What are the best Greek party islands in 2024?
The best Greek party islands, renowned for their electrifying nightlife and lively beach parties, include Mykonos, Ios, Paros, Santorini, Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu. Mykonos and Ios, in particular, stand out for their exuberant clubbing scenes and attract a young, international crowd. Paros, Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu offer a mix of vibrant nightlife with unique cultural and scenic experiences.
From Ios and Mykonos to Paros and Corfu, check out our detailed guide to the 7 best Greek party islands.
See which ones offer the kind of party scene you’re after, where to find the best nightlife on each, and which islands you’re better off skipping altogether!
What Are the Greek Party Islands?
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Greece has over 3,000 islands in the Aegean and Ionian Sea. If you’re looking to turn up for your next vacation, you’ll be focusing your attention on the Greek party islands.
The Greek party islands are popular tourist destinations that see a huge surge in local traffic during peak season, too. Dancing, drinking, live music, and beach parties are all part of the Greek island party scene.
From top-tier VIP clubs to jam-packed clubs playing house music until sunrise, the Greek party islands are known for being wild, loud, and crowded during the peak summer season.
The most well-known Greek party islands are:
- Mykonos
- Ios
- Paros
- Santorini
- Rhodes
- Crete
- Corfu
The main Greek party islands are scattered across the Aegean Sea – Mykonos, Ios, Paros, Santorini, and (just barely, at the southernmost point of the sea) Crete.
Most of the most popular Greek party islands are part of the Cyclades group. In total, it includes over 220 islands scattered off the southeastern shore of Greece.
A few of the top Greek party islands are in other island groups, including Rhodes (Dodecanese group), Crete (the Aegean Islands), and Corfu (the Ionian Islands).
Other Greek party islands that are worth mentioning, but a bit quieter and more focused on bars and restaurants than clubs, include Zakynthos (Zante), Naxos, Skiathos, and Kos.
It’s possible to have a great time on any of these 4 islands, but they’re not quite on the same tier as the 7 islands we’ll highlight next.
The 7 Best Greek Party Islands to Visit
Whether you’re ready to let loose and get wild or just want to visit a gorgeous Greek island with vibrant nightlife, you won’t be disappointed with any of these 7 amazing island destinations in Greece.
We’ve ranked the islands below according to the most-mentioned party islands in Greece from various sources online, including Reddit, TripAdvisor, and travel forums.
Planning a no-holds-barred trip to any of these party islands should check every box on your list and give you exactly the Greek island experience you’re craving.
Just want a quick look at the best Greek party islands to visit? Here are the top 7:
- Ios, Paros, and Rhodes are the most-recommended islands for travelers with smaller budgets that still want to party hard with lots of clubs, bars, and beaches to hang out on.
- Mykonos and Santorini are among the best options for partying, but they’re known to be very tourist-y and can be prohibitively expensive.
- Crete and Corfu might be unexpected, but Crete has a rich nightlife in towns like Hersonissos and Heraklion. Corfu’s nightlife is mostly concentrated around Kavos in the southernmost point of the island.
Keep reading to see the details on the best party islands in Greece and what you can expect at each one.
1. Ios
View of the very popular Far out beach bar and the sea in the background in Ios Greece/Symeonidis Dimitrios/Shutterstock
While Ios is a little less well-known than Mykonos, it’s actually the best Greek party island overall. It draws a young, lively crowd and features tons of nightclubs and bars that stay open until the early morning hours.
Ios is the “poor man’s Mykonos” and offers a much more affordable option for club-goers who want nonstop parties, revelry, and big crowds of people from all over the world (but lots speak English).
You’ll find a huge selection of top-notch clubs and bars in Chora, the capital here, like Pathos, Scorpion, Disco69, and Slammer, though they’re smaller than the clubs in Mykonos.
The island itself is idyllic and very Greek with its white buildings and brilliant blue rooftops. You’ll find plenty of places to stay close to the clubs and bars for the most convenient trip with little to no driving required.
