Few places evoke the feeling of spring or summer like the Greek Islands. Spread over the sparkling Aegean and Ionian seas, these sun-bleached destinations come alive between April and October, calling on travellers from across the world to experience their ancient ruins and landscapes whipped by warm, pine-scented and salty breeze.

Over 6,000 isles make up the Greek archipelago, and each island group and island in itself is entirely unique. The Cyclades are best known for their whitewashed villages, windmills and hotspots like Santorini and Mykonos, the Dodecanese Islands by their Byzantine churches and Medieval castles, and the Saronics, for their jumbles of colourful houses and car-free lanes. Here are the best Greek islands to visit from the Middle East this summer – just a short flight away from the GCC.

The best Greek islands to explore

The Saronic Islands

The closest island group to Athens are the beautiful Saronic Islands – home to the best Greek islands for a long weekend and just a short ferry from the capital. With some islands reached within 40 minutes, they’re easily combined with a city escape in Athens and have a fascinating history. These lands were ruled by Venetians, the settings of wars and home to ancient ruins – not to mention some being particularly jet set attracting wealthy and famous Greeks and international jet set. The closest to Athens is Salamis (15-minute ferry) – known for its 500 BC Temple of Aphaia and its appearance in Homer’s Iliad. At the same time, Aegina (40 minutes by ferry) is the largest and most popular, thanks to its natural beauty, sandy beaches and archaeological sites. For something rustic and small, go for Agistri (55 minutes).

Hydra

The chicest Greek Island closest to Athens is undeniable Hydra, once a hotspot for Hollywood jet set in the Sixties and Seventies and now pulling a stylish art crowd with galleries, cinema screenings, picture-perfect beach bars and boutique hotels. Hydra is car-free: all-wheeled vehicles, including bikes, are banned, but the tiny island has nearly everything within walking distance. For those places that aren’t, there are cheap and frequent water taxis and donkeys and mules on hand. Covered in the pine forest, Hydra is home to a tiny pastel-coloured port town with trendy cocktail bars and tavernas.

Celebrities have long loved Hydra’s laid-back and beautiful vibe – John Lennon, the Rolling Stones, Leonard Cohen, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie O’ all holidayed here. You’ll now find the jet-set crowd at the iconic Pirate Bar or Hydronetta – spilling into the waters. In the cobbled town, you’ll find plenty of boutique hotels, like Bratsera Boutique Hotel, in an old sponge factory and one of the few with a swimming pool – and there are plenty of apartments and private rentals. Two posh beach resorts, Mandraki Beach Resort and Four Seasons, both have great swimming and sunbathing and can be reached by water. The beaches could be better, but there are many coves with pebbles where you can swim in the turquoise Aegean.

The stays
Boutiquey/charming: Bratsera Boutique Hotel, Hotel Miranda
Adults only luxury: Mandraki Beach Resort
Low key and self catered: This authentic Airbnb right in the port

Spetses

Spetses is old money. It’s the place where Athenian society set has been a vacationed for decades – and a microcosm of this vibe is the Poseidonion Grand Hotel. It’s here where Onassis courted Jackie Kennedy, and Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli and Tennessee Williams enjoyed visits. Today it’s the place to see and be seen for an aperitivo or smart dinner by the waterfront. Spetses glamour, like Hydra, is the creation of Greek tobacco tycoon Sotirios Anargyros, who restored the Poseidonion, planted pine trees and encouraged Athens’ old money to holiday here. It’s still an old-money spot, but what’s utterly charming is that all motorised vehicles are banned – so you have to get around on foot, by bike or horse-drawn cart.

There are shiny new hangouts like Bikini or Bar Spetsa where a young, jet-set crowd converge, two open-air cinemas, boutiques and great restaurants (prices are higher in Spetses, but to be expected with the crowd). Unlike Hydra, mopeds are allowed, so seeking out the island’s handful of great beaches is an exciting extrusion. In the town, you’ll find elegant old mansions, museums and a vibrant roster of cultural events (like a Tweed run in October).

