A Local's Guide To The Greek Islands

Welcome to the Greek Islands

Whether you're a seasoned traveller or visiting for the first time, Greece delivers.

From the ancient ruins of Athens to sun-soaked island shores, it's packed with history, flavour and stunning views.

We’ve pulled together our top picks from the Cyclades and Dodecanese regions, plus some helpful local tips, so you can start planning your trip with confidence.

💡 Quick facts

Greece has around 6,000 islands but only 227 are inhabited. They’re scattered across two main seas: the Ionian and Aegean.

Each island offers something different. From landscapes and local wines to centuries-old ruins and laid-back beaches, no two places feel the same.

🌴 Crete

Capital: Heraklion
Size: 8,336 km2

Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most popular. Most visitors come between May and August for warm weather, quiet beaches and traditional tavernas. But Crete has plenty to explore beyond its coastlines - from ancient ruins and charming towns to some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet.

☀️ What's the weather like?

For sunshine and sea swims, visit between June and September. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 32°C. Winters are mild - January dips to around 14°C during the day.

📍 Where to go in Crete:

In the northwest, Chania is known for its mix of Venetian, Ottoman and Egyptian architecture. The waterfront is lined with fish restaurants serving octopus fresh from the sea, but head inland to find local lamb and seasonal vegetables cooked in family-run tavernas.

Heraklion, the capital, feels more like a modern city. It has a lively nightlife and, for history fans, the nearby site of Knossos - a major Bronze Age archaeological treasure.

One spot you’ll want on your list is Elafonisi Beach on the west coast. Its pink sand comes from coral and crushed shells, giving the shoreline its famous hue.

🧳 Getting around:

Ferries from Athens take about seven hours. Once you’re there, it’s worth hiring a car - Crete is big, and travelling between towns can eat into your day. Tap water is safe to drink and regularly tested.

✈️ Flights to Crete:

Crete has two main airports - Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ). You’ll find direct flights with airlines like Aegean Airlines, EasyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian Air and Lufthansa. You may need to connect through Athens depending on where you're flying from. For island hopping, Sky Express offers regular flights to nearby destinations like Rhodes.

🏖️ Santorini

Capital: Oia
Size: 76.19 km2

Santorini is picture-perfect. With its whitewashed buildings, blue domes and dramatic views, it’s often described as the most beautiful of the Greek islands - and it's easy to see why. It's especially popular for weddings, honeymoons and couples’ getaways.

But Santorini isn’t just for posing on balconies. The island’s crescent shape is thanks to an active volcano, which last erupted in the 16th century and shaped much of the landscape we see today.

☀️ When to go:

Spring and autumn (mid-April to June and September to mid-October) are the sweet spots. The weather’s still great, but without the summer crowds.

📍 Top places to visit:

Each town has its own vibe. Oia and Imerovigli are perfect for romantic strolls and sunset views. Fira, just behind Oia, has a busier atmosphere with plenty of shops and buzzing nightlife. If you’re there in peak season, don’t be surprised if dinner wraps up at 11pm and the party lasts until sunrise.

🧳 Getting there and getting around:

You can reach Santorini by ferry from Crete - the trip takes around two and a half hours, with more departures in summer. We recommend staying three to five days if you want to take it all in.

Travelling with kids? The best family-friendly areas are near the beach, such as Kamari, Perivolos and Perissa. Some other areas involve steep walks, so consider accessibility when booking your stay.

✈️ Flights to Santorini:

Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR) is served by Norwegian Air, Aegean, EasyJet, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, Brussels Airlines and British Airways. You can also catch ferries to nearby islands like Naxos and Paros or head back to Athens in around five hours.

🌅 Rhodes

Capital: Rhodes
Size: 2,714 km2

Rhodes is the most visited of the Greek islands. It’s a brilliant mix of beaches, ancient ruins and nightlife. Faliraki is where most people go to party, but if you’re looking for something quieter, head south for a more laid-back vibe and postcard-worthy villages.

☀️ Weather and climate:

Rhodes has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Visit between June and September for peak sun. In June, average highs hit around 29°C, and it can get even hotter in July and August.

📍 What to see:

Lindos Old Town is home to the ruins of the Acropolis. It’s a popular spot by day, but the nightlife picks up after midnight - Lindos By Night is one of the top bars.

Another must-visit is the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes Old Town. It feels like stepping back in time, with cobbled streets and towering stone walls all around.

For a proper local lunch, stop by the hilltop village of Apóllona in the centre of the island. It’s a great mid-way point between Rhodes Town and Limnos, known for its traditional food and local wine.

🧳 Travel tips:

The best way to explore Rhodes is by car. Scooters are a fun option for shorter trips. Bigger shops and restaurants usually accept cards, but small businesses prefer cash, especially in rural spots. Many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas, so getting around is easy.

✈️ Flights to Rhodes:

Rhodes International Airport (RHO) connects to cities across Europe with airlines including Transavia, airBaltic, Austrian Airlines, EasyJet, Sky Express and Vueling.

💭 Final thoughts

Still undecided? There are plenty more Greek islands to explore, like Corfu, Mykonos, Kos and Zakynthos.

We hope this guide has helped you plan your own island-hopping adventure. Wherever you go, we’re here to help you find the best flights, compare airlines and pay later if you want to.