The Ios beaches are nice and make the perfect spots to hang during the day while you recover from the night before and prepare for another night out. If you’re there in July and August, check out the massive parties on Mylopotas Beach!
People compare Ios to Ibiza, Spain in terms of the party scene. If you like house music and EDM and want to party with a younger crowd (18-25 seems to be the range), this is the perfect Greek island.
2. Mykonos
Tourists sunbathing and enjoying the famous Super Paradise Beach Club in Mykonos/Symeonidis Dimitrios/Shutterstock
When you’re looking for the most famous Greek party islands, Mykonos is always at or near the top of the list. It’s definitely a vibrant party island – but there are also some cons to choosing this island as your destination.
Mykonos is hugely popular and known for its wild, all-night parties at clubs and bars that attract wealthy and famous people from all over the world.
The list of past visitors includes Elon Musk, Beyonce, the Kardashians, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Because of its VIP nature, visiting Mykonos is very expensive.
As party central, there’s no doubt that you’ll find lots of nightlife options wherever you go in Mykonos. Paradiso Club Mykonos, Paradise Beach Club, Super VOID, and Super Paradise Beach Club are some of the most famous options.
But you’ll also find great smaller places and cocktail bars, like Scarpa in Little Venice and 54 Cocktail Lounge overlooking the harbor, that aren’t quite as wild as the dance clubs here.
People compare visiting Mykonos to Cancun or Miami’s South Beach during Spring Break. It gets crowded, loud, and out of control at times – but it’s always a good time!
You’ll find some great beaches on Mykonos, like Paraga and Nammos Beach, where you can relax on the shore and enjoy a nice swim during the day.
The island is gorgeous and you’ll find cultural sites like Cycladic Paraportiana Church and the 16th-century Mykonos windmills to check out when you’re not living it up at night.
July and August are the best time to visit Mykonos if you’re looking to party with big crowds, but know that it’s expensive. As far as where to stay, Mykonos Town North is perfect for close proximity to clubs and bars.
3. Paros
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Paros is a slightly quieter alternative to Ios and just about an hour away, making it a great stop for a Greek party island-hopping adventure.
The nightlife in Paros is excellent and really thrives during the peak summer season. You’ll find a nice selection of clubs and bars on the island that range from laid-back to absolutely untamed.
The towns of Parikia (the capital) and Nauousa in the Northeast are the most popular for nightlife with their huge number of clubs and bars on the beach.
Parikia nightlife is a little louder, younger, and more intense than in Nauousa. Pirate Bar, True 22, Evinos, and The Dubliner are some of the most popular and crazy clubs in the capital.
Nauousa is a touch more sophisticated with a slightly older crowd, but far from middle-aged. Here, i tria, Fotis, Sante, and Linardo are some of the top spots to party and drink.
You’ll find a great oceanfront nightclub at Pounda Beach (Pounda Beach Club) that stays open until the wee morning hours and features world-famous DJs and huge crowds all night long.
The beaches on Paros range from party atmospheres to quieter, laid-back shores that look straight out of a postcard (like Santa Maria beach).
4. Rhodes
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As one of the best places to visit in Greece, it’s a happy coincidence that Rhodes (or Rodos) is one of the best Greek party islands you can visit. It offers a nice blend of nightlife and natural beauty with rich Greek culture.
This isn’t the spot to come for getting wasted, sleeping all day, then doing it again. This is where you come to enjoy your nights and days to the fullest in a stunning island setting with lots of history and cool architecture.
Clubbing doesn’t suffer for the amazing history and scenery here, with tons of nightlife options that blast music all night long and offer nice beachfront locations with great views.
George’s Bar, Gai Club, DC Club, and Yolo Club are some of the most popular clubs to visit for late nights, free-flowing drinks, and tons of people to meet and party with.
Lots of people visit Rhodes from Sweden and other Scandinavian countries. It’s fun to mingle with people from different backgrounds, but you may not find tons of English speakers here.
It’s not as busy or crowded as Mykonos or Santorini, so it’s usually less expensive to visit and a better option if you want to keep your Greek trip affordable.
