If you are thinking of visiting Greece this summer you’re probably looking at Athens or the many Greek islands off the coast of Greece
If you are thinking of visiting Greece this summer than you are probably either looking at Athens or the many Greek islands off the coast of Greece. If you are lucky enough then probably both. Athens offers the immense history of Greece with a new city feel, like Rome it is quite amazing to see. The islands, on the other hand, offer some of this with their own unique blend of activities and island life feel. Villas in Crete or mykonos vacation rentals allow you to combine luxury with that island life feel. Finding the right destination for you can sometimes be a bit of a challenge and for that reason, I have put together a selection of some of the best islands and what they have to offer a visitor. From solo female travel to family and friends, the islands are a great choice for any visitor.
Mykonos:
One of the most popular and most visited of the islands off the coast of Greece is Mykonos. Mykonos beaches attract families and couples looking to unwind and take a break from life in general. You will find countless secluded beaches and family-friendly locations throughout the island.
Windsurfing is quite popular as are a host of other water sports for those of you who wish to get some activities covered while you are there. Plenty of accommodation can be found on the island form villas to hotels and everything in between. If you like to party, you as well will find quite a few nice locations also.
The ferry is the best option for reaching the island and then hopefully you can squeeze in a visit to one or two more islands allowing you to discover more history and culture. Quite famous on the island also are the food and wine tours which take you around the island.
Ios:
Most famous for its nightlife and its beaches Ios is for the partiers among you. Geared for groups or couples this is a great location to unwind at night and relax during the day, most probably on Mylopotas Beach.
Ios can only be reached by ferry, either from the mainland or from neighboring islands. You will find many visitors coming from Santorini which lacks a beach to live up to its stunning backdrop.
Chora the main village on the island is popular during the day with many restaurants for you to dine in and at night for its many clubs and bars. For a break from the party, there are a few hikes and trails that you can take a walk on, so you don’t spend all your time at the beach.
Accommodation can either be found along the beach or in Chora village. Those located near the beach are also quite more expensive than anything found further inland.
Santorini:
It’s hard to think of a place with a more beautiful setting than Santorini as I mentioned above. The island is famous the world over for its whitewashed homes with blue shutters and roofs. A favorite among newlyweds and old romantics Santorini is not a place for the big partiers among you.
Stroll through the street and find a nice restaurant or café to relax with a significant other and enjoy your surroundings and the amazing locals who are always happy to help. Probably the most picturesque of the islands the surroundings offer a stunning backdrop for would be photographers also.
The easiest option for reaching Santorini is the fly from Athens. It is a 45-minute flight that is usually quite affordable, there is also frequent ferries from several locations along the Greek coast and other islands.
Zakynthos:
Like its smaller neighbor Ios, Zakynthos is famous for its beaches and nightlife, with some of the best beaches being located on this island. Shipwreck Cove is especially popular due both to the said shipwreck and the beauty of the beach itself. Some extreme sports that take place include base jumping, paragliding and snorkeling.
Famous for its nightlife Zakynthos is a favourite destination for the younger crowd which stay on the south coast of the island. For a more scenic and relaxing stay, the North Coast would be more for you. stay head North to the above-mentioned beach and the rugged landscape on offer in the area.
Crete:
Crete is the biggest of all the Greek islands and therefore has a combination of things to offer a visitor. You can reach the island either by flight or ferries which embark from the mainland and many surrounding islands. Thus, you can take day trips or extended trips from the island to surrounding areas. But let’s look at some things that you should get up to when you make your way to Crete.
Perched on the south coast of Crete, Loutro is a tiny little fishing village that you must visit. If you want to see how old Greek was this then is a must. Due to its remoteness and accessibility, it has held onto its own unique Greek flavor.
More accessible are the ruins of Knossos the oldest city in Europe. Then there are beaches, the food, tours and so much more that Crete has to offer, combining almost every facet of the other islands together. Olive oil and cheese are two must tries also on the island.
This is just a small selection of some of the most popular islands in Greece there are many, many more with other things to offer which you should also investigate.
