White
sandy beaches, blue skies, turquoise water and colorful houses – this
is what a trip to the ‘cradle of western civilization’ of Greece offers.
From a bright and exuberant culture to a fascinating history full of
legends, monsters and idyllic coastlines, Greece has something for
everyone.
With a diverse mainland and thousands of islands, Greece has the 11th largest coastline in the world. Coupled with its humid but comfortable weather and the glorious Mediterranean Sea, Greece offers a unique opportunity to visit paradise on earth.
While is it impossible to list down every beach and island worth visiting in Greece, I have compiled a list of 5 Greek Islands you must visit before you die.
1 – Mykonos, Cyclades
As the great glamour island of Greece, Mykonos is the best choice for those looking to party. The vacation vibe on this trendy island is almost contagious, making this one of the most popular destinations to visit. With narrow streets, white washed houses and a stylish nightlife, Mykonos is also known as the ‘Island of the Winds.’
Things to do: Mykonos offers various water activities such as windsurfing, jet-skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, etc. Besides the beach and an exciting nightlife, you can also visit the Church of Panagia Paraportiani located in the town of Chora, tour the close by island of Delos for some archaeological fun or try the numerous restaurants/bars in the trendy Little Venice.
Where to Stay: Mykonos offers many choices of resorts and hotels located at the beach or situated in the towns/villages such as Agia Sofia, Glastros, Megali Ammos, etc. This island also has some of the best luxury villas Greece such as the Blue Villas Luxury Collection.
2 –Santorini, Cyclades
Even if you have never been to Greece, this 73 sq. km island in the Cyclades is instantly recognizable due to candy colored houses carved into the cliffs, black sand beaches and sapphire waters. On this crescent shaped island, you can find peace, dazzling panoramas and traditional Greek cuisine. Perched on the edge of a massive active volcano in the middle of the southern Aegean Sea, Santorini or Thira officially, is the top romantic getaway in Greece.
Things to do: Roam magnificent black beaches or explore the streets of a provincial village like Imerovigli. There is no shortage of things to do on this island –from a private wine tour to sunset cruises and a beautiful hike from Fira to Oia you will be spoiled during your stay here. Along with meals from classic tavernas, you can visit the picturesque port of Amoudi Bayor watch a movie at the open-air cinema in Kamari. If all else fails, you can visit the site of the ancient Minoan Bronze Age settlement, Akrotiri which may have formed the basis of Plato’s inspiration for the story of Atlantis.
Where to Stay: Oia, Fira, Firostafani and Imerovigli are some of the best towns located along the caldera cliff with breath-taking views of the volcano. You can also opt to stay in one of the various beach towns. However, for a truly luxurious experience opt to spend your time in one of the luxury villas in Santorini.
3 –Paxi, Ionian Islands
Paxi or Paxoi is the largest in the group of Ionian Islands. While it is smaller and lesser known among other Greek islands, this is the place to visit if you are looking for old fashioned charm and some peace and tranquillity. With a myriad of stunning beaches and numerous tavernas, this island has a magical atmosphere especially in the evening when tourists from close islands such as Corfu have left. You can enjoy a fiery sunset while sipping at Ouzo, the anise flavored aperitif which locals are fond of.
Things to do: You can swim in the beautiful beaches of Voutoumi, Vrika and Monodendri or hike around the island to see small settlements, tiny chapels and charming hilltops which offer some of the most stunning views in the country.
Where to Stay: While one of the least commercial islands in Greece, this island still offers a number of hotel apartments, resorts and beach villas to choose from with views of idyllic bays and serene hills.
4 – Elafonisos, Southern Peloponnese
For the first choice, we have decided to go for a hidden gem – the Elafonisos. Located in the southern Peloponnese, this exotic island measures around 19 sq. km and offers the quintessential island experience with pure white sand, turquoise water, clear blue skies and a bright sun. The Strait of Elafonisos is a slice of paradise with majestic beaches such as Simos, which has been rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.
Things to do: There is a never-ending list of activities you can do on this island including snorkeling and camping on the beach, exploring Simos and other awe-inspiring beaches such as Kato Nisi. If you get tired of the beach, you can spend a day visiting Pavlopetri –one of the oldest submerged towns dating back to 5,000 years.
Where to Stay: With a number of luxury villas and hotels to choose from, Elafonisos has something for all tourists depending on your budget. If you are the adventurous sort and a light traveler, you can also try camping on Simos beach for an unforgettable experience.
5 –Crete, Standalone Island
As the largest of all the Greek islands and the 88th-largest island in the world, Crete could potentially be seen as its own country. With numerous countries, mountain villages and pink sand beaches, this magical tapestry of ancient treasures and vibrant cities is one of the top destinations to visit in Greece before you die.
Things to do: From the chance to relax on splendid beaches or explore landscapes and dreamy villages, Crete is mixture of the old and the new. You can experience true Greek cuisine or explore the Herakleion Archaeological Museum for a comprehensive lesson on the Minoan civilization. From Venetian castles to the Samarian Gorge, Crete has something for every tourist. For a nightlife experience like none other, you can visit one of the many waterside clubs and bars with live music and wonderful views.
