Choosing a Greek island sounds easy until you realise just how many options there are.

Santorini? Mykonos? Crete? Paros? Naxos? Rhodes? Corfu?

The truth is that there is no single best Greek island. There is simply the best Greek island for the type of holiday you want.

Recent travel guides continue to highlight the huge differences between the islands, from Santorini’s romantic atmosphere to Crete’s family-friendly appeal and Mykonos’s nightlife.

Here is our guide to matching the island with your travel style.

Santorini – Best for Romance

Santorini is one of the world’s most recognisable islands.

Its whitewashed villages, dramatic caldera views and spectacular sunsets make it an obvious choice for couples and honeymooners.

Choose Santorini if you want:

• Romance
• Luxury hotels
• Incredible views
• Restaurants and wine
• A sophisticated atmosphere

However, if your number-one priority is long sandy beaches, another Greek island may suit you better.

Mykonos – Best for Luxury and Nightlife

Mykonos is famous for its glamorous atmosphere, beach clubs, restaurants and nightlife.

It is particularly suited to travellers who enjoy a more social and sophisticated holiday.

Choose Mykonos if you want:

• Luxury
• Restaurants
• Beach clubs
• Nightlife
• A lively atmosphere

It may not be the best choice for travellers looking for a quiet family escape.

Crete – Best for Families and Variety

Crete is much larger than many of Greece’s other famous islands, which gives it an enormous amount of variety.

There are beaches, historic sites, villages, food, resorts and different landscapes to explore.

Travel experts frequently identify Crete as one of Greece’s strongest choices for families and travellers who want a broad range of experiences.

Choose Crete if you want:

• A family-friendly holiday
• Beautiful beaches
• History
• Food
• Resorts
• Variety

Paros – Best for a Stylish Island Escape

Paros has become increasingly popular with travellers who want the Greek island experience without necessarily choosing the biggest names.

It offers attractive villages, beaches, restaurants and a lively but generally more relaxed atmosphere.

It can be particularly appealing to couples and families who want a combination of relaxation and things to do.

Naxos – Best for Beaches and Relaxation

Naxos is an excellent option for travellers who want beautiful beaches but also want more than a resort holiday.

It offers a more relaxed island atmosphere and is particularly appealing to families and couples.

Rhodes – Best for History and Beaches

Rhodes combines beautiful coastline with a fascinating history.

Its medieval old town is one of its biggest attractions, while the island also offers plenty of opportunities for a traditional Mediterranean beach holiday.

It can be an excellent choice for families and travellers who want culture alongside relaxation.

Corfu – Best for Green Landscapes and European Charm

Corfu feels different from the classic Cycladic islands.

The island is greener and has a strong Venetian influence, making it a great option for travellers who want beautiful scenery and history alongside beaches.

Milos – Best for Dramatic Scenery

Milos is increasingly popular with travellers looking for something a little different.

The island is known for unusual landscapes and beautiful coastlines, making it particularly attractive for couples and travellers who enjoy exploring.

So, which Greek island should you choose?

The answer isn’t necessarily the island with the most Instagram followers.

It depends on:

• Who are you travelling with?
• What time of year are you going?
• Do you want beaches, nightlife, food, history or relaxation?
• Do you want a resort holiday or somewhere with more local character?
• How important is luxury to you?

These questions can completely change our recommendation.

At Sabra Travel, our advisors have extensive experience planning holidays in Greece and understand that choosing the right island is about much more than finding the prettiest photograph.

So, which Greek island is right for you? Tell us what you want from your Greek holiday, and we’ll help you find the island that fits.