GREEK PARTY ISLANDS

When to visit Greece for parties

Whilst Greece is home to some of the best beaches and stunning clear azure waters on the planet there are many things to see and do year round.

Summer in Greece is over June, July and August and is the ideal time to spend at the beaches and waterfalls while Spring and Autumn are excellent for hiking and exploring Ancient Ruins, Caves and Archaeological sites.

August is the busiest and most expensive month of the year whilst many islands close their tourist ‘season’ down between late October until Easter each year.

Most people would say that May – June and September-October are the best times to visit Greece, when the weather is great and the prices and crowds are low.

Join in a Mykonos beach party

If you’ve been dreaming of partying in the Greek Isles, chances are that Mykonos needs no introduction. It’s the Grand Daddy of Greek party islands.

Every summer, the population of the island explodes with party-goers – including at least a few celebrities, models or sports stars.

If you’re serious about having the ultimate party experience, then Mykonos needs to be near the top of your list.

Thanks to the island’s mega-popularity and reputation as a Greek party hotspot, there’s a plethora of amazing venues. Huge beach clubs and super clubs regularly host top international DJs, who keep the tunes going until well after the sun has come back up.

There are so many epic clubs on Mykonos that you can visit a new one every night, and still have plenty for next time.

A few well-known favourites include Cavo Paradiso on Paradise Beach and Scorpios on Paraga Beach. Of course, there are also a few stylish cocktail bars if that’s more your scene.

By day, rest your weary feet (or the fuzzy head) by enjoying the many gems of Mykonos. The beaches are stunning, while the maze of streets are lined with picturesque buildings and great restaurants, shops and more.

A word of warning: if you’re planning to go to Mykonos in summer, book early!

How to get to Mykonos

Athens to Mykonos

Mykonos has a small international airport that accepts flights from Athens and Thessaloniki as well as seasonal and charter flights from many European and Middle Eastern countries including the UK, Switzerland, France, and Germany.

You can also catch the ferry to Mykonos from Pireaus in Athens which takes around 3 hours and from Rafina port which takes around 2.

Santorini to Mykonos

The ferry takes about 2.5 hrs to get to Mykonos and there are about 4 ferries per day between the two, especially on the summer/high season from May-September.

The ferry companies that run between Mykonos and Santorini are Seajets and Hellenic Seaways.

Where to stay in Mykonos

Mykonos is known more for its high-end accommodation rather than budget so there aren’t a lot of good options on a tight budget. In Mykonos Town Eternal Suites are excellent as is Nazos Hotel.

At the beach, Peter’s Studios in Ornos are probably the best option in terms of location and price.

Further reading:

Things to do on Mykonos
Mykonos vs Santorini

party on Ios island

Another amazing place to party the night away in Greece is the island of Ios. Tales from this party-hardy hedonistic paradise have spread throughout the world, meaning in summer it’s one of the most popular Greek party islands.

While its love for a good party may immediately draw parallels with Mykonos, in truth Ios is a very different place. Ios is generally popular with a younger crowd and is less geared towards luxury, meaning the parties here are a little less glitzy and a little more wild and untamed.

For many, that’s what makes Ios so loveable.

By day, Ios has a fairly relaxed atmosphere, but as the sun goes down you begin to hear the throb of music pulsating out of the many bars and nightclubs. Its magnetic pull sees thousands of people (many youthful, and others reliving their youth) flood the venues for a night dancing and drinking up a storm.

Ios has been known as a party destination for decades, with the 70s a particularly infamous time.

However, Ios is also an incredibly beautiful island, with a great selection of beaches as well as stunning whitewashed villages.

So, if you don’t mind foregoing a little of the glamour (some might say pretentiousness) of Mykonos, you’re sure to love Ios.

How to get to Ios

There is no airport on Ios so people either arrive by Ferry or fly to a neighbouring island like Santorini and ferry from there.

Ferries to Ios depart from 2 ports in Athens – Piraeus and Rafina. In summer ferries to Ios run pretty frequently – normally 2 to 3 each day. It takes about 3 to 7 hours depending on which ferry you choose.

Where to stay on Ios

Hotel Mediterraneo is right in the middle of Chora and has a nice pool at a reasonable price point. It’s very popular with the party people.

For something near the Harbour, Avra Pension is hard to beat for value.

