For travelers who follow the sun from morning swim to evening dip, the Greek islands offer a rare consistency of light, warmth, and open horizons. This is a landscape shaped by long days, reflective seas, and beaches that invite you to stay longer than planned. Whether the setting is lively or hushed, the pleasure is the same: salt on skin, unbroken views, and the slow rhythm of a day spent outdoors.
The islands that suit sun seekers best combine variety with ease. From the expansive shores of Crete and the sculpted sands of Paros to the dramatic coastline of Milos, the turquoise waters of Naxos, and the open beaches of Limnos, these destinations reward both movement and stillness. They are places where beach time is never an afterthought, but the main event – shaped by geography, light, and the simple joy of being by the sea.
01 Crete
Crete’s diverse beaches, from the pink sands of Elafonissi to the turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon, never fail to please every kind of beach enthusiast. Beyond the sand, scenic towns like Chania and Rethymno offer a warm welcome, rich history, and lively nightlife.
Stay: Stella Island for adults-only beachfront luxury with overwater bungalows, serene pools, and a polished, immersive resort experience; Ammos Hotel for chic, family-friendly stays by the sea, combining contemporary design, relaxed comfort, and easy access to Chania’s coast.
Find our dedicated guide to the best hotels in Chania and Iraklio.
Eat: Mambo Beach Restaurant for a relaxed beachside meal of seafood, sushi, and Mediterranean-Asian flavors; Captain Fidias for fresh local fish and traditional Cretan dishes overlooking a scenic. quiet bay.
Explore our full guide to the best restaurants in Chania.
02 Paros
Golden beaches like Kolymbithres with its sculpted rock formations and the tranquil Santa Maria make Paros a Cycladic treasure for beach lovers. The island’s vibrant atmosphere blends cosmopolitan flair with laid-back island charm.
Stay: Summer Senses Resort for minimalist, design-led stays with expansive sea views, refined service, and a calm, contemporary atmosphere; Parilio for boutique sophistication inspired by Cycladic architecture, offering spacious suites, considered design, and a serene setting near Kolymbithres beach.
Browse our full guide to the best hotels in Paros.
Eat: Omilos Paros for modern Greek cuisine and fresh seafood served directly above the sea, with clean flavors and a strong sense of place; Mouragio for the catch of the day cooked simply and eaten by the water, surrounded by fishing boats in the heart of the port.
Explore our full guide to the best restaurants in Paros.
03 Zakynthos
Famous for the world-renowned Navagio Beach, Zakynthos also features hidden sea caves and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The lush interior of the island offers a picturesque backdrop for beach lovers seeking natural beauty.
Stay: Olea All Suite Hotel for refined, luxurious digs set among olive groves, with calm design, water features, and a strong sense of seclusion; Porto Zante Villas & Spa for high-end villa living with private pools, discreet service, and sweeping views across the Ionian Sea.
Browse our full guide to the best hotels in Zakynthos.
Eat: Porta del Mar for Mediterranean and local Zakynthian flavors enjoyed directly on the beachfront, at a wine restaurant with wide Ionian Sea views; Amoudi Seaside Restaurant for fresh seafood with a modern twist and tradition-inspired cooking served right beside the sea.
04 Milos
Milos captivates with its dramatic coastline and unique beaches like Sarakiniko and Kleftiko, where white volcanic rocks meet azure waters. The island’s unspoiled beauty and relaxed vibe make it perfect for those seeking a quieter beach experience.
Stay: Milos Cove for secluded cliffside luxury with private terraces, pared-back design, and a strong sense of privacy above the Aegean; Skinopi Lodge for refined, minimalist suites set above Milos’ volcanic coastline, offering calm design, generous terraces, and an intimate, quietly luxurious atmosphere close to the sea.
Escape to Milos with our curated guide to the island’s most memorable hotels.
Eat: O! Hamos for rustic, deeply rooted island cooking using local ingredients, slow methods, and generous portions prepared with care; Medusa for fresh seafood and classic Greek dishes served right by the water in a working fishing village setting.
05 Naxos
Known for expansive sandy beaches like Agios Prokopios and Plaka, Naxos is ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts. Its lush landscapes also make it a hub for hiking and exploring traditional villages.
Stay: 18 Grapes Hotel & Spa for contemporary luxury grounded in Naxian craftsmanship, where Cycladic architecture, a serious spa, and understated design reflect the island’s modern hospitality scene; Laguna Coast Resort for contemporary, nature-led luxury set between sea and wetlands, where architecture, privacy, and a strong environmental ethos reflect a future-facing side of Naxos.
Explore our full guide to the best hotels in Naxos.
Eat: Axiotissa for deeply local Cycladic cooking shaped by Naxos’ agricultural wealth, with vegetables, cheeses, and slow-cooked dishes that reflect the island’s inland traditions; Apanemi for refined seafood dining by the water, where fresh Aegean catch and restrained technique highlight Naxos’ maritime side.
Discover the best restaurants of Naxos.
06 Limnos
Home to pristine beaches like Keros, perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing, Limnos is a land known for its varied and beautiful beaches. The island’s authenticity and lack of overdevelopment make it a hidden gem.
Stay: Keros Blue for eco-glam beachside living with wind-sports, design-led comfort, and an ongoing connection to sea and sky; Ammothines Cycladic Suites or beach-inspired luxury with clean Cycladic design, sea-facing suites, and a calm, intuitively-conceptualized sense of space.
Eat: Taverna Flomari for classic Lemnian cooking such as pasta, local cheeses, sun-dried octopus, and simply grilled seafood enjoyed beside the beach; Manos for fresh fish and Greek meze served right by the water on Myrina’s seafront.
