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Greece is a breathtaking wonderland that is adored by many worldwide travelers during the Summer months as well as throughout the year. Allow yourself to sink your feet into the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea waters, explore ancient Greek ruins like Acropolis in Athens, educate yourself about old-world philosophies and taste authentic Greek dishes and delicacies like Moussaka and Souvlaki.
Not only is Greece the birthplace of the Olympics, it’s also home to a collection of sun-kissed exotic islands, each one with its own unique flavor. Greece is often referred to as the origin of European civilization and it offers travelers a variety of experiences and opportunities to explore famous landmarks, busy seaside resorts, chic hotels, ancient archaeological sites, trendy nightclubs and more. Thinking about visiting Greece? Make sure you put these top 5 islands on your travel ‘to-do’ list.
#1: Syros
The Greek island of Syros is only a few hours from Athens Airport and offers a fantastic mix of art galleries, ancient architecture, popular museums and is home to one of the most breathtaking towns called Ermoupoli. This island is by far one of the most unique and charming islands that offers visitors the chance to experience authentic Greece.
#2: Santorini
This island is the number one choice among island hoppers. The island of Santorini is known as the more intriguing island of the Greek isles. With glorious sunsets, red, white and black sandy beaches, a colorful nightlife, traditional buildings and picturesque views of the volcano, this island is extremely popular with tourists and locals.
#3: Mykonos
Known as one of the most vibrant and colorful islands of all the Greek isles, Mykonos offers non-stop beach parties, unique architecture, friendly local people, hospitality at its finest and classy restaurants. This island is adored by thousands across the globe because of its charm, vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere and nightlife that is sometimes compared to the world-famous party island of Ibiza in Spain.
#4: Ithaki
The island of Ithaki is magical and magnificent. It offers visitors the opportunity to truly bond with nature. With sandy smooth beaches, authentic Greek restaurants at budget prices, turquoise-blue Mediterranean seas, untouched nature and absolute serenity. Many people who visit this island have felt as though it offers a Zen-like ambiance as it is completely relaxing and tranquil.
#5: Hydra
This unique and tiny island offers travelers the perfect vacation escape. The local people are friendly, local services are top-notch and the local architecture is striking. The feature that makes this island truly unique is the fact that no vehicles are allowed and travelers and locals use bicycles and donkeys to get around. Yes, that’s right, donkeys.
A visit to Greece is not complete without a tour around some of the best and most beautiful islands, so make sure you put a few of these top Greek islands on your travel bucket list. Once you hop around the islands of Greece, you will most likely be won over by Greece’s natural charm and unique experiences.
Thanks to Natasha for this informative guest post. I’ve been to the stunning Santorini and it makes me desperate to get back to Greece. I’m truly hoping that Mykonos is in my future this summer!
Guest Post Author Byline:
Natasha Jervis is a dedicated and professional travel copywriter with over 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. Some of her past and current roles include the New York Times travel channel on About.com, Sunwing Vacations, CanadaTravels.com, Escapes.ca and a variety of other worldwide travel media resources. You can find some of her more recent works here.
Perfect timing since I’m considering a visit to a few Greek islands this year. Thanks Natasha for the information and thanks Lola for publishing it!
tripsbylance recently posted…Romance in Paris While I Sit Nervously at Home
i SO want to get to Greece this summer. really hope i can pull it off 🙂
Hydra sounds particularly fascinating 🙂
Bruised Passports recently posted…Lanzarote: Volcanic Wonderland
it all sounds so gooooood!
I have always wanted to go to #Greece and the #greek isles! this year may just be my year! I have never been.
A visit to Greece is not complete without a visit to the beautiful village of Lindos on the island of Rhodes. White washed sugar cubed houses, many of them old Captains houses from the 17th century converted into rental homes, bars and tavernas. Dine on rooftop restaurants in the shadow of the ancient acropolis. Enjoy fresh fish at the water’s edge on one of the golden sandy beaches and fresh strawberry cocktails in one of the bars!
