11 best Greek islands to visit in 2026, according to a travel writer
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Deciding which of the best Greek islands to visit on your next Mediterranean sojourn can be difficult. Scattered in clusters across the Aegean, Mediterranean and Ionian seas, there are over 200 (!) inhabited Greek islands – most of them impossibly beautiful, yet all offering something unique.
Tapping into 2026's inclination towards slower, more intentional travel, we've also included some of the more under-the-radar, quieter Greek islands. Despite having some of the best beaches in Greece, the small yet breathtaking islands of Paxos and Antipaxos are still overlooked by most tourists. Similarly, sleepy Folegandros, a tiny dot on the southern Cycladic coast, boasts fantastic cliffs for hiking and serene beaches where, particularly in the shoulder seasons of May to early June or September to early October, you're unlikely to bump into other holidaymakers.
Of course, the big hitters like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and Corfu need no introduction. While the peak summer months of July and August see the sunset-snapping crowds flock en masse to these islands, they are undoubtedly some of the best places in the world for honeymoons and girls' weekends away.
How did we choose the best Greek islands?
Glamour's travel guides and hotel reviews are compiled by our well-travelled journalists who have an in-depth knowledge of the destination. Our editors have spent time getting to know the area and have stayed in various types of accommodation, from the grande dame hotels to the lesser-known hidden gems and self-catering options.
Here, we've edited down the best Greek islands to our 11 favourites, based on our own personal experiences, accessibility and knowledge of the area. But this is by no means a definitive list, and each island offers something unique to fall in love with…
miljko1. Paxos/ Antipaxos
Best for: Crowd-free beaches.
Paxos, one of the smallest Ionian islands, is still relatively unknown to tourists, so a perfect spot to skip the crowds. Explore Paxos's tiny, quaint harbour towns, such as Gaios, from where you can walk to nearby beaches Plakes and Gianas.
Directly opposite Paxos lies its stunning and even smaller little sister, Antipaxos. Just 4km long, most of the tiny island's visitors are day-trippers from Paxos — but there are a few accommodation options, too. Its stunning yet relatively secluded beaches of Vrika and Voutoumi are often touted as some of the best beaches in Greece, with crystal-clear visibility making it sensational for snorkelling.
Where to stay in Paxos/ Antipaxos at a glance:
- For couples: Paxos Blue
- For hen paries: Villa Conetessina
- For a secluded stay: Villa Stamatelli
- For beach proximity: Agali Hotel Paxos
- For an adults-only hotel: Paxoi Resort
Save when you book a stay with these Booking.com promo codes.
Vasilis Tsikkinis photos2. Folegandros
Best for: Unspoiled charm.
We can't gatekeep this little-known Cycladic gem any longer. Between Santorini and Paros, Folegandros is quiet and rustic, with an authentic, boho atmosphere that truly makes you feel like you're getting away from it all. The beaches here may not boast the sparkling white sand of its neighbours, but despite being a little rockier, they're no less charming. Spend a morning at the tranquil Livadaki beach, before visiting the picturesque villages of Chora and munching on succulent, fresh seafood from one of the traditional tavernas. A testament to its growing popularity – all the more reason to visit before too many other tourists cotton on – Folegandros is welcomed its first ultra luxury five-star boutique resort, Gundari, in May 2024.
Where to stay in Folegandros:
- For the most luxe stay on the island: Gundari
- For a beachfront stay: Blue Sand Boutique Hotel
- For stunning views: Anemomilos Hotel
- For romantic apartments: Folegandros Apartments
Jason Knott / Alamy Stock Photo3. Paros
Best for: Island-hopping.
Easily reachable from Athens by plane or ferry, Paros is part of the Cyclades and it's proximity to Mykonos, Santorini and Naxos makes it perfect for island-hopping. The once lesser-known spot has been gaining in popularity in recent years, and while it's certainly no longer a ‘hidden gem’, it doesn't draw Santorini-style crowds (yet).
When you're not relaxing on one of Paros's amazing beaches – like Santa Maria, Marcello, Lageri and Kolymbithres – make sure you take you a stroll around Naoussa town, undeniably its chicest spot, where you'll find some of the island's best restaurants, buzziest bars and most stylish boutiques. Pause to photograph the typically Cycladic narrow cobbled alleyways, bursting with fuchsia bougainvillea, and the traditional fishing boats bobbing on the harbour.
