Greece is a country that you want to come back to again and again! Its unsurpassed history, rich culture, unforgettable Greek cuisine and hospitality of the locals attract tourists from all over the world.
The mild climate, amazing landscapes, calm rhythm of life and special atmosphere create ideal conditions for relaxation. Greece is rightfully considered the most “maritime” country in Europe, as its shores are washed by the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean Seas, and there are thousands of beautiful islands in the country, each with its own unique character.
We have selected for you the most popular islands of Greece that will surprise you with their beauty. Do you want to immerse yourself in the true spirit of Greece? Visit its beautiful islands!
Santorini Island
Santorini is one of the most famous and beautiful islands of Greece, which has a unique history of its origin. The island was formed after one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in history. It used to be round and larger, but after the eruption of Thera volcano, this piece of land was divided into several smaller islands that formed the Cyclades archipelago. As a result of this natural cataclysm, a huge caldera was formed – an impressive volcanic crater that is washed by the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. This place has become one of the island’s trademarks, attracting many tourists from all over the world.
Santorini has not only spectacular scenery but also a rich cultural heritage. Local legends, archaeological sites, and picturesque white houses with blue roofs located on the steep slopes of the caldera create a unique atmosphere. Walking through the narrow streets, you can feel the spirit of ancient Greece, plunge into history and enjoy incredible sea views.
What to do in Santorini
Santorini has many interesting places and activities that will allow every tourist to find something for themselves. One of the main historical sites is Akrotiri, an archaeological site representing the ruins of a Minoan city that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption.
This place is fascinating not only for its historical significance, but also for the artifacts that were found here. Archaeologists have discovered the remains of furniture, dishes, art fragments, and even texts written in the linear B script, which allows scientists to recreate the life of the island’s ancient inhabitants.
Santorini is also known for its incredible sunsets, which attract thousands of tourists every year. Watching the sun slowly disappear behind the horizon, illuminating the sky with all shades of pink, red, and orange, is an unforgettable experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Outdoor enthusiasts will not be bored either. The island offers exciting horseback riding along the coast, kayaking trips to mysterious caves, and even the possibility of scuba diving to explore the underwater world of the Aegean Sea. If you want to spend more time on land, you can visit local museums, archaeological sites, galleries, and ceramic workshops where you can see the process of making traditional products.
Special attention should be paid to the winemaking of Santorini. Local winemakers use unique grape varieties that are grown in special clay pots known as “kanavas”. Even if you’re not a big wine connoisseur, trying it on the island is a must on your bucket list.
Mykonos Island
Mykonos Island is a place that attracts tourists with its unique atmosphere of entertainment and endless parties. It is often compared to Ibiza due to the numerous nightclubs and unforgettable parties that take place here at every turn. A particularly popular place is Paradise Beach, where the turquoise water of the Aegean Sea combines with the white sandy shores to create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and fun. There is always a festive mood here, and parties last until dawn, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Mykonos is an amazing island known for its picturesque towns and small bays, where every corner is filled with a sense of freedom and relaxation. You can get here only by plane or by sea, but this does not stop those who want to plunge into the world of music, dance and entertainment. The island is famous for its taverns, cafes, bars, and restaurants, where everyone can find something to their taste. Local clubs open their doors long before sunset, offering guests to plunge into the atmosphere of a holiday that lasts until the early morning.
What to do in Mykonos
Mykonos Island has many types of recreation that will satisfy the most demanding tourists. In addition to the famous discos and club parties, the island is famous for its delicious Greek cuisine. Local taverns offer traditional dishes such as Greek feta salad, juicy soulaki kebabs, and other local specialties. A visit to the M-eating restaurant will give you gastronomic pleasure from freshly caught sea bass and other author’s dishes.
One of the main attractions of Mykonos is the town of Chora. Here you can see the famous 16th-century windmills that have become a symbol of the island. In the Little Venice area, located along the coast, houses literally stand on the water, creating a unique atmosphere reminiscent of Italian Venice.
Corfu Island
Corfu (Kerkyra) is one of the most impressive and distinctive islands in Greece, located in the northern part of the Ionian Sea. Thanks to its geography, it combines unique contrasts: on the one hand, mountain ranges offering exciting routes for trekkers and mountaineers, and on the other, amazing beaches with emerald water where you can feel real peace and relaxation. Such a variety of landscapes makes the island an ideal destination for tourists who want to combine active recreation with the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty.
Corfu is also distinguished by its special climate, which differs from other Greek islands. The air here is quite humid, which contributes to the development of dense and lush vegetation, making the island a real “green paradise”. Compared to other islands, the average temperature on Corfu is slightly lower, which creates pleasant conditions even in the hottest summer months. This is especially attractive for those who are looking for a milder and more comfortable climate for their vacation.
What to do in Corfu
Corfu is an island that can surprise you with a variety of leisure activities and many unique places. Everyone will find something for themselves here – from cultural attractions to picturesque natural landscapes. If you are interested in history and architecture, one of the main places to visit is the Vlacherna Monastery, located on a small peninsula connected to the island by a bridge. Its landscapes often resemble pictures from postcards, and the beauty of this place inspired such writers as Shakespeare and Zbigniew Herbert.
You should definitely visit Paleokastritsa, a resort town with incredibly clear turquoise water and silver beaches. Here you can enjoy both a luxurious vacation and exploration of rocky coves and ancient ruins. The La Grotta Bar and the Castle of Angels on the hill are also on the must-see list for those who want to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of authentic Corfu.
Crete Island
The island of Crete is a real pearl of the Mediterranean and the largest of the Greek islands, which fascinates tourists with its unique beauty and wealth of historical monuments. Located south of the Greek mainland, Crete is not only the southernmost island geographically, but also one of the most attractive tourist destinations due to its natural and cultural treasures.
Crete is famous for its magnificent scenery: from the endless blue sea to majestic mountain ranges and picturesque gorges. The island’s beach line stretches for more than 1000 km, providing many opportunities for relaxing in the sun and swimming in crystal clear waters.
Crete’s climate is particularly attractive: even in the peak of summer, the heat is not excessive due to the influence of the sea breeze and the protective mountains. The swimming season on the island lasts much longer than on other Greek islands or the mainland, with the opportunity to enjoy the sea from April to November.
The island also impresses with its well-developed tourist infrastructure and variety of entertainment. High-class hotels, a variety of restaurants with excellent Mediterranean cuisine, as well as many cultural and entertainment events guarantee a comfortable and interesting vacation. At the same time, Crete retains its authentic character through numerous small villages where time seems to have stopped and you can feel the true spirit of the local culture.
What to do in Crete
Crete is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you will find plenty of opportunities to explore nature and feel the adrenaline in your blood:
- Hiking and trekking: The Teres and Samaria Gorges offer fascinating hiking trails with unparalleled natural scenery. The trekking routes in Samaria National Park are particularly popular, where you can enjoy spectacular gorges and rare species of flora and fauna;
- Caves: Diktay and Sphedoni are caves that attract researchers and caving enthusiasts. Their unique formations and underground lakes make these places ideal for exciting expeditions;
- Beach vacations and water sports: Crete’s beaches, such as Elafonisi with its pink sand and Balos Lagoon, offer excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling and water sports. The sandy beaches with crystal clear water are the perfect place for water activities;
- Kayaking and surfing: For those looking for a new experience, Crete offers kayaking and surfing opportunities, especially on the west coast of the island, where the waves and wind create ideal conditions for these sports.