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 FeedHotel
Feb 13, 2026Fairmont Hanoi Arrives in Vietnam
Fairmont Hanoi opens this month as the luxury brand's first property in Vietnam. The hotel blends local heritage, modern design and curated art, offering 241 guestrooms; 38 Fairmont Gold rooms and 12 spacious suites; eight bars and restaurants; a wellness facility; and Hanoi's largest pillarless ballroom.
Sponsored Content
Your Cruise Adventure, Protected from Booking to Boarding
Wave season is here — the prime moment when travelers secure the year’s best cruise deals and start planning everything from warm‑water escapes to once‑in‑a‑lifetime, around‑the‑world cruising. Whether you’re dreaming of sun‑filled island stops, panoramic river sailings or a globe‑spanning expedition, wave season is the ideal time to turn those plans into reality.
Budget
Feb 13, 2026How to Visit San Francisco on a Budget
With the excitement following the Super Bowl in San Francisco, the destination has seen an increase in tourists. But don’t think it needs to be a wallet-draining trip! We’ve compiled a list of exciting and affordable fun around the city while still hitting all the hot spots.
Hotel
Feb 12, 2026Unique 2026 Happenings at This U.K. Hotel
The Newt in Somerset invites travelers on a year-long journey of festivals, retreats and other unique programming.
Sponsored Content
Experiencing Gorilla Forest Lodge
Perched high within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half of the world's remaining 1,000 mountain gorillas, Gorilla Forest Lodge occupies a position unlike any other as the only luxury accommodation inside the park gates. The complete transformation has elevated the property into an intimate, 10-suite sanctuary where guests can wake to the symphony of the rainforest, trek alongside gorillas in their natural habitat, and return to exceptional comfort that exists in harmony with conservation and community.
Destinations / North America
Feb 12, 2026What to Do in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, This Year
Travelers headed to North Myrtle Beach this year have a lot to look forward to, starting this month.
ShareThis