The 4 Best Greek Islands
Greece is a fantastic destination for a holiday and there is something to suit everyone when it comes to the islands. The region has the benefit of a long season of sunny and warm weather to allow visitors to enjoy a variety of activities. Whether that is sunbathing in the height of summer or city seeing or hiking at the beginning or end of the season. The Greek Islands in particular attract tourists from far and wide but there are so many that you could visit. And whilst island hopping is an option, sometimes you just want to stay in one location and enjoy it. So which is the best to visit? Keep reading below to find out which top our list and do bear in mind, this is just four of our favourites, we could have gone on and on!
Lefkada
Lefkada holds a special place in visitors hearts and explains why many go back year after year. The island is in the Ionian Sea and connected to Greece by a bridge that hovers over the beautiful sea. This bridge means you can drive straight over without needing a boat making it one of the easier islands to reach.
Firstly, the beaches are incredible, there are over 20 to choose from and some really are breathtakingly stunning. It's worth having a car purely to give you the freedom to travel round to a few beaches throughout your trip. The landscape of Lefkada is pretty dramatic with the centre of the island covered by hills and forests. There are hikes you can do to get some spectacular panoramic views around the island, though if you're going in summer it's perhaps worth doing these early morning before it gets too hot!
There are many picturesque villages scattered around the island and the main town is called Lefkada. It's a working port and is great to explore, with squares, alleys and pedestrian areas to get lost in. Tt's certainly worth an afternoon or a few evenings here. If it's culture you're after, Lefkada has plenty to offer in the way of the Faneromeni Monastry, the Venetian Castle of Aghia Mavra plus any of the numerous libraries present on the island.
The food is beautifully fresh and vibrant with fish and seafood being a regular on menus. However, if you're more into traditional stews and casseroles or grilled meat, you'll find plenty of that too! There's certainly not a shortage of delectable food and drink on Lefkada.
Crete
Crete is the largest Greek island but despite being the largest it still holds a lot of the charm that attracts tourists to Greece. It is a beautiful island and ideal for families due to there being a lot to do in terms of activities and also places to eat and visit. July to early September tends to be the peak season but you can still go outside of these times and get pretty reasonable weather.
One of the biggest draws to Crete are the stunning beaches, they are mostly sandy and the area of Chania provides some beautiful spots to enjoy your days by the sea. However, you would struggle to find a 'ugly' beach here, with coastal strips in Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi all being great to visit. Off a number of beaches you can also experience diving, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking amongst many other water sports. A day to the beach can include some sports for those who like to be adventurous as well as relaxation opportunities for those who prefer to sunbathe and chill out!
As well as the larger towns of Chania and Rethymno, which are well worth a visit for their architectural brilliance and café culture, there are traditional villages to explore. These are mostly towards the centre of the island in the mountains but they give a great glimpse into a different way of life.
Kefalonia
Kefalonia is, like Lefkada, in the Ionian Sea. It is the biggest island in this region and is a really beautiful place to visit. We'd say this island is perhaps better for couples or families with slightly older children, but this in no way means it's boring. There are many caves and islets to visit around the island, if you're visiting a boat trip really is worth considering to see the island in all its glory.
Fiskardo is a fishing village and still to this day has many boats parked up in the harbour. There are some fantastic Greek Tavernas lined by the sea and they are perfect for drinks and food in the evening or even a Greek coffee in the morning!
Two places to go on your 'to see' list are Melissani Lake and the Drogarati Caves. Melissani Lake was once underground before the roof to it collapsed and out emerged this stunning body of crystal clear water, make sure you hop on a boat to go across the lake to get a real feel for just how breathtaking it is. The caves are really impressive and if you've any interest in Geology (and even if you haven't!) they are a great attraction.
Myrtos beach is a must if you want to experience the glorious turquoise waters that Greece has become renowned for it. It's the perfect spot for a bit of sunbathing and watching the world go by, but be warned, you really will feel like you're in paradise here!
Milos
Milos is one of the lesser known Greek islands but has recently begun to boom in popularity, it is a Volcanic island and as such has a typically volcanic landscape. However, the beaches here are equally, if not more, stunning than some of the more well-known islands. Some of the most beautiful include Tsigrado beach, Kleftiko beach and Sarakiniko beach which has amazing white rocks and cliffs. You'll find that the volcanic landscape means that there are unique yellow, orange and red rock formations on a number of the beaches on the island.
Plaka is the main town on the island of Milos, it overlooks the coastline and has typically Greek white buildings and stone pathways. There are many tavernas here to explore and have a sundowner whilst looking out over the famous Plaka sunset!
This is not a party island but is perfect for visitors looking for a relaxing escape so perhaps is more suited to couples and families with older children. Don't be put off by the size of the island either, there's a lot to offer in terms beaches and natural attractions.
We hope this article has given you a little inspiration for your next Greek adventure! Remember we offer car hire across Greece so do run a quote or get in touch if we can help you with your next escape.
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