The Best Islands To Visit For Luxury Experiences In Greece

Few places stir the soul quite like the best islands in Greece, where sun-drenched coastlines, azure waters, and whitewashed villages blend history and hedonism in perfect harmony. From ancient ruins rising amid olive groves to cliffside chapels overlooking tranquil bays, the Greek islands offer a mosaic of myth, culture, and timeless beauty.

Whether it’s the iconic sunsets of Santorini or the labyrinthine alleys of Mykonos, each destination reveals its own story while inviting travelers to slow down and savor the rhythm of Aegean life.

Visit Greece’s best islands and spend your days discovering unspoiled beaches, tasting freshly caught seafood by the water’s edge, or retreating to an elegant cliffside villa that overlooks endless sea and sky.

Mykonos

Mykonos is the jewel of the Cyclades, dazzling with its blend of cosmopolitan charm and timeless Greek allure.

Set against a backdrop of whitewashed buildings, winding stone streets, and the deep blue of the Aegean Sea, this island of Mykonos exudes effortless elegance. Its luxury lies in the details: exclusive cliffside villas with private pools, world-class dining at seaside restaurants, and chic beach clubs where the Aegean breeze meets impeccable service.

Things To Do In Mykonos

Your days can be spent exploring the narrow streets of Chora (Mykonos Town), discovering hidden boutiques, galleries, and cafes, or sailing along the coast in a private yacht while soaking up the island’s stunning landscapes.

Unwind on the island’s world-famous beaches, whether it’s the soft sands of Psarou, where luxury beach clubs beckon with chilled rosé and sun-drenched lounges, or the more serene shores of Agios Sostis, a peaceful escape untouched by crowds.

For a unique cultural experience, sail to nearby Delos, a sacred archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage treasure where ancient temples and myths come alive under the Grecian sun. In the evening, enjoy the glittering nightlife that the island offers, including exclusive bars and elegant restaurants.

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Despite its vibrant social scene, Mykonos also offers quiet corners and refined stays that allow for deeper connection and calm. Hidden luxury villas dot the hillsides, offering sweeping views of the sea and sky, while boutique hotels blend traditional Cycladic design with modern sophistication.

Luxury Accommodations In Mykonos

If you’re not charting a private yacht around Greece’s best islands, Santa Marina, is our preferred accommodation.

Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos is the only resort on the island with its own private sandy beach, complemented by a Ginkgo Spa and Nobu’s first outpost in Greece.

Milos

Milos captivates with its otherworldly landscapes, colorful fishing villages, and unspoiled charm.

Formed by volcanic activity, the island boasts an extraordinary coastline where cliffs, caves, and surreal rock formations meet the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean. Known as the “Island of Colors” for its colorfully painted houses, Milos offers a picturesque and serene escape from the crowds with quiet corners and lesser-trodden areas perfect for relaxation and exploration.

Things To Do In Milos

Luxury experiences on Milos revolve around its natural wonders and understated elegance. Spend your days discovering over 70 unique beaches, from the moonlike white stones of Sarakiniko to the vivid turquoise waters and rust-colored cliffs of Firiplaka.

Take a private boat tour around the island to uncover hidden sea caves and remote swimming spots, or dive into the island’s history with a visit to the ancient catacombs and the site where the famous Venus de Milo was discovered.

For a slower-paced adventure, stroll through Klima, a picturesque fishing village where brightly painted doors open onto the sea, or savor a long seaside lunch of fresh octopus paired with local wine.

Luxury Accommodations In Milos

We recommend a private yacht journey to Milos, allowing you to anchor in the harbor and head to shore each day to explore the island’s unique sights.

Or, if you prefer a land-based journey, we recommend a stay at the Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, allowing a perfect launchpad for you to explore the Greek isles each day.

Paros

Paros, a Cycladic treasure, enchants with classic whitewashed villages, winding alleys, blooming bougainvillaea, and timeless blue-domed churches, which create postcard-perfect charm.

