The largest island in Greece is called. Santorini: the coolest photos are from here. The best islands in Greece for a relaxing holiday

According to legend, the nymphs once angered the god of the seas, Poseidon, and as punishment, he turned them into stones. Among the several thousand inhabited islands that arose in this way, there are about two hundred. Perhaps Hellas became a strong maritime power because the Greeks could sail inland seas without much risk, where islands close to each other helped them hide from the wrath of Poseidon. In Greece, at least three dozen of them are chosen by tourists for recreation.

Few will be indifferent to the opportunity to dream at the Teacher's Stone of Daskalopetra on Chios, where Homer led his story, to visit the homeland of Pythagoras - Samos, to follow in the footsteps of the Apostle John on Patmos, or to visit the medical school of Hippocrates on the Greek island of Kos.

Crete - the mythical island of Greece

The glory of the island of Crete was brought by the rich history and mythology of Greece, the monuments of which impress tourists today. The palace of Knossos is about four thousand years old, and Zeus himself was born in the Dictean cave!

On Crete there are beautiful, unlike each other resorts in Greece: noisy dynamic Heraklion and youthful Chania, picturesque Rethymnon and respectable Agios Nikolaos. And the northeast of the island is famous for the "Cretan Hawaii" - the only place in Europe where date palms grow. Here you can choose a sandy or sandy-pebble beach.

The island of Crete, located in Greece near the African coast, it is he who is the largest of the Greek islands. The island has many attractions. It is definitely worth going to exciting excursion to the Palace of Knossos. - walk through the back streets of the mythical labyrinth, see the ancient plumbing, admire the frescoes of the Minoan era and find out if the Minotaur and Ariadne were really brother and sister.

The colorful embankments of the Cretan cities evoke memories of Venice and the East. Colorful Italian palazzos are replaced by slender lighthouses and minarets. The city of Chania is especially wonderful. Passing through the intricate old quarters of the city, you will definitely stumble upon the oriental bazaar, see the villas of wealthy Venetian aristocrats, and certainly look at at least a few shops with unique Cretan ceramics. Excursions can be booked both in the travel agency and in the hotels of Chania.
Do not miss one of the most impressive sightseeing routes in Greece and Crete - the Samaria Gorge. Two-kilometer stone sheer walls are separated only by a narrow crevice - no more than six meters, and a hiking trail, the length of which is about fifteen kilometers! The Samaria Gorge, thanks to relic animals - mountain goats with twisted horns and rare bird species - received the status of a national park. Walking through the most beautiful gorge is not very burdensome, but it takes about five hours. This does not stop tourists in Greece, usually on the island. And then long road you can taste delicious dishes in the old picturesque village of Agia Roumeli, get there by boat.

Rhodes

The island of Rhodes is included in Greece in the Southern Sporades archipelago, which is located in the Aegean Sea, near. For two hundred years in Greece, the island was a fortress for the knights of the Order of St. John, and the old city has preserved to this day powerful fortress walls, amazing Byzantine churches, the Palace of the Grand Masters, ancient squares and narrow streets.

Rhodes is alternately called the paradise island of roses of Greece, then the island of butterflies - in fact, this is the Greek island of roses and butterflies! Thousands of colorful creatures live in the valley near the village of Kalamonas.

Rhodes is recognized as the sunniest of all the islands of Greece - for three hundred days a year, the luminary gently gives warmth to the inhabitants and guests of Rhodes. Rhodes is very popular among windsurfers. The west coast has the most favorable conditions for this sport. The best windsurfing clubs are located in the resort of Ialyssos. Young people prefer fashionable Faliraki. A quiet family vacation is offered by the resorts of Lindos and Kolymbia.

In the southern part of Rhodes, on Cape Prasonisi, travelers have a unique opportunity to plunge into two seas at once! Here are fast azure waves of the warm Aegean Sea roll onto the calm, soft blue expanse of the Mediterranean. It will not be difficult to arrange an unforgettable romantic trip to one of the tiny uninhabited islands of Greece for a day! It is enough to agree with the boatman who will take you wherever you want and bring you back in the evening.

Corfu

Corfu (or as the island is also called in Greece - Kerkyra) is perhaps the most famous and unusual in the entire group of the Ionian Islands, which are located along the line west coast Greece. The island of Kerkyra is literally buried in the emerald green of olive and cypress groves, orange and lemon plantations. The plains are replaced by mountains, and the smooth lines of the bays are replaced by straight rows of sandy beaches. Greece On the island of Corfu grows more than a million olive trees. Historians believe that they were landed during the Venetian rule, but the Greeks absolutely disagree with this. They are convinced that the age-old shady olives were presented to them by the gods. Having tasted truly divine homemade olive oil, you understand that the Greeks are right.

