Best Greek Islands to Visit in 2027: Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and Kos for Spring and Summer

Connecting People & Places

Quick Answer

The best Greek island for 2027 depends on how long you have. For instance, Crete suits trips of a week or more, with Minoan Knossos, the Samaria Gorge and some of Greece’s best food. Rhodes, however, is ideal for shorter breaks built around its UNESCO-listed medieval town and Lindos.

Meanwhile, Corfu offers Venetian heritage and green hills, while Kos is the easy choice for flat cycling and family beaches. Finally, Condor’s Summer 2027 timetable, from 1 May to 31 October 2027, includes flights from Germany to Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Corfu.

The Sunset Weekly Connection Reality: Matching your Greek island destination to your trip duration helps maximize your time, whether exploring historic sites on Crete and Rhodes or enjoying the natural beauty and beaches of Corfu and Kos. Condor’s direct flights from Germany throughout the summer 2027 season make planning your getaway straightforward and convenient.

BOOK NOW

The Greek Islands at a Glance

Island	Best for	Suggested stay	Top highlight	Condor airport
Crete	Food, hiking and history	7 days or more	Knossos and the Samaria Gorge	Heraklion and Chania
Rhodes	Short breaks and history	4 to 5 days	Medieval City and Lindos	Rhodes
Corfu	Heritage and green landscapes	5 to 7 days	Old Town and Achilleion Palace	Corfu
Kos	Families and cycling	4 to 7 days	Asklepieion and cycle paths	Kos
Lefkada (bonus)	Beaches	4 to 7 days	Porto Katsiki and Egremni	Preveza

Sources: Greek National Tourism Organisation (visitgreece.gr), UNESCO and Condor Summer 2027 timetable, checked 3 November 2026. Suggested stays are Sunset Weekly’s recommendations.

---

Planning a Mediterranean holiday from Germany? Explore Condor flights to Spain, Greece and Italy, with details of routes, fares, baggage allowances and travel classes to help plan your journey.

---

Four Greek Island Myths That Cost Travellers Time and Money

Before you plan, it’s worth clearing up four things many travel guides get wrong.

1. “Any website called Knossos Palace sells official tickets.” It doesn’t. In fact, at least one Knossos ticket site states that it isn’t the official site. Instead, buy from Hellenic Heritage (tickets.hh.gr), the official platform, where Knossos costs €20.
2. “The Samaria Gorge opens on 1 May.” Not necessarily. In fact, Greece’s Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA) says the park is closed from 1 November 2026 to 9 April 2027. So check NECCA’s site for the 2027 opening date rather than assuming May.
3. “Greece’s tourist tax is charged per person.” It isn’t. Rather, according to Greece’s tax authority (AADE), the Climate Crisis Resilience Fee is charged per room, per night.
4. “You can hop between all four islands by ferry.” Not easily. Corfu lies in the Ionian Sea, while Crete, Rhodes and Kos are in the Aegean, so combining them usually means flying rather than a short ferry ride.

Spring or Summer: When Should You Go?

In practice, your dates shape the trip as much as the island. For example, Greece’s national weather service (HNMS) records these long-term averages for Heraklion on Crete:

Month	Daytime high	Mean temperature	Night-time low
May	23.6°C	20.4°C	15.1°C
June	27.3°C	24.5°C	19.2°C
July	28.9°C	26.4°C	21.9°C
August	28.8°C	26.3°C	22.0°C
September	26.6°C	23.7°C	19.5°C

Source: Hellenic National Meteorological Service, Heraklion station, 1955–2010 averages, checked 3 November 2026.

So how do the seasons compare?

• Spring (May and June): it’s warm but not yet at its peak, which suits walking, sightseeing and the Samaria Gorge. In addition, the islands are generally quieter before the school holidays.
• Summer (July and August): these are the hottest months, so they suit beach holidays best. However, they’re also the busiest, so book flights, hotels and car hire early.
• September: it’s still warm, at an average high of 26.6°C in Heraklion, which makes it a good compromise between the two.

