Each of the Greek Islands has its own unique feel and caters for a variety of needs and activities. Some are bigger tourist honeypots than others; some you’ll have heard of, some you won’t. What they all have in common are sandy shores, blue tranquil seas and temperatures reaching around 27 degrees. We pick out some of our favourite bits of the best-loved islands and some of those that remain largely untouched.
Monastery of St Nektarios, Aegina. Photo by: Freesurf/Adobe Stock
Athens
Basing yourself in Athens allows access to the islands of the Argo-Saronic. Some are close enough to pop over to for lunch, others make a great day trip. Make the journey by high speed hydrofoil to halve the ferry journey. There are islands here of varying sizes.
Aegina (Aigina)
Perfectly close to pop over for lunch. Neo-classical buildings line the streets where horse-drawn carriages still rattle along. This was Greece’s first capital after the War of Independence. It’s the biggest island of the four and boasts a busy town centre filled with tavernas and cafes which overlook the main harbour. Highlights include the 480 BC Temple of Aphaia (or Aphaea), where the mother-goddess Aphaia was exclusively worshipped.
The beautiful Monastery of St Nektarios is worth visiting. Listen to the nuns tell stories of their charitable work throughout the island and marvel at the architecture. Nearby is the abandoned medieval capital of Paleochora. Here you’ll find old chapels and the remains of a Byzantine city.
The shores at Marathona, Aeginitsa, Kleidi and Keri are perfect for swimming.
Poros
Translated as “ford” or “crossing”, is actually two islands- the volcanic peninsula of Sphairia, home to Poros town, and Kalavria. Much of the islands in the south and centre are covered by an old pine forest.
Poros town’s skyline is dominated by the Clock Tower. It stands proud and tall above the city, rewarding visitors after the climb with a stunning view. After your climb, relax in one of the cafes which line the waterfront.
To the west is Villa Galini, once home to Greek Nobel-prize winning poet George Seferis and US writer Henry Miller.
At the Cathedral of Saint George in Ano Syros, catch the remains of Constantinos Parthenis’s incredible mural paintings.
Swim in Neorion Bay and Kanali, near Poros town, or the sheltered cove of Agapi (also known as Love Bay).
The old harbour in Chania. Photo by: gatsi/Adobe Stock
Crete
We covered our favourite eight things to do in Crete in an earlier blog here. We also recommend Crete as a great place for those looking for excellent cuisine and top restaurants.
Chania
The covered market here harmonises the relationship between the Venetian-Ottoman districts and the modern city. Visit the Naval Museum and fortress within the inner city. The Venetian lighthouse on the other side of Chania is worth a quick snap but unfortunately closed to visitors. When basing yourself here, consider a road trip through the White Mountains or to monasteries within the peninsula of Akrotiri. Trek the Samaria Gorge or visit Watercity in Anopolis.
Corfu
Arguably one of the most, if not the most, well-known of the islands, the main town of Corfu is close to the airport and ferries to Italy. Previously, we’ve advised on where to go in Rhodes and Corfu to avoid the tourist crowds; the same suggested routes and highlights apply today! Dotted around the island are fortresses to explore, remnants of various invaders over the years. Pay a visit to the Byzantine Museum for pre-Christian mosaics, or to the Archaeological Museum for Neolithic and Ancient Greek discoveries. The nearby beach of Avlaki attracts windsurfers in their droves, and Kassiopia is a hive for partygoers and DJs.
Statue outside the Asklepion complex, Kos. Photo by: Alterfalter/Adobe Stock
Kos
This is the second largest mountainous island in the Dodecanese and is known for being the birthplace of Hippocrates. History buffs should head to the best ancient site on the island which is the remains of the Asklepion complex, one of the largest of its kind, designed as a centre for treatment and research of medicine. In Kos harbour, the 14th century castle of the Knights of Saint John can be found- also known as Neratzia Castle. Drive up the forested slopes of Mount Dikeos, the highest point of Kos for stunning scenery and views. Stop by the village of Zia on your travels for sunsets you won’t forget!
Nisyros
This nearby (still active) volcanic island enables visitors to walk around the inside rim of the caldera, passing lava pinnacles and crags. Visit the Museum of Volcanology in Nikia for a better insight. Be sure to include a visit to Parletia on your trek; said to be a Medieval fortress, the walls consist of lava spikes. Thermal spas can be found in Loutra, with springs reaching temperatures of 37 degrees.
Much of the island remains largely untouched by tourism, but you will find whatever facilities you need in the harbour of Mandraki.
Mykonos
Great for both water sports, especially scuba diving, and for their livid nightlife. A largely tourist area, expect places to be busy and expensive. At a time, the island was considered an exclusively gay resort but this is now no longer the case. Stroll around fashion shops, art galleries, jewellery stores, and bars. The Archaeological Museum here is worth visiting for the pottery from neighbouring Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Stefanos crater on Nisyros. Photo by: gallas/Adobe Stock
Limnos
The 8th largest Greek island allows a rare insight into Aegan life before the tourist wave hit. The main town of Myrina sits upon volcanic black rock and is encircled by the walls of a Byzantine Italian-Turkish fortress. The waterfront is divided into two key areas; Romeikos Yialos, where you’ll find tavernas and the Archaeological Museum, and Tourkikos Yialos, the quieter and more laidback of the two. Pay a visit to Hephaistia for its elegant and newly restored Greco-Roman theatre.
Discover the Greek Islands your way
Hire a car in the Greek Islands to enable unhindered access to whichever parts you want to explore. Get a quote for a hire car there now.
Written by Jessica Juby.
Make sure you follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest travel tips and news.
