Greece is one of the most picturesque countries in southern Europe - it is a popular holiday destination and a perfect place for a relaxing holiday. However, the land of olives and the cradle of European civilization is not limited to mainland Greece. It also consists of many smaller and larger islands with specific characteristics. Which of them are the most beautiful? What attractions can we count on there?
1. Santorini/Santorini
The island of Santorini was created as a result of a very strong volcanic eruption. Just before it, there was a strong earthquake, and most of the inhabitants left their homes. The earthquake was felt as far away as Crete, over 100 km away! Santorini is an island that, along with several others, is part of the archipelago praised by Kora in the song "Cicadas in the Cyclades". This beautiful place has an interesting history - there used to be a round island here, but as a result of a powerful volcanic eruption, Thera was divided into smaller ones, creating one of the largest calderas in the world. Perfect for a Greek holiday, the island of Santorini is full of boutique hotels with private pools.
When planning a trip to this area, it is necessary to take into account Akrotiri, i.e. the ruins of a Minoan city destroyed by a volcanic eruption. There is an archaeological site here, thanks to which scientists reconstruct evidence of the life and everyday functioning of the ancient inhabitants of the region. Even souvenirs were found in the form of remains of furniture, dishes, fragments of works of art and texts written in the mysterious Linear B script. Holidays in Santorini also mean unforgettable sunsets, which for many visitors are the main purpose of the trip.
The full offer of trips to Santorini can be found in the office CARTER®: https://carter.eu/najlepsze-hotele-na-santorini-z-basenem-w-pokoju/
It doesn't matter if you are looking for a romantic hotel for couples, a villa for a family with children or a holiday or cruise for a group of friends in Santorini. In the office CARTER® we have all the suggestions.
2. Aries
Kos is one of the few islands in the Dodecanese archipelago that has preserved the traditional Greek cuisine for which it is most famous. Another important attribute of the island are its fantastic, long and sandy beaches. We can also find a unique atmosphere in the local port, which combines Greek traditions and luxury: on the one hand, we can meet fishermen in small boats going fishing, and on the other hand, luxury yachts arriving or mooring in the port.
The Greek Kos is also famous for the fact that it was on this island that Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, was born. The city of Kos, the capital of the region, is famous for many attractions that cannot be seen in one day. This is why it attracts thousands of tourists every year.
3.Ios
We come full circle, returning to the Santorini area. The island of Ios is another gem on the map of Europe, located in the Cyclades archipelago. Comfortable beaches with crystal clear water and fine sand, aesthetically pleasing buildings with typical white buildings and blue elements, as well as a charmingly shaped coastline - these are its natural advantages. It is also worth mentioning a wide range of events, with excellent options for pubs and nightclubs, as well as a number of opportunities for sports activities, mainly water activities, of course. The stunning La Tomba di Omero and the Paleokastro hills are must-sees.
4. Paros
The name of the island of Paros comes from the leader of the same name who came here with his troops while fleeing from ancient Arcadia. The Greek island of Paros is washed by the azure waters of the Aegean Sea and is characterized by kilometers of fantastic beaches with soft sand. It is, after Naxos and Andros, the third largest island in the Cyclades archipelago. Its rich history, dating back 3 years, attracts not only lovers of ancient history, but above all, tourists looking for entertainment. Perfect for family sightseeing trips, the island of Paros is characterized by countless olive groves, tropical flora and wonderful green gardens.
Its greatest attractions, i.e. beautiful beaches, have received Blue Flag status. The most beautiful and famous of them include Kolimbithres in Naoussa Bay, which is surrounded by high, irregularly shaped cliffs, as well as the beaches of Tserdakia and Chrisi Akti. Lovers of water activities, especially windsurfing, will find their mecca on Molos beach, which is the best place to practice this sport.
5.Mykonos
It attracts tourists with its party atmosphere, which is why it is often called the Greek Ibiza. It offers a wide range of nightlife options, especially great fun on Paradise Beach, whose name can be translated as "paradise beach". Not without reason - the turquoise sea flowing around the sandy coast and breathtaking views encourage exploration.
In addition to discos, the island is also famous for its exquisite cuisine, typical of the latitudes, but particularly praised on this island. A traditional Greek salad with feta cheese and sliders - popular Greek meat skewers - are the flagship offerings of local taverns and restaurants.
While in Mykonos, you must definitely visit the town of Chora (aka Mykonos), which delights with monuments such as impressive 16th-century windmills. Near the coast there is a district called Little Venice. Buildings located on the sea line are partially flooded with water, which creates a phenomenal effect, similar to that in an Italian town.
Mykonos attracts celebrities and millionaires from all over the world for vacation, so it is always worth thinking about booking hotels in advance.
