Top 8 picturesque islands of Greece: choose a place for a vacation

The islands and resorts of Greece have long been recognized as some of the most beautiful not only in Europe, but around the world. Earlier we told you about the most popular resorts in Greece on the island of Crete, and now we will introduce you to 8 incredible islands, from where you can bring a suitcase of great memories and beautiful photos.

Santorini

The resort that has long topped the lists of the most beautiful places not only in Greece, but in the whole world, is the snow-white beauty of Santorini. Volcanic landscapes, multicolored sands and clear sea, fabulous sunsets and peaceful atmosphere, incredible white houses and stunning panoramas that open from the windows - this and much more awaits you on the island.

Santorini, or Thira as it is commonly called, is a unique island in the Aegean Sea, every corner of which is unique and unrepeatable. The capital of Fira, located on the mountainside, offers amazing panoramas, snow-white houses, a bustling and beautiful old port, which can be reached by cable car or donkey. The small town of Imerovigli preserves ancient churches, cathedrals and the ruins of the Venetian castle of Skaros, but most importantly, it gives its guests peace and quiet. Romantic Ia with its incredible sunsets, narrow streets, small restaurants is as if created for lovers. And it is impossible not to visit Kamari with its amazing beaches and volcanic sands.

The cost of accommodation 3* - from €25, 5* - from €180.

Rhodes

The island of Rhodes and its eponymous capital is one of the most popular destinations in Greece, thanks to its combination of ancient heritage, unique nature, excellent beaches and amazing ancient towns. It is ideal for those who dream of combining beach and sightseeing vacations.

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

The must-see towns on the island are Rhodes and Lindos, which have such treasures as Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, the Rhodes Fortress, the Street of the Knights, the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena, the Monolithic Castle and several historical museums. One of the most favorite places for travelers, and especially for female travelers, is the Butterfly Valley in Rhodes, where thousands of colorful moths flutter. And you can get absolution, or at least refresh yourself, in the Valley of the Seven Springs, a nature reserve with an underground tunnel where ice-cold but "magical" water flows.

Rhodes is washed by two seas at once - the Aegean and the Mediterranean. Their coasts delight guests with beautiful sandy and pebbly clean beaches. And at Cape Prasonisi you can see a unique phenomenon called "kiss" of the two seas.

The cost of accommodation 3* - from €30, 5* - from €114.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a mixture of amazingly beautiful nature and an expensive, trendy resort. Its guests are often a bohemian and relaxed crowd: actors, musicians, artists and simply lovers of the beautiful life. Just like Santorini, Mykonos is famous for its architecture, cozy hotels, winding streets and excellent beaches on the shores of the Aegean Sea. However, the resort is located on a more flat area, recognizable for its famous old mills.

No one sleeps at night in Mykonos, because with the onset of darkness it's as if a second breath opens up. Dozens of bars, discos, nightclubs with bright and unusual show programs are filled with guests until the morning. And in the daytime crowded are the beaches, pleasing guests with their cleanliness, beautiful scenery and atmosphere. Since the resort is a party resort, the beaches are always full of young people, music and fun. Mykonos is also famous for its nudist beaches - Paradise and Super Paradise - for lovers of rest "without limits". These beaches are also where the big open-air parties are held.

The cost of accommodation 3* - from €145, 5* - from €185.

Naxos

Naxos is one of the largest islands of Greece, gaining popularity among travelers every year. Green mountains and blue sea, ancient statues and Byzantine temples, a lot of interesting events and festivals make the vacation rich and memorable.

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

It could take you an entire vacation to experience all the iconic places of Naxos. The marble gates of Portara, Bazeos Castle, the huge statues of Apollo and Dionysus, the amazing villages of Apiranthos and Halki, the valley of Tragea - the list goes on and on. And there are more than 20 beaches, one of which - Agios Prokopios - is one of the top 10 best beaches in Europe.

