By on 13-10-2020
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Are you searching for the best Greek islands for summer 2021? Are you wondering which island is the perfect fit for you?
Well, we happen to be experts when it comes to the Greek islands.
That’s why we have prepared the ultimate guide for the most trending Greek islands for summer 2021!
Show-stopping sunsets, breathtaking views, tucked-away beaches, amazing natural landscapes, adventurous water-sports, delicious gastronomy, million shades of blue… Our list has it all.
So, if you want to dig deeper into the magic of the Greek islands, keep reading! Alternatively, you can visit our section of islands and discover information about more than 60 of them.
Hydra island, for a peaceful weekend getaway far from the noisy crowds
This one place will steal your heart, quite literally!
Car-free, picturesque, and calm, Hydra is the absolute Saronic hideaway. Just a couple of hours away from Athens, Hydra is an ideal destination for short getaways from the Greek capital.
Adored by stars like Leonard Cohen and Maria Callas, as well as by the international jet-set, Hydra oozes a retro charm that never fails to captivate its visitors. It’s easy to understand the instant appeal of Hydra. The elegant mansions, serene atmosphere, total absence of cars, and picturesque waterfront create a postcard-perfect scenery!
Want to see more? Check our complete guide.
Paros island, for water sports and vivid Greek island nightlife
Paros is one of those Greek islands that combine natural beauty, activities, and entertainment, keeping their traditional charm!
In Paros, you’ll find an abundance of delicious restaurants, hype night clubs, and seaside cocktail bars for every taste. The two biggest villages of Paros, Naoussa, and Parikia, are crammed with places to eat, drink, and dance till the morning.
Away from the island’s centers of entertainment, you’ll find long sandy beaches ideal for water-sports, especially windsurfing and kitesurfing. Thanks to its ideal wind conditions, Paros attracts thousands of water sports enthusiasts from all over the world. So, if you want to catch the best waves, Paros is a one-way destination!
Want to see more? Check our complete guide.
Santorini island, for enthralling sunsets and romantic honeymoons
Santorini needs no introduction. It is the most popular destination in Greece, and you bet there for that!
The worldwide famous sunset, dramatic caldera, cliff-hanging luxurious hotels, infinity pools, still-active volcano, and lunar beaches create an otherworldly atmosphere! Santorini is considered a top romantic destination as well, due to its magical scenery and private luxurious estates. Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli are the most popular villages in Santorini, thanks to their breathtaking sunset views and the plethora of accommodations and amenities. If you want to stay away from the crowds, opt for the more peaceful Akrotiri and Emporio.
However, Santorini is not only all about amazing hotels and impeccable sunsets. It also offers a variety of things to do, like tours to local wineries, hiking, volcano exploration, sailing around the island’s coasts, tasting the delicious local gastronomy, and many more!
Want to see more? Check our complete guide.
Corfu island, for sightseeing and breathtaking natural landscapes
Strongly influenced by its Venetians, French, and British past conquerors, Corfu has a multicultural charm that is reflected in its townscapes and elegant architecture. Corfu Town, the island’s capital, boasts some amazing sights, like Achillion, the palace of princess Sissy, Spianada Square, and the medieval fortress. History buffs will love it!
Corfu’s nature is also awesome. Beautiful verdant landscapes, emerald coves, secret forests, and hidden spots are going to fulfill every nature lover’s dreams! Traditional villages like Dassia, Kassiopi, and Lakones are also worth a visit.
Want to see more? Check our complete guide.
Crete island, for breathtaking natural landscapes and traditional culinary delights
Crete is a natural paradise, quite literally!
The biggest island in Greece has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty. From steep hills, dramatic gorges, and tropical forests, to stunning beaches and virgin lakes, Crete has it all!
The island’s unique geology and extraordinary natural setting attract thousands of international tourists, who choose the island for hiking, climbing, swimming, and scuba diving. As for the beaches, they are out of this world! Elafonissi, Falassarna, Balos, and Vai really stand out for their natural beauty and crystal clear waters!
But if you aren’t an adrenaline junkie or beach lover, know that Crete is one of the top culinary destinations in Greece. Cretan cuisine, which is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world, is full of delicious dishes. Some must-try traditional dishes are dakos, apaki, kalitsounia, and gamopilafo. And don’t forget to wash them down with a shot (or two) of raki, a local alcoholic beverage.
