Greece is one of the ten most visited countries in Europe. About 20 million foreign tourists visit it annually. Holidays in Greece will appeal to tourists with a wide variety of preferences, here "everything is there", from the magnificent blue seas, islands with charming Mediterranean architecture to delicious traditional Greek cuisine and cities, with vibrant city bustle.
Undoubtedly, you have heard more than once about the Greek islands, especially about Santorini and Mykonos. And they are worth it to visit them, but believe me, in Greece there is still a lot to see with your own eyes. That is why, in this article we present a list of the other ten beautiful Greek islands. Maybe you are lucky enough to be there already on your next trip to Greece.
The most beautiful islands of Greece
1
Zakynthos
Zakynthos is the third largest island in the Ionian Sea. It received its name in honor of the son of King Phrygia Dardan, famous in Greek mythology. The island is also called Zakynthos or Zante. On this island is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We are talking about Navajo, a picturesque beach with an abandoned ship smugglers, which became the hallmark of this beach. The name of the beach is translated from Greek as "shipwreck." Do not refuse a trip there if you get to Zakynthos island, and from a trip to Zakynthos if you get to Greece.
Zakynthos will charm you with coastal villages with a calm and wonderful atmosphere, and if you like parties, visit the resort of Laganas, the best parties on the island are held here, the fame of which thunders throughout Greece.
2
Thassos
Thassos is the northernmost Greek island that has something to offer you, even if it is not as famous or visited as other islands. First of all, Thassos is proud of its products that are grown and produced here. These are olives, olive oil, honey, sweets. You probably know that olives are grown all over Greece, this is a traditional culture for this country. But, according to local residents, their sweets have a special taste thanks to the honey that is produced here.
Holidays on the island of Thassos.
Separate pride of the islanders is marble. Believe it or not, marble mining on the island began about 20,000 ago! And, of course, you can always go to the beach and relax or have fun in the natural lagoon of Giola.
In the photo: Laguna Giola.
3
Lefkada
Lefkada is the fourth largest island of the Ionian Sea, it got its name from the Greek word leukos, which means white, because of the white cliffs located in the southern part of the island. It is also called Lefkada or Levkas, and this island is famous for its sandy beaches with white sand and crystal clear turquoise water.
Here you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece called Porto Katsiki.
In the photo: Cape Lefkata
In the photo: the city of Nydri.
In addition to a beach holiday, you can explore the island's attractions, such as the city of Nydri, the medieval Venetian castle of Agia Mavra, Lefkata cape or Dimosari waterfall. Nadar, we have included this island in the list of the most beautiful sights of Greece that every tourist should visit.
4
Crete
Crete is the largest Greek island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. This island can offer something for everyone: here are beautiful beaches and magnificent sea water; vibrant city life in the capital of Heraklion and other major cities, while for those who are looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday, there are also cozy places.
In the photo: Wai palm forest.
Crete is mountainous, so anyone who likes to hike and climb up will also find something to do. When you are on the island, do not forget to visit the Venetian city of Chania, explore the archaeological sites of the Minoan civilization and enjoy the Wai - the largest palm forest in Europe.
5
Ios
Ios belongs to the group of Cyclades islands located in the Aegean Sea. The island is hilly, lined with white buildings, which may remind you a bit of the architecture of Mykonos and Santorini. This island is known for its wild parties, so be prepared for a busy nightlife.
In the photo: Santorini.
Here you can always enjoy the sandy beaches and clear, blue water of the Aegean Sea. A special pleasure is the delicious Greek cuisine. Locals are proud of the ruins of the first settlement called Skarcos. The famous Greek poet Homer is buried on the island of Ios.
6
Skiathos
This island is the proud owner of more than 60 clean beaches where you can enjoy the sun and the clear azure water of the Aegean Sea. Skiathos has become popular over the past few decades. And today it is the most popular island of the Sporades. The city on the island, also known as Skiathos, is built as an amphitheater with lots of pines growing around the city. If you are here, be sure to visit the two most popular beaches - Koukounaries and Lalaria.
By the way, on most-beauty.ru you can find out about the most beautiful beaches in the world.
7
Paros
In the latest editions of Lonely Planet, Paros is described as “Mykonos for the poor.” And this means that you can relax here in the same style, but cheaper. Located in the Aegean Sea and one of the Cycladic islands, Paros will give you a vibrant holiday atmosphere with lots of activities and pastime options.
Most-beauty advises you to go to one of the three most popular places on the island - the villages of Naoussa, Parikia and Lefkes. Here you will find typical but charming Greek architecture with white marble houses, churches, blue windows and doors, and incredible smells of delicious national dishes.
8
Rhodes
Rhodes is the most popular of the Dodecanese islands, with the longest tourist season lasting from April to November. Rhodes is also called the island of the knights, as it is named after the knights of St. John of Jerusalem, who once captured it.
On the island you can visit the medieval city of Rhodes, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are there, be sure to visit the Old Town. Here you will find the Byzantine fortress, known as the Palace of the Grand Master, which is currently a museum. An amazing combination of nature, sea, beaches, history and culture, allows all tourists to get an unforgettable experience and, indeed, relax from everyday life!
9
Idra
Located in the Aegean, the island of Hydra is one of the Saronic Islands. A large number of tourists come here every year to enjoy a relaxing holiday. Most of them are Athenians, but more and more on the island you can meet foreign tourists.
The only popular attraction on the island is Hydra Port, where in fact, there are not so many things to see, but you need to call here. Rest on Idra, basically, involves long walks, fresh air, the pleasure of swimming and tasting dishes of national cuisine. Nevertheless, on this small island you can still visit the local villages - Mandraki, Camini or Vlichos.
10
Patmos
Patmos is called the Jerusalem of the Aegean - St. John wrote the book of Revelation here. In 2009, Forbes magazine called this “Holy Island” “Europe’s most idyllic place to live.” The port on the small island of Patmos is called Skala, as well as the largest settlement.
It will not offer you crazy nightlife, and there are not many attractions here, but it is an ideal place for everyone who wants to relax and spend some time alone surrounded by the sea and nature.