The primary reason for the popularity of Greek islands among world travelers is that they offer a holistic holiday experience. Packed with a plethora of activities, the islands attract tourists across various age groups and with varied interests. From beach and watersports lovers to culinary enthusiasts, history aficionados, and seekers of a vibrant nightlife in Greece, there is an island just for you, no matter your preference.
Tourists visiting Greece typically like to spend their days working on getting that perfect tan. However, nighttime on the islands holds equal importance. After sundown, the atmosphere changes, and everyone heads out to enjoy a romantic dinner, mingle, drink, or party till the early hours.
Nightlife in Greece is as varied as its islands, offering entertainment possibilities like boat parties, DJ nights, and intimate live music sessions. So, if you want a pulsating all-nighter, here are five Greek islands famous for their nightlife.
Mykonos
Famously known as the “Ibiza of Greece,” Mykonos is undoubtedly the top party destination of the country. While it might be a notch mellower than its Spanish rival, the island offers enough temptations to attract die-hard party animals from across the globe every summer. A celebrity magnet, Mykonos’ nightlife includes bar-hopping events, dancing to international DJs, and tantalizing beach parties where the dress code tends to be a little too casual.
Now, just as bar-hopping is an essential part of any good night-out, so is island-hopping when touring the Greek isles. Ferryscanner makes it simple for you to book ferries from one island to another, either for a day trip or a short stay. Considering the diverse nature of nighttime activities available, island hopping is an excellent occasion to appreciate the full range of nightlife in Greece.
Among the best places to party in Mykonos is Tropicana Club. The beach party here starts late afternoon and includes vodka watermelons and a lot of table dancing. The Skandinavian Bar is an old-school joint perfect for that chance intimate meet-up with a stranger. But if you prefer a livelier atmosphere, visit Skandinavian with its three bars and one courtyard after midnight. Lastly, Super Paradise Beach Club in Mykonos is a world-famous establishment with three stages and a pool. Known for hosting unforgettable parties, set aside at least one evening for Paradise Beach.
Kos
A part of the Dodecanese archipelago, Kos is a charming Greek island with insatiable energy. Kos becomes invigorating as the day progresses, culminating in a hedonistic night full of decadence and revelry. The Bar Street in Kos Town is the ideal place to start your pre-dinner activities. Camel Bar and the elegant Sitar Bar are two must-visit venues in Kos. They highlight the fact that nightlife in Greece isn’t limited to clubbing.
Not to disappoint rave enthusiasts, Kos has several clubs that stay open till early morning. Wild Bull Club is a favorite, much-loved for its incredible light shows and EDM music.
However, if you prefer a hardcore party atmosphere, head to Downtown Club in Kardamena, along the island’s south coast. Kardamena is a resort town where the clubs open late and continue to play music till sunrise.
Skiathos
Ever since the filming of Mamma Mia in Skiathos, there has been a flurry of tourist activity on this beautiful Greek island. Unlike some other islands that cater to younger age groups, Skiathos’ nightlife has a more refined aura. Consequently, it attracts a diverse set of travelers. The island’s Bar Street and the nearby Papadiamantis Street in Skiathos Town are its main party hubs. They have several clubs and bars lined one after another. It is here that the entire island comes for a sundowner, a bar-hop, or a post-dinner nightcap.
Most nightclubs in Skiathos open after midnight. The music scene at the clubs is quite different and ranges from the latest in EDM to pop and jazz. On specific nights, you’ll even find Greek music taking center stage at many of these joints.
Among the must-visit clubs and bars in Skiathos are the LGBTQ+ friendly DeFacto and Totem, famous for their live music. On the other hand, Danny and Zoe’s Blind Dog is a true hidden gem of Skiathos. The bar is a live event venue with a bohemian aura that regularly hosts music performances. Skiathos has the best nightlife in Greece because it offers much more than drinking and dancing. The open-air night cinema is a massive hit with tourists. They even play Mamma Mia on the big screen and encourage viewers to sing the songs aloud, creating a fun movie-watching experience for the entire family.
Ios
Ios’s polar opposite dual personality is why it continues to be among the top islands with the best nightlife in Greece. During the day, Ios is a tranquil island where tourists can discover the richness of Greek heritage among ruins and monuments. However, the island’s hippy and carefree persona truly shine once the sun sets and Ios gets to showcase its wild side.
Popular with American, British, and Australian tourists, Ios has some of the most well-known clubs in the country. The bars in Chora act as the perfect pre-club meeting place. Sweet Irish Dream is a 35-year-old iconic establishment that stays open till 3:00 in the morning. It has a typical Irish pub atmosphere with popular music, table dancing, and excellent beers and cocktails.
The crème de la crème of Ios’ club culture are Pash Nightclub and Disco 69. Far Out Beach Club on Mylopotas Beach is another favorite, famous for its larger-than-life pool parties. Moreover, come July and Ios sees a mad arrival of party-goers who come here for the island’s iconic full moon beach events.
Crete
Having five bustling cities, Crete isn’t just the largest Greek island but also the most happening in terms of nightlife in Greece. Stalis and Malia are, however, the hottest towns to experience a stimulating night-out in Crete. Malia especially became a favorite with young merrymakers ever since the filming of the British teen comedy The Inbetweeners here.
Crete has several fantastic booze cruises that leave its shores in the afternoon and return later in the evening. The Strip in Malia, though, is party central on the island. It has an array of bars, from the big and loud to the quiet and intimate. Moreover, the leading clubs in Malia are all huddled together, making it easy to hop from one to the other.
Corkers Nightclub has a fun atmosphere where they play drinking games and dance to popular tracks, R’ n’ B, and pop music. Candy Club has fantastic theme parties, psychedelic light shows, two bars, and multiple dance floors. Audiophiles, particular about their music, will love Zig Zag, known to have the best sound system on the island. And if it is foam parties you want, head straight to The Camelot. This legendary club has two open-air bars, three on the inside, and throws the most memorable events in Crete.