Necklace of islands: TOP-9 resorts in Greece

Crete

In the necklace of Greek islands, the legendary birthplace of Zeus - Crete - stands out as the largest pearl. It hosts the country's southern resorts, where sunny weather reigns for almost 340 days a year. They are attractive for their mountainous landscapes, sandy beach areas, and excellent hotel complexes for relaxation.

Among the numerous resorts, an unforgettable vacation on sandy shores surrounded by picturesque nature is ensured by Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Rethymno, Chania, Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, and Lasithi. If you prefer enhanced comfort, it's better to stay in the eastern part of Crete in Lassithi with its sandy beaches and star-rated hotels.

In the Northern region, the resort of Rethymno has gained popularity with its coastline dotted with a mix of sand and pebbles, a gentle descent into the water, and a freshwater lake with its own beach. The city has many beachfront hotels and it's pleasant to walk around, enjoying the picturesque combination of Venetian and Eastern architecture.

Attractions of Crete:

• Knossos Palace (Heraklion)
• Water City Waterpark
• Old Town of Chania
• Balos Lagoon (Chania)
• Botanical Garden
• Dikteon Cave
• Therisso Gorge
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum
• Arkadi Monastery

Rhodes

Rhodes is an island that embodies all the ideas about Greek islands. It is located in the Aegean Sea. The flora and fauna of Rhodes are more reminiscent of Turkey than Greece - the island's territory is quite mountainous, covered with pine forests, among which are located interesting sites, such as the Valley of Butterflies, etc.

A vacation in Rhodes is perfect for families with children, luxury holidays, and sports enthusiasts. Its shores are covered with the purest sand and washed by the clear waters of the Ionian, Aegean, and Mediterranean seas. Even at the height of the season, you can find a cozy spot among the green mountains and bays in Rhodes. The coast is full of small shops, taverns, and yachts that can be rented.

When it comes to the island's resorts, Kalithea has the most developed tourist infrastructure - there are many restaurants, a swimming center, and everything you need for a comfortable stay. Faliraki resort is the center of the island's nightlife with its clubs, shops, and taverns. Not far from the island's capital are Ixia and Ialyssos - the most famous resorts in Rhodes. Both are well-suited for surfing, have many ancient attractions, and of course, good hotels.

Attractions of Rhodes:

• Mandraki Harbor
• Kiss of Two Seas
• Ancient City of Lindos
• Saint Paul's Bay
• Symi Island
• Tsambika Monastery
• Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

Corfu

Corfu is an island that charms all tourists even from the airplane windows. The fact is that the airport's only runway is located on an artificial embankment right on the lake, creating the impression that the plane is landing on water.

Most resorts in Corfu are concentrated in the eastern part of the island. This is because the water temperature on the west coast is 2-3 degrees colder. Resorts in the north of Corfu, such as Sidari, Kassiopi, and others, are recommended for a quiet beach holiday. The hotels in these resorts are secluded, include everything necessary for a comfortable stay, however, there is almost no active life outside the hotel grounds.

For activities, you should look to the central and eastern parts of the island, for example in Kontokali, Gouvia - this is the most popular choice among tourists looking for nightlife. Bars, restaurants, cafes, and taverns here do not quiet down and welcome all comers.

Attractions of Corfu:

• Old Town of Corfu (Kerkyra)
• Palace of St. Michael and St. George
• Achilleion Palace
• Aqualand Water Park
• Banknote Museum
• Vlacherna Monastery
• Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio)
• Mouse Island (Pontikonisi)

Santorini

Photos of fairy-tale white stone towns with blue roofs against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea have long flooded the internet. These fantastic views have become a kind of calling card for the best resorts in Greece.

Once, Santorini was a volcano, of which only part of the crater remains, and the famous oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau considered these places to be the remains of Atlantis. The wonderful climate, high level of infrastructure, special bouquet of wines from local grape varieties, incredibly beautiful sunsets, and equally fantastic local beaches: Kamari and Perissa with black volcanic sand, white Apri Paralia, and crimson-red Akrotiri - make these places particularly attractive to tourists.

Moreover, Santorini is very romantic and perfect for couples in love; there's even a service for getting married at sunset.

Attractions of Santorini:

• Oia Town
• Museum of Prehistoric Thera
• Red Beach
• Nea Kameni Volcanic Island
• Megalochori Village
• Ancient Akrotiri Excavations
• Pyrgos Village
• Koutsoyannopoulos Wine Museum

Mykonos

Mykonos is one of the most famous and visited resorts in the Mediterranean. During the season, which runs from May to October, the island manages to receive more than 1 million guests. This small Aegean island surprises with its boundless loyalty to human inclinations, preferences, and orientations. In some magical way, the inhabitants of Mykonos acquired this quality, turned it into a tourist credo, and became famous throughout the world.