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Despite its connectivity, the island retains a relaxed, authentic rhythm, which is ideal for those seeking natural beauty without the crowds. Its central location in the Cyclades also makes Paros an ideal base for island-hopping, whether you’re there on a private yacht or embarking on private daily boat excursions from your luxury accommodation.

Things To Do In Paros

Luxury experiences on Paros combine natural beauty, adventure, and culture. Explore the island’s best beaches, from Kolymbithres, which is framed by granite boulders, to Golden Beach, which offers ideal conditions for windsurfing.

Here, private scuba diving and snorkeling excursions reveal vibrant underwater landscapes, while gentle hills and ancient trails invite exploration by foot or bike, leading to hidden chapels, olive groves, and panoramic vistas.

Venture to nearby Antiparos for a peaceful day trip to discover sea caves and charming tavernas. Or, explore Marpissa, a beautiful, white-washed town with cobbled streets and tiny, quaint churches.

History and culture thrive in Parikia, where medieval architecture and the impressive Panagia Ekatontapiliani church await, alongside artisan shops and shaded courtyards ideal for savoring local wine.

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Meanwhile, Naoussa exudes cosmopolitan energy with its chic harbor lined with lively bars and seafood restaurants, all while preserving its fishing village soul. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Greek cuisine with a private cooking class where you learn how to cook local classics.

Luxury Accommodations In Paros

We suggest embarking on a private yacht adventure to Paros, where you can drop anchor in the harbor and venture ashore daily to discover the island’s distinctive attractions. Alternatively, for a land-based experience, consider staying at the Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, an ideal starting point for daily excursions to the enchanting Greek islands.

If you wish to extend your stay in Paros, a few of our preferred accommodations on the island include:

• Cosme: a luxury resort with a private beach club in Naoussa and divine suites with sea-view plunge pools.
• Parīlio: a relaxing hotel set inland near Kolymbithres Beach featuring 33 suite-only accommodations with signature archways and a statement cross-shaped pool.
• Avant Mar: a modern retreat combining beachfront access in Piperi with a Nobu restaurant and an open-air cinema.

Polyaigos

Polyaigos is a pristine, uninhabited island that feels like a secret whispered among the Cyclades. It’s a place where nature reigns and silence is broken only by the sound of waves and distant goat bells.

Its name means “many goats,” and true to form, the only permanent residents are the wild goats that roam its sun-drenched hills. With no villages, cars, or paved roads, Polyaigos offers a rare escape into raw, untouched beauty, making it a favorite for sailors, nature lovers, and those seeking absolute seclusion.

Things To Do In Polyaigos

The island is known for its dazzling, almost otherworldly waters with vivid shades of turquoise and aquamarine that rival even the Caribbean. Towering limestone cliffs plunge into the sea, sheltering hidden coves and beaches that can only be reached by boat.

Some of the most striking spots include Galazia Nera, where the water glows with a surreal clarity, and Ammoura, a remote beach ideal for a solitary swim or sunbathing in complete peace. With minimal human presence, the underwater life thrives, making snorkeling and diving here especially rewarding.

Polyaigos is more than just a visual wonder; it’s a sanctuary for endangered species, including the Mediterranean monk seal, which finds refuge in its sea caves and quiet shores. The island’s protected status ensures it remains a haven of biodiversity and solitude.

Polyaigos is an uninhabited island that offers an unfiltered connection to nature, a chance to anchor in a private bay and watch the stars with no other lights on the horizon from the deck of your private yacht.

Luxury Accommodations In Polyaigos

Polyaigos is best accessed by private boat from Athens, where we recommend staying at the Hotel Grande Bretagne. Opened in 1874, the hotel is renowned for its elegant architecture, world-class service, and its rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the city.

Santorini

Few islands in Greece are quite as iconic as Santorini, with its whitewashed walls and blue roofs set against the deep blue of the Mediterranean. Born from ancient eruptions, the island’s unique caldera landscape is both breathtaking and humbling, offering sweeping views of cobalt waters and whitewashed villages clinging to the cliffs.

