Europe · Islands & the sea

Greece

Choose one or two islands so ferries do not take over your holiday. Enjoy the sea and long dinners at your own pace.

WHEN SHOULD YOU TRAVEL?

When to visit

May to September are worth considering for island stays. June and September offer alternatives to busy July and August; the sea may still feel cool in May.

Choose a month to see what might suit your trip. This advice reflects typical conditions; check your region and dates before booking.

YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE

More time on fewer islands

Choose one or two bases with time for villages and beaches. Avoid spending much of your holiday on ferries and hotel changes.

Best forIsland life, local food and the seaTravel paceFewer bases, more time to explore

GET TO KNOW THE DESTINATION

Find your area

Choose a base and explore experiences, accommodation and guided tours.

Greece

Crete

A large island with room for city life, beaches and day trips. Choose one part of the island as your base.

Read the area guide

Greece

Santorini

Views, villages and time by the sea. Allow several days rather than fitting everything into one afternoon.

Read the area guide

Experiences to look forward to

One or two islands

Choose fewer islands and spend more time on each. Naxos, Paros or Crete are useful starting points for planning your trip.

Villages and tavernas

Leave the beachfront promenade for a day to explore smaller villages and local food.

Beaches and boat trips

Combine time relaxing by the sea with an excursion when the wind and boat connections allow.

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View the boat trip to Balos, Crete

Where should you stay?

Local scenery — inspiration for your stay — Find a base that suits your trip

A small hotel near a village

Ideal for evenings on foot with restaurants nearby. Check the distance to the beach you actually want to visit.

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Explore stays in Crete

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Explore stays in Santorini

Beach resort or apartment

Choose a resort for its facilities or an apartment for greater flexibility. Check transport options if your accommodation is remote.

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Explore stays in Crete

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Explore stays in Santorini

FIND YOUR BASE

Stays in Greece

Compare locations, rooms and booking terms for your dates.

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Bookings, payments and changes are handled by the provider.

Travel inspiration, updated September 2026. Suggestions refer to areas and accommodation types, not hotels we have personally visited or reviewed. Check current conditions and terms before booking.