This European country, steeped in ancient myths of gods and heroes, is famous for its many picturesque islands. There are more than two thousand islands in Greece, and this is one fifth of its territory. Many islands can boast a thousand-year history, natural beauty, excellent beaches and hotels. The best of them are visited by visitors from all over the world.
Crete
The largest Greek island is located in the Eastern Mediterranean, about a hundred kilometers from the Greek mainland. It has an area of 8.3 thousand km²: it stretches 260 kilometers long and 62 kilometers wide.
Crete is the southernmost of the islands of Greece. There are 340 days of sunshine a year. The climate, as on many other Greek islands, is subtropical Mediterranean, with hot dry summers, warm humid winters and a long bathing season from May to October. Crete is washed by three waters of the Mediterranean Sea – the Aegean, Libyan and Ionian Seas, and its coastline is studded with magnificent sandy beaches. Especially famous are Balos Lagoon, where the water shimmers with dozens of shades of azure, and Elafonisi Beach with its amazing pink sand.
The island is known as the center of Europe’s oldest Minoan civilization, which existed from 3300 to 050 BC. Its former heyday is evidenced by the ruins of the grandiose Knossos Palace, discovered by archaeologists in the early XX century in the vicinity of Heraklion – the capital of the island.
According to mythology, the palace labyrinth was inhabited by the monstrous Minotaur, who was defeated by the Greek hero Theseus. During the excavation of the palace, numerous frescoes, ceramics, gold jewelry and other works of art of that era were found. Today they are on display at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Crete has been ruled by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans in different historical eras. The architecture of these periods creates a colorful mosaic of the island.
This can be seen, for example, in the ancient Greco-Roman town of Aptera, where the remains of Roman baths and residential buildings have been preserved, as well as the medieval fortress of Koules, which was alternately ruled by the Byzantines, Venetians and Turks, and the beautiful church of Panagia Kera with Byzantine frescoes from the 15th century.
The island surprises with its diverse landscapes. Green valleys, cypress and palm groves neighbor with deep gorges and powerful mountain massifs up to 2456 meters high. The mountains here abound with karst caves – there are more than three thousand of them. According to myths, Zeus, the God of Thunder, was born in one of them – Dikteyskaya.
Euboea
The second largest Greek island, with an area of about 3.7 thousand km², stretches 170 kilometers from northwest to southeast. It is located in the Aegean Sea next to mainland Greece, from which it is separated by the narrow Eurypus Strait. The distance to Athens is 130 kilometers.
The history of Euboea, or Evia, dates back to the Bronze Age, and since antiquity the city of Eretria, where Socrates is believed to have founded his philosophical school, has been on the map. The ruins of a 5th century BC amphitheater are a reminder of the island’s antiquity.
The capital of the island, Halkida, welcomes travelers with the Venetian castle of Karababa, the pediment of the Temple of Apollo, the ancient quarter of Kastro with Venetian and Turkish buildings. Here you can see the basilica of XIII century Ayia Paraskevi and the only preserved in the city Emir-Zade Mosque, built in the late XV century.
Walking along the promenade, it is worth crossing the famous bridge over the Euripus Strait. Its first construction dates back to the 6th century BC, and it has been in its present form since 1962. Standing on the bridge, you can observe an amazing natural phenomenon: every six hours, the water flow first stops and then changes direction.
In addition to antiquities, people come to enjoy the beautiful nature of the island: dense forests, coastal cliffs, majestic mountain ranges. And Mount Dirfis, which reaches a height of 1743 meters, offers breathtaking panoramas and is popular among cycling enthusiasts.
There are beaches scattered all along the coastline, from organized to wild beaches. Kanatadika, a spacious sandy beach in the northern part of the island, is very popular. Kalamos and Kalami on the east coast offer a secluded vacation against the backdrop of the azure sea and picturesque cliffs. Edipsos beach in the resort town of the same name is famous for its thermal springs flowing directly into the sea.
Kefalonia
The largest of the seven islands of the Ionian Sea (about 780 km²) is located off the west coast of the Balkan Peninsula. Just three and a half kilometers away is the legendary island of Ithaca, the “birthplace” of Odysseus.
Kefalonia was settled in the 15th century BC by the ancient Greek tribe of the Lelegs. In different periods it was conquered by the Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Venetians and Ottoman Turks. Among the most significant monuments of history is the fortress of St. George in the vicinity of Argostoli, the capital of the island. The fort was laid out by the Byzantines in the 12th century and rebuilt by the Venetians in the 16th century.