The island owes its name to Kerkyra to a Greek nymph who conquered with her beauty the god of the seas Poseidon, who kidnapped the beauty and settled on the island of Greece, where Kerkyra gave birth to a son, Theak, who, according to legend, became the progenitor of the first inhabitants of the island.

The Austrian Empress Elisabeth, struck by the beauty of the island of Greece, ordered the construction of Achillio's palace here, which has survived to our days. Sisi lived here for seven years. Corfu Island is a popular place in Greece for both family and elite vacation. There are many excellent hotels here, among them there are those that operate according to the all-inclusive system, which is very fond of Russian tourists. An excellent golf course has been ranked among the top 100 in the world.

Enjoying real Greek cuisine is not difficult - just go to a real Greek non-tourist village. The best option could be a car rental. Travel to the north of Greece on the island of Corfu. A leisurely trip will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the local landscapes. And along the way, you will surely meet many villages in which people are much more welcoming than in a city crowded with tourists. Go to a small tavern that you like and sit down at a free table you like. Surprisingly, the fact that the good-natured hostess does not understand a word of English does not create any problems. Moreover, she will feed guests tastier than any other chef. On huge dishes, coarsely chopped salad seasoned with incredibly fragrant, golden-green olive oil, freshly baked bread, delicious dolma wrapped in grape leaves, baked eggplant with lamb and the delicate aroma of orange blossoms nearby - you will not get such pleasure anywhere else!

Mykonos

Mykonos (Cyclades archipelago) is recognized as the most cosmopolitan island of Greece. This is a favorite vacation spot of many world celebrities. Among which are actors and top models, famous couturiers and politicians, there are many financial tycoons in Mykonos. Here basked on sunny beaches Madonna, rocker Mick Jagger, Elizabeth Taylor, Prince Carlos, exciting Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida herself spent the day and drank all night long.

The island's nightlife is famous. In Greece, the holiday begins early evening and often continues until early morning. Side by side, in taverns and nightclubs, world celebrities and ordinary travelers entertain themselves. The symbol of Mykonos is windmills blinding with whiteness, contrasting sharply with the ultramarine of the sea. The southern outskirts of the city is famous for seven mills of the 17th century, standing in a row.

The islanders have long been accustomed to the most unexpected antics of guests, so extravagant stars are very comfortable here. Many hotels are built on rocks that rise above the sea. It is considered very prestigious. Despite the flow of tourists, every vacationer can easily find a secluded place on one of the local beaches in Greece. There are also special nudist beaches on the island.

aegina

Near the capital port of Piraeus, the most beautiful island of Greece, Aegina, lurks. Traveling there for the weekend for the inhabitants of Athens is a common thing. Wealthy Greeks acquire villas, and mere mortals stay in local hotels. According to legend, Zeus liked the daughter of the river god Aegina. And as a result of this love, Aeacus was born, who later became the first ruler of the island in Greece.

Aegina is amazingly beautiful! Numerous cafes on the embankments, archaic shepherd villages, endless beaches and monumentally beautiful black lava rocks, beautiful pistachio gardens and dense pine forests! And the ancient sanctuary, built about twenty-five centuries ago, perfectly preserved to this day, is the temple of Afea. It is definitely worth seeing the island of Aegina in Greece from the highest point of the island, climbing the five hundred-meter Mount Oros. From here you have a breathtaking view of the bay and the winding shores of the mainland of Greece, from where ferries filled with numerous tourists go to the island.

The Greek island of Aegina with its rural landscapes is a salvation for those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of Athens. On the pier there are rows of stalls with large pistachios for which the island is famous, and freshly caught squids are appetizingly browned on small braziers ... Connoisseurs of Aegina advise visiting the temple of Afea (500 BC) and by all means take a dip right in the harbor. Recall that Count Ioannis Kapodistrias, a Russian diplomat and the first president of Greece, chose the island of Aegina as his residence. On the Greek island of Poros (33 sq. km) is the monastery "Source of Life" and the ruins of the temple of Poseidon (4th century BC). It was here, after the capture of Athens by the Macedonians, that the famous orator Demosthenes committed suicide.

Hydra

The most bohemian and fashionable of all the Greek islands is Hydra, an island located near the capital. Walking along the charming medieval streets, you can inadvertently meet an aristocrat, up to royalty, sailing to Hydra on their own yachts. In Greece, the island of Hydra (55 sq. km) is literally strewn with churches - there are 365 of them. The port deserves a special description - the entrance to it is a gap between the rocks. The island is also famous in Greece for the fact that transport is prohibited here, and you have to move around the Hydra only on donkeys. But here in Greece on the island, the ecological situation is beyond praise.