The stays
Boutiquey/charming: Orloff Resort
Old world luxury and heritage: Poseidonion Grand Hotel

Aegina

Aegina is the largest of the Saronic islands and one of the best Greek islands for an all-around wonderful escape. Firstly, it’s just 40 minutes by ferry from Athens, meaning both weekend and day trips are feasible. Secondly, it offers beaches, ancient ruins, pine forests, tavernas and more. The island has a wonderful, relaxed, family-friendly vibe, is popular with Athenians and Greeks who come to escape the city during the spring and summer months, and is home to the Ancient Temple of Athena Aphaia. Aegina’s beaches are perfectly pleasant (the Saronics aren’t known for their beaches), and travellers can visit Souvala Beach, with its therapeutic hot and cold springs and enjoy watersports on Agia Marina Beach – and there are lovely secluded coves for boat trips.

Aegina offers low-key authenticity all year round, attracting writers and artists for centuries – including painter Nikos Nikolaou, whose former atelier is now a charming guest house and museums. There are lovely, quirky Airbnbs, and cosy Greek and Italian restaurants – plus a wonderful ceramics shopping scene. Thanks to its size and proximity to Athens, this feels like a lived-in, authentic Greek island, alive all year round and not reliant on tourism.

The stays
Boutiquey/charming: These two artsy private rentals
Families: This luxurious private villa

The Cyclades

Paros

The Greek island of Paros has gained more attention in recent years. This is thanks to its picturesque white fishing village of Naoussa, known for its chic cocktail bars, in-the-water tavernas, and nightlife, and Parikia – the capital with cobbles reminiscent of Mykonos town.Located in the Cyclades Islands – the same group as Mykonos and Santorini, and therefore the same architectural style, volcanic landscape and vibes – Paros is one of the best Greek islands to experience the outstanding natural beauty of these tourism hotspots without the soaring prices and crowds.

One of the larger Cyclades islands, it’s easy to spend a week in Paros, dining in the beachfront restaurants, enjoying lazy lunches, sundowners and bustling nights in its chic towns and hopping from beach to beach – many peaceful and sandy. Its wild interior is also worth a visit, home to the traditional mountain village of Lefkes with its Cycladic architecture and churches. Book a table at Siparos for the best views and freshest catch on the island, or in Naoussa at the famous Mario with tables lapped by the waves- try and snag a spot at Kosmos or Medusa cocktail bar afterwards amongst the island’s good-looking crowd.

Paros is also home to wonderful boutique hotels, attracting Hollywood celebrities and cosmopolitan types. The adjacent islet of Antiparos is also relatively off the radar. Accessed by boat from Paros, this rugged, windswept island is so idyllic that Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson even call it home. Stay at The Rooster Antiparos, a chic boutique hotel set on a 30-acre plot of cedar trees, where converted old local homes have been transformed into stunning hotel suites with ocean views.

The stays
Chic boutique hotel: Parīlio
Stylish beach resort: Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort
For families: This Cycladic villa

Sifnos

Dua Lipa and Margo Robbie were both spotted holidaying on this beautiful Cycladic island last summer, adding to a star-studded visitor book that includes Scarlet Johannson and Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. The birthplace of Nicholas Tselementes, who wrote Greece’s first cookbook in 1910, it Sifnos is arguably the foodie capital of the Cyclades, an in recent years had developed a cool, laidblac scene to match. Come for elevated Greek cuisine, such as fragrant stews and Greco-Iberian dishes like Gazpacho, and visit the many tableware stores and ceramicists.

This is one of the best Greek islands for foodies, and you’ll find yourself forgoing the usual Greek salads for creative chefs in experimental restaurants like Omega3. The aroma of orange and almonds dances on the breeze in the whitewashed backstreets, and sage and oregano grow freely in the rugged hinterlands. Kamares, the island’s effortlessly stylish port, has a wonderful vibe and great cocktail bars, and the island as a whole has an enchanting, raw and elemental feel. Come before word gets out, and make sure to visit the Panagia Poulati monastery on the island’s east coast.