Naxos is practically in the center of the Aegean Sea, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the other Greek islands. From Naxos you can easily reach Rhodes, Crete and even the mainland by ferry or boat.

The cost of accommodation 3* - from €45, 5* - from €250.

Paros

Paros, nestled between the other Greek islands, has only recently started to develop as a tourist center, but is already actively gaining momentum. And it is not surprising, because it has everything that travelers need: kilometers of excellent beaches, ancient sights, palm and olive groves, nature reserves and a lot of restaurants where you can enjoy Greek food and wine to your heart's content.

The city of Paros, or Parikia, is the main center of the island, as well as the main port. Its beaches (Livadia, Marcelo, Kaminia) are famous for their safe coastline with clean sand and a gentle entrance to the water, and therefore it is safe to relax here with children. While on Paros, it is worth visiting the pretty old village of Noussa with its traditional Greek white houses, narrow streets and small churches. Not far from Paros is the famous sanctuary of Apollo and many famous old churches (St. Arsenios Monastery, Christ in the Forest Monastery). And if you didn't manage to get to the Butterfly Valley in Rhodes, you can visit it in Paros: thousands of rare moths surrounded by protected nature - something unforgettable.

The cost of accommodation 3* - from €25, 5* - from €135.

Skiathos

Another pearl of the Aegean Sea, with more than 60 beaches, many olive groves and coniferous forests, dozens of monasteries, fortresses and churches. The island seems to be created for those who love active tourism and adore hiking and trekking. Skiathos has more than 25 trails of different length and complexity, the main feature of which are beautiful views and panoramas.

The starting point for exploring the island is the capital of Chora. It is an amazing town, the port of the island, which falls in love from the first meeting with incredible landscapes and beautiful beaches. Nightlife lovers also stop here, dozens of nightclubs and discos await them in the New Port, on the "street of bars", and also liners with parties on board depart from there. The famous Cucunarias beach, considered the best on the island, is only 20 minutes from Chora.

The cost of accommodation 3* - from €70, 5* - from €112.

Idra

Idra is one of the most tranquil and atmospheric islands in Greece. It is completely closed to motorized transport, devoid of roads, you can only move around on donkeys or bicycles. Here you will not see crowds of tourists, and even less in the villages and settlements of the island, due to which Idra has managed to preserve its uniqueness.

The main town of the same name is small, ancient, with a port, picturesque promenade and beaches. Narrow winding streets decorated with home plants and flowers of local residents, small atmospheric restaurants and taverns, the port, "studded" with yachts and sailboats, and lots and lots of greenery and flowers everywhere. The island, as well as the city itself, can not boast of an abundance of attractions, but for the peaceful atmosphere that it gives, and for the pleasing to the eye landscapes and loved it. Interestingly enough, celebrities are especially fond of it, so don't be surprised if you suddenly meet your favorite actor or musician here.

The cost of accommodation 3* - from €45, 4* - from €80.

Zakynthos

Zakynthos is an island with a rich past and a beautiful present. Zakynthos will appeal to lovers of new and unusual things. For example, the island is a unique reserve, a national marine park, which has taken under protection sea turtles and Mediterranean seals, which means that you will have the opportunity to see and observe them.

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

The land area of the island is also unique, with the largest number of different vegetation (more than 7000 species). But the most breathtaking panoramas are provided by steep cliffs and bays, chasms and caves all over the island, washed by water of incredible azure color. The Azure Grotto is a must-visit attraction for all travelers.

The capital of the island, the city of Zakynthos, deserves special attention. Despite the fact that in the 50s of the last century it was almost completely destroyed after the earthquake, the residents managed to restore a lot of things. Dionysius Bell Tower, Platia Solomu Central Square, Byzantine Museum, St. Mark's Square, St. Nicholas Church and many other places add to the charm of the old town. And if you get tired of walking - go to the beaches, there are a lot of them on the island, the length of the coastline - 123 km.

The cost of accommodation 3* - from €40, 5* - from €130.