Plan the perfect Greek island hopping summer holiday

FROM Crete to Corfu, the Greek Islands have a great choice of top holiday destinations – and you don’t have to pick just one.

Fly direct to many of the main islands – such as Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes – in less than four hours from the UK and then you can hop between your chosen islands by ferry.

Visit the Greek Islands with blue skies, golden sands and azure sea for your 2019 summer holiday

Enjoy a warm Mediterranean climate from May to October, often reaching highs of 30C in the summer, as well as white-washed villages, sandy beaches and turquoise sea.

Not sure which islands to visit on your trip? Read on for our top Greek islands for your summer beach break.

Cyclades Islands: Mykonos, Santorini and Naxos

Located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, the Cyclades are what you imagine when you think of the Greek islands – beautiful sandy beaches dotted with white sugar-cube villages and blue-domed churches.

Enjoy sunny blue skies and beautiful unspoiled beaches in Naxos - one of the Cyclades Islands in Greece — Enjoy sunny blue skies and beautiful unspoiled beaches in Naxos – one of the Cyclades Islands in Greece

History buffs can delve into Greek Mythology in Naxos, where you can visit ancient sites such as the ‘Temple of Apollo’ and the ‘Kouroi of Naxos’.

Plus, there are plenty of pristine beaches, a charming old town and delicious local cuisine to try.

If you’re looking for a romantic escape, Santorini has beautiful beaches and arguably the best sunset spots in the Greek Islands.

Couples can also try wine-tasting tours, cooking classes and beach trips – including the famous Red Beach.

See white-washed villages, blue-domed churches and beautiful sunsets in Santorini, one of the Cyclades Islands

Looking to party? Rub shoulders with the celeb pack at Greece’s answer to Ibiza, Mykonos.

Head to one of the clubs in the capital, Hora, or turn it up a notch at the beach super clubs, such as ‘Super Paradise’ and ‘Paradise Club’.

The island also boasts 25 beaches, from secluded coves to great stretches of sand, which are popular with families and water sports fans.

Find Mykonos summer holiday deals – including flights and hotels – with Love Holidays from £364pp – based on a week’s stay in June 2019.

Book your 2019 Santorini trip with TUI from £424pp or your Naxos beach break with Travel Supermarket from £273pp.

Ionian Islands: Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia

In Corfu, don't miss the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — In Corfu, don’t miss the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In the Ionian Sea, on the west coast facing Sicily, the picturesque Ionian Islands feature lush green landscapes and cliff-backed beaches.

The Emerald Isle, Corfu, suits holidays for families and couples alike with large hotel resorts and plenty of great beaches, restaurants and shops.

For a day away from the beach, head to the UNESCO-listed old town for Venetian architecture, churches and museums.

Another ‘best of both worlds’ spot, Zakynthos (also known as Zante) has everything from mega clubs and bars in Laganas to turtle-spotting at Gerakas Beach.

'Shipwreck Bay' on Zakynthos Island, which can only be accessed by boat, is one of the most famous beaches in Greece — ‘Shipwreck Bay’ on Zakynthos Island, which can only be accessed by boat, is one of the most famous beaches in Greece

Be sure to check out the famous ‘Shipwreck Bay’ (Navagio Beach) on the north west coast, which is only accessible by boat.

The biggest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia’s endless coastline offers plenty of places for sun-worshippers – including Myrtos Beach, made famous by the movie ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’.

While you’re there, visit Fiscardo Village for the pretty port and waterfront cafes, restaurants, bars and shops.

Find cheap Corfu summer holiday deals – including flights and self-catering apartments – for June 2019 with On the Beach from £156pp.

Book your Zakynthos summer holiday with Thomas Cook from £240pp or find Kefalonia holiday deals with Love Holidays from £160pp – based on travelling in June 2019.

Dodecanese Islands: Rhodes and Kos

Rhodes is one of the most popular Greek Islands due to its sunny weather, great beaches and attractions

In the south-east Aegean Sea, close to Turkey, find the sunniest blue skies, clear waters and traditional towns in the Dodecanese Islands.

The biggest island, Rhodes is world-famous for the ‘Colossus of Rhodes’ – a statue of the Greek god Helios – which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The island continues to be a popular holiday spot each year for the top-notch beaches, stunning scenery and range of traditional restaurants.

Cat lover’s dream job as sanctuary on Greek island offers to pay someone to live with 55 moggies for 6 months rent free

If you’re looking for a lively trip away, Kos caters for the party crowd with cocktail bars, karaoke venues and super clubs in Kardamena.

But it’s not all nightlife, as Kos also boasts family-friendly beach resorts and attractions for kids – from water parks and beach sports to castles and ancient sites.

You can find a more laid-back vibe in traditional fishing villages with peaceful, secluded beaches – plus you can plan an easy day-trip to Turkey.

Find cheap summer holiday deals for Rhodes with Love Holidays from £170pp for flights and hotel or Kos from £161pp for apartment and flights in June 2019.

Crete

The biggest Greek island and the fifth biggest island in the Med, Crete has something for everyone with blue flag beaches, cosmopolitan towns, historical sights and unspoiled scenery.

Chania in the west boasts many sights – including the Old Venetian Harbour and Minoan ruins – as well as great restaurants, cafes and bakeries.

For families, Agios Nikolaos has child-friendly beaches with shallow waters and plenty of snorkelling and other water sports.

If you’re more of a night owl, Malia is a mecca for partying with bars, pubs and clubs along the strip – but also lively beaches, where you can try your hand at everything from banana boats to jet skis.