Best for: Castaway coves and a picture-perfect port. As you head south, high-rise resorts give way to stretches of golden sand, such as Glystra, Tsambika, and Fourni. InErmoupoli, the finest places to eat and drink are around Androu Street: Ousyra, where the chef plates up Greek-ified pasta and beautifully balanced salads, andDjango Gelato, where the pistachio gelato reigns supreme, and the fig sorbet made in August can sell out in less than half an hour. You caneat in your bikini at Omega3, where locally foraged and fished ingredients are given an exotic twist: baby-calamari tempura, smoked eel in chilled melon soup with wasabi, and chickpea sorbet with wild apricot jam and pine nuts. There's a nascentsurfer scene on Kolibithra bay, where a VW camper van has been converted into a cute beach bar. Crete - Naxos - Evia - Thasos. ", Best Greek island for: Laidback family holidays. Where to eatCantina Analogue in Ermoupoli is an artist-run Aegean grocer and bistro. As the11,000-year-old mining industry is gradually giving way to tourism, several chic hotels have made an appearance. This stunning Mediterranean country boasts a plethora of islands, each with its unique character and charm. Beaches are mostly small and pebbly, but the sea is as clear and refreshing as gin. The promenades, ochre buildings and shuttered windows of old Corfu Town are more reminiscent of Malta or Sicily than the Cyclades. Picture yourself lounging on golden sandy beaches, sipping cocktails as the sun sets over the horizon, or exploring ancient ruins that transport you back in time. Crete is the largest island in Greece and offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Andros 3. Seriously reclusive types hop on afishing boat from Patmos to Marathi and play castaway atPantelis, a divine taverna withmodest rooms to let. Where to stayOn the outskirts of Chora, Small Paradise (doubles from 110 B&B, two-night minimum) offers three suites with kitchen facilities on an organic farm. Everyone fromJohn Galliano to Jon Bon Jovi has jumped ashore to taste the seafood pasta atTassia Restaurant in Fiskardo, washed down withlocal Robola and Muscat wines. The Dumas family, heirs to the Herms fortune, have been discreetly spending their summers here for decades. The only thing Aegina doesnt have is great beaches perhaps thats what has spared this accessible island from over-development. Or gosouth, where you'll find thebest beaches in Crete try Ligres, Sougia, or Kedrodasos. That's an unimaginable number of beaches. It's wall-to-wall Sloanes and speedboats atAgni, a tiny fishing village with three rival tavernas (Toula's is the best). InPyrgos, famous for its marble craftsmen, sculpted birds and flowers decorate every doorway. For a glimpse of Santorini before the onslaught of cruise ships and Instagrammers, explore thequieter south(but keep your discoveries to yourself). By day, the scene is way more mellow: brunch atMargaritas in town orTime Marineon Psaralyki, one of a string of shallow, narrow beaches along the southern coastline. 1. Two hours from the port of Rafina, near Athens, this mountainous island is the northernmost of the Cyclades archipelago and a favourite with holidaying Greeks for its food, beaches and pretty villages. Sifnos owes its foodie reputation to its most famous descendant, Nicholas Tselementes, who wrote the first Greek cookbook in 1910. Upmarket hotels are clustered around Lindos, its magnificent acropolis surrounded by slate cliffs and emerald coves. Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and traditional villages. Its reputation as the new Mykonos is gathering pace; the narrow streets are quickly filling with boho shops, boutique hotels and chilled nightlife. This painterly landscape was shaped by theminerals that have long been a source of wealth obsidian, alum, barite and sulphur, which still bubbles up in the islands many hot springs. Therocky coastline around Fiskardo is deliciously pristine: gosnorkelling at tiny Dafnoudi or Emblisi, flanked by slabs of limestone that turn the water electric blue. Where to eatAlekas House in Tsagarada serves Greek dishes with a slightly modern twist, such as stuffed zucchini flowers and pork with cardamom. Six kilometres from Chora, the village of Menites, at the foot of Petalo mountain, is famous for its spring waters. The 10 Most Beautiful Greek Greece is best known for its 3,000 islands, of which approximately 170 are populated. The most beautiful Greek Islands 1. Rhodes 6. At leisure.com, we are dedicated to providing personalized luxury tours and flight booking services to discerning travelers. If you visit Naxos, explore the beautiful villages of Apiranthos and Chalki, visit the ancient Temple of Apollo, and relax on the stunning beaches of Agios Prokopios and Plaka. Where to stayWind Tales (doubles from 73 B&B), a boutique guesthouse in Ano Syros, oozes Cycladic charm and has terraces offering stunning views over the sea. It was one of the countrys wealthiest ports in its 19th-century heyday and an air of grandeur remains. Most Beautiful Greek Islands Greece is known for its beautiful and photogenic islands which are at the top of many travel bucket lists. Crete Best for variety As Greece's biggest island, Crete essentially ticks every box. With historic influences ranging from Venetian and Byzantine to British, Corfu Town has a distinctly cosmopolitan air. The Archaeological Museum in Gyalos offers a history fix, and handily, just opposite, the best street food is available at Turquoise. Every gap in the burnished hills frames a differentview of Hora, cascading from the Venetian castle to seaside Skala. Thanks @AllianzTravelUS Show more . They may have been sanctuaries to Zeus, Hera or Hercules, or ancient defensive structures. If you visit Milos, take a boat tour to the stunning Kleftiko Bay, hike to the beautiful beaches of Firiplaka and Tsigrado, and try the local seafood and cheese. Thecolourful 19th-century city of Ermoupoli is built on twin peaks one Orthodox, the other Catholic, the heritage of a long Venetian occupation. Capri is one of the 10 most beautiful islands in Europe with its mind-blowing beaches, absolutely clear blue waters and bright sunny atmosphere. Yes, Greece is a safe country to travel to, with low levels of crime and terrorism. OnSyros, capital