The Famed and Fabled Islands of Greece

Every group of Greek island has its unique history, traditions, culture and idiosyncratic geography. If you are still not sure of how to start your trip planning and what islands to include in your itinerary, here is a brief description of the top 4 most popular island groups that you must not miss –

You set sail to the Aegean Sea’s archipelago in the south-east of mainland Greece and approach one of the rocky islands covered with the characteristic cube-shaped houses neatly whitewashed, laced with cerulean blue doors and adorned with colourful bougainvillaea, geraniums pots and fuchsia; you will know you have arrived at one the famed Cycladic islands. The islands surround the sacred Delos island hence the name Cyclades, meaning ‘circle’ in Greek.

With over 2000 islands and only 33 are inhabited, the Cyclades offers a challenging yet visually mesmerizing sailing experience for travellers. The “meltemi” wind from the north is a dominant force in the Cyclades in summer. It makes the sailing very exciting and suitable for the more experienced sailors and adventurous tourists.

If you plan a couple of weeks tour to the Cyclades, you should definitely pay a visit to the following islands:

Mykonos – A flamboyant honeymoon destination - Popular for its luring nightlife, Mykonos is one of the much-favoured tourist attractions for a romantic holiday. Spend your evening at the glitzy beaches of this island, watching the sunset and then head on to some leading restaurant in the town to enjoy a delightful dinner with your partner. Moreover, at the end of the day, do not forget to include in the tasting variety of wines.

Naxos – the largest island in the Cyclades was home to Zeus during his childhood days. It is 40 km south of Mykonos and includes highlights like the gate to the ancient Temple of Apollo called ‘Portara’. Naxos town reflects the Venetian occupation in its 13th-century medieval castle. The centre of Naxos is a cluster of many villages involved in running farms, vineyards, olive groves, and dairies. It is the greenest and most fertile island in the Cyclades known for cultivating potatoes, making cheeses, rearing cattle, and producing Kitron, a local liqueur made from the fruit and leaves of the citron tree. Popular beaches of Agios Prokopios, Plaka, Agia Anna, and others have made their waterfront stretch into a small village kind of habitat by opening a number of restaurants, cafes, beach taverns, hotels, and mini-markets for travellers.

The Luxurious Santorini - Home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Greece, Santorini is undoubtedly a dramatic island that highlights its two major cliff-top villages, namely Oia and Fira. They overlook the giant volcanic crater filled with sea. Although it is an arid island, its fertile soil is capable of producing some finest quality of white wines, flavoured tomatoes, fava beans and white aubergines. Oia village is surely a magical location to watch the beautiful sunset.

If you need a break from the beach and sailing overdose, you can visit Akrotiri and enjoy an experience of time travel into the Minoan lifestyle. Because of an ancient volcano eruption, the place faced its doom in 1627 B.C, freezing some significant and meaningful historical fossils. You can visit the archaeological museum of Thera and shop in some of the boutique shops for some authentic Greece experience. There are many attractions to tickle with your taste buds as well; a bar and some of the Greek local Tavernas specialize in serving authentic grilled seafood and white wine made with Greek Assyrtiko grapes.

Milos - Enjoy a fun-filled hiking experience around Milos, a volcanic island. The island is dependent on the mining of minerals such as obsidian, and one of the oldest mines in the Mediterranean is located here. Its magnificent sea caves Papáfragkas and Sykiá and thermal springs of Kanáva, Alykí, Provatá, Pikropiyí form the major attraction for most of the visitors. The Louvre’s museums priced possession, ‘Venus de Milo’ and the British Museum’s ‘Asclepius of Milos’ were both found on this island.

Kythnos – a quick getaway from Athens for those in need of isolation from the crowd, this island works out best as it is one of the most less-travelled islands amongst tourists, thereby retaining its authentic picturesque beauty. It makes a great base to explore its historic churches and wild countryside, and neighbouring islands of Kea, Serifos, and Sifnos.

A confluence of the Greeks and Venetians, some of these islands can be identified by their Italian names and the heavy presence of Venetian architecture. The larger islands of Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxos, Zakynthos, Ithaca, the smaller Antipaxos, Othoni, Erikousa, Mathraki, Meganisi and the isolated isles of Strofades south of Zakynthos are collectively and traditionally called the ‘Heptanese’ but well known as the Ionian Islands. The islands' chief occupation has been fishing and agriculture; therefore, you will find a heavy usage of local produce in their cooking. Fish directly being bought at the taverns and serving them freshly made with other flavoursome ingredients of their land had made the traditional cuisine of Ionians one of the most sought-after cuisines. 