Condor’s Summer 2027 timetable runs from 1 May to 31 October 2027, so it covers all three periods. Also, from 1 May 2027, Condor’s Economy fares with a checked bag include one 23 kg suitcase.

Best Things to Do in Crete

Crete is Greece’s largest island, so it rewards a longer stay. For orientation, Heraklion is its largest town, while Chania lies at the western end and Rethymno sits between them. As a result, many visitors choose one or two bases rather than moving every night.

Explore the Palace of Knossos

First, Knossos is the most extensive Minoan palace, just a few kilometres south of Heraklion. In fact, it’s about 15 minutes away by city or tourist bus. Then, in 2025, the Minoan Palatial Centres, including Knossos, joined the UNESCO World Heritage List. Official tickets, meanwhile, cost €20 through Hellenic Heritage.

Afterwards, visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. There, you’ll also find famous finds from Crete’s palaces, such as the Bull’s-Head Rhyton and the Phaistos Disc.

Hike the Samaria Gorge

For hikers, the Samaria Gorge stretches for 16 kilometres, and the walk typically takes about six hours. The park is run by NECCA, which also sells tickets online:

Samaria ticket	Price
Individual	€10.00
Group of over 10 people (each member)	€8.00
Family (each adult and child)	€6.00
Annual pass (individual)	€25.00
Free pass (restrictions apply)	€0.00

Source: NECCA Samaria National Park ticket site, checked 3 November 2026.

Since the gorge closes for winter, check the reopening date before you plan your trip. Then bring sturdy shoes, plenty of water and sun protection.

Wander Chania’s Old Harbour

Back on the coast, Chania’s Venetian harbour is a much-photographed landmark, with the Egyptian lighthouse standing at the old harbour. Behind it, meanwhile, the old town mixes Venetian mansions, old hammams, minarets and churches along narrow alleys. For more history, the Archaeological Museum of Chania costs €15 through Hellenic Heritage.

Visit Elafonisi and Balos

From Chania, you can also reach two of Crete’s most famous beaches. Elafonisi is known for its distinctive pink sand, while Balos is another of the island’s exotic beaches. However, both are a long drive from Chania, so plan a full day for each.

Taste Cretan Food

Of course, Crete’s food is a highlight in itself. For example, look out for dakos, gamopilafo and kalitsounia, three of the island’s traditional dishes.

Best Things to Do in Rhodes

Walk the Medieval City of Rhodes

First, the Medieval City of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From 1309 until 1523, the Knights of St John held Rhodes, and UNESCO calls the Upper Town, home to the Street of the Knights, one of the most beautiful urban ensembles of the Gothic period. Meanwhile, the Lower Town still has Ottoman-era mosques and public baths.

Climb the Acropolis of Lindos

Next, Lindos is a whitewashed village built in a semicircle below its acropolis. Once at the top, you can see the Temple of Athena Lindia and other ancient ruins, from a site that flourished in the 7th and 6th centuries BC. Since the climb is exposed, go early in the day, especially in July and August.

Remember the Colossus

Finally, Rhodes harbour was once home to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. According to Greece’s tourism board, it was erected in the 4th century BC, so the harbour is a fitting place to start or end a day in town.

Explore Beyond the Town

Away from the Old Town, Greece’s tourism board describes Rhodes’ beaches as having turquoise water along a lace-like coastline. Further inland, pine and plane trees cover the mountains, and Attavyros is the island’s highest peak.

Best Things to Do in Corfu

Explore Corfu Old Town

Like Rhodes, the Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Indeed, renowned Venetian engineers designed its three forts, and the town’s roots go back to the 8th century BC. Afterwards, stop at the Liston, where European influences shape the atmosphere.

Visit the Achilleion Palace

Beyond the town, the Achilleion Palace is also one of Corfu’s main attractions. As a result, it pairs well with a morning in the Old Town.

