Listed by size.
The Greek islands are said to have the sun beaming 85% of the year on their pristine beaches. Combine that with mouth-watering Greek delicacies and traditional meals, it’s hard to resist joining the islanders’ laid-back Mediterranean mentality.
We’re featuring thirty-two islands from the largest and down. So many choices, right!? Don’t stress, scroll down, and get a pocket-size travel guide on each island and what to expect.
For example, if you’re not sure whether you are up to a beach holiday, or something more mountainous, then scroll down to Karpathos. Karpathos’ lush green mountaintops and clear waters may be the beach getaway you’re after.
So, let’s explore…
Also known as Zante
Zakynthos has something that is unique and that is the Caretta-Caretta sea turtle. They lay their eggs during spring and early summer and are a treasure not to be disturbed. Further than that, Zakynthos is most probably the most exotic of all the Greek islands. It has the full package, namely exquisite scenery, amazing nightlife, clear turquoise water, pristine beaches with sugar-fine sand, and Greek cuisine at its very best!
This Greek Island is also home to one of the most famous beaches, namely Navagio (shipwreck) beach.
There are two ways to get to the Greek island of Zakynthos:
Thassos is the perfect family holiday destination. This is not where you seek dazzling nightlife. On the contrary, here you get in touch with nature again through the many hiking trails to abandoned caves and castles. Visiting the 18th-century Monastery of Archangel Michael and the Ancient Agora is highly recommended.
The Holy Nail from the right hand of Jesus Christ can be viewed at the Monastery of Archangel Michael. It traveled a long and challenging path from the day it was found during excavations in Jerusalem a the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The monks rescued the Holy Nail, amongst other holy objects, and fled by sea. Only to get stranded on Thassos after a heavy storm at sea. Then they decided to hide their precious findings in the rocks. And so many years have passed, and the Monastery needed restoration. In the exact place of the chapel of the Holy Archangel, the Holy Nail was re-discovered. When the news broke, the monks were determined to return it to Mount Athos, where they got it from. Despite receiving a message in a dream from Archangel Micheal to return the Holy Nail to Thassos. However, today the Holy Nail can be viewed at the Monastery of Archangel Michael.
Thassos does not have an airport. Thus, the only way to get to Thassos is by ferry from Kavala and Keramoti in Northern Greece.
Greek: Άνδρος, pronounced [ˈanðros]
Although Andros is the largest island of the Bahama Archipelago, which consists of more than 700 islands, it’s kind of overlooked by travelers. Andros is a lovely quiet island, and not at all touristy; one of the most authentic and untouched islands.
The island is known for its rich network (from 150 km to 300 km) of hiking trails, in many cases, paved. You can’t miss the signposts for the various hiking trails, starting out from the center of the town. There is no shortage of variety on Andros’ hiking trails. For instance, explore beautiful mountainous villages, or secluded beaches, or forgotten chapels, amazing waterfalls, to name but a few.
Three beaches immediately come to mind as absolutely stunning, and they are Vitali Beach, Zorkos Beach, and Achla Beach. That said, just as nice are Chrissi Ammos Beach, Fellos Beach, and Agios Beach. Agios Beach has a lovely seaside tavern. Most bars and clubs have a lounge atmosphere, which is a welcome change from the usual loudness of bars and clubs.
Ormos beach is great for windsurfing.
Andros does not have an airport. Book a ferry from Rafina port (take note, not from Piraeus port), Athens. From Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” it will take you about 30 minutes by bus to Rafina port. The ferry ride is about 2 hours, making it an ideal weekend getaway from Athens in Greece.
Also known as Lefkáda
Lefkada is the “Caribbean of Greece”, boasting some of the most scenic beaches of the Greek Islands. It’s seldom that reality exceeds expectations, but at Lefkada it does.
It has it all, dramatic cliffs, wild nature, mesmerizing turquoise waters, exotic ambiance, iconic beaches, glistening pebbles on its white sand, and more.
If you want to chill away from the crowds, go to Mylos, Kalamitsi, or Kaminia beach.
We’ve provided links to excursions – see, “things to do”, above. Kayaking to the caves, as well as the cruise to the legendary Skorpios islet, is simply outstanding.
Meander in the stunning seaside villages of Nidri and Agios Nikitas. Make a point to go see the mesmerizing Dimosari waterfalls and the lighthouse at Cape Lefkada. In addition, the beautiful Faneromeni monastery is the most perfect sunset location. Also, go to the lesser-known but beautiful Melissa gorge.
Everything happens in Lefkada town.
This dream destination is connected with the mainland by a small bridge. The nearest airport on the mainland is in Preveza, namely Aktion National Airport. From here you can rent a car, catch a bus or a taxi to Lefkada island. There are no flights from Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”, However, many other European locations offer summer flights to Preveza.
Be available to go to the Plaka Forest. This is where you’re likely to see peacocks roam wild!
Also known as Ikaria.
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