Best Greek Islands for your Holidays

The Cyclades is one of the best Greek islands and is the home to world-famous gems such as Santorini and Mykonos. But with that popularity comes a certain cost. Restaurants are able to charge more (and you will spend longer waiting in line) and the most famous beaches sometimes make you pay for the pleasure of sitting on them. For those who want to save the pennies but still want to experience the beauty there are a number of options, but we are recommending Naxos.

Naxos is actually the largest island in the Cyclades which means there are many stretches of (free) beaches for you to lie out on without the big crowds. In fact you could spend your entire week at Plaka or Agios Prokopios beaches which some consider amongst the most beautiful in all of Greece. The sand seems even whiter and finer here and the sea takes on an even deeper shade of blue. There are also plenty of watersports to enjoy.

For those who love exploring streets, Chora, the capital of Naxos, offers as much enjoyment as any of its more famous cousins. The houses are the familiar whitewashed walls with blue domes. If you want ruins then you will find them in abundance in Naxos. Monasteries, castles and ancient temples are waiting to be discovered including Panagia Drosiani church, Kalamitsia Monastery, and Demeter temple. In short, Naxos gives you all the pleasures of the big boys without the big price. You should seriously consider it even if you are not on a budget.

If you are taking the family to Greece and are worried that not everyone may find something to do then Crete is the destination that has it all. The largest and one of the best islands in Greece, the variety of experiences available makes it perfect for everyone from beach loungers, fun park fanatics and those who like to add some adrenaline to their time away from home.

Choose North or South or somewhere in between. Chania in the North offers a beautiful old harbour where you can while the day away watching boats pootle in and out while you enjoy fresh octopus in a local taverna. It has a lively town with the right mix of restaurants and tourist spots to keep everyone entertained. The capital Heraklion in the East is equally as compelling, featuring closer proximity to some of the ancient ruins such as Knossos Palace.

Inland, the deep gorges and spectacular mountains are maybe best explored on an official tour. Rock climbers can find their thrills here and you can take everyone mountain biking for a fun few hours. Families can visit vineyards, meet farmers and enjoy delicious lamb dishes under a blue sky.

Which Greek Island has the best beaches? We could provide 200 answers to that question and each would have its own justifications. But we are going to choose Mykonos, not necessarily because it has the very best beaches but because of the sheer choice available from the busy resort to the ‘why has no-one discovered this place yet?’. The golden sands are alive with laughter and fun, you will find people dancing on the tables at the many local restaurants. Pizza is always readily available to top up your energy levels and a nearby camping ground means you can save pennies on accommodation.

If you don't mind a few tourists and want access to water sports and brilliant restaurants then you can't go wrong with Platis Gialos which is only a few kilometers from the main Mykonos Town. Hire a chair for the day and just soak up the clear, tranquil waters or go to the watersports dock and jump on a boat or fly into the sky attached to a parachute. You cannot beat a glass bottom boat tour to get to know the local inhabitants up close.

You will need a car or taxi to get to Fokos beach but when you get there you will find a little piece of secluded heaven. It is the beach you need when you want to get away from it all. It is not completely away from civilization and the local taverna means you can enjoy some amazing food when you’re taking a break from the peace and quiet.

How about a Greek island that simply sums up the best of everything about a holiday to Greece? Kefalonia has had a tourist surge in recent years thanks to it being the setting for the hugely popular Captain Correlli’s Mandolin. However, it has always been somewhere that provides a purely pleasurable experience right across the island. The beaches are magnificent and slightly rugged in places. Myrtos and Etani are probably the two most notable, offering dramatic surroundings as well as the pure waters you expect from your Agean experience.
The mountains inland mean a whole host of activities are also available for those who want to spend less time on the sand. Rock climbing is exciting, there are caves with spectacular stalagmites and underground lakes that the entire family can enjoy. You will even find hidden churches amongst the rocks. Your kids will also love the turtles that often swim ashore to lay their eggs in Assos village or pick up the spare fish thrown by the trawlers in the lovely port town of Argostoli. Assos itself will make your heart melt with the sheer beauty of its 19th century architecture.
Long walks, boat trips to Ithaca, home of Odysseus, delicious local cuisine and people who are genuinely friendly and happy to make your stay as good as it can be. On top of this, Kefalonia is easily accessible with cheap flights arriving at a lovely little airport that will quickly take you to your destination of choice. Kefalonia is utterly beautiful. And if you are looking for an island that fits in with the things you love to do then you cannot go wrong.

How can you enjoy a truly relaxing and luxurious getaway in Greece? The answer is, of course, Club Med. Our Gregolimano resort is the ideal choice for your all-inclusive family beach holidays in Greece on one of the best Greek islands- Evia. In front of you is a beautiful stretch of golden sand. Behind you picturesque mountains and an area of lush greenery is just waiting to be explore.
The resort has a brilliant mix of things to do for all the family including a mix of exciting water sports in the sea and relaxation among the olive trees. Children can find adventure with our all-day kid's clubs. After the excitement, relax on a golden beach or on a swaying hammock in the tranquil pine forest. Dine on gourmet cuisine, find your favourite drink at the open bar and enjoy a night at the modern Greek theatre.
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