Little Venice. The famous bay of Mykonos
5

5 of the most popular Greek islands

READING TIME
As long as it takes to eat a slice of watermelon

The Ionian, Cyclades, Dodecanese and Sporades are chains with dozens of magical islands to choose from. But you could say that some deserve extra-special attention … 

... and we’ve gone with Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes and Corfu as 5 of the most popular Greek islands.

If you’ve travelled to any of them, you’ll be familiar with their dreamy beaches with crystalline water and fine white sand and the geological, archaeological and cultural landmarks that make them so special. All offer luxurious accommodation with personalised services, packed with authentic flavours, picture-perfect landscapes, fun-packed nights and smiling faces.

They know how to deliver on their holiday promises… again and again. So we’ve chosen a scene from each of them, to see if you agree with our selection.

 

Santorini

Cyclades

Topping the list is Santorini. You’ll immediately know that you’re in this Cycladic star because of all those whitewashed cubed houses and the caldera view. There are so many highlights to holidays in Santorini, but if we had to pick just one it would be standing in the beautiful settlement of Oia, with the sunset painting the Aegean horizon several shades of pink and orange. 

Sampling the wine routes of Santorini

Mykonos

Cyclades

Over to the other island legend in the Cyclades next. You’re in the Hora of Mykonos, sipping cocktails in Little Venice and then strolling with a view of the beautifully-lit windmills, about to sit down to one of the best meals of your life.

 

Mykonos town near the sea
Everywhere you look, there’s a maze of white-washed alleyways.

Mykonos is an island that never fails to steal your heart.

Rhodes

Dodecanese

Onto the biggest island in the Dodecanese. This time, you’re strolling along the cobblestones of Lindos, about to head down to the Aegean Sea for a swim and contemplating the night ahead in Rhodes’ Old Town, where the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Street of the Knights will transport you to medieval times.

 

Crete

Imagine yourself on a sunbed on a magical private beach right under your hotel suite. You’ve just conquered the waves, waterskiing or perhaps sailing to nearby secluded islets.

Prepare to be mesmerised at Crete's Balos beach

Preveli beach, with its palm grove, saltwater lagoon and dramatic Cretan gorge as scenery
The water’s shallow but if you want to snorkel, head to the boundaries of the Balos lagoon

Now is the time to sample Crete’s famous mezedes paired with strong tsikoudia (the local firewater), toasting to the beauty of the Mediterranean. This, after all, is the island that has it all.

Corfu

Ionian islands

You’re walking under the Liston Arcade, at the Achillion Palace and the beautiful Mon Repos on the island known as the ‘Grand Lady of the Ionian. You are recalling all the beaches you’ve enjoyed over the last few days and getting ready to sample yet another masterpiece of local cuisine.

Explore the Old Town of Corfu on our mobile-friendly audio tour





Mykonos town near the sea
See the gallery