Practically everyone’s heard of the glamorous, bass-fueled beach parties of Mykonos, but what about the laid-back vibe of Paros? Or the cosmopolitan hub of Athens? Greece nightlife has a lot of variety — and that’s exactly what we’re covering in this full guide.
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Is Greece’s nightlife good? What part of Greece has the best nightlife?
Yes. The nightlife in Greece is legendary. And yes, Mykonos is practically synonymous with Greece nightlife, particularly when it comes to the ritzy party scene. However, Mykonos is far from the only great nightlife destination in Greece.
While the party scene is wild, you might be surprised to learn that much of Greece’s nightlife is decidedly low key. If you’re not ready for a 24/7 party, some of the most unique places to visit in Greece offer distinct experiences ranging from romantic retreats for stargazing couples to relaxing nights spent in waterfront tavernas, sipping cocktails to live music.
In other words, there’s not one single, best destination for Greece nightlife. It depends on what you want.
Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip to Greece. We can answer all your questions, like how many days in Athens you need. Plus, we’ll hook you up with awesome travel perks at no extra cost. What’s not to love?
In the meantime, here are a few of our favorite places that embody the best of Greece nightlife.
1. Mykonos: Greece’s ritzy, LGBTQ+-friendly nightlife capital
If you want all-night beach parties, neon lights, thumping bass and electric crowds, Mykonos is the best place to stay in Greece. This famous party island boasts Greece’s most luxurious and lively party scene. It’s not uncommon to bump into celebrities here, and during peak season, there’s almost always some sort of music festival or event that draws travelers from all over the world.
Mykonos is also a favorite among LGBTQ+ travelers, with many businesses and establishments catering to the community and its allies. And in keeping with Mykonos’ busy theme, there are many festivals specifically celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, particularly during Pride month.
For those worried that Mykonos is a nonstop party, though: don’t. Most of the action sticks close to the major towns, and there are plenty of places for R&R during the day. In fact, a good chunk of the island is quite sleepy, which may be a welcome relief for travelers who want to mix relaxation and adventure. (Check out some of our favorite hotels in Mykonos.)
2. Santorini: Mykonos’ more family-friendly nightlife counterpart
One of the most popular destinations in Greece, Santorini is arguably the best Greek island for couples, families and first-timers.
While many Fora Advisors note that Santorini errs on the touristy side (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing), it’s a big island, and there are still plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to be had here. That extends to the island’s nightlife scene, which — while not as off-the-walls as Mykonos’ — offers plenty of variety.
You’ll still find tons of beach parties, clubs and bars, but quieter parts of the island have a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere. This is doubly true among the smaller fishing villages that dot the less-populated areas of Santorini. It’s perfectly reasonable to party your first night in town, relax the next day, then enjoy a chill outing on the beach, in a laid-back tavern…you get the idea.
Connect with Fora for a personalized experience and pro travel recommendations. We’ll hook you up at the best hotels in Santorini (also check out our guide to the best resorts in Greece for couples).
3. Athens: an underrated choice for Greece nightlife
Athens is an awesome city to explore from both a cultural and historical perspective, but its varied nightlife and cosmopolitan vibe are often overlooked. As Greece’s capital and largest city, you won’t find a more encompassing snapshot of everything the country has to offer (one of the reasons it's the best place to stay in Greece).
From trendy rooftop bars (with stunning views of the Acropolis) to nightclubs pulsating with music and energy, the city comes alive after dark. On the other hand, if you simply want to relax in cozy tavernas and sample a wide range of authentic Greek cuisine, you’re very much in luck.
Plus, many of the best hotels in Greece are in or near Athens. Check out our guides to the coolest boutique hotels in Athens or an off-the-beaten-path trip to Hydra for more ideas.
When you're ready, connect with Fora to plan and book your trip to make sure you don’t miss out on all the island has to offer.
4. Paros & Antiparos: the best of Greece’s most relaxed nightlife
Paros — and by extension, its sister island Antiparos — don’t get the same love that more popular Greek islands like Mykonos or Crete do. But if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation with charming waterfront villages, picturesque beaches and beautiful weather, either of the two islands is a fantastic choice.
Of the two, Antiparos has the more laid-back nightlife. Settlements and resorts are sparse here, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking to make your own fun (perhaps with a group) along the gorgeous backdrop of a quiet Mediterranean island. If you want a little electricity, though, Paros is the better choice. You’ll still find plenty of tavernas and venues here, but crowds never reach the scale of Santorini or Crete.
Check out our guide to where to stay in Paros, Greece for more intel on the island.
5. Zakynthos: a balanced example of Greece nightlife
Zakynthos is a unique choice among Greece nightlife destinations that takes a fairly balanced approach.
It’s not as glamorous or ritzy as Mykonos, and it doesn’t get as crowded as Santorini. And while the vibrant resort town of Laganas is known for its energetic strip filled with bars, clubs and live music venues, smaller towns like Tsilivi offer a more relaxed ambiance with beachfront bars, cocktail lounges and entertainment options that create a laid-back yet enjoyable nightlife experience.
In other words, you have options on Zakynthos, and it’s a great choice for the spontaneous traveler eager to sample a variety of Greece nightlife.
Immerse yourself in the best of Greece nightlife when you book with Fora
Need help planning a trip to Greece for the best nightlife experience? Book with Fora and you’ll get VIP hotel perks and insider travel recommendations that keep your preferences front and center.
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