At first glance, the hundreds of islands scattered in the seas around Greece may seem very similar to each other. However, each is different in character even from its nearest neighbour. From party resorts and great hotels to artists’ retreats, temples and hillsides covered with wild flowers, these glorious islands offer holidays in all forms. Divided into six groups, plus Crete, the largest of all, we will introduce the main groups, highlighting their top attractions.
THE IONIAN ISLANDS
Majestic island scenery
Buzzing resorts and nightlife
Corfu’s Venetian architecture
With golden sands, green-shadowed mountainsides and bright blue water, it is no wonder these film-set islands attract attention. Relive the myth hiking Odysseus’ rugged island, Ithaca, take a boat ride around Zakynthos’ striking Blue Grotto or get underground in the subterranean caves of mountainous Keffallonia, the island famous for its star- turn in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Corfu, the largest and perhaps most scenic of the Ionians, throngs in peak season but has wide beaches, lively nightlife and elegant cafes amid Venetian architecture in Corfu Town. Close by, tiny Paxos is heaven of peace and pretty villages, while Lefkada offers sheltered bays busy with windsurfers.
THE ARGO- SARONIC ISLANDS
Chic harbour towns
Kythira’s deserted beauty
Day trips to Athens
The rocky Argo- Saronics once contained some of the wealthiest seaports in Greek waters and the harbours of Aegina, Poros and car- free Hydra are still lined with dignified Neo- Classical mansions- picturesque reminders of that era. Kythira, lies far to the south, just off the tip of the Peloponnese. Its deserted beaches, rugged coastline and sleepy hilltop villages offer refuge for the tourists who seek tranquility. Just a short hop from the mainland, frequent ferry routes mean that Athens with all its sites is just a few hours away.
THE SPORADES AND EVVOIA
First- class beach life
Island tradition on Skyros
Unspoilt hinterland of Evvoia
The popular islands of Skiathos and Skopelos attract many visitors with their endless sparkling bays, crystal water and colorful harbours filled with glossy yachts. Watersports, boat hire, plus a vast choice of tavernas and bars is what tourists can enjoy here. Lonely Skyros is an artists’ retreat offering traditional island culture in costumes, old- fashioned villages and herds of wild ponies, while Evvoia is an unsung hero of deserted coastline and wild, mountainous space.
THE NORTHEAST AEGEAN ISLANDS
Uncrowded beaches
Ancient and medieval sites
Eastern flavour of Lesvos
Surprisingly untouched by tourism, the dispersed cluster of islands is rich with ancient sites, natural charms and some superb beaches for the crowd- weary. Take your pick from mosaic villages and the Byzantine monastery, Nea Moni, on Chios, ancient temples, woods and waterfalls on Samothraki, Ikaria’s rocky coastline and lush valleys, or pretty villages on Thasos and wine tasting on Samos. Lesvos with its Ottoman domes and lively bazaar has an eastern feel. Be sure to take a plunge in natural thermal springs.
THE DODECANESE
Ideal for island- hopping
Monastery of St. John
Rhodes’ sun, sand and sights
The sizzling Dodecanese, the hottest of all the islands, are perfect, if you are looking for a combination holiday. Hop by ferry or hydrofoil from the large island of Kos to Patmos, the “Jerusalem of the Aegean”, and the 11th century Monastery of St. John. Then on to the utter tranquility of dots on the map like Lipsi, Symi and Tilos. There is even a semi- active volcanic crater on Nisyros. Rhodes rewards a longer visit for its world- class sights including the hilltop acropolis at Lindos and the fortified Palace of the Masters in Rhodes Old Town. Happily for some, history comes combined with fabulous beaches, great nightlife and 300 sunny days a year.
THE CYCLADES
Pretty hilltop villages
Chic bars and nightclubs
Ancient temples on Delos
The Cyclades, a volcanic archipelago of wide horizons and whitewashed villages with windmills and blue- domed churches, symbolize the Greek islands ideal. Sophisticated hedonists flock to the stylish hotels and cosmopolitan nightclubs of Mykonos, Amorgos, Santorini, with its sea- filled volcanic caldera, while nature- lovers will find excellent hiking on Naxos and snorkeling on Paros. Central to them, Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and one huge outdoor museum.
CRETE
Spring flowers and wildlife
Minoan palaces
Hiking the Samaria gorge
Sprawling Crete, Greece’s largest island, attracts returning visitors for its wealth of beaches, natural beauty- in spring, the hillsides burst with wild flowers. Relics such as the Minoan palaces of Knossos and Phaestos wait to be explored as do busy port towns and museums. The Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s top sights. Hikers will relish the tortuous 18km route and the reward of glorious mountain scenery.