Greece is one of the most rewarding destinations for British travellers, combining stunning islands, ancient history, warm seas and famously generous hospitality. With hundreds of islands and a vast mainland, though, the hardest part is choosing where to go. This Greece holiday guide walks through the best islands and regions, who each one suits, and the right time of year to visit, so you can plan the perfect Greek getaway.
Why Greece appeals to UK travellers
Greece offers a winning mix for British holidaymakers: long, hot, reliable summers, crystal-clear seas, beautiful beaches, wonderful food and a relaxed pace of life. The famous Greek hospitality means visitors are made to feel genuinely welcome, while the sheer variety of islands means you can find anything from buzzing nightlife to total tranquillity. Add in affordable prices, especially for eating out, and a deep sense of history, and it is easy to see why so many UK travellers fall for Greece and return again and again.
The Cyclades
The Cyclades are the postcard Greece of whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches. Santorini, with its caldera views and famous sunsets, is the most romantic and dramatic, while Mykonos is the glamorous party island. Beyond the big names, Naxos, Paros and Milos offer gorgeous beaches and a more laid-back feel with fewer crowds. The Cyclades suit couples, groups and anyone after that classic Greek-island look, though they can get busy and pricey in peak summer, so the shoulder seasons are well worth considering here.
The Ionian Islands
Off the west coast, the green and lush Ionian Islands have a softer, more Italian-influenced feel. Corfu is the best known, with its elegant old town, beaches and family resorts, while Kefalonia offers stunning scenery and beaches like Myrtos, and Zante is popular with younger crowds and famous for its turtle-nesting bays. The Ionians are generally greener and a little cooler than the Aegean islands, making them a lovely choice for families and those who like a backdrop of hills and olive groves.
Crete
Crete, the largest Greek island, is almost a destination in its own right. It packs in everything: superb beaches, dramatic mountains and gorges, ancient Minoan sites like Knossos, lively resorts and traditional villages. Its size means it suits longer stays and exploring, with a different feel in the busy north and the quieter south. Crete works well for families, couples and active travellers alike, and its long season and excellent food make it one of the most complete and satisfying Greek islands to visit.
The Dodecanese
Closer to Turkey, the Dodecanese islands combine beaches with rich history. Rhodes is the star, with its remarkable medieval old town, long sandy beaches and family resorts, while Kos offers flat, cycle-friendly terrain and lively resorts popular with families and groups. Smaller islands like Symi and Patmos reward those seeking somewhere quieter and more characterful. The Dodecanese enjoy a long, sunny season and a fascinating blend of cultures, making them a great choice for combining beach time with sightseeing.
Mainland Greece and Athens
It is easy to overlook the mainland, but it has plenty to offer. Athens is a compelling city break, home to the Acropolis and a buzzing food and culture scene, and makes a great start or end to an island trip. Beyond the capital, the Peloponnese offers ancient sites, beaches and beautiful scenery with far fewer crowds than the islands. For travellers who want history and culture alongside their sunshine, combining a few days on the mainland with an island stay works brilliantly.
The best islands for families
Families are spoilt for choice in Greece, but some islands suit little ones especially well. Corfu, Kos, Crete and Rhodes all offer gentle, sandy beaches, calm shallow waters, family resorts and plenty of amenities, making them easy and safe with children. The warm, shallow seas are ideal for paddling, and the relaxed, family-oriented Greek culture means children are welcomed everywhere. Our guide on the best holidays for families with young children has more on choosing the right base.
The best islands for peace and romance
If you are after tranquillity or romance, seek out the quieter islands. Smaller spots like Naxos, Milos, Symi, Paxos and Folegandros offer beautiful scenery, lovely beaches and a slow, authentic pace without the crowds of the famous names. Santorini remains the classic romantic choice for its sunsets, though it is busy. For couples wanting to escape, or anyone craving a peaceful, traditional Greece, the lesser-known islands deliver an experience that feels a world away from the busier resorts.
When to visit Greece
Greece has a long season. July and August are hot and sunny but bring the biggest crowds and highest prices, while the shoulder months of May, June, September and October offer warm weather, swimmable seas and a more relaxed feel at better value, making them ideal for many travellers. Spring is lovely for sightseeing and walking before the peak heat. Our guide on choosing a destination by weather and season helps you pick the perfect month for your trip.
Getting there and island hopping
Most Greek islands are an easy short-haul flight from the UK in summer, either directly or via Athens, with ferries linking the islands for those who want to combine several in one trip. Island hopping is a wonderful way to see contrasting islands, though it needs a little planning around ferry schedules. As with any trip abroad, check your passport meets the entry rules and look at current FCDO travel advice before you go, so you can set off with everything in order.
Greek food and culture
Part of the joy of Greece is its food and the relaxed culture around it. Fresh salads, grilled fish and meat, mezze, olive oil and local wine make eating out a highlight, and it is wonderfully affordable, with long, sociable meals at tavernas a holiday in themselves. The famous Greek hospitality means visitors are welcomed warmly, and the slow, easy pace soon rubs off. Taking time to enjoy the food, the evening stroll and the unhurried rhythm of island life, rather than rushing between sights, is what makes a Greek holiday so restorative and memorable.
Combining islands and the mainland
One of the best ways to experience Greece is to combine contrasting places in a single trip. A few days in Athens to see the ancient sites, paired with a relaxing island stay, gives you both culture and beach time, while island hopping lets you sample a lively island and a quiet one in one holiday. Ferries and short flights make this straightforward with a little planning around schedules. For travellers who want variety, a twin-centre or multi-stop Greek holiday delivers far more than staying in one place, and suits longer trips especially well.
In short
Greece offers an island or region for every kind of holiday: the Cyclades for classic looks and romance, the Ionians for green family-friendly resorts, Crete and Rhodes for variety and history, and the mainland for culture. Visit in summer for guaranteed beach weather, or the shoulder seasons for warmth, value and fewer crowds. Match the island and timing to the trip you want, and check entry requirements and FCDO advice before you book.
Find more sunshine ideas in our Destinations guides.