Where to stay in Paros:
- For five-star luxury: Parilio Hotel Paros
- For a brand new stay (opening in June 2026): Meros Paros
- For a beachfront stay (with out-of-this-world food): Cosme Paros
- For an adults-only stay: Mythic
- For affordable apartments: La Mer Seaside Apartments
Iosif Lucian Bolca / Alamy Stock Photo4. Milos
Best for: Dramatic coastlines.
Chances are you've seen Milos – and its ubiquitous moonscape rock beaches – on Instagram in recent years, as it is fast becoming the Cycladic island for those in the know. Its ample beaches are considered some of the Aegean's most pristine – and some of the best beaches in Europe – so we’d recommend hiring a motorboat for a beach-hopping day trip. Elsewhere, there are plenty of other activities to pass the time if you get bored of sunbathing. You can go hiking, wander the streets of the island’s traditional villages, visit archaeological sites, sample local wine in picturesque waterfront bars and even go snorkelling.
Where to stay in Milos:
- For a romantic trip: Milos Cove
- For a beachfront hotel: Olea Bay
- For solo travellers: Milos Luxurious Studio 2
- For an affordable stay: Heliotropio Studio & Apartments
PANAGIOTIS KARAPANAGIOTIS / Alamy Stock Photo5. Crete
Best for: Families.
Crete is Greece's largest island and is an excellent all-rounder if you're looking for a holiday full of variety: pristine beaches (for relaxation or water sports, or both); buzzing nightlife; delicious Cretan cuisine; lofty mountains made for hiking; ancient ruins; and culture and history etched onto virtually every corner. Hike through the Aradena Gorge, explore the Bronze Age ruins of Palace of Knossos, marvel at Samaria Gorge, or bask in the Mediterranean sunshine at Elafonisi, Falassarna or Balos beaches.
Where to stay in Crete:
- For the best all-inclusive stay: Creta Maris
- For an adults-only stay: Niko Seaside Resort MGaller
- For a private stay: Altera-Ourania Beach Villa
- For some R&R: Abaton Island Resort & Spa
- For families: Domes Zeen Chania
funkyfood London - Paul Williams / Alamy Stock Photo6. Hydra
Best for: A cultural trip.
Just a two-hour ferry journey from Athens, Hydra is the chic, classy, grown-up sister of the Greek islands. What it lacks in sandy beaches, it makes up for with old-school glamorous charm, with Dolly Alderton a recent convert to its charms. The filming set for various films and a favourite amongst the A-list (from Leonard Cohen to Olivia Palermo), you won't find any cars on Hydra, and people get about by foot, boat or donkey ride (yes, really). It's particularly popular with hikers, with routes taking you through beautiful hills to old monasteries, secluded beaches, and viewpoints over the Saronic Sea.
Where to stay in Hydra:
- For tranquility: Hydra Hotel
- For couples on a budget: Neokosmidis Studio
- For a boutique gem: Orloff Boutique Hotel
- For groups: Traditional Stone House Villa
PANAGIOTIS KARAPANAGIOTIS / Alamy Stock Photo7. Corfu
Best for: Variety.
Certainly not one of the Ionian islands' secret escapes, what Corfu lacks in seclusion, it makes up for in character and entertainment. A long-time favourite with the royal family (the late Prince Philip was born here) it boasts white sand beaches, buzzing nightlife, historic past and a mix of Venetian, French and English cultures, Corfu town really does have something for everyone.
Where to stay in Corfu:
- For a boutique adults-only stay: Nido Corfu
- For a world-class spa: Angsana Corfu
- For a group of friends: Cottage Beach House
- For a romantic retreat: Domes Miramare
- For an all-inclusive stay: Ikos Dassia
Save when you book a stay with these Expedia discount codes.
JOHN KELLERMAN / Alamy Stock Photo8. Santorini
Best for: Couples and honeymooners.
