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 set against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea have long flooded the internet. These stunning views have become a kind of calling card for Greece’s finest resorts.

Once, Santorini was a volcano, of which only part of the crater remains today, and the famous oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau believed these places to be the remnants of Atlantis. A wonderful climate, a high level of infrastructure, a distinctive selection of wines made from local grape varieties, breathtaking sunsets, and no less spectacular beaches — Kamari and Perissa with their black volcanic sand, the white Api Paralia, and the crimson-red Akrotiri — make this destination especially appealing to travelers.

Moreover, Santorini is incredibly romantic and perfectly suited for couples in love — there is even a wedding-at-sunset service available here.

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.

Attractions of Mykonos:

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

Kos

Kos is a small island of the Dodecanese archipelago, located in the Aegean Sea. This Greek resort is less well known than its counterparts, Crete or Halkidiki, which makes it significantly more budget-friendly. However, in terms of beauty and uniqueness, the island is in no way inferior. It boasts crystal-clear waters, interesting sightseeing routes, and numerous attractions.

Holidays on the island of Kos are considered among the most affordable and accessible in all of Greece. There are plenty of inexpensive hotels and delicious budget-friendly restaurants. So, if you want to discover Greece without spending a fortune, be sure to consider this island gem.

The beaches of Kos delight visitors with their variety: long sandy stretches extending for several kilometers, small secluded beaches for a more private getaway, covered with sand or fine pebbles. Moreover, the island of Kos is regarded as the birthplace of Hippocrates, so many local landmarks 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 Ancient Greek poet Sappho, after whom the term describing love between women was coined. However, this fact is merely an additional detail that complements the image of Lesbos as a beautiful resort, often chosen by travelers.

The island is washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea. Remarkably, despite its popularity, Lesbos remains an unspoiled destination, largely due to its vast size, which evenly spreads the flow of tourists across the island. The entire coastline is dotted with fishing villages interspersed with resort towns, with magnificent sandy beaches stretching between them. The island captivates visitors with its deserted beaches and large stone villages that resemble small towns, featuring upper floors that traditionally overhang narrow streets in an Eastern style.

In addition, olive cultivation and fishing are highly developed here, which is why coastal restaurants are renowned for their fresh local cuisine.

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 all about the charm and uniqueness of life on a tiny island that has accumulated the treasures of many civilizations over thousands of years, yet treats them not as priceless relics, but as something completely ordinary and everyday.

The nature here is equally distinctive—rocky mountains and wide, open beaches come together to create an exceptionally picturesque landscape. Moreover, Aegina is not overcrowded with tourists, which makes it especially welcoming and cozy. Hundreds of fishing boats line the shores, and coastal restaurants offer an abundance of fresh fish and seafood.

The island’s streets and architecture are a legacy of the Venetians, who ruled the island for nearly an entire century.

Attractions of Aegina:

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