Posted on Thursday, 16 February 2023

A Greek island getaway is a popular choice with many British holidaymakers, and other nations alike.

Indeed, in 2022 traffic through Greece’s 14 regional airports exceeded pre-Covid levels, and the all-time peak of 2019, handling a total of 32 million passengers.

Why choose a Greek island holiday?

With golden, sandy beaches, world-famous nightlife and various wonderlands of the ancient world to enjoy, it's easy to see why these islands are the go-to summer destinations (as well as other times of the year) for many.

Here we look at 7 of the best Greek island destinations to visit in 2023…

1. Mykonos

Well-known and well-loved by thousands of Britons, Mykonos offers the complete island-break package.

The island of Mykonos is also a haven for the rich and famous. Since the early 60s it has drawn celebrities from all over the world, from Elizabeth Taylor to Mick Jagger and Harry Maguire. In July last year, Elon Musk was even spotted relaxing on a luxury super yacht off the coast of the island.

Why visit Mykonos?

Long, fun-centric beaches, legendary nightlife and, for those who need some quiet-time - secluded coves bursting with natural beauty.

Mykonos is ideal whether you want high-paced fun or laid-back Mediterranean respite - or, just possibly, a bit of both.

What are the towns like on Mykonos?

The historic towns feature ancient churches and picturesque cobbled alleyways, invariably draped with fuchsia bougainvillea.

In Mykonos you will also find the charming waterfront facades of Little Venice; and plentiful fine restaurants and boutique shops.

Find out more about Mykonos in our Mykonos island guide.  

2. Crete

Where can you find on Ottoman-era mosque, a Ventian harbour, and a clutch of Turkish hammams? Crete, of course!

Chania

One of the most history-rich destinations in all of Greece. Get the low-down in Chania's two small-but-fascinating museums: the Byzantine Museum and the Archaeological Museum.

Heraklion

Heraklion is another must-visit, with its countless Venetian mansions and Byzantine churches, hidden among an otherwise modern metropolis.

And don't miss Crete's best-preserved Minoan palace, Knossos, whose oldest remnants date back around 4,000 years!

Find out all you need to know about Crete in our Crete travel guide.

3. Santorini

Santorini's dazzling duality of blue-and-white might be something of a Greek cliché - if it weren't so utterly beguiling.

This dramatic volcanic island is hard-to-top, rising as it does from the gas-blues of the Med, caressing the remains of a caldera so tranquil it could be an inland lake.

Firá

Firá (Thera), the ancient capital, is breathtaking, with its whitewashed houses tumbling down towards the calming sea.

A romantic island

And while Santorini doesn't have the sublime beaches boasted by other Greek islands, it's perfect for a romantic getaway under the Mediterranean sun.

What’s more, Santorini's Estate Argyros and Domaine Sigalas were both placed in William Reed’s World’s Best Vineyards 2022, so you’re certain to find a quality glass of wine on Santorini  to accompany the romantic sunsets.

4. Rhodes

Rhodes Town

Enter the walls of the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Rhodes and discover a maze of ancient cobbled alleyways and historic sites.

Don't miss the Palace of the GrandMaster or the Street of Knights, which still exudes a Middle-ages charm that transports you back in time.

From Rhodes you can take ferries to nearby Symi, as well as Santorini, Mykonos and Kos.

Lindos

For seaside relaxation, visit the charming village of Líndos with its old Byzantine churches and Acropolis, or head to nearby Saint Paul's Bay, voted repeatedly among the best beaches in the world. 

5. Corfu

Family-friendly resorts like Sidari and Paleokastritsa offer sublime beaches with safe, shallow waters, as well as excellent waterparks.

But to stay on the beach is to miss a great deal...

Natural Beauty

The island's north boasts rugged limestone hills, while the south offers an undulating, verdant hinterland bursting with natural beauty.

Corfu Town

History buffs will adore the UNESCO-listed Corfu Town, featuring Neoclassical villas, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque churches.

And don't miss the kantoúnia - vaulted passageways - as you enjoy the restaurants and boutique shops of this fascinating town.

Planning a Corfu Family Adventure?

Find out all you need to know for arranging a family holiday to Crete. 

6. Sámos

Historical sites of Samos

The prime attraction of Sámos is UNESCO-listed Heraion temple, Hera - built around 570 BC. And while there isn't much left, it still evokes the ancient world wonderfully.

In the Sámos Archaeological Museum you can see the statues that once lined the Sacred Road between Hera and Sámos town.

Another must-visit is the 6th-century-BC Aqueduct of Eupalinos in Pythagoreion (also UNESCO-listed).

Beaches and forests

With the history done, you can enjoy hikes in the glorious forested hinterland, or sprawl out on the golden beaches of Marathokampos - with a clear consciousness!

7. Naxos

Having arrived in Naxos' capital, Naxos Town, set about exploring the charming alleyways, and happen upon Venetian mansions and crumbling churches.

Kastro, the 13th-century fortress is a must-visit, as is the Byzantine Museum housed inside.

Then, after visiting Portara, the gate of an ancient temple, and spending a few hours at the Archaeological Museum of Naxos, you'll have a sense of the island's rich history.

With the history boxes ticked, it's time to enjoy the sandy beaches and picturesque rural villages of the beguiling hinterland.

See more with a Greek island hopping trip

With so many islands to explore, why not consider island hopping on your next trip to Greece?

It would take a lifetime to explore all of the Greek islands, but our useful Greek island hopping guide highlights a great way (as well as useful tips), as to how to visit some of the very best.

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