Holiday where the locals do at Syros. The Cyclades islands are known to be arid with small village-like town centres, Syros is cosmopolitan in contrast. It is home to grand neoclassical architecture, which can be taken in from the town centre, Ermoupolis. Retreat to the cliffside beach, Paralia Asteria, where the island’s cultural melting pot of Greek and Italian influences is evident as locals play music in both languages on portable speakers.

While there’s a plethora of parties, day clubs and general debauchery, there are just as many stunning beaches, authentic tavernas and incredible dining experiences on Greece’s renowned ‘party island’. Don’t skip this because of its reputation. Embrace the chaos and crowds and venture to Kiki’s Taverna or the iconic Spilia restaurant for a once-in-a-lifetime meal. The food scene is reason enough to visit. Here are our top restaurant picks for your next visit.

The only traffic you will find here is pedestrian traffic. There are no roads, cars or bikes on this tiny island, just two hours from Athens. A place where the well-heeled retreat for the summer, is packed with elegant mansions and was once a main holiday spot for Leonard Cohen. The beaches are small and pebbly, but private. Here, you can truly escape the chaos of summer in Europe.

The largest of the islands in the Dodecanese, Rhodes is no stranger to tourists, and for good reason. Its Old Town puts the island’s blend of medieval and Greek history on show. Built in the late 7th century, the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is one of the island’s most impressive historical structures, but you can take in its rich past throughout Rhodes Town, especially Hippocrates Square, as restaurants, bars and stores are built within and around historic structures.

About an hour from Rhodes, sailing into Symi’s pastel-hued harbour is magic. Widely considered the “jewel of the Dodecanese,” handsome neoclassical houses in lemon, ochre, taffy pink and pale blue tumble from its craggy hillside, hugging this tiny, Greek island’s harbour.

While larger islands like Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia steal the glory, Ithaca’s irresistible charm will have you hook, line and sinker. Luxuriant and green, its Cypress tree-lined hills bear a vastly different aesthetic to the blue and white tourist ideal, but its impossibly clear blue-green waters, charming colourful towns and slow-living lifestyle tick all the holiday boxes.

The lushest of the Greek isles also boasts some of the most idyllic beaches in the country. From shimmering shingly coves to sandy stretches perfect for the family, you’ll struggle to visit them all in one stay.

Want to enjoy a slower pace? Head to Kefalonia. Truly embracing island time, and vibes for that matter, as here everything is laidback. Don’t expect fancy day beds on beaches or exclusive clubs, Kefalonia is all about local-run tavernas and pristine beaches. If you’re a movie buff you’ll know that Captain Correlli’s Mandolin was filmed here.

For years, Sifnos has flown under tourist’s radar. But not locals. Those in the know, know. Sifnos is one of the best islands for foodies. With cliffside wine bars like Loggia in the historic town of Kastro, which showcases Greece’s burgeoning wine scene, and seaside Cheronissos Fish Tavern, where today’s catch is cooked and served, it’s no wonder this island is popular with the food-minded traveller.

You’ve seen the IG Reels and posts of the iconic beaches nestled in grand volcanic rock structures. Think Sarankiniko, Tsigrado, Kleftiko and so on. But once you’re done ticking off the IG-worthy swim spots, hit up the tiny fishing villages: Mandrakia, Pollonia and Firopotamos. Here you’ll find small bays, even smaller tavernas and ‘philotimo’, the Greek way of life.

Think Mykonos, but a decade ago. Paros is a vibrant island that is on the same trajectory as Mykonos. While there’s no Nobu here, yet, there are a bunch of seaside restaurants serving up delicate dishes while in Naoussa town you’ll still find authentic tavernas plating up traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and pastitsio. There are beaches aplenty, you can even catch a small water taxi from town to take you to them.

If your ideal holiday involves deserted beaches, then Greece would not usually be the first place we’d recommend, but there is one island where you can still find uncrowded beaches and that is Naxos. The beauty of Naxos is that you get the best of both worlds, quiet, serene spots and bustling town centres, like Chora and Chalki, packed with unpretentious tavernas and bars.

Given its close proximity to Athens, Andros is an island surprisingly overlooked by tourists, instead full of weary Athenians who journey there for the weekend. But with wild natural beauty, unspoilt coves and sense of grandeur, Andros should be on every visitor’s radar as a must-visit island.

Ok, hear me out. Yes, it is crowded. And yes it is expensive, but there’s a reason for that. It’s an iconic Greek island that you have to experience at least once in your life. While we don’t recommend holidaying here for long you can escape the crowds at smaller towns like Pygros and at wineries like Venetsanos, which not only pour a decent glass of locally produced white Assyrtiko varietal but also boats sweeping views from its clifftop location.

From bakeries to storefronts that sell locally produced olive oil and small kafenios (cafes), if you want to taste the very best Greece has to offer, Crete is the island for you. It is one of the country’s largest exporters of olives and olive oil, grapes, vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and zucchini), fruits (oranges), and carob beans, all of which can be bought from street vendors and stalls. Its two main towns, Chania and Heraklion, are also home to historic buildings and ancient ruins.