Deciding which of the best Greek islands to visit on your next Mediterranean sojourn can be difficult. Scattered in clusters across the Aegean, Mediterranean and Ionian seas, there are over 200 (!) inhabited Greek islands – most of them impossibly beautiful, yet all offering something unique.

Tapping into 2026’s inclination towards slower, more intentional travel, we’ve also included some of the more under-the-radar, quieter Greek islands. Despite having some of the best beaches in Greece, the small yet breathtaking islands of Paxos and Antipaxos are still overlooked by most tourists. Similarly, sleepy Folegandros, a tiny dot on the southern Cycladic coast, boasts fantastic cliffs for hiking and serene beaches where, particularly in the shoulder seasons of May to early June or September to early October, you’re unlikely to bump into other holidaymakers.

Of course, the big hitters like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and Corfu need no introduction. While the peak summer months of July and August see the sunset-snapping crowds flock en masse to these islands, they are undoubtedly some of the best places in the world for honeymoons and girls’ weekends away.

How did we choose the best Greek islands?

Glamour’s travel guides and hotel reviews are compiled by our well-travelled journalists who have an in-depth knowledge of the destination. Our editors have spent time getting to know the area and have stayed in various types of accommodation, from the grande dame hotels to the lesser-known hidden gems and self-catering options.

Here, we’ve edited down the best Greek islands to our 11 favourites, based on our own personal experiences, accessibility and knowledge of the area. But this is by no means a definitive list, and each island offers something unique to fall in love with…