The stays
For Cyclades glamour: Nos
For seaside taverna vibes: Sifnos House
For a secluded escape in pine and olive-groves: Kamaroti

Milos

Milos is everything you’d want from a Greek island escape. It has an almost otherwordly beautiful landscape of volcanic rock, whitewashed towns, sandy beaches (70 beaches, to be precise) and utterly charming boutique stays. In recent years, few were familiar with the charms of Milos – but many knew the Venus de Milo (a part of the Louvre since its discovery on the island in the 19th century).

Part of the Cyclades islands, Milos has log swayed to a laid-back beat in the shadows of its sisters Mykonos and Santorini, but offering a similar experience. Known for its marble mining and slowly flourishing tourism scene, it’s the best Greek island for a dramatic coastline – the lunar-like Sarakiniko beach and the emerald green swimming hole at Papafragas. Stay in a strata, almost undeniably charming converted fisherman’s boat houses now stylish boutique boltholes (look in Klima, Mandrakia and near Pollonia) or one of its many chic minimalist stays with private pools. There are three bustling towns, Adamas, the ferry port and most touristy part of the island, the capital Plaka and trendy Pollinos – a former fishing village now with stylish restaurants and bars. Make sure to snag a reservation at Medusa and Mosaic.

The stays
For a unique experience: This boat house conversion in Kilma
For a secluded, countryside beach escape: Skiponi Lodge
For a romantic, private pool stay: Domes White Coast
For charming and affordable: This lovely Airbnb

Syros

For the capital of the Cyclades, Syros is anything but traditionally Cycladic. There are no whitewashed, sugar-cub villages or windmills. Instead, this large and powerful island is colourful and has an Italian feel, shaped by many years of Venetian rule. Syros feels live-in, bustling, and commercial, once a centre of the country’s shipping industry, yet is still rugged, beautiful and authentic. There’s a distinctly Italian vibe to the island, the marble piazzas, Venetian-style mansions and replica of La Scala – and it’s always buzzing with culture and things to do – year-round.

Plan your visit around the many festivals of animals, digital art, film and music. You don’t come to Syros for the beaches, but there are still some hidden spots, all in the wild north of the island, so it’s best to rent a car, ATV or motorbike. What you miss in beaches you can back in culture, history and architecture – and some of Greece’s most beautiful boutique hotels. Check into Aristisde, an eco-friendly hotel in the heat of the capital Hermoupolis, with just nine rooms. Built in the former home of a textile merchant, it was transformed by ex-Londoner economist and writer Oana Aristide and her sister. It is now a grand townhouse with unique suites – some with private plunge pools.

The stays
For a world-class boutique hotel: Aristide
For a low-key and old-world escape in the port: Castro Hotel
For a private villa rental: This ultra-luxe oceanfront private rental

Kimolos

Kimolos is the Cyclades’ best kept secret – accessed by a 20-minute car-friendly ferry from the Milos post of Pollonia. This tiny volcanic island is the epitome of laid-back, authentic Cyclades living, a fishing island only just sprouting the seeds of tourism with some lovely private rentals and lovely boat house conversions right on the seafront. The restaurants are truly lovely – serving the freshest catch and family recipes (Prasonisi is a must visit), and for such a small island, there’s a surprising evening buzz and a few cocktail bars. Don’t miss kerbside Agora in the old town. There’s not much to do here but lol in the sun, swim in the sea, enjoy boat trips and authentic food in local tavernas – and it’s blissful.

The stays
For romance and sea views: This converted boat house right in the waves or this converted boat house boutique hotel
For something ultra unique: This Cycladic windmill dating back to 1852

Naxos

‘The happiest of islands’ is how Greek historian and geographer Herodotus described Naxos. And no wonder. Naxos is one of the very best Greek islands, taking the glamour of Mykonos, the beauty of Santorini, laidback under the radar vibe of Milos and a variety of Paros and combining it into a one-size-fits-all island perfect for couples and families alike. Naxos is one of the best Greek islands for families, its beaches are some of the most picturesque, and there are dozens of powdery sandy shores to enjoy with shallow waters, from the wilder beaches or the south to the more manicured resorts on the west – where the capital Chora lies. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are must-visit beaches for sunbathing and swimming, while Mikri Vigla is excellent for watersports. Chora is one of the best Greek island capitals for exploring, with whitewashed sugar-cube houses, medieval Venetian mansions, an archaeological museum, a 13th-century citadel, charming places to stay, and premium beach resorts.

