Greece Holidays

Greece holidays: 200+ islands, ancient ruins around every corner, and a feta situation that'll absolutely ruin supermarket salads for you forever.

Good to know about Holidays to Greece

• 🤩 Fun fact - Greece produces over 300,000 tonnes of olives a year. The breadbasket situation at every taverna will back this up.

• 🏖️ Best beach - we rate Navagio Beach as top for all things crystal waters, secluded coves, Insta-worthy spots, and, of course, the iconic shipwreck that gives it its nickname (shipwreck beach).

• 🍺 Price of a pint - you're looking at around €4–€5 (£3.50–£4.30) depending on where you are - expect to pay more on the fancier islands like Mykonos and Santorini

Greece Highlights 2026/2027

• Some of the best beaches in Europe - pink sand at Elafonisi, shipwrecks in Zante, and crystal-clear coves absolutely everywhere

• Food that'll ruin you for home cooking - fresh feta, grilled souvlaki, taverna wine by the carafe. You'll be ordering Greek salad for months after you get back.

• Ancient history on tap - the Acropolis, Delphi, Olympia, and medieval Rhodes Old Town. Culture lovers, this is your playground.

• Brilliant value - Greece is one of the most affordable beach holiday destinations in Europe, especially outside Mykonos and Santorini

Island vs Mainland Greece – What's the Vibe?

Deciding between the Greek islands and the mainland is basically the ultimate "first-world problem." Do you want that classic postcard scene with the blue domes, or are you after a "proper posh" cultural escape with a bit more legroom? Here is the "Beacher" lowdown on how to pick your side:

• The Greek Islands (Cyclades, Ionians & Dodecanese) - if you’re dreaming of sun-bleached villages and turquoise coves, the islands are calling your name. You've got the heavy hitters like Crete and Rhodes for no-brainer family fun, Santorini for those "fancy-pants" caldera sunsets, and Zante for the legendary party strips. It’s the quintessential "scorchio" escape where the ferry-hopping is half the fun.

• Mainland Greece (Peloponnese & Halkidiki) - the secret weapon for a bargain-filled jolly. From the rooftop-bar scene in Athens to the pine-backed, "hidden gem" peninsulas of Halkidiki, the mainland offers a dash of culture on top of the sunshine. It’s often much cheaper, noticeably less touristy, and perfect if you want to swap the island crowds for ancient UNESCO ruins and authentic mountain tavernas.

Where is the best place to stay on your Greece holidays?

Deciding where to drop your bags in Greece is basically the ultimate "first-world problem." Do you want a mega-resort with more slides than a playground, or a clifftop sanctuary where the only sound is your cocktail being stirred? Here is our "Beacher" guide to picking your perfect Greek squad:

Best places to stay for Families

• Crete - the biggest island and the MVP for families. Waterparks, all-inclusive mega resorts, gorgeous gorges and some of the best food in Greece. Can't go wrong.

• Rhodes - a true all-rounder. You’ve got the medieval Old Town for a bit of "knight and dragon" roleplay, golden beaches in Faliraki, and stunning Lindos for when you want a posh family lunch.

• Kos - the king of laid-back value. It’s flat (perfect for cycling), has miles of sandy beaches, and a "chilled-out" atmosphere that makes the school holidays feel like a breeze.

Best places to stay for Couples

• Santorini - clifftop sunsets, infinity pools and romance turned up to 11. The one for couples (and your Instagram).

• Kefalonia - if you want that Captain Corelli romance without the crowds, head here. It’s all about dramatic coastlines, secret turquoise coves, and authentic tavernas where nobody's in a rush.

• Skiathos - small but mighty. With over 60 beaches crammed onto one little island, it’s perfect for couples who want to beach-hop by day and enjoy Mamma Mia vibes by night.

Best places to stay for Groups & Nightlife

• Mykonos - bring your best outfits. This is the glamorous heart of the Aegean, where world-famous beach clubs and whitewashed streets are filled with music 'til dawn.

