Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 listing highlights each well-known and quieter, extra genuine Greek locations, sparking a dialogue about the place it’s really price touring.
With Paros topping the rating, the globally famend journey publication Condé Nast Traveller launched its reputation listing for 2026, that includes many islands from the Cyclades in addition to the Ionian Sea.
In its introduction, the journal notes:
“Greece has 227 inhabited islands scattered across the Aegean, the Mediterranean, and the Ionian Sea, so knowing where to start can be difficult. Not only are there so many Greek islands to choose from, but each one is different from the next. Some are small and undefined; others are large and vary from town to town, from coastline to coastline, offering something different—whether it’s food, culture, or history—no matter how many times you return. Alongside sun, sea, and sand, it is this variety that makes the Greek islands so appealing to every kind of holidaymaker: whether you’re looking for lazy days in the sun, action-packed weeks of mountain hiking, table reservations at popular hotspots, time exploring traditional villages (and their tavernas), or a chance to escape it all, there is a Greek island that suits you.”
What follows is the rating of essentially the most lovely Greek islands beneficial for visiting, primarily based on every island’s defining traits as described by the journal’s editors:
Paros
Not way back, Paros was the island favored primarily by Greeks and comparatively unknown to worldwide guests. While some should market it as an “up-and-coming Greek island,” it firmly belongs in the “well-known and popular” class—although that in no manner makes it any much less lovely.
Sifnos
One of one of the best islands for meals. It all started when Nikolaos Tselementes, a local of Sifnos, wrote the primary notable Greek cookbook, revealed in the early 1900s. Paving the way in which for what would comply with on the island, he stirred issues up by departing from conventional recipes and modernizing basic dishes.
Syros
Syros gives guests a extra genuine glimpse of Greek island life. Its buildings are a mix of Cycladic, Venetian, and neoclassical structure and are bigger than these on neighboring islands. Towering proudly alongside the shoreline of Ermoupoli are the Nineteenth-century Apollo Theatre—designed as a reproduction of Milan’s La Scala—the imposing Church of Saint Nicholas with its blue dome and orange façade, and the hanging Ermoupoli Town Hall, constructed beneath the supervision of Ernst Ziller, with a 15-meter-high entrance staircase rivaling that of any European capital.
Folegandros
Despite having lived in Greece for a few years, it took me some time to go to Folegandros. The second I set foot on the island, I couldn’t perceive why I had hesitated. My greatest recommendation for this rocky island? Just go. It could also be barren, however that is greater than made up for by the heat of its folks (a cliché, I do know, however very true in this case). There is a phrase for this in Greek: philoxenia, roughly translating to “friendliness toward strangers.”
Kefalonia
Kefalonia doesn’t attempt to impress, but its attraction someway envelops those that go to. This is partly as a result of every thing right here is just as it’s—there’s no want to gown to impress in most locations. But additionally it is due to its pure magnificence: lengthy, winding roads curve round coastal bays on one aspect, with dense mountain forests on the opposite. Follow them and chances are you’ll come across an underground lake or a Venetian fortress, although extra usually you’ll find yourself in a wonderful fishing village the place taverna tables are set proper on the sand and do-it-yourself dishes are served with love.
Kastellorizo
Kastellorizo has solely round 500 full-time residents—a quantity that can triple in the course of the summer time season—and a number of well-known names have made it their Greek island of alternative over time. While it lacks the superstar scene of Mykonos, this tiny island (lower than 5 sq. miles) punches nicely above its weight when it comes to guests.
Kos
Kos has an unfair popularity, however issues are altering. With that comes a extra discerning customer—one who desires to discover the island’s archaeological websites, of which there are lots of. Just steps from the outdated city harbor you’ll discover the Altar of Dionysus, the Roman Odeon, the Casa Romana, and the Tree of Hippocrates, beneath which Hippocrates—the traditional Greek doctor born on the island—is alleged to have taught his college students. Further inland lies the 4th-century BC Asklepion of Kos, the place he based his medical faculty.
Leros
The most laid-back of all of the Greek islands. Life hasn’t all the time been this manner for this small Dodecanese island, which has a turbulent previous. It served as Mussolini’s naval base, suffered heavy bombing throughout World War II, and—till the Eighties—was an island designated for folks with supposed psychological well being points. This historical past has left its mark, and Mussolini’s imaginative and prescient of a “model city” resulted in a mixture of Art Deco, Modernist, and Bauhaus buildings in Lakki that feels extra like a pale Miami than a Mediterranean island. Beyond its structure, Leros has moved on from its previous, with tourism rising solely in latest a long time.
Santorini
You might imagine Santorini is overrated—and also you’d be partly proper. Yes, sure spots get crowded at particular occasions. Yes, costs have risen exponentially in contrast to a few of its Cycladic neighbors. And no, the seashores are usually not essentially the most lovely in Greece. But the view—oh, the view. Every cliché in regards to the Caldera is true. Iconic, romantic, historic… it’s merely probably the greatest sights in the world and can take your breath away. I might strongly argue that you need to see it at the least as soon as in your lifetime, however I’m keen to wager you’ll return for extra.
Mykonos
What will be mentioned about Mykonos that you don’t already know? Quite so much, truly. Mykonos Town is the right place to drink, dine, and dance till the early hours alongside the wealthy and well-known—and it does this exceptionally nicely. Some of my favourite spots away from the crowds embody the quieter northern coast, the place tavernas with tables proper on the sand dot peaceable bays. Merchia, Fokos, and Agios Sostis are among the many most secluded.
Tinos
Tinos is a type of locations that makes you’re feeling each a little bit smug and really well-informed. Ornate dovecotes are scattered throughout wild landscapes, interspersed with small chapels and lots of villages—over 50 of them, every completely different from the subsequent. The hilltop village of Volax is a private favourite and one of the vital distinctive in Greece: the encircling plateau is dotted with huge granite boulders that give it an virtually lunar really feel, whereas the village itself is dwelling to solely about 50 residents and has a robust basket-weaving custom.
Kythnos
If you’re wanting for a spot to chill out and luxuriate in some summer time solitude, you’ve discovered it—and there are many spots to do exactly that.
Lesvos
Lesvos is commonly missed and one thing of a wildcard. Spend a couple of weeks on the island and also you’ll quickly perceive why it’s an excellent alternative.
Hydra
Hydra fills with fashionable Athenians on weekends and in latest years has regained its enchantment amongst artists and trend lovers from world wide.
Crete
Finally, Crete is highlighted as the biggest of all of the Greek islands, protecting greater than 3,000 sq. miles. You’ll discover numerous good seashores, archaeological websites, lovely outdated cities, wild gorges, Venetian structure, and lots of child-friendly sights.
It can also be probably the greatest islands for meals. Fertile plains and year-round sunshine present preferrred circumstances for native agriculture and gardening—from wild greens grown on mountain slopes to oranges and lemons cultivated in the northwestern lowlands, and olives and olive oil produced throughout the island from finish to finish.
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