It is no wonder the poet Henry Miller said:
“It takes a lifetime to discover Greece, but only an instant to fall in love with her”.
The Greek Islands
Although Greece has over 6000 islands and islets, only a small fraction of these (just over 200) are actually inhabited. Many of these islands are private, whilst others are accessible by boat, airplanes or even cars in some cases. The options are vast and endless. We are here to help you decide which to visit, whether that is the remote islands where people barely tread, to the cosmopolitan islands of Mykonos or Paros and the world famous sunsets of Santorini.
Each is different unto themselves, so it is often hard choosing which one to visit.
Contact a member of our team to describe your various likes (or dislikes!) and we
will suggest the best possible islands for your trip.
Here are a few islands to tickle your fancy:
Santorini
After a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, the rugged landscape of Santorini has become an attraction the world over. Perched precariously on the caldera or on the cliffs edge, white washed buildings with blue domes and captains houses converted to excellent boutique hotels create a spectacular setting and reason to visit this island. The active volcano and rich soil enables excellent produce to grow in unique ways such as the local grape variety of ‘Assyrtiko’ that produces a crisp, acidic dry white wine and the local tomatoes that explode with flavor. Very popular with food and wine tours, romantic getaways, honeymoons or even for Greek island weddings with a view, there are many activities and options beyond the world famous sunset when visiting Santorini.
How to get there:
By ferry (approximately 5 – 10 hour journey) or airplane (1 hour journey) from Athens. Direct flights available from other European capitals
Mykonos
Perhaps the most well-known and cosmopolitan island in Greece, there is a reason Mykonos has become a world class destination for the jet set since the time of Jackie O. Countless 5* hotels, crystal blue waters with white sand, famous DJs, party like atmosphere and boutique stores draw countless of tourists each year. The nearby island of Delos is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most important archaeological, mythological and historical sites of Greece. As the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it is considered a sacred island and no buildings or developments are allowed, making the only access from Mykonos or by private boat. Whether to partake in the party atmosphere, savor the positive vibes of the island or simply walk the cobbled streets of the Hora, Mykonos provides diverse opportunities for any traveler.
How to get there:
By ferry (approximately 2h30 min – 4h30 min journey) or airplane (45 min / 1 hour journey) from Athens. Direct flights available from other European capitals
Crete
As the birthplace of Zeus, it is not surprising Crete is as varied as it is spectacular. From popular to secluded beaches, long walks in mountainous gorges, romantic Venetian towns, all-inclusive resorts or ancient ruins dating back to the 5th century BC, Crete is the largest island in Greece. It can accommodate any traveler from history buffs, to families, food and wine enthusiasts, or simply those looking to relax on a beach (it has the most days of sunshine a year than anywhere in Greece). For a complete taste of Greece and its culture, Crete is a microcosm of the country and a good choice for the adventure seekers or wanderlust travelers.
How to get there:
By ferry (approximately 9-hour journey or overnight ferry) or airplane (1-hour journey) from Athens. Direct flights available from other European capitals
Paros
A typical Cycladic island, Paros is very popular amongst the Greeks themselves for its beaches, boutique shops and nightlife, prompting many to visit for a weekend excursion away from Athens. It also attracts many athletes from abroad who come for its famous kite surfing and wind surfing conditions as well as those wanting to learn or take lessons. Paros was famous for its white marble quarries; the so-called ‘Parian marble’ was highly sought-after for its top quality (particularly during the Classical Greek Period) and has been used for masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture such as the Venus de Milo and Nike of Samothrace, who are both housed in the Louvre, and even for the Caryatids of the Erechtheion temple at the Acropolis of Athens. As a smaller island, it is easy to move around by car and is often windier during the hot summer months, bringing the temperature down and making it more bearable.
How to get there:
By ferry (approximately 3 – 4h30min journey) or airplane (1-hour journey) from Athens
Antiparos
Sitting just opposite of Paros lies its smaller sister island of ‘Anti-Paros’ (literally meaning ‘across from Paros’) and recently popularized by the likes of Tom Hanks and his Greek wife Rita Wilson. Slightly harder to reach and a strict no – car policy on the island, Antiparos is popular for stunning villas, travelers seeking relaxation, good food and crystal blue waters.
