hotels on Santorini on Trip.com

16. Evia island

Rocky mountains of Evia with tower ruins

Evia is one of the largest islands in the Aegean Sea and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Mountains divide the island into three parts, so the character of a vacation changes from north to south. Beach areas stretch along the coast for hundreds of kilometers, and you can easily find both a crowded shore and a secluded cove.

Larger towns sit along the coast, while small settlements hide on mountain slopes and in river valleys. Everything is in place for welcoming guests: hotels, private houses and apartments at affordable prices. In some spots the seabed is covered with cracks and underwater caves, so divers find points for diving. Steady wind keeps surfers around, but it does not create big waves, and swimming stays calm.

Popular resorts sit on the western shore closer to the mainland: Edipsos, Politika and Eretria. Among the sights, the old monasteries and remains of fortifications are worth seeing.

Hotels on Evia on Trip.com

17. Peloponnese peninsula

Rusty shipwreck on a beach in the Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is connected to the Balkans by the Isthmus of Corinth and is divided into seven regions. At almost any coastal resort you choose between a simple guesthouse and a five-star hotel. Each region offers a wide range of tourist services, from car rental to excursions. Most beaches here are sandy and well equipped, so you do not need to go far for loungers and umbrellas.

Families are well suited to the shores of Achaea with moderately priced hotels, the bays between Kastria and Corinthia, the beaches of Loutraki and Xylokastro, and the pebbly Sykia with its Blue Flag. In the south, in Laconia, quiet little towns sit surrounded by rocks. In Arcadia there is the pleasant resort town of Leonidio.

In Argolis, choose Porto Heli, Plepi and Tolo: there is both sand and pebbles, and you can walk to the beach from your hotel. Beyond the sea, the peninsula offers history, including the ruins of Olympia with the Temple of Zeus and the palaces of Agamemnon.

Hotels on the Peloponnese on Trip.com

18. Lesbos island

Lesbos lies in the northeastern Aegean Sea and ranks among the largest Greek islands. The port town of Mytilene, with its two harbors, serves as the capital. From here you travel across the island from east to west and see all of it in a week.

The island's best beach is called Vatera: it stretches along the sea for eight kilometers (on the map). In the north, choose Molivos with loungers, umbrellas and entertainment. Around Petra, swimming is easiest for children because the entry is gentle, and Molivos itself is about five kilometers away (on the map).

In the west lies the resort of Skala Eressos with a Blue Flag and thermal springs nearby. The island has plenty of hotels and apartments, and the sea is complemented by the Gulf of Kalloni and the pine-scented air of the resorts. Among the sights, see the fortress of Mytilene, the Monastery of Archangel Michael and the Church of Panagia Glykofilousa.

Hotels on Lesbos on Trip.com

19. Mykonos island

Mykonos is recognizable by its white houses, blue window frames, windmills, and expensive villas. In Chora, the main town, there are many deluxe and VIP hotels, and that is also where you find restaurants catering to a show-business crowd. A vacation on the island costs more than on Crete or Kos.

The resorts are located mainly in the south, where there is less wind. Agios Ioannis, Psarou, and Ornos offer a relaxed stay. Paranga and Paradise are chosen by nudists, while Super Paradise is known for its loud parties.

Popular beach areas with golden sand and clear water include Elia Beach, Platys Gialos, and Super Paradise Beach. For seclusion, head to the Agios Sostis coast. The seaside leisure options are complemented by the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, the 18th-century Monastery of the Virgin Mary, and the archaeological and ethnographic museums, and this whole program fits into two walks around Chora.

Mykonos hotels on Trip.com

20. Volos and the Pagasetic Gulf

Fishing boats in the port of Volos at sunset

Volos sits on the Aegean coast in the Pagasetic Gulf and remains the country's third most important port. Despite its industrial role, the city's infrastructure is ready for a flow of tourists: hotels, tavernas, car rental. From here you can head to the Sporades islands and the Pelion mountains.

A walk along the waterfront fills an evening: monuments, sculptures, palm trees, the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, and restaurants serving Greek cuisine. The city is home to the Brickwork Museum, the exceptionally rich Archaeological Museum, and the Castle of Volos, built in the 6th century.

