If you’re stuck indoors in the cold and rain, dreaming of sunnier places, check out the top 3 Greek Islands we recommend for your 2024 holiday.
1. Milos
Tucked away in the embrace of the Aegean Sea lies Milos, a captivating island awaiting exploration. With its rugged coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and enchanting villages, Milos is a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered.
Picture-perfect beaches like Sarakiniko, with its lunar-like landscape, and Firiplaka, with its vibrant azure waters, invite you to bask in the Mediterranean sun. Dive into the depths of history as you wander through the ancient catacombs of Milos or marvel at the iconic Venus de Milo statue (a replica – the original is in the Louvre in Paris), a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Venture inland to discover charming villages adorned with whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets, where the warmth of Greek hospitality welcomes you with open arms. Indulge in authentic island cuisine, savouring freshly caught seafood and local delicacies like melopita (honey pie) that tantalize the taste buds.
Milos is not just a destination; it’s an experience waiting to be embraced. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a taste of Greek island life, Milos promises to enchant you at every turn. Come lose yourself in the beauty of Milos, where every moment is a memory in the making.
Milos airport offers daily flights to and from Athens during summer, making it relatively accessible. It also has regular ferry connections with the mainland (via Piraeus), making it one of the more accessible Cycladic islands.
Check out our Milos destination guide for more information.
2. Sifnos
Our favourite Greek island, Sifnos, is even less well-known than its neighbour, Milos (see above). Harder to reach with no airport on the island, the most direct route is a ferry from Piraeus or an internal flight to Milos and a short (30-minute) ferry across to Sifnos.
What you get in return for the extra travel effort is a magnificent island of golden sandy beaches, fantastic and famous local cuisine, a network of hiking trails and, best of all, not many other tourists!
Check out our Sifnos destination guide for more information.
3. Naxos
Naxos was our number one Greek island destination until Sifnos stole the top spot, but it still occupies a special place in our hearts. Perhaps the most popular of the three islands on our list, it now gets busy in peak season; therefore, it’s best to visit from late May to early July or from September to mid-October if you want the best weather with more moderate crowds.
That said, Naxos has many superb sandy beaches, especially along the western coastline between Agia Anna and Plaka, where you’ll find ample room to sunbathe even at the peak of the tourist season.
Like Milos, Naxos has a regional airport, so you can catch an internal flight from Athens or fly internationally to neighbouring Mykonos and take one of the many daily ferries to the island – the crossing takes just 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the mainland via Piraeus, which is generally cheaper than the internal flight but takes longer, especially once you factor in the travel time and hassle from Athens airport to the port.
Check out our Naxos destination guide for more information.
