The beautiful Greek islands are one of the best Mediterranean destinations. Greek sovereign land includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited. The Greek Archipelago takes up 7,500 km of the country’s total 16,000 km coastline, offering a highly diversified landscape: beaches stretching over many kilometers, sheltered bays and coves, sandy beaches with sand-dunes, pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks and dark colored sand typical of volcanic soil and coastal wetlands.
There are seven Groups of Island has been found at Aegean Sea.
- The Northeastern Aegean Islands
Agios Efstratios, Thasos, Ikaria, Lesbos, Limnos, Inouses, Samos, Samothrace, Chios, Psara. - The Sporades
Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros - Evia
The prefecture of Evia (which also includes the island of Skiros), is next to the prefecture of Viotia on the east and on the south touches the Aegean Sea, on the north and northwest to the Pagasitiko and Maliako Gulf, while on the west and southwest with the north and south Evian Gulf. - Islands of Argosaronic
Angistri, Aegena, Methana, Poros, Salamina, Spetses, Hydra. - The Cyclades
A group of 56 islands, with the most important being Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos, Folegandros, as well as the “Minor Cyclades” comprising Donousa, Irakleia, Koufonisia and Schinousa. - The Dodecanese
Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, Chalki. - Crete
Crete is divided in to four prefectures. From west to east: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi.
The Ionian Sea has only one island complex:
The Ionian Islands
Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefallonia, Lefkada, Paxi, and Kythira which is situated opposite the southern Peloponnese (Laconia). These islands, which are the biggest of the Ionian Sea, constitute the famous Eptanissa (meaning seven islands; epta in Greek means seven).
Antipaxi, Ereikoussa, Kalamos, Kastos, Mathraki, Meganissi, Othoni, Skorpios, Strofades are smaller islands of the Ionian Sea.
The islands of Gavdos (situated south of Crete), Elafonissos (in the Gulf of Laconia) and Trizonis (in the Gulf of Corinth), do not forme a group but are still of unparalleled natural beauty.
What to do:
Hit one of the splendid beaches in Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Crete or Zakynthos, where you can jet-ski, windsurf or parasail. Take a ferry or a boat to get around between the islands. Try the traditional Greek cuisine, taste some local olives and grapes. Music is a huge part of the Greek culture — you can catch a concert or festival almost any night of the week. Enjoy the pulsating nightlife in Mykonos (Paradise Beach), Crete (Hersonissos, Gouves, Sissi, Malia, Chania), Rhodes (Lindos, Pefkos, Rhodes Town), Corfu (Agios Gordios, Kavos) or Zakynthos (Kalamaki, Tsilivi).
In Zakynthos you can have a swim at the wide sandy beaches in the company of sea turtles. Take a sailboat, go snorkelling or scuba diving between rocks.
In Crete you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities here like hiking, mountain climbing, horse riding, gorge trekking, swimming and more. History lovers will want to explore the many historic and archaeological sites that dot the island such as Knossos Palace, which dates back to the Minoan civilization.
Visit one of the great island harbor towns: Rhodes, Mykonos or Corfu. Explore the medieval towns and fortresses in Corfu and Rhodes. Santorini and Mykonos are honeymoon favorites.
Santorini
Santorini is a beautiful Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, and it is part of the Cyclades island group. It is known for its picturesque villages, stunning beaches, and breathtaking views of the caldera, the underwater crater of a volcano.
One of the most popular villages on the island is Oia, known for its white-washed buildings with blue roofs, as well as its sunset views over the caldera. Another popular village is Fira, the capital of the island, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants and nightlife.
The beaches in Santorini are also a major draw for visitors. Some of the most famous ones include the black sand beaches of Perissa and Kamari, and the red sand beaches of Santorini such as Monolithos and Red beach.
Other popular activities include visiting the island’s ancient ruins, such as the Akrotiri archaeological site, and taking boat tours of the caldera to see the volcano and hot springs up close. Visitors can also take a cable car from Fira down to the old port of Athinios.
