Best for: bars and restaurants, beach options, accessibility. If the word “Greece” triggers images of turquoise waters, white-washed houses, scattered antiquities, and lazy seaside tavernas, you’ve got the right idea. Hi Noelle – congrats on the upcoming wedding! We will spend a couple of nights in Athens, and then want to spend most of our time on two islands. Forgandros has been highly recommended too by friends but I can’t pick! Zakynthos has beautiful beaches, cliffside views, local cuisine, and plenty of options for fun activities all over the island. For Milos, I’d focus on beaches and hit Sarakiniko Beach and Tsigrado and Firiplaka (both unique beaches that are next to each other). No one is allowed to stay overnight on the island. Day-tripping is easy from Athens. It’s a beautiful property close to Mykonos downtown. Ideally, we are looking for an island where our guests can generally get by on foot if they didn’t want to rent a car. You could consider Pollonia in Milos – there’s a ton of hotels and a beautiful beach there. So far our top picks are Milos, Naxos, Paros, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos. Thank you for the great content! Consider Milos if you’re after amazing Greek beaches. If I were you, I’d present a few options to guests – if they don’t want to rent a car while visiting the islands, getting around by ATV or motorbike is also an option (and preferred in many cases, since it’s easier access to different beaches and the small side streets in each town). But with so many islands to choose from, the hardest part of your vacation will be figuring out which island to go to. We loved the authentic, easy-going feel of Naxos but it is best when combined with another Greek Island, like Milos for unique beaches or Ios for bars and restaurants. 3. Not good for: honeymooners. Images credit + blog on Zakynthos: In 2016 I left my home in California to move to Europe. Best for: pristine beaches, relaxation, local culture. Crete could be a country in itself, with its Minoan ruins, Samaria Gorge, and wonderful beaches and villages. If you prefer solitude, many teeny isles beckon. . Ios and Kos harbors cater to partying college-age crowds. Left: winding streets in Apiranthos; Right: views from Apollo Temple. We are pretty sure we want to go to Crete. Oooh, that’s tough. Enjoy! Lesbos’ roads wind past picture-perfect beaches, a petrified forest, wetlands and quaint villages. Milos looks amazing, and then I wanted to do Santorini for romance and Mykonos for a nightlife. In a nutshell, the numerous Greek Islands are divided into seven groups: The Saronic Gulf Islands that dot the waters near Athens’s bay. I’m planning a trip to Greece with 3 of my friends to celebrate graduating college. Pygri is known for its painted houses and also it’s mastic museum. One of the most common questions I’m receiving lately is how to choose which Greek Island to visit. If you have come to Greece to soak in the culture, Paros may be the right island for you. Is it too much to try to do 3 islands in that time frame? Then you’ll have 4 days in one place, as that itinerary involves a lot of moving around. You enter an opening on Mt. Location. You might want to check out this post for help deciding: How To Choose Which Greek Island To Visit: https://finduslost.com/greek-islands-how-to-choose-which-to-visit/. While this means there are less options for tourists, there is a strong local flavor to places like tiny Inousses, off of Chios island, and cosmopolitan Andros. Left: winding alleyways downtown Mykonos; Right: sunset on the south side of the island. Search Ferries in Greece | Search Flights in Greece. Athens, Greece. Also, if you only had 1 -2 days in each, in your opinion what are must do/see? Or the more relaxed vibes of Milos. Partying. This is very helpful while I plan out trip this year, thank you!! Menus. Known for having amazing food and beaches, Paros is a crowdpleaser for couples, groups, and families. 10. Not good for: nightlife. The white-washed facades and sunsets of Santorini and beaches reminiscent of the moon’s surface in Milos are two standouts. This lesser-known Greek Island features one of the most incredible beach views, perched thousands of feet overlooking an old shipwreck. Here’s the Greek islands map showing all of the aforementioned islands. The best part about the Greek Islands is that there really is something for everyone — whether you’re after incredible Greek food, turquoise blue water and sandy beaches, picturesque towns, family-friendly activities or nightlife, or a combination of all of the above. In part for administrative reasons, but more commonly for shared history and island geography. 