You can find the best holiday offers in the best hotels in Mykonos here: https://carter.eu/najpiekniejsze-hotele-na-mykonos/
6. Crete
One of the most famous Greek islands and the largest of them. Stories about Crete were popularized, among others, by the father of epics, Homer, and other authors documenting Greek mythology. This is the cradle of Minoan culture, also known as Cretan culture, and is therefore an incredible treat for antiquity enthusiasts. A must-see is the city of Knossos, along with the ruins of Minos' palace - with restored fragments of the throne room, the mythical labyrinth and wall paintings.
In addition to admiring the monuments and souvenirs in Knossos, Heraklion, the current capital of Crete, is also worth visiting. This city is also full of fascinating monuments and interesting exhibitions in numerous museums. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, the National Museum of Crete or the interactive exhibition Minoan's World The 9D Experience in Chania are just a few proposals from the wide spectrum that Crete offers. It is worth remembering that it is a huge island, so it is worth renting a comfortable means of transport to explore it.
7. Zakynthos/Zakynthos
This is one of the Ionian Islands - unlike Mykonos, which is teeming with party life, it is a place that delights primarily with its natural values. If we want peace, relaxation and tranquility, this is definitely the right place.
Zakynthos has several iconic sights to see, for example the popular Shipwreck Bay, home to the legendary Panagiotis wreck. You can watch it up close, taking photos of the picturesque scenery, or decide to observe it from the observation deck, allowing you to admire the broader landscape. The Blue Caves are also an extraordinary attraction. The pure shade of the sunny sky reflects off the limestone walls, creating an optical illusion and magical effect. From Zakynthos, we can also walk or take a boat to Cameo Island, called the Wedding Island. This is an extremely picturesque location, an ideal place for the sacramental "yes".
8. Skiathos/Skiathos
Skiathos is by far the most popular of the over 70 islands in the Sporades Archipelago in the Aegean Sea. There you will find beautiful mountain landscapes and vast pine forests. There will also be numerous beaches, the island has over 60 of them, which is a really large sum for such a small island. Mainly thanks to its unforgettable views, the island of Skiathos in Greece is a paradise for nature lovers and an excellent option for long bicycle trips.
The capital, which bears the same name, is the only city on the island, has only a few thousand inhabitants and definitely deserves to be visited. It is worth noting that Skiathos as an island is known for the fact that it is here, as well as on the neighboring island of Skopelos, that probably the most famous musical in the world, "Mamma Mia!" was recorded.
9. Corfu
The island is characterized by mountainous terrain, so active people can successfully plan trekking and mountain climbing. The combination of this surface shape with amazing beaches creates a unique atmosphere. Compared to other islands, Corfu has a rather humid weather, which contributes to the development of extremely lush vegetation. Natural conditions together with elegant, coherent architecture guarantee a perfect background for photo sessions, including wedding ones.
What must you see while in Corfu? The number one attraction is the Vlacherna Monastery, i.e. the eastern monastery, located slightly away from the coastline, connected to the island by a bridge - the views are postcard-worthy. Moreover, not only there, but Corfu itself was admired in their works by great writers such as Shakespeare and Zbigniew Herbert due to its charming landscapes. In addition to the famous place of worship, you must see Paleokastrista, a beautiful beach town, Bar La Grotta and the impressive Castle of Angels on the hill.
10. Rhodes
A place with a name that evokes immediate (and correct) associations with one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Colossus of Rhodes - a huge monument of Helios (Greek sun god), which was located at the gates of the port of Rhodes. There are fascinating myths and legends about the statue itself. Although the structure was demolished as a result of the earthquake, the island still has plenty of other attractions to offer, including those included on the UNESCO World Heritage List - monumental city gates, temples and historic city fortifications.
The island of Rhodes is also associated with excellent food, especially fresh fish and seafood. It is worth trying local specialties, for example octopus stewed in red wine.
Which of the Greek islands is the most beautiful?
Each island offers different packages of experiences - the amazing terrain, the purity of the waters, interesting architecture and the historic base are just the beginning of the experiences. It's worth seeing as much as possible to form your own opinion. This can be an extremely long vacation!
Perfect holidays in Greece – dream islands and villa rentals
If you are looking for the perfect island for the vacation of a lifetime, it is worth watching a few movies and reading a few guides about the best attractions in a given place.
Depending on whether you are looking for a place for a holiday with children or a holiday for two, we will find the perfect island.
Travel agency CARTER® will take care of every detail of your trip to Greece; We organize trips for singles, recreation for active people and groups of friends, as well as individual guided tours.
On the above-mentioned islands in Greece, we have a wide range of villa rentals in the Cyclades; The archipelago includes about 200 islands with a total area of 2572 km² scattered in the Aegean Sea. The Cyclades archipelago is famous for its rocky peaks, terraced villages and towns, wonderful beaches, Venetian architecture and ubiquitous windmills.
The office's offer includes luxury houses and traditional villas with swimming pools. They are located on the islands of Tinos, Delos, Naxos (Naxos), Andros, Amorgos, Kitnos and Kea.
Author: Travel Agency CARTER®
