As one of the world’s most loved holiday destinations, Greece holidays offer a culturally rich experience, and of course, beaming sunshine. Known for their laid back luxury, rich history and wild parties, holidays in the Greek Islands offer something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to holiday on the mainland or one of the charming islands, you’ll find a huge selection of All Inclusive, luxury or cheap Greece holidays – one of which will tick all of your boxes.

Greece is blessed with 2,000 registered islands, of which more than 200 are inhabited and each and every one of them has their own unique personality and culture. You may be on holiday in Greece, but each of the islands will deliver a different experience – albeit with an overall laid-back feel and delicious cuisine.

Whether it’s the charming white wash villages of Santorini, the cosmopolitan buzz of Mykonos or the lush greenery of Corfu, the Greek islands are ideal for both relaxation and adventure. By day you can wander along cobbled streets or lay under the glorious sun and by night you’ll enjoy romantic beachfront meals or beach parties under the stars.

Across the Greek islands you’ll enjoy hot summers with average August temperatures in the thirties, and mild winters of around 10°C – but it does vary between islands. In the shoulder seasons between April to June, and September to October, cheap Greece holidays are certainly a winner, still offering temperatures around 20°C, but with much less crowds and much cheaper prices.

A beachy lifestyle

The amount of islands to choose from for holidays in Greece is outdone only by the sheer amount of beaches. On every island you will find popular stretches with loungers and parasols galore, as well as secluded coves and quiet sands away from the crowds – but what they all have in common, is a beautiful view.

• Corfu’s coastline is blessed with over 50 beautiful beaches, all of which edged with luscious greenery. One of the crown jewels here is Paleokastritsa, a collection of small bays and coves with crystal clear waters and beautiful surroundings of olive trees, steep cliffs and forested hills. You’ll find plenty of sun loungers here, fun watersports and delicious Greek tavernas.
• Rhodes’ beaches offer a huge variety with a spot for everyone. Kalathos beach is a popular pick with a natural and laid back vibe. The soft golden sands and calm waters here are lined with a few beach bars and restaurants so it’s got everything you need without ruining the natural beauty.
• The beaches in Zante are known for their picturesque views and and dramatic surroundings, as well as coming alive after sunset. Laganas Beach is one of the longest and most popular in Zante, offering a lively spot with plenty of beach bars and restaurants, but f you head further down to the end of the beach, you’ll find it to be quieter if you’re looking to relax.

Ancient history

For keen history buffs and cultural enthusiasts, Greece holidays are the jackpot. Filled with a rich ancient history, the Greek islands offer an unparalleled journey through time, it’s even thought of as the cradle of Western civilisation having been the birthplace of almost everything we know, from democracy and philosphy to theatre and the Olympics.

• On holiday in Greece you’ll see tons of incredible archeaological sites that showcase Greece’s alluring heritage. The Acropolis of Athens tends to be the most well-known of them all with a multitude of striking structures that have stood the test of time. The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, might be the most iconic with its white marble grand columns towering over everything nearby.
• The preservation of Greek ancient theatres is another impressive feat with many theatres still being used today. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is famous for its stunning acoustics that all 15,000 spectactors could enjoy, plus, the luscious natural landscape that surrounds it makes it a breathtaking sight. You can head to the theatre in the summer months for the famous Epidavria Festival, one of Greece’s oldest and most popular festivals.
• There’s an bundance of fascinating museums across the Greek islands where you can dive even deeper into Greece’s history and see some national treasures up close. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Crete is one of the oldest museums creating a journey from Neolithic to Roman times, exploring the Minoan civilization. This two-storey museum has over 20 different galleries and audio-visual displays, so there really is no stone left unturned.

Island hopping

Greece’s sprawling landscape is incredibly diverse, with everything from mountains to sun-kissed beaches, and secluded islands to bustling cities, all within easy reach of each other. Island hopping is a great way to explore all these wonders on holiday in Greece, and it’s typically a cost efficient way of doing everything there is to do in Greece!

• Probably what you’re picturing when it comes to island hopping is the Cyclades islands – the white washed buildings, blue dome roofs and breathtaking sunsets. Head to Santorini first for the air of romance, volcanic landscapes and incredible views, then Mykonos is the place to be for the evening with chic bars and beach clubs. Naxos is a bit more laid-back, perfect for family beach days and wandering though the charming towns.
• The Dodecanese Islands are a top pick for history buffs and those keen to explore the local culture. The Medieval City in Rhodes boasts impressive towers and UNESCO World Heritage Status, while Kos showcases some incredibly well preserved Roman Ruins. Simi is among the smaller islands but offers a charming day to stroll through the streets of the colourful, neo-classical harbour towns.
• For those who love setting their sights on luscious green rolling hills, the Ionian islands are for you. Corfu has a mix of everything with a charming Old Town, impressive fortresses and those vast green hills, Kefalonia, similarly, is known for it’s picturesque hiking trails and quiet villages, while Zante is of course, known for its world-renowned nightlife, but does boast a few incredible hiking opportunities too.

