How to Pick the Perfect Greek Island for you

So, you have decided to go to Greece for your holidays, or at the very least you are thinking about it; good decision. Greece is a beautiful country that is rich in history and culture, not to mention the amazing cuisine and stunning scenery.

However, did you know that there are 6,000 islands in Greece?

If you are feeling slightly overwhelmed at that thought, don’t worry, only 227 of these islands actually have inhabitants.

Still, it’s quite a big number of destinations to choose from.

Fortunately, there are around five islands that are the biggest and most popular for a variety of reasons, so now all you have to do is work out which one of these islands is the perfect one for your next holiday, and of course find somewhere amazing to stay.

Let’s start with the best accommodation in Greece and then you can determine which island is right for you and your family.

What type of accommodation should you stay in when in Greece?

As a rule if you are travelling as a group of four or more, or if you are a couple who want complete privacy, it is more cost-effective (and luxurious) to stay in one of the top rated villas in Greece, rather than to book a hotel room. Not only can you save some money, you can also come and go as you please without any restrictions, meaning you can explore whatever island you choose with complete freedom.

Greece is a country of epic beauty, culture and history; why would you want to spend your trip confined to your hotel?

Which Greek island is best for you?

Crete

As this is the largest island in Greece, you will definitely not need to venture anywhere else, there is more than enough going on to keep you occupied for a two-week trip.

Ensure that you visit Samaria, the largest and also the most famous gorge in Crete, especially if you are a fan of a good hike. Even if you are not, the surrounding natural beauty will take your breath away.

Crete is the ideal island for those looking for a bit of everything: stunning pink-sanded beaches, towering mountains, a vibrant nightlife as well as more traditional and cultural experiences.

Kefalonia

West of mainland Greece, Kefalonia is most famous for its coastline which is made up of limestones cliffs, sandy stretches and white pebbled beaches. This make it the perfect destination for those wanting to relax and take in some seriously stunning views. In fact, you may recognise this island’s natural beauty from the film ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’.

If you choose Kefalonia as your holiday destination, make sure that you visit the Melissani Cave and see the sea turtles in Argostoli.

Corfu

Known as the emerald island due to it being the greenest of the Greek islands, Corfu offers so much; from rugged mountains to an endless coastline to the delicious and deadly local drink Ouzo.

However, don’t be fooled into thinking that Corfu is only about relaxation and delicious local delicacies, this island is rich in culture and offers a wide selection of museums, mansions and historical sites to visit, including the Casa Parlante in Corfu Town.

Rhodes

This charming island is a good choice if you are only planning to visit Greece for a week or less, as this will allow plenty of time to see all that this traditional destination has to offer.

Rhodes has the longest holiday season, so it is a great choice if you want to ensure that your trip is sunny throughout your stay. It also offers the chance to explore the local ancient ruins and learn about the rich history that goes back to the ages of mythology.

Mykonos

Of course, this Greek island is known for its party atmosphere during the summer months, but there is so much more to this destination than just nightlife. The beaches are phenomenal, and the food is out of this world. Not to mention the picture-perfect streets of Hora, also known as Mykonos Town, which offer the chance for some delightful shopping combined with a taste of the local cuisine in the surrounding restaurants.

Other islands worth looking into include: Paxos, Skopelos, Lefkada and Zakynthos.

— Featured photo by Flickr user dronepicr, Creative Commons