A Visual Tour of the Best Greek Islands

Introduction image courtesy of morgueFile.com.

Poster of Fishing Boats Moored in Harbour available from Allposters.com

Let's begin our visual tour of the best and loveliest Greek Islands with Crete. Why, you might ask? Because for one thing Crete is by far the largest of the islands. From one side of the island to the other is a total of 160 miles (260km), although it is not as wide from north to south. The size of Crete means that is has many fine resorts and makes in an ideal base if you just want to stay on a single Greek Island for a week or two.

Poster of Traditional Cretan Windmills available from Allposters.com

Things to see in Crete include the island's tradtional windmills pictured above. It's also a great island for walking, and has some fantastic history so you might want to visit the archaeological museum (note: it was temporarily closed at time of writing) and Knossos.

Head for the south coast for some of the best beaches in Crete -- Makrigialos and Plakias are good for young children; or try Anissaras in the north.

You can also go diving in Crete. There's even a German war wreck that can be visited by divers. The south coast is also wonderful for snorkelling.

Poster of Rhodes Town available from Allposters.com.

Rhodes is located in the Dodecanese group of islands. Though much smaller than Crete it is still packed with things to see and do. Rhodes was once the site of the Colossus and also has an acropolis at Lindos, plus medieval fortifications and ruins.

Poster of Lindos in Rhodes available from Allposters.com

There are plenty of scenic beaches on Rhodes. Some of the best beaches are considered to be Tsambika, Vlyha, Glystra, Fourni, and Stegna. Lindos is recommended for nightlife and also has a beach of fine sand.

Fun things to do on Rhodes include heading to Prasonisi Beach, which is the meeting point of the Aegean and the Mediterranean seas. This is a great spot for windsurfing. From Lindos you can take a glass-bottomed boat tour. In Rhodes you can visit the Castle of the Knights. If you wantt o explore, head for Embonas to sample fresh local produce and wine, or take a boat to Halki or Symi. Nature lovers might want to add the Valley of the Butterflies to their itinerary (note: there are a lot of steps, and mosquitoes on hot, humid days).

Poster of Lindos available from Allposters.com.

Poster of fishing boats at Kos in the Dodecanese islands available from Allposters.com

Though only a small island, Kos is a popular destination for tourists and has plenty of facilities and experiences on offer for visitors. This can be a good or a bad thing, depending on your point of view.

For a young and fun place with plenty of nightlife, Kos is ideal. You can sunbathe all day, party all night.

If you are looking for sandy beaches, head to Lambi (crowded in summer), Tigaki, Kamari or Kardamena.

Kos also has its share of interesting historical sites including the ruined castle at Andimahia, the fortress at Kalymnos, the Askepelion, and of course the Old Town and Castle of the Knights of St. John in Kos Town. Kos has some mountain villages to explore too, and if you want to go further afield it's possible to take a day trip to Bodrum in Turkey.

Poster of an Aerial View of East Coast of Karpathos Near Lefkos, Karpathos available from Allposters.com

Karpathos is a Greek island with plenty of traditional charm and fewer tourists than the most popular islands such as Santorini, though the main tourist areas can still of course be busy in summertime.

The main town is Pigadia where you can find shops, restaurants and bars and all the other facilities you could need.

Olympos (also known as Olimbos) is a beautiful spot about an hour's drive from Pigadia along a dusty road. This village has a spectacular location and is well worth a visit. Alternatively, there are also boat trips to Olympos if you don't want to go by car.

Poster of Woman Adjusting Sails of a Windmill, Olimbos, Karpathos available from Allposters.com

Other villages you might want to visit on Karpathos include the charming Othos which is at the highest altitude, or head to the medieval village of Menetes. Meschori is also worth a trip and is full of character.

You would be well advised to take a car to see the different parts of the island. Taxi drivers will also be willing to give you a deal to take you around the island but -- be warned -- this may involve stopping at the shops and homes of his family and friends who may try to convince you to buy their goods!

Poster of Olymbos (Olimbos) Village, Karpathos available from Allposters.com

There are some great beaches on Karpathos. If you take a boat from Pigadia you can visit Apella beach which is one of the best. Afiartis also has a lovely beach area. If you have a car you can also visit Amoopi or Lefkos beaches. Other recommended beaches include Kyra Panagia which has a beautiful location and the popular sandy beach of Agios Nikolaos at Arkasa.