Get in the Naoussa Nightlife on Paros

Close to Ios and Mykonos, it’s no surprise that the love of a fiesta has also reached the island of Paros. Over the last few years, a bunch of great clubs and bars have sprung up across the island – allowing Paros to attract many holidaymakers in search of a good time.

Overall, the nightlife on Paros tends to be a little more glamorous and sophisticated, meaning it’s popular with all ages including the slightly older crowd. That said, there are also plenty of venues where you can totally let your hair down and get swept up in the debaucherous fun.

One of the main areas for nightlife is Naoussa, a picturesque spot that it is well-known for its vibrant bars and clubs.

One great choice here is the dreamy Linardo club, which is utterly charming and occupies a great spot overlooking the harbour. Agosta Bar is also very popular and get’s very lively until the wee hours of the morning.

Another hotspot is Pounda Beach, with its famous beach club of the same name. This chic club regularly attracts big-name DJs, as well as huge crowds looking to revel in style.

Finally, completing the trifecta is Parikia, which boasts the massive Dubliner complex which hosts five different venues, including an Irish pub and an Australian bar. Clearly, there’s no shortage of choice on Paros.

Some of the key highlights of Paros are;

• the lively and upmarket fishing village of Naoussa
• cheap and cheerful Parikia Port town
• world renowned watersports including windsurfing and kitesurfing
• significant religious monuments such as the Church of a Hundred Doors
• the medieval village of Lefkas
• easy day trips to Antiparos, Naxos and even Mykonos and Delos
• sailing the Small Cyclades

How to get to Paros

There is a new domestic airport with daily flights from Athens, more in Summer, but only rare international charter flights ( so far).

It is often the first port of call to the Cyclades from Athens before the ferries move on to Mykonos, Naxos and beyond and those islands are easy to visit as day trips too.

The high-speed ferry to Piraeus in Athens takes 3 hours and the slower Blue Star Ferry around 5.

You can also connect with the Western Cyclades islands like Milos and Syros and the ports of Rafina and Lavrion on the mainland.

Where to stay on Paros

In Naoussa it pays to stay a little out of the harbor as it can be very loud until morning. Irini rooms have lovely views and are an easy stroll into town and near Piperi Beach.

In Parikia, La Selini is right in the middle of the Old Town and the lovely beach of Livadia so it is a good choice. For a little more Hotel Paros is one the beachfront and also has amazing sunsets!

Further reading :

Where to stay on Paros
Paros or Naxos?

Crete nightlife – so many choices!

The large island of Crete is a popular choice for holidaymakers of all persuasions – and party lovers are well catered for too.

As a result, the party scene in Crete is more confined to certain areas (primarily Malia, as well as Hersonissos). This gives you a choice; stay in Malia and party all night (and some of the day), or, if you crave some down time, head to the other parts of the island to relax.

As mentioned, Malia is well-known as the epicenter of the party life on Crete. It typically draws a young crowd and it’s particularly popular with young Brits. The town is unabashed in its love of a good time, and you’re likely to find people enjoying a few drinks at any hour of the day.

By night, things get even more out of hand as the dozens of bars and clubs (such as the ever-popular APOLLO) along the main street throw open their doors to thousands of revelers.

Nearby, Hersonissos is yet another great option and is also popular with the younger crowd. Here you’ll find great beach clubs, such as Star Beach.

While Hersonissos and Malia are the two top spots for all-out partying, there are a few other options if you’re looking to try something different. Heraklion, Chania and Rethmynon also offer a few clubs and bars, which cater a little more to the older crowd.

Visiting Crete is like visiting a whole other country. It really needs at least a week to explore and preferably two or three as there are so many things to see and do!

Some of them include:

• Visiting the many incredible beaches such as Falasarna, Elafonisi, Stavros Beach and near Malia, Mirabello Bay.
• Chania Old Town
• Knossos Temple
• Spinalonga island ( former leper colony)
• Arkadia Monastery
• Pychro Cave
• Samaria Gorge
• numerous wineries and farms
• visit mountain villages

How to get to Malia

Malia is located 37 kilometers east of Heraklion, on the way to Agios Nikolaos.

There are 3 international airports on Crete and the closest to Malia is Heraklion., which also has a ferry terminal servicing ferries from Athens, Santorini and other ports.

From Heraklion or Chania, there are frequent bus connections to Malia or you can hire a car and take the National Road East which is a 30-40 minutes drive from Heraklion.