of the Cyclades, you wont find sugar-cube villages and whitewashed lanes. } Rent a bike to ride dedicated trails from Stoupa to Agios Nikolaos and the impressive Diros caves; in the other direction are the Polylimnio waterfalls on the way to Pylos, and Navarino Bay for a cooling dip. Record number of Britons head to Greece as nation enjoys tourism boom, Greek revival: how Corfus 14th-century ghost village came back to life, Peace, antiquity and beaches: a guide to five famous Greek islands, 25of the best places to stay in Greece and the Greek islands, Ruins of the Dodecanese: my life on Greece's wild islands, Whystifado is the best food in Greece plus the recipe. Plan your trip and book your accommodation and transportation early. Portaria and Makrinitsa villages offer views across the city of Volos. And then there are the mind-blowing beaches: from the spectacular sandy bays of Zorkos, Vitali, and Vori on the north coast to the mellow beach bars at Apothikes and Chryssi Ammos, or the sunset views and old-school fish taverna at Agia Marina, there are options for whichever way the wind or your mood is blowing. In postcard-prettyArtemonas, all roads lead to Theodorou, purveyors of nougat wafers and almond sweets since 1933. And yetCaptain Corelli's Mandolin put under-the-radar Kefalonia (Cephalonia) in the spotlight in 2001. For a really restorative taste of Greek life, though, its worth swapping the limelight locations for places where mass tourism hasnt obscured the essence of Greek culture: hospitality and a soulful way of life. It's just the right balance of low-key luxury and unspoiled authenticity. But who cares when you can kick back withfennel pie and raki atStou Stratou, pick upNatassa Kalogeropoulous minimalist ceramics atKerameio, and listen to Greek folk in theopen-air amphitheatre? Cooing American and Chinese honeymooners line up to take selfies as the sun sinks behindSantorini's caldera, the flooded volcanic crater. You wont find sandy beacheslined with sunbeds; only limpid, pebbly coves, such asKatergo, Ambeli and Livadaki. The medieval castle overlooking Kythera town. Youll find sheltered beaches no matter which way the wind is blowing; but if youre here for the swell, thesouth coast is fantastic for windsurfing (head toVassiliki or Sivota,home to the world windsurfing championships) and Agios Ioannis bay billows with kite-surfers. Best for:Low-key authenticity all year round. Pack light and comfortable clothes, shoes, sunscreen, and a hat for the hot summer days. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. So you might be the only person exploring theeighth-century BC ruins of Odysseus palace, or making the heady trek to thechurch of Anogi, covered in Byzantine frescoes (ask for the key at the village coffee shop,where the owner will cook you a set menu of whatever is available maybe a tomato salad, some local cheese and braised goat straight from her garden or neighbours fields). It is the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday in the sun with family, lovers or friends. Its a two-hour drive from Athens, or a one-hour ferry crossing from the port of Rafina yet very rarely busy. Corfu Santorini. Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a beautiful island in the Ionian Sea, famous for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful blue caves. And Ill admit, it makes my heart sink a little every time I hear someone is visiting Greece but only going to Santorini and/or Mykonos. Medieval fortresses and tower villages dot the dramatic landscape, and olive groves run out to the horizon. Beyond the modest, boxy houses of the harbour town are dozens of sensational villas designed by in-demand architects. It has some of the most picturesque coastal villages in Greece. Best of the Greek islands for: Decadent parties and five-star hotels. And dont miss Kafenio Meltemi in Chora, for traditional Astypalean sweets. Best Greek island for: Flopping onto a sandy beach with a good book. Best Greek island for: Authenticity with a bohemian buzz. The village square should be your first port of call on any Greek island: settle into your favourite caf, pick up local gossip, and adjust to the languid pace of life. What to doLose yourself in the neoclassical main town, Ermoupoli. Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, known for its stunning caldera views, white-washed buildings, and beautiful sunsets. See our full guide toHydra, Greece. Guide to the 10 best Greece Villages in mainland destinations and Greek islands: Oia, Rhodes Town, Chora of Mykonos, Town of Corfu and access to other 600 Villages. From Astypalea swapping out 2/3 of gas cars for EVs, to Chalki & Tilos using 100% renewable energy, these Greek isles are as smart as they are beautiful. The fanciest properties are scattered around Soros and Agios Georgios bays, where youll also find two of the islands best tavernas,Peramataki andCaptain Pipinos. (modern), Andros islands picturesque main town is on a narrow peninsula on the east coast. Waterfalls, gorges, medieval fortress towns, beaches it has them all. Or ventureinland toAmbelonas, an enchanting winery, restaurant and cooking school that specialises in unusual local dishes, such as roast pork with quince and crme brle with Corfiot kumquats. The west coast of Naxos is fringed with mile upon mile of powdery sands. Find an urban escape in northern Greece with a visit to Thessaloniki. Steeped in maritime history, this pretty little town on the Gulf of Corinth below ancient Delphi is an overlooked gem. Ithacas turquoise and emerald coves arepopular with the sailing set, but few visitors venture into the forested hills. Folegandros Apartments ( apartment for four from 126), also in Chora, make a comfortable base and theres a pool. Traditional dishes areslow-roasted in a wood-fired oven at To Meraki tou Manoli, a local institution on sheltered Vathy bay. Then there are the two largest standalone islands of Greece, Crete with her surrounding islets and Evia (or Euboea). Best for: Deep-blue seas and wide-open spaces, Its not easy to get toAmorgos. Best Greek island for: Culture and off-season cachet. Gefsiplous, by the sea in Karystos, is a family-run restaurant serving simple salads, seafood and grilled meats. 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