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…
Must-see nightlife in Greek Islands
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…
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…
Small Cyclades
This rooftop bar right on top of Perigiali Supermarket is lovingly run by local couple Nikos and Anna. There are brunch menus plus cocktails, drinks and…
Small Cyclades
Up the stone steps at the port, this cafe-bar serves the younger crowd year-round. Out of season, it opens at 5pm, has Monday night movies and various…
Dodecanese
Set in the abandoned village of Mikro Horio, this place has a delightful veranda bar with amazing views of the village that is lit up atmospherically for…
Rethymno
While Cretans are still developing a thirst for craft beer, Bricks is doing its best to convert them with its selection of 30 ales produced by Greek…
Hora (Mykonos)
Screen divas line the walls, tasselled lampshades shimmy along to torch songs, and a dragged up mannequin stares endlessly into a mirror at Mykonos' best…
Lindos
Soaked in Lyndian atmosphere, this nautically themed, 16th-century sea captain's house is perfect for a juice or coffee on your way down from the…
Dodecanese
This superfriendly hillside lounge bar just above the north end of the beach has paradisiacal sea views, chilled pine-shaded patios, white sofas and…
Fira
The oldest bar in Fira and one of the best. Dark wood and vaulted ceilings give it an intimate, cave-like atmosphere, with smooth cocktails and smoother…
Kefallonia
Cool, very mellow quayside cafe festooned with little white lamps, and with a soothing soft-grey palette and cosy cushioned banquettes beside the water…
Fira
It might take a minute to get your head around this, but MoMix is short for Molecular Mixology. This popular party spot offers innovative cocktails (to…
Hora (Naxos)
If you want to drink but don’t fancy the club scene, here’s your answer. This atmospheric, traditional bar is small and candlelit and spills into the…
Argostoli
A rather extraordinary hybrid, this popular club-restaurant at the tip of the Argostoli peninsula combines strange geological formations with iconic…
Kythira
This veteran bar-club on the waterfront, with outdoor tables and a cosy interior, is the epicentre of Kythira’s nightlife in summer, hosting acoustic…
Samothraki
Snappy cafe for coffee and cheese pies by day, and a chill ouzerie for tsipouro and small plates at sunset.
Iraklio
The indisputable frontrunner of Iraklio's mixology scene is this den of Prohibition-inspired decadence centred on a retail alcove just off Lion Sq…
Rethymno
Rethymno's most raucous drinking spot is this smoke-filled rock bar that's been banging out tunes since the 1970s. It attracts a boozy crowd of black-clad…
Hania
Bohème's pretty, tree-shaded terrace and vine-covered pastel-pink stone building provide the perfect retreat. Sip coffee, craft beer or cocktails while…
Rhodes Town
Shoppers on the Old Town’s most commercialised street tend to double-take when they spot this venerable Turkish-styled cafe, with its pebble-mosaic floor,…
Corfu Town
Chic, split-level venue across from the Spianada, with an all-day bar on its own little gravel beach, and several higher tiers incorporating a restaurant,…
Iraklio
Crop divides its focus equally between two vices: caffeine and craft beer. At the time of writing it was Iraklio's only craft-focused bar, with five…
Chios
It's kind of apt that a favourite bohemian hang-out in this citrus region is themed around the director of A Clockwork Orange. Looking sombrely from a…
Agios Nikolaos
Dutch for 'cheerio', Toedeledokie is the brainchild of Dutch artist Lucia, who supplies killer coffee, creamy milkshakes and creative toasties all day…
Skiathos Town
Gazing out to Evia beyond Skiathos' islets, this relaxed yet elegant tapas-style wine bar (€4 to €6) and restaurant (pizzas, salads, omelettes; €5 to €13)…
Skyros
From floral-adorned swing chairs to sparkling whitewashed walls, it's all about driftwood-chic design at busy beach bar Juicy, which serves up wonderful…
Symi
What does an owner do when his wife needs him at home if he's working too long elsewhere? Open up a business in his home (and garden), of course. This…
Rhodes Town
If Dracula developed a taste for rock music and opened a bar it might look something like this. Imagine purple velvet drapes, a handsomely crafted wooden…
Skyros
Perched on the seafront by the rock-cut church of Agios Nikolaos, this chicly converted old windmill is perfect for sundowners, with wines, cocktails and…
Iraklio
If you worship at the cocoa altar, make a beeline to this been-here-forever cafe for the best hot chocolate in town (14 varieties, none of which is…
Rethymno
With an interior of tiles, wood and newsprint, this place has a cool, vintage vibe. The bar is well stocked, including a good selection of cocktails using…
Hania
About 5km east and uphill from Hania town is the spot where great statesman Eleftherios Venizelos is buried. The site and its neighbouring owl-themed cafe…
Hora (Mykonos)
Attached to the 'straight-friendly' Hotel Elysium, this poolside bar has long been the first port of call for the gay party crowd. Handsome barstaff flirt…
Rethymno Province
If you're here in summer, head underground to rock out at the Cave bar. Built into a natural cave, it's one of Crete's more unique drinking spots, and…
Samothraki
Ex-urbanites Elias and Theodora have taken over Hora's old bank building and transformed it into a wonderful coffee shop. Take a seat on the balcony…
Rethymno Province
Classy La Mar is the standout among the port-side terrace cafes, with tasteful decor and an interesting menu of original cocktails. Here you can opt for a…
Agios Nikolaos
Rub shoulders with gregarious locals at this contemporary cafe-bar sprawling over several tiers above pebbly Gargadoros Beach, about 1km south of the town…
Ios
Offering dozens of colourful, super-appealing ways to lounge and recline, this beach bar sits in the middle of Mylopotas Beach and sends a siren call via…
Fira
Nicely perched just before the caldera edge, Tropical draws a vibrant traveller crowd with a long list of classic (and some original) cocktails,…
