Spend Your Time in Greece Island Hopping
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Island hopping is a fun way to experience different parts of Greece in a short amount of time. You can island hop on your own if you enjoy the planning process. If you’d rather someone else do the planning, packages are available from different companies. Some islands are close to one another, such as Santorini and Mykonos, which makes hopping from one to the other especially easy. Here are the top islands you should visit during your stay in Greece:
Santorini
The Greek island of Santorini was home to the largest volcanic eruptions ever recorded in the world. The Minoan eruption gave Santorini its unique and breathtaking characteristics that you see today. Ferry schedules and routes to the island vary by season, but you can also fly into Santorini from Athens. Once in Santorini, visit Kamari Beach. Also known as “black beach” due to its black sand, Kamari is a volcanic beach. Another volcanic beach of Santorini Island is Red Beach. Red Beach is surrounded by tall red cliffs and features black and red sand that is pebble-like.
Mykonos
The island of Mykonos is not only scenic, but boasts fascinating history. If you want to lounge on a beach, Kapari and Agios Stefanos are both ideal. If you’re looking to indulge in the island’s history, Gyzi Castle should top your list. The ruins of this castle is located just 8 km from Mykonos Town. Also close to Mykonos Town is Ornos Village which is home to shops, restaurants, and a couple of beaches. The Folklore Museum is in Chora and showcases photographs, pottery, and cannons.
Crete
As the largest of the Greek islands, Crete should make the list on your island hopping tour for a few reasons. Crete is perfect for nature lovers. You can hike the Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe. If you’re into adventure, Crete offers scuba diving opportunities that will take you to locations including Nikolos Reef and the Bay of Afrata. Biking is a popular way to see the mountainous areas of Crete as well. If you prefer to spend time indoors, Crete is home to the Historical Museum of Crete, Moni Preveli Monastery, and Gramvoussa Castle which dates back to the 16th century.
Corfu
The Ionian Island of Corfu is home to some spectacular sites. You can reach Corfu by ferry from Athens, Patra, or Igoumenitsa. The quickest option though is to fly in from Athens, Thessaloniki, or Preveza. Aqualand is an ideal destination for families. In addition to the water park itself, there is an arcade, boutique, and restaurants on site. If you prefer sand under your feet, Barbati Beach or Glyfada Beach will not disappoint. Immerse yourself in the history of Corfu by visiting Casa Parlante and Achillion Palace.
Rhodes
The most convenient way to get to Rhodes Island if you’re island hopping is to take a flight from Athens. The trip only takes 50 minutes. Nature lovers will love Rhodes Island for Butterfly Valley, Kallithea Springs, and the beaches. If you’re young at heart and enjoy history, the Toy Museum is a must-see. The Acropolis of Lindos features original structures that have stood since ancient times when the site was built and acted as the main area of Lindos.
If you have at least a week to spend in Greece, you should consider visiting each of these islands!
Categorized in: Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