Greece has more than a thousand islands, absolutely different from each other - from very tiny islands to really huge, mountainous and flat, noisy and uninhabited. To visit all the islands of Greece, you probably need to live in Hellas all your life. Fluorescent, shining ultramarine water and painfully eye-catching whiteness of houses - these are the main colors of island Greece. The emerald green of curly vineyards, and the delicate silver of olive groves and the orange-lemon luxury of ripe fruits, which are unspeakably pleasant to pick from a branch, are added to this palette.

Islands, streets and cities are named after the gods. Isn't it more entertaining than the names of party leaders?

locals, who have long been accustomed to the visits of VIPs, only captains - owners of their own ships, are considered true aristocrats, because there is practically no car traffic on the island. Sophisticated celebrities often choose Hydra as their vacation spot. The small rocky island of Greece is so beautiful, plein air artists, and filming has long become a common thing for the inhabitants of the island.

A labyrinth of lanes of the old port city stretched out along the mountain slope like a wide amphitheatre. A colorful embankment with boats of various colors, and donkey parking, which is unusual for a European (as well as for any other except Greek) tourist, replaces the traditional car parking.

Without leaving the embankment, it is worth feasting on marine exoticism, which until recently splashed in the sea. At the tables of numerous cafes, tanned tourists gobble up the freshest grilled fish, washing it down with resinous retsina. On the embankments there is always a lively, but at the same time relaxed atmosphere.

Santorini

The island of Santorini is called the pearl of Greece and the Cyclades archipelago, stretching in the central part of the Aegean Sea. More than three thousand years ago, it happened - having blown up the island from the inside, it destroyed the island civilization. But the ruins of the ancient city have been preserved. And there are still rumors that Santorini is a fragment of the legendary Atlantis. The formidable volcano of the island of Santorini is dormant, but does not completely forget about the danger: through the transparent expanse of water, the contours of a truly gigantic flooded crater are clearly visible, from the depths of which some three hundred years ago, as a result of a new eruption, cliffs rose. Then, in front of the horrified people, right in the center of the cozy bay, the sea boiled up.

Perhaps Santorini in Greece can be called the island with the most original landscape: sugar cubes of houses are scattered along the edges of volcanic rocks, and black and red sand alternate on the beaches. And the stunning sunsets are fiery and incredible, as if the echoes of a long-standing catastrophe. You won't find this anywhere else!

The measured life of the island is replaced by noisy holidays and colorful fairs. Most hotels have four stars, but you can also rent a luxury villa. Tourists usually come to Santorini for 3-4 days.

A cloud of ash covered the sky of the Mediterranean, reaching almost to Palestine, and a large part of the unique island-volcano forever remained in the underground kingdom of Hades - a semicircular rocky ridge, reaching a height of three hundred meters, with steep cliffs remained on the surface. The cities of Santorini were also built on the rocks. Also, this magical place is called the island of St. Irene, and, quite naturally, girls are often called the name familiar to Russian tourists.

The snow-white houses and blue domes of the Greek churches of the island in Thira, (the capital of Santorini), hang over the abyss, dangerously close to the cliffs that go into the sea. In fact, these are not houses in the usual sense, but unique multi-tiered caves carved into the rocks at a dizzying height.
It is very unexpected for tourists that the floors here do not go up from the ground, but rather down, into the rock, and each basement has windows and amazing terraces overlooking the bay.

Even very small rooms in local hotels are very expensive, so not every traveler can afford to relax in Santorini. But also without spending the night, visit day trip very interesting! santorini true tourist island. Is there a city on a volcano anywhere else? In the middle of the twentieth century, having excavated an ancient city built thousands of years ago covered with ashes, archaeologists discovered a mysterious fact - the population of Akrotiri managed to leave the island before the eruption, as if people knew in advance about the death of their Atlantis.

Lesvos

The Greek island of Lesbos is the birthplace of the tenth muse, the poetess Sappho, whom the ancients called the tenth muse, is now considered almost the first feminist on the planet. From her and her native island are the roots of a well-known kind of love (which, incidentally, has not been historically proven at all). But it is proved that the poetess gave the world a “sapphic” stanza, but also founded the first school in Hellas for noble girls, teaching them music and dance, songwriting and manners.

Probably, there is something inspired in the island itself - after all, the legendary ancient poets Arion and Alcaeus, one of the Seven Wise Men of antiquity, Pittacus, lived here ...

And today Lesvos, which the Turks called the "golden island", is a traditional and favorite meeting place for people of art. And not only them. Every year in August, on the night of the full moon, the island hosts a celebration in honor of Sappho, which gathers her fans from all over the world.

And a little earlier, at the beginning of August, the participants of the traditional festival of the Lesbosian anise liquor “ouzo”, which is generally recognized as the best in Greece, come here.

The island has an excellent network of hotels and roads, dense pine forests and sandy coasts, chestnut and olive groves.

Lovers of antiquity will certainly visit the ancient theater in the capital of the island of Mytilene and admire the "archon" ancient buildings traditional building.

