Top 5 Greek Islands to Visit in 2021

The country’s unique light, the endless blue color of Greece, and the islands have made Greece synonymous with summer holidays. We are constantly inspired by this iconic and profoundly mythological country.

Greece is one of those places that you can return to year after year and never see it all. It is infinite. Even if we play around with the dreamy thought of visiting two islands a year, it would still take us over 100 years to visit every inhabited island in Greece.

So where do we start?

1. Santorini

Cooing American and Chinese honeymooners line up to take selfies as the sun sinks behind Santorini's caldera, the flooded volcanic crater. That view may be a romantic cliché, but it still takes your breath away. A volcanic explosion blew out Santorini's heart 3,500 years ago, leaving black-sand beaches, vertiginous cliffs in psychedelic hues, and swirling rumours about Atlantis in its wake. The eruption also preserved the ancient city of Akrotiri under layers of ash and created fertile ground for exceptional Assyrtiko grapes and Vinsanto wines. (Sample them at Sigalas and Vassaltis wineries, paired with delicate dishes that let the grapes sing.)

Apart from a boat trip to the smouldering crater of Nea Kameni and hot springs at Palia Kameni, there's not much to do but gaze at the mersmerising views from your suite, dangling on the edge of the caldera. The best hotels in Santorini are concentrated in Oia and Imerovigli, but the inland village of Pyrgos is up-and-coming. Go for a twilight Bellini at Franco's or supper at Botargo, with views that will leave you light-headed. Emborio is a smaller and even prettier village, with a smattering of old-school coffee shops and Airbnb’s. For a glimpse of Santorini before the onslaught of cruise ships and Instagrammers, explore the quieter south (but keep your discoveries to yourself).

 2. Mykonos

Mykonos had clubs and sunrise parties long before rave culture was even invented. Its bohemian allure hasn’t faded since the 1960s, although the once naked beaches now have nail bars, personal trainers and house music pumping out all hours. The influx of supermodels and superyachts has inspired hot new hotels and restaurants. The hippest place to show off your abs is Scorpios, a lounge beach bar that puts Ibiza's finest in the shade (book a cabana to watch the sunset). After hours, it's always Astra, where you might find Keith Richards chatting up Karolina Kurkova. 

If the glitzy excess gets too much, escape to Fokos taverna for superfood salads and lamb chops, or Kiki's, an off-grid grill-shack overlooking Agios Sostis bay, where even Naomi Campbell has to queue for a table. Or cruise over to the tiny island of Delos, an archaeological sanctuary that once thronged with 30,000 sun worshippers (the temple is dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of light).

Mykonos town offers the most versatile and also incredible choices of food; from true authentic Greek meeting with contemporary techniques to Asian fusion food.

If you are specific about which beach club you would like to spend the day at and which restaurants you would like to indulge in a yummy meal, ensure to have reservations and book a few days in advance in the peak season.

Mykonos offers nature and being as hilly as it is, it is without doubt a great cycle and running destination for those being sporty.

 3. Milos

Everyone knows the Venus de Milo (which has stood in the Louvre since the 19th century). Until recently, very few had heard of Milos, the volcanic island where Aphrodite’s graceful likeness was discovered. Those in the know jealously guard their treasured island, and especially its 70 (or more) beaches — surely the most diverse and dramatic coastline of all the Greek Islands.

Little by little, though, Milos is being discovered. Instagram is saturated with no-filter shots of the undulating white cliffs at Sarakiniko, the bottle-green swimming hole at Papafragas, and colourful, rickety syrmata, tiny boat houses wedged between rock and sea. (You’ll find the best photo opportunities at Klima and Mandrakia). This painterly landscape was shaped by the minerals that have long been a source of wealth – obsidian, alum, barite and sulphur, which still bubbles up in the island’s many hot springs. As the 11,000-year-old mining industry is gradually giving way to tourism, several chic hotels have made an appearance.

Go now, before the trickle of visitors turns into a tide.

4. Paros

Paros is an island of the Cyclades island group. Combining modern with traditional elements in the most unique way, Paros is a mix of traditional Cycladic architecture, vivid nightlife, magical Paros beaches, enchanting rural villages, and historical monuments. Whether you’re after a relaxing holiday or you are more of a thrill-seeker, Paros island Greece will give you exactly what you want!
Paros Greece is one of the most popular Greek islands! Boasting a beautiful natural landscape and 120 km of coastline, it has endless blonde-sand beaches, verdant mountains and cliff-top villages galore.

 5. Antiparos

Antiparos is one of those Greek islands that have managed to stay off the radar and is also for many Greeks, considered to be a premium destination thanks to its simplicity and tranquility. It is not only an excellent destination for day trips from Paros, as Antiparos is a short ferry ride away from Paros, but also an ideal destination for relaxing, peaceful holidays where partying isn’t necessarily on the top of the list.
Antiparos Greece is located in the heart of the Aegean sea, right next to Paros island and belongs to the Cyclades island group. Despite being so close to Paros island, Antiparos is not so crowded but have a cosmopolitan character. It is an ideal greek island for laid back holidays away from the hustle and the bustle.

The island is famous for its beaches, so swimming is one of the best things to do in Antiparos. Antiparos beaches are mostly sandy with crystal clear waters, while most of them are within walking distance of Chora, the island’s capital. On the southern side of Antiparos, you’ll find the most impressive sight of the island, Antiparos cave, a stunning cave full of stalactites and stalagmites.