Greece attracts a vast number of tourists each year who are eager to see Athens and Piraeus, Sparta and Corinth, visit local landmarks and enjoy the nature and climate. Of course, one should not forget that Greece is not only its mainland and the Peloponnese peninsula.
The Greek islands, scattered across three seas, boast ancient history dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, picturesque landscapes, pristine bays and splendid beaches. In this article, we shall discuss the most beautiful Greek islands where one can holiday with the whole family.
How Many Islands Does Greece Have?
The country comprises over 2,000 islands in total. Greek islands account for more than 24,000 square kilometres—about 20% of the country’s entire area—and are located in three seas: the Mediterranean, Ionian and Aegean.
The Greek islands are grouped into several archipelagos: the Ionian Islands, the Dodecanese (or Southern Sporades), the Northern Sporades and Euboea, the North Aegean Islands, the Cyclades and the Saronic Gulf Islands. A special place is held by the largest Greek island—Crete—which is not part of any archipelago.
Zakynthos
Zakynthos is the southernmost Greek island in the Ionian Sea. The Venetians, who owned the island for over 300 years, called it Fiore di Levante—Flower of the Levant—due to its lush vegetation that blooms exuberantly from April to October.
Today, Zakynthos is one of the favourite tourist destinations, where everyone can find entertainment to their liking. The local beaches are rightfully considered the most beautiful in Greece: the incredible Navagio Bay with its secluded beach accessible only by sea, the serene Vasilikos and Kalamaki, fully equipped for holidaymakers, Xigia with its therapeutic springs, and the Blue Caves with stunning views.
The island is home to the National Marine Park—the first of its kind in Greece: loggerhead sea turtles inhabit the Gulf of Laganas. Zakynthos has virtually no industry, save for an olive oil factory and a few wineries. The village of Volimes is known for its traditional carpets woven by local artisans.
The island boasts several ancient churches from the 12th-13th centuries, aqueducts and bridges, the Byzantine Museum and the Zakynthos Fortress built by the Byzantines, the Bochali district with its narrow streets and old houses, and the village of Katastari, which survived the 1953 earthquake.
The main attractions of the island are its grottoes and caves, bays and lagoons surrounded by peculiar rocks and greenery.
Kefalonia
When discussing the best Greek islands, one cannot fail to mention Kefalonia—one of the most popular resorts and the largest island in the Ionian Sea. Kefalonia has everything for an excellent holiday: beaches of incredible beauty, crystal-clear water, nature reserves, cosy towns and Venetian castles.
Among the most striking natural attractions, one should visit the Melissani Cave Lake and the Aenos National Park with its unique black firs and flowers.
Kefalonia’s beaches are the island’s calling card: most of them have been awarded the Blue Flag for water quality and amenities. The most popular ones include Myrtos, sheltered from winds by peculiar cliffs; Skala, one of the largest beaches on the island; Makris Gialos with its night discos and bars; and Poros, resembling a fantastic beast diving into the water.
The towns deserve special attention: Assos with its Venetian mansions and castle, Fiskardo with its traditional 18th-century architecture and port attracting sailing enthusiasts from around the world, and, of course, Argostoli with its picturesque harbour and museums.
Kos
When choosing Greek islands for a holiday, one must certainly visit Kos, situated at the very edge of the Dodecanese island group. Since ancient times, Kos has been known as Greece’s healing centre: Hippocrates was born here, he founded the first medical school here, and thousands of afflicted people flocked here to the Asclepeion, built in honour of the god of medicine Asclepius, in hope of healing.
Today, Kos is the only island among the Southern Sporades that can boast a wide variety of healing springs, and the ruins of the Asclepeion attract thousands of tourists. In addition to ancient thermal baths and infirmaries, Kos has preserved ruins of Christian basilicas, forts and castles of the Hospitallers.
Beach lovers on Kos can choose a beach to suit any taste: with sand, fine pebbles or even black volcanic sand. One of the most popular beaches is Paradise, or Bubble Beach: a sand spit stretches for almost 5 km, and volcanic gases often rise to the water surface right off the shore, creating a jacuzzi effect in the sea water.
Entertainment on Kos is equally diverse: the Kardamena resort is popular among young people and beach party enthusiasts, the north of the island—Tigaki and Marmari—is chosen by surfers, while families with children favour Kamari and Psalidi.
Crete
Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most popular among tourists. History enthusiasts can visit the Knossos Palace of King Minos, the ruins of the labyrinth where, according to legend, the Minotaur dwelt, explore the ruins of the ancient city of Falasarna and the Arkadi Monastery, admire the Frangokastello fortress and visit the Dikteon Cave where Zeus was born.
Those wishing to admire nature in Crete can walk through the largest canyon in Europe — the Samaria Gorge, visit Lake Voulismeni, or tour the Botanical Park of Chania.