Enjoy the Green Ionian Landscape

Above all, Greece’s tourism board calls the Ionian Islands the greenest islands in Greece. So if you prefer olive groves and hills to dry landscapes, Corfu is a strong choice. Travellers also often recommend the quieter beaches in the north of the island.

---

Flying with Condor more than once? Find out whether the Condor Activity Card or Family Card offers better value, including membership benefits, prices, discounts and ways to earn miles on your flights.

---

Best Things to Do in Kos

Visit the Asklepieion

On Kos, the Asklepieion is the island’s most significant archaeological site. Specifically, it was a sanctuary to Asclepius, the god of medicine, and it flourished in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Moreover, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, is said to have taught there. Plus, official tickets cost just €15 through Hellenic Heritage.

Cycle the Island

Greece’s tourism board describes Kos as an ideal island for cycling, with well-maintained cycle paths and flat coastal routes. For families, that makes it especially easy to explore without a car.

Explore Kos Town

Meanwhile, Kos Town has wide streets, squares and tree-lined avenues. Its architecture, in particular, mixes Italian-era buildings, whitewashed houses, mosques and the knights’ fortifications.

Bonus Island: Lefkada

If you want beaches above all, consider Lefkada. It’s especially known for the award-winning beaches of Porto Katsiki and Egremni. What’s more, it’s the Ionian island you can reach by road, and Condor flies to nearby Preveza.

Official Ticket Prices for Greek Sites

To avoid look-alike websites, buy from Hellenic Heritage, the official e-ticketing platform for Greek state sites and museums, or from NECCA for Samaria.

Site	Island	Official price	Where to buy
Knossos	Crete	€20.00	Hellenic Heritage
Archaeological Museum of Chania	Crete	€15.00	Hellenic Heritage
Samaria Gorge (individual)	Crete	€10.00	NECCA
Asklepieion of Kos	Kos	€15.00	Hellenic Heritage

Sources: tickets.hh.gr and samaria-tickets.necca.gov.gr, checked 3 November 2026.

The Acropolis of Lindos and the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes aren’t currently listed on Hellenic Heritage’s ticket page, so check the price at the site.

Greece’s Tourist Tax: What Your Hotel Will Add

Since 2025, Greece has charged a Climate Crisis Resilience Fee on overnight stays. It’s charged per room, per night, and the amount depends on the type of accommodation and the season:

Accommodation	April to October	November to March
1- and 2-star hotels	€2.00	€0.50
3-star hotels	€5.00	€1.50
4-star hotels	€10.00	€3.00
5-star hotels	€15.00	€4.00
Furnished rooms and apartments	€2.00	€0.50
Short-term rentals	€8.00	€2.00
Short-term rental houses over 80 m²	€15.00	€4.00

Source: AADE decision A.1202/2024, in force from 1 January 2025, checked 3 November 2026.

For example, a week in a 4-star hotel between April and October adds €70 per room. So include it in your budget, especially for longer summer stays.

Sample 7-Day Plans

One Week in Crete

• Days 1–3, Heraklion area: visit Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
• Day 4: then drive west to Rethymno or Chania.
• Days 5–7, Chania area: explore the Venetian harbour, then spend a full day at Elafonisi or Balos. If the gorge is open, hike Samaria instead.

A Week Split Between Rhodes and Kos

• Days 1–4, Rhodes: spend two days in the Medieval City, then visit Lindos early in the morning.
• Days 5–7, Kos: next, see the Asklepieion, cycle the coastal paths and relax on the beach.

Since Rhodes and Kos are both in the Dodecanese, this split works better than pairing either one with Corfu.

How to Get There With Condor

Condor’s Summer 2027 timetable includes flights from Germany to Heraklion and Chania on Crete, as well as Rhodes, Kos, Corfu and Preveza for Lefkada. Condor also lists flights to Greece from German airports including Frankfurt, Munich and Düsseldorf. However, not every island flies from every airport, so check your departure airport when you search.

