The Best of the Greek Islands

1.

Santorini

Dramatic Landscape

The dramatic island of Santorini immediately calls to mind cerulean blue domed rooftops, ancient archaeological attractions and stylish boutique hotels. Conceived during the climax of a volcanic eruption over 3,000 years ago, Santorini was destined to be the longed-for island of allure and romance in the Cyclades Greek Islands. Adding to Santorini's charm is its dramatic scenery of black sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and the breathtaking sapphire waters of the Aegean Sea. The view, combined with the charm of Oia's cliffside laneways restaurants and bars, creates an intoxicating island experience.

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2.

Mykonos

Jet-Set Partying

Renowned as the Greek Island's jet-set party destination, Mykonos sits in the sun-dazzled Aegean Sea and offers a taste of something for everyone. The party crowd and fashionistas can generally be found at the island's wild beach clubs and outdoor bars at Paradise beach and Super Paradise beach. While you can find endless late night partying, charming tavernas and boutique shopping, there is also a quieter, more local side to Mykonos for those wanting to escape the party scene. Don't miss the local artists galleries, mosaicked Byzantine churches, and charming seaside tavernas in Chora.

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3.

Crete

History

The Greek island of Crete is the pinnacle of Greek culture and heritage. Seemingly unspoiled by time, visitors to Crete will experience preserved Greek civilization in the form of remarkable Minoan palace ruins, ancient frescoed Byzantine walls, archaeological site excavations and antiquated olive tree groves. Markets offer Cretan cheeses, olive oil, honey, Greek vintages from age-old vines and even treasures such as replicas of primitive Minoan jewelry. Crete offers a cultivated adventure to travelers who want to immerse themselves in antiquity while enjoying the wild beauty of the island.

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4.

Symi, The Dodecanese Islands

Charming

As ferries arrive to the island of Symi, travelers will discover beautiful harbors with colorful fishing boats bobbing in the waves, storied houses built into the cliffside and Saint Michael Panormitis monastery overlooking it all. Part of the Dodecanese Islands, Symi offers isolated beaches, lively tavernas and neoclassical buildings restored to reflect their original splendor. Travelers who are looking to experience the island's history should add sights such as the Chatziagapitos House, the Lindos war memorial and the Nautical Museum to their itinerary.

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5.

The Peloponnese Islands

History

The Peloponnese in southern Greece is a history lover's dream. The ancient cities of Corinth, Mycenae and more lure travelers to the archaeological remnants of temples and fortresses. Olympia, the original site of ancient Olympic games, is also a popular attraction. This area has something to offer every kind of traveler, from picturesque beaches to museums and wineries. Visitors can learn the native folk dance, the tsakonikos, dating back to the times of ancient Greece. Sample the regional cuisine and enjoy the natural beauty of the these charming, picturesque islands.

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6.

Amorgos

Remote & Rugged

Untamed, nearly secluded Amorgos is perfect for travelers looking to get off the beaten track to discover rugged, mountainous landscape and serene beaches. Amorgos is slightly set apart from the rest of the Cyclades Islands, being one of the farthest to the east. Pebbly coves, sandy stretches of shoreline and rocky terrain are optimal for outdoor sports such as hiking, rock climbing and diving. The Panagia Hozoviotissa monastery is an architectural wonder of sun-drenched, whitewashed stone perched upon a precipitously craggy cliffside. This is one of our favourite islands for its natural beauty and peaceful local life.

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7.

Paros

Charming

The island of Paros is an amiable atoll, warmly welcoming travelers longing for a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. Paros is picturesque, having the classic Aegean looks of hilly landscape, beryl-blue sky, white-washed houses with flat rooftops and blue doors along narrow streets. The island is littered with relics of antiquity such as columns, a temple and a medieval castle. Highlights of Paros include snorkeling, catamaran sailing, windsurfing and dining alfresco at the local tavernas which serve classic fare such as cheese and spinach pies along with white wine that this region of Greece is known for.

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8.

Syros

Boutique Hotels

Syros, surrounded by the lucid blue Aegean Sea, is an island that has something for every traveler. Its capital, and the capital of all the Cyclades Islands, Ermoupoli, with its buildings stacking up the hillside from the harbor is considered to be one of Greece's loveliest cities. With the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas perched high above the city, enjoy the island's stylish boutique hotels and vibrant local tavernas, as well as a live performance at the Apollo Theatre opera house, a replica of La Scala in Milan, Italy. Syros is also known for its sweet treat, loukoumia, Greece's version of Turkish delight.

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9.

Kefalonia

Landscape

Contemporary Kefalonia, one of the Ionian Islands, draws travelers to its mystical landscape and its chic, Venetian ambiance. One of the largest islands in Greece, it is charmingly local yet cosmopolitan in equal measure. Kefalonia's Mirtos beach is world-famous for its beauty, with its ivory sands and lofty cliffs. The island is home to the mysterious and eerily beautiful underwater caves of Melissani, as well as the Drogarati cave with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. The Ionian Islands tend to be less-traveled than the other Greek Islands of the Aegean Sea.

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10.

Folegandros

Local Gem

Remote Folegandros, a former place of exile, is an island whose rugged atmosphere has not yet been tarnished by crowds of tourists. This tiny stretch of rocky land is ideal for travelers who want to experience a sense of genuine Greek culture. Folegandros is known for its culinary specialty, matsata - a homemade pasta dish of the island. Visitors will want to take in the stunning view of the entire island from the white marble Church of the Virgin, along with the picturesque beaches which range from pristine white sand to outright rocky. The shoreline's turquoise waters are also a sight to be seen.

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