The 4 Greek Islands I’d Visit Again

Over the past couple years, I’ve visited several Greek islands across two separate trips, and there are four destinations I still find myself recommending to everyone: Milos, Paros, Naxos, and Crete.

While Milos, Paros, and Naxos were part of one island-hopping adventure through the Cyclades, Crete was a trip entirely on its own—and for good reason. Crete is so large and diverse that it deserves dedicated time to explore.

What I loved most about these islands is that each one offered something completely different. Whether you’re looking for incredible beaches, charming towns, outdoor adventure, scenic drives, amazing food, or a mix of everything, there’s truly a Greek island for every type of traveler.

Milos: Adventure, Hidden Beaches, and Incredible Landscapes

Milos was unlike anywhere I’ve ever been.

We flew from Athens into Milos and stayed near Adamas, the island’s main port town. Adamas made a great home base, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and easy access to ferries, beaches, and boat excursions.

If you visit Milos, rent an ATV.

Some of my favorite memories from the trip came from driving around the island exploring hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs, fishing villages, and viewpoints that felt completely untouched. Every corner seemed to reveal another incredible landscape.

Milos is known for its volcanic geography, which creates some of the most unique beaches in Greece. Between the crystal-clear water, white rock formations, sea caves, and rugged coastline, it felt like a place that was meant to be explored rather than simply lounged on.

For travelers who love a little adventure mixed with their beach vacation, Milos is hard to beat.

Paros: Charming Streets, Great Restaurants, and a Mini-Mykonos Feel

Of all the islands we visited, Paros felt most like a more relaxed and approachable version of Mykonos.

We stayed in Naoussa, a beautiful harbor town on the northern side of the island, and I absolutely loved it. The waterfront is lined with restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and winding whitewashed streets that seem to lead somewhere beautiful no matter which direction you walk.

Paros had some of my favorite evenings of the trip. We’d spend the day exploring beaches and then wander through town for dinner, drinks, shopping, and sunset views along the harbor.

Like Milos, Paros is easy to explore by ATV, which makes it simple to visit different beaches and villages throughout the island.

If you’re looking for classic Greek island charm, beautiful scenery, and a lively restaurant scene, Paros delivers all of it.

Naxos: Endless Beaches and a More Relaxed Pace

Naxos felt completely different from both Milos and Paros—and that’s exactly why I loved ending our trip here.

We stayed on Plaka Beach, which remains one of the best beaches I’ve visited anywhere in Greece. The stretch of golden sand seems to go on forever, with crystal-clear water, and a much more relaxed atmosphere than many of the more famous islands.

Naxos also has a charming port town and beautiful mountain villages worth exploring, but what stood out most to me was how easy it was to slow down and enjoy the island, especially the sunsets.

Naxos also has its own airport with connections to Athens, making it an easy addition to a Greek island itinerary. Like Milos and Paros, renting an ATV is a great way to explore beaches and different corners of the island.

For travelers looking for beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, Naxos is the perfect balance.

Crete: The Island That Has Everything

As much as I loved the Cycladic islands, Crete was by far my favorite destination in Greece.

Crete feels less like an island and more like an entire country packed into one destination. You have incredible beaches, mountain landscapes, hiking trails, historic sites, charming towns, scenic drives, and some of the best food we experienced anywhere in Greece.

Because Crete is so large, I highly recommend splitting your time between different parts of the island. We stayed on both the Eastern and Western sides of Crete, which gave us the opportunity to take day trips by car all around the island.

The Eastern Side of Crete

Our first stop was Agios Nikolaos, on the north eastern side of Crete, where we stayed right in the center of town overlooking the famous Lake Voulismeni. I loved being able to walk everywhere—from waterfront restaurants and cafés to the marina and shopping streets. The atmosphere felt relaxed and picturesque, with beautiful views around every corner and plenty of opportunities to enjoy long dinners by the water.