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Things To Do In Santorini

If you enjoy hiking, cliff walks along the Oia caldera make for the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

The island’s volcanic soil gives life to a distinct terroir, producing crisp Assyrtiko wines and unique local flavors found in its sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and fava beans. Wine lovers can explore traditional vineyards and modern wineries tucked into the hillsides, while foodies will delight in seaside tavernas serving freshly caught fish and creative Cycladic cuisine.

Beaches here come in unexpected hues such as the rust-red sands of Red Beach or the black pebbles of Perissa, each telling a story of the island’s fiery past.

If you’re craving more than just scenery, wander the ancient streets of Akrotiri, a remarkably preserved Minoan city frozen in ash, or hike along the caldera rim from Fira to Oia for panoramic views and hidden chapels. Blue Parallel can arrange a private Greek music experience as you sip on refreshing cocktails.

Discover quiet inland villages like Pyrgos or Megalochori, where traditional life continues at a slower pace, far from the crowds. Sip on delicious vintage wines at local vineyards, with sweeping views of the sea below. Or, step back in time as you wander through the archaeological site at Akrotiri.

You can also choose to immerse yourselves in the flavors of Greece at a cooking class, or to visit a local ceramic studio and learn about this unique craft.

Luxury Accommodations In Santorini

Chartering a private yacht gives you your own private floating oasis in Santorini. However, if you prefer a land-based journey, some of our favorite properties include Canaves Suites Oia and The Grace.

Canaves Oia Suites offers beautiful views of Oia’s caldera with private infinity pools in nearly every suite and charming architecture reminiscent of a cave. Alternatively, The Grace Hotel is a captivating property featuring a renowned champagne lounge and a cliff-edge infinity pool overlooking Skaros Rock.

Serifos

While islands like Mykonos and Santorini are popular with tourists, Serifos has the benefit of receiving far fewer visitors. Set in the western Cyclades, this rugged island remains largely untouched by mass tourism, offering you a sense of discovery with every turn.

Things To Do In Serifos

Chora, the island’s main town, clings to a steep hillside, its cubist white houses glowing in the Aegean light. From the top, panoramic views stretch across the arid hills to the turquoise coves below, inviting exploration. Enjoy exploring stone footpaths that lead to abandoned mines and hilltop windmills, each whispering stories of the island’s mythic and industrial past.

Beyond its villages, Serifos offers a slower rhythm and a sense of solitude that’s increasingly rare in the Cyclades. Dozens of beaches can be found after a short hike or drive. Or, you can enjoy a visit to the folklore museum to learn more about the intriguing past of the area.

Whether you’re wandering through ghostly mining ruins, snorkeling in secluded coves, or watching the wind ripple across the dry hills, Serifos invites you to experience the slower side of Greek life.

Luxury Accommodation In Serifos

Serifos is best reached by private boat from Athens, making it an ideal destination for a secluded island escape. For your stay in the capital, we recommend the Hotel Grande Bretagne, a landmark property since 1874, celebrated for its neoclassical elegance, exceptional service, and rooftop dining with sweeping views of the Acropolis and surrounding cityscape.

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Syros

Syros exudes a quiet elegance rooted in its layered history and cosmopolitan spirit. As the capital of the Cyclades, the island blends neoclassical grandeur with authentic island charm.

Things To Do In Syros

The town of Ermoupoli rises like an amphitheater from the harbor, crowned by pastel mansions, marble-paved squares, and the grand Apollo Theater, an echo of 19th-century prosperity. Meandering through its narrow alleys reveals a blend of Catholic and Orthodox heritage, Venetian influences, and old-world sophistication that sets Syros apart in the Aegean.

Food here is a celebration of tradition and refinement. The island is famed for its loukoumia (syrupy confections) and San Michali cheese, a sharp, hard cheese known as the “Parmesan of the Aegean.” Experience the flavors of the area with a cooking class in a local home, where you’ll prepare dishes like caper-studded salads, sun-dried sausage, and fresh seafood drizzled with local olive oil.

