Get away from it all on one of these gorgeous Greek islands. Here's a guide to help you choose the right one for your next holiday: 1. Santorini You might feel like you've already been there; you're bound to have seen the stereotypical shots of domed white-washed houses set against bright blue sea (if not, see below). 2. Mykonos While its cousin in the Cyclades, Santorini, is the spot for canoodling lovers, Mykonos is the place to go to party 'til dawn. It's a popular stop for island hoppers, looking for a good time. 3. Corfu The hideaway of choice for Jason and his Argonauts after they took the Golden Fleece, playwright Willy Shakespeare was also apparently inspired by Corfu, basing Prospero's island in _The Tempest _on the place. 4. Milos Another volcanic island in the Cyclades, Milos is earning itself a reputation as a holiday hotspot with international tourists, although its turquoise water and rocky hills have been popular with locals for years. 5. Kos Moving over to the Dodecanese islands, Kos is the third largest in this group, after Rhodes and Karpathos. The birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, why not see where he trained, the Asklepeion? 6. Crete The largest Greek island, Crete is home to the legendary Palace of Knossos. The Bronze Age complex is considered Europe's oldest city, dating back to 7000BC. 7. Naxos Possibly the greenest island in the Cyclades, Naxos's incredible natural beauty has earned its reputation as the Hawaii of Greece. Almost 100km of white beaches are lapped by incredibly clear waters, the perfect spot to get down on one knee perhaps? 8. Paros A pearl in the Aegean Sea, Paros is often just a stopping-off point for holidaymakers on their way to nearby Ios and Santorini, but it deserves a little bit more of your holiday time. 9. Folegandros For an authentic slice of Greek island life head to Folegandros, where there are few distractions besides Angali Beach, Chora Town, Karavostasi Port and Ano Meria village. 10. Alonissos Pine forests and pebble beaches await in Alonissos. This island in the Sporades group has become popular in recent years with jetsetters looking for a greener Greek getaway; there are many eco-resorts on the island, which means there are plenty of camp grounds where you can stay and convene with nature. 11. Kefalonia The sixth largest Greek island, Kefalonia is the place to go if you want to supersize your island experience; from wide lakes and towering mountains, to heaving plates of hummus and olives dished out in local tavernas. 12. Patmos Supposedly picked by St. John as the place to pen the Book of Revelation, the caves of Patmos are a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth taking a peek at. Roam the island's volcanic hills and swim in the azure waters - it's the perfect spot to escape the usual package tours. 13. Hydra Oh hai Hydra! This Saronic Gulf Island makes a great day trip from Athens - it's only one and a half hours by catamaran - but there's plenty here to keep you occupied for longer. 14. Skiathos The smallest spot in the Sporades, Skiathos is perhaps the most stylish. Here you'll find narrow cobbled streets lined with local artisan shops, cafés and restaurants. Gems and jewellery, hand-crafted on the island, make unique souvenirs. 15. Rhodes If you were going to call a rose by any other name it might Rhodes, a name derived from _rhodon, _the greek for this romantic flower. This bloomin' marvellous island is packed with historical sites, such as the castle of Kritinia, a 16th century Venetian fort. 16. Samos Still searching for more UNESCO World Heritage sites to tick off your bucket list? Sail over to Samos, the birthplace of famous mathematician Pythagoras, and see the Temple of Hera, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Zeus's wife and sister - sounds like a case for Jeremy Kyle! 17. Ios This one time hippy hangout is now the place to party in the Greek islands, making it popular with all the bright young things looking for (responsible) fun in the sun. 18. Zakynthos (Zante) You've probably seen the photo below hundreds of times; Navagio beach on the island of Zante is one of the most photographed in Greece. The wreckage found here was a smuggler ship which lost power and washed up on this beautiful bay back in 1981. 19. Skopelos The largest island in the Sporades, stunning Skopelos is covered in rocky hills and pebble beaches. With just one main road on the island, you're bound to end up in the main town which is also where most of the accommodation is. 20. Amorgos Have an adventure on Amorgos and enjoy its unspoilt beauty. Take a hike and cross the island via various scenic trails, hitch a ride on donkey or hire a car.

• published: 27 Jan 2016
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