Planning a trip to Greece can feel daunting, especially for first-timers. With over 6,000 islands, it’s key to narrow your choices to fit your preferences. Here are important things to think about in choosing the best Greek island.
Consider visiting in May or September to avoid the crowds and get cheaper hotels1. Santorini is perfect for a romantic getaway with its stunning views and charming hotels1. Mykonos, on the other hand, offers exciting nightlife and beautiful beaches1. For those who enjoy unique spots, Milos features special beaches and quaint towns1. And Ios is great for its many bars, restaurants, and easy access1. Remember, it’s best to book ferries and flights early1. When on the islands, renting a car, motorbike, or ATV is a smart way to get around1.
Santorini is an iconic choice for first-time visitors, known for its beautiful sunsets and white buildings. This island is perfect for couples with its romantic spots and upscale hotels1. You can stroll along Oia’s cliff paths or have a private dinner with a view. It’s a great place for unforgettable experiences.
If nightlife and beautiful beaches are what you seek, head to Mykonos. It’s famous for its parties and shows and has a welcoming LGBTQ+ scene. With spots like Paradise Beach, you can enjoy the sea and have fun2. Mykonos also has luxury hotels for a comfortable stay12.
Looking for something less crowded? Consider Milos. It has unique beaches and small, charming towns. Places like Sarakiniko Beach and Plaka offer peaceful, beautiful settings. It’s a great choice for a quiet, authentic Greek experience1.
In the end, the best Greek island depends on what you’re looking for. Whether you want romance, nightlife, or something unique, you’ll find an island to match. Use the information and tips above to start your journey to the Greek Islands12.
Santorini – Romance and Picturesque Views
Santorini is a famous Greek island full of love and stunning sights. The buildings are white with blue domes, perfect for a couple’s photo. Honeymooners love this place.
This island has lovely towns, fancy hotels, and unique homes in caves. Oia, on the north, is a top choice3. You can see beautiful Caldera views and amazing sunsets there.
Though it lacks great beaches, Santorini’s views and vibe are very romantic. Perissa’s Black Sand Beach, a short ride from Fira, is unique3. It’s great for couples wanting to enjoy the sun and water together.
If you love a good hike, try Skaros Rock in Santorini. It takes about 20 minutes to the top3. The view of the island and sea from there is stunning.
A Sunset Yacht Cruise is perfect for couples in Santorini. You can swim at Red Sand Beach on these trips3. They offer a beautiful view of the island and a romantic sunset on the sea.
Santorini has places to stay for all budgets. You can choose from fancy resorts to smaller hotels. Andronikos Hotel, for instance, costs 518 euros a night. It comes with a free breakfast at Blue Buddha3.
To feel the romance of Santorini, visit its pretty towns and try the local food. Don’t miss watching the sun set: it’s famous for a reason. Santorini is truly a paradise for love4.
Mykonos – Nightlife and Sandy Beaches
Mykonos is known for its lively nightlife and parties. It’s a top spot for people who love to have fun on vacation. This island has become a favorite for many, from the well-off to teens and cruisers. Since the 1950s, it changed from a quiet fishing spot to the top Greek island for luxury and parties5.
In summer, many ships and boats come to Mykonos. You can fly here directly from Athens or other places in Europe. Also, you can zip across the sea from some Greek ports or islands5.
To get around, it’s best to arrange transfers or rent a car. Taxis may not be easy to find. Renting a car can be affordable, and you can often drop it off at the airport or port5.
There are many places to stay in Mykonos, from hotels to rented homes. You can pick a place in the heart of the city for the party scene. Or choose a spot by the beach for some peace5.
Mykonos is great for beach lovers. You can visit many sandy beaches like Paradise Beach or Paraga Beach. Plus, the island is perfect for seeing beautiful sunsets and eating at fancy restaurants5.
For a trip, you can visit Delos Island. It’s special because of its history and being Apollo’s birthplace5.
Mykonos gets very busy in summer. May is busy, but July and August are even more so. Still, the island’s amazing sunsets, great food, and beautiful beaches make it a must-see5.