The island is also famous for its Orthodox shrines. One of them is the Monastery of St. Gerasimos, founded in the 16th century by the monk Gerasimos of Kefalini and preserving his relics. Another is the monastery of St. Andrew the Apostle Milapidias with ancient icons of the Mother of God, first mentioned in the XIII century.
To get acquainted with the nature of Kefalonia, travelers go to the national park “Enos”, occupying the slopes of the mountain range of the same name. Rare black spruce trees, orchids and violets grow here, wild horses graze, and the mountain peak of Megolos Soros towers above it all.
Among the natural wonders of Kefalonia is the Drogarati Cave, which goes 60 meters deep. It is filled with giant stalactites and stalagmites that have been formed over thousands of years. Melissani Cave is also famous for the lake of the same name, part of which is located under the stone vault. The water in the lake is crystal clear and has an amazing blue color. The light penetrating through the hole in the cave’s vault creates a magical atmosphere.
Kefalonia’s beaches are sandy and pebbly, with crystal water. Myrtos, with its turquoise sea and white sand, is known as the most beautiful and clean among them. Antisamos is surrounded by green hills, Xi surprises with red sand, white clay rocks and warm water. Skalu pleases with developed infrastructure and water activities.
Corfu
The second largest Ionian island covers about 600 km² and lies close to the coast of Albania. It is known by two names: the Italian name Corfu and the Greek name Kerkyra. The latter was given in honor of the nymph who was kidnapped and brought to the island by Poseidon. According to myths, the Argonauts and Odysseus visited Kerkyra.
The history of the island dates back to the 8th century BC, when the first Greek settlements appeared here. Then it was part of the Roman Empire and Byzantium, and was under the rule of Venice and France. The impressive citadels that adorn the island’s capital, Kerkyra, have survived from those times: the Old Fortress, built in the 6th century by the Byzantines, and the New Fort, erected by the Venetians in the 17th century.
Walking around the Old Town, a UNESCO site, you can see the magnificent 19th-century Palace of St. Michael and St. George, where the Museum of Modern Art is open, see the 16th-century Cathedral of St. Spyridon with its beautiful frescoes, and check out the elegant French-style Liston architectural complex.
In the outskirts of the capital you can admire the masterpiece of neoclassicism – the Achillion Palace, named after the legendary hero of the Greek epic. It was built in 1890 for Empress Elizabeth of Austria, who liked to vacation in Kerkyra. Around it there is an exquisite garden with antique statues of Achilles himself. Today there is a museum with paintings, jewelry of the XIX century, antique furniture, personal belongings of the monarchs.
In general, Corfu is one of the greenest islands in Greece, with many olive trees, cypresses and flowering shrubs. To appreciate the beauty and enjoy the panoramic views, it is worth climbing the highest point of the island, Mount Pantokrator (906 meters).
The beaches of Kerkyra are also good. The most popular are the wide sandy beaches of Glyfada and Paleokastritsa, surrounded by green hills. There are also unusual locations, such as the Love Canal beach in the resort of Sidari, which is protected from winds by rocks and attracts visitors even on cooler days, and La Grotta with its rich underwater world – a real paradise for divers
Zakynthos
The third largest island of the Ionian archipelago (406 km²), located south of Kefalonia. It was named after Zakynthos, the heir of the Arcadian king Dardanus, who, according to legend, founded a city on the island.
In ancient times Zakynthos was ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and in the XV century for three centuries came under the rule of the Venetians, who called the island for its beauty “Flower of the East”. Unfortunately, the architecture of those epochs has hardly survived: many historical monuments on Zakynthos were destroyed by a terrible earthquake in 1953.
However, in the miniature capital city of Zakynthos, you can still feel the breath of antiquity. For this, explore the central Solomos Square, stroll through the Venetian quarter, explore the Byzantine Museum, and check out the church of St. Dionysios, the patron saint of the island.
But the main wealth of Zakynthos is its nature, which was admired by Homer: in the pages of the Iliad, the island appears “drowned in emerald forests”. Today, with its picturesque mountainous landscapes and lush vegetation, Zakynthos claims to be the greenest island in Greece.
The coastline is riddled with picturesque bays. Among them, Navajo Bay with white sand, sapphire-colored water and the hulk of a Turkish smugglers’ ship that ran aground in 1980 is especially popular. The cove is accessible only from the sea, so boats and launches are used to get here.
Another iconic location of Zakynthos is the Blue Grottoes in the northern part of the island. The surf has worked on the limestone rock, molding it into giant stone arches. Visitors are also brought here by boat. The water here is so clear that it seems to glow.
