Best 10 Islands in Greek
Top 10 Best Greek Islands
The beautiful and exotic
Greek islands lure droves of tourists every year, making them one of the
world’s top travel destinations. However, with hundreds of islands to choose
from, planning a trip can be a bit of a dilemma. To help you maximize the best
of your travel experience, check out the following list of the best Greek islands.
1.Santorini
One of the most popular destinations in
Greece, Santorini may be one of the more expensive islands but definitely one
of the most picturesque. Part of the Cyclades group, Santorini is well-loved
for its cliff-hanging villages, Venetian castles, scenic wine country and
legendary sunsets.
While
Santorini consists of numerous villages, the most famous are Fira and Oia,
which cling to cliff sides overlooking the turquoise sea. Hundreds of
zigzagging steps ascend and wind through these villages of cobblestone lanes
and whitewashed houses with blue-domed roofs. The sunset views from Oia are
regarded among the most stunning in the world. Tourists can reach these
villages by way of a cable car from the seaport or opt for a mule ride.
Other
significant places in Santorni include Akrotiri, an excavated site of an
ancient Minoan city preserved by ash from a volcanic eruption during the Bronze
Age. Additionally, the island is home to two of the youngest volcanic islands
in the Eastern Mediterranean, Nea and Palia. A tour to these smoking islands
offers views of steaming lava flows.
Unique
beaches are also one of Santorini’s many crowd-pullers. The most popular of
these include Perissa, Red Beach with its red sands and cliffs, and Kamari with
its black sands. See Also : Where to Stay in Santorini
02. Mykonos
A buzzing nightlife scene and
lifestyle-friendly atmosphere are just two of the many reasons Mykonos ranks as
one of the most visited Greek islands. Located in the Aegean Sea as part of the
Cyclades island group, Mykonos features a modern, cosmopolitan society blended
with traditional whitewashed houses, colorful verandas and maze-like streets.
Because of its popularity, Mykonos tends to be more expensive than some of the
other Greek islands but certainly worth it.
One
of the smallest of the Cyclades islands, Mykonos features two primary towns,
Mykonos Town and Ano Mera. Embellished with charming whitewashed buildings and
winding lanes, Mykonos Town pulses with lively shopping boutiques, restaurants,
cafes, art galleries and stylish bars. Sites not to miss here include the 16th
century windmills, the stunning Byzantine church, Panagia Paraportiani, and the
romantic seaside district of Little Venice.
Ano
Mera is the island’s only inland settlement and is known for the 16th century
monatery, Panagia Tourliani, and its large city square that is flanked by many
Greek tavernas. Other smaller settlements good for exploring include Agios
Stefanos, Platys Gialos, Ornos and Tourlos.
A
popular excursion for many Mykonos tourists is a boat ride to the uninhabited
island of Delos to see its cluster of archaeological ruins that include the
likes of Cleopatra’s House, Temple of Apollos and an ancient marble theater.
Like
most of the Greek islands, Mykonos boasts beautiful beaches. Tourists will find
tavernas, restaurants, beach umbrellas and deck chairs on most of the beaches
here.
03. Crete
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is a
spacious land of pleasing contrasts where landscapes range from stunning
coastline to rugged mountains and rolling countryside dotted with olive trees.
Bustling metropolitan cities spread beyond to quiet villages centered around
outdoor coffee shops. Steeped in history, Crete still bears archaeological
traces of the many civilizations that inhabited it down through the centuries.
Crete
is comprised of four main regions that include Heraklion, Chania, Lasithi and
Rethymno. As the largest city and capital of the island, Heraklion is the most
populated. Heraklion is where tourists can explore ancient ruins and legendary
palaces as well as watch football games and party the night away.
Chania
is a handsome blend of old and new from its Venetian Old Town and beautiful
harbor to its scenic public parks, vibrant marketplace and sports arena. With
its abundance of art galleries, museums and theaters, Chania is Crete’s arts
and culture capital.
Lasithi
is home to the luxurious village of Elounda, which is popular among famous
celebrities. The Happy Train journey here takes tourists on an unforgettable
scenic ride. Rethymno draws crowds to its well-preserved old town and summer
wine festival.
While
visiting Crete, tourists may want to indulge in the island’s healthy
Mediterranean diet of fresh vegetables, fruits and fish as well as its favorite
alcoholic drink, called raki.
See Also: Where to Stay in Crete
04. Rhodes
Best
known for the famed Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the
World, Rhodes is a popular European destination due to its geographical beauty
and historical significance. Located in the Aegean Sea near the coast of
Turkey, Rhodes is the capital and largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago.