Greece is a paradise in Europe. The country has become widely known for its rich history, it is of no less interest as international resort. Consider the largest islands of Greece.

general information

The country includes more than one thousand four hundred islands. Many of them are uninhabited, their sizes are very small. The largest islands in Greece, of which there are two hundred and twenty, are mastered by people. However, many live no more than a hundred people.

The most populous islands in Greece are Crete, Euboea, Lesbos, Rhodes and Kefalonia. They are also the largest in area. Each of them is famous for its rich history, numbering more than one thousand years. They had to endure the rise and fall of empires, from which the unique ruins of temples, palaces, defensive structures, gardens.

Crete

The largest island of Greece is shrouded in myths and legends like a fog. It represents the extreme point of all of Europe. Crete is inhabited by 550 thousand people, its area is 8.336 square kilometers. The peculiarity of the island is that it is located at the junction of sea routes between Africa, Europe and Asia Minor. The main Cretan ports are Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion, Chania and Rethymnon.

The islands in Greece are famous for their amazing natural beauty, and Crete is no exception. Its southern coast is steep and steep, while its northern coast is sandy and gently sloping. The maximum height of the mountains is 2400 meters, while they have an incredible number of caves - more than three thousand! According to legend, Zeus was born in one of them. Deep gorges, fertile plains and villages immersed in the greenery of olive groves - all this is the island of Crete in Greece. On its territory you can admire chestnut, oak, cypress, cedar and palm groves. mountain slopes covered with carpets of medicinal herbs and flowering shrubs.

gifts of nature

The best islands Greece is harvested up to three times a year. For example, oranges, peaches, potatoes and peppers grow in Crete. Each free piece of land is occupied by a greenhouse, inside which one and a half meter carnations or bunches of bananas flaunt. The most common are oil trees.

Euboea

In second place on the list of "Largest Islands of Greece" is Euboea. It is separated from the shores of South Thessaly by the Strait of Trickeria, in the west from Locris, Attica and Boeotia by the Straits of Talactia and Eurypus. In the narrowest place of the latter, a bridge is thrown over to mainland Greece, because the distance is only 38 meters.

The heyday of Euboea fell on the period of antiquity, at present it is of interest as a beautiful resort area. total area islands - more than 3600 square kilometers, it is distinguished by a mountainous relief. The climate is Mediterranean (dry subtropical), the soil in the valleys is fertile. The river network is poorly developed. The main products are wine, honey, wheat and oranges. Peaches and (mulberries) are very common.

Island population

The largest islands of Greece are maximally mastered by people. So, in 1889, a little more than ninety thousand people lived on Euboea. According to official sources, the Greeks make up the main population of the island.

After the turmoil over the expansion Ottoman Empire and the invasions of the crusaders, large groups of immigrants came to the island, whose origin was not Greek. The Venetians settled in the southern regions of Euboea, and then the Arnaut Albanians and Turks. In the Middle Ages, the northwest was filled with nomadic Romance-speaking shepherds, the Vlachs. Khalkis is inhabited by gypsies. The beginning of the nineteenth century was marked by the mass migration to Euboea of ​​the Karakachans, nomadic Greek-speaking groups of unknown origin, who adhere to the Orthodox faith.

Today, modern Greek is the most common language among the inhabitants of Euboea, but in some villages you can still hear the Albanian dialect.

Lesvos

This island is located in the northeast of the Aegean Sea. It is the third largest island in Greece and the eighth largest in the Mediterranean (only Sicily, Cyprus, Sardinia, Corsica, Crete, Euboea and Mallorca are larger than Lesvos). Its area is 1632.81 square kilometers. The main city is Mytilene.

Excursion to the past

The first settlements that are known for certain appeared on Lesvos at the beginning of the third millennium BC. The oldest famous native of the island is Terpander, a poet who worked in the eighth century BC.

At the end of the seventh - at the beginning of the first half of the sixth century BC, Lesvos was the place of life of such famous poets as Arion, Alcaeus and Sappho. Thanks to the creativity of the latter, the name of the island became the source of a new term - "lesbian love", which meant female homosexual relationships.

For some time the island was home to Aristotle (before he received a court rank from King Philip of Macedon). It is assumed that in the second century Lesbos lived Tatius Long - a writer who glorified the island on the pages of his novel Daphnis and Chloe.

In the Middle Ages, Lesbos was captured by the Genoese. Power over the territory was in the hands of the Gattilusio family. Its representatives took the title of archons (heads) of the island. They ruled from 1355 to 1462, until Mehmed II came to Lesbos. Only at the end of 1912, the Greek troops retook the island during the liberation operation. According to the conclusion in 1920, Lesvos became part of Greece.

