The Greek Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world but many people that have never visited before don’t know which island they should go to. Each island has its own personality and when trying to choose which one is best for you, you need to think about what you want out of the trip.

Are you looking for a party atmosphere and great nightlife? Do you want to relax on the beach all day long? Would you prefer to go sightseeing and soak up the local culture? Answer these questions and take a look at this list of the best Greek islands so you can decide which one is right for you. 

Santorini 

People often say that Santorini is their favourite Greek island because there is just so much going on there. If you’re looking for a cultural centre rather than a party island, Santorini is the perfect choice. You’ll find some great wine tasting events, catamaran cruises and incredible restaurants. There are some unique beaches, like the red and black beach which offer a different beach experience, along with some fun water sports. You can also visit the volcanoes on the island and swim in the hot springs. Santorini is one of the best all-round islands with a bit of something for everything, and there is still a lot going on even in the Autumn and Winter. 

Mykonos 

If you are looking for something a bit more upbeat, Mykonos is a great option. It has a lively party vibe with plenty of nightclubs and bars to explore. This is the place where most of the younger visitors go and it is definitely deserving of its reputation as a party island. During the day, you can relax and recover from the night before on the many beautiful beaches. Mykonos is also one of The Best Greek Islands For Boat Rentals, so you can hit the water and see a different side of the island. Even though Mykonos is a great party destination, it does have a surprisingly quiet and picturesque capital village in Mykonos Town, so there is more to discover than nightclubs and beaches. 

Crete

 Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and if you are only going for a week, you probably won’t have time to do any other islands. There is a good mix of things to do on Crete so, like Santorini, it attracts people from all walks of life. Seitan Limania Beach is a highlight but this beautiful, secluded cove does attract a lot of visitors in the summer, so be prepared for crowds. If you want to see what a traditional Greek village looked like before the islands became so popular with tourists, check out Loutro. This cut off village is only accessible by boat, but it’s worth the trip for the delicious fresh seafood alone. 

These are some of the best Greek islands for a first visit because they give you a good cross-section of the country. On future visits, you can try some of the smaller islands, but these are the best ones to start with.