Greece offers over 200 inhabited islands, but from Riga charters serve four of the most popular — Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and Kos. Each is distinct: one offers spacious beaches and family resorts, another has historical towns and nightlife, the third boasts green romantic landscapes, and the fourth is a compact island with great prices. In 2026 Greek island tours from Riga start from €379 per person for 7 nights.
Crete: Largest and Most Diverse
Crete is Greece's biggest island (260 km long) offering everything from pink sand beaches to ancient Minoan palace ruins. Two airports (Heraklion and Chania) provide easy access to different parts. Crete is ideal for families and couples combining beach with culture and gastronomy.
Top beaches: Elafonisi (pink sand, shallow — ideal for kids), Balos (turquoise lagoon), Matala (hippie cove with caves).
What to see: Knossos Palace (Minoan civilisation), Samaria Gorge (18 km hike), Chania Old Town (Venetian harbour).
Prices: 7 nights from €399–650/pp. 4* with breakfast from €399, AI from €499.
Best for: Families, couples, culture and food lovers.
Rhodes: History and Entertainment
Rhodes is Greece's fourth-largest island, known for its medieval Old Town (UNESCO) and Lindos village with acropolis. The island combines history, beaches and nightlife. Faliraki is popular with young travellers, while Lindos attracts culture seekers.
Top beaches: Tsambika (wide sandy, warm water), Lindos Beach (below the acropolis), Anthony Quinn Bay (small, picturesque).
What to see: Rhodes Old Town (fortress walls, cobbled streets), Lindos Acropolis, Palace of the Grand Masters.
Prices: 7 nights from €419–699/pp. 4* with breakfast from €419, AI from €529.
Best for: Couples, culture travellers, young people (Faliraki).
Corfu: Green and Romantic
Corfu is Greece's greenest island — olive groves, cypresses and lush vegetation make it a romantic destination. Less commercialised than Crete or Rhodes, with Venetian, French and British colonial heritage. Corfu Town (Kerkyra) is a UNESCO site.
Top beaches: Paleokastritsa (dramatic cliffs, clear water), Canal d'Amour (romantic, unusual shape), Sidari (sandy, family-friendly).
What to see: Corfu Old Town, Achilleion Palace (Empress Elisabeth), Mon Repos, Pontikonisi islet.
Prices: 7 nights from €389–629/pp. 4* with breakfast from €389, AI from €489.
Best for: Couples, romantic getaways, nature lovers.
Kos: Compact and Affordable
Kos is a small island (40 km long) with excellent value. Popular with young and budget travellers — compact enough to explore by bicycle or scooter. Kardamena is the main tourist area with beaches and nightlife.
Top beaches: Kardamena (long sandy), Tigaki (white sand, shallow), Paradise Beach (quiet, naturally beautiful).
What to see: Asklepion (ancient medicine temple), Kos Town fortress, Zia mountain village.
Prices: 7 nights from €379–599/pp. 4* with breakfast from €379, AI from €469.
Best for: Young travellers, budget holidays, active exploration.
Comparison Table
| Island | Price from | Flight | Best for | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crete | €399 | 3.5h | Families, couples | Diversity, gastronomy, culture |
| Rhodes | €419 | 3h | Couples, youth | Old Town, history, Faliraki |
| Corfu | €389 | 2.5h | Couples, romance | Green nature, Venetian architecture |
| Kos | €379 | 3h | Youth, budget | Cheap, compact, bike-friendly |
FAQ
Which Greek island is cheapest from Riga?
Kos is usually cheapest — tours from €379 per person for 7 nights. Corfu follows at €389, Crete at €399. Prices vary by season — compare dates on Beltravel.lv.
Do Greek islands have All Inclusive hotels?
Yes, but fewer than Turkey. Crete and Rhodes have the widest AI selection; Corfu and Kos are more limited. AI from €469–529/pp. Many travellers in Greece choose breakfast-only and eat at local restaurants — it's part of the Greek experience.
Which island is best for families with kids?
Crete is the top pick — spacious sandy beaches (Elafonisi, Balos), good infrastructure, diverse food and excursions. Corfu also suits families with Sidari beach and calmer atmosphere. Rhodes and Kos work better for couples and young travellers.
How long is the flight from Riga?
Corfu — approximately 2.5 hours (closest). Rhodes and Kos — around 3 hours. Crete — about 3.5 hours. All flights are direct charters with no connections.
When is the best time to visit Greek islands?
June and September are ideal — air 27–32°C, sea 24–26°C, fewer tourists, reasonable prices. July-August is hotter (35°C+) and more crowded. Late May and early October also work but the sea may be cooler.
Do I need a visa for Greece?
No, Greece is an EU and Schengen member — Latvian citizens can travel with an ID card or passport, no visa needed. Currency is Euro — no exchange needed. One of the simplest destinations paperwork-wise.
Can I visit multiple islands in one trip?
On a charter tour — no, you fly to one island and back. But from Kos or Rhodes you can take day-trip ferries to nearby islands: Nisyros from Kos, Symi from Rhodes. Crete and Corfu are too far apart for ferry connections.
How much spending money for Greece?
Greece isn't cheap: restaurant meal €12–25, coffee €3–4, beach lounger €5–10/day. In an AI hotel expenses are lower. With breakfast-only — budget €30–50/pp/day for food and activities. Weekly budget outside hotel: €200–400/pp.
Find tours to Greek islands — see offers here