Where to stay in Malia

Yiannis Manos Apartments are affordable and very popular as they tend to create a party of their own around their big pool. Food and drinks are excellent and great value too.

If you are happy to pay a bit more Pyrgos Blue is right on the beach and quite new.

Further reading: Where to stay on Crete

Zakynthos ( Zante) nightlife

It’s a well-known fact that hangovers are much more bearable when you’re surrounded by epic views and azure ocean.

This makes Zakynthos one of the party places in Greece – it’s a place where you can enjoy the hedonistic nightlife once the sun goes down and absolutely sumptuous views by day.

Like with Crete, the nightlife on Zakynthos (also sometimes called Zante) is more confined to certain areas. In particular, Tsilivi and Laganas are hotspots for revellers.

Laganas tends to attract a younger crowd; think foam parties and free-flowing booze well into the morning. It’s a fairly compact area, with most of the venues dotted along Main Street, which is about three kilometres of all-out debauchery once the sun goes down.

If you’d rather dance away with your feet in the sand, there’s also Tsilivi. This part of Zakynthos is famed for its beach clubs, so if you’d like to sip a cocktail and watch the sun drop down over the water – this is the place to do it.

While Tsilivi and Laganas are the two big nightlife hotspots on Zakynthos, you’ll also find a smattering of bars and clubs elsewhere in Argassi, Bochali and Zakynthos Town.

How to get to Zakynthos

Zakynthos International Airport is located in the island’s south part, near the town of Kalamaki.

Flights to Zakynthos are available from most European major cities, and many airlines fly there frequently during the tourist season.

You can also catch a ferry from the town of Killini on the east Peloponnese coast of the Greek mainland or ferry from Kefalonia island.

Where to stay in Zakynthos

In Tsilivi, Sole e Mare Apartments have good facilities and are a short walk to the beach and clubs like Barracuda Beach Bar.

In Laganas, Club Zante Plaza is in a central location right next to the cheaper places to eat including McDonald’s and a short walk to the beach. It has a great pool and is well priced for its standard.

Further reading: Where to stay in Zakynthos

Corfu nightlife – Old Town and Cavos

Corfu might not have the enormous reputation of islands like Mykonos, but word is certainly spreading about this nightlife hotspot. Located close to the border of Greece and Albania, it has a slightly different feel than many other Greek Islands.

Of late, it’s really built up a reputation as one of the top party destinations in Greece, with several different locations catering for everyone from the all-out partiers to those seeking some more relaxed nightlife.

For those looking for an all-out hedonistic affair, then Kavos is the wild heart of Corfu’s nightlife. Here, the music starts thumping early in the morning, and continues until the sun comes up (and sometimes longer). Atlantis is popular for an all-out night, while if you’re looking for something a tad more chilled, then Ice Bar is a popular choice.

Old Town is also another hub for nightlife, and it also offers a few more “high brow” amenities. Think tavernas and restaurants in answer to Kavos’ pizza bars and fast food joints. One favourite of this area is Naok Azur, which transforms from a restaurant to a club in the evening, and offers sublime views over the water.

Corfu Old Town is steeped with history having been occupied at various times by the Venetians, British and even the French. It is a large and very green island that has a lot to offer all travellers, especially families. 

Whilst some pockets are largely populated by large all-inclusive resorts there are plenty of quiet coves and bays as well.

Some of Corfu’s key highlights are;

• Paleokastritsa  ( afore mentioned) – a monastery, tiny villages, great beaches, water sports
• Corfu Old Town
• Iconic Vlacherna Monastery aka Mouse Island
• numerous gorgeous beaches
• a huge variety of water sports and boating
• The Durrells – tour their home, places of work and animal sanctuary
• Corfu Water Park
• day trips to Albania, Paxos or the mainland
• Corfu Donkey Rescue sanctuary 
• a boat trip to Paxis islands and the stunning Blue Caves

How to get to Corfu

Corfu has an International Airport and it can be reached by ferry from several destinations, both domestic and international.

You can also arrive by ferry from the port of Igoumenitsa opposite Corfu on the mainland, with frequent ferry service to Corfu taking about 90 minutes.

There are also regular ferries to Italy, Albania and beyond.

Where to stay in Corfu

In Corfu Town Arcadion Hotel is a pleasant stroll along the park to Naok Azur while Corfu Palace Hotel is in the other direction overlooking the sea.

