Greek Islands: Which One Should You Choose?
Travellagio · 6 min read
There are 200+ inhabited Greek islands. You can’t see them all. Here’s how to choose the right one for your trip, based on what you actually want.
For the postcard views: Santorini
White buildings, blue domes, caldera sunsets. Santorini is stunning but expensive and crowded (cruise ship passengers flood Oia daily). Best for: couples, photographers, luxury. Budget: $100–200/day.
For parties: Mykonos
Beach clubs, nightlife, international DJ sets. Beautiful but pricey and loud. Best for: nightlife, beach parties. Budget: $120–250/day.
For everything: Crete
Greece’s largest island has it all: beaches, mountains, gorges, ancient ruins, incredible food. Chania and Rethymno are charming harbor towns. Much cheaper than Santorini/Mykonos. Best for: first-timers, families, road trips. Budget: $60–100/day.
For authenticity: Naxos
The largest Cycladic island. Better beaches than Mykonos (arguable, but the locals would agree), local village life, mountain hiking, fewer tourists. Best for: independent travelers, beach lovers. Budget: $50–80/day.
For a mix: Corfu
Venetian architecture, lush green hills (unusual for Greek islands), good food, and easy ferry access from Albania. Best for: culture, nature, combining with Albania. Budget: $60–100/day.