Renowned for its picturesque whitewashed villages, fabulous beaches, fascinating archaeological sites, and mouth-watering cuisine, Greece is an excellent destination for luxury escapes.
The sun-kissed Mediterranean country boasts thousands of idyllic islands and islets scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, with over 200 inhabited. If you’re planning a trip to Greece and want to splash out on luxury, here are some of the best Greek islands for luxury escapes.
Naxos
When heading to the Greek islands for a luxury escape, most people immediately think of Mykonos, Santorini, or Crete. While these islands are great, Naxos offers a quieter alternative, making it an ideal choice for those looking to venture into the more tranquil areas of Greece, away from the crowds of tourists. As the greenest island in the Cyclades, Naxos boasts lush green gorges, fertile valleys, majestic mountains, and stunning seascapes. Nature lovers will love the island, especially those fond of outdoor adventures. The village of Filoti is the starting point of the most scenic hikes in Naxos. Here, you’ll find trails taking you toward the summit of Mount Zeus, the Cyclades’ highest point. From Filoti, hike for around 40 minutes to get to Aria Spring, then continue for 20 minutes more to get to the Cave of Zeus. If you’re into history and archaeology, don’t miss the chance to visit the Archaeological Museum of Naxos. The museum features a fascinating exhibit of artefacts from the Mycenaean period to the Roman period. Here, you can explore various rooms that tell the history of Naxos through impressive archaeological finds. Make the most of your luxury escape by staying in one of the posh villas in Naxos. Many of these villas are only a walking distance to the island’s most beautiful beaches, such as Agios Prokopios, from where you can admire stunning sunsets.
Mykonos
Dubbed the party capital of Greece, Mykonos is a dream holiday destination in Greece. But if the nightlife is not your thing, there are many other things to see and do, especially for those seeking luxurious experiences. What’s great is there are plenty of lavish villa rentals in Mykonos, great for a luxury break. A sunset yacht cruise in Mykonos is one of the most luxurious things you can enjoy on the island. Watching the light turn into golden hues as your ship sails in the tranquil waters of the Aegean Sea is a magical experience. Many charter boat companies on the island offer this service, so look around to find the best one for you. An incredible way to explore the island is onboard a helicopter. Perfect for luxury travellers, your helicopter tour of Mykonos is a fascinating way to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the island’s gorgeous white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. Escape the busy crowds in Mykonos by chartering a private boat for a day trip to the nearby island of Delos. The small island is renowned for its archaeological sites and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Crete
As the largest island in Greece, Crete boasts diverse terrains and ancient treasures, making it a fantastic destination for a luxury holiday in Greece. The island’s wealth of vineyards, beautiful beaches, and mouth-watering cuisine draw visitors seeking a relaxing escape to Greece. The food is the highlight of your holiday to Crete. Taste authentic Cretan cuisine in some of the island’s best tavernas. For a more luxurious experience, book a private food tour to take you to the island’s best dining spots and learn more about the local cuisine. You can also book a private winery tour of the island’s top wineries and sample the finest wine. Crete is home to some of the best beach clubs in Greece. These are the best places to relax and indulge in refreshing cocktail drinks. Many of these clubs have private pools, so you can take a refreshing dip between enjoying your drinks. Crete has numerous options for those more interested in swimming at the beach. The island has a long stretch of white sands home to beaches catering to everyone’s tastes and preferences. Balos Beach is the most popular, recognised for its soft white sand and vivid blue turquoise waters.
Kefalonia
The picturesque island of Kefalonia makes a great destination for a luxury escape to Greece. Offering something for everyone, Kefalonia boasts luxury villas with private pools perfect for those planning an opulent break and ideal for cooling off in the Greek heat. Kefalonia also has beautiful warm, shallow waters suitable for swimming and quaint little harbours you’ll enjoy exploring on foot. The tranquil waters of Kefalonia make it a fantastic island for sailing. Book a private yacht to sail along the island’s south coast, from Agia Pelagia to Skala, a popular area for dolphin-spotting and diving. But if you don’t fancy chartering a yacht, book an exciting excursion on board a glass-bottomed boat. These boats offer a fun sailing alternative, where you can view the colourful seabed home to an array of sea life. If you’re into wine, embark on a private winery tour in Argostoli. It’s an incredible way to get a fascinating insight into the local wine industry. At the end of the tour, you’ll also have a chance to sample the different flavours of the island’s finest wine.
Santorini
Santorini tops the list of the most beautiful islands in Greece. The island’s alluring beauty has charmed honeymooners seeking a romantic escapade in Greece. Those who want to experience the finest things in life will find the island a perfect place to visit. Of course, the best way to start your holiday is to check yourself in one of the luxury villas of Santorini. Many are perched on a cliff overlooking the stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Once settled, it’s time to explore the island. Begin with a scenic walk along the picturesque villages of Fira and Oia, then unwind at a cliffside bar as you wait for the sun to set. A more luxurious way of enjoying Santorini’s famous sunset is to book a private sunset cruise. As your boat sails along the island’s spectacular coastline, marvel at the breathtaking sunset views and toast to a glass of wine.
