Do you know that there are over 6,000 islands in Greece? Nonetheless, solely 227 of them are inhabited. Listed below are 20 of probably the most stunning Greek islands in your bucket checklist.
20 Beautiful Greek Islands
Dotted across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, there are some gorgeous Greek islets and islands. Whether or not you select to remain in a single place or to go island hopping in Greece, you’ll be spoilt for alternative.
There are a number of Greek island teams, together with the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Ionian Islands, the Argo-Saronic , the Sporades and the North Aegean islands. A couple of Greek islands comparable to Crete, Evia and Gavdos don’t fall into any of those teams.
20. Corfu
Well-known for the variety of church buildings on the island – 37 in complete, Corfu is among the greenest islands in Greece. Typically nicknamed the Emerald Island, Corfu is the place the primary Greek college was based.
The northernmost Ionian island, Corfu is thought for its Blue Flag seashores. These embody the gorgeous Canal d’Amour, Sidari and eight different seashores.
The capital, Corfu City has a 15th century fortress and engaging Venetian structure. Among the finest locations to remain in Corfu for peace and quiet embody Kassiopi, Paleokastritsa, Gouvia and Agios Georgios.
19. Tinos
Positioned within the Cyclades islands, Tinos boasts charming tavernas, sandy seashores and marble villages. Tinos is among the uncommon locations in Greece the place the villages have alleyways comprised of marble.
The village of Pyrgos is the middle of marble artwork in Tinos. It’s value visiting the Marble Artwork Museum right here in case you have time.
That is additionally an important Orthodox centre of worship in Greece. Pilgrims go to the Church of Panagia Megalochari on March 25 and August 15.
18. Kos
One of many Dodecanese islands, Kos has many historic Greek and Roman landmarks, together with the Historic Agora and Casa Romana villa mosaics. Hippocrates, the founder of recent drugs taught beneath the Hippocrates Aircraft Tree, which you’ll be able to nonetheless go to immediately.
Kos can be recognized for its lush vegetation and seashores overlooking the Aegean Sea. In style with cyclists, there are 19 cycle routes with Eight for mountain bikes.
The capital is Kos City, an enthralling place with some fascinating sights comparable to Neratzia Fort. Constructed within the 14th century by the Knights of St-John of Jerusalem, the citadel has panoramic views of Kos harbor.
17. Paros
Nestled within the Cyclades archipelago, Paros is simple to succeed in from Athens. The nightlife in Paros is vibrant and there are some very fairly villages comparable to Lefkes, Marpissa and Naoussa.
Paros can be recognized for its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wine. There’s pink, white and Malvasia, a dessert wine.
For seashores in Paros, there’s loads of alternative. Kolymbithres Seaside has some spectacular granite rock formations, whereas Molos is a hidden gem with some good beachside tavernas.
16. Kefalonia
If Kefalonia seems acquainted, that’s as a result of it options prominently within the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. The biggest Ionian island, Kefalonia is characterised by colourful homes and Greek fir bushes.
These bushes solely develop on the island of Kefalonia. Once you’re not sunning your self on the seashores comparable to Antisamos, Platis Gialos and Myrtos, there’s a lot to do.
Go mountaineering alongside The Cypress Path or discover spectacular Melissani Lake Cave. Recognized for its turquoise water, the cave may be visited by boat.
15. Skiathos
One of many Sporades islands within the North West Aegean Sea, Skiathos has a enjoyable nightlife scene. There are numerous open air tavernas and golf equipment.
Skiathos can be a well-liked Greek crusing vacation spot. There are numerous catamarans and yachts accessible for constitution from Skiathos Previous Harbour Port.
With over 60 seashores on Skiathos island, you might go to a brand new one day-after-day of your keep. Divers will recognize the visibility of 30 meters or extra and crystal clear sea.
14. Karpathos
Often known as Carpathos, that is the second largest island within the Dodecanese. Within the capital, Pigadia, you’ll see the ruins of the Acropolis of Historic Potideon. This historic metropolis was based within the 14th century BC by the Mycenaean individuals.
There are a number of picturesque villages together with Olympos, the place an historic dialect continues to be spoken, and Volada, with its bougainvillea embellished homes. Mesochori is one other charming village overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Head to sandy Apella or Kyra Panagia Seaside for some relaxation and rest. From Diafani Seaside you’ll be able to take a ship to discover the islet of Saria.
13. Milos
This volcanic Greek island is a part of the Cyclades. The enduring Venus de Milo statue that’s now displayed within the Louvre, Paris was found right here.
Milos has some unbelievable rock formations, nicknamed the Sea Meteora. That’s as a result of they’re as spectacular as these famend Central Greek landmarks.
Kleftiko Seaside is among the finest locations on Milos to admire this lunar panorama. This hidden gem can solely be reached by boat.
12. Symi
One of the vital charming islands within the Dodecanese, Symi is much less well-known than its neighbors Kos and Rhodes. There are numerous colourful Neoclassical type homes lining Gialos harbour.
Symi is a straightforward day journey from Rhodes, with boat journeys solely taking 1 hour. The island is an efficient place from which to convey again souvenirs comparable to pure sponges or handmade leather-based gadgets.
When you’ve got time, go to Panormitis Monastery. Rebuilt in 1783, this Greek Orthodox monastery has a superb setting on the Southern coast within the village of Panormitis. Alternatively, head to Marathounda seaside the place goats roam free!
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11. Thassos
This North Aegean island is extraordinarily unspoiled and nicely value a go to. Thassos is nicknamed the Inexperienced Island, because of the abundance of olive bushes, pines and cypresses.
Thassos has beforehand been colonised by the Phoenicians, Persians, the Macedonian Empire and the Ottomans. There are fairly a couple of vestiges of this previous in Limenas, the capital of Thassos.
