Must-see nightlife in Greek Islands

  • Slowdown Brewery

    Ikaria

    Its own beer production was still in the works at the time of research, but you can try seven kinds of craft beer from different parts of Greece,…

  • Raxati Cafe

    Rhodes Town

    This high-ceilinged, free-spirited bar and coffeehouse, close to the attractive Ibrahim Pasha mosque, is as pretty as it is friendly. Inside, the stone…

  • Colonia San Marco Caffé

    Rhodes

    This lonesome relic, 3km east of Kattavia, resembles something from a spaghetti western. Constructed in 1926 as the centrepiece of an Italian agricultural…

  • Caffe Karpathos

    Karpathos

    The oldest cafe on the island was once a magnet for Italians (thus the fabulous coffee served in the original Bialetti espresso pots). These days…

  • Monitor

    Rethymno

    A gathering spot for Rethymno's slightly older indie crowd, this relaxed, unpretentious bar is decked out in arthouse-film posters and modern-art…

  • Gogos Gefsis

    Lefkada

    Very friendly bar-cafe on the main pedestrian street, with pavement tables plus a quirky interior kitted out like a vintage grocery. The Greek sign is…

  • Santé

    Paros

    Several tiny blocks south of the waterfront, in the shade of a huge eucalyptus tree, Santé is a good spot for coffee during the day, but things only…

  • Beeraki

    Elounda

    Well worth the uphill walk to the ancient village of Mavrikiano, this adorable drinking den does a roaring trade in bottled craft beers, quality local…

  • Babel Cafe Bar

    Hania Province

    Not only a good choice for a quick breakfast or snack, this smart modern waterfront cafe-bar is a great place for coffee and gets lively at night with…

  • Monogram

    Hania

    Soak up the sun at a street-side table with music wafting from this hip corner coffee spot. Beans are sourced from around the globe, including Guatemala…

  • Monika's Garden Wine Bar

    Hania Province

    One of the best spots for a drink in town, this attractive, modern wine bar with a delightful garden courtyard features more than 40 top-quality wines by…

  • Sinagogi

    Hania

    Housed in a roofless Venetian building on a small lane next to the synagogue, this popular summer-only lounge bar with eclectic decor is a laid-back place…

  • Firi Firi – The Beer House

    Corfu Town

    Sample local and imported beers, either inside the custard-coloured villa at the foot of the steps leading up to the Neo Frourio or at the terraced tables…

  • Mousiko Kafenio

    Lesvos

    This hip student favourite is filled with eclectic paintings, old mirrors and well-worn wooden fixtures, giving it a relaxed, arty vibe. Mix in some great…

  • Molly’s Bar

    Lesvos

    With its painted blue stars, beaded curtains and bottles of Guinness, this whimsical British-run bar on the harbour waterfront’s far eastern side is…

  • JackieO’

    Hora (Mykonos)

    The mainstay of Mykonos' gay party scene since Apollo was a lad, this waterside bar is wall-to-wall writhing bodies after 11.30pm, with the waitstaff…

  • Blue Note Club

    Ios

    This local institution has been thumping since 1979 and is still one of the hottest spots on the island. The manager has a penchant for Swedish, rock and…

  • Pirate

    Hydra Town

    During the day, friendly Wendy and Takis and their kids run this cafe with first-rate coffee, some of the island's most delicious breakfasts and home…

  • La Vigne

    Hora (Naxos)

    The only true wine bar in Naxos is hidden in a tiny alley just behind Plateia Mandilara. It’s run by two congenial French ladies who'll tell you a thing…

  • Embassa Bar

    Amorgos

    Facing the tiny quayside windmill, this skull-emblazoned bar is arguably Amorgos' best cocktail bar, with a hefty menu of original tipples. Sip a cucumber…

  • The View

    Dodecanese

    An ethereal spot for a sunset drink, this place occupies one of the six windmills that sit high above Pandeli. It has a well-stocked bar... and, of course…

  • Hydronetta

    Hydra Town

    You can’t beat this gorgeous waterfront location on the swimming rocks to the far west of the harbour. Brothers Andreas and Elias provide snazzy cocktails…

  • Antonis Toursas Juice Bar

    Corfu Town

    Brilliant little juice bar that has boxes of fruit piled up outside like a fruit shop (which it also is). Pick your five a day and get them blended…

  • Karnagio

    Thasos

    Stroll past the Old Harbour for a quiet sunset drink at Karnagio, where outdoor seating straddles a rocky promontory lapped by waves. You can also clamber…

  • Orange Bar

    Ios

    Combining a terrific rock and alternative music playlist with homemade shots (including chocolate- and caramel-flavoured ones). Orange has frequently been…

  • Sto Gialo

    Ikaria

    A popular seaside bar and music venue, famous for its full-moon parties.

  • Solo Brewery

    Iraklio

    Norwegian brewer Kjetil Jikiun started Norway's first craft brewery (Nøgne Ø) before he founded Crete's first craft brewery (he's clearly a man of firsts)…

  • Xalavro

    Iraklio

    This rather idyllic open-air bar gets a whole lot right, with charming servers slinging creative cocktails to a diverse crowd of holidaymakers and locals…

  • Rum Bar

    Hora (Naxos)

    Perched upstairs above Hora's busy waterfront, this sleek place has lovely sunset views looking out over the yacht harbour. Open year-round, Rum Bar plays…

  • Oxos

    Dodecanese

    At the far end of the harbour, nestled below the monastery, this gorgeous cafe-cum-bar has it all: a pretty plaza setting with tamarisk trees, a sea view,…

  • Bebop

    Paros

    Climb the steps up to this waterfront spot beneath the kastro with no shortage of outdoor areas, including a sunset-primed rooftop terrace. Go for one of…

  • Hidden Door

    Skopelos

    Tucked into a moodily converted 100-year-old house where a side (hidden) door once led to the kitchen, mellow yet hugely popular Paraporti mixes Athens…

  • Surfin Bird

    Small Cyclades

    A favourite gathering spot at sunset, this chilled-out outdoor bar overlooking Livadi Beach has great appeal for cocktail lovers: its original concoctions…

  • Mikro Café

    Corfu Town

    You can smell the coffee beans roasting from 25m down the street, and whether your favoured beverage comes from these beans or is something a little more…

  • Art Café

    Dodecanese

    Escape the harbour hubbub by climbing to a fabulous panoramic roof terrace then blissing out over sunset cocktails (€7 to €9) amid plump pillows and white…

  • Parasol

    Lesvos

    With its orange lanterns and super-eclectic music mix, little Parasol on the waterfront does cocktails to match its South Seas decor. As the day rolls on,…

  • Seladi Cafe-Bar

    Amorgos

    Its cosy terrace overlooking the valley, Seladi is a just a few minutes' walk from the ruins of the ancient settlement. It's a mellow place for a coffee…

  • Sommaripa Consolato

    Paros

    The owner opened this elevated cafe-bar in the former home of his grandparents – how fortunate that it’s right in the hub of Naoussa’s small port (above…

  • Tsati

    Symi

    This ultrawelcoming quayside bar, 100m along Harani Bay beyond the clock tower, has tables on a tree-shaded terrace, plus it offers stone benches carved…

  • Sativa Music Bar

    Paros

    On the main pedestrian street in Old Town, this bustling cafe and brunch spot by day transforms into a popular cocktail bar by night, with the sultry…