Want to see more? Check our complete guide.
Mykonos island, for glamorous parties and luxurious resorts
Mykonos is the ultimate jumping-off point for wild parties and gay clubs!
From international supermodels to Hollywood stars and from rock legends to millionaires, everyone flocks to Mykonos every summer for luxurious holidays. Also known as the Ibiza of Greece, this place is incredibly famous for its party scene and gay-friendly disposition.
The most popular places in Mykonos are Chora, the Little Venice, Paradise beach, and the traditional whitewashed windmills. Another must-visit is Delos, the sacred island of the ancient Greek god Apollo, situated in front of Mykonos. The best way to explore it is to join an organized tour to Delos, which will let you in on the secrets of this mysterious island.
Want to see more? Check our complete guide.
Zakynthos island, for amazing beaches and family holidays
Zakynthos is mainly famous for its stunning beaches and tropical natural landscapes, which often attracts the endangered Caretta-Caretta turtles. The coastline of the island is fringed with some of the finest beaches in Greece, like the super-star Shipwreck (Navagio) and the exotic Porto Limnionas.
If you want to explore the beaches of Zakynthos as well as hidden spots like the ethereal Blue Caves, your best bet is to join a sailing tour around the island. You won’t regret it!
Off the beaches, there are numerous fields and hills covered with greenery. No wonder why Zakynthos is known as the greenest island in Greece! Tucked away in the island’s country, you’ll find many quaint villages like Maherado, Exo Hora, Kambi, and Tragaki. Don’t miss to visit them for a complete immersion into the local culture!
Want to see more? Check our complete guide.
Naxos island, for sandy shores and drool-worthy local cuisine
Endless beaches with sugar-fine sand, crystal clear waters, exotic sand dunes… Naxos may be close to Cycladic superstars like Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros, but it definitely feels worlds away from them!
One of the things that Paros is most famous for is its stunning beaches. Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Mikri Vigla Orkos, and Maragas are some of the most beautiful beaches in Naxos. What’s more, the Meltemi winds that batter the island create the perfect conditions for water sports like windsurfing!
For those with a non-beachy disposition, there’s a wide variety of restaurants, where you’ll introduce yourself to the gastronomy. The truth is that Naxos is a top culinary destination thanks to its locally-produced potatoes, hard cheeses, spoon sweets, and citron liqueur. A go-to destination for food lovers!
Want to see more? Check our complete guide.
Serifos island, for holidays in nature away from the crowds
Serifos is a well-kept secret of the Cyclades! Tucked away amid the Aegean sea, this island has managed to stay untouched by mass tourism, keeping its peaceful charm.
In Serifos, you won’t find world-class resorts, gourmet restaurants, luxurious boutiques or glamorous nightclubs. On the contrary, expect to come across isolated beaches, secluded coves, traditional seaside taverns, narrow alleys, and whitewashed houses. Serifos is a world unto itself!
If you’re looking for a destination close to Athens, yet away from the hustle and bustle, look no further than Serifos!
Want to see more? Check our complete guide.
Rhodes island, for living the ultimate Medieval dream
This island is so enriched in history and culture, that will make you feel transported into another era. Rhodes may be an interesting mix of cultures, but the Knights were those who influenced the island’s architecture the most.
The Old Town of Rhodes, which has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, is the island’s historical center. There, you’ll find many important Medieval sites, like the palace of the Grand Master, the Hospital of the Knights, and the road of the Knights. As you wander the narrow cobblestone alleys of the Old Town of Rhodes you’ll feel like slowly entering a Medieval fairytale!
Apart from Rhodes Old Town, another must-visit in Rhodes is Lindos, a picture-perfect seaside village south of Rhodes Town. Lindos is famous for its stunning Acropolis on a hill above the village and its fantastic emerald beaches. A trip to this picturesque village is one of the best experiences to have while in Rhodes!
Want to see more? Check our complete guide.
Whether you want to switch off and relax into Greek island life or to set off on an adventure in Greece, there’s the perfect Greek island match for you! Check our travel guide of Greece and find the best destinations for your summer holiday!
But who said you have to choose only one island?
You can book an island-hopping tours and visit more than one island, without worrying about transfers, reservations or extra costs!
