There are more than a thousand islands in Greece: big and famous, small and charming, very tiny and almost uninhabited. The most famous resorts are heard by all travelers in the world, they are Crete, Rhodes, Zakynthos, Santorini. But who has heard, for example, about the picturesque Skopelos or Andros? Among these many land areas, you can find real paradises.
The Greek islands are, first of all, stunning natural landscapes, an alluring seaside, architectural monuments that remember the heyday of ancient civilizations, hotels for every taste, hearty cuisine, and an unforgettable vacation that you definitely want to repeat again.
Popular Greek islands for a seaside holiday
Crete
The largest island and tourist center in Greece. It is equally good for lovers of classic summer holidays thanks to its many beaches and for people keen on ancient history - this is where the ancient Minoan civilization originated. Crete has two airports, several resort areas, a developed transport system and a huge amount of entertainment for travelers. It is not for nothing that in terms of popularity it ranks first among Russian tourists among all the Greek islands.
Kos
An island in the Aegean Sea, which is called the sea garden for the abundance of lush vegetation. It is quite small - 45 km long and 11 km wide, but, despite this, it does not suffer from a lack of attractions and interesting places. The ancient temple of Asklepion, Roman ruins, the 15th century Ioanite fortress, the medieval Haji Hasan mosque and, of course, a large number of sandy and pebble beaches are located here.
Rhodes
Rhodes had a reputation as a popular resort even before the outbreak of World War II due to its excellent beaches and climate. Even today it is worthy of keeping the brand of one of the most demanded in Greece - travelers from different European countries flock here. The downside to this fame is that there are too many tourists during the high season, who literally attack the embankments, restaurants and coastal areas.
Corfu
The first tourists to Corfu are the ancient Romans. The island has always been so attractive that many peoples fought for the right to possess it. Because of this, a distinctive culture has formed here, which has absorbed the features of different civilizations. There are more than 20 resort towns in Corfu, where they are happy to welcome guests: those located in the southern zone are more youth-oriented, the west and north are suitable for a quiet family vacation, the central areas are distinguished by the greatest variety of hotels and entertainment.
Thassos
The island is located just 12 km from mainland Greece, it is separated from the latter by the waters of the bay of the same name. It is often called the "emerald island" due to the fact that it is covered with cedars, pines, olive trees, linden trees, located on the hillsides. Tourists are attracted by beaches with white sand, in harmony with green slopes, clear sea and marble rocks gleaming in the sun.
Zakynthos
In the middle of the 20th century, an earthquake destroyed almost all the historical monuments of Zakynthos. Of course, they were restored over time, but nevertheless, the connection with the past was partially lost. However, for travelers, this does not seem to matter, as most of them come to Zakynthos in search of sun, even tan and warm sea. The length of the coastline is over 100 km. It is covered with landscaped and picturesque beaches.
Santorini
The fabulously beautiful Santorini has a completely postcard look. Who has not seen advertising brochures, which depict snow-white houses with blue roofs against the backdrop of a sapphire sea and red-brown rocks? This is not even an island, but an entire archipelago, which, in addition to Santorini, includes Nea Kameni, Aspronisi, Palea Kameni and Thirassia. Here tourists will find stunning landscapes, impeccable service and incredible sunsets.
Evia
People come to the island not only for the beach holiday, but also because of the mineral springs with healing water, trying to combine business with pleasure in one vacation. The landscapes of Evia are mountain gorges, coniferous groves, secluded beaches in small bays. The main tourist area is in the south, in other parts of the hotel there are not so many hotels, but so much the better for travelers looking for peace and quiet.
Mykonos
This is a fashionable resort where bohemians prefer to relax. It is also a welcome place for advanced youth, nudists and members of sexual minorities. The prices for hotels on the island are higher compared to other places, and in general - the rest here will cost more. Most of the beaches are located in the southern part, which is well protected from the wind. Water sports are developed in Mykonos: diving, windsurfing, water skiing.
Kefalonia
The island is located in the Ionian Sea, it was named after the character of one of the Greek myths - Kefala. There are many pebbly and sandy beaches marked with the Blue Flag, as well as picturesque natural sites and man-made attractions dating back to different historical periods. These are castles of the Venetian era, Greek monasteries, Roman villas. The famous Robola wine is produced in Kefalonia.
Symi
At various times, the territory of Symi belonged to the Turks and the British. The island was returned to Greece only in 1948. Unlike more popular resorts, local beaches are more modestly equipped, but they have everything you need. Rest on Symi is suitable for calm tourists looking for solitude and wanting to enjoy the natural scenery without unnecessary fuss. The island has a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.
Aegina
The island is located just one hour by ferry from the Greek capital. Aegina is known throughout Europe due to the fact that pistachios grow here, which are delivered to shops in many countries. There are about 20 beaches for tourists. Due to the fact that the coastal strip is quite narrow, the swimming areas are crowded during the high season. Holidays on Aegina are equally suitable for both noisy youth companies and families with children.
Hydra
Greeks themselves like to come to the resorts of Hydra. It is an amazingly atmospheric place that still retains its traditional spirit. Near the harbor you can see riding donkeys, stone houses with red tiled roofs huddle on the rocks, small church bell towers rise here and there in the middle of narrow streets. There are no wide sandy beaches in the town of Hydra - only a promenade clad in concrete, so it can hardly be called a classic resort.