The stays
A boho beach shack: Naxion on the Beach
A luxurious countryside escape: Ayiopetra
A family beach holiday: Naxian Utopia

Ionian islands

Kefalonia

Pretty and laid-back Kefalonia is as far removed from the typical white-washed Greek isles as it gets: covered in pine, cypress and olive carpeted mountains, home to vineyards and dotted with colourful fishing villages. This gem of the Ionian Sea is truly special, attracting attention hearts as the location for 2001’s blockbuster, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. The island is all clear waters and beaches, with bays for snorkelling and diving – where you’ll encounter the rare caretta- caretta, sea turtle and the monk seals, monachus monachus.

Villages are unspoilt and traditional, including the picturesque northern village of Assos, on a peninsula with a castle overlooking the delightful bay – and there are lots of hidden coves for swimming. Due to its farwestern position, a ferry from Athens isn’t possible, but it’s a short internal flight to its small but efficient airport. Ferries from three ports in Western Greece – Kyllini, Patra and Astakos – also service the island.

The stays
For a luxurious, yet boho-chic pick (with private pools villas, Bali-esque wicker furniture, and Ionian Sea views): Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa Kefalonia
For a cool, wellness-focused adults-only vibe: F Zeen Kefalonia
For a heritage-style stay in a beautiful villa: Emelisse Nature Resort

Corfu

Corfu is one of the largest and most nature-rich Greek Islands. Surrounded by pine-covered mountains and framed by soft sand beaches, it ticks all the boxes for travellers looking for a Greek island summer escape. Nature and adventure lovers flock to this island to hike and bike on its coastline and forested hinterlands, hiding ancient monasteries and historic villages, including many UNESCO-listed and cultural sights spanning a Venetian fortress. Swimming and diving are also popular, on its many Blue Flag beaches and in the cerulean seas.

The island sites are at the far west of Greece’s reaches in the cerulean Ionian Sea, off the coast of Albania, and its culture is shaped by a history that includes Ottoman and Venetian rule. While the capital of Corfu town is buzzing – and home to a fascinating Corfu Old Town – there are plenty of chic hideaways and beach hangouts across the island. Corfu is reachable from Dubai on Flydubai with a flight time of five hours and 20 minutes.

The stays
For an ultra luxurious and exclusive private rental: Ultima Corfu
For Asian-inspired Greek luxury: Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa
For a family beach escape: Grecotel Corfu Imperial
A heritage stay in Corfu Old Town: Siora Vittoria Boutique Hotel

Paxos

Charming little Paxos is one of Greece’s best kept secrets. Accessed only by ferry, a short ride on a small boat from Corfu (a direct flight from the UAE), this tiny island sits in the Ionian sea and offers pebble beaches, enchanting countryside, some slick beach bars and restaurants and a lovely little port town. What people come to for Paxos is to switch off and get away from it all, as a result, the island is more private villa rental driven than a hotel (there are hardly any five-star properties, but some decent independent places for those looking for something fuss-free).

Paxos is one of the best Greek islands for private retreat, and villas are ultra-private, many taking up their own cove and dotted along the rugged coastline. For its size, Paxos offers a great deal all around the island, away from its main port of Gaios with its Venetian architecture. In Longos on the northeast coast, you can enjoy laidback vibes at the waterfront Taxidi bar and authentic Greek at Vasilis, while Lakka offers many waterfront cafes. The island has a loyal British crowd, who hang out at Ben’s Bar between pebble beach hopping and lazy villa days – located on Monodendri. Hire a boat and sail around the island, especially to the mesmerisingly clear waters near Antipaxos – Paxos’ tiny inlet with some lovely beaches, swimming spots and a population of just 20.

The stays
For a private family-friendly stay: This incredible selection of private villa rentals
For a romantic boutique hotel in ancient olive groves: Torri E Merli

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