Greece’s abundance of islands can make choosing one a challenge, Conde Nast Traveller has told its readers, highlighting the country’s extraordinary variety in a recommended list for 2026. The travel authority has noted that each island offers a distinct character, from quiet, little-known escapes to larger destinations that change dramatically from coast to coast, ensuring something new with every return.
Endless variety
According to the publication, this diversity—paired with sun, sea and sand—explains the enduring appeal of the Greek islands. Whether visitors seek slow days on the beach, active holidays of hiking and exploration, culinary adventures in tavernas, or total seclusion, the editors have suggested there is an island to match every style.
Cycladic stars
Paros has been singled out as one of the most beautiful, with the magazine observing that while it was once a favorite mainly among Greeks, it has now become internationally popular without losing its charm. Sifnos has followed closely, praised for its food culture and culinary heritage rooted in Nikolaos Tselementes, who helped modernize Greek cuisine in the early 20th century.
Syros, meanwhile, has been presented as offering a more authentic glimpse of island life, reflected in its striking blend of architectural styles.
Hidden gems
Folegandros has been described as a place that rewards those who simply decide to go, while Kefalonia has stood out in the Ionian for its understated charm, dramatic landscapes and welcoming fishing villages. Kastellorizo, despite its tiny size, has been noted for attracting visitors far beyond expectations.
History and atmosphere
Kos has been recommended for demanding travelers eager to explore abundant archaeological sites, while Leros has been characterized as relaxed despite its turbulent past. Mykonos and Santorini, inevitably included, have been portrayed as masters of what they do best: vibrant nightlife and unforgettable caldera views.
Character islands
Tinos and Kythnos have been praised for authenticity and calm, Lesvos for its overlooked depth, Hydra for its artistic revival, and Crete for its sheer scale, cultural wealth and exceptional food shaped by fertile land and year-round sun.
