If you’ve been captivated by the beauty of Greece, you’ll also be seduced by the beautiful islands spread around the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Watching the sunset from the most expensive Greek islands is one of the most remarkable experiences and you mustn’t miss out!
The crystal clear blue waters, many sandy beaches, luxurious hotels, and delicious Greek cuisine are some highlights of these splendid islands. While Mykonos and Santorini are attractions on their own, here are some of the best Greek islands for you to stay on or go island hopping.
Santorini
Santorini is probably the most famous of the Cycladic islands and a volcanic island that is a collection of five islets – Thirassia, Nea Kameni, Thira, Palea, and Aspronissi.
While you typically expect white sandy beaches on most islands, the Santorini beaches are mostly black in color due to the volcanic eruption. The experience of staying in a luxury hotel on the rim of the famous Santorini caldera, a vast landscape consisting of cliffs and rocks often above cloud level. will make you fall in love with this magnificent place.
The picturesque island, with whitewashed walls and blue roofs carved into the cliffs, is a sight to behold. As the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll view the most spectacular canvas unfolding, making for breathtaking views.
Don’t miss heading to the northern part of the islands, the heart of Oia where few of the tourists go. Here you will find its the perfect place for a romantic getaway.
I recommend the Andronis Boutique Hotel (a cave hotel built into the rocks) with its iconic private pools with spectacular views for a memorable stay.
Crete
Spanning 600 miles of coastline, Crete is the largest island in Greece. An island this big is bound to have a bit of everything, including beautiful towns, great beaches, historical sites, and rich gastronomic culture.
Among the 36 gorges here, the Samaria Gorge is Europe’s longest trekking gorge, at 11 miles, for those who love some outdoor adventure. Also, the two UNESCO Global Geoparks of Mt. Psiloritis and Siteia are abundant with nature’s amazing creations.
The picturesque towns of Rethymno and Chania, the magnificent Balos Beach, the rare pink-sand beach – Elafonisi, and the island’s largest Bronze Age archaeological site – Knossos, are some of the fascinating elements of Crete.
One of the best five-star resorts in Europe, The Elounda Mare Hotel, a Relais & Chateaux, is a splendid place to stay and a good reason alone to Crete.
Mykonos
Hands down, one of the most popular islands in the Greek Isles, Mykonos is most visited for its nightlife, trendy shops, restaurants, beaches, and beach clubs.
Part of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, this Greek island is all about endless beach parties, dancing, and cocktails. However, you can also go on a shopping spree in luxury stores or visit the art venues here, and for the best beach bars, head to Super Paradise Beach Club.
Apart from the shiny, cosmopolitan face of the island, there’s also the picturesque part with whitewashed houses, stone-paved alleys, windmills, and country chapels, oozing peace and calm.
If you’re on a romantic getaway to this Cyclades island, do soak in the romance of Little Venice. Among the many boutique hotels to stay in Mykonos, the Santa Marina is a great choice. Remember there is direct access from most of the airports in Europe, making it really easy to get to in the peak season.
There a so many luxurious hotels on Mykonos, but I love the Cavo Tagoo in town and the Santa Marina outside of the town in Ornos.
Zakynthos
Along the coast of the Ionian Sea, the island of Zante, or Zakynthos, is one of the most visited Greek destinations, with breathtaking beaches and turquoise waters.
Navagio beach is the best-known beach of Zakynthos, famous for the 1980 shipwreck, and features as one of the most beautiful beaches in endless travel books. Make your visit memorable by watching the sunset from the cliffs of Kryoneri and Keri, seeing the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles, and listening to the islanders sing their cantatas on this Ionian island.
And then, there’s the Blue Caves, not a beach, but an unforgettable swimming spot, especially early in the morning. For beautiful scenery, Zakynthos is a luxurious resort!
Lesante Cape is a remarkable stay in Zakynthos as are the Porto Zante Villas and Spa!
Rhodes
A UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is also known as the “Knights’ Island”.
The well-preserved ancient city of Rhodes is famous for its ancient ruins, boutique hotels, luxury suites, and mesmerizing natural beauty. Beaches, bars, or ancient sites, Rhodes has an abundance of all.
This Greek island has great natural beauty; the lovely beaches face the mountainsides with pine woods, with the mountain villages overlooking the seaside towns. You can relax on Tsambika Beach, wander around Upper Town and catch a drink at a Rhodes taverna, or go sightseeing in the ancient city of Kamros and the Acropolis of Lindos.
For luxury hotels with all modern conveniences, pools, restaurants, and every conceivable water sports, visit Mandraki.
If you’re willing to splurge on accommodation, in town I would only go to Kókkini Porta Rossa and near Lindos is the fabulous, but adults-only, Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites!
Kefalonia
Kefalonia or Cephalonia one of the largest and most diverse of the Ionian Islands. Plus, you can only find the Greek fir trees here on this island! It’s just one of the wonders of natural beauty on the island.
The beaches are wonderful, but the one thing you can’t miss is Melissani Lake with its incredibly blue turquoise water. After being hidden underground for hundreds of years, this incredible spot became visible only when its “roof” collapsed.
As for beaches, there are so many to choose from: Myrtos Beach, Petani Beacf, and Fteri Beach. Also Kefalonia seems to be the island of picturesque villages. Don’t miss Asos with its colorful houses and seaside cafes, the Greek restaurants along the harbor of Fiskardo, and the enchanting caverns of the Drogarati caves. You can also take a day trip to the nearby island of Ithaca.
I stayed at the F Zeen Resort, a wonderful, exclusive boutique hotel, and loved it, but it’s a villa you’re after try the NorthPoint Houses in Fiskardo.
Since it is so big I would suggest some of these great tours:
Skopelos
The unspoiled island of Skopelos is known as the Emerald Island or Green-Blue island, with its natural beauty. One among the Northern Sporades islands, Skopelos is where the movie Mamma Mia! was filmed.
With pristine white walls, beautiful stone-floored villas, and some marvelous places to visit, Skopelos is also one of the most luxurious islands in Greece. Beach lovers will enjoy the many beaches here with cobalt waters, like Elios, Panormos, and Stafylos.
Its proximity to other Sporades islands makes it an excellent base for island hopping. A popular must-visit spot is the church of Agios Ioannis in Kastri.
This is an island for everyone’s taste, ideal for those who’d like to do more than lie on the beach all day. It’s a great place to explore for a memorable adventure in idyllic surroundings.
Skopelos Village Hotel is a lovely place to stay.
Some other of the most beautiful Greek islands not to miss
There are so many Greek islands that they are hard to choose. These are not only popular destinations but beautiful places to head during the summer months for perfect weather. Each one has a selection of the best luxury resorts.
Best Bits to end with!
The grace and charm of Greece have its visitors coming back often, longing to explore more of its captivating beauty. If you’ve seen some of the most luxurious Greek islands, you’ll crave to see as many as possible. Remember, the summer months are the best time to visit these islands.