You’ll see lush, green mountains, great beaches, colorful houses, neoclassical architecture, and charming little villages on this large island.
There’s the imposing Kritinia Castle, medieval buildings, and great hiking trails to see on the island. The towns in Rhodes also have plenty of shops and restaurants to check out.
5. Crete
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As the largest and southernmost Greek island, Crete also lands on the list of the best party islands in the country. It’s not purely a party destination, but if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
Crete is known as one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. The sparkling turquoise waters lap the white sand beaches in this island paradise that’s home to many clubs, bars, and lively beaches.
Get your fill of drinks, music, dancing, crowds, food, and great Greek scenery and culture while you’re visiting Crete. There are some cool historical sites you can visit during the day, like Knossos and Minoan ruins.
To find the best nightlife in Crete, you’ll want to head to Malia in the capital port city of Heraklion and to Hersonissos to the north. These are the 2 party towns where the fun never stops.
The Island of Desire, 2elve Club, and Sabbia are some of Heraklion’s best party spots. Dionysos Cafe, Mojo Bar, and Antidote are favorite spots in Hersonissos with trance, EDM, and R&B music.
Hanging out on Crete’s beautiful beaches is also a great way to tap into the party scene. Elafonisi Beach has several beachfront bars that play music and serve delicious cocktails and Ouzo slushies on the sand.
Lots of Russian and Eastern European tourists flock to Crete for the crazy nightlife, making it a great place to meet people from other parts of the world but not the most promising place to meet a lot of English speakers.
6. Corfu
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Kavos (Cavos) is the party spot in Corfu, a charming and idyllic island in the Ionian Sea that’s well known for its multifaceted characteristics. You can come to the island for a laid-back visit or to party all night long!
You’ll find tons of variety on Corfu, from the nightlife and crowds to the restaurants, beaches, and shops. In the south, where Kavos and many of the most uninhibited clubs and bars are located, there are excellent beaches.
The Old Town of Corfu is home to quieter, more laid-back nightlife options if that’s what you’re looking for. From cozy cocktail lounges to more upbeat clubs with dance music, it’s a great place to pre-game for a long night out.
There’s a lot to experience in the much-wilder Kavos. Lots of English tourists come here and the scene has been described as “extreme,” offering loud music and all-night dance parties that wrap you up in the fun and spirit of Corfu.
Ypsos (Ipsos), Dassia, Glyfada, Sidari, and Paleokastritsa are other great coastal party spots on Corfu. Right on the beach, there are a range of popular clubs bursting at the seams with party-goers in the summertime.
On the island, you’ll be surrounded by Greek culture, food, and influences that remind you where you are and make it more than just a party zone.
If you need to take a breather during the day, head out to smaller villages inland or to Acharavi in the north for amazingly blue water and a quiet beach that can help melt away a hangover.
7. Santorini
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It’s world-famous and what most people picture when they think of the quintessential Greek island – Santorini does not disappoint when it comes to beauty, architecture, food, culture, and nightlife.
Santorini’s towns are cliffside, coastal villages on the edge of a volcanic crater packed with Greek-style homes and buildings and tiny, winding staircases and alleyways that connect it all.
It’s not quite as raucous as the other party islands in Greece, but Santorini holds it own when it comes to dance clubs, bars, and lounges around the island that cater to tourists looking to let loose.
Since Santorini is a popular couples’ destination, the vibes are a little calmer and more laid-back. Still, you’ll find thriving nightlife around certain areas like the vibrant, coastal town of Fira.
Fira is where most of the nightlife is concentrated and you’ll probably find the best clubs and bars there. But Perissa, Perivolos, and Kamari also have busy beachfront bars that are worth going to.
Barhopping around Santorini is a great experience. Stay out of Oia, the popular but somewhat-sleepy village that is more picturesque than party.
You’ll be able to check out great clubs like Koo Club, Enigma, and Town Club where DJs pump out EDM and trance music until the early morning hours.
Things to Consider
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Visiting any of the best Greek party islands is going to go a little smoother when you’re armed with some helpful travel tips. Here are a few more things to consider as you start planning which islands you want to visit!