Rhodes

What are the largest islands in Greece? We have already mentioned Crete, Euboea and Lesbos above. Now consider the fourth largest island (1398 km²) called Rhodes. It is located in the southeastern part of the country and is part of the Dodecanese, in the Aegean Sea. From Rhodes to the capital - Athens - two hundred and seventy

The island is often referred to as the pearl of the Mediterranean. On its territory there is a great variety of natural beauties and archaeological sites. By decision of UNESCO, the historical part of Rhodes is included in the list of world cultural heritage.

Climatic features

The best islands in Greece boast fresh summers and mild winters. And Rhodes is the clearest example of this. The climate is mediterranean average temperature is 18-20 degrees Celsius. There are many sunny days on the island - about three hundred a year. The warmest months are July and August (+29 on average), and the coolest are December, January, February and March (+9-11 degrees).

Culture and Art of Antiquity

For many centuries, Rhodes played the role of an important trading port in the east of the Mediterranean. The island significantly influenced the history of the entire region; during its heyday, art and literature were especially developed. Painting, philosophy, physics, astronomy, geography and sculpture reached their apogee.

Unfortunately, the masterpieces of Rhodes painting have not survived to this day. The only source of information is ancient writings. In them you can find references to the work of many talented artists.

Much more is known about ceramics. The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes presents the brightest examples of this art. Typical artifacts of that time are vessels depicting wild goats, griffins and deer, interspersed with garlands of flowers and anthemia.

Sculpture also reached a special level of development in Rhodes. Local craftsmen used parolith rather than marble in their work. In the fifth century BC, an independent sculptural school was formed on the island. During the Hellenistic period, it became the most significant in the East and one of the most famous in Greece. In this era, about one hundred and thirty craftsmen from thirty cities worked on the island. Briascides of Athens and Lysippus of Sicyon are among the most famous of them.

The poet Apollonius lived and worked on Rhodes, as well as Aristippus of Cyrene, a philosopher, a student of Socrates. Aeschines, an orator from Athens, founded a school of oratory on the island. Many Rhodians achieved success in philosophy. Among them are Panetai, Evdem.

"Frozen Music"

The architectural appearance of any area is directly dependent on the morphology of its territories, historical past and geographical location.

The settlements of Rhodes are divided into located inside the island and seaside. The latter include the cities of Rhodes and Lind. They are built in the form of an amphitheater, they offer amazing views of the endless water surface.

As for the settlements in the interior of the island, they owe their appearance to the need to protect the local population from the constant attacks of pirates during the Byzantine period and after Constantinople was captured by the Turks. Thus, people chose to live in areas that cannot be seen from the sea, small plains, slopes of hills and mountains, valleys and places on the banks of rivers. Most of the new settlements were fortified. Stone, earth and wood used in the construction of houses and fortresses, but the island was enough.

Kefalonia

This island is the largest of the Ionian. Its name comes from the name of Cephalus - the hero of ancient Greek myths. There is another version. So, it is believed that the word "Kefalonia" can be translated as "island with a head", and it is associated with the name of the rock Kefalus.

Geographic data

The nearest neighbors of the island are Zakynthos and Levkas. Mount Enos - highest point Kefalonia (1628 meters), area - 781 square kilometers. Administrative center and the largest city is Argostoli. Kefalonia is located in an earthquake-prone area. The island suffered the most from the 1953 earthquake. As a result, most villages and all cities were destroyed. Only the northernmost settlement, Fiskardo, survived.

A bit of history

All the largest islands of Greece, the names and descriptions of which we have presented above, were founded many thousands of years ago. Thus, historians and archaeologists have established that people began to explore Kefalonia as early as the Paleolithic period. The first known inhabitants are the Lelegs, a Greek tribe. They came to the island in the fifteenth century BC. Currently, thirty-five thousand people live in this territory. Saint Gerasimos of Kefalonia is considered the patron and protector of the island.

transport network

The island has an airport with a runway of 2.4 kilometers. It is located ten kilometers from the city of Argostol. The main route is "Kefalonia - Athens". In addition, the airport receives many charter flights from all over Europe.

From the ports located on the east coast, ferries depart regularly for the continent. So, from the port of Poros, a crossing is made to the west of the Peloponnese, and from Sami to Patras.

Cephalonians have long been engaged in navigation. Many centuries ago, it brought a good income. As the exhibits of the Ethnographic Museum confirm, the inhabitants of this island were wealthy people. From their travels, they brought home fashionable expensive furniture, dishes, clothes and art objects. Some modern large shipping companies are organized by the Kefallonians.

Wonders of nature

The island is famous for its geological phenomena, which can be observed due to previous tectonic processes. So, a truly unique phenomenon occurs in a place called Katavores: tons of sea waters are continuously hidden underground, pass through a kind of underground tunnel seventeen kilometers long and break out to the surface, falling into the lakes Melissani and Karavamylos.