The island’s diverse cultural makeup is reflected in its flavors, where Eastern Mediterranean spices meet classic Greek ingredients in beautifully understated ways. Blue Parallel can arrange private cooking class experiences that allow you to delve even further into the flavors of the Cyclades on Syros.

Luxury Accommodation In Syros

Syros is easily accessible by private boat from Athens and offers a blend of Cycladic charm and neoclassical sophistication. Before setting sail, we recommend a stay at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens’ historic luxury hotel since 1874, known for its refined architecture, impeccable service, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Acropolis and the city below.

Sifnos

Nestled among gentle hills and terraced olive groves, Sifnos feels at once familiar and fresh.

Things To Do In Sifnos

The main town of Sifnos, Apollonia, spills across several hilltops, connected by a maze of flagstone alleys lined with whitewashed homes, ceramic workshops, and intimate cafés where time seems to slow.

Nearby, the medieval village of Kastro offers a striking contrast due to its dramatic location on a cliff above the Aegean. At sunset, Kastro turns golden, and a walk along the edge of the village reveals the small church of Eptamartyres, clinging to a rocky outcrop just above the waves.

The island is the birthplace of Nikolaos Tselementes, Greece’s first celebrity chef, and his legacy lives on in the island’s kitchens and wood-fired ovens. In Artemonas, a graceful village known for its neoclassical mansions, jasmine-scented courtyards, and old aristocratic air, you’ll find bakeries offering honey-drenched pastries and small eateries where family recipes are passed down like heirlooms.

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Or visit the cliff-top village of Kastro, a picturesque town with whitewashed walls and no cars, making it an idyllic area to wander as you explore the rich history of the island.

This is also a hub for Sifnos’ famed ceramicists, where handcrafted pottery, still used to cook many traditional dishes, can be seen drying in the sun or spinning on wheels inside cool, shadowed workshops. During your visit, enjoy a private pottery class where you learn even more about this unique tradition, and savor baked goods at a café dating back to the 1920s.

If you enjoy outdoor adventures, Sifnos’ vast network of well-maintained trails links monasteries, ancient ruins, and remote beaches, making it a hiker’s paradise. Additionally, its proximity to Polyaigos makes it ideal for a day trip.

One of the most serene and beautiful spots on the island is the Monastery of Panagia Poulati, hidden down a coastal path just outside Kastro. Set against cliffs with panoramic views of the Aegean, this whitewashed sanctuary is surrounded by silence, the scent of wild herbs, and the rhythmic sound of cicadas. A path from the monastery leads down to a secluded cove, perfect for a cooling dip after a morning hike.

Other highlights include Chrysopigi, where a solitary monastery stands watch over turquoise waters, and sandy beaches like Platis Gialos or Vathi, where tavernas serve fresh seafood just steps from the sea.

Luxury Accommodation In Sifnos

While a private yacht charter offers the perfect way to see Sifnos from the sea, you can also enjoy white-glove service during land-based journeys.

Our preferred accommodations in Sifnos are:

• Verina Astra is perched on the hills of Sifnos and offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea from elegantly designed suites featuring private terraces and plunge pools.
• NOS Hotel, which blends Cycladic minimalism with refined comfort, boasts direct beach access, curated wellness experiences, and personalized service.

Kythnos

Kythnos is one of the Cyclades’ best-kept secrets and is located just a short ferry ride from Athens, although it feels worlds away from the bustle of the mainland. Hills dotted with dry-stone terraces slope gently into sparkling coves, while whitewashed villages appear almost by surprise among the rugged landscape.

Things To Do In Kythnos

Chora, the island’s main town, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes, arched doorways, and flower-filled courtyards, where the pace of life is measured in slow steps and soft conversations. Local tavernas serve dishes that are rustic and deeply flavorful, such as slow-braised goat, chickpea fritters, and handmade pastas topped with fresh mizithra cheese.

Honey, thyme-scented and golden, is collected from wild hives scattered across the hills, while basket weaving and pottery remain living traditions, passed from one generation to the next.

The thermal springs of Loutra, known since antiquity for their healing properties, add another layer to the island’s heritage, and today, you can soak in warm waters beside the sea, just as visitors have done for centuries.