Crete boasts over 200 beaches: there are world-class resorts, small lagoons, and tiny secluded coves. Elafonisi Beach with its pink sands and turquoise water, the well-equipped Vai Beach with crystal-clear water, and Balos Lagoon with white sand on the shore and a sunken pirate ship not far from the coast are just the most famous spots.
Active holiday enthusiasts can engage in diving, snorkelling, parasailing, rent a yacht or boat, embark on a journey through nature reserves and parks—on foot or horseback—or cycle along one of the routes, or take a hot air balloon ride.
In addition, Crete has well-developed infrastructure: there are 3 airports, 2 of which are international, and the major cities—Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno—have everything necessary for a comfortable holiday and life.
Mykonos
Mykonos, known for its sandy beaches, rocky hills, azure sea, white houses and windmills, is rightfully considered the most prestigious and expensive resort in Greece.
One of Mykonos’ hallmarks is its expensive boutiques and shops and vibrant nightlife. Chora, or Mykonos Town, is the main city on the island. People come here to stroll through narrow streets, admire the windmills, browse elite boutiques on Matogianni Street. In the evening, Chora comes alive with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, open-air discos and karaoke: music plays until dawn and the revelry never stops for a moment.
Mykonos offers a plethora of other entertainments as well. The village of Ano Mera is the complete opposite of Chora; here one can immerse oneself in the atmosphere of traditional local life, enjoy peace and tranquillity, visit the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani, take a trip to local dairy farms, rent a bicycle and ride along tourist trails, laze on the sand and swim in the turquoise sea.
The most popular beaches—Psarou and Platis Gialos—offer not only comfortable seaside relaxation but also water activities: snorkelling, diving, parasailing, windsurfing and much more. For a more peaceful and secluded holiday, head to the resorts of Agrari, Elia and Tourlos.
Surfing enthusiasts have taken to the northern part of Mykonos: due to strong winds, there are almost always waves here, except for the beaches of Panormos and Agios Sostis. Mykonos does not experience severe heat thanks to refreshing winds; the temperature rarely rises above 30°C.
Rhodes
The largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago, Rhodes is one of the most popular and beautiful Greek islands.
The capital of Rhodes, bearing the same name—its historical part—is inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The Rhodes Fortress—the residence of the Grand Master of the Order of Hospitallers, which survived sieges and earthquakes—has been restored and is now a museum. Not far from the capital are the ruins of the Acropolis with columns of the Temple of Apollo and the Olympic Stadium. In the southeast of the island lies the medieval town of Lindos and the famous Lindos Acropolis, while in the west are the ruins of ancient Kamiros.
Lovers of high society leisure can visit Mandraki—a small town that accommodates countless boutiques and brand shops, souvenir stores, cafes and restaurants. The Mandraki Promenade is a combination of Italian architecture and bustling nightlife with clubs, bars and casinos.
Faliraki is very popular among active holiday enthusiasts—here one can practise water and extreme sports, go-karting, attend a disco or beach party.
Another famous place on Rhodes is the Valley of the Butterflies, situated in a picturesque gorge full of curious ledges and small waterfalls. Every year, thousands of butterflies flock here attracted by the scent of resin emitted by styrax trees—an incredibly beautiful spectacle that all visitors to Greece strive to witness.
And, of course, Rhodes offers magnificent beach holidays: Kallithea, Lardos, Afandou, Trianda, Kiotari and many other beaches to suit any taste await holidaymakers.
Santorini
Santorini, or Thira, is a hugely popular tourist destination and one of the most beautiful Greek islands. The island attracts lovers of luxurious beach holidays and magnificent sunsets, ancient history and architecture, romance and fine wine.
The island’s history spans over 3,500 years: archaeological excavations have uncovered a city of Minoan civilisation buried under volcanic ash, and some believe that Santorini is part of the mythical Atlantis that sank to the bottom of the sea millennia ago.
Holidays in Santorini are incredibly diverse. Here one can enjoy picturesque nature and stunning sunsets, white houses against the backdrop of a turquoise sea, rent a yacht or boat and find secluded beaches hidden from prying eyes, scuba dive to the volcanic seabed and shipwreck sites, wander through the ruins of ancient cities and admire Byzantine fortresses, taste famous local wines and exquisite Mediterranean cuisine.
The capital of Santorini—Fira—was founded by the Venetians in the 16th century. The town is situated on a cliff slope at an altitude of 260 metres above sea level. Narrow winding streets, staircases and a cable car, a seaport, houses with colourful doors and windows, snow-white churches and cathedrals, museums and palaces, numerous souvenir shops and boutiques, cafes and restaurants, nightclubs and bars—all this awaits tourists in Fira.
Summary
Whichever Greek islands you choose to visit, everywhere you will find hotels to suit any taste, restaurants and cafes, bars and clubs, endless beaches and crystal-clear water, picturesque nature and friendly inhabitants. Many visitors dream of returning here again or staying here forever.
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