Concerts are held in Drogarati Cave in Kefalonia. Thanks to good acoustics, eight hundred people can simultaneously enjoy the sounds of beautiful music among the stalagmites and stalactites.

The Enos mountain range is a national reserve. On its territory you can see many rare plants listed in the Red Book, including rare species of violets and orchids. The protected mountain is mostly covered with dark green fir trees, the wood of which was previously used in the construction of ships.

Fauna

The island is inhabited by animals of rare species. One of the largest turtles - Caretta - is under state protection. Representatives of an endangered species lay their eggs in the sand reserved beach in the town of Munda.

Conclusion

The largest islands of Greece, the list of which was given above, are of exceptional interest to historians, archaeologists and ordinary travelers who just want to soak up the gentle sun on beautiful beaches.

Greece is a 100% tourist country: fertile mediterranean climate, a rich historical heritage, a lot of Orthodox shrines and medieval cities, sea, beaches and developed infrastructure conforming to European standards. The mainland of the country, where the capital, ancient Athens is located, also satisfies the highest demands for recreation. But if you are drawn to the sea and sun-drenched beaches, then the best place for a trip - the islands of Greece. Where is the best place to relax? This issue will be the focus of our article. Choosing a suitable island in Greece is not as easy as it seems at first glance. After all, the country has a whole thousand four hundred of them! And only two hundred and twenty-seven of them are inhabited. And of these islands, only seventy-eight have more than a hundred permanent residents. So our search is narrowing down.

Brief overview of the archipelagos

What are the best islands in Greece for holidays? There is no definite answer to this question. It all depends on your understanding of a good vacation. Someone is beckoning sandy beaches, and someone likes pebble. Some seek solitude, others give a vibrant nightlife and entertainment. In this regard, Greece is able to satisfy all requests.

Each archipelago in the country and even the island has its own specifics. And you need to know it in order to choose exactly what you need. The Ionian archipelago, for example, is the most isolated. It is located in the west of the country. The tourist infrastructure is most developed in Corfu. This island is known to the general public under its second name Corfu. If you are interested in Greek history, choose the North Aegean archipelago. However tourism infrastructure less developed here. The Northern Sporades will be of interest to those vacationers who are looking for a romantic unity with nature. Evia is the most famous island in this archipelago. In the Eastern Sporades, tourists are attracted by Lesvos. The islands, located in the Saronic Gulf, not far from the Peloponnese and Athens, boast a diverse entertainment industry. The Cyclades archipelago is the most developed in terms of tourism. It includes the world famous island of Santorini. The Dodecanese is an archipelago that stretches along the western coast of Turkey. Rhodes and Kos are chosen by Russian tourists here. And, finally, Crete is an island that does not need advertising. It is located in the very south of the country.

The specifics of the resorts

In Greece there are places for people who want to warm their bones on the hot sand of the beaches, and for those who cannot stand the heat. Resorts for family vacation slightly different from youth. In terms of prices, Greece can also satisfy the needs of both wealthy and budget-minded tourists. For example, you should not look for economy-class housing in Santorini, but there is an abundance of such in Kos and Crete.

So, let's start looking for "our" island of Greece: where is it better to relax? If all you're interested in is beach coverage, then Kos, Corfu, Lefada, Skopelos, Skiathos, Rhodes, Thassos, Mykonos and Naxos are the places to go. Noisy youth resorts are located in Crete, Kerkyra, the islands of the Saronic Gulf. Monuments of antiquity in abundance you will find on Crete, Lesvos, Thassos.

Medieval cities and castles await tourists in Rhodes, Corfu, Sifnos, Serifos. Orthodox monasteries and churches await pilgrims in Patmos, Chios, Tilos and Milos. An unforgettable honeymoon can be spent in Mykonos and Santorini. The landscapes that adorn the postcards of Greece can be seen on Syros, Naxos.

Corfu

Among the reviews of Russian tourists, you can often find a description of this island of Greece. Where is the best place to stay in Corfu? There are a lot of tourists on the east coast, including Russian ones. Otherwise, Corfu is just a paradise for lovers untouched nature. On this famous island of the Ionian archipelago, the swimming season comes in early May. The hottest time here is July-August. But thanks to the sea breeze, there is no sweltering heat in Corfu. In the shade, the temperature in July reaches +28 degrees. The season ends in the northwestern part of Greece in early October. When choosing Corfu as your holiday destination, you should plan an excursion to its capital, ancient Kerkyra. There you should visit the Old Town with its Byzantine churches and the Venetian quarter. Newlyweds should take a ride in Cedar along the Canal of Lovers.