The panorama of Mykonos island charms at first sight: low rocky hills, famous windmills, dozens of churches, white houses with blue windows and doors, narrow cobbled streets, beautiful golden beaches, and a bright blue sea bathed in sunshine.

Moreover, in 2010, Mykonos was recognized as the best European island among such famous contenders as the world-renowned resorts of Ibiza, Capri, Madeira, and Mallorca. It was named as such by tourism industry experts and readers of the reputable American magazine Conde Nast Traveler.

Here's the translation into English while preserving the format:

Attractions of Mykonos:

• Little Venice
• Ancient Sanctuary of Dionysus
• Windmills
• Church of Panagia Paraportiani
• Archaeological Museum
• Maritime Museum

Kos

Kos is a small island in the Dodecanese archipelago, located in the Aegean Sea. This Greek resort is less known than its counterparts Crete or Halkidiki, and as a result, it is significantly more budget-friendly. However, the island is not at all inferior in beauty and uniqueness. Here you'll find a clean, wonderful sea, interesting excursion routes, and attractions.

A vacation on the island of Kos is considered the most democratic and affordable in all of Greece. There are many inexpensive hotels and tasty budget restaurants. So, if you want to get acquainted with Greece without spending all your money, pay attention to this island pearl.

The beaches of Kos delight with their diversity, there are large beaches several kilometers long, small beaches for secluded relaxation, covered with sand or fine pebbles. Also, the island of Kos is considered the birthplace of Hippocrates, so many attractions here are dedicated to this outstanding physician.

Attractions of Kos:

• Neratzia Castle (Castle of the Knights of St. John)
• Ancient Agora
• Archaeological Museum
• Asclepeion
• Zia Village
• Ruins of the Byzantine town of Palaio Pyli

Zakynthos

Another fairy-tale island of Greece – Zakynthos – is a true paradise in the Ionian Sea. Untouched natural beauty, a variety of rich colors, golden beaches, the aroma of pine forests – Zakynthos has absorbed all of this. The island is located between two mountain ranges separated by a green valley. Due to the peculiarities of the soil, the island has numerous artesian springs and lush vegetation. Just visualize this beauty!

For the Greeks, this island is of special value also because it is the birthplace of the great Dionysios Solomos – poet and author of the "Hymn to Liberty".

The island's calling card is its most famous beach – the "Shipwreck Beach" or Navagio Bay, where a smugglers' ship lies on the white sand, having been washed ashore during a severe storm in 1982. This particular ship has become a pilgrimage site for tourists.

You can book a hotel in Greece with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Attractions of Zakynthos:

• Navagio Beach
• Byzantine Museum
• Roma Estate
• Venetian Castle of Castro
• Blue Caves
• Keri Caves
• National Marine Park of Zakynthos

Lesbos

The Greek island of Lesbos – the third largest island in Greece – is known worldwide thanks to the famous poetess of Ancient Greece, Sappho, after whom the concept of same-sex love between women was named. However, this fact is rather an addition to the beautiful resort of Lesbos, which is often chosen by travelers.

The island is washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea. Surprisingly, despite its popularity, Lesbos remains an unspoiled resort, which is due to the large size of the island, distributing the huge mass of tourists like "butter on bread". The entire coastline is literally dotted with fishing villages interspersed with resort towns, between which there are magnificent sandy beaches everywhere. The island attracts with its deserted beaches and large stone villages, more reminiscent of small towns with upper floors hanging over the street in an oriental style.

And olive growing and fishing are also well developed here, so the coastal restaurants are filled with delicious local specialties.

Attractions of Lesbos:

• Mytilene Castle
• Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production
• Ancient Theater in Mytilene
• Byzantine Monastery of the Assumption
• Petrified Forest
• Genoese Castle

Aegina

The small resort island of Aegina is about the color and amazement of life on a small island that has accumulated treasures of many civilizations over millennia, but treats them not as treasures at all, but as something completely ordinary and banal.

The nature here is also unusual – rocky mountains and sprawling beaches together form an amazingly beautiful picture. And Aegina is not oversaturated with tourists, and therefore very welcoming and cozy. There are hundreds of fishing boats here, and plenty of fresh fish and seafood in coastal restaurants.

The streets and architecture of the island are the legacy of the Venetians, who owned the island for almost a whole century.

Attractions of Aegina:

• Temple of Aphaia Athena
• Archaeological Museum
• Monastery of Saint Nectarios
• Kolonna Archaeological Site