Santorini’s Wine production is one of the most famous in Greece, visitors can take wine tours, visit vineyards and wineries and taste the famous Vinsanto and Santorini’s white wines.
Overall, Santorini offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and culture for visitors. With its beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages and great variety of activities, it makes a great destination for a summer holiday.
Hotel Deals on Santorini:
Hotel Deals Santorini Island: Popularity
Hotel | Stars | Discount | Price before and discount | Select dates |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lilium Hotel Santorini | ★★★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Old Vourvoulos Houses | - | - | View Hotel | |
Emmantina | ★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
San Giorgio | ★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Villa Markezinis | ★★★ | -44% | 115 64 | View Hotel |
Black Sandy Beach | ★★★ | -35% | 216 141 | View Hotel |
Aretousa Villas | ★★★ | -17% | 111 92 | View Hotel |
Villa Rose | ★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Spiros & Hiroko Hotel - Adults Only | - | - | View Hotel | |
On The Rocks - Small Luxury Hotels of the World | ★★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Chez Sophie | ★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Villa Angira | ★★★ | -48% | 140 73 | View Hotel |
Margarenia | ★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Villa Anemomilos Perissa | ★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Studios Marios | ★★★ | -33% | 113 76 | View Hotel |
Villa Michalis | ★★★ | -24% | 131 99 | View Hotel |
Hippocampus Hotel | ★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Villa Clio | ★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Apanemo Hotel & Suites | ★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
King Thiras Hotel | ★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Anassa Deluxe Suites | ★★★★ | -33% | 208 139 | View Hotel |
Smaragdi Hotel | ★★★ | -43% | 123 70 | View Hotel |
Santa Barbara | ★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Princess Santorini Villa | ★★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Atalos Suites | ★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Mark & Joanna Studios | ★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Villa Toula | ★★★ | -48% | 109 57 | View Hotel |
TheArtemis Perissa | ★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Pleiades Eco Houses | ★★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Reverie Santorini Hotel | ★★★ | - | - | View Hotel |
Crete:
Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with significant cultural and archaeological importance. Here are some key points about Crete:
- Geography: Crete is situated south of the Aegean Sea, southeast of the mainland of Greece. Its terrain is diverse, featuring mountain ranges, fertile plains, and stunning coastlines. The island’s highest peak is Mount Ida, also known as Psiloritis, which reaches an elevation of 2,456 meters (8,057 feet).
- History: Crete has a long and storied history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic period. It was the center of the ancient Minoan civilization, one of the earliest advanced civilizations in Europe, known for its palace complexes such as Knossos. Crete has also been influenced by various other civilizations throughout history, including the Mycenaeans, Dorians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans.
- Culture: The island has a distinct cultural identity, influenced by its history, geography, and the various civilizations that have inhabited it over the centuries. Cretan cuisine, music, and traditional dances are integral parts of its culture. The Cretan diet is known for its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients such as olive oil, vegetables, cheese, and seafood.
- Tourism: Crete is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world with its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and picturesque villages. The island offers a wide range of activities for tourists, including hiking in the mountains, exploring ancient ruins, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife in cities like Heraklion and Chania.
- Economy: Tourism is a major driver of Crete’s economy, along with agriculture and manufacturing. The island is known for its olive oil production, which is among the finest in Greece. Other important industries include winemaking, dairy farming, and fishing.
- Natural Beauty: Crete is renowned for its natural beauty, with stunning landscapes that range from rugged mountains to pristine beaches. The Samaria Gorge, located in the White Mountains, is one of the longest gorges in Europe and a popular hiking destination. The island also boasts several protected areas, including national parks and nature reserves, which are home to a diverse array of flora and fauna.
Overall, Crete is a fascinating destination that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for travelers interested in exploring Greece.
Best rates for Greek Hotels :
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