Best Greek island?

[1newname]

We went to Crete last year and loved it but it was very busy. I'd love to go to another Greek island in summer. Our requirements are:

Beautiful beaches
Not too busy but also not completely dead
Direct flights
Not ridiculously expensive (1.5k per person ideally)
Not a clubbing hot spot

Thanks

Tigaki, Kos

Edited to say I do not think Kos is the best Greek island but it is beautiful and meets your criteria. Direct flights from the UK do limit you somewhat.

@CountryQueen where would you recommend if direct flights were not an issue?!

Kefalonia

@Effervescentfrothyis kefalonia a bit boring? I'd love to go there but have heard mixed reviews!

Skiathos we went last year and it was absolutely gorgeous

Naxos has everything... except an international airport. (2 hrs from Santorini)

Paros is fabulous but possibly a bit busier (2.5 hrs from Santorini)

Andros is small and quiet (2 hrs from Rafina). Stay in Batsi.

It depends on what you’re looking for but I certainly don’t find it so. I’ve been about ten times . I hate bars and English breakfasts, giant tv screens showing the football and drunk people. Unfortunately these have crept in over the years but they are low key and don’t spoil the character of the island. It’s still very peaceful and the people are wonderful. The food has become much more expensive and portions not as generous but it’s still great on the whole. It’s easy to drive and the are interesting places to visit and things to do. It still feels like authentic Greece. Not nearly as crowded as larger islands or as commercialised. I’ve been to Crete and Corfu as well as Kalymnos and didn’t like them nearly as much .

Skiathos is lovely

Rhodes

Santorini!

I don’t think it fits the OPs requirement of not being busy 🤣

@Effervescentfrothy you're convincing me!

Where would you recommend staying? I’d like to go.

Kalymnos
Samos
Karpathos

RHODES!!!!!! It's our favourite place to go. It's absolutely GORGEOUS with the clearest water

Naxos but not entirely sure it’s what you’re looking for.

How could Kefalonia be “boring”?

A friend and I were looking at the Greek islands with similar criteria this week. We have ended up booking something on the main land (but feels island like - hopefully) that someone on here recommended - Sivota. Close to Corfu and Albania.