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Beyond its villages, Kythnos offers a quiet kind of adventure. Over 100 beaches are scattered across the coastline, many reachable only by footpaths or dirt tracks. Kolona Beach, with its double arc of golden sand stretching between two hills, is the island’s most famous and a marvel of nature worth the trek. Inland, trails wind past ancient chapels, crumbling windmills, and dry-stone walls that seem to stretch endlessly across the land.

Luxury Accommodatons In Kythnos

Kythnos is conveniently reached by private boat from Athens, making it a perfect choice for a tranquil getaway with authentic island character. Our preferred hotel in Athens is Hotel Grande Bretagne.

Folegandros

Folegandros is an island that whispers rather than shouts, captivating visitors not with spectacle, but with a stark, poetic beauty that lingers long after departure. With its dramatic cliffs, windswept plateaus, and whitewashed houses perched above an endless expanse of blue, Folegandros feels like a place suspended in time.

Things To Do In Folegandros

The island’s main village is built atop a high bluff and fortified by medieval walls; it opens onto quiet squares framed by bougainvillea and tiny churches. As the sun sets, the stone-paved alleys glow in warm hues, and the air fills with the soft murmur of clinking glasses and the occasional breeze rustling through fig trees. Above the town, the Panagia church overlooks the entire island from its perch on a cliffside, reached by a gently winding stone path that becomes particularly magical at dusk.

Folegandros invites exploration, but on its own quiet terms. Beaches here are found at the end of hiking trails or reached by boat, each one a reward for those willing to seek them out. Agali offers turquoise waters and a handful of seaside tavernas, while more secluded spots like Katergo and Livadaki require a walk, a climb, or a short sail to reach.

Luxury Accommodations In Folegrandros

Folegandros, known for its dramatic cliffs and serene atmosphere, is best accessed by private boat from Athens for a truly secluded island experience. Before your journey, we recommend staying at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens’ iconic luxury hotel since 1874, celebrated for its classical elegance, exceptional service, and rooftop dining with spectacular views of the Acropolis and cityscape.

Aegina

Aegina is an island where ancient history and everyday Greek life intermingle effortlessly, offering a soulful escape just an hour from Athens. With its neoclassical harbor lined with fishing boats and pistachio vendors, Aegina makes a striking first impression. This is a place where Athenians come for a weekend exhale, and where visitors quickly feel like locals.

Things To Do In Aegina

The island’s deep historical roots are tangible at every turn. Most remarkable is the Temple of Aphaia, perched on a pine-covered hill with sweeping views across the Saronic Gulf. Older than the Parthenon and perfectly aligned with the temples of Poseidon at Sounion and the Acropolis, it speaks to Aegina’s ancient importance and enduring grace.

The island is famed for its pistachios, and every bakery and café offers its own take on pistachio ice cream, brittle, or creamy desserts layered with the nut’s warm, earthy flavor.

Along the coast, beaches range from organized spots like Agia Marina to more secluded coves like Portes or Klima, ideal for a quiet swim followed by fresh grilled fish and a glass of chilled ouzo.

The fishing village of Perdika is perfect for a lazy afternoon, where tavernas serve octopus hung to dry in the sun and small boats depart for Moni, an uninhabited islet with peacocks, deer, and clear turquoise waters.

Nearby, the medieval village of Paleochora, once the island’s capital, offers a hauntingly beautiful walk among the ruins of stone houses and 38 tiny churches scattered across a hillside, each with its own story etched into fading frescoes and crumbling walls.

Luxury Accommodations In Aegina

Aegina is one of the closest islands to Athens, easily reached by private boat for a quick escape filled with history and charm. Before setting off, we recommend staying at the Hotel Grande Bretagne.

Island Adventures In Greece

Blue Parallel’s luxury tours to Greece allow you to explore the islands at your own pace; we’ll organize exclusive VIP experiences and private activities that encourage you to immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of the Greek islands

For more information on our bespoke luxury tours to Greece, contact one of our Travel Experts today.

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