• Zante (Zakynthos) - the ultimate mix of party and nature. You’ve got the legendary nightlife in Laganas for the late-night crowd, and the photogenic Shipwreck Beach for the morning-after recovery.

• Corfu - lush green landscapes, family-friendly resorts and Kavos for the party crowd. Something for every type of group holiday.

Best Beaches to visit in Greece

With 15,000km of coastline and more islands than you can shake a snorkel at, Greece is a beach-lover’s paradise. From pink sands to dramatic cliffs, there is a stretch of coast to suit every kind of beach bum.

• Elafonisi, Crete - pink-tinged sand from crushed coral, shallow lagoons and turquoise water. Crete's most photographed beach is worth the drive from Chania

• Shipwreck Beach (Navagio), Zante - the rusted smuggler's wreck on a dramatic white cove framed by towering cliffs. Access by boat only from Porto Vromi

• Super Paradise, Mykonos - the legendary party beach, loud music, cocktails from lunch onwards, beach-club energy

• Red Beach, Santorini - Mars-red lava cliffs plunging into turquoise water near Akrotiri. Wildly dramatic, one of the island's more Instagrammed shots

• Lindos, Rhodes - two sheltered bays of calm, crystal-clear water sitting right under a massive ancient Acropolis. You can swim in the morning and tour the citadel in the afternoon

• Paleokastritsa, Corfu - lush green hills meeting turquoise water on Corfu's west coast. Sheltered coves, sea caves to kayak, classic Ionian scenery

What are the top hotels to stay at on your holidays to Greece 2026?

Whether you're in the mood for non-stop fun or laidback island vibes (i.e. if you're channelling your inner Donna from Mamma Mia), our cheap holidays to Greece won't disappoint. If these top Greece hotels aren't already on your radar, put it this way - they should be...

Staff pick: Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa in Crete

One thing to know about this luxury adults-only hotel? They'll treat you like royalty. You can expect a lagoon-style pool, food for every occasion and even golf buggies to help you get from A to B (which you'll need, because the resort is HUGE). How do we know? We stayed there! All in the name of research, of course. Can confirm, it's a dream.

Greece's hotel scene spans everything from mega all-inclusive Greek resorts to intimate clifftop hideaways - and with islands and mainland to choose from, the range is massive.

Couples

• The Ixian Grand & All Suites - Adults Only (Rhodes) - five-star beachfront with Greek, Peruvian and Japanese restaurants, three outdoor pools plus an indoor heated one, Turkish baths at the spa, and Aegean sunsets that'll fill your camera roll.

• Domes Noruz Chania - Adults Only (Crete) - five-star Marriott Autograph Collection on a stunning bay near Chania. Two pools, a spa with indoor pool, sunset DJ sessions and rooms with private plunge pools. Sophisticated without the resort-park energy.

• Zante Maris Suites - Adults Only (Zante) - all-suite luxury near Tsilivi with swim-up suites, heated private pools and honeymoon suites with 50m² pools. Mediterranean dining, cocktail bars and a spa, all tucked away in a secluded spot that's still a stroll from the beach.

• Atlantica Kalliston Resort - Adults Only (Crete) - wine cellar fine dining, three swimming pools and a wellness and beauty centre. A brilliant pick for couples who want everything on-site without leaving the resort.

• Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa (Crete) - adults-only with a lagoon-style pool, food for every occasion and golf buggies to get you around the massive resort. OTB staff pick - we stayed there and can confirm it's a dream.

Families

• Lyttos Beach (Crete) - a vibrant complex with an action-packed waterpark, baby through to teen clubs, and six restaurants including an Asian buffet and a pizza spot. The 2-acre Lyttopia playground is basically a mini theme park. Proper good for families who want it all.

• Stella Palace Aqua Park Resort (Crete) - five-star that actually welcomes kids. Six restaurants, two lagoon-style pools, a kids' club, and the massive Stella Waterland waterpark right next door. Family suites with separate bedrooms and two bathrooms - privacy on your jollies? Yes please.