Poster of Fishing Boats at Anopi Beach, Karpathos available from Allposters.com

Poster of Greek Church on Santorini available from Allposters.com

Santorini is one of those magical names that conjures up visions of an enchanting island of sunshine and, after dark, of twinkling lights along the bays. This is a Greek island that almost everybody longs to see. Not only that, but Santorini is a popular stop for cruise ships. For that reason, it is also the most likely to be full of crowds.

If you want to see Santorini without being in a throng of tourists, you need to plan the time of your visit. High summer is not your best choice. The weather in April is still unpredictable and May can be hit-or-miss, but by early June you can enjoy long sunny days. Early September is also a lovely time to visit and the summer crowds have died down.

Poster of Santorini at night available from Allposters.com

If you have only a day or few hours in Santorini, make sure you see the traditional small town of Oia. This is a beautiful place to have a leisurely meal in spectacular scenery and to enjoy the sunset. The nearby town of Fira is also lovely and only 20 minutes or so by car from Oia.

If you have more time to spend, be sure to visit Ancient Thira which is an interesting historical site. And if you love wine, don't miss the wineries on Santorini -- you can take a tour and of course sample the wine too! Santos Wines near Pyrgos has a stunning location

Poster of Thira, Santorini available from Allposters.com

Despite its beauty and charm, Santorini is not the best Greek island for beaches. The volanic sand is black and can get very hot (wear sandals or flip flops). If you do want to sunbathe and enjoy swimming in the sea, check out Kamari, Perivolos or Perissa. For something different Red Beach is actually red and is a popular spot for beach lovers!

Poster of Moonrise on Santorini available from Allposters.com

Poster of Little Venice, Mykonos Town, at Sunset available from Allposters.com

Myknonos, also in the Cyclades group of Greek islands, is also one of the most loved by visitors. It attracts all kinds of tourists from a variety of countries and background. It is a beautiful island with some of the best beaches in the Greek ilsands and also is known for its restaurants, shopping and nightlife. However, Myknonos (like Santorini) is probably not the first choice of island for families with young children.

Poster of Evening View over Mykonos available from Allposters.com

Mykonos Town is worth exploring and offers tempting dining opportunities. The south coast of the island has many beautiful beaches although those in the north are worth a visit if you want a more natural beach without sun beds and parasols. From Mykonos it's also possible to take day trips to the nearby islands of Tinos or Delos (which is an interesting archaeological site).

If you love nightlife, Mykonos has a number of options including Super Paradise beach.

Poster of Plathiena Beach near Plaka on Milos available from Allposters.com

Milos is another island with great beaches and is more laid back than Santorini or Mykonos. It's a little more difficult to get to but is well worth it to escape the crowds.

While on Milos you have a choice of boat tours to take you around the island. For traditional villages, head to Trypiti or Plaka, and also visit the nearby Catacombs. You can try diving at Pollonia. And of course don't miss the spectacular beaches. Paliochori is considered to be one of the best but there are many others that are lovely (and quieter) including Fyriplaka, Tsigrado, and Sarakiniko.

Poster of Firopotamus Fishing Village and Bay, Milos available from Allposters.com

Poster of the Temple of Apolla ruins, Naxos available from Allposters.com

Naxos is a highly recommended Greek island when it comes to finding beautiful beaches combined with an authentic feel and relaxed atmosphere. It is also great for families with small children -- try St George beach which is shallow and sandy and there is plenty to do in the area.

If you can tear yourself away from the coast, the mountain villages have gorgeous views.

Poster of Hora Town on Naxos available from Allposters.com

Poster of Paros available from Allposters.com

Why visit Paros? Well, just like Naxos, it has authentic Greek island charm and some wonderful beaches. View the Church of the Hundred Doors at Parikia, and take in the harbour there too. The fishing village of Naoussa is quieter and very picturesque. Lefkes is a delightful mountain village where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

Be sure to go to nearby Antiparos island to see the cave and visit the town, as well as to enjoy the beaches.

Wall Mural of Paros by Night available from Allposters.com

Old Windmill and Main Town of Hora on Ios available from Allposters.com

If you are looking for an island that is young and fun, Ios in the Cyclades is a good choice. It is well known for its nightlife with beach parties and a lively atmosphere.

It's a small island but does have some great views and sandy beaches with hidden coves.

Poster of Fishing Boats Moored in Folegandros Port available from Allposters.com

When it comes to Greek islands, Folegandros is a hidden gem. It has the beauty of Santorini without the crowds and is not as touristy as some of the islands.

Though the beaches on Folegandros are small, they are beautiful. Be sure to see the lovely Panagia Church and the Kastro area of Chora where the buildings have been built into the cliff.