For 2027, Condor also offers the following:

• a larger baggage allowance: one 23 kg bag on Economy fares with a checked bag, from 1 May 2027,
• Business Class with a guaranteed free middle seat on short- and medium-haul flights, and
• connections from Prague and London Gatwick via Frankfurt.

What Travellers Say About the Greek Islands

Before writing this guide, I read traveller discussions to see how visitors choose between islands. Here are the common themes, paraphrased rather than quoted.

• Crete needs time: many travellers say Crete is big enough to fill a whole trip, so they suggest one base, such as Chania or Rethymno, for a shorter stay.
• Rhodes suits short breaks: by contrast, travellers often say Rhodes works well for four or five days without a car.
• Hire a car on Crete: although buses link the main towns, travellers say timetables to remote beaches can be limited.
• Check your car hire cover: in addition, some travellers warn that standard insurance may not cover rough roads, such as the track to Balos.
• Plan logistics first: experienced travellers also suggest choosing islands that are close together, rather than ones that are far apart by ferry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Trying to see all of Crete in a week. Instead, pick one or two bases and explore them properly.
2. Assuming Samaria is open. NECCA closes the gorge in winter, so check the reopening date first.
3. Climbing Lindos at midday in summer. Instead, go early, because the site is exposed.
4. Buying tickets from look-alike websites. Rather, use Hellenic Heritage, NECCA or the site itself.
5. Forgetting the tourist tax. Instead, budget for the per-room, per-night Climate Crisis Resilience Fee.
6. Pairing Corfu with Rhodes or Kos. They’re in different seas, so you’d usually need to fly between them.

---

Planning a trip to Mallorca? Discover what to eat and drink in Mallorca, from traditional island dishes and local wines to authentic food markets and where to find them.

---

Which Greek Island Should You Choose?

If you want…	Choose
History, gorges and food over a week or more	Crete
A medieval old town and beaches on a short trip	Rhodes
Venetian heritage and green landscapes	Corfu
Easy cycling and family beaches	Kos
Some of Greece’s most famous beaches	Lefkada, via Preveza

Final Verdict

Overall, every island in this guide offers something different for 2027. Crete gives you the most depth, Rhodes the best short-break mix, Corfu the greenest scenery and Kos the easiest family holiday. So match the island to your trip length, choose spring or September for walking and summer for the beach, and budget for the tourist tax. Finally, check Condor’s flights from your nearest German airport.

FAQs

Which Greek island is best for a first visit?

It depends on your trip length. For example, with a week or more, Crete offers the most variety. For a shorter break, however, Rhodes combines its UNESCO-listed medieval town with Lindos and beaches.

What do Knossos tickets cost in 2027?

Official tickets for Knossos cost €20 through Hellenic Heritage (tickets.hh.gr), Greece’s official e-ticketing platform. So avoid look-alike websites that aren’t official.

What is the Samaria Gorge entry fee?

According to NECCA, an individual ticket costs €10, a family ticket €6 per person and a group ticket €8 per person. However, the park is closed from 1 November 2026 to 9 April 2027.

How warm is Crete in May?

Greece’s national weather service records an average high of 23.6°C in Heraklion in May, rising to 28.9°C in July.

What is the Greek tourist tax?

It depends on where you stay. For example, from April to October, the Climate Crisis Resilience Fee is €2 per room per night in 1- and 2-star hotels and €15 in 5-star hotels, according to AADE.

Can I take a ferry from Corfu to Rhodes or Kos?

Not easily. Corfu is in the Ionian Sea, while Rhodes and Kos are in the Aegean, so most travellers fly between them.

Does Condor fly to the Greek islands?

Yes. In fact, Condor’s Summer 2027 timetable includes Heraklion, Chania, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu and Preveza, from 1 May to 31 October 2027.

Editorial & Accuracy Standards

• Expert Review:
  Ammara Azmat,
  Senior Travel Mobility Analyst (12+ years experience)
• Status: Verified for accuracy against official 2026 service data and real-time traveller reports.
• Our Process: This content follows our Fact-Checking Policy.