How to Visit the Most Beautiful Islands in Greece
Island hopping in Greece is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the country's stunning natural beauty. With so many islands to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
To help you plan your trip, we've put together a guide to the five most beautiful islands in Greece, as well as tips on how to get there and what to see and do.
The Most Beautiful Islands in Greece.
Santorini
Santorini is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 kilometers (120 mi) southeast of Greece's mainland. It is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic caldera. It forms the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands, with an area of approximately 73 km2 (28 sq mi) and a 2011 census population of 15,550.
The municipality of Santorini includes the inhabited islands of Santorini and Therasia and the uninhabited islands of Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi, and Christiana. The total land area is 90.623 km2 (34.990 sq mi).
Mykonos
Mykonos is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. Renowned for its summer party atmosphere, as well as its relaxed bohemian lifestyle all year round, Mykonos is one of Greece's most cosmopolitan islands, attracting visitors from all over the world.
With its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife, it's easy to see why this tiny island has been a firm favorite with sun-seekers and party-goers alike for decades.
Crete
Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, 88th-largest island in the world and fifth-largest island in Europe after Great Britain, Ireland,[note 2] Iceland[10] and Sicily.[11][12] It separates the Aegean from Libyan Sea.
[13] The island has an elongated shape: it spans 260 km (160 mi) from east to west,[14] is 60 km (37 mi) at its widest point,[15][16] and narrows to as little as 12 km (7 1⁄2 mi) in places.[17][18][19] Crete covers an area of 8336 km2 (3230 sq mi), with a coastline that spans 1546 km (960 mi).[20][21]
Corfu
Corfu (/ˈkɔːrfjuː/; Greek: Κέρκυρα [ˈkercyra]), also known as Kerkyra (/ˈkɛrkɪrə/; Greek: Κέρκυρα [ˈcercira]),[1] is one of Greece's Ionian Islands in western Greece.[2][3] The island is part of the Corfu regional unit and is administered as a single municipality.
The municipality has an area of 610 km2 (238 sq mi),[4] the island proper 592.1 km2 (228.3 sq mi).[5] Its population was 108,657 in the 2011 census.[6] It is located off the northwestern coast of Greece, about 78 kilometres (48 miles) from Albania and approximately 200 kilometres (120 miles) from mainland Greece.
Zakynthos
Zakynthos or Zante (/zænˈθoʊs/; Greek: Ζάκυνθος [ˈzacinθos]; Italian: Zacinto [dzaˈtʃinto]) is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece.[2][3] It is the third largest of the Ionian Islands after Kefalonia and Corfu.
[4] With a population of 45,650,[1] it covers an area of 405 km2 (156 sq mi).[5] The name, like all similar names ending in -nthos,[6][7][8][9] is pre-Mycenaean or Pelasgian in origin.[10][11][12] In Greek mythology, Zeus transformed himself into a white bull and carried Europa away from her home on Crete to this island.[13][14][15]
How to Visit the Most Beautiful Islands in Greece.
By Air
The majority of visitors to the Greek islands arrive by air. The two main international airports serving the islands are Athens International Airport (AIA) and Heraklion International Airport (HER). AIA is located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of central Athens, while HER is situated about 5 kilometers (3 miles) east of central Heraklion on the island of Crete.
There are also a number of regional airports throughout Greece that offer flights to some of the more popular island destinations, such as Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, and Zakynthos. Flights from Athens to these islands typically take between 45 minutes and 2 hours.
If you’re planning on visiting multiple islands during your trip, it may be worth considering an inter-island flight pass, which can sometimes offer significant savings. Alternatively, many visitors choose to take ferries between the islands, which can be a great way to see more of Greece’s stunning coastline.
By Boat
In addition to flights, another popular way to reach the Greek islands is by boat or ferry. There are numerous ferry companies operating routes between the mainland and the islands, with most departing from either Piraeus or Rafina port in Athens, or from Heraklion port on Crete.
Ferry services generally operate year-round, although there may be fewer sailings during the winter months. Journey times vary depending on the route and operator but range from 1-12 hours. It’s important to note that not all Greek islands have ferry connections with each other; therefore, it’s necessary to plan your itinerary in advance and check for any potential disruptions due to bad weather conditions.
By Bus
Another option for reaching the Greek islands is by bus. Several private companies operate long-distance bus services from various locations around Greece directly to some of the most popular island destinations, such as Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Corfu, and Zakynthos.
Journey times vary depending on your starting point but range from 6-12 hours for most routes. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at one of the company’s offices/kiosks located at major bus stations across Greece; however, it’s advisable to book early as seats can fill up quickly during peak season (May-September).
Tips for Visiting the Most Beautiful Islands in Greece.
Planning Your Trip
When planning your trip to the most beautiful islands in Greece, it is important to consider the time of year that you will be traveling. The peak season for tourism is typically between May and October when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this also means that prices for accommodations and activities will be at their highest during these months.
If you are looking to save money, you may want to plan your trip for shoulder season (April or November) or even off-season (December through March). Keep in mind that some businesses on the islands may be closed during off-season months.
Another important factor to consider when planning your trip is how you will get around. Some of the Greek islands are quite large, while others are quite small. You will need to decide if you want to rent a car, take public transportation, or use a combination of both.
On some of the larger islands, such as Crete and Corfu, renting a car may be the best option as it will give you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. On smaller islands like Mykonos and Santorini, public transportation or taxis may be more convenient as there is often less traffic and parking can be difficult to find. No matter which mode of transportation you choose, make sure to research ahead of time so that you know what to expect.
What to Pack
When packing for your trip to the most beautiful islands in Greece, it is important to keep in mind the type of activities that you will want to do while you are there. If you plan on spending time lounging on the beach, make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen as well as swimwear and cover-ups.
If you plan on doing any hiking or other outdoor activities, pack comfortable shoes and clothes that can protect you from the sun and heat. And if you plan on doing any sightseeing in cities or towns, pack light clothing as well as a hat or scarf to protect yourself from the sun during midday hours when it can be particularly strong. In general, it is also a good idea to pack items that can help keep you cool such as a fan or portable air conditioner if possible.
What to See and Do
There is no shortage of things to see and do on the most beautiful islands in Greece. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore ancient ruins, or experience the nightlife, there is something for everyone.
Some of the must-see sights include the Acropolis in Athens, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, and the Palace of Knossos on Crete. And no trip to Greece would be complete without spending time on one of its many stunning beaches. Some of the best beaches can be found on Mykonos, Santorini, and Zakynthos.
Of course, there are also plenty of activities to keep you busy on the islands beyond sightseeing and lounging on the beach. If you are looking for a more active vacation, you can go hiking or mountain biking in the mountains, go scuba diving or snorkeling in sea caves, or even take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Greek dishes.
And if you want to experience some of the famous nightlife that Greece is known for, head to Mykonos or Ios for nonstop partying until sunrise. No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find plenty to keep you busy on your trip to Greece's most beautiful islands.
Conclusion
Greece is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world. If you're planning a trip to Greece, be sure to add these islands to your itinerary. You can visit them by air, boat, or bus.
And when you're there, be sure to take advantage of all that they have to offer by planning ahead and packing accordingly.
With a little bit of preparation, you'll be able to enjoy an unforgettable experience on some of the most gorgeous islands in the world.