It's also a perfect island for simply walking and enjoying the view!

Poster of Church on Folegandros available from Allposters.com

Poster of the Beach and Port of Kamares on Sifnos available from Allposters.com

Sifnos and Serifos are two lesser known Cyclades Islands which are ideal for those seeking a peaceful and secluded holiday destination with beautiful scenery.

Sifnos is a small island that is great for walking. It's also known for its food. For small children, visit the beach at Kamares which is shallow and sandy.

The tiny Greek island of Serifos is quiet and relaxing. Again, there are good beaches and plenty of walking opportunities, although less to do on the island than on Sifnos.

Poster of a traditional white church overlooking a bay on Serifos available from Allposters.com

Poster of Pythagorio Harbor on Samos available from Allposters.com

The lovely Greek island of Samos in the North East Aegean is recommended for those looking for a relaxed stay away from crowds and noise. There are few sand beaches on Samos though many with pebbles which still offer opportunities for swimming and paddling. However, the scenery is beautiful. As with many of the Greek Islands, the south coast tends to be more sheltered and the North can be windy.

Pythagorion has an attractive harbour with bars and restaurants, and also has an archaeological site close by. Samos Town is worth visiting to enjoy the architecture or to enjoy the nightlife. Away from the main towns there are some pretty villages to discover such as Marathakambos, Ormos, and Manolates.

Poster of a Street in Manolates on the Greek Island of Samos available from Allposters.com

Poster of Fishing Boats with a Greek Chapel on Chios available from Allposters.com

Chios is one of the lesser-known Greek Islands but is a good destination for those with young children. It is also one of the islands that will appeal to those looking for somewhere quiet and unspoilt by mass tourism. Not only this but the people of Chios have a reputation for being warm and friendly.

There is a lovely sandy beach at Lithi, but the black pebble beach at Mavra Voila is well worth visiting too. The mountain town of Volissos is said to be the birthplace of Homer. Pyrgi and Mesta are interesting medieval villages.

Poster of Greek Coffee and Bill on Chios Island available from Allposters.com

Poster of a Beach on Limnos available from Allposters.com>

Lovely Limnos (or Lemnos) will tempt you with its beauty. A wonderful island to get away from it all.

Be sure to see the castle at Myrnia (where you can meet wild deer who roam freely there). Myrina also has an interesting archaeological museum and the ancient settlement site of Polioxni is a must-see for history and culture enthusiasts. You can find a good beach at Platy (Plati) to mention just one, and there are several traditional villages to visit.

Poster of Limnos Scenery available from Allposters.com

Aerial View of Lemnos available from Allposters.com

Poster of the Skopelos Coastline available from Allposters.com

Does Skopelos look familar? It may do if you have seen the movie musical Mamma Mia! which used Skopelos as one of its Greek Island filming locations --- most notably for the church scene.

Skopelos has picturesque beaches fringing a clear and inviting sea, but they are mostly pebble rather than sand. The rest of the island has lovely scenery and seems to be one of the best loved of all the islands.

Poster of the View from Milia Beach on Skopelos available from Allposters.com

Skiathos is the smaller sister of Skopelos in the Sporades Islands and has its own share of stunning scenery. If you are looking for beaches you will be spoilt for choice on this small island. Maratha beach is particularly recommended if you are looking for somewhere peaceful. Koukounaries is also a great beach but is more popular.

Poster of Skiathos Town available from Allposters.com

Poster of Kuoni (Kioni) on Ithaca available from Allposters.com

Ithaca is a Greek island with a true traditional feel that will appeal to anyone looking for peace and quiet. The scenery on Ithaca is said to be spectacular.

There are sandy beaches within reach of Vathy, but most of Ithaca's beaches are pebble. Kioni is a beautiful place to visit and the nearby Frikes is also a lovely village.

Poster of Kioni, Ithaca available from Allposters.com

available from Allposters.com

We end our tour of the best Greek islands with Corfu. This has been a popular holiday (vacation) destination for European tourists for many years. The British in particular have been lured to Corfu after reading My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell who grew up on the island.

There are a wide range of different resorts on this friendly island, with something to suit everyone.

If you are only visiting on a cruise stop, you will find plenty to see in Corfu Town which has both shops and cultural sights, along with cafes to sit and soak up the atmosphere.

For those with more time, there is some wonderful diving around Corfu. Young families may prefer to head for the island's biggest water park, Aqualand, or one of the many beaches on Corfu's west coast.

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