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When you are thinking of luxury holidays under the sun, Greece is one of the top destinations that you can think of. Overlooking the Ionian and Aegean Sea, Greece can provide you with islands that offer you the right experiences with its world-class hospitality, understated elegance and a sense of timeless indulgence.
With plenty of Greek islands to choose from, you can have a great time pampering your senses and ensuring that you have a great time, whether you’re alone or with your partner and family. With reliable sunny weather, lavish hotels and resorts and stunning landscape, these Greek islands can offer you unforgettable getaways.
Choosing Ionian & Aegean Island Holidays allows you to make the most of your holidays in Greece, whether you are looking for a family vacation, romantic getaway or a simple, relaxing retreat.
If you have plans to spend quality time in Greece, here are 8 luxurious Greek islands that can offer you the best holiday experience under the sun.
Crete
If you are planning a luxurious, sun-soaked holiday, Crete is one of the best places where you can have a great time. Being the largest island in Greece, Crete can provide you with plenty of variety and options. Elounda in particular on the northern coast is a sanctuary of plush resorts, crystal-clear waters and indulgent experiences.
This is where you can find some of the best resorts that offer you an opportunity to pamper your senses and enjoy exclusive activities. You can enjoy private beach breakfasts, arrival by seaplane, and private archaeology tours with experienced guides.
While there are many things to do in Crete, you can look out for spa treatments with Cretan herbs and wine pairings in olive groves. You can even book a traditional fishing boat for sunset dinners prepared onboard by a private chef.
Paros
For those who want refined luxury without the crowds, Paros offers a more grounded, yet elegant escape. This is where you can have a private time that truly sets you apart from the world and offers you space for yourself.
You can take your time to explore the island’s stunning beauty and even explore Naoussa’s chic harbour lined with upscale seafood restaurants and curated concept stores. If you plan to unwind in style, you can head for a massage by the sea or book a private sailing trip to secluded beaches. With plenty of yoga retreats and holistic treatments combined with ocean views, Paros is a great place for wellness seekers.
Santorini
It would be hard not to include Santorini among the most luxurious Greek islands where you can enjoy a lavish getaway. Famed for its whitewashed cliffside villages and spectacular sunsets, Santorini is the epitome of romantic luxury. This island provides you with stunning caldera views that are unmatched, and imagine enjoying that view from your private infinity pool.
Santorini is dotted with luxurious cave hotels and resorts that offer you the best accommodation money can buy. These accommodations come with exclusive activities like indulging in in-suite wine cellars and butler service.
You can also opt for helicopter tours of the island, go sunset sailing on catamarans or enjoy some private wine tasting sessions. When you are done, you can relax at some of the best beaches in Santorini that offer you amazing Mediterranean views.
Hydra
If your definition of luxury holidays means unwinding in style and peace, Hydra is one of the best islands in Greece you can choose from. With no cars on the island, the air is clean, the pace is slow, and donkeys transport luggage to beautifully preserved mansions turned boutique hotels.
While Hydra might seem like a step back in time, you can enjoy lavish hospitality at some of the luxurious hotels and resorts that ensure a good time. You can walk the cobblestone streets, spend days on yachts, dive off rock platforms into turquoise waters and enjoy long seafood lunches to replenish your body, mind and soul.
Mykonos
While Mykonos has a reputation for being the party capital in Greece, it certainly has a lot more to offer. This island is where luxury meets extravagance and vibrant nightlife. For years, Mykonos has remained a hotspot for global jet-setters who love to holiday in private villas, enjoy nonstop nightlife and shop at designer stores.
For luxury seekers, Mykonos offers a range of stylish and lavish hotels and resorts that allow them to unwind at elite beach clubs like Scorpios and Nammos. You can also charter a yacht to explore nearby islands like Delos and Rhenia. When the sun sets, you can schedule a private chef dinner under the stars or begin your evenings with sunset cocktails in Little Venice.
Antiparos
Just a short boat ride from Paros, Antiparos is tiny, quiet, and beloved by celebrities for a reason. Tom Hanks owns a home here, and the island’s serene vibe ensures privacy and discretion. If you are looking for luxury and seclusion, Antiparos meets your needs and requirements.
While you are here, you can stay at one of the ultra-luxe beachfront villas that ensure that you can have a great time without compromising on high-end facilities and amenities. You can have a great slow-travel experience as you spend days sailing around the hidden coves, snorkel in clear waters and relish freshly prepared seafood. This low-key and luxurious island can offer you understated elegance and complete privacy that you deserve.
Zakynthos
Locally known as Zante, Zakynthos is known for its famous Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach), but there is a lot more that Zakynthos has to offer. Luxury seekers can enjoy the western cliffs dotted with lavish accommodations, hotels and resorts. These private villas come with high-end facilities and amenities like an infinity pool facing the Ionian Sea.
This, combined with exclusive activities like chartering a boat to explore the Blue Caves, enjoying sunset picnics atop the cliffs and snorkelling and bespoke island-hopping, makes Zakynthos one of the top Greek islands for luxury holidayers. For the ultra-elite, private helicopter tours and bespoke island-hopping can easily be arranged.
Folegandros
If you are keen to holiday in Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini but want to keep away from the crowds and the spotlight, you may choose Folegandros. Known for its high-end luxury accommodations, the charm of this island lies in its authenticity. Here you can walk around the island dotted with whitewashed houses and dramatic cliffs, and serene silence.
You can stay at some of the luxury boutique hotels and resorts or choose a private cliffside villa that offers discreet service and unforgettable views. For exclusive outdoor activities, one can enjoy sunset hikes to the Panagia church, lazy afternoons on hidden beaches, and candlelit dinners with local wines. It’s luxury in its purest, most peaceful form.