The 100 or so inhabited Greek islands have something for everyone: History buffs can revel in the remnants of millennia of human habitation. Sun-seekers have their pick of countless beaches. Gourmands and wine aficionados will have many opportunities to wine and dine. And adventure seekers can partake in scuba diving, cliff jumping and more.
The best all-around islands offering a combination of these experiences are:
© Anilah | Dreamstime
Crete
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is best known for its outstanding restaurants and for its history: The island holds the remains of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, among other ancient ruins.
© Garth Grimmer | Dreamstime
Paros
Paros is cosmopolitan and beautiful, with plenty of great places to eat and drink as well as enjoy the scenery. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are also popular on this famously windy island.
© Alexander Tolstykh | Dreamstime
Santorini
Santorini is as gorgeous as all the photographs and postcards suggest. It’s worth elbowing through the crowds for its famous views, but you can find quiet spots here as well, like undiscovered beaches, wineries and ruins.
Portara Gate, Temple of Apollo © Photostella | Dreamstime
Naxos
Naxos, dotted with perfect beaches on its west coast, is also home to a Venetian castle, ancient ruins and restaurants featuring locally farmed goods.
© Johnhill118 | Dreamstime
Skiáthos
Skiáthos is probably best known for its beaches and verdant forests. There’s a vibrant nightlife scene here, as well as excellent restaurants.
Read This Next
Things to Do in Rhodes, Greece
Destination
Dec 29, 2015All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedEverline Resort & Spa Announces Spring and Summer Experiences
Everline Resort & Spa, Lake Tahoe entices travelers with its full lineup of spring and summer programming. Situated on Lake Tahoe’s California side, this resort makes the perfect getaway for guests of all ages.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Unique Itineraries & Tours
May 1, 20253 Unique Tours to Take in Louisville, Kentucky
Do you love exploring historic districts and neighborhoods when you travel? Louisville, Kentucky, isn’t just known for the Kentucky Derby and bourbon; in fact, the city is rich in history and culture across other areas, particularly the culinary, arts and ghostly scenes (yes, you read that last one right).
Destinations / North America
Apr 30, 2025Huttopia Debuts New Ready-to-Camp Destination in The Berkshires
Huttopia announced its newest location, Huttopia Berkshires, will open to guests in July. Reservations are now open. This marks Huttopia’s first property in Massachusetts and one of its only year-round properties in the region.
Travel
Apr 30, 2025Platform Helps Remote Workers, Business Travelers Find Work-Friendly Hotels
If you’ve ever attempted to work on the go — not necessarily for a business trip, but just because your job offers the flexibility of remote working — you may have struggled with working from your hotel room. Your options are typically plugging your laptop in next to a tiny in-room table, if you’re lucky, or you’re stuck answering emails from your hotel bed — hardly conducive to productivity.
Hotel
Apr 30, 2025Discover the Best of the Adirondacks at Schroon Lake
Looking for the perfect summer kick-off trip? The Lodge at Schroon Lake, in the Adirondacks, offers the ultimate vacation for travelers of all ages. Expect outdoor activities, beautiful scenery and lakeside fun — all the necessary ingredients for an unforgettable summer trip. Here’s a closer look at what The Lodge at Schroon Lake has to offer this summer:
ShareThis