• Lindos Royal Hotel (Rhodes) - medieval village-style resort near the famous Lindos Acropolis. Activities for the whole fam, pools for all ages, and the historic village of Lindos is right on the doorstep for an evening wander through whitewashed streets.

• Mitsis Selection Blue Domes (Kos) - ultra all-inclusive done right, with 11 restaurants, 6 bars and 10 pools. Mini Club and Teen Club keep the kids entertained, free access to waterslides at the sister hotel next door, and the Sapphire Spa gives parents a well-earned break.

• Iberostar Waves Creta Panorama & Mare (Crete) - ticks all the boxes. Two-floor gym, swanky a la carte dining venues, four poolside bars and a theatre for evening shows. A solid all-rounder that keeps everyone happy.

Luxury

• Andronis Luxury Suites (Santorini) - 33 suites and villas carved into the cliffs of Oia, each with its own private infinity pool or hot tub. The Lycabettus restaurant serves Mediterranean food on a cliff-edge terrace with genuinely jaw-dropping caldera views. Private catamaran cruises and wine-tasting tours of the island's volcanic vineyards. This is Santorini at its most indulgent.

• Sani Club (Halkidiki) - a luxury boutique hotel set among olive groves with its own private sandy beach. The Club Spa does Thai massages, Indian head massages and Mediterranean salt exfoliation. Access to 25 restaurants across the Sani Resort. Five-star romance with proper substance.

• Sani Beach (Halkidiki) - five-star resort life on a private peninsula. Access to 27 restaurants including Michelin-starred dining, five spas, and a Blue Flag beach that's as pristine as they come. Sustainability-rated too, so you can enjoy the fancy stuff guilt-free.

• Aegean Suites - Adult Only (Skiathos) - a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, perched on a hillside overlooking Megali Ammos beach. Just 60 suites with the Pelagos gourmet restaurant for proper fine dining. Intimate, elegant and a world away from the big resort scene.

Groups

• Aeolos Beach Resort (Corfu) - laidback resort along the Corfu beachfront with a family pool, a lagoon infinity pool, an adults-only Relax Pool, and a spa for when the squad needs a breather. All-inclusive dining keeps things simple, and there's a tennis court and paddle court for some friendly competition.

• Hotel Sunshine Rhodes (Rhodes) - massive lagoon pool, waterslides, nightly entertainment and an Italian restaurant. Based in Ixia so you're close to Rhodes Town for a night out, and the sunset views from the west coast are class.

Value

• Mitsis Selection Alila (Rhodes) - ultra all-inclusive right along the beach with restaurants for days and more entertainment facilities than you've got fingers. Brilliant value for what you get.

• Mitsis Messonghi (Corfu) - beachfront with four pools, a mini aquapark, and a pizza station that'll become your second home. All-inclusive means everyone's sorted, and nightly entertainment keeps things buzzing after dark. Proper good value for the quality.

See all Greece hotels | All-inclusive Greece holidays

Greece holidays 2026 travel guide

Things to do in Greece for families

• Greece is a top pick for family holidays, packed with family-friendly resorts, short flights, and sunshine-soaked fun for all ages.

• Explore marine life at Cretaquarium in Crete or hit the slides at Aqualand in Corfu.

• Spend the day at Rhodes’ Kathara Bay, with toddler-friendly shallows and plenty of chill-out spots.

• Tuck into family meals at cosy tavernas serving up top-tier mezze that even picky eaters will love.

Things to do in Greece for couples

• Greece is Insta-famous for romance – think Santorini sunsets, candlelit dinners and beach strolls on your couples' holidays.

• Enjoy wine-tasting tours, take a boat party around Mykonos, or dive into Athens’ ancient ruins.

• Ditch the itinerary and opt for some laidback beach time before settling in for a waterfront date night.

