Words by Europe Holidays
Greece has about 6,000 islands in total (the exact number is unknown), scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, of which only 227 are inhabited. You are never out of places to see and things to do in Greece - exploring Steni forest and Dragon Houses in Evia, watching Skyrian wild horses and transporting in time to ancient cities of Ioulida and Karthaia. While Santorini and Koufonisia are amongst some of the most popular destinations, there are many lesser known and well-loved spots that are worth visiting.
Symi, Dodecanese
Symi is a little jewel of a Greek island, part of the Dodecanese island chain and a short ferry ride northwest of Rhodes. It’s a gorgeous sight here every night, watching fishing boats slowly coming into the harbor on the sunset. It’s a small and delicious town packed with upscale restaurants and fish taverns - the island is known for its unique shrimps. An absolute must is to hike up the 500 hundred marbles steps for panoramic views of the hilltop village, Chorio.
Ithaca, Ionian islands
Famous for being the home of Odysseus, whose wanderings, adventures and recovery of his kingdom are the central theme of Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, Ithaca charms visitors with its laid-back mode, the bluegreen water and the lush greenery. It’s a relaxing little island popular with families and serenity seekers. After days spent exploring local mountain villages, seaside small towns and the capital harbour city of Vathy, be sure to sample local specialities like codpie, tomatoballs, savóro fish (fish fillet fried in vinegar, raisins, rosemary and garlic) tserepáto (red meat of chicken charcoal-grilled in a clay pot) and, for dessert, rovaní (ground rice with honey).
Ios, Cyclades
Ios belongs to the Cycladic islands. It is particularly famous for the wonderful beaches, the picturesque village of Chora and a nightlife scene that attracts mostly young crowds. Parties aside, the Odysseas Elytis Amphitheatre is a monumental sight that you cannot miss. Named after the famous Greek poet Odysseas Elytis, it’s la colossal structure that can hold up to 1,100 people. Find it at the top of the hill of Chora, behind the white-washed windmills.
Meganisi, Ionian Islands
Meganisi is a wonderfully unspoilt island that has a gentle, relaxing pace of life and relatively few tourists. The entire island covers just 20 square kilometres and is formed much like a flower, with a long stalk to the south and a clutch of petals, forming myriad bays and coves, to the north. The island has plenty to offer, with lots of pebbly beaches, sleepy white-washed villages such as Katomeri or Spartochori, and many good walking paths through the centre of the island..
Alonissos, Sporades
Alonissos is the furthest east of the three main inhabited Sporades islands and perhaps because of this more isolated position, it is also the quietest. The island is just 14km long and 4km wide with some of the most beautiful beaches. It’s a paradise for swimmers, snorkellers, scuba divers and sailors who can look forward to encountering several species of dolphin, whales, turtles and over 300 species of fish, not to mention the most important residents here: Mediterranean monk seals.
From island hopping to hills hiking, Greece is a paradise on Earth. Contact your local Travellers Choice agent to book your next getaway to the Greek Islands!
