Whether your travel style is more Jackie O or Lara Croft, there’s an island in Greece sure to speak to your sensibilities. With more than 6,000 islands (although, technically, only 227 are inhabited), the array of places to see in Greece is dizzying.
There’s an island perfect for party hoppers, another for history buffs. You can visit one island if you’re an avid hiker, another if you love just lazing on the beach. For sheer choice of experiences, Greece simply can’t be beat. But it’s this awesome variety that can also make planning a Grecian vacation overwhelming. If you’re stressing, take a breath. We’ve got you covered. We rounded up the five islands in
Greece that any stylish traveler won’t want to miss — and the top attractions you’ll want to see while you’re there. So dig out your favorite swimsuit and get ready for the ouzo to flow. Your dream Greek vacation is just one big fat scroll away.
If your biggest concerns are partying and celebrity spotting, Mykonos is your island. After all, it’s the place that gave birth to one of the most iconic Lindsay Lohan videos ever. The island has garnered a reputation as a playground for the rich and famous — and there are plenty of places where you can play along.
Start with a stop at Nammos. The famous beach club has hosted A-list clientele like Paris Hilton, Demi Moore and Ariana Grande. And although you can just walk up, it’s not uncommon for people to arrive via yacht — or even helicopter.
If you’re going to rent a sun lounger for the day, it will set you back €150 (about $155). And you’ll need to book weeks in advance. But even after you nab a reservation, there might be an hours-long wait when you show up at Nammos. Get there early in the day for the best shot at a short wait. You can also try booking through a VIP experience or tipping the concierge as soon as you show up.
Expect a party atmosphere — complete with dancing on the table. So come dressed in your best party ware. Silk head scarves and colorful swimsuits very welcome.
Close your eyes and picture a Grecian island. Did you imagine white-washed buildings with gorgeous sapphire-colored domes on cliffs overlooking the sea? Chances are you imagined Santorini.
Santorini is, arguably, one of the most photographed of the Grecian islands. For obvious reasons. It’s stunning. Technically, Santorini is made up of five different islands: Thira,Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni. If you’re like most visitors, you’ll spend your time on Thira, where you can visit the towns of Fira and Oia.
You’ll still get the same five-star experiences as in Mykonos, but you’ll find that Santorini is popular with a slightly more laid-back crowd.
The Grace hotel in Imerovigli is renowned for being one of the best sunset viewing spots on the island. Book a sunset dinner at the hotel’s Varoulko restaurant and enjoy dishes like squid with pesto Genovese or crayfish tartar (a tasting menu starts at €120). The experience is so ridiculously picturesque, you might find yourself booking a night to enjoy the vibe from your own
private plunge pool.
Paros seems to have it all. Although it’s a bit sleepier than Greece’s bigger draws, there’s still plenty to do. Translation: you can venture off the beaten path without freaking out if you forgot toothpaste or if you need a steady WiFi connection at all times.
The island has a rugged charm, with stone alleys and rocky coves. Head to the harbour village of Naoussa for the island’s nightlife — just don’t expect a rager. You’re more likely to see visitors sipping a cocktail while staring out at the sea than dancing on a table in champagne-soaked revelry in Paros.
Make it a point to dine in one of Naoussa’s seafood restaurants. You’ll be served a mind-blowingly fresh catch, likely brought in just a few hours before by one of the fishing ships docked nearby. Sigi Ikthios is a particularly popular restaurant in the Old Harbour where you can dine on the patio overlooking the moored boats. Take in a waterfront sunset while eating fresh langoustines, grilled sea bass or octopus in vinegar.
Paros also boasts a wealth of archaeological sites. Step back in history at Parikia, a castle dating back to the 6th century, or the sanctuary of Delian Apollo, a small marble temple that was built in the 5th century B.C.
Known as the spiritual heart of the Grecian islands, Tinos is one of the most calming destinations in in Aegean. It’s also the perfect answer to the nonstop party of Mykonos. (If you’re island hopping, the ferry ride is less than 30 minutes.)
There are more than 1,000 churches on Tinos. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be on your most pious behavior. The island is renowned for its beaches, hikes, surfing and charming villages. This is the destination to pick if your travel style is simply wandering and exploring.
There are almost 200 miles of hiking paths on the island that will take you to unexpected treasures: ancient ruins, castles, fountains, tiny chapels, windmills and lush valleys. If you’re looking for adventure, walk to Livadia beach on the western side of the island. It’s a picturesque bay beach known for its wild waters and rocks that look like sculptures. Because it’s off the beaten path, it’s entirely possible that you might have the sands all to yourself.
Tinos is a bit of an up-and-comer on the Grecian travel scene. You’re likely to see the island pop up on a bunch of It-girl Travel Insta accounts in the coming years. But if you visit early, you’ll still be able to claim some early-adopter cred.
ISLAND HOPPING IN STYLE
Of all the Grecian islands, Corfu is the one that most embodies a California mentality: the vibes are chill and the starring attraction is a day spent on beachy sands. Of course, it’s easy to connect with nature when nature is this stunning.
Corfu’s vegetation is lush. There are more than 4 million olive trees on the island. And even along the edges of the white beaches, you’ll spot growing pine trees.
On the island’s north coast, Cape Drastis cuts an impressive figure with its dramatic white cliffs and azure waters. And you can also stop at the nearby village of Nymfes, where legend has it that nymphs used to bathe in the 650-foot-high waterfalls.
But stunning nature doesn’t mean that everybody exists off the grid. Corfu’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with palaces and fortresses that rival the architecture in Europe’s biggest cultural capitals. Throughout its history, the island was owned by the Venetians, the French and the British and you can still feel each of their influences throughout the town.