The Western Side of Crete

For the second half of our trip, we stayed at a beachfront property just outside of Chania, in Platanias. This was a classic beach town, with lots of tourist shops and restaurants. It gave us a chance to enjoy the laid-back beach side of Crete, and everything was within walking distance from our hotel. This was also a great location to take day trips to explore beaches on the western side of the island.

If you are staying on the western side of Crete, Rethymno and Chania are some of the best historic towns nearby to wander, browse local shops, and eat at restaurants along the harbor.

Unlike the smaller islands, Crete is a place where I would absolutely recommend renting a car. The island is simply too large to experience without one, and you absolutely need a car or boat to travel to many of it’s remote beaches.

To my surprise, Crete is also incredibly mountainous. One of the highlights of our trip was getting lost driving through the mountains because our phones died. We must have driven hours through the most remote parts of Crete, stopping in towns we never heard of, and finding some of the prettiest views along the way. It was one of the most memorable experiences of our entire trip and a perfect reminder that Crete offers so much more than beaches alone.

You cannot go wrong with any of the islands above. Greece is absolutely beautiful, whether you’re relaxing at the beach, wondering white-washed towns, or hiking mountains.

If I had to choose one destination to revisit tomorrow, it would be Crete. It combines everything I love about travel—beautiful scenery, adventure, incredible food, charming towns, and endless opportunities to explore.

Until my next adventure,

Laur🤍

The Spring Europe Edit: Timeless Pieces Worth Packing

Packing for Europe doesn’t require an entirely new wardrobe. The biggest shift for many of us in the US is simply trading athletic wear for a few elevated basics that can be mixed, matched, and reworn throughout a trip.

When planning outfits for London, Paris, and Amsterdam, I focused on natural fabrics, versatile layers, and comfortable shoes that could handle long days of walking while still feeling polished.

These are the pieces I’d recommend building a spring Europe wardrobe around.

High-Quality Cotton Basics

The foundation of every outfit.

A great cotton tank or tee can be worn under a cardigan, paired with linen trousers, tucked into a skirt, or layered beneath a trench coat. I always prioritize thicker cotton fabrics that hold their shape and can be worn repeatedly throughout a trip.

Where I shop:

Linen Bottoms

The easiest way to look put together while staying cool in the spring or summer.

Linen pants or trousers are some of the hardest-working pieces in my travel wardrobe. They are so lightweight and comfy to walk around in. They pair effortlessly with simple tanks and tees while feeling polished enough for sightseeing (and of course photos).

Where I shop:

Lightweight Cardigans

The layer you’ll need more than anything else.

Spring weather can change quickly throughout the day. A lightweight cardigan is perfect to throw over a dress, tank, or tee while still looking elevated.

I typically pack 2 different colors to mix and match outfits.

Where I shop:

The Trench Coat

The one outer layer worth packing.

A trench coat instantly makes simple outfits feel more polished while providing protection from cool mornings and occasional rain.

If you’re only bringing one jacket to Europe in the spring, make it a trench.

Where I shop:

Comfortable Flats

Because let’s be honest: bulky sneakers can easily ruin a nice outfit.

Ballet flats and Mary Janes have become very popular for a reason. They’re easy to pack, comfortable enough for city exploring, and pair beautifully with dresses, skirts, and linen separates. I’ve walked all over Paris in these Kelly & Katie flats with no issues whatsoever!

Where I shop:

Structured Bag or Tote

The piece that will make you look less like a tourist.

Don’t be fooled into thinking you have to carry everything in a fanny pack or lululemon belt bag. Pick pocketing can occur in touristy areas, but you just need to choose a purse or tote wisely. For spring in Europe, I typically reach for a structured shoulder tote or crossbody bag that zippers or clasps shut.

Where I shop:

Every trip reminds me that the best wardrobes are built on classic, timeless pieces. The staples in this guide are the ones I reach for again and again because they always feel polished, versatile, and effortless. They’re the kind of pieces that never feel tied to one season or one destination—and that’s exactly what makes them worth investing in.