Mykonos

The Cyclades are the very archipelago where it is best to relax in Greece - the reviews of Russians assure. Between Naxos and Tinos, in the immediate vicinity of Delos, sacred in ancient times, lies the island of Mykonos. This is the most fashionable resort known since the early 1950s. Here you can easily meet a show business star or a famous politician on the beach. Surfers stop at Panoramos Bay. The best beaches are located in the south of the island. The most fashionable resort is Platis Gialos. It is located three kilometers from the capital city of Mykonos. There are many nude beaches on the island. These are Super Paradise, Paranga, Elya and others.

Of the excursions, you should plan a trip to the city of Mykonos with its white houses and narrow streets, to the monastery of Our Lady of Tourlyani, to the neighboring uninhabited Delos. Throughout the island, you can stumble upon picturesque windmills. But for families with children, Mykonos may seem too noisy.

Santorini

This business card countries. You must have seen Santorini on some poster. Contrary to popular belief, this is not one piece of land, but several islands. All of them are part of the Cyclades archipelago. Without a doubt, Santorini is the most expensive islands And best resorts Greece. This is a paradise that has risen to a height of 300 meters thanks to the eruption ancient volcano. Reviews mention fabulous landscapes, breathtaking sunsets, and also beaches. They volcanic origin, and therefore the sand on them is multi-colored - black, red, pink. Reviews call Kamari and Perissa the best beaches. In addition to white churches with blue domes, the sights of Santorini are healing hot springs. Of the minuses, the reviews mention only one: Santorini is the most expensive island in Greece. Where is the best place to relax with children? Just not in Santorini! Daily hikes up and down the steep steps will turn the rest of the crumbs into hell. And the Santorini resorts of Oia and Fira are located at the very top of the island.

Rhodes

It is called the pearl of Greece. Rhodes is located in the Dodecanese archipelago, in the southeast of the country. As for the resorts of this large island of Greece - where is it better to relax? Reviews assure that here every tourist will find a place to their liking. Untouched by civilization landscapes and deserted beaches await lovers of solitude in the resort of Kallithea. And in Faliraki, those who want to have fun at the discos gather. Between this resort and Lindos are located best beaches Rhodes with golden sand. Kilometers of beautiful coastlines stretch along the entire eastern tip of the island. Surfers go to the resorts of Ialyssos and Ixia. Those who are interested in history (both ancient and medieval) stop near the city of Rhodes to see the Acropolis, where the Colossus and the castle of the Hospitallers once stood.

Climate indicators by months of the year: where is the best place to relax in Greece

This country is nestled in natural area subtropics. Only high in the mountains the climate is temperate. And this presupposes ski resorts. Yes, there are, and in winter people go to Greece not only on fur coat tours. However, for the average layman, this country is associated with the sea, the beach and archaeological sites.

In winter, near the coast, the air temperature is not lower than + 10 ° С. And already at the end of March you can sunbathe. True, the sea, which, as you know, heats up later, but keeps heat for a long time, is still cold in the first month of spring. The beach season begins in April on the islands, and in May on the Greek mainland. The hottest months are July and August. On the mainland, the heat is unbearable - tour operators do not recommend traveling to the Peloponnese with small children. But on the islands a light sea breeze always blows. Therefore, the heat there is tolerated by the body more easily.

Greece in spring

There are many people who want to visit this country in March-April. Firstly, getting out of the slush and melting snowdrifts into almost summer is already pleasant. Secondly, the prices please with their democratic character. And, most importantly, you can go on excursions to those historical and cultural sights that are simply unrealistic to visit in the summer heat. And you can see them calmly, without crowds of tourists. In Greece, Easter is celebrated in a very interesting way. Everyone will be able to take part in colorful processions and the burning of an effigy of Judas. The number of clear and sunny days in a year reaches three hundred in Greece. Therefore, you can get the first tan. And finally, in April you can open the swimming season. The best place to do this is in Crete. It is the southernmost in Greece. Comfort temperature bathing water in Crete (20-21 degrees) is reached by April 20th.

Greece in summer

The probability of precipitation in a subtropical climate at this time is close to zero. Wherever you go, sun-drenched beaches await you, warm water and nice days. Only people who are very passionate about history can find the strength to leave the coast to visit ancient ruins or medieval castles. Where is the best place to relax in Greece in June? On the mainland. The high mountains disperse the heat a little. In July, the peak season begins, lasting until early September. The prices are high and the beaches are crowded. In order not to get a heat stroke, choose the northern islands - Corfu, Thassos, Samothraki. The water in the Aegean Sea is somewhat cooler. The sea breeze will disperse the oppressive heat on the island of Kos.

Islands of Greece: where to relax in September

The last month of summer is different in that the water warms up to its annual maximum. And this is +24...+26 degrees. The highest rates are observed in shallow water near the Peloponnese. However, you need to remain vigilant. Sea urchins are found in places with warm water. Therefore, to beach ammunition, along with sunscreen and panama you need to add special shoes.