Some think Mykonos is expensive. But, with good planning, it can be done on a budget. It’s a good spot for couples wanting a special time together, with great views and lovely walks5.
Diving, Water Sports, and Other Activities
Besides night fun and beaches, Mykonos has a lot to do. Diving fans will love exploring the sea here. There are walls, caves, and shipwrecks to see under the water. And diving schools are ready to help, especially at Paradise Beach6.
People who like water sports can try windsurfing, flyboarding, and more. These activities are available in many places around the island6.
It’s a good idea to rent a 4×4 to see Mykonos well. Traveling from place to place can take 45 minutes to an hour. Don’t miss a sunset catamaran trip or a walk in Mykonos Town. You should also see the windmills and watch the sunset by the sea7.
Milos – Unique Beaches and Quaint Towns
Milos is a secret paradise in the Greek islands. It’s perfect for those wanting to explore somewhere unique. More than 70 beaches dot this island, each with its own special beauty.
Sarakiniko is a top pick, famous for its moon-like scenery. The water is so clear and blue. The white rocks make it a perfect spot for enjoying the sun.
Then there’s Tsigrado, in a hidden cove. You can only get there by ladder or rope. It’s a calm, private spot to relax by the sea.
But Milos has more than just beaches. Its towns show off traditional Greek style. They let you dive into the island’s deep culture.
Pollonia is often picked as the best stay in Milos. It’s got great local feel, superb places to eat, and is right by the beach. The village is charming with its pretty streets. It’s a great starting point to see all the island offers8.
Adamas is the prime choice for a central spot. It’s close to the ferry, buses, and lots of shops. You can easily get around to see all the sights. It offers a lively vibe, perfect for those who love to explore8.
For a true village feel, pick Plaka. It’s up high, with awesome sea views. Its winding, whitewashed streets are a joy to walk. Try local food and unwind in the slow life of this beautiful place8.
Getting a car makes it simpler to see Milos. Since there are few buses, a car is handy for finding hidden spots. You can also use it to visit nearby islands. Paros and Sifnos are just a short trip away, perfect for exploring more of the Cyclades.
Conclusion
When picking the best Greek island for newcomers, think about what you like. Santorini is great for romance with beautiful views, a top choice for couples and honeymooners9. Mykonos is all about its lively nightlife and golden beaches, excellent for fun-loving people10. Milos has special beaches and a calm vibe, perfect for anyone wanting quiet time10. Every island is unique, promising a special trip for first-time guests10. No matter if you want romance, fun, or peace, there’s a Greek island just for you, ready to give memorable moments10.
Also, keep in mind that the off-season in Greece is from mid-September to mid-June10. Some big resorts may close then because fewer visitors mean less profit10. But, islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, and Lesvos welcome tourists all year, offering special moments even off-season10. Plus, places like Hydra, Spetses, Poros, and Aegina are open and less crowded in winter, showing their true beauty10. In winter, Athens thrives with an exciting nightlife from September10.
Winter brings fun outdoor activities like mountain climbing, water rafting, and more in Greece10. It’s a great time to visit museums and ancient sites with less crowd, good for culture fans10.
In the end, whether you pick Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, or elsewhere, you’ll enjoy it. Greece welcomes all with its diverse offerings, ensuring a great first visit10. So, get your bags ready and discover the magic of Greek islands!
Source Links
- The Greek Islands: How To Choose Which Ones To Visit – Find Us Lost
- The Best Places to Visit in Greece for the First Time: 14 Options / Where to Go in Greece for the First Time
- What to do in Santorini- Our guide to Greece’s most romantic Island.
- First Time in Santorini: Things to Know before Visiting the Greek island
- Mykonos for first-timers | Packing my Suitcase
- First time Mykonos: top tips for your first visit – Lonely Planet
- The First-Timer’s Guide to Mykonos – Bon Traveler
- Where to Stay in Milos? Pollonia, Adamas or Plaka
- Where to Stay in Santorini – My favorite towns & places
- Winter and Off-Season Travel in Greece
