The islands of Greece are the primary characteristic of the country’s morphology and play an integral part in the tradition and culture of Greece. There are 6,000 islets and islands scattered across the Ionian and Aegean Seas. A large amount of diversity can be found across these numerous islands, such as beaches stretching for miles, sheltered coves and bays, pebble beaches, sandy beaches boasting sand dunes, coastal wetlands, coastal caves, and colored sand of volcanic origin.
Santorini
The island of Santorini, known in Greek as Thera, practically erupts with charm, with a mythical experience provided by this island phenomenon. Map
Corfu
The Greek island of Corfu is considered to be the “Grand Lady of the Ionian,” and is often characterized by a number of mythical images. Greeks, Russians, French, English, and Venetians all have lived and thrived on Corfu and have each left their mark on the many attractions and sights of the island.Map
Folegandros
Situated between Milos and Sikinos in the Aegean Sea is the small island of Folegandros, an island that features quite a bit of beauty for its small size. Known for its magical charm, the island is thought by many to be one the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. Folegandros features the charming white-washed Hora with an old castle in the medieval era district of Kastro. There is also the Ano Meria settlement, famous for its “themonies” or agricultural complexes. The island’s main town is considered to be one of the country’s most striking. Another interesting attraction is the Aspropounta lighthouse.
Hydra Island
Hydra Island is perhaps the most impressive of the island within the Argo Saronic Gulf. Due to the island’s close proximity to the city of Athens, Hydra Island is quite a popular destination on the weekends during the summer months.
The town on the island was built along the slopes of a hill near a port and continues to impress visitors at first sight with its elegant stone mansions. One of the best things about Hydra is that no motor vehicles are allowed on the island. All transportation is by foot, boat, or donkey. There are also some beautiful beaches.
Ikaria
Ikaria may not exactly be one of the most amazing of the Greek islands, but it is certainly wild and rugged. While it lacks the array of beautiful beaches that many tourists look for when visiting islands in Greece, it makes up for them with gourmet food and a modern and lively nightlife. The picturesque village of Arethousa features the Theoskepasti Chapel, carved within a massive rock and photographed by many tourists. Visitors can also explore the island’s Folklore Museum and Archaeological Museum in Aghios Kyrikos to learn more about Ikaria, while the fishing village of Avlaki offers amazing fresh seafood. Map
Kos
Kos is one of the largest of the Greek islands. The island’s relatively large size allows for wider scope of events and activities for visitors, which is somewhat unusual for the islands of Greece. Over the years, Kos has become almost synonymous with biking, and thousands of visitors come every summer to tour the primarily flat island by bicycle. The island boasts plenty of natural beauty, spectacular and expansive beaches, traditional festivities, historical monuments, and more. Visitors can also explore the architecture of the island among its many structures, including the famous Asklepieion. The friendly and welcoming people of Kos are another highlight of the island. Map
Milos
Milos is certainly one of the Aegean’s most exotic islands. It’s one of the Cyclades’ most impressive islands and the place where the Venus de Milo was found. The beaches found on the island are colored orange, pink, and red by volcanic rocks. Kleftiko and Sarakiniko are steeped in pirate stories and feature caves formed by sea erosion, emerald green waters, and white rock formations. The multicolored Mandrakia, Emborios, and Klima with quaint structures cut into the cliffside as well as the exotic beaches and catacombs all make the island of Milos unique. Visitors can board a boat to view the coastline’s kaleidoscope of color. Map
Mykonos
Mykonos is definitely one of the more famous Greek islands, and is also possibly the most popular destination in all of Greece for visitors from all over the world. The cosmopolitan island offers just about everything, satisfying visitors’ appetite for adventure and luxury. Mykonos is consistently voted as a top destination for summer vacations due to its five-star service, luxury hotels, dreamy villas, award-winning restaurants, and amazing beaches. Perhaps one of the most photographed areas of the island is Little Venice. Other major attractions of Mykonos are its white-washed alleyways and the famous windmills. The white buildings and blue waters of the Aegean offer a stunning vista. Map
Naxos
The island of Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades group of islands of Greece. Naxos is a popular destination for tourists and offers plenty of attractions and activities. The island is large enough to not seem crowded even at the peak of tourist season. If visitors want to see everything the island has to offer, they may need to travel around by car. There numerous important medieval structures and ancient ruins, as well as some less significant ones. Several beaches can be found near the island’s capital of Naxos Town, also known as Chora. The windy island is perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Map
Rhodes
Rhodes provides many reasons for travelers to come and explore the Greek island, from its medieval old town and the Acropolis of Lindos to the ancient cities of Ialysos and Kamiros to the Valley of the Butterflies and Mandraki Port and much more. The landscape of the island is full of endless attractions, rich history, and generous, eye-catching natural beauty, making it one of the country’s most popular destinations for holidays. Traditional taverns serve local delicacies, and guests will find plenty more to do with the island boasting gourmet restaurants, ruins of ancient civilizations, castles, emerald green waters, and expansive sandy beaches. Map
