Greece

Greece is not one holiday experience — its mainland and islands can feel completely different. The mainland has Athens and the Halkidiki peninsula; the islands range from big, self-contained Crete to tiny places with one harbour and three tavernas. The trick is matching the island to the holiday you actually want, because they differ far more than the brochures let on.

Why go

Warm, clear sea for a long season, food that is simple and good almost everywhere, and a pace of life that slows you down within a day. Costs vary a lot between islands: the best-known names tend to charge more, while smaller islands can be cheaper to stay on but take longer to reach.

Where to go

Corfu — green, Venetian-influenced, and one of the shorter Greek-island flights from the UK. The north-east coast is quiet and upmarket; the resorts south of Corfu Town are livelier. Good first Greek island.

Crete — the largest island, big enough to feel like a country. Chania in the west for the prettiest old town and beaches; Heraklion in the east for the archaeology and the larger resorts. Works well for families and for anyone who wants to drive and explore.

Rhodes — a medieval walled old town plus a long east coast of resorts. One of the longer seasons in the Aegean.

Kos — flat, cycle-friendly, family-oriented, with plenty of all-inclusive hotels.

Zante (Zakynthos) and Kefalonia — the Ionian pair. Zante is the busier of the two, with a party end and a quiet end; Kefalonia is greener, wilder and more spread out, better with a hire car.

Santorini and Mykonos — the famous ones. Extraordinary to look at, expensive to stay on, and busiest in July and August. Best as a short stop rather than a week.

Athens — a city break in its own right, and the gateway to the ferry network.

Halkidiki — the mainland alternative: three peninsulas of pine forest and beaches, reached via Thessaloniki, quieter than the islands.

When to go

May, June, September and the first half of October give warm sea, open tavernas and fewer people. July and August are hot, busy and expensive, particularly on the well-known islands. Outside roughly May to October many island hotels and restaurants close, and flight schedules thin out.

Getting there

From the UK, direct flights operate from many airports during the summer season to Corfu, Crete (Chania and Heraklion), Rhodes, Kos, Zante, Kefalonia, Santorini and Mykonos, and Athens has year-round direct services. The islands are also well connected from across Europe in summer. Winter services to the islands are limited from everywhere, so check before planning an off-season trip.

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Getting around

Most islands have a bus network that covers the main resorts and towns, and taxis are easy to find in resort areas. A hire car opens up the quieter beaches and villages — especially on Crete, Rhodes and Kefalonia. Ferries connect islands within the same group; crossing between groups often means going via Athens or flying.

Who it suits

Families (Crete, Kos, Corfu), couples (Kefalonia, the Cyclades, Corfu's north-east), island-hoppers with time to spare, and anyone who values sea and food over nightlife. Less suited to travellers who want a big city and a beach in the same trip — Athens and the islands are separate holidays.

Planning notes

• Ferries in July and August fill up; book ahead if your route is fixed.
• Card payment is widely accepted in resorts, but carrying some cash is useful on smaller islands.
• UK visitors should check the GOV.UK travel advice for Greece before booking; visitors from other countries should check their own government's guidance on entry requirements.
• Deciding between a package and booking flights and hotels separately? Our package or DIY guide sets out the trade-off.

Booking it

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