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Destinations · Greece
Compare islands, find your match and plan a holiday with confidence.
Introduction
The Greek islands are a perennial favourite for UK travellers — short flights, warm seas, welcoming tavernas and a choice of experiences from lively resorts to remote coves. With over 200 inhabited islands, the variety is unmatched in the Mediterranean.
The key decision is which island (or islands) suits your pace. Crete offers the most variety for a single-island holiday. Smaller islands like Kos and Zakynthos are straightforward but less varied. Islands like Santorini and Mykonos lean romantic and stylish. Kefalonia and the southern coasts of Crete and Zakynthos reward a slower, quieter stay.
Choose your island
Each island has a distinct character. Pick the one that matches your holiday style.
Greece's largest island with the most variety — long sandy beaches, ancient ruins, dramatic gorges and family-friendly resorts. Best for travellers who want both beach time and cultural exploration without ferry transfers.
Best for: Variety, history, families, couples
Check current seasonal UK flight options
A popular Dodecanese island with a medieval old town, sandy beaches and a wide range of resorts. Good for first-time visitors who want a mix of history and beach time with reliable ferry connections.
Best for: History, medieval towns, beach combos
Check current seasonal UK flight options
A green, lush island with Venetian architecture, sandy bays and a lively old town. Strong for travellers who prefer countryside walks and boat trips alongside beach time.
Best for: Nature, Venetian architecture, boating
Check current seasonal UK flight options
A flat, well-organised Dodecanese island with long sandy beaches, a lively resort strip and easy cycling. Practical for those who want straightforward resort facilities.
Best for: Easy beach holidays, cycling, families
Check current seasonal UK flight options
Known for its iconic Navagio shipwreck beach and sea caves, Zakynthos offers dramatic scenery and relaxed resorts. Best for those who enjoy boat trips and wildlife, including loggerhead turtles.
Best for: Scenery, boat trips, wildlife
Check current seasonal UK flight options
Famous for caldera views, whitewashed villages and romantic sunsets. A top choice for couples and photographers, though beaches are volcanic and can be crowded in peak season.
Best for: Romance, photography, caldera views
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Known for stylish beach clubs, nightlife and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Best for travellers who want a lively social scene alongside good beaches and luxury accommodation.
Best for: Nightlife, luxury, beach clubs
Check current seasonal UK flight options
A quieter Ionian island with dramatic mountains, limestone caves and some of Greece's most beautiful beaches. Suits travellers who want scenery and a slower pace.
Best for: Scenery, quiet beaches, nature
Check current UK flight options
By traveller type
Match your priorities to the islands that deliver.
Crete leads for variety and direct flights. Rhodes and Corfu offer history plus shallow bays. Kos is practical with easy beaches.
Consider: Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos
Santorini for iconic romance. Crete's south coast and Elounda for intimacy. Kefalonia for secluded beaches. Mykonos for style and nightlife.
Consider: Santorini, Crete, Kefalonia, Mykonos
Crete has the most beach variety. Kos offers long sandy strips. Zakynthos has dramatic coves. Kefalonia's Myrtos is iconic.
Consider: Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Zakynthos, Kefalonia
Mykonos leads for clubs and beach parties. Rhodes, Crete (Hersonissos) and Corfu town have lively evening scenes.
Consider: Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, Kos
Kefalonia is the quietest major island. Southern Crete, northern Zakynthos and Corfu's interior offer lower-key stays.
Consider: Kefalonia, Crete (south), Zakynthos (north), Corfu (inland)
Crete's Minoan sites lead. Rhodes' medieval old town is UNESCO-listed. Corfu's Venetian heritage. Santorini's Akrotiri.
Consider: Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini
Santorini and Mykonos lead for boutique luxury. Crete's Elounda has established five-star resorts. Rhodes has high-end coastal hotels.
Consider: Santorini, Mykonos, Crete (Elounda), Rhodes
When to go
April to June brings pleasant temperatures, wildflowers and fewer crowds. Ideal for sightseeing, walking and beach time without summer heat. Sea warms gradually. Pack a light layer for evenings.
July to August is hot and busy across all islands. Beach time works best in mornings and late afternoons. Book restaurants, car hire and popular attractions ahead, especially during UK school holidays. Check current ferry availability before planning an island hop.
September to October stays warm with thinner crowds. Excellent for beach time, archaeological visits and island hopping. Check current ferry and activity availability as services can reduce later in the season.
November to March is mild by UK standards on southern islands like Crete and Rhodes. Many seasonal businesses close, making this better for town-based breaks, cultural visits and walking. Check current flight and ferry options before booking.
Getting there
Flight duration from the UK varies by island, departure airport and route. For the major islands, direct journeys are commonly in the region of three and a half to four and a half hours. Seasonal availability changes, so compare current options before choosing an island.
Some islands have more limited direct services than others. For multi-island trips, consider whether flying into one island and out of another would reduce backtracking, then confirm current routes and connections with providers.
Getting around
Car hire is the most flexible way to explore larger islands like Crete, Rhodes and Corfu. Book well ahead for summer. Greece drives on the right. Confirm licence, insurance, fuel-policy, age and child-seat requirements directly with your chosen provider before booking.
Ferries / island hopping connect most islands, especially within the Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros) and Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos and Symi). Routes, timings and availability are seasonal, so confirm them before booking. Check whether a rental agreement permits taking a hire car on a ferry before making plans.
For a first Greek islands holiday, many UK travellers find a single-island stay simpler and more relaxing. Crete, Rhodes and Corfu each have enough variety for a two-week holiday without needing to change islands.
Practical
Currency: Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted but carry some cash for smaller tavernas, taxis and markets.
Time zone: Eastern European Time (UTC+2 in winter, UTC+3 in summer). Greece observes daylight saving on the same dates as the UK, so the two-hour difference is constant.
Entry requirements: Check official UK government travel advice for current passport, visa and health requirements before booking.
Tipping: Appreciated but not obligatory. Round up for good service in restaurants; 5–10% is generous for exceptional service.
Dining hours: Greek evenings run late. Restaurants may not fill up until 8 or 9pm, especially in summer.
Inspiration
Example pricing is for inspiration only and is not a live offer or availability promise.