Laganas Bay is known as the National Marine Park, established in 1999 to protect rare Mediterranean ichthyofauna, including Caretta-caretta giant tortoises, which chose the beaches of Zakynthos as a breeding ground, and Monachus seals.
Zakynthos is a real beach paradise, where people come from all over Greece for a seaside vacation. The major resort center is the town of Laganas in the east of the island. There are many hotels, restaurants, clubs, and a spacious two-kilometer sandy beach. For a more sedate vacation go to Alikas, Kalamaki, Tsilivi, and for water activities are suitable Alikanas and Agios Nikolaos.
Rhodes
The largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago covers an area of 1.4 thousand km². It is washed by the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Aegean Sea to the west. The island is located close to the Turkish coast: from the resort of Marmaris to Rhodes can be reached by ferry in about an hour.
In antiquity, Rhodes was culturally important and served as a major trading hub for the region. Ships sailing to its shores were greeted by a 36-meter bronze statue of the god Helios, known as the Colossus of Rhodes. The statue, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was erected in the island’s harbor in the 3rd century and was destroyed by an earthquake.
In the Middle Ages, Rhodes became the center of the Order of St. John. The Venetians, Byzantines and Ottoman Turks also left their cultural mark. The capital city of Rhodes impresses with its powerful citadel, built by the Knights Hospitallers in the XIV century. Inside the fortress walls is the UNESCO-protected Old Town of Rhodes, the island’s main historical attraction. Narrow cobbled streets with ancient churches and mosques immerse you in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, while the museum exhibition in the Palace of the Grand Masters tells the history of Rhodes from antiquity to the age of the Knights.
Lindos is another destination for antiquity lovers in Rhodes. The picturesque town welcomes visitors with snow-white houses, and on a 100-meter high cliff stands the ancient Acropolis, dating back to the 4th century BC and second in importance after the Athenian Acropolis. From here you can enjoy a panoramic view of St. Paul’s Bay, which is shaped like a heart: according to legend, this is where the Apostle set foot on Rhodes to preach the teachings of Christ to the islanders.
Nature lovers should visit the Valley of Butterflies, or Petaludes, where in summer you can observe thousands of tiger moths, attracted by the aroma of local trees – oriental liquidambara.
It is also interesting for travelers to see the “Kiss of the Two Seas” at Cape Prasonisi, the southernmost tip of the island. This is where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Aegean Sea. They are separated only by a narrow spit of sand that disappears under the water during high tides.
The Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Rhodes is calm and warm, while the Aegean Sea is swell and slightly cooler. The best sandy beaches of the island are located on the eastern Mediterranean coast, with Faliraki, Kalifea, Lindos and Tsambika being the most popular. The western Aegean coast is ideal for surfers who enjoy catching a wave on the beaches of Ixia, Ialissos and Prasonisi.
Kos
The third largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago (290 km²) is washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea. Kos is also close to the Turkish resort of Bodrum (20 kilometers by water).
In ancient times Kos was a center of culture and medicine, later it was part of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. And in the XX century, like Rhodes, it was for some time under the jurisdiction of Italy.
The island is known as the birthplace of Hippocrates: the founder of modern medical science was born here in 460 B.C. In the center of the capital city – Kos – grows a huge sycamore tree, in the shade of which, according to legend, the great physician taught his students the wisdom of medicine.
Continuing to get acquainted with the theme of ancient medicine, you can take a tourist steam train and go to the ruins of Asklepion, a medical complex of IV century BC. Fragments of the sanctuary in honor of the god of medicine Asclepius and medical buildings that received patients from Greece in ancient times have been preserved.
Back in the Old Town, see the ruins of the ancient marketplace, the Ancient Agora, destroyed by an earthquake in the 5th century, with the remains of the amphitheater and the temples of Hercules and Aphrodite. You can also admire the massive towers of the medieval fortress built by the Ioannite Knights.
Kos is called the garden of the Aegean Sea: it has verdant valleys, low mountains covered with spruce, cypress and pine trees, and picturesque coastal areas. The main peak of the island is Mount Dikeos, 846 meters above sea level, which travelers seek to conquer to admire the sea panoramas. Also popular with visitors to Kos is the mountain village of Zia, captivating with its authentic atmosphere and views of the sunset sky over the sea.
