Historically, Greece has been one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Every year, this country attracts thousands and thousands of visitors from all over the planet.This is due not only to its historical focus as the cradle of Western civilization, but also for its natural beauties, its impressive artistic development and the Mediterranean flavours and aromas that characterize its gastronomy.
This time, we want to tell you about how to travel to one of the most outstanding places in Greece: its islands. Read this travel guide to Greek islands to make the most of these destinations.
Travel guide to the Greek islands: which destinations to visit?
Greece’s sea is the Aegean Sea. Shared with Turkey, it’s the sea in which some of the best-known islands of this region are concentrated, but not the only ones. Greece is a country that has dozens of islands on both sides of its mainland. Each one has its own charms and wonders to visit. That is why, next, we are going to tell you about some of the best islands that you can visit.
Crete
Crete is one of the most important tourist destinations in Greece. It is located in the south of the continent between Europe, Africa, and Asia. Along the history, different civilizations have inhabited this area, each one leaving its own cultural and folkloric imprint, from the Phoenicians to the British; from the Greeks to the Byzantines; from the Arabs to the Turks and the Italians, and many more civilizations.
So today, Crete is considered one of the most important tourist paradises in the world, combining a lively atmosphere and wide cultural offer, archaeological remains, excellent gastronomy, and beautiful beach landscapes.
If you are thinking of visiting the island of Crete, Angela Suites Boutique Hotel can be an excellent alternative. Located on the outskirts of the city, it is a small newly built hotel with amazing outdoor pools and sauna. It also has a restaurant, gym, and different conference rooms. All rooms are spacious and have their own bathroom and minibar.
Saronic Islands
In second place, to introduce into the history and beauty of the Greek islands, it is necessary to talk about the Saronic Islands. Although they aren’t as well known, they are the closest islands to Athens. These islands have been inhabited since ancient times, which has led to the fact that, today, they are full of Greek, Mycenaean, medieval and contemporary archaeological remains. Within the islands that are part of what we know as the Saronic Islands, the best known are Salamina, Poros, Hydra and Aegina. They are perfect destinations for short visits, especially if you are staying in Athens.
The Cyclades Islands
In addition to the islands mentioned above, it’s necessary to refer to the Cyclades islands. One of the most outstanding points of these islands has to do with its landscapes on beaches that seem to be taken from the movies and that are combined with the historical remains of multiple ancient civilizations.
Both the whitewashed and semi-detached houses with circular domes in bright colours as well as the narrow streets full of cats and the mills make these islands unique spaces that deserve to be visited. At the same time, its landscapes have become legends, some of them becoming the most visited destinations in the world.
Within the multiple islands that make up the Cyclades, the two most prominent are Mykonos and Santorini. Santorini is considered as the “island of the great eruption”, which gives rise to different catholic legends. While Mykonos can be defined as the island of music and dance, especially disco music, Santorini is known as the romantic island for its landscapes composed of white and blue colours and its spectacular sunsets.
Among the multiple accommodations that you can find in Santorini, in our travel guide to the Greek islands we want to recommend you Acqua Vatos Hotel. This is a family-run boutique hotel offering warm and comfortable accommodation just 100 meters from Kamari Beach.
The hotel is within walking distance of all the key points and attractions of Santorini, including multiple cafes, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as dozens of water sports.
Sporades Islands
To finish our travel guide to the Greek islands, it is necessary to talk about the Sporades Islands. Located northeast of Euboea (a large island that surprises with its landscapes and beaches), Sporades Islands are a total of 80 small islands and islets that are less touristic than those mentioned above and that are specially designed for those who seek more relaxed and less hectic trips.
As we have seen, there are many islands that receive this name. Within these, there are four main ones that have gained great tourist attraction over time. These are: Skopelos, Alonissos, Skiathos and Skiros. As usual, what is recommended is to get to Skiathos by plane, since it is the one with an airport, traveling by ferry to the other islands. All four are characterized by their various historic churches and monasteries, Venetian fortresses and charming villages.
In case you want to stay in Sporades Islands, you can choose the Adrina Beach Resort & Spa, in Skópelos, it is a beautiful hotel built in the style of an amphitheatre on a gentle slope that reaches the beach. It’s in a purpose built complex on the island with a prime location. It’s a family-run hotel with excellent typical Greek cuisine and exclusive services.
