The Greek Islands

Travel to the Greek Islands

Greece is home to many beautiful islands that are popular tourist destinations. Some of the most well-known Greek islands include Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes.

Crete is the largest island in Greece and has a rich history and culture, with many ancient ruins and museums to explore. The island is also known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a great spot for swimming and water sports.

Santorini is a volcanic island known for its stunning scenery and picturesque villages. The island's unique landscape, with white-washed buildings perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, makes it a popular destination for honeymooners and couples.

Mykonos is a cosmopolitan island known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. The island is home to many luxury hotels and restaurants, as well as trendy bars and clubs.

Rhodes is an island in the Aegean Sea with a rich history and many cultural attractions, including the medieval old town and ancient ruins. The island is also known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a great spot for swimming and water sports.

Overall, the Greek islands offer something for everyone, whether you're interested in history and culture, nightlife and entertainment, or just relaxing on the beach.

Getting to the Greek Islands

• By Plane: The easiest and fastest way to reach the Greek islands is by air. There are many international airports in Greece, such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion, that offer regular flights to the islands. There are also smaller airports on some of the islands themselves. We can help with flights from your home country to Greece, and then book a domestic flight to your desired island.
• By Ferry: If you prefer a more scenic route, you can take a ferry to the Greek islands. There are many ferry companies that operate services between the mainland and the islands, as well as between the islands themselves. Ferries vary in terms of speed and comfort, and prices can range from budget-friendly to luxurious. We can check ferry schedules and book tickets for you.
• By Private Yacht or Charter: For a more exclusive and flexible way to travel, you can rent a private yacht or charter a boat. This option is more expensive than flying or taking a ferry, but it allows you to visit remote islands and explore at your own pace. There are many yacht charter companies that offer packages and itineraries, or you can hire a captain and create your own route.
• By Cruise Ship: If you want to visit multiple islands in one trip and enjoy onboard amenities and entertainment, you can book a cruise to the Greek islands. There are many cruise lines that offer Greek island itineraries, ranging from budget to luxury. Cruise ships dock at major ports and offer shore excursions to popular attractions.

Alternative and off the beaten track stays and experiences in the Greek Islands

The Greek islands are known for their stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and charming villages. While many tourists flock to the more popular islands, there are also some alternative and off the beaten track stays and experiences that offer a different perspective on Greek island life.

One such experience is staying in a traditional Greek village. Many islands have small, authentic villages that are often overlooked by tourists. These villages offer a glimpse into traditional Greek life, with narrow streets, white-washed houses, and friendly locals. Some of these villages have guesthouses that allow you to stay in a traditional house and experience local hospitality. You can also explore the village's tavernas, bakeries, and markets, and take part in local festivals and events.

Another off the beaten track experience is hiking or cycling on the islands. While many tourists stick to the beaches and towns, the Greek islands also offer some stunning natural landscapes and trails. You can rent a bike or join a guided hike to explore hidden coves, rugged cliffs, and lush forests. Some islands, like Crete, have designated hiking trails that take you through traditional villages and ancient ruins. These activities allow you to experience the islands at your own pace and enjoy some exercise and fresh air.

For a truly unique experience, you can also stay in a cave house. Some islands, such as Santorini and Tinos, have traditional cave houses that are built into the volcanic cliffs. These houses are cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and offer a unique and rustic atmosphere. Many of these cave houses have been renovated and converted into stylish and comfortable accommodations, with stunning views of the sea and the sunset.

Overall, the Greek islands offer a variety of alternative and off the beaten track stays and experiences that allow you to discover the islands' hidden gems and escape the crowds. Whether you choose to stay in a traditional village, hike or cycle through the natural landscapes, or sleep in a cave house, you can create a unique and memorable island experience.

Top 10 things to do in the Greek Islands

1. Explore the ruins of Knossos on Crete: Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is home to many historical and cultural attractions. Knossos is an archaeological site on the island that was once the center of the Minoan civilization. Visitors can explore the ruins of the palace, which date back to the Bronze Age.
2. Watch the sunset in Oia on Santorini: Santorini is one of the most popular Greek islands, known for its stunning scenery and picturesque villages. Oia is a village on the northern tip of the island, and is famous for its blue-domed churches and breathtaking sunset views.
3. Relax on the beaches of Mykonos: Mykonos is a cosmopolitan island with a vibrant nightlife, but it also has some of the best beaches in Greece. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports on the island's sandy shores.
4. Visit the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes: Rhodes is another island with a rich history and many cultural attractions. The Palace of the Grand Master is a medieval castle in the heart of the old town, and now houses a museum with exhibits on the history of the island.
5. Take a boat tour around Zakynthos: Zakynthos is a beautiful island in the Ionian Sea, known for its turquoise waters and sea caves. Visitors can take a boat tour around the island to explore the caves and see the famous Navagio beach, which is only accessible by boat.
6. Go hiking in Samaria Gorge on Crete: Crete is also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Samaria Gorge is a 16 km long canyon that is popular for hiking and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
7. Visit the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina: Aegina is a small island near Athens that is home to the Temple of Aphaia, an ancient Greek temple that dates back to the 5th century BC. The temple is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece and offers a glimpse into the country's rich history and culture.
8. Enjoy the nightlife in Chania on Crete: Chania is a coastal city on Crete that is known for its lively nightlife. Visitors can enjoy a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants along the city's waterfront.
9. Take a cooking class on Naxos: Naxos is a lesser-known island that is a great destination for foodies. Visitors can take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Greek dishes using local ingredients like olive oil, cheese, and herbs.
10. Visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian on Patmos: Patmos is a small island in the Dodecanese group of islands, known for its religious history and natural beauty. The Monastery of St. John the Theologian is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major pilgrimage destination for Christians.

The climate of the Greek Islands

The climate of the Greek Islands is typically Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. The islands enjoy a long, warm and sunny season, with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Summers are typically dry, with low humidity and very little rainfall. Average temperatures in the summer months range from 25°C to 30°C, with some islands experiencing occasional heatwaves. In the winter, temperatures are cooler, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C. Winter is the wettest season, with occasional storms and rainfall, although the amount of rainfall varies greatly between islands.

The sea around the Greek Islands is warm enough for swimming from June to September, with water temperatures averaging between 22°C and 26°C. The water is crystal clear and perfect for water sports such as snorkelling, diving and sailing. The islands are also famous for their strong winds, particularly the Meltemi winds that blow during the summer months, making them a popular destination for windsurfers and kiteboarders.

Overall, the climate of the Greek Islands is one of the main reasons why they are such a popular holiday destination, offering visitors plenty of sunshine, warm weather and beautiful beaches to enjoy throughout the year.