Greece
is known for many things – its ancient history, culture, cuisine and
breath-taking landscapes. Most of all, Greece is known as the land of
endless white and blue – two colors which also appear on its flag.
These are the top 5 Greek islands you must visit before you die. Opt for
one of the waterside luxury villas or town resort for a truly luxurious
experience – just remember to book well in advance. With a diverse mainland and thousands of islands, Greece has the 11th largest coastline in the world. Coupled with its humid but comfortable weather and the glorious Mediterranean Sea, Greece offers a unique opportunity to visit paradise on earth.
While is it impossible to list down every beach and island worth visiting in Greece, I have compiled a list of 5 Greek Islands you must visit before you die.
1 – Mykonos, Cyclades
As the great glamour island of Greece, Mykonos is the best choice for those looking to party. The vacation vibe on this trendy island is almost contagious, making this one of the most popular destinations to visit. With narrow streets, white washed houses and a stylish nightlife, Mykonos is also known as the ‘Island of the Winds.’
Things to do: Mykonos offers various water activities such as windsurfing, jet-skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, etc. Besides the beach and an exciting nightlife, you can also visit the Church of Panagia Paraportiani located in the town of Chora, tour the close by island of Delos for some archaeological fun or try the numerous restaurants/bars in the trendy Little Venice.
Where to Stay: Mykonos offers many choices of resorts and hotels located at the beach or situated in the towns/villages such as Agia Sofia, Glastros, Megali Ammos, etc. This island also has some of the best luxury villas Greece such as the Blue Villas Luxury Collection.
2 –Santorini, Cyclades
Even if you have never been to Greece, this 73 sq. km island in the Cyclades is instantly recognizable due to candy colored houses carved into the cliffs, black sand beaches and sapphire waters. On this crescent shaped island, you can find peace, dazzling panoramas and traditional Greek cuisine. Perched on the edge of a massive active volcano in the middle of the southern Aegean Sea, Santorini or Thira officially, is the top romantic getaway in Greece.
Things to do: Roam magnificent black beaches or explore the streets of a provincial village like Imerovigli. There is no shortage of things to do on this island –from a private wine tour to sunset cruises and a beautiful hike from Fira to Oia you will be spoiled during your stay here. Along with meals from classic tavernas, you can visit the picturesque port of Amoudi Bayor watch a movie at the open-air cinema in Kamari. If all else fails, you can visit the site of the ancient Minoan Bronze Age settlement, Akrotiri which may have formed the basis of Plato’s inspiration for the story of Atlantis.
Where to Stay: Oia, Fira, Firostafani and Imerovigli are some of the best towns located along the caldera cliff with breath-taking views of the volcano. You can also opt to stay in one of the various beach towns. However, for a truly luxurious experience opt to spend your time in one of the luxury villas in Santorini.
3 –Paxi, Ionian Islands
Paxi or Paxoi is the largest in the group of Ionian Islands. While it is smaller and lesser known among other Greek islands, this is the place to visit if you are looking for old fashioned charm and some peace and tranquillity. With a myriad of stunning beaches and numerous tavernas, this island has a magical atmosphere especially in the evening when tourists from close islands such as Corfu have left. You can enjoy a fiery sunset while sipping at Ouzo, the anise flavored aperitif which locals are fond of.
Things to do: You can swim in the beautiful beaches of Voutoumi, Vrika and Monodendri or hike around the island to see small settlements, tiny chapels and charming hilltops which offer some of the most stunning views in the country.
Where to Stay: While one of the least commercial islands in Greece, this island still offers a number of hotel apartments, resorts and beach villas to choose from with views of idyllic bays and serene hills.
4 – Elafonisos, Southern Peloponnese
For the first choice, we have decided to go for a hidden gem – the Elafonisos. Located in the southern Peloponnese, this exotic island measures around 19 sq. km and offers the quintessential island experience with pure white sand, turquoise water, clear blue skies and a bright sun. The Strait of Elafonisos is a slice of paradise with majestic beaches such as Simos, which has been rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.
Things to do: There is a never-ending list of activities you can do on this island including snorkeling and camping on the beach, exploring Simos and other awe-inspiring beaches such as Kato Nisi. If you get tired of the beach, you can spend a day visiting Pavlopetri –one of the oldest submerged towns dating back to 5,000 years.
Where to Stay: With a number of luxury villas and hotels to choose from, Elafonisos has something for all tourists depending on your budget. If you are the adventurous sort and a light traveler, you can also try camping on Simos beach for an unforgettable experience.
5 –Crete, Standalone Island
As the largest of all the Greek islands and the 88th-largest island in the world, Crete could potentially be seen as its own country. With numerous countries, mountain villages and pink sand beaches, this magical tapestry of ancient treasures and vibrant cities is one of the top destinations to visit in Greece before you die.
Things to do: From the chance to relax on splendid beaches or explore landscapes and dreamy villages, Crete is mixture of the old and the new. You can experience true Greek cuisine or explore the Herakleion Archaeological Museum for a comprehensive lesson on the Minoan civilization. From Venetian castles to the Samarian Gorge, Crete has something for every tourist. For a nightlife experience like none other, you can visit one of the many waterside clubs and bars with live music and wonderful views.
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