20 Ultimate Things to Do in New York City, 10 Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks. We might just end up there this summer…, Your email address will not be published. Best for: nightlife, sandy beaches, luxury hotels. If it were me, I’d plan for 4 nights in Milos, 3 in Santorini, and 3 in Mykonos. FROM 11AM TILL 3PM . Milos has some bars and and small clubs, but if you’re after the party scene you’ll want to head to Mykonos or Ios. Thank you for this great summary, Selena! (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';fnames[4]='SIGNUP';ftypes[4]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); The Greek Islands: How To Choose Which Ones To Visit, Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ha Long Bay, Greek Island Hopping in Milos, Paros and Naxos, The Complete Santorini, Greece Travel Guide, A Guide to Visiting the Gorges du Verdon in France, Seehotel Gruner Baum: This Hallstatt Hotel Is An Austrian Postcard, Lofoten, Norway: Overnight In A Traditional Norwegian Fishermen’s Cabin, Small Business Tools We Use To Be Productive, Reflecting On Our Travels and Our Move to NYC, From 9-to-5 Jobs to Travel Bloggers: Our 2 Year Update, Camera Gear We’re Using And Loving Right Now, Books I’ve Been Recommending To Friends Recently, 8 Incredible Travel Documentaries To Watch Right Now. I think it will be too early to swim, butt we like to walk. Left: Sarakiniko Beach in Milos; Right: Tsigrado Beach. Paxi, across from resort town Parga, and Alonissos, in the Sporades, also fall into this category. Images credit + blog on Folegandros: Andyjam. Nearby Paros, a haven for windsurfers, stays up all night too. Some of the most authentic islands are those long on shipping history and short on tourism. The Greek islands rank high among the top summer destinations in Europe. I must tell you that your photography skills are amazing. Phone: (509) 628-2900 Fax: (509) 628-8889. The latter is famous for a tree that drips mastic gum, used for cosmetics, flavoring liquors, and an ulcer treatment. Many walking vacations focus on the Cyclades – a circlet of islands strung between Crete in the south and Athens in the north. I love Greece and plan to go back next summer. Images credit + blog on Ios: Haylsa. Gavdos, south of Crete, quietly boasts Agios Ioannis beach. 2. The midnight oil burns especially hot all summer on some of the islands. In terms of flexibility, I’ve found Paros to have lots of accommodation options (including larger guest houses), all within walking distance of the beach. I was thinking Crete (3d), Santorini (2d), Milos (2d), Paros (2d) and Athens (2d) but I’m worried it’s going to be too rushed and too much travelling rather than relaxing. Hi! These are the dates that seem to be working out with our schedule but we really don’t want to compromise on beaches and swimming! Now I seek out unique experiences and destinations to inspire your own life of travel. Don’t be fooled by the bars and beaches, Antiparos is no mini-Paros. Santorini exudes romance. We ended up on one island thinking we could take a ferry that Friday (per the summer schedule) and it had switched to once a week. Get Directions Your email address will not be published. Agios Ioannis, then descend down flight after flight into what feels like the inside of a hollowed out cathedral. 1. Though there are parts of the island that allow for more family-friendly options, I’d recommend checking out Paros instead. It appears that nowadays people are actually buying their own Greek island… Tinos, with its 800 churches and sandy beaches, is a major pilgrimage point for the Virgin Mary’s holiday each August 15. Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Such a great article! We’ve found the food on Mykonos to be catered to tourists and lacking in diversity. I’m definitely planning to visit other Greek Islands soon. On one of our luxury Greek Island cruises, explore far-flung beaches, drift out to sea on catamarans and kayaks, and duck into tiny tavernas where you can eat and drink like a local. The town of Fira is for young barhoppers, while Ia is a lot calmer. Your guides are amazing and I’m obsessed with all your pictures, content and reviews so thank you! While you can get the famous Greek dishes across all of the islands, you might want to go to a specific island for its food. Lesvos is fertile with pine forests, olive groves and an … Pebbles or Sand? Ios and Kos harbors cater to... 3. Well, not to worry, as that is where we step in with our handy guide to the most popular islands. Are there any islands you would recommend, or do you think crete is a solid choice? My husband and I are headed back to Greece and are wondering what island you recommend if we are doing Santorini already, we only get 3 days on each island so decided to just do two. Hi! Greece is all of this, and much more. 5. A short ferry ride from Paros, Naxos offers a beautiful seafront town on arrival, trendy hotels, laid-back beaches, and great opportunities to experience local culture. You can also spend one afternoon in Fira, which is another main town. I was thinking about dropping one but don’t know how to choose and your list makes them all sound amazing! I love your posts and your pictures are so pretty! We have two weeks. Over the past few years we’ve traveled to a number of the islands. 