Located on the west coast of Greece, these islands have a well-developed infrastructure with excellent hotels, diving centres, restaurants and historical sites. Respectively the islands are also delightfully surrounded with crystal clear balmy sea, lush green vegetation, mountains with spectacular views making them ideal for some sailing action. In the north of the Ionian Islands lies Corfu; it is the perfect point to begin your morning every day. The sun-drenched coastal view is definitely a sight you won't get every day. Renaissance and baroque accentuated Corfu in a perfect blend of beautifully sheltered coastal spots and adventurous blue water stretches. These features are not available anywhere else except Corfu, making it an ideal destination for sailors of all abilities.

While you are on a trip of sailing Greek islands, each island with its majestic eye-catching view of rocky mountain peaks, bays and glittering sand beaches will welcome you to stop by in the evening and enjoy some of Greece's best island parties. 

Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros and Alonissos are the main islands of Sporades stretch located in Greece's northeastern part in Aegean. These islands are like no other in Greece, where the others are upbeat and too tourist-centric; the Sporades provides a tranquil base replete with pine forests, orchards, olive groves and a turquoise liquid hue as a surreal backdrop.

Alonissos is a paradise for nature lovers looking for long walks in lush green landscapes covered in the pine forest, olive and almond groves, majestic oak and fig trees, creating a brilliant emerald canvas against the cobalt sea. Patitiri has those laid-back cafes and taverns lined on the harbour waterfront. You can sit and eat a fresh catch of lobster, octopus and huge prawns, often baked with cheese and tomatoes, and drink local wines while watching the yachts sailing, the ferries doing their rounds and the fishing boats going about their daily routine. As you walk up the town of “chora”, you will find yourself in a maze of narrow cobbled streets, small artist shops, cafes and restaurants with absolutely splendid sunset view. Alonissos is a perfect island to live the simple Greek life. Perhaps that is why it is home to the seals Monachus, Monachus known as the Monk seal.

The atmosphere in Skopelos is homely, surrounded by chapels, monasteries, lush vegetation, beaches with long stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. One of the more famous landmarks here is the Agios Ioannis Kastri, where scenes of the movie Mamma Mia were filmed.

With its picturesque town of Chora - nestled on a slope, Skyros exudes an arid medieval charm and an endless view of the sea from its hilltop. Once called “The Island of the Magnetes”, this is the largest island on the Sporades. The ideal way to immerse in the island is to spend leisure time on Molos beach, exploring the monastery of St. George, go horse riding at Appaloosa Horse Riding Club; if you are lucky, you may see a legendary Skyrian Horse too. Finally, relax in those delightful Greek taverns gorging on authentic Mediterranean food.

Skiathos has a bustling port for ferries and an airport. The island has more influx of tourists giving out a cosmopolitan feel, unlike its neighbouring islands. Skiathos boasts an active nightlife and over 60 pristine sandy beaches, footpaths leading to old monasteries, hilltops and secluded bays.

The largest and most populated Greek island is also the most diverse, stacked with resplendent natural beauty surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. The island was often under siege. The presence of Mycenaeans, the Romans, the Byzantine Empire, the Venetians and the Ottomans can be seen in the architectures, monuments, defence constructions and their cuisine. The four regions are scattered with ancient ruins from the east starts Lasithi, Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania on the west is the best Instagramable location. 

Crete houses the magnificently decorated palaces of the oldest civilisation of Europe that makes it an ideal destination for family vacations with its rich ancient culture. The capital of Minoan, Knossos, offers numerous opportunities for you to discover the findings of the early reconstruction of this place. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion displays the perfect picture of a fantastic snake goddess of this island. 

The Crete landscape is a spread of quaint traditional villages, olive trees, palm trees, vineyards. It is filled with various natural formations of gorges such as Imbros Gorge, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, Ha Gorge, Platania Gorge and the awesome Samaria Gorge. Additionally, the Lasithi Plateau, the Rivers, two freshwater lakes, Mount Ida, White Mountains and Vai Palm Forest - the largest in Europe all add to Crete's breathtaking beauty.

The waterfront luxury resorts, the busy harbour, active nightlife, adventure sports and the pristine beaches are heavenly; sailing around Crete is like sailing around a country.

Read More - Things You Should Know For Your Greece Vacation