- Summertime is where the party is. Don’t bother visiting most of the party islands in the spring, fall, or winter – the clubs will be closed and the beaches will be dead. July and August are the peak party times, but you’ll find places open and smaller crowds in June and early September.
- Clubs come alive at night. Many of the most popular clubs and bars don’t really get started until 10-11pm, so you’ll have your entire day and evening to spend enjoying the town, shops, restaurants, and beaches. Show up late and be ready to party all night long! Some clubs don’t close until sunrise or later.
- Take it easy on Greek liquors. Ouzo, tsipouro, and raki are strong, Greek distilled spirits that are meant to be sipped – not taken like shots. It’s easy to get a little out of control while you’re here on vacation to party, but take it easy on the drinks you’re not very familiar with as they can sneak up on you quickly.
- Take a little nap before a night out. It’s very common in Greek culture to take a siesta from 2-5pm. If you’re not sleeping during that time, it’s courteous to keep the volume down for others that might be napping. That bit of knowledge might be useful when you’re preparing to stay awake and party all night long on some of Greece’s wildest party islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
View of entertainers dancing onstage at a bar in Mykonos Greece, August ’18/Symeonidis Dimitrios/Shutterstock
Get to know the Greek party islands better when you look over the most commonly asked questions below!
See which islands are known for their party-hard reputation and which ones are great for a bachelorette and general nightlife.
Which Greek island has the best nightlife?
Ios is the Greek island with the best nightlife, knocking the more expensive and exclusive island of Mykonos to the #2 spot.
Ios has over 40 bars and clubs on the island, each one offering a different flavor and scene so you can party the way you want. Loud music (dance, EDM, trance, and R&B), flowing drinks, and pretty beachfront views make Ios the best place to party.
Which Greek island is known for partying?
While Ios is truly the best Greek party island, Mykonos is better known for the party and nightlife scene.
It’s been a mecca for wild clubs and bars for decades, but it’s a bit more upscale and expensive than other party islands in Greece. The higher cost makes the crowds in Mykonos a little older on average.
What is the best Greek island for a bachelorette?
Ios and Paros are two of the best Greek islands for a bachelorette party due to their beauty, crazy nightlife, plenty of laid-back activities and beaches if you want some variety, and affordability.
Both Ios and Paros are home to stunning beaches with white sand and incredibly blue water. Stay at a hotel near the clubs and bars you’ll be visiting to make things easy and cut down on the need to drive!
Is Santorini Greece a party island?
Santorini isn’t always considered a party island because it’s so popular with couples and tourists who want to admire the scenery, history, architecture, and culture. But it does offer several great clubs and bars that are fun, loud, and crowded in the summer!
The town of Fira is where most of Santorini’s nightlife is located. There are 3 clubs with DJs and a handful of great bars and cocktail lounges for a more laid-back experience.
Is Santorini or Mykonos more party?
Mykonos is more party-focused than Santorini by far. While Mykonos has a reputation as a party island, Santorini is more geared toward tourists looking for beauty, Greek culture, and relaxation.
While Mykonos dwarfs Santorini in terms of the sheer number and popularity of its clubs and bars, Santorini does have great nightlife - it’s just less intense.
So, Which Greek Party Islands Appeal to You?
Out of all the Greek islands, a few stand out as the de facto party islands: Ios, Mykonos, Paros, Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, and Santorini.
At the very top of the list, Ios and Mykonos are the 2 islands that have a wild and long-spanning history as the ultimate party spots among the Greek islands.
But don’t dismiss the nightlife of Paros, Rhodes, and Crete – they’re treasure troves of dance clubs, bars, and wild beach parties that go all night long.
Even Corfu (around Kavos, Paleokastritsa, and Ypsos) boasts a vibrant party scene and the posh Santorini holds its own with a few stand-out clubs and bars that can get a little crazy during the busy summer season.
If you’re going to the Greek islands looking for a party, let yourself wash ashore on any of these 7 islands during the peak summer months – you’ll have the time of your life!