Things to do in Greece for groups

• Whether it's hens, stags or the whole gang off on a group holiday, Greece knows how to throw a good time.

• Zante brings the party with its iconic strip full of clubs, bars and beachside beats.

• Book a group booze cruise from Athens or go hiking in Crete for something a bit more adventurous.

• From beach clubs to island tours, there’s something to keep every member of the group buzzing.

Cheap holidays to Greece

• Greece doesn't have to mean Mykonos prices - cheap holidays to Greece are very much a thing, especially if you point yourself towards Kos, Crete or Rhodes instead of the celeb-honeymoon islands.

• All-inclusive resorts in Crete and Corfu offer serious beach for your buck - think unlimited food, drinks and entertainment for a flat rate that makes budgeting basically non-existent.

• Travel in May, June or September and you'll dodge the peak-season surcharges while still getting scorchio weather and quieter beaches. Shoulder season in Greece is low-key a bit of a hack.

• Street food does the heavy lifting on holiday spending - a souvlaki wrap is €3-4, a local beer is around €3, and taverna meals for two with wine regularly come in under €40. Your money goes further here than you'd think.

Last-minute holidays to Greece

• Good news: Greece has one of the longest summer seasons in the Med, running May through October, which means last-minute holidays to Greece are genuinely available well into autumn.

• Crete, Rhodes and Kos tend to have the best last-minute availability - big resort infrastructure means more rooms and more flights to choose from, even close to departure - how do you like them apples?

• Packing light is your best mate on a last-minute jolly - most Greek resorts have everything you need within walking distance of the hotel, so don't let an empty suitcase put you off booking.

• September and October last-minute deals are often the sweetest spot - sea temperatures are still warm from the summer, crowds have thinned out, and prices have dropped off a cliff (the good kind).

Local Lingo

Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas - especially on the islands. That said, throwing in a few Greek phrases will earn you serious brownie points at the taverna:

• Yassou (Yah-soo) - Hello / Hi (informal)

• Efharisto (Ef-ha-ris-TOH) - Thank you

• Parakalo (Pa-ra-ka-LOH) - Please / You're welcome

• Yamas! (YAH-mas) - Cheers! (essential at any taverna)

• Poso kani? (PO-so KAH-nee) - How much does it cost?

• Nostimo! (NOS-tee-mo) - Delicious!

• Ton logariasmo, parakalo - The bill, please

• Kalispera (Kah-lee-SPEH-rah) - Good evening

More places to stay in Greece:

• Athens – ancient ruins, rooftop bars and buzzing city-break vibes at the foot of the Acropolis

• Corfu – lush green landscapes, family-friendly resorts and proper Venetian charm

• Crete – Greece's biggest island, packed with waterparks, gorgeous gorges and some of the best all-inclusive resorts going

• Halkidiki – three stunning peninsulas with pine-backed beaches, luxury resorts and a quieter, more authentic feel

• Kefalonia – dramatic coastline, secret coves and that classic Captain Corelli romance

• Kos – laid-back island life with long sandy beaches, ancient ruins and a proper chilled-out atmosphere

• Mykonos – iconic whitewashed streets, world-famous beach clubs and the boujee-est nightlife in the Aegean

• Peloponnese – off-the-beaten-track history, stunning coastline and authentic Greek culture without the crowds

• Preveza – gateway to gorgeous Parga and the lush Ionian coastline

• Rhodes – medieval old town meets golden beaches, with family resorts, buzzing Faliraki and stunning Lindos

• Samos – green and mountainous with crystal-clear bays and a wonderfully traditional Greek feel

• Santorini – clifftop sunsets, infinity pools and romance turned up to 11

• Skiathos – over 60 beaches crammed onto one little island, with Mamma Mia vibes for days

• Thessaloniki – Greece's foodie capital with a mega waterfront, Byzantine gems and a properly buzzing nightlife scene

• Zante – Shipwreck Beach, loggerhead turtles and legendary nightlife in Laganas