For British holidaymakers seeking a slice of Mediterranean paradise, the allure of the Greek islands remains as strong as ever. With their sparkling turquoise waters, sugar-white beaches, and rich tapestry of history and mythology, these scattered jewels in the Aegean and Ionian Seas offer a unique escape for every type of traveller.
Island Guide: Matching Your Holiday Style
Each archipelago possesses its own distinct character. The iconic Cyclades are famed for their whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches, while the Sporades offer lush pine forests and stunning coastlines. With hundreds of islands to choose from, selecting the right one can be daunting. Whether you're a food lover, a culture vulture, a beach bum, or an intrepid explorer, there's a perfect Greek island waiting for you.
Crete: A Food Lover's Dream Destination
As Greece's largest island, Crete is a heavyweight in both popularity and culinary prestige. Renowned for its wineries and olive oil farms, the island is a gastronomic playground. Visitors can embark on guided walking food tours in Chania and Heraklion, sampling local specialities like Cretan cheese and apaki (cured pork loin). Hands-on cooking classes and vibrant local markets offer further immersion.
The island's food highlights are extensive, including its unique honey, Stamnagathi (boiled leaves), Staka Me Ayga (an egg dish), bougasta (custard pie), and Chochlioi Bourbouristi (pan-fried snails). Metro's Newsletter Editor, Sophie Laughton, visited earlier this year and was profoundly impressed. Having reviewed London's top restaurants, she declared they "got nothing on this Greek island," praising the sun-ripened tomatoes, local olive oil, ancient cheese recipes, and honey-drenched desserts.
Skopelos: An Immersive Cultural Retreat
Accessible only by boat, the remote island of Skopelos in the Sporades is a haven for culture lovers. More than just beautiful beaches, this 37 square kilometre island is embroidered with verdant hills, golden sands, and traditional whitewashed villages. It gained global fame as a primary filming location for the 2008 musical Mamma Mia!.
As Metro travel writer Sophie-May Williams notes, a holiday here involves leaning into a strong local culture centred around food and religion. The island is dotted with picturesque churches and monasteries. Throughout the year, locals host festivals honouring their saints, such as the feast of Agios Reginos on February 25. The summer Loizia Festival in Glossa and the September Wine Festival, where free wine flows and traditional dancing lasts into the early hours, offer unforgettable local experiences.
Antiparos: The Ultimate Off-The-Beaten-Track Escape
While islands like Santorini and Mykonos attract millions annually, those seeking serenity should head to Antiparos in the Cyclades. This hidden gem, located 51km southwest of Mykonos, remains blissfully unspoiled. Metro writer Lillie-Rose Lenga-Kroma described finding "secluded coves and deserted beaches," arriving on a near-deserted ferry for just €1.50.
The island's crown jewel is the Cave of Agios Ioannis, open daily from 10am to 4pm. Plunging 85 metres, it houses Europe's oldest stalactite, estimated at an astonishing 45 million years old. Boat tours also depart to the uninhabited island of Despotiko and its surrounding sea caves, offering a true escape from the crowds.
Lefkada & Rhodes: For Beach Lovers and Budget Travellers
Nicknamed the 'Greek Caribbean' for its iridescent waters, Lefkada is home to superstar beaches like Porto Katsiki. Metro's Travel Editor, Alice Murphy, calls it "Greece's best-kept travel secret." Local DJ Viktor recommends the beautiful but hard-to-reach Avali beach in Kalamitsi, set against majestic limestone cliffs.
For those watching their budget, Rhodes offers incredible value. As the largest Dodecanese island, it boasts a UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town and a wide range of affordable resorts. Gavin Lapidus of eShores confirms it consistently offers good value due to its variety of accommodation and activities. Excellent package deals can be found, with one reporter securing a full-board week with flights for under £450 per person during a Black Friday sale.
From culinary journeys and cultural deep-dives to budget-friendly sun-soaked escapes, the diverse Greek islands continue to captivate, promising a perfect holiday match for every British traveller's desires in 2025 and beyond.