The Acropolis of Thasos is a vital Greek landmark and the Archaeological Museum of Thassos can be fascinating. In fact, there are a lot of nice seashores on Thassos too, together with Psili Ammos, Paradise Seaside and La Scala.
10. Syros
Additionally spelt as Siros or Syra, this Cyclades island is a good different to Santorini. There are numerous stunning white-stucco buildings and cobbled alleyways.
Ermoupoli is the capital of Syros and has some spectacular landmarks such because the Apollon Theater. Galissas is among the finest seashores on Syros. That is certainly one of 6 Blue Flag seashores on Syros.
9. Lefkada
This Ionian Sea island is blessed with gorgeous seashores comparable to Porto Katsiki, Agiofylli, Pefkoulia and Eggremoi. Ai Iannis is a well-liked seaside with surfers.
Lefkada, which is also referred to as Lefkas, has some implausible eating places and native produce. Attempt ladopita, a standard Lefkada dessert made with olive oil and almonds.
Lefkas wines are one other should strive. There are two grape varieties which can be solely grown on the island: Vardea and Vertzami.
8. Serifos
This quiet Greek island within the Western Cyclades is a hidden gem. The picturesque windmills of Serifos might remind you of Mykonos however the environment is much more sedate!
Divers will get pleasure from exploring the shipwreck mendacity on the seabed at Kalogeros Seaside. In all, there are 72 seashores on Serifos.
The island was once an essential mining hub and you’ll see remnants of the previous mines in Megalo Horio, Koutalas and Μegalo Livadi.
7. Rhodes
The biggest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is a good vacation spot for archaeology lovers. There are numerous essential landmarks on Rhodes, together with the Acropolis of Lindos and the traditional metropolis of Kamiros.
The medieval metropolis of Rhodes is charming. Wander across the Avenue of Knights within the Higher City and cease for a drink at a Rhodes taverna.
The Palace of the Grand Grasp of the Knights of Rhodes is an uncommon instance of Greek Gothic structure. There are numerous sandy seashores in Rhodes, with Tsambika Seaside being among the best.
Anthony Quinn Bay was initially known as Vagies, however renamed after the film The Weapons of Navarone was filmed right here.
6. Kimolos
This picturesque island within the Cyclades is a good place to get off the overwhelmed path in Greece. You’ll be able to attain Kimolos by taking the ferry from Piraeus port in Athens or from the neighboring island of Milos.
Like Milos, Kimolos has a number of volcanic rock formations. One of the vital uncommon sights on Kimolos is Skiadi.
This geological formation was shaped by erosion and appears a bit like a mushroom. One other enjoyable factor to do on Kimolos is to discover the ocean caves close to Prassa Seaside.
5. Skopelos
If you happen to’re a fan of the film Mamma Mia!, you’ll acknowledge Skopelos island the place it was filmed. Agios Ioannis chapel is the place Donna and Sam get married, whereas Glysteri seaside and Agnontas village additionally function.
Skopelos is a part of the Northern Sporades island group. You’ll be able to attain it by ferry from Agios Konstantinos or Volos.
The principle city of Chora, also referred to as Skopelos City, has some charming homes with white-washed facades. There are additionally 360 church buildings and chapels.
4. Mykonos
One of the vital widespread Greek islands for nightlife, Mykonos additionally has some unbelievable seashores. Head to Elia to identify a couple of celebrities or to Tremendous Paradise Seaside Membership for the get together environment.
The well-known windmills of Mykonos may be discovered on a hill close to the picturesque Little Venice space. They’re now not used to grind flour and a few are actually personal properties.
There are some nice eating places on Mykonos. It’s value attempting Myconian specialties comparable to louza, comprised of pork loin and seasoned with spices.
3. Crete
The biggest island in Greece, Crete boasts 600 miles of shoreline. There are a number of picturesque cities comparable to Chania and Rethymno.
Absorb the solar on Balos Seaside, with its crystal clear water. Crete can be a fantastic vacation spot for hikers.
Samaria Gorge is the longest trekking gorge in Europe, at 11 miles. On this well-known Greek Nationwide Park you’ll be able to spot animals just like the Cretan goat.
2. Zante
Often known as Zakynthos, the island of Zante is among the hottest locations within the Ionian Sea. Navagio seaside is reached by boat, and is known for the shipwreck which ran aground in 1980.
The Blue Caves are one other fascinating Zante attraction. You’ll be able to take a glass-bottom boat tour from Agios Nikolaos, Porto Vromi or Zakynthos City.
Go snorkeling within the Nationwide Marine Park of Zakynthos to identify the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Alternatively, relax on Alkyes or Gerakas Seaside.
1. Santorini
No checklist of probably the most stunning Greek islands can be full with out Santorini. This well-known Cyclades vacation spot is thought for its whitewashed homes and blue home windows.
What most individuals don’t understand is that Santorini is definitely a set of islands. These embody Aspronissi, Palea, Thira, Nea Kameni and Thirassia islets. Thira is the island that most individuals know as Santorini, with the attractive villages of Oia and Fira.
There are numerous nice locations to remain on Santorini, significantly the cave accommodations comparable to Alisaris Cave Suites, constructed into the rocks. The seashores in Santorini are black, as they’re composed of volcanic sand and pebbles.
Right here’s a recap of the 20 prettiest Greek islands:
- 1. Santorini
- 2. Zante
- 3. Crete
- 4. Mykonos
- 5. Skopelos
- 6. Kimolos
- 7. Rhodes
- 8. Serifos
- 9. Lefkada
- 10. Siros
- 11. Thassos
- 12. Symi
- 13. Milos
- 14. Karpathos
- 15. Skiathos
- 16. Kefalonia
- 17. Paros
- 18. Kos
- 19. Tinos
- 20. Corfu
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