Milos
The number of beaches in Milos is simply incredible - there are more than 70 of them, which is very good news for a tourist. Moreover, the island is distinguished by a varied natural landscape and picturesque panoramas: you can endlessly admire the cliffs, plains, groves and sea harbors. The best beach in the resort is Paleochori, surrounded by colorful hills. It will also be pleasant to swim against the backdrop of snow-white rocks in secluded bays.
Paros
The infrastructure of Paros began to develop relatively recently, gradually the island is turning into a modern tourist center. The sun shines here more than 300 days a year, great weather, warm sea, comfortable climate without sweltering heat even in summer (thanks to northern winds) - what else does a tourist need? You can come to Paros in any season, because there is something to see here.
Patmos
The island is located just a few tens of kilometers from the Turkish coast. Despite the rather impressive length of the coastline (more than 60 km), there are not so many places suitable for swimming here due to the prevailing rocky landscape.Tourists usually visit Patmos as part of a cruise, rarely staying overnight, which is why it is relatively calm here even during the high season.
Samos
It is one of the largest islands in the Aegean and was the center of Ionian culture in ancient times. Its fertile lands were highly prized even before the advent of our era. Today Samos is a great place for a secluded getaway on quiet beaches, leisurely exploration of the rich historical heritage, health walks along the mountain trails and sea cruises along the coast.
Lefkada
Almost the entire west coast of Lefkada is made up of white cliffs, creating an incredible contrast to the piercing blue sea. The sandy beaches of the island are long strips of glittering sun, surrounded by green slopes. Once this territory was part of the mainland, but in the 7th century BC, the locals dug a canal, thus creating an artificial island.
Skiathos
A small island with a population of only 6 thousand people, but nevertheless considered one of the busiest resorts in the region. Tourists are welcomed by more than 300 hotels, not counting local residents who rent out private apartments. It even has its own airport serving charter flights from European countries. More than 90% of the territory of Skiathos is covered with coniferous groves, which are surrounded by sandy beaches.
Lesbos
Another name for the island is Mytilene, which is how the locals prefer to call it. Lesvos is known all over the world thanks to the ancient Greek poetess Sappho, who glorified same-sex love. This fact is reflected in modern times - representatives of sexual minorities like to come to the resort, considering it their symbolic homeland. Agriculture and trade flourish in Lesvos, but the tourism industry also brings the lion's share of the budget.
Ikaria
The island was named after the famous mythical hero Icarus, who made the wings and crashed during the flight. This place is attractive for its natural beauty and some distance from the noisy tourist centers, so local beaches are perfect for seekers of peace and quiet. The main advantages of Ikaria: the pristine beauty of nature and healing mineral springs.
Ithaca
Homer's Odyssey homeland. It has a fairly indented coastline dominated by pebble beaches. The tourist infrastructure is rather poorly developed here, so the island still retains its special charm. On Ithaca it will be interesting to visit the fishing villages, wander the hiking trails, ride along the coast in a rented boat and walk along the quiet streets of the towns.
Naxos
Previously, the island was better known as a major marble mining region, today it is gaining popularity as a seaside resort, quickly gaining fame among travelers. On Naxos, tourists will find a clear sea, hospitable locals, excellent beaches (there are about 20 of them here), valleys overgrown with green vegetation and picturesque mountains. The island's land is very fertile - excellent quality products are prepared in all local taverns.
Chios
For a long time Chios was considered a home resort - mainly Greeks came here. But nothing stands still, today the resort is being intensively developed by foreign tourists. They admire the beauty of nature, the amazing national color and hospitality of the islanders, who have not yet been spoiled by the continuous streams of people and do not seek to earn as much as possible from travelers.
Paxi
A small island once owned by pirates. Until the end of the 20th century, local residents calmly cultivated grapes and fished, until tourists paid attention to this place. But despite the intensive development of infrastructure, the island has retained a reputation as a safe haven where you can safely hide from adversity. According to legend, Paxi was created by the god of the deep sea Poseidon.
Karpathos
Tourists never stop discovering untouched corners among the many Greek islands in order to master them and turn them into yet another popular resorts. One of these places is Karpathos, which until recently lived a calm and measured life. In the north, charming rural landscapes still prevail: herds of grazing cattle, vineyards, half-empty harbors of small towns, but closer to the south the picture changes and the island begins to take on its usual holiday look.
Nisyros
The island is located between Tilos and Kos, very close to the Turkish coast. It is of volcanic origin, but the crater's activity has long since ended. According to the myth, Nisyros appeared due to the fact that Poseidon tore off a part of the rock from Kos in order to throw it at the giant Polybotes, who dared to anger the sea lord. There is only one city on Nisyros with a population of about a thousand people.
Andros
Little known to foreign travelers, but loved by the Greeks, Andros is an amazingly beautiful place and an ideal destination for domestic tourism. It is not crowded here even during the high season. Numerous hotels and owners of private apartments offer their services, ready to rent a room at fairly affordable prices. Families with children and couples looking for solitude will love the island.
Skopelos
It is difficult to get to Skopelos - unlike the popular Crete and Zakynthos, where planes arrive from all over the world, you can only get here by ferry. Most of the territory is covered with mountains, settlements are located along the coast. There are many hotels here, as well as people, but in the central part of Skopelos you can walk for hours and not meet a single living soul. The largest beach on the island is Stafilos. The whole resort life is concentrated on it.
Lemnos
The island can hardly be called a tourist Mecca, since it has not yet managed to gain popularity and attract a large number of travelers. But so much the better for people seeking solitude. What could be more beautiful than relaxing among the natural landscapes in small cozy hotels, more like the private homes of local residents, or days spent on spacious and unoccupied beaches?