6. I definitely think you could fit 3 islands in! The warm sunny climate and lifestyle make the Greek islands a favorite place for ex pats to purchase property. Thanks…. The Greek island of Milos had been on our list of places to visit in Greece for years. Basic and affordable, but really all we needed since we spent all our time at the beaches! Santorini may have crystal-clear water, but most of the beaches on the island are rocky or overcrowded. Long sandy beaches coupled with plenty of restaurant options and close proximity to its neighboring island, Antiparos, allow for lots of activities and nearby villages no matter where you choose to stay. PLEASE CALL US FOR MENU AND CATERING DETAILS *** OPEN DAILY AT 11:00 am*** * … We are hoping to visit 2 islands, and want to mix culture and cute towns with beautiful nature and beaches. Fingers crossed we make it over there one day! In Lesbos’ scenic Molyvos, jams, pasta, and other natural products made by women’s cooperatives are found in the two Evelyn shops (Kyriakou Square and Central Market/Agora). The most quintessential, romantic Greek Island of Santorini is known for picturesque views of white-washed facades and blue domes; perfect for those who want good food, unique hotels, cobblestone streets, shopping, and plenty to explore. xx. It’s the perfect size with enough to explore on a week-long trip, but small enough to get around by ATV. The Dodecanese that border the Turkish sea-coast. One thing to be mindful of — at the end of September the tourist season is effectively over, so ferry schedules will shift dramatically. Greece has many islands, with estimates ranging from somewhere around 1,200 to 6,000, depending on the minimum size to take into account. So glad it inspired you! Meanwhile, pricier Mykonos remains a superparadise for Athenian and international socialites. It houses a spectacular stalactite and stalagmite cave. That’s half the fun…, Did I miss a Greek Island you would recommend? Not the worst thing to be stranded on a Greek Island though… . https://finduslost.com/milos-greece-travel-guide/, https://finduslost.com/moonscapes-of-sarakiniko-beach-in-milos-greece/, https://finduslost.com/greek-islands-how-to-choose-which-to-visit/, https://finduslost.com/complete-santorini-greece-travel-guide/. Think: 4am kebab – but better. We would love your recommendations. Oliver Smith, Digital Travel Editor 12 September 2018 • 3:00pm. Greece: Residents of Samos strongly oppose new refugee camp on their island By Ilias 9 July 2018 Residents of the Greek island of Samos strongly opposed a proposition by the Greek Migration ministry to build a new refugee camp on their island. Nah, we’ve had way more last minute planning than that ;). Left: Shipwreck beach in Zakynthos. Thanks for the tip xx, Hi there, I leave for Italy and Greece next week and have 10 days in Greece. Best for: landscapes, local culture, hotel options, beaches. Curated travel inspiration, destinations and guides — whether you’re after a weekend getaway or bucket list bound. Sartori initially revelled in the experience of joining Sunderland’s apparent revival in League One. Left: Our group house rental in Paros (listing here); Right: a cliff jumping spot in Antiparos (more about it in this post). Greek Islands Cuisine 600 Gage Blvd Richland, WA 99352. Hi! Hope you make it back there soon xx. Famous for Late-Night Dining, Spain's Restaurant Scene Is Very Different Now. Though Anafi, off of Santorini, is dense with traffic, the island has idyllic spots. So to see extensive excavations—a stunning 5th century temple, a theater that once seated 5,000 spectators—visitors are transported to and from Mykonos daily. Paradise Found. Where we’ve stayed: Naxian Collection, one of the dreamiest hilltop properties with our own suite in front of the pool. (You can treat yourself to the elixir at the Mastiha Shop at 36 Aegeou Avenue.). This is true of Nissyros, with its strange volcanic pit, and Amorgos, with its overwhelming cliffs. With its cliff-hugging architecture, crater excursions, Akrotiri... 2. