Greek Islands: 8 Greek Islands To Visit

Let’s take a trip to the ancient city of Greece known for its numerous beautiful islands, each with its unique charm and attractions. In this article, we will be looking at 8 notable Greek islands you might consider exploring

Greece  is a country in Southeast Europe located on the southern tips of Balkan peninsula. Greece shares land borders with Albania to the northwest, North Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, finally Turkey to the east. It is truly an amazing and historical nation with more than 2,000 islands, of which about 170 are inhabited, some of the easternmost Aegean islands lie just a few miles off the Turkish coast. Each Greek island has its own unique charm and attractions, making Greece a diverse and enchanting destination for travelers.

As stated earlier, Greece has numerous islands with amazing features. However, this article has highlighted  8 Greek islands you should visit. We have also included  traveling tips as well as some Dos and Don’ts for each Island. Your going to love it!

8 Greek Islands To Visit

 

• Santorini

Famous for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings with blue domes, and volcanic beaches. The towns of Fira and Oia are particularly popular.

 

Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. Devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, forever shaping its rugged landscape. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its 2 principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater). They overlook the sea, small islands to the west and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles. 

If you ever find yourself in this beautiful island, here are some Dos and Dont

 

Dos:

1. Do watch the sunset from Oia or Fira, as it is a must-see experience.
2. Do explore the archaeological site of Akrotiri to learn about the ancient Minoan civilization.
3. Do try the local wines, especially Assyrtiko, at one of the island’s many wineries.
4. Do take a boat tour  to the volcanic islands and hot springs.

 

Don’ts:

1. Don’t rely solely on taxis, as they can be scarce. Consider renting a car or ATV.
2. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be intense.
3. Don’t rush through the island; take time to explore the quieter villages like Pyrgos and Megalochori.

• Mykonos

Known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and charming old town. Mykonos also offers historical sites like the windmills and the island of Delos nearby. Here are some Dos and Dont

 

Dos:

1. Do visit the windmills and take a stroll through Little Venice.
2. Do enjoy the nightlife in Mykonos Town, known for its vibrant clubs and bars.
3. Do explore the nearby island of Delos, an important archaeological site.
4. Do relax on the beaches like Paradise, Super Paradise, and Elia.

 

Don’ts:

1. Don’t expect a quiet vacation: if staying near Mykonos Town or popular beaches; it’s known for its party scene.
2. Don’t miss out on local cuisine; try fresh seafood and local specialties like kopanisti (spicy cheese).
3. Don’t ignore the local customs: dress appropriately when visiting churches.

• Crete

The largest Greek island, offering a diverse range of activities from exploring ancient ruins like Knossos, hiking the Samaria Gorge, to relaxing on beautiful beaches like Elafonissi.

 

Dos:

1. Do visit the Palace of Knossos to explore the ancient Minoan civilization.
2. Do hike the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest and most beautiful gorges.
3. Do explore the old towns of Chania and Rethymn for their charming Venetian architecture.
4. Do try Cretan cuisine, including dakos, kalitsounia, and local honey.

 

Don’ts:

1. Don’t underestimate the size of the island: plan your travel times carefully as Crete is large and diverse.
2. Don’t miss out on less touristy areas: visit traditional villages like Archanes and Anogeia.
3. Don’t forget to bring sturdy shoes: if planning to hike or explore rugged areas.

• Rhodes

Known for its historical sites including the medieval Old Town, the Palace of the Grand Master, and beautiful beaches. It’s also famous for the Valley of the Butterflies.

 

Dos:

1. Do explore the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Do visit the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights.
3. Do take a day trip to Lindos to see its ancient acropolis and beautiful beaches.
4. Do enjoy the Valley of the Butterflies if visiting in summer.

 

Don’ts:

1. Don’t just stay in the main tourist areas: venture out to see the island’s natural beauty and quieter spots.
2. Don’t forget to bring a hat and water when exploring, as it can get very hot.
3. Don’t ignore the local cuisine; try melekouni (honey and sesame bars) and pitaroudia (chickpea fritters).

• Corfu

Offers lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, and Venetian architecture. The Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Dos;

1. Do explore Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Venetian, French, and British influences.
2. Do visit the Achilleion Palace, the former summer palace of Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
3. Do enjoy the beautiful beaches like Paleokastritsa and Glyfada.
4. Do explore the island’s lush interior with its olive groves and traditional villages.

 

Don’ts:

1. Don’t miss the local cuisine; try pastitsada (pasta with meat), sofrito (veal in wine sauce), and kumquat products.
2. Don’t ignore the local customs; be respectful when visiting religious sites.
3. Don’t just stick to the coast; the inland villages and landscapes are worth exploring.

• Naxos

Known for its stunning beaches, traditional villages, and ancient ruins like the Portara (Temple of Apollo).