Santorini really needs no introduction – it is the well-heeled queen bee of the Greek islands, after all. There may be queues to take photos of the sun sinking behind the caldera, but it's still a remarkable view that will stick with you long after you've boarded the plane home. The best thing to do in Santorini is simply soak up the sun and the views across the white-washed buildings to the sea from your suite – most of which are found in Oia and Imerovigli – but you can also head on volcano tours, boat excursions and hiking trips.
- For incredible views (minus the crowds): Nobu Hotel Santorini
- For a secluded retreat: Santo Mine Oia Suites
- For a romantic villa: The Nook Clay Villa
- For honeymooners: Canaves Oia Suites
- For families: Andronis Arcadia, Preferred Hotel Group
AegeanPhoto / Alamy Stock Photo9. Serifos
Best for: Solo travellers.
Unlike its neighbours in the Cyclades, Serifos remains an untouched, virtually crowd-free hidden gem in the Greek islands. Just a two-hour ferry from Athens, the island is quiet and peaceful; this is where you come to laze on tourist-free beaches, hike in rugged hills and eat delicious Greek food on the seafront. Some of the best beaches include Psili Ammos, Skala and Sikamia, accessible by bumpy dirt roads or by renting a boat from the man harbour in Livada.
Where to stay in Serifos:
- For a wellness retreat: Perma Serifos
- beachfront accommodation: Galazio Suites
- For a room with a view: Castle Junior Suite Chora
- For couples: Coco-Mat Eco Residences Serifos
Alpineguide / Alamy Stock Photo10. Mykonos
Best for: Hen parties and girls' holidays.
There is plenty more to do on the profoundly beautiful island of Mykonos besides sunbathe on its many spectacular beaches and sip cocktails in its ever-growing collection of five-star hotels. Catch a boat to nearby Delos (an archaeological site said to be the birthplace of Apollo), take a guided tour to see the island's famous windmills of Kato Mili and Paraportiani church, grab dinner at one of Mykonos Town or Little Venice's waterfront restaurant as the sun sets, then head for a night on the tiles at one of Mykonos's famed clubs (Lío Mykonos – a spectacular mix of cabaret, fine-dining and high-class clubbing – is our favourite).
Where to stay in Mykonos:
- For five-star luxury: Cali Mykonos
- For party lovers: Soho Roc House
- For girls' trips: Casa Cook Mykonos
- For a central location: Izabela's House
Stuart Black / Alamy Stock Photo11. Sifnos
Best for: Foodies.
Located in the western part of the Cyclades, Sifnos is a peaceful, laidback island, without the heaving crowds and roaring nightlife of some of its neighbours, making it an ideal base for a relaxing romantic getaway or a family trip. While there's plenty of beaches to laze on and traditional architecture to admire, Sifnos is famed most for its food. Home to arguably the most famous Greek chef who wrote the first complete Greek cookbook in the early 1900s, Nicholas Tselementes, Sifnos is packed with traditional tavernas and high-end restaurants alike (don't miss the fresh fish at Omega3 restaurant, of which Tom Hanks is a known fan!)
Where to stay in Sifnos:
- For couples: NiMa Sifnos Residences
- For something different: Mylolithos Windmill House
- For a luxury escape: NOS Hotel & Villas
- For incredible views: Liotrivi 200-Year-Old Stone House
What is the nicest Greek island to go to?
The nicest Greek island to go to entirely depends on your own taste. Thankfully, with so many to choose from, you're guaranteed to find the perfect match for you.
We've ranked Paxos & Antipaxos as our best Greek island to visit in 2026, and that's down to its unspoilt beaches, lack of tourists and superb location for island-hopping to the bigger, more popular Mykonos and Santorini.
What is the most under-rated Greek island?
One Greek island that is often overlooked is Hydra. Located only two hours from Athens, it doesn't have the same glamour attached to its name as the more upmarket choices like Santorini, but it has still got its very own charm.
There's a quieter pace of life here, with no cars on the island, making it the ideal choice for someone who just wants to chill out in beautiful surroundings that have inspired countless artists over the years.
Another island on the up in 2026 is Serifos, where a cluster of new boutique hotels opened last year, including the wellness-focused Perma Serifos, where uber-chic Cycladic minimalism meets ‘suite with a private pool’ luxury.