In Kavos, Quayside Village is walking distance to Ice Bar and other clubs and is right on the beach.

Nightlife in Rhodes

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and also the 4th largest Greek Island after Crete (#1), Evia (#2) and Lesvos (#3).

The island is home to more than 40 beaches, stunning landscapes and vistas, authentic Greek towns and villages as well as modern resort precincts. It also has an incredible fortified old town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is no secret that two of the key ingredients for the Greek Islands’ popularity is the beaches and the nightlife. So, it’s no surprise that the beautiful island of Rhodes is a definite party favourite, given it offers both in spades, particularly around Faliraki.

Rhodes is an island with many faces, attracting everyone from hedonistic revellers to families looking for a quiet holiday. As a result, the nightlife is contained to two main places: Faliraki, and Rhodes Town.

Rhodes Town is particularly popular thanks to its abundance of stylish beach clubs. There’s nothing like sipping a cocktail and dancing the night away, all while feeling the sea breeze in your hair. One of the most popular is the glamorous Paradiso Beach Club, where you can party in absolute style.

Faliraki is another great option, especially if you are looking to settle in and party until the sun comes up. After dark, Faliraki comes to life, with an abundance of bars and clubs that spin tracks from some of the top EDM artists worldwide. It’s no wonder it has been described as the Ibiza of Greece.

Finally, if you want to try out the Rhodes nightlife even more – there’s also Lindos, with a good selection of bars and clubs of its own. 

There is a lot to see and do on Rhodes. Other things include;

• The Medieval City including everything ‘Knights Templar” – the old hospital and museum, the moat, Palace of the Knights and the Street of the Knights.
• The ancient Lindos Acropolis
• beautiful Saint Paul’s Bay and beach
• Anthony Quinn Bay 
• over 40 beautiful beaches
• a boat trip around the island
• sea kayaking and snorkeling
• a day trip to Symi – considered one of the prettiest islands in the world!  

How to get to Rhodes

Rhodes has an international airport and has several flights a day from Athens as well as other countries in Europe and the Middle East during the tourist season.

It is also well serviced by ferries from Athens, the Greek islands and the Turkish mainland.

Where to stay in Rhodes

In Rhodes Town St George Studios are an excellent budget option as is Stavros Hotel. For a little more money Petrino Boutique Hotel is excellent.

In Faliraki, Rea Hotel is a short walk to all the action on the beach or Hotel Evita Bay is located right on the beachfront.

In Lindos accommodation is more upmarket and the prices are higher. Rodos Princess Beach Hotel is one of the best value for money beachfront hotels while Golden View Studios are a great budget option.

Skiathos nightclubs and bars

Skiathos – Polytechniou street

While the island of Skiathos has always been a favourite of travellers in the know, it’s experienced a surge in popularity of late. This is largely thanks to the film Mamma Mia, which has inspired many to come and visit the filming locations – several of which are on the islands.

As well as a selection of beautiful beaches, Skiathos is also ideal if you want to unleash your inner Dancing Queen. Most of the nightlife is clustered around Polytechnious Street, just off of Papadiamantis Street near the harbour. Here you’ll find a bunch of fun clubs and bars serving up great cocktails.

Overall, things are a little more laid back here although you’ll certainly be able to dance the night away if that’s what you’re looking for.

One enduring favourite of the Skiathos nightlife scene is the Admiral Benbows. It plays a selection of retro music (mainly British rock from the 60s and 70s), so it’s a favourite if you need a break from the usual EDM playlists.

How to get to Skiathos

Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport has a short narrow runway that creates some of the most photographed and filmed plane landings in the world.

The airport is serviced by domestic services from Athens daily and from about April to October there are numerous charter flights from countries such as England, Italy, Cyprus, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.

There are also ferries running to Skiathos from Volos and Agios Konstantinos on the Mainland, including vehicular ferries.

From May to September there are frequent ferries between Skopelos, Alonissos, and Mantoudi (Evia island) and some years even Thessaloniki.

There are also ferries from Platanias in the southern Pelion peninsula although these are more for day-trippers.

Where to stay in Skiathos

There is a good variety of places to stay in Skiathos for people of all ages and budgets.

One of the best hotels near Polytechnou Street is Hotel Kostis. It is well priced, clean and a short walk home after a big night.

Hotel Australia is also a popular choice while Bourtzi Hotel is more expensive but also close by.

Further reading: Where to stay in Skiathos

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