Which island in Greece should you choose for your vacation? Which island has the most beautiful beaches? Which island has many attractions?
Greece is rich in a variety of amazing islands, which are scattered across three seas: the Mediterranean, Ionian and Aegean. They attract travelers with their serenity, beautiful architecture and delicious cuisine. And fortunately, we live in a time when you can go explore the multifaceted Greece at any moment.
Crete
Let’s start with the most famous and largest island of Greece – Crete . This is where the largest number of attractions are concentrated, which you cannot visit in one go!
The most ancient place on the island is the Palace of Knossos. This building is the remains of the once great and powerful Minoan civilization, the oldest in Europe. You can continue your immersion in history at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion . Next, jumping forward several centuries, go to the cities of Rethymnon and Chania. In Rethymnon, you should definitely go up to the fortress, from where you will have a stunning view of the city and the coast, and in Chania, after an evening promenade along the embankment, do not forget to drop into one of the local fish restaurants and enjoy delicious Mediterranean dishes.
Santorini Island
Once a volcano, seething in the middle of the Aegean Sea, today it is one of the most fashionable holiday destinations. First of all, you should go to the city of Fira , from where, along the very edge of the former crater, there is a beautiful path to the neighboring city of Imerovigli. Also worth visiting are the local beaches: Kemari and Perrisa with black sand, Akrotiri with crimson red sand and Aspri Paralia with white sand. You simply need to end the day in the most beautiful town of Oia. In addition to the white stone houses that are the hallmark of the city, there is an observation deck that offers a magnificent view of the sunset!
Rhodes Island
Rhodes is at the top among holidaymakers. The most famous city is the capital of the same name, which is completely different from the rest of Greece. It rather resembles something oriental… Labyrinths of winding streets, high arrows of minarets, typical Turkish houses with balconies. The only reminders that you are in Greece and not Turkey are a couple of Christian churches and the incredible Palace of the Grand Masters! One cannot help but note the romantic Valley of Butterflies, where you can observe these miniature and amazingly beautiful creatures to the sound of waterfalls. And here, in the port of Mandraki, there is one of the seven wonders of the world – a huge statue of the Colossus of Rhodes!
Kefalonia Island
The most popular island among travelers, which still resists the arrival of big tourism and retains a certain originality, is the island of Kefalonia. All three main attractions are very conveniently located here. And the Drogariti Cave , and Lake Melissani , and the pearl of Kefalonia, Myrtos beach – all are located in the center of the island.
In addition, in the north of the island there is the beautiful Venetian town of Fiscardo (the only one not damaged after the earthquake), the village of Asos (the ruins of a Venetian fortress are located here) and, of course, the most cozy city of the island, its capital – the city of Argostoli.
Corfu Island
Let’s move on to the most Italian island of Greece. The capital, also called Corfu, very much resembles a small copy of Venice, only without the famous water canals. On both sides of the historical center of the city there are two fortresses – Old and New . From here the whole city is visible at a glance!
Corfu is called the emerald islands. It is simply buried in thickets of olive and orange orchards and vineyards. The already perfect picture is decorated with gentle tints of sea color: from delicate turquoise to juicy sapphire!
Mykonos Island
Do you know where all the best beaches in Greece are located? In Mykonos! This small island, washed by Aegean waters, boldly competes with Spanish Ibiza for the title of the most youthful resort in the Mediterranean. Here you will find everything: the most party beaches of Paradise and Super Paradise, the favorite place of nudists – Paranga Beach, the glamorous Psaros Beach, where celebrities and the rich relax, as well as the calmer and more traditional Agios Sostis or Platis Gialos.
In addition to the beaches, there is also something to see! We recommend visiting the colorful monastery of Our Lady of Urlos in Ano Mera and the place of romantic meetings – the Armenistis lighthouse.
Lesbos Island
You may be confused by the name… Don’t worry! Nothing extraordinary happens on the island. It’s just that this is Greece and the island got its name in honor of the poetess Sappho , who was born here , who talked about same-sex love in her works.
A real treat for all gourmets awaits in Lesbos! Traditional cheeses kopanisti and ladotiri , aromatic olive oil , as well as the famous anise liqueur ouzo are produced here . As in all of Greece, there are ancient attractions here : the fortress in the capital of Mytilene, the fortress of Molyvos and the church of Panagia Glycofilus.
Chios Island
Our toplist ends with one of the most unspoiled corners of Greece by tourists – the island of Chios. Anyone who prefers to enjoy nature and local color alone with themselves and their thoughts should come here.
Each city on the island is like a little pearl: ancient Mesta and patterned Pyrgi, bright Vesa and slightly dilapidated, but very “real” Pitios and Kalamoti. The capital of the island of Chios will also have something to please you with! Just look at the 10th-century fortifications with Turkish baths and the Byzantine museum located in an old mosque. By the way, Türkiye is literally across the street here! It is impossible not to mention the beaches: both large and small, different in color and texture. Prepare your camera and visit the black and pebble Mavra Volia Beach or the small picturesque Vroulidia Beach, a mix of sand and pebbles.