Rhodes is also regarded as one of the most beautiful islands of Greece because
of its lush pine forests and countless number of brilliant flowers like
bougainvillea and hibiscus.
Inhabited
since the latter part of the Stone Age, Rhodes boasts one of the world’s
longest and most captivating histories. Today, the island is riddled with important
historic sites and archaeological ruins such as the medieval Old Town, the
Governor’s Palace, Rhodes Footbridge, the Acropolis of Lindos and the Temple of
Apollo.
While
the city of Rhodes is the island’s chief city, numerous villages and tourist
resorts abound throughout the island. Picturesque towns allow weary travelers
to relax while lively cities offer modern attractions and energetic nightlife.
Some of the most popular tourist towns in Rhodes include Lindos, Afantou,
Faliraki, Archangelos and Ialysos. See Also: Where to Stay in Rhodes
05. Skiathos
Nature lovers will not want to miss a visit
to the island of Skiathos in the Sporades. One of the most
northern of the Greek Islands, Skiathos features vast hills of lush pines and
sandy beaches while offering plenty of wildlife viewing and a nature conservatory.
Other interesting attractions on the island include ancient monasteries,
medieval castles, Byzantine churches and fascinating museums.
See
Also: Where to Stay in Skiathos
06. Corfu
A popular yachting destination located in the
Adriatic Sea, Corfu is the northernmost of Greece’s Ionian Islands. As well as
immersed in Greek mythology, Corfu also reflects the diverse cultural and
architectural influences of the many foreign empires that ruled it down through
the centuries from Roman to Byzantine, Venetian, British and French.
While
Corfu Town is the island’s most important town because it is where most
tourists arrive either by plane, cruise ship or ferry, the village of Benitses
is the most popular due to its gorgeous scenery and abundance of hotels, shops,
restaurants and taverns.
Tourists
looking for a variety of lively nightlife choices will most likely find it in
the town of Roda. The village of Lakones offers a peaceful escape where
tourists can relax at outdoor coffee shops while admiring picturesque views
across the Paleokastritsa bay. One place not to be missed is Nyphmes, a place
of lush beauty and nymph legends.
One
of Corfu’s top tourist magnets is its beautiful beaches that range from the
golden sands of the west side to the quiet, pebbled coves of the east side.
Some of the island’s best beaches include Glyfada, Barbati, Kassiopi, Acharavi
and Agios Georgios. See Also: Where to Stay in Corfu
07. Chios
Separated from Turkey by a narrow strait and
part of the Northeastern Aegean Islands,
Chios is an ideal place for sightseeing. Situated in the center of the island
is its most notable historic site, Nea Moni, an 11th century monastery. In the
southern region of the island, visitors can explore several medieval villages
with their ancient walls and towers. You will likely see a variety of colorful
tulips growing in this area as well. If your visit is during the Easter
holiday, you might find it interesting to watch a unique tradition in the town of
Vrontados where locals practice a friendly church war during Easter services.
See
Also: Where to Stay in Chios
08. Samos
Considered
one of the sunniest destinations in all of Europe, Samos is where you will
discover stunning pebble beaches and crystal clear waters, which are ideal for
scuba diving and snorkeling. Never tried these fun water activities? Don’t
worry, the island of Samos offers you plenty of classes and instructors to
provide you with a wonderful experience. Significant sites to see on Samos
include the ruins of the Temple of Hera as well as the Eupalinian aqueduct,
which is regarded as an ancient engineering marvel.
See Also: Where to Stay in Samos
09. Paros
Paros
is one of the most picturesque of the Greek isles with its charming old towns
of cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings and vibrant vines of
bougainvilleas. Because of its many convenient ferry connections, Paros makes a
great base if you want to visit other islands in the Cyclades. If you are
looking for an attractive nightlife scene, you will be spoiled for choice on
this Greek island as it offers many towns that feature a wide range of
restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The beaches on Paros are plentiful as well,
ranging from the quiet and remote to the more crowded where windsurfing
competitions are frequently hosted.
See Also: Where to Stay in Paros
10. Kos
Characterized by long strips of clean, white
beaches and rolling farmland rich in grapes, figs, olives, corn and wheat, the
island of Kos offers beautiful landscapes, historic sites and great beaches all
in a relaxed atmosphere. You can explore attractions like the ruins of an
ancient marketplace and the 14th century fortress built by The Knights of Saint
John of Rhodes. In the charming city center of whitewashed buildings in Kos
Town, you will find an abundant selection of hotels, restaurants, bars and
nightclubs.
See
Also: Where to Stay in Kos
No comments