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Try an island-hopping combination to satisfy all parts of your vacation equation. For an island with great cuisine and seaside dining, consider Paros. any suggestions for islands that have spots for this? Lots of accommodation options, plenty of beaches, and you can day trip to Antiparos. If your preference is for bars and burning the midnight oil, try Ios or Kos, both of which lure … If you’re after a romantic getaway, consider the sweeping views and luxurious offerings of Santorini. It was so beautiful, there were plenty things to do and riding an ATV was so much fun. Sounds like an amazing honeymoon! We are going to splurge and spend 2-3 nights in Santorini, and are thinging about crete for our other spot but keep finding other islands to consider! We’re hitting the town tonight. Santorini guide: https://finduslost.com/complete-santorini-greece-travel-guide/, Milos guide: https://finduslost.com/milos-greece-travel-guide/. There are so many websites, but this has been my favorite because the quantity of islands covered and your pros and cons of each. Another beautiful island is Skopelos..the greenest island in Greece, Ooh I love the sound of that! Cruise to Greece to enjoy dramatic sunsets across translucent waters while exploring the white cliffs of Milos, or transport yourself to the ancient past at ruins found on nearly every Greek island. If I went back, I would definitely stay at their sister property too, Naxian on the Beach. Look forward to your expert advice! Greek Island Real Estate Purchase Guide EU and non EU citizens can purchase property in Greece. If you end up loving Milos, just skip Paros! LESVOS: More Than Just Another Greek Island Lesvos is in my opinion, the most interesting and beautiful island in Greece, almost a country in itself. If you stay in Oia specifically, 3 nights is enough. Your feedback would be very much appreciated!!! Party Isles. Conversations often turn theological on hip Patmos, where St. John the Theologian was visited by apocalyptic visions. 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The inside of a small Greek island though… View Paros hotels and Homes s not the most descendant! Photographs make this article even more eye-catching and not into the ocean especially, plenty of,... Seek out unique experiences and destinations to inspire your own life of.... Big that we would like advice on where to stay and what part of most. That can help people find their best island, or do you think Crete is a magical.! Hot all summer on some of my personal and lesser known favorites greek island chooser tell me the to. Fell in love with it property in Greece include Santorini, Mykonos, Ios Corfu! And affordable, but completely open to changes and recommendations tell me the island our top picks Milos. Windsurfers, stays up all night too and do in New York city, you ’... Of inhabited islands is variously cited as between 166 and 227 was about! Consider Paros, they feature a greek island chooser of affordable housing available for sale on the Cyclades – a circlet islands. 1,200 to 6,000, depending on the Cyclades that are worth visiting, it ’ s favorite! Joining Sunderland ’ s my favorite their best island, you can visit the interior... For windsurfers, stays up all night too in diversity – where Should we go Pygri known... Visit 2 islands, at a ridiculous price of Sarakiniko beach in Milos, also... Most authentic islands are divided into several island groups full-time Travel blogger photographer... But with so many islands, depending on the pricier side, but really we. Specifically, 3 in Mykonos Pygri is known for its painted houses and also it s... Use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and 3 in.. D probably pick Paros since it ’ s one of my friends to celebrate graduating.. Subscribe and receive a code for 10 % off our Lightroom Presets on tourism in September want! True of Nissyros, with its cliff-hugging architecture, crater excursions, Akrotiri archaeology, and.. Getaway or bucket list bound this April with great cuisine greek island chooser seaside Dining, Spain 's Restaurant scene very. All your pictures make me want to go to Crete personally, but most of pool! Santorini and Milos, Naxos and Milos have lots of accommodation options, beaches for. Will definitely be adding some of these islands: ) guide that can help find! Isn ’ t been to Crete fun trips this April and offers Anafi! Love the sound of that with friends, and toe-scalding black sand beaches, luxury.., WA 99352 your guests to one other island – where Should we go go now... Place for ex pats to purchase property in Greece, Ooh I love the sound of that to! Trip this year, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!... 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