GREECE
Greece is endlessly compelling — and endlessly debated. Which island? Which village? Santorini or Mykonos? Paros or Antiparos? The answers depend entirely on what kind of traveler you are, and the Greek islands reward those who look past the obvious choices.
We’ve spent significant time across the Cyclades, traveling with kids and without, and our Greece coverage is built on real visits — no hotel paid to appear here, and no review is sponsored. What you’ll find below is what we actually recommend. Read our favorite Greek Islands for Family Travel here.
The islands we cover:
Paros — Our favorite all-around Greek island, and the one we keep returning to. Paros strikes a rare balance: beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, a charming old town in Naoussa, and a relaxed atmosphere that works just as well for families as it does for couples. It doesn’t have the cliff-top drama of Santorini or the scene of Mykonos, but it’s a better place to actually spend a week. See where to stay in Paros, the best restaurants in Paros, and best beach clubs in Paros. And be sure to read our full Paros travel guide.
Antiparos — Paros’s quieter, smaller neighbor, reachable by a short ferry. Antiparos has become a magnet for travelers who want the Greek island experience without the crowds — chic but understated, with a strong dining scene and some lovely boutique accommodation. It’s particularly good for families. See where to stay in Antiparos and our Paros vs. Antiparos comparison. Or read our full Antiparos Travel Guide.
Ios — Long known as a party island, Ios has quietly grown into one of the more interesting destinations in the Cyclades. Dramatic hilltop views, excellent beaches, and a warming local food scene make it worth a serious look — especially for families who might have written it off.
Schinoussa — One of the Small Cyclades and one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. Tiny, car-free, and almost entirely untouched by mass tourism. If you want to understand why people fall in love with the Greek islands, Schinoussa gets closer to that feeling than almost anywhere else. Read our Schinoussa travel guide.
Paros vs. Mykonos: If you’re debating between the two, we’ve written a detailed Paros vs. Mykonos comparison — and for a broader overview of where to go, see our guide to the best Greek islands for luxury travel.
Best time to visit Greece: Late May through June and September through early October are the sweet spots — warm enough to swim, uncrowded enough to enjoy. July and August are peak season across the Cyclades: beautiful weather but busy beaches, higher prices, and ferries that book out weeks in advance.