Places to go

There are so many incredible places to go on holiday in Greece with each island having its own unique personality and charm. Whether it’s iconic sights, natural wonder or cultural treasures, you’ll find a bit of everything everywhere, making the Greek Islands the place to be.

• Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, ideal for a mix of relaxation and adventure, with history, culture, beaches and villages. Home to one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, in fact, a remnant from the ancient Minoan civilization, Knossos Palace, in Crete, is a must-visit to marvel at its splendor. From the intricate carvings on the walls to the beautiful courtyards, it offers a fascinating journey through time.
• Naxos is another heritage and culture rich island being home to the magnificent Temple of Apollo. Arguably one of the most iconic landmarks in Greece, this huge marble archway stands six metres tall and legend has it that if you make a wish while passing through, Apollo will make it come true. Head to Chora, the island’s capital, to admire the cobbled streets, Venetian architecture and quaint tavernas serving local delicacies.
• Paxos is a must-visit for your holiday in Greece, whether you’re staying on the island or adding it to your holiday itinerary, it’ll reward you with tranquility, views and an all round calm feel. The crystal clear waters and stunning sand beaches here are the ultimate space for unwinding away from the crowds, then head into Paxos town to wander the narrow streets and enjoy a bit to eat in the colourful waterfront cafes.

Things to see

Holidays in the Greek islands are a dream offering so much for so many, but one of the highlights has to be the sights to see. Whether it’s sights that take you back in time, sights that make you appreciate the natural world or sights that simply take your breath away, Greece holidays can’t be beaten.

• Zakynthos, or Zante, may be famous for its wild nightlife, but there is much more to it and some seriously impressive sights to see. It’s also famous for its breathtaking beaches, in particular Shipwreck Beach, which is a crescent shaped bay with towering white cliffs and striking blue waters. It’s also home to a washed-up smuggler’s ship (hence the name) which makes for a really great photo op.
• Santorini and in particular, its charming village of Oia, is known for the legendary sunset views – definitely a bucket-list moment for many. Oia’s cliffside being full of white-wash houses and blue dome churches compliments the orange and pinks of a sunset creating a truly postcard worthy picture. You’ll find a huge selection of restaurants and rooftop cafes offering sunset views, and if you’re really looking for something special, opt for luxury hotels with a private balcony or infinity pool.
• For the adventure seekers, Samaria Gorge and Samaria National Park is a natural wonder. This 10 mile long canyon with its rugged terrain and towering limestone cliffs is a dramatic sight and exciting adventure. Descend through the trails passing through the three metre wide narrow passage known as the Iron Gates, set your sights on rare species of wildlife and snap some spectacular pictures. It’s a full day hike but your reward at the end is a refreshing dip in the Libyan sea or a charming taverna for a feast.

Greek cuisine

Greek cuisine is certainly one of the highlights of holidays in Greece. Full of flavor, history, and variety, the dishes here reflect the country’s Mediterranean climate and with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and centuries old traditions, each bite is an unforgettable experience. You’ll typically find prices in Greece similar to the UK for dining out, so it should be easy to plan a budget!

• A few key staples to Greek cuisine includes olive oil – a cornerstone to Greek cooking, whether it’s for frying, salad dressings or infused in stews – as well as plenty of herbs and spices, typically oregano, thyme, mint, dill and garlic. Seafood is of course another staple ingredient in many dishes, most commonly octopus, squid or sardines.
• Moussaka may be the first Greek dish you think of, as it is probably the most famous! This hearty and delicious casserole is made from eggplant, minced lamb or beef and plenty of bechamel sauce all layered together and baked until golden and crispy. It’s a must-try when on holiday in Greece.
• Souvlaki is a common street food dish you can pick up. It’s a tasty skewer stacked with grilled marinated meat (pork, lamb or chicken usually), served with a pitta and a large helping of tzatziki sauce.
• Greek salads are also very common across the islands, made from fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, peppers and plenty of feta cheese. It’s a simple yet delicious dish and the perfect light meal on a hot day.

Nightlife in Greece

The nightlife in Greek Islands offers a vibrant mix of scenes, catering to every type of party-goer. Whether you’re looking for wild, all-night parties or more laid-back, relaxed evenings, you’ll find the spot for you.

• The nightlife in Mykonos is certainly a must for those seeking a party holiday. You’ll find famous clubs, lively beach bars and an all-round sophisticated feel to the evenings here. Head to Scorpios for sunset parties and dancing until the AM or the legendary club Cavo Paradiso for the world-class DJs.
• Zante’s nightlife is another popular scene with the Laganas Strip being at the heart of it all. There’s several bars and clubs lining the strip, including Rescue Club, the largest of them all, and Ikon Bar which hosts international DJs and an unmatched party vibe.
• Crete’s nightlife offers a variety, with some lively spots perfect for a party and some  more laid back cocktail bars, this can be great for families looking to dip their toe into the party scene for a night or two. Malia is Crete’s nightlife hotspot – arguably giving Zante a run for its money!
• On the other hand, Santorini is more laid-back with a romantic vibe, where you’ll find elegant wine bars and intimate lounges perfect for the two of you. Evenings in Corfu are just as charming with relaxed bars and stunning sea views.