The Greek Islands

Greece is a popular summer destination for travellers from around the world, and the islands in particular are a favourite location to catch a unique mix of sun, sea, history, and culture. Spring or Autumn are possibly even better times to visit the Greek Islands, with everything you'd expect from the islands, but without the crowds.

Visiting the Greek islands is all about escaping the cares of our modern, hectic lifestyle and enjoying the simple things of life - food, drink, sun, and surf. But Greece offers much more, and the fascinating history of this region is well represented by impressive ancient Greek, Roman, and Ottoman remains and architecture.

'Which island?' is a difficult question to answer - not only because there are dozens worth a visit, but because each has its own feel and unique attributes. A bit of research should help you decide which island meets your needs and may also help you to avoid the package holiday hordes that are unfortunately starting to blight some islands.

Santorini (pictured above) is one Greek island that will long stick in the memory of visitors - its volcanic caldera, ancient ruins, and stunning cliff-top communities make it something all together different. For more information visit our Santorini Guide.

Crete, Kos, and Corfu, and are well-known as 'party islands', with low cost package deals geared to the herd-instinct traveller. All however have their strong points, with Kos and Crete in particular well-endowed with remnants of their glorious histories.

Rhodes is another popular island, and has a mixture of package resorts and more remote, welcoming locations. The Old Town though is the real drawcard, with its Crusader walls and castles (see below), winding medieval alleyways, and bustling shops and restaurants. The Old Town is also a great place to stay, with most of the package holiday or cruise ship herds drifting off later in the day, leaving the famous pebbled streets far less crowded.

There are of course dozens of other islands well worth a visit - from quiet 'off the beaten track' islands that retain much of their authenticity (Paros, Patmos, and Syros, for example), to those that are geared these days more towards the needs and expectations of tourists than traditional industries such as fishing and farming (Mykonos and Ios being popular examples of the latter, but while retaining some of their charms).

The Greek Islands are a water-sports paradise - snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing are all easy to participate in at affordable prices. Of course your idea of water-sports may well be just having a cooling dip after beach sun-bathing, drink in hand - again, the Greek Islands will not disappoint.

The islanders themselves have a rich history and diverse culture stretching back to ancient times. The relics of this glorious past are evident throughout the islands - from Minoan ruins on Crete and Santorini, to Greek/Roman sites on Antiparos and Naxos, to the Byzantine, Ottoman, Crusader, and Venetian legacies elsewhere.

There are few better ways of spending a few days than sampling the deliciously simple Greek food - Souvlaki, Greek Salad, seafood, Tzatziki, olives - while swimming in the crystal blue waters of a secluded Aegean beach. If beaches aren't your thing, most Greek islands offer history, culture, and shopping experiences to satisfy most tastes. An experience not to be missed...

Average Temperatures

Greek Island Websites

Greek Island Hopping
Greek Islands
Greek Sun

Airlines To Greece

Olympic Airways - Greek National Airline
British Airways
Virgin Airlines
Easyjet

Greek Island Ferries

Visit the Ferries portal for (generally accurate) ferry destination, timetable, and fare information.

Guide Books

In our opinion, two of the best guide books are The Rough Guide - Greek Islands and the Eyewitness Travel Guide. Click on the page-top banner for deals at Amazon.

Other Greece Information

Visit our Athens Guide.

Book your train ticket...

Visit thetrainline.com to plan your UK journey, and to book your tickets.

Navigate the tube with ease...

Visit thetube.com and transportforlondon.gov.uk