When you think of the Greek Islands, there are two that stand head and shoulders above the others with a reputation for beauty and luxury – Santorini and Mykonos!
These two are popular destinations for 2025 and we spoke with our travel partners at Idle Travel to find out why we should choose this year to holiday on a Greek Island. Here’s what they told us:
Santorini
Santorini is possibly the most famous of all Greek islands and a number one summer destination worldwide. The beauty of this island is incomparable to any other in the world. The amazing Caldera formed by the volcanic eruption centuries ago, resulted in the most amazing sea views you will ever see.
The iconic white colour of the buildings reflects the heat of the sun, preventing the houses from getting too warm, a basic goal of the traditional architecture.
What else makes Santorini so special?
Out-of-this-world sunsets? Tick. Stunning sea views? Tick. Pretty whitewashed towns? Tick!
Filled with chic bars, swanky restaurants and swish boutiques, photogenic, Instagrammable Santorini will sweep you straight off your feet.
There are two different sides to this superb island. Over on the west, iconic villages like Oia, Fira and Imerovigli overlook the dramatic Caldera and twinkling Aegean from their cliffside spots. While in the east, in resorts like Kamari and Perissa, it’s all about volcanic shores, where you find black-sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Santorini is the supermodel of the Greek Islands, a head turner whose face is instantly recognisable around the world.
Loved by couples and families alike, you can enjoy a catamaran cruise around the island, visit the volcano and enjoy swimming in the hot springs, visit a vineyard for wine tasting or see Santorini from a different aspect on a quad bike, there are so many things to do and reasons to visit Santorini!
Mykonos
Welcome to the ultimate in Greek chic – an island so stylish it’s the stuff of legends. Beach club brunches, swanky lunches and sunset cocktails mean Mykonos is always ready to revel in the good life.
But it does low-key too, with candlelit seafood suppers, local adventures and history hunting also on the menu. Whitewashed Mykonos Town takes centre stage in this glam-as-you-like Grecian gem, but you’ll find plenty of dinky little villages oozing tradition and authentic tavernas if you know where to look. As for the beaches, do as the jet set do and party on Paradise Beach or soak up the sun on the north coast’s quieter coves.
Mykonos’s nickname is “The Island of the Winds”, due to the very strong winds that usually blow on the island. Tourism is a major industry and Mykonos is known for its vibrant nightlife and for being a gay-friendly destination with many establishments catering for the LGBT community.
The sea, the wind, the birds, and the weather-beaten little whitewashed churches all combine to give a vibrant allure. Everyone gathers in the cafés and pubs to nurse an ouzo or other drink, and to watch the sun set to the rhythm of the slamming waves.
While the town of Chora has some museums, they merely provide an excuse to get out of the sun for a few minutes. The real attraction here is poking around the streets: shopping, dining, clubbing, or simply strolling.
The core of the town is literally a maze, designed by the Mykonians centuries ago to discourage would-be invaders from finding their way. That tactic also works on today’s tourists. But today, getting lost in Mykonos is enjoyable.
When you’re done exploring the town, it’s time to relax at one of the sandy beaches around the island. Each beach specialises in a different niche: family-friendly or party; straight, gay, or mixed; nude or clothed; and so on.
From the port, you can take a public bus to any of these beaches, or you can cruise on a shuttle boat to Psarou, Platis Gialos, or Paradise. Another alternative is to rent a car or scooter as the roads are not too busy and idyllic beaches are a short ride away.
Yes, Mykonos is one of the most famous Greek islands and offers amazing beaches, beautiful nature, picturesque villages, delicious Greek food and a chic lifestyle. However, the scenery, views, sunsets, and natural beauty of Santorini are unrivalled by Mykonos or any other Greek island.
Mykonos is certainly not without its beautiful spots but for scenes that are truly jaw-dropping, Santorini wins hands-down and is more romantic and much better suited to a honeymoon or couples’ holiday.
Why not speak with our travel partners at Idle Travel for more information and to make booking your Greek Island holiday easy and drama free. Idle Travel takes the tress out of booking your long overdue holiday!
Call Idle Travel today on 01274 619141 and follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with all the latest travel hot spots and news.
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