A seaside holiday on Kos is a pleasure thanks to the abundance of coastal hotels, centers of water entertainment and activities. The beaches on the island are diverse: sandy, pebble, volcanic, with thermal springs, equipped and wild. The most popular ones are located in the resorts of Lambi, Psalidi, Kefalos and Kardamena.
Mykonos
It is located in the Aegean Sea and is part of the Cyclades archipelago, being the largest in it (85 km²). It was named after its first ruler, who, according to myth, was Apollo’s grandson. According to legend, Mykonos is where Heracles fought the giants: the defeated giants turned into the rocks that now tower over the island.
Like the other Cyclades islands, Mykonos was settled around the 5th millennium B.C. In ancient times it was under the rule of Athens and Rome, in the Middle Ages it was ruled by the Byzantines, Venetians and Ottoman Turks. At the end of XIX century Mykonos began to attract travelers from Europe, and in the XX century turned into a respectable resort, a favorite vacation spot for Hollywood celebrities and show business stars. Today Mykonos claims to be the most cosmopolitan and fun island in Greece.
The main town here, Mykonos, or Chora, captivates with its cozy atmosphere created by narrow cobblestone streets, white-washed houses with bright blue shutters, churches and chapels – there are 365 of them on the island, as well as the days of the year. One of the most famous is the church of Panagia Paraportiani, built in the XV-XVII centuries.
The city’s popular tourist area, Little Venice, with houses seemingly growing out of the water, conjures up associations with the famous Italian city. Its taverns, cafes and souvenir shops are always crowded, and surprisingly, pink pelicans can be found roaming the streets.
Those wishing to learn more about the rich history of the island can visit the archaeological and ethnographic museums in Mykonos. Nightlife lovers will find many bars and clubs where the fun continues until the wee hours of the morning with the hottest music from famous DJs.
The landscape of Mykonos is typical of the Cyclades: it is a rocky island with hills, sparse vegetation and picturesque bays. There are 16 ancient windmills scattered around the hills, which are considered the symbol of Mykonos.
The island’s beaches offer seaside vacations to suit all tastes. Psaru caters to a glamorous crowd that appreciates luxury and comfort, while Paradise and Super Paradise attract young people with their lively parties. Elia, with its long coastline and soft sand, has a laid-back atmosphere. Cozy Agios Stefanos is perfect for family vacations. And Kalofati is for windsurfing, diving and other water sports.
About 20 minutes by boat is the island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A famous archaeological site and an important religious center of ancient Greece, it is also described in mythology as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Santorini
A list of the best islands in Greece would not be complete without this small (76 km²) piece of land in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. It belongs to the Cyclades archipelago and is world famous for its extraordinarily beautiful sunsets.
The first settlements appeared on Santorini in the V millennium B.C. A couple of millennia later, the local civilization reached its peak, and in 1650 B.C. a powerful eruption destroyed all life on the island. It remained uninhabited until the 13th century BC. The echo of that cataclysm – a huge volcanic depression, or caldera, filled with sea water – is one of the main natural symbols of the city. Today, boat rides are available along it. And to enjoy the panorama of the caldera, you need to climb to the top of the 300-meter slope, on which the capital of Santorini – Fira “climbs” up. There are 587 steps that can be climbed on foot, on a donkey or on a cable car, and on the way you can admire traditional Cycladic architecture: pretty houses in blue and white colors.
For sunset watching, head to the town of Iaia, 12 kilometers from Fira. Narrow streets with whitewashed houses, blue domed churches and picturesque terraces make this place extremely atmospheric. Everything here disposes to a peaceful contemplation of the riot of colors in the sunset sky.
Antiquity lovers will be attracted to Santorini by the open archaeological excavations near the village of Akrotiri. In the 16th century BC there was a Cycladic settlement here, which today is called the Greek Pompeii. The discovered fragments of buildings, skillful frescoes and other artifacts testify to the high culture of the civilization that existed here before the volcanic eruption.
To enjoy a seaside vacation on the island, guests head to the black volcanic sand beach of Kamari, the largest in Santorini, with a diverse selection of activities including snorkeling and diving. The miniature beach of Amoudi, surrounded by red cliffs and with excellent fish restaurants on the shore, is also charming for swimming.
Conclusion
The islands of Greece are a combination of natural beauty, rich history and distinctive culture. On these small pieces of land, ancient palaces and chivalric castles, majestic mountains and verdant valleys, volcanic landscapes and sandy beaches come together like a kaleidoscope. Meeting each of them gives vivid impressions and amazing discoveries. Local guides are available on the Tripster website and app to help you discover the culture and history of the Greek islands.
