Welcome to paradise! One in every of the most stunning spots on the Mediterranean Sea, Greece is a vital vacation spot for anybody and everybody. You in all probability already know what a beautiful nation it’s, however you won’t understand what number of various locations there are to discover.
The nation of Greece is made up of an unimaginable 6,000 islands dotting the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Of those islands, simply over 200 are inhabited.
Sure, you learn that proper!
Whereas I’d love to see all of them sometime, there are only a dozen islands that make up the core of the Greek islands that we all know and love. I first visited Greece throughout The Yacht Week and it was love at first sight. The individuals, the meals, the seashores, and the laidback lifestyle will pull you in and also you’ll neer need to go away.
However, that are the greatest Greek Islands to go to?
All of it depends upon you and what you’re on the lookout for! From celebration havens to abandoned seashores, you will see that a little bit of every thing right here.
So, seize your bikini, and let’s run by way of a fast information to the greatest Greek Islands to go to.
Athens
Whereas it’s technically not an island, Athens is normally the jumping-off level for any Greek journey. With a historical past courting again to 5 BC, the capital metropolis of Greece is one among Europe’s nice historic facilities. There’s simply SO a lot for any historical past buff to absorb.
Wander the Acropolis, Parthenon, and different breathtaking archeological websites to soak all of it in.
I at all times suggest checking to see if there may be are strolling excursions of any new metropolis you go to, and Athens isn’t any exception. The tour I took lasted over three hours and took us to all of the archeological websites in Athens. It was positively the greatest manner to get to know the metropolis.
Three days to discover Athens is ideal and you can even see the key factors inside 48 hours. It’s a beautiful metropolis however you’ll need ample time to discover the islands.
Earlier than you go, hit up the Monastiraki Flea Market. It’s an ideal spot to seize some low-cost souvenirs and fill up on contemporary fruit earlier than hopping onboard your islands cruise.
Mykonos
When you’re on the lookout for a very good celebration on the Med, Mykonos is the final vacation spot. Dance the night time away, get up at midday, then lounge in the solar till you’re prepared to go once more.
Mykonos is for the party-hearty so come prepared. Right here is my rundown of the greatest seashores and celebration spots on the island.
After partying it up right here, I got here again later for a romantic getaway with my man and stayed in the Myconian Assortment for a extra chill time.
Not that you simply want any extra convincing…however listed here are 20 beautiful images to encourage you to journey to Mykonos!
Oía, Santorini
Santorini
Whenever you see these Greek postcards of white buildings glowing in entrance of an infinite turquoise sea, you’re in all probability taking a look at a shot of Santorini.
For a quintessential Greek getaway, that is the excellent spot for first-time guests.
It’s positively one among the most romantic locations in Greece. For those who’re going together with your particular somebody, there are just a few must-visit locations for {couples} Santorini. For those who’re on the lookout for final romance or a dreamy place for a getaway together with your honey, positively try my evaluations of Andronis Boutique Lodge and Andronis Arcardia.
On the lookout for some inspiration? Take a look at all the fairly as a postcard views of Santorini in these images!
Knossos at Crete
Crete
Greece’s largest island, Crete is one among the islands farthest from the mainland. Because of this, it tends to get fewer guests. BUT this place has loads to supply, particularly if in case you have time to discover the huge terrain of this dynamic island.
Famend as the birthplace of Zeus, Crete is a high decide for historical past and Greek mythology lovers.
Corfu
In case you are on the lookout for a luxurious getaway, Corfu is the island for you. There are beautiful resorts and villas dotting the shoreline that has every thing you’ve ever dreamt of.
For a honeymoon or girlfriend getaway, look no additional.
Corfu is a major selection for tradition vultures too. Having been below Venetian, French, and British rule, the island has developed a singular tradition. For those who love luxe resorts but additionally like to discover the native scene, that is the Greek island for you.
Ruins of Temple of Apollo
Naxos
The group of islands referred to as the Cyclades are residence to a few of the key Greek archaeological ruins and locations of mythological lore. Situated in the Aegean Sea, Naxos is the largest islands of the Cyclades are it’s obtained some wonderful seashores.
For those who love water sports activities, that is an particularly great place. It will get extra wind than different Greek islands so windsurfing, kitesurfing, and plain previous browsing are well-liked right here. You’ll discover a collection of colleges that’ll assist you to get occurring the water.
Rhodes
Close to Turkey in the southeastern Aegean Sea, you’ll discover the gorgeous Dodecanese islands. Rhodes is the largest of those islands and it’s one among the high picks for a spring or autumn journey. Whereas a lot of Europe, most of Greece included, is chilly, Rhodes is heat from early April till properly into November so you’ll be able to take pleasure in some solar throughout the continent’s low season.
One other high decide for historical past lovers, this island is residence to the Colossus of Rhodes. One in every of the Seven Wonders of the Historical World, it is a must-see.
Hydra
One in every of the Greek Saronic Islands, Hydra is in the Aegean Sea nestled between the Myrtoan Sea and the Argolic Gulf. You may need seen this island as the backdrop of various films and it stays a spot beloved by jetsetters. Celebs from round the world personal properties right here and it’s a very good place for stargazing.
That is no LA although! In reality, automobiles are banned in Hydra so that you’re extra doubtless to see locals getting round by donkey than Ferrari.
I had a tremendous time crusing the Saronic Islands in Greece, and I’d extremely suggest taking your time getting round.
Kos
One other of Greece’s famend Dodecanese islands, Kos is a vacationer fave. Dotted with fascinating Greek and Roman ruins, this island has no scarcity of lush sandy seashores.
After all, there isn’t a scarcity of all-inclusive resorts that may supply a bit of slice of heaven. Kos is certainly a spot to contemplate for a chill seashore break.
Ios
One in every of the Cyclades, Ios is the Ibiza of Greece. In case you are on a quest for a continuous celebration in the Greek Isles, they’ve obtained you lined. From the begin of June till the finish of August, Europeans of their 20s descend on Ios wanting to dwell it up.
When you’ve labored up an urge for food, listed here are the ten native meals you’ve got to strive in Greece.
Paros
Paro is the hub for visiting the Cyclades and it tends to be fairly touristy in July and August, although nonetheless price trying out. When the island actually shines, nevertheless, is throughout the low season.
Whereas lots of the Greek islands shutter up exterior of summer time, Paros has a thriving year-round inhabitants so it’s life, as standard, all yr.
The locals (typically ex-pats who’ve adopted Paros as residence) create a extra conventional vibe in the small villages of the island so it’s a good place to expertise Greece.
For a have a look at the complete yr, try the greatest time to journey to Greece.
Ithaca
One in every of the hidden gems of the Aegean Sea, Ithaca is your Greek island in case you are wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle that you will see that in different spots throughout the peak seasons.
Visiting Ithaca positively does require just a few connections but it surely’s price it in the finish. This mountainous isle has flawless and sometimes abandoned seashores.
Skiathos
For those who’ve seen Mamma Mia, you’ll acknowledge Skiathos immediately. And this stunning island is greater than only a film set! Well-known for its seashores and celebration scene, that is one other high decide for the youthful crowd on the lookout for a wild trip.
Which Greek Islands have you ever been to and which might you suggest? Let me know in the feedback beneath!