Best Greek Island for first timers

[TheFastandTheCurious]

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Fiance and I would like to visit Greece in June, having never been before we are unsure of where to concentrate our search. Here is a list of what we like/want and we could have some suggestions/recommendations, that would be great. Not looking for hotel recommendations, just area

Not a party place, nice restaurants and bars, but relatively quiet
Coastal, not inland
Plenty of places to walk, flat preferably
Nice coastal walks
Nice beaches
Places of interest to visit

We're quite easy to please really 😊

I've only been to corfu but we stayed here and it was absolute heaven.

Prices in the restaurants and bars are quite expensive (and there was an ongoing problem with rubbish collections but that has hopefully been rectified now).

The views were amazing though.

m.villaplus.com/destinations/villas-in-greek-islands/corfu/kalami/villa-mara

We did Crete last year and this year we are trying Kos

You can’t go wrong with the Greek islands, I’ve been to a fair few and they’re all lovely. As long as you stay away from the party areas you’re fine.

We've been to Rhodes, Crete, Kos and Kephalonia . Kephalonia was out favourite. We did it without a car, public transport isn't great, but doable.

We went to Zante last summer. It was lovely but then again we did have the kids so maybe not as good if it’s just the 2 of you.

Loved Zante last year. Would definitely go there again..

Another vote for Kefalonia, we love it and it's was our go-to place. Definitely hire a car, although some of the mountain roads are a bit scary in places! We stay in Lixouri and avoid transfer costs by grabbing a taxi to the ferry and going as fit passengers - much nicer than an hour on a coach.

FOOT passengers 🙄

Agia Efemia in Kefalonia is beautiful, by far my favourite part of the island.

Thank you again everyone, will look at the places recommended, Kefalonia is out in front at the moment

Kefalonia is on my list too after this thread, it looks lovely 😊

Samos. Beautiful and you can drink their water!!

Crete, specifically Western Crete - its big city Chania is stunning and it's the biggest of all the islands and there is loads to do. You'd need to hire a care to make the most of it, though.

Car, rather.

Sorry to derail the thread but can anyone who has done Kos recommend any day trips? We’re staying at the TUI blue Oceanis beach in the summer and keen to be out and about but the only trip TUI offers that appeals is the boat trip.
Also how easy is it to hire your own boat if you’ve never done it before?

Poros

I love Greece and have been to many of the islands.
For your needs I would suggest Skiathos. A really beautiful small island (but still has an airport), less developed than some of the islands and good tavernas and restaurants. Zakinthos is also a lovely island with some of the very best beaches! But avoid Laganas town.

Personally, I'd avoid crete and rhodes. And probably kos too at the moment.

Another one who loved Kephalonia. Also Crete, Skiathos and Mykonos.
Just love Greek tavernas.

Turnedouttoes get the best trip to Nissyros, it's a great day out.

Rhodes and Crete are both fab.

It depends what you're after though. All inclusive resort? Secluded apartment? What time of year? Etc

You're definitely making a great choice with the Greek Islands, you can mix culture with sunbathing, the people are lovely, the food is delicious and it can be as quiet or as rowdy as you want. Am well jel

Corfu is very underrated. As long as you stay out of the main town and 18-30 hotspots.

I lost my heart somewhere between Paxos and Antipaxos. Or maybe it was wandering through olive groves and up to an ancient church on the main island. I'll have to go back and reclaim it someday

Not sure about first timers as I’ve been to lots of places in Greece and don’t feel any is particularly better for your first time.
But my absolute, hands down favourite place is Corfu - no contest. It’s absolutely gorgeous and we return again and again. If you can afford to stay in Agios Stefanos do, it’s very authentic and the “posh” side. The sidari side is lively and tacky but still fun.

Sorry not "best trip", boat trip!

Another vote for Skiathos, but Kefalonia is stunning. They are very different. I had an amazing holiday in Kef but have never been bothered about returning. I've been to Skiathos 5 times though.

I love Crete but wouldn't bother again with Rhodes (very touristy) or Kos.

Kefalonia isnt easy to get round because its large and hilly /mountainous Assos or Fiskado is lovely

I love Lefkada