How to get there:
By ferry from the island of Paros (approximately 10 minutes)
Naxos
The largest and greenest of the Cycladic islands, Dionysus (Greek god of wine, festivities, and the primal energy of life) was the protector of Naxos and met and fell in love with Ariadne here. Also, according to Greek mythology, the young Zeus was raised in a cave here, showing its importance from the ancient times up until today. With Naxos you find a large island, rich in cultural activity and many traditional festivals and events that take place throughout the summer. The local produce on the island, such as the potatoes, are known to be the best Greece has to offer, attracting a large flock of foodies and documentaries filmed here (including ‘No Reservations’ by the late, great Anthony Bourdain). With archaeological sites, plenty of summer sports such as wind and kite surfing as well as hiking, Naxos can keep anyone spiritually entertained for a while.
How to get there:
By ferry (approximately 3h30min – 6h30min journey, depending on the ferry) or airplane (1-hour journey) from Athens
Kefalonia
The largest island of the Ionian Sea has plenty of treasures to discover. A varied green landscape of Cyprus and pine trees is met with the tall mountain of Ainos and the vivid turquoise waters of the world famous Myrto beach. With an abundance of wildlife, you can swim with Caretta Caretta turtles or have a chance encounter with monk seals in the morning, and feast in the culinary delights of the island in the evening. The local grape variety of ‘Robola’ is known for the fresh, crisp, lemony white wine it produces and there are several wineries to visit if one tires of its beautiful beaches. Ideal for families, romantic trips or even a party trip with friends, Kefalonia is as varied as it is beautiful.
How to get there:
By car – drive to Kilini (4 hour drive) and then 1 hour ferry to Poros port or by airplane (1-hour journey) from Athens
Corfu
The island of Corfu (or Kerkyra) has a unique history within Greece, having come under Venetian, French and British rule throughout its history, leaving a rich cultural heritage behind. It differs to the rest of Greece, in that it never came under Ottoman rule, making it one of the most fortified and extraordinary places in Europe at a time. The old town is a paved wonder of Venetian alleyways, little cafes and boutique hotels reminiscent of Rome, and today is listed under UNESCOs world heritage list. Full of luxurious 5* resorts, Tuscan style villas and even Michelin starred restaurants hidden away in its green hillsides, you would be forgiven for thinking you are driving along the coast of Amalfi, but instead of pasta for lunch, you would be eating local ‘Sofrito’ with a crisp Greek ‘Robola’ wine from the neighboring island of Kefalonia.
How to get there:
By car – drive to Igoumenitsa or Patra (approx. 4 – 7 hour drive) and then catch a 1h30min ferry across to Corfu. Alternatively flights are available from Athens (1-hour journey)
Spetses
This is an island little known to the outside world in the Argo Saronic Gulf close to Athens. It has many unique features such as its pine covered hills, lack of cars (there is a no car policy, although some local hotels and taxi cars are allowed) making electric golf carts or bikes, motorcycles and horse carriages a popular mode of transport! The island is also only one kilometer off the mainland, making it an easy island to drive to from Athens and jumping on a sea taxi to get across the bay. Since it was under Venetian occupation, there are beautiful Captains houses with Venetian influence all over the island that has a history deeply connected to the Greek war of independence in 1821. In fact, each year there are massive celebrations in September with impressive fireworks to commemorate its role in the war effort. It has recently been populated by the royal families of Europe, since the former Greek King Constantine and his family holiday here each summer. Its calm waters make it a popular yachting destination and its close proximity to the main land, means it can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby Amanzoe resort, the quaint port town of Nafplio, or any other destination in the stunning landscape of the Peloponnese.
How to get there:
Via ferry boat from Athens (approximately 2h30 min – 3h journey) or drive from Athens (approximately 2h30 min – 3hr drive)
Hydra
A popular weekend destination for Athenians due to its close proximity to Athens, Hydra is a port town that looks more like a post card, than something out of real life. There are no roads on the island and despite its large size, there is only the one small port town where no motor vehicles are allowed. This means the only mode of transport is walking, cycling, sea taxis (or donkeys!) making the island very unique and quiet! The crescent shaped harbor lined with super yachts, shops, cafes and Captains houses create a charming picture that never gets old. The islands beauty has attracted many artists and singers alike, making it a world-class art lovers destination with summer events each year.
How to get there:
Via ferry boat from Athens (approximately 1h30 min – 2h journey)
Andros
One of the closest Cycladic islands to Athens, Andros stands out in that it is greener than the rest of the barren Cyclades and is very popular with the Greeks themselves for their holidays. The maain town of ‘Hora’ is located on the far side of the island and is closely connected with the Greek maritime history, that helped make Greece into the international shipping power it is today. Its rich supply of water from rivers has led to it becoming a world class destination for walking tours. Its stunning beaches that are often hard to reach due to lack of infrastructure, as well as the strong winds make it a rugged island of stunning natural beauty worth the visit.
How to get there:
Via ferry boat from Rafina port (approximately 2hr journey)
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