Greece is a very popular destination among tourists all year long. No matter what you prefer to see and do, you can find it somewhere in Greece. Nevertheless, the most popular destinations among foreign visitors seem to be the islands. There are around 250 islands in the country and most of them have a quite big population. It can be very hard to choose which one to visit, especially when you have no one to help you with your decision. In this article, we recommend to you four islands you should visit on your next trip to Greece. You can choose among them based on your interests, on what you’re looking for during your holidays.
1. Crete – the first island you should visit on your next trip to Greece
Crete is the biggest among all the Greek islands. You will definitely need more than or two days to explore it. Nevertheless, it is one of the islands you should visit on your next trip to Greece. There are four main big cities on the island and each of them can offer something unique to your trip. The beaches on the islands are some of the most beautiful in the whole country. Your best choice would be to rent a car or a motorbike to easily get around the island. Transportation is great as well, but there are a lot of hidden beaches that you can discover easier by yourself. Nevertheless, you will not be alone for sure even if you travel by yourself. Cretan people are very friendly and welcoming and they will try and help you every chance they get.
If you love history, especially ancient history, you chose the right place to go. Crete is presumably the birthplace of Zeus. There are ancient ruins all over the island and you can visit most of them by paying for a ticket. The Minoan palace of Knossos is glorious and you definitely should lose your chance to visit it and explore it. Things can get very crowded in archaeological sites though. If you want to avoid that but still visit them, get there early in the morning. In this way, you can avoid both the high temperatures and people
2. Corfu – the second island you should visit on your next trip to Greece
Positioned on the western side of Greece, Corfu is part of the Ionian islands. It’s one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. Because of its position and history, the island is a mix of Venetian, British and French colonial influence. You will feel all these different influences the moment you step on the island. From the architecture to the activities, everything feels different. It is the perfect place for travellers who want to explore a Greek place while also discovering all these unique features.
The main square is full of pubs, bars and restaurants. Choosing where to go can be a bit challenging because everything is so unique and different. Most visitors choose to go to the Liston for cocktails as it is one of the most popular places in the centre. As for the landscape, lots of people have compared Corfu to Tuscany. The only difference is the island’s beaches, which are some of the greatest beaches in Europe. You should definitely explore the island either by bus or car and don’t lose the chance to rent a boat and discover the hidden treasures and beaches.
3. Santorini
Santorini is one of the most well-known islands in the country. It is part of the Cyclades, in the Aegean sea. It is usually the most popular choice among couples for their honeymoon or just for a romantic trip. The island is mainly known for two things: its volcano and its amazing sunset view. The view might sound like a romantic cliche but it is actually worth it. The pictures of the sunset you may come across are great, but they are nothing like the real thing. Up close it takes your breath away.
There was a volcanic explosion on the island about 3000 years ago. Even though the volcano is not active nowadays, you can still see the effect that eruption had on the island’s landscape. Black-sand beaches, high cliffs with psychedelic colours are what was left behind. Most of the island though sunk underwater due to the force of the volcano. Lots of people today still believe that this is where the legend of Atlantis came from. Except for the unique land of Santorini, the activities are also very interesting. You should definitely take time to walk around the island, admire the cities’ white and blue colours, and get your chance to go sailing if the weather permits it.
4. Rhodes
Rhodes is also one of the biggest islands in Greece. Its location is quite far from the main land and closer to the Turkish shore. For lots of years, Rhodes was constantly devastated by crusaders and invaders. But it was built up again and again by its people who loved their island more than anything. Since then, the island is completely rebuilt and it has become one of the top destinations in Greece, both for Greeks and foreigners. The most amazing thing about the island is that you can still get to know its history just by strolling around.
One of the greatest historical attractions of the city is the medieval citadel. You can easily spot it in the town of Rhodes and stroll around while admiring the view. It is a mix of Byzantine churches, ruins of the Roman times, synagogues and minarets. Historical periods mix together and create the most perfect atmosphere. Look out for all the amazing restaurants and cafes all around the city centre. There you can enjoy your time while you also enjoy the view of the citadel.
