For aspiring holiday-makers looking for summer vacation, inspiration UK Travel Blog, Original Travel, has posted a list on what the site considers as the 10 most beautiful islands in Greece.
Despite blog’s clarification that “You can’t really go wrong with any of the Greek islands,” the featured destinations are:
Santorini
According to the blog, Santorini, although a cliché choice, is deservedly on the list, with its white-washed settlements – traditional and faux traditional – carved in to the cliffsides overlooking the turquoise waters and offering unforgettable sunsets and excellent photo opportunities of the iconic Caldera. For a calmer experience, the website suggests a trip to the south side of the island where multi-colored sand beaches are worth visiting.
EUROKINISSI
Naxos
The blog includes the largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos, which it praises for its “powder-sand beaches” and “Venetian influences.” It also recommends its visitors to try the local produce “including arseniko cheese – and well-established distilleries, serving kitron (citron liqueur).” For the more adventurous the blog suggests a walk through the island’s hiking trails through Mt. Zeus.
Corfu
Original Travel includes “The centerpiece of the Ionian islands,” Corfu, on its list. It recommends Corfu “for its Byzantine architectural masterpieces, which are perched atop lush clifftops, such as the Angelokastro and Kassiopi fortresses, while the pastel villages are reminiscent of those found in the Tuscan countryside.” It also does not leave out the chance to visit Paleokastritsa, which is considered as one of the country’s best beaches.
Sifnos
The website lauds the Cyclades isle of Sifnos as a culinary must. It urges tourists to try local dishes like “revithia (chickpea stew) and mastello (lamb with red wine and dill), as well as the Sifnos melopita (honey pie) for those with a sweet tooth,” take part in famous pottery workshops and visit the island’s sand beach islands. It recommends Sifnos for those looking for a more peaceful, easy-going destination.
Mykonos
The blog includes the “Ibiza of the Aegean”, Mykonos, whose settlements are adorned with breathtaking bougainvillea curtains. “The island has long been a jet-setter’s hotspot, with latest influxes of “Instagrammers” and ravers, yet it is still possible to find some more secluded corners, such as the beaches of Lia and Agrari, it notes.
Hydra
The website recommends Hydra for its beauty and proximity to Athens. “The island is car-free, with mules and donkeys providing the main form of transport which only adds to the relaxed atmosphere, and the most active thing about it is its thriving art scene.” Despite its lack of sandy beaches, it is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway from the busy city.
Paros
Paros’ golden beaches and bustling nightlife are just two of the characteristics that put the island on this list. The blog mentions that the island “has all the classic Greek features (quaint villages, sugar-white structures and historic monasteries), but the lack of tourist crowds on the island as a whole only increases its appeal.”
Milos
Original Travel mentions that this Cyclades island, which features roughly 70 beaches, is ideal “for a beach-lounging, sun-tanning holiday and its volcanic geography means that it’s blessed with a number of natural hot springs, which you can wallow in for free.”
Crete
The post could not leave out the largest and most populous of Greek islands, Crete. Despite the rapid development of the large island, the blog argues that “there are still plenty of authentic places to explore where the local food is exceptionally fresh and the olive groves remain untouched, such as the Amari valley and the hamlet of Milia.”
Amorgos
The blog ends its Grecian isle list with what it terms as a “hidden gem”, Amorgos, with its light sand and clear waters. “he rugged interior entices walkers and hiking the mountainous topography is the only way to access many of its beaches, meaning there’s every chance you’ll have one all to yourself.”
