The islands of Greece are what make the country so rich in culture and tradition and an integral part of its particular structure. Greek territory include more than 6,000 islands of all sizes through the Aegean and Ionian Seas, only 227 of those islands are inhabited.
The Greek Archipelago stretches over 7,500 km of the country’s entire 16,000 km coastline, displaying a highly differentiated landscape: beaches stretching over many kilometers, sheltered bays and coves, sandy beaches with sand-dunes, pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks and dark colored sand typical of volcanic soil and coastal wetlands.
Some of the oldest civilizations in the history of mankind developed on the Greek islands (Cycladic, Minoan civilizations, etc.), hence the islands have unique archeological sites, a distinctive architectural heritage and the fascinating local traditions of a centuries-old and multifaceted civilization.
The ideal weather, the safe waters that provide opportunity to practice a myriad of aquatic activities and the shot distances between ports and coasts, have made the Greek islands extremely popular among tourists from all over the world.
Most of the islands sit on the Aegean Sea and are divided into seven groups: The Northeastern Aegean Islands, The Sporades, Evia, The Islands of Argosaronic, The Cyclades, The Dodecanese, and Crete. On the Ionian Sea there is only one set of islands called The Ionian Islands.
When we think of islands of adventure, people usually think of the Caribbean and all of its beautiful beaches and locations, but today in Royal Holiday, we bring you the best 7 Greek Islands you must visit.
Zakynthos
Zakynthos is the third largest of the Ionian Islands and is named after Zakynthos, the son of a legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus in Greek mythology. The island is famous for its amazing and photogenic beaches. Shipwreck Bay for example, is only reachable by boat but well worth the trip even if it gets a bit crowded at times. The beach and sea floor are made of white pebbles, and surrounded by turquoise waters. It is named after a shipwreck, which sank on the shore around 1980.
Delos
The island of Delos is located near Mykonos, right at the center of the Cyclades archipelago, is one of the most important mythological, historical and archaeological sites in Greece. According to Greek mythology, Delos is the birthplace of Apollo, god of music, poetry, art, oracles, archery, plague, medicine, sun, light and knowledge. The island is known for its rich culture and high historical and archeological value. The entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it consists of ruins, which have been systematically unearthed since 1872, including temples, statues, mosaics and a theatre. Visitors cannot stay on the island overnight, so they arrive by boat from Mykonos.
Mykonos
Mykonos is part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. There are 10,134 inhabitants, most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, which lies on the west coast. The island is known for its lavish and modern style resorts and its beautiful architecture. Its economy is largely dependent on the sea as it is in most Greek island and on the rise of tourism.
Image courtesy of johncatral at Flickr.com
Crete
Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, and the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica. The island’s southerly location gives it the longest growing season in all of Greece; making Crete on of the country’s best destination for food lovers and a great representation of the Mediterranean cuisine. Crete is also a growing destination for Agro tourism, and visitors from all over the world come here to sample some of the most authentic regional cooking.
Kefalonia/Cephalonia
Even though Santorini is famous for its wine, Kefalonia’s Robola Winery is responsible for the tipple of choice of drunken Father Arsenios in Louis de Bernières’ classic novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. As one of the largest islands in Greece, it is well equipped to handle the influx of tourists during the summertime and it has something to offer to everyone. The fishing villages of Fiskardo and Assos, and two natural attractions, Melissani underground lake and Myrtos beach, have helped popularize Cephalonia.
Symi
Symi is a prime destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The island has one of the most charming harbors in the country, packed with pastel-colored houses, bars, taverns and boutiques, and dozens of small beaches accessible only by boat. Since 1995, Symi has hosted the Symi Festival during the months of July to September. The festivities attract many Greek musicians to perform at free open-air concerts in the main square of Yialos, as well as many dance and theatre events.
Santorini
Candy-colored houses carved into cliffs, sapphire waters, gleaming white buildings topped with half-spheres the color of a stormy sky. Santorini is without a doubt, one of the most breath-taking destinations in the Aegean Sea and perhaps the whole world. Santorini has been voted as the world’s best island by many traveling magazines and blogs.