Beautiful coastline, crystal-clear sea, captivating historical landmarks, delightful gastronomy, and fascinating cultural heritage—these are the main attractions that make vacations on the Greek islands so irresistible. Greece excels in the diversity of its thousands of islands and islets. We will share with you tips on which of this rich palette of islands are considered the most beautiful and ideal for whom.
How many islands are there in Greece?
Greece can, with a bit of exaggeration, also be called the realm of a thousand islands. More precisely, there are over 2,000 of these islets here. It is therefore not surprising that islands make up more than 20% of the total area of this country. Interestingly, out of the total number of islands, about 227 of them are inhabited. Which islands in Greece are worth visiting?
Rhodes
Rhodes, also known as the Island of Roses or the Island of the Sun, lies in the Aegean Sea and represents the largest Greek island of the Dodecanese Islands and the fourth largest island in Greece. Thanks to its historic core, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its capital is Rhodes, which is the best-preserved medieval city in Europe. Rhodes is renowned for its high average temperatures, but thanks to refreshing sea breezes, the weather is usually tolerable. Even though calm winds sometimes occur, the low humidity makes it possible to endure significant heat waves without major issues.
Santorini
Santorini is often referred to as one of the most picturesque islands in Greece, primarily due to its white houses with blue roofs and stunning sunsets. However, if you yearn for white sand or pebble beaches, Santorini is not the right choice.
Its beaches are known for their black or red sand, which attracts more sunset lovers over villages with blue roofs. Santorini is more suitable for romantic moments for two than a family vacation with children.
Lefkada
Among the Ionian Islands, in western Greece, lies the island of Lefkada. It is bordered to the north by Corfu and to the south by Kefalonia and Ithaca. The name of the island is derived from the Greek word lefkos, which means “white.” High limestone cliffs in the southwestern part of the island complement the sea with an incredibly turquoise hue.
When admiring these beauties, we can feel like we are in paradise, and beach lovers, as well as those who enjoy sand with pebbles and swimming, will find their haven here. However, the Greek island of Lefkada also offers tourists endlessly green nature, mountainous terrain, pine forests, olive groves, and vineyards from another perspective.
Corfu
You’ll either fall in love with Corfu or hate it; there’s no in-between. It’s a place with a unique atmosphere. The coastline of the northeast part of the island is interlaced with breathtaking rocky shores and pebble beaches, which are among the most beautiful in the world. Noteworthy is also Paleokastritsa, a picturesque bay, and the modern, incredibly romantic resort of Kassiopi.
The southern and northern parts of the island are covered with sandstone, providing ideal conditions for those with limited mobility or families with children. And finally, a little gem: in local restaurants, you might even encounter Johnny Depp or members of the British royal family.
Crete
Crete, the largest island of Greece, represents one of the most sought-after destinations in the country, and with good reason. With over 4.7 million tourists every year, Crete is among the most visited islands in Greece.
This Greek island entices with its picturesque beaches, rich archaeological finds, and fascinating legends about Minoan culture. There’s no boredom for children here, offering snorkeling and kayaking in crystal-clear waters and the opportunity to explore traces of pirates.
Have you found the best Greek island for you in our selection of the top ones?
So, have you bought your tickets yet? After outlining the magic of the Greek islands, from Rhodes with its historical background to Crete, which entices with its rich history and beautiful beaches, it’s hard to resist the call of these picturesque destinations. Each island offers a unique combination of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and culinary experiences, guaranteeing that you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in the perfect vacation.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure on the open sea, the Greek islands offer unforgettable experiences. Don’t forget to enjoy the local cuisine, discover hidden beaches, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage that these islands hold. All that’s left is to pack up and set out on a journey to discover the beauty that Greece offers. Next stop: paradise on Earth.