There’s a warmth and uniqueness about Lindos that is hard to describe. You have to see it for yourself…
Karen recently posted…Lindos Spotlight : Michalis Diakoulas
i believe you Karen. i’d love to have lots of time in Greece to discover many of the gorgeous islands there. a friend was just on Rhodes. looks amazing!!
it is SOOOO gorgeous. i feel so fortunate to have gone myself. big dream come true!!
Lovely list but what about Lefkada? What are your thoughts on that island?
Christine recently posted…TXWB Interview
i don’t know about Lefkada. tell me more Christine…my interest is piqued!
Love it! Have to get to Greece!!! All of the photos of Santorini have been inspiring me for years, but island hopping is definitely the way to go! So much to see and do!
Anita Mac recently posted…Paris Is Always A Good Choice!
I. MUST. ISLAND. HOP!
Love this post! I wish I was on one of the islands now sipping cocktails in the sunshine xxx
Leanne | A Little Bit Fab recently posted…#MotivationMondays
me too. me too. take me there NOW
Shamefully, I have only been to Crete.. but loved it so much, I went back again and again. Need to give Greece a bit more love!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted…My Flight: Qatar Airways business class @QatarAirways
i want to give Greece a bit more love with you this summer!!
I love Greece! This year I’m headed to Thassos which is one of the lesser known islands. I am so looking forward to it – the sun, the food, the people, EVERYTHING.
Clare recently posted…Paved in Gold: Munich’s Memorial to Those Who Chose Their Own Path
sounds awesome. i really hope to discover more of Greece this summer as well.
Still playing with the idea of an island hopping adventure around Greece this summer, looking quite attractive now!
Fiona recently posted…Designer Ibiza: Hotel Ocean Drive
DO IT!!
I hear from Greeks that Rhodes is the best island to go to. I have heard from the captain of a private boat who has been going around for 2yrs + that Hydra is the best. Me? I’ve only gone to Mykonos and can’t wait to go back!
Raul (@ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted…Photo of the Week – Sunset over the Serengeti
so many great places to go, no?! i’ll take any or ALL!!
Ooh I’ve made it to Santorini and Mykonos. Would love to go back for more Greek island beauty and fun!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted…Where To Stay: Thailand
me too. me too!!
I would do anything to island hop these islands this very moment. Beautiful!
Erin – The World Wanderer recently posted…Music Monday: The Road.
i think the word desperate isn’t strong enough for my want of these islands this summer!
We are heading to Greece in September.Now i want to stay there longer!
it’s gorgeous in September. so jealous!!
Wow! I didn’t know there were so many Greek islands ?!! Hydra and Rhodes sound amazing. Definitely on my places to go list now.
Kathryn recently posted…Sample Sublet Agreement
i want to discover so much of Greece i think i’ll need a month there 🙂
Wow! I didn’t know there were so many Greek islands ?!! Hydra and Rhodes sound amazing. Definitely on my places to go list now. Kathryn.
These islands definitely sound amazing! For us, though, our top Greek isle will always be Lesbos, just on principle 🙂
Mindy & Ligeia recently posted…Kayaking in Siquijor, Philippines: A Photo Journal
hahaha but of course & as it should be 🙂
Believe it or not, I’ve never been to Greece. When are you taking me? Ready to grab my sunscreen.
Jeff Dobbins recently posted…Nice Carnival
let’s go doll. how does this summer sound??
Can’t wait to go…one of these years!
Jenna recently posted…Going Local at the Red Rabbit
you must!!
Very cool write-up, and how could anyone not love an island named Hydra? Wow!
northierthanthou recently posted…The Village of Wainwright, Alaska
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Syros and Santorini would be on top of my list as well.
In addition to your top 5, I’d also add Icaria – the island whose inhabitants live exceptionally long lives. They say it’s partly because of their diet and partly because of their social and family lives.
Beautiful islands!
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