In the surrounding area you will find the excavations of the ancient cities of Dimitrias and Dimini, the oldest European settlement of Sesklo, and a replica of the ship Argo on the outskirts of the city. Volos suits those who want to combine sea, history, and food in a single trip.

Volos hotels on Trip.com

Resorts of Greece on the map

The map below helps you plan your route: mark the islands you want to connect by ferry and calculate the transfers. It shows how close the Cyclades and Sporades are to each other, which is why you can combine some of the islands into one trip. The route from the mainland is easier to build from Athens or Thessaloniki, and between the islands you move according to the ferry schedule.

Resorts of Greece

Places on the map

1Crete Greece's largest island, with mountains and beaches
2Rhodes Medieval UNESCO town and free beaches
3Kos Pebble coastline and the ancient town of Paleo Pyli
4Corfu Green Ionian island with four fortresses
5Kassandra Southern spur of Halkidiki with sandy beaches
6Sithonia The quietest part of Halkidiki with pine-lined coves
7Athos and Ouranopolis Athos monasteries and the resort town of Ouranopolis nearby
8Ammouliani Quiet island with Blue Flag Alikes beach
9Thasos The greenest island of the Aegean Sea
10Skiathos Little Banana and Big Banana beaches with turquoise water
11Lefkada White cliffs of the Ionian Sea, Porto Katsiki beach
12Kefalonia Picturesque Assos beach and Blue Flag Myrtos
13Ithaca Homeland of Odysseus, narrow coves and quiet
14Zakynthos Navagio Bay and a marine park with turtles
15Santorini White towns above the volcanic caldera
16Euboea Large island connected to the mainland by a bridge
17Peloponnese Seven regions and the ruins of Olympia
18Lesbos Vatera beach, eight kilometres long
19Mykonos White houses, windmills and expensive villas
20Volos Port on Pagasitic Gulf with an archaeological museum

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When does the swimming season start in Greece?

Swimming is comfortable from mid-May through October. On Crete, Rhodes, and in Halkidiki the water warms up earlier than in the Cyclades, so in May you can already swim in the sea. In June and September the sea is warm and the beaches are less crowded than at the height of July and August.

Which resort in Greece should I choose for a family with children?

Look at Kassandra, Kefalonia, and Kos. They have sandy beaches, a gentle entry into the water, and shallow depth near the shore. In Nea Moudania, Sani, and Kamini children are comfortable and parents can relax: cafes, sunbeds, and umbrellas are right by the water, so you do not need to go anywhere for lunch.

Where is the best nightlife in Greece?

For clubs and bars, go to Rhodes, Mykonos, or Kavos on Corfu. On Rhodes, evening life happens in the capital and in Faliraki, on Mykonos in Chora and Super Paradise, and Kavos keeps the young crowd going with loud music until morning. In July and August club lines are longer, so arrive early.

Which island should I choose for quiet and views?

Ithaca, Sithonia, and Thassos are the quietest. Ithaca has few tourists, and Filiatro Beach lies in a bay surrounded by mountains. In Sithonia you find uncrowded beaches between villages, and on Thassos you can drive around the whole island in a day and stop in quiet bays with no neighbors on the sunbeds.

Do I need a car on Crete and in Halkidiki?

Yes, without a car your choice of beaches shrinks sharply. On Crete distances are long, and buses do not reach every bay. In Halkidiki, KTEL buses connect Thessaloniki with Nea Moudania, Kassandra, and Sithonia (as of 09/2026, official Visit Greece portal), but between the peninsula's villages a rental car is more convenient.

In short: what is worth booking

The choice in Greece comes down to the character of your trip, not the number of stars at the hotel.

With children and without a car: Kassandra, Kefalonia, or Kos
For views and romance: Santorini or Ithaca
For nightlife: Rhodes, Mykonos, or Kavos
For quiet and nature: Sithonia, Thassos, or Lefkada
For history and sea at once: Rhodes, the Peloponnese, or Volos

Find hotels in all destinations on Trip.com.

Book tours and tickets on GetYourGuide, and trains and buses within the country on Trip.com trains.

Where to go in Greece: 20 destinations with beaches, views and history