Greek Islands
greek islands, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu, Paros, Naxos, Crete, Samos, Kos
The Greek Islands can be a magical journey where body and soul reunite over the sunny shoreline and in the perfect deep blue Aegean Sea. Fairyland villages dot the landscaping and fishing boats bob in the harbour.
One visit to the Greek Islands will instill a feeling of transquility and charm which will last a lifetime. You will return home, but the visions of the Greek Islands will float using your mind like a fresh breeze. You will feel the sun on your back, the cool waters at your feet and you will long for the opportunity to have another Greek Island holiday.
Santorini
Santorini is the diamond of the Greek Islands. Its white sculptured villages are nestled atop steep volcanic cliffs that fall sharply to the deep blue Aegean Sea. This is paradise for shoppers, photographers, artists, hikers or anybody who just wants to sit at a cafe and soak up the sun and magic of the Greek Islands. If you only have time to visit one of the Greek Islands, it has to be Santorini.
Crete
Crete is the largest and most varied of the Greek Islands. It is 173 miles long east to west and as narrow as 5 to 30 miles north to south. In the west, it is covered with lush evergreens, while at the east, Crete is more arid and even hosts palm groves at Vai. There are beaches, resorts, hotels, apartments, archeological sites and ancient cities around the island. The interior is home to high mountain peaks and is popular with climbers and hikers.
Corfu
Corfu Town is the charming capital of Corfu. At times you may wonder if you are in Greek Islands or Italy. But be assured, you can get your souvlakis and frappes just as you would anywhere else on the Greek Islands.
Rhodes
Rhodes is located within eyesight of the Turkish coast and its capital Rhodos remains a blend of Turkish and Crusador influences. The Military Museum (above) is a good example of the cut stone buildings that make Rhodos one the most beautiful medieval cities in the world and one of the very most urbane and delightful cities on the Greek Islands
Mykonos
Mykonos is a cubist painting with white buildings, golden beaches engrossed in bronze bodies. Mykonos is young, hip and hedonistic with a touch of bourgeois. Over the years, it has gone from sleepy fishing villages, to jetset, to hipster haven and is now settling into more mainstream tourism. Perhaps too crowded at times, Mykonos is nonetheless an essential part of the Greek Island experience.
Paros
Paros offers the best of the Cycladic Island experience. Whether you arrive at the beautiful port town of Paroikia or the tiny airport, you will be charmed from beginning to end. You will lay on its golden beaches, stroll its cobblestone alleys, and pass through archways engrossed in brilliant bougainvilleas. Paroikia has a long boardwalk by the port that hosts dozens of great little restaurants and tavernas. Behind the port, you will find the historic old city with its winding alleys and small shops.
Skiathos
Skiathos is one of the northern most islands in Greece. Its pine covered hills and deep blue coves are home to some of Europe’s best beaches. Big Banana Beach (right) is a long sweep of white sand in a nature conservatory. There is one small taverna but the beach is famous for natural splendor, not its facilities.
Ios
Ios is well known as a party island and for Milopita Beach. Milopita is thought by many to be one of the best beaches in Greece. It is wide and sandy, has aquatic sports, camping and a wide range of hotels, apartments and rooms to let. There are a variety of restaurants – you may also choose from Thai or Mexican cuisine. All this and it still seems relatively pristine.
Naxos
Naxos is the biggest and many mountainous of the Cyclades Islands. The port has a Venetian fort and a long boardwalk of restaurants and cafes. A huge marble arch to an uncompleted temple overlooks the port from a nearby hill.
Sifnos
Sifnos main appeal is Platos Gialos – a sleepy little beach village where most of the signs are just in Greek. You almost seem like you’ve stumbled into a private party until you see English on the menus of just one of the half dozen tavernas. Sifnos is mostly visited by Greeks plus the rare tourist who is searching for a place the place that the discos don’t drown out the melody of the waves lapping up on the beach.