 

Dos:

1. Do visit the Portara,the massive marble doorway of the unfinished Temple of Apollo.
2. Do explore traditional villages like Apeiranthos and Halki.
3. Do hike Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades.
4. Do relax on beautiful beaches  like Plaka, Agios Prokopios, and Agia Anna.

 

Don’ts:

1. Don’t rush through the island; take time to explore its history and natural beauty.
2. Don’t miss out on local products: Naxos is known for its cheese, potatoes, and Kitron liqueur.
3. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes  for walking and hiking.

• Paros

Popular for its charming villages, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Naoussa and Parikia are the main towns to visit.

 

Dos:

1. Do visit the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of the oldest Byzantine churches in Greece.
2. Do explore the lively town of Naoussa and the quieter Parikia.
3. Do enjoy the beaches  like Kolymbithres, Golden Beach, and Santa Maria.
4. Do try water sports as the island is known for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

 

Don’ts:

1. Don’t ignore the local nightlife: Naoussa has many great bars and restaurants.
2. Don’t miss exploring the island’s interior; visit villages like Lefkes and Marpissa.
3. Don’t rely solely on public transport; consider renting a car or ATV.

• Zakynthos (Zante)

Famous for the stunning Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), crystal-clear waters, and the Blue Caves.

 

Dos:

1. Do visit Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), one of the most famous beaches in the world.
2. Do take a boat trip to the Blue Caves and explore the island’s coastline.
3. Do see the loggerhead turtles at Laganas Bay.
4. Do explore the island’s villages and enjoy the local cuisine.

 

Don’ts:

1. Don’t overcrowd Navagio Beach; visit early in the day to avoid the crowds.
2. Don’t ignore the inland areas: explore the traditional villages and the beautiful landscape.
3. Don’t forget to protect the environment: follow guidelines to help protect the turtle nesting sites.

Each island has its own unique appeal, catering to different interests whether it’s history, nightlife, natural beauty, or relaxation. Also following these dos and don’ts, you can make the most of your trip to these beautiful Greek islands while respecting the local culture and environment.

Preparing for a trip to the Greek islands

Preparing for a trip to the Greek islands involves several steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you plan and prepare:

 

1. Research and Itinerary Planning

 

• Choose the Islands: Decide which islands you want to visit based on your interests (history, nightlife, beaches, nature, etc.).
• Create an Itinerary: Plan how many days you will spend on each island and the main activities you want to do. Allow some flexibility for spontaneous adventures.

 

2. Travel Documents and Insurance

• Passport and Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Check if you need a visa to enter Greece.
• Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers health, accidents, theft, and trip cancellations.

 

3. Booking Flights and Ferries

• Flights: Book your flights to Greece (Athens is a common entry point) well in advance. Some islands have direct flights from major European cities.
• Ferries:Book ferry tickets early, especially during peak season (June to September). Websites like Ferryhopper and Direct Ferries can help you find routes and schedules.

 

4. Accommodation

• Hotels and Rentals;Reserve accommodations in advance, especially for popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Consider a mix of hotels, Airbnb, and traditional guesthouses.
• Location:Choose locations based on your interests – central for nightlife, quieter areas for relaxation, etc.

 

5. Packing Essentials

• Clothing: Pack light, breathable clothing for warm weather. Include swimwear, beach cover-ups, and evening wear if you plan to dine out.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for exploring, sandals for the beach, and dressier shoes for evenings.
• Other Essentials:Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, reusable water bottle, and a small daypack for excursions. Don’t forget a power adapter for European plugs.

 

6. Health and Safety

• Medications:Bring any prescription medications you need, along with a basic first aid kit.
• Health Precautions: Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and be cautious with sun exposure to avoid heatstroke.

 

7. Local Transportation

• Car Rentals:Consider renting a car for greater flexibility, especially on larger islands like Crete. Book in advance.
• Public Transport:Research local bus schedules and routes. Some islands have good public transport networks.

 

8. Money is important 

• Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Carry some cash as smaller establishments may not accept credit cards.
• ATMs and Credit Cards: ATMs are widely available. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid issues with your cards.

 

9. Communication

• SIM Card/Internet: Consider purchasing a local SIM card for your phone or an international data plan to stay connected.
• Language:Learn a few basic Greek phrases however, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

 

10. Cultural Etiquette

• Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries. 
• Dining: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is customary.
• Behavior: Greeks are known for their hospitality. Be polite and respectful, and greet locals with “Kalimera” (Good morning) or “Kalispera” (Good evening).

 

11. Environmental Responsibility

• Waste: Dispose of waste properly and use reusable items to reduce plastic consumption.
• Respect Nature:Follow local guidelines to protect natural sites and wildlife.

 

By following these steps, you can ensure a well-prepared and enjoyable trip to the beautiful Greek islands.

Conclusion 

Looking for amazing vacation spots?, check out some of our destination “articles”. You are  sure to receive  inspiration and guidance from them