CNT: The 15 “best of the best” Greek islands for getaways in 2026

With Greece “taking center stage” in the international tourism arena in 2026, the reputable Conde Nast Traveler (CNT) magazine published its recommendations for the 15 best Greek islands to visit in 2026, based on the experiences of its editors.

In this year’s list of the best Greek islands for 2026, CNT recommends 15 islands for travelers to visit – from the Aegean to the Ionian Sea, and from the Cyclades to the Dodecanese – from the 227 inhabited islands of Greece, each with its own unique character.

Timelessly popular islands like Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete continue to attract visitors, but others, such as Folegandros and Sifnos—longtime favorites of Greeks—are slowly making their way onto the radar of the international jet set, while islands like Leros and Kastellorizo remain (mostly) unexplored, attracting a specific, specialized crowd.

Besides the sun and the sea, the variety of Greek islands makes them attractive to a wide range of travelers: whether someone is looking for a relaxing vacation, someone who seeks action and contact with nature, but also for gourmets, fans of authentic experiences and traditions.

The Greek islands cater to those who want cosmopolitan vibes and lively nightlife, as well as those who want quiet and low-key vacations.

For CNT, all the islands have their advantages, but when it comes to authentic charm, quality hotels, and relatively easy access, the magazine recommends:

• Paros for direct flights from London
• Sifnos for easy accessibility by ferry from Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini
• Syros for direct flights from Athens

Paros

Paros has the perfect balance of nightlife, a vibrant food scene, and excessive crowds.

Accommodation options

For a stay by the sea: Avant Mar or Cosme

For adults only: Mythic

For privacy: Sueno sunset villa for two people

For groups: Moonhouse (capacity 12 people)

Sifnos

The perfect proposition for an authentic and relaxing travel experience on a Greek island. Enchanting, quiet but with many spots known only to a few, traditional but with an unmistakable fresh atmosphere.

Accommodation options

For luxury: Verina Astra

For romance: NÓS

For families: Verina Terra

For a relaxed stay: Sifnos House

For something unique: Mylolithos House

For privacy: Sigma Residences or Mythic Villa

Syros

It stands out for its authentic character and genuine image of life on the Greek islands, combined with a different but harmonious blend of cultures.

Accommodation options

For luxury: Hotel Ploes

For romance: Aristide Hotel

For groups: Fanya (capacity 10 people)

For families: Villa Evangelini

For old-school luxury: Argini

Folegandros

Wild, unspoiled landscapes and quiet villages that maintain their old traditions contrast with the warmth of the island’s people and their hospitality.

Accommodation options

For luxury: Gundari

For viewing: Anemomilos

For families: Anemi

For a stay by the sea: Blue Sand hotel

For privacy: Maistros

Kefalonia

Kefalonia has an unassuming charm, with colorful buildings in pastel shades, rich natural beauty, award-winning beaches like Myrtos, and quaint fishing villages.

Accommodation options

For families: Emelisse Nature Resort

For adults only: F Zeen

For a stay by the sea: Eliamos Villas

For privacy: Wilderness Whisperings house

For something unique: Mythos

Κastelorizo

At the easternmost point of Europe, this tiny island is the ideal destination for discerning travelers seeking quality, quality, quality.

Accommodation options

For a stay at a boutique accommodation: Casa Mediterraneo

For groups: The Admiral’s House

Kos

The island of Hippocrates has changed its image in recent years with a series of boutique hotels with an emphasis on design making their appearance, putting their confirmation in the hotel capacity of the island.

Accommodation options

For adults only: Oku Kos, Lango Design Hotel & Spa or KOIA All-Suite Wellbeing Resort

For families: E-GEO Easy Living Resort or Mitsis Selection Blue Domes

For wellness: Sagredo Boutique Hotel & Spa

Leros

The now-peaceful Leros, with its tumultuous past, is a well-hidden secret among knowledgeable Greeks and international yacht enthusiasts.

Accommodation options

For luxury: Villa Clara

For a historic stay: Archontiko Angelou

Santorini

Of course, it doesn’t need special recommendations, but one can’t help but mention Oia, one of the most beautiful places in the world, and the breathtaking view from the Caldera, making Santorini one of the most popular islands on the planet.

Accommodation options

For luxury: Perivolas, Santo Mine Oia Suites, and Grace Hotel

For adults only: Neema Maison

For families: Andronis Boutique Hotel and Domes Novos Santorini

For wine: The Vasilicos

For groups: Eolia Superior Villa (capacity 8 people)

For something unique: Santorini Sky

For art and design: Noūs Santorini

For relaxing days at the beach: Istoria

Mykonos

Mykonos may be famous for its wild nightlife and legendary parties and attract the international jet set, but it is also an ideal destination for family vacations.

Accommodation options

For romantic getaways: Cali Mykonos

For families: Santa Marina

For parties: Soho Roc House

For relaxing vacations: Once in Mykonos and Semeli Coast

For the best view: Deos

For a getaway to the village: Belvedere

Tinos

Tourism-free Tinos, known for its Panagia Evangelistria church – one of the holiest places in Greece – attracts pilgrims from all over to pay their respects. While with more than 50 villages, the Chora and dozens of beaches, it offers travelers authentic, quality vacations.

Accommodation options

For discreet luxury: Odera Tinos

For an authentic escape: Living Theros

For hostel accommodation: Xinara House

For privacy: The Detailor

Kythnos

With an extensive coastline, one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, and despite being less than two hours by ferry from the port of Lavrion in Athens, Kythnos seems to be a destination that only the experts know about.

Accommodation options

For luxury: Odera

For families: PNOĒS Tinos (for children aged eight and above)

For groups: Simousi Villas

Lesvos

Somewhat enigmatic and often on the fringes, Lesbos offers an authentic, true, and sometimes raw picture of life on the Greek islands, making it unique.

Accommodation options

For privacy: A-Luxury Villas

For modern amenities: Mythical Coast

For traditional charm: Zaira Hotel

Hydra

A reference point for international and Greek artists since the 1960s, Hydra exudes a discreet, sophisticated atmosphere, which, combined with easy access from the port of Piraeus, makes it a destination for weekends and more.

Accommodation options

For a stay at a boutique accommodation: Orloff Boutique Hotel

For a stay by the sea: Mandraki Beach Resort

For groups: Mirkella sleeps 12 people

For couples: This Cycladic home

Crete

With sunshine all year round, a temperature range of 12-15ºC, postcard-like beaches, ancient monuments, beautiful old towns, wild gorges, Venetian architecture, and many attractions, Crete, the largest island in Greece, has it all.

Accommodation options

For families: The Royal Senses Resort & Spa and Phāea Cretan Malia

For romantic getaways: Acro Wellness Suites and Tella Thera

For excellent location: Phāea Blue

For village accommodations: Kapsaliana Village

For groups: Villa Cien (capacity 16 people)

For staying in a farmhouse: Metohi Kindelis