With love,

Laur 🤍

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The European Summer Packing Essentials

After years of traveling, I’ve realized that looking effortlessly put together while living out of a suitcase isn’t about packing more—it’s about packing better. The girls who always seem polished at the airport, unpacked five minutes after checking into their hotel, and somehow glowing after a long-haul flight? It all starts with the little things.

A suitcase that’s organized. A carry-on that has a place for everything. Skincare that saves you after hours in the air. The travel essentials that quietly make every trip feel a little more effortless.

They’re practical, well designed, affordable, and available on Amazon.

1. The Luggage That Looks Luxurious

If you’re looking for high quality luggage that looks elevated and chic, this is it.

I love the cream-and-cognac color combination because it feels feminine and timeless. It is definitely worth the price tag, mine has lasted me a decade with no indications of wear and tear. Ditch the cheap soft sided luggage and get the hard shell.

There’s just something about arriving at the airport with beautiful luggage that makes the whole experience feel a little more put together.

2. The Travel Backpack I’ll Never Fly Without

I was a little skeptical of this backpack as it’s not from a ‘brand’ name, but boy was I glad I took a chance on this. And it’s under $30!

This backpack fits perfectly under the airplane seat, slides over your suitcase handle, and has enough compartments to for everything you need on a long travel day. It fits so much! And it matches my luggage 😉

3. The Tiny Travel Essential to Beat the Heat

I know, a portable fan doesn’t exactly scream “luxury”…

Until you’re walking 25,000 steps around Italy, or waiting for a ferry in Greece in 95 degree weather. And then your hair & makeup is damp & your once in a lifetime trip photos look awful.

It’s rechargeable, lightweight, and one of those little purchases that ends up being one of your most-used travel essentials.

4. The Secret to an Organized Suitcase

To be honest, I thought this would be a waste of money at first…but packing cubes are worth it.

Instead of unpacking my entire suitcase looking for one outfit, everything stays organized by day or category, and somehow my suitcase still looks neat halfway through the trip. It also comes with toiletry bags & makeup organizers.

It’s one of those small upgrades that makes traveling feel infinitely less chaotic.

5. The Only Travel Pillow I Actually Recommend

Imagine this: those bulky donut neck pillows hanging off your bag, touching TSA bins in the airport, and then you have to lug it around on trains, ferries, etc. (I’m sure it gets thrown on the floor of your hotel room too). And after all that you’re supposed to lay your face on it? No thanks.

Unlike traditional neck pillows, the Turtl one actually supports your neck without taking up half your carry-on. It is the best for sleeping on long flights. It’s most importantly compact and fits perfectly in a backpack or purse, so it stays clean throughout your travels.

6. The In-Flight Skincare Trick Every Girl Should Know

Let’s be honest—most of us aren’t sipping champagne in first class on the way to Europe.

We’re in economy, trying to get a little sleep while the cabin air slowly turns our skin into the Sahara Desert. I always pack a Biodance collagen mask for long-haul flights (or I’ll throw it on as soon as I get to my hotel if I don’t feel like being that girl on the plane).

Consider it the closest thing to arriving in first-class condition…without the first-class ticket.

7. The 5 Minute Jet Lag Fix

If I’m landing after an overnight flight, these are the first thing I reach for.

I’ll throw them on while I’m unpacking or getting ready for dinner, and somehow I instantly look like I got a full night’s sleep—even when jet lag says otherwise.

Low effort. High reward. Every single trip.

8. The European Travel Adapter

This isn’t the most exciting thing on this list but it might be the most important.

You absolutely cannot forget to pack an adapter. This one has multiple USB ports so I can charge my phone, laptop, and camera battery all at once. It’s Type C and works for a majority of European countries.

The Little Things Make the Biggest Difference

The best travel purchases are the ones that make every trip feel smoother, more organized, and a little more effortless.

Looking polished while traveling doesn’t start with a designer airport outfit. It starts with packing well. When everything has its place, your skin survives the flight, and your carry-on works for you instead of against you, the whole experience feels easier.

These are the Amazon finds I genuinely pack every single time. If you’re building your own travel capsule, I’d start here.

Happy travels,

Laur 🤍

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Laur Edit!