Let's look at the islands of Greece: where is it better to relax in August? This is the Dodecanese archipelago - Kos, Rhodes. Also good in the north of Greece. The first month of autumn is not much different from August. Only the heat softens a little. The air temperature in the shade is kept at around 26 degrees. Approximately the same warms up and water. Lesvos, the Cyclades and Dodecanese archipelagos are the islands of Greece where it is better to relax in September. At least that's what tourists say.

Greece in autumn

This sad time comes to the country gradually, starting in October. The first signs of autumn do not affect the temperature indicators, but the mass departure of tourists. And the rest of the velvet season continues. Unless in the morning, after a long night, the sea in shallow water cools down and heats up closer to noon. Gradually, beach life fades in the north of the country - first of all in the mainland. You will not find a better island in Greece, where it is better to relax in October than Crete. It lies in the extreme south of the country, washed by the waters of the deep Mediterranean Sea, which keeps heat for a long time. In addition, there is something to see in Crete. So the curtailment of the entertainment industry is fully compensated by interesting excursions.

Hundreds of Greek islands flooded and caressed by the sun become a favorite vacation spot for millions of tourists every year. They occupy about 82% of all Mediterranean islands and are partly located in the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Greece has not only hot sun, beautiful heavenly beaches and turquoise sea water, it is also the birthplace of democracy, the birthplace of poets and philosophers, drama and theater. And how good is the local wine available on all the islands in gallons 😀 .

Interesting sights and archeological antiquities are found literally at every step, rarely where you can find ruins of 3000 years ago literally everywhere. The convenience of movement between the islands does not tie travelers to one place, which is a big and significant plus when exploring the islands of Greece and moving from one to another.

The coast of Mykonos

Rhodes: island of the sun.

With over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, the wonderful island of Rhodes is one of the sunniest regions in Europe. The holiday season here is stretched, and lasts from May to October. Rhodes is the fourth largest island in Greece in the southeastern Aegean Sea. The island's capital of the same name Rhodes is the tourist center in the north of the island. Further west, along the coast are many cheap hotels, bars and nightclubs. The old town of Rhodes was inscribed in 1988 on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A very beautiful ancient city, well preserved with almost four kilometers of fortifications and fortifications.

The most popular places to visit in Rhodes are the Palace of the Grand Master in the Old Town and the Acropolis of Lindos. Lindos also has an excellent equipped beach and beautiful bay at the foot of the Acropolis of St. Pauls Bay. Worth paying attention to Tsambika beach with golden sand and crystal clear water. Nearby in Fliraki you can visit the water park, the entrance fee to which is 22 €. You can go boating like on all the islands in Greece starting from 10 €.

Gorgeous Kos.

Kos is probably one of the most party and nightlife destinations in Greece, but like anywhere else, there is no shortage of attractions or great beaches. The capital city of the same name is Kos. Local islanders are very inventive 😆 in choosing names. Most of the popular clubs and bars are located in the capital, I recommend the famous Camel Bar, with an excellent view of the harbor and international class DJs. But really cool parties on the beaches of Kos in almost every club along the coast.

Since Kos is located close to Rhodes and the Turkish west coast, it is possible to make a day trip to neighboring Turkey or to nearest island, transfer services are offered everywhere by local agencies. To explore the island in more detail, you can rent a bike and ride around the local original corners and surroundings. In addition, Kos has an archaeological museum and many interesting churches and monasteries. An excellent view opens in Asklepion, the ruined temple of the god of medicine, in which, according to legend, Hippocrates studied, on the opposite Turkish Bodrum. It is worth trying a delicious local cheese dish baked in red wine, olives and freshly baked pita are served with it.

Most popular beaches on the island it is secluded Cavo Paradiso pebbly and Agios Stefanos beash. In addition, there are many hotels and entire complexes in the capital where you can book an al inclusive vacation.

Crete. The largest island in Greece.

The largest Greek island and everything mediterranean sea. The capital of the island is Heraklion. The island is so vast that it is recommended to rent a car or bike for comfortable sightseeing and moving around Crete. First of all, the island is famous for its natural beauties and the variety of spectacular gorges in the Samaria National Park and in the region of Chania. The main beaches that attract millions of tourists every year are located in the northern part of the island, the beaches of Elafonisi and the Balos lagoon are simply magnificent.

The ancient city of Knossos in the northern part is one of the many attractions on this largest of the more than 6,000 Greek islands.

Rethymno is the best Venetian-style city in Crete, and before you end the evening in the cozy Venetian harbor, it is worth seeing beautiful waterfalls in rock formations. In addition, the island has good three to five star hotels and nightclubs, many excellent restaurants and bars.

Glamorous volcanic Santorini.

Santorini belongs to the Cyclades group and is its main island. The archipelago is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea. Santorini the most beautiful and famous Cyclades island. This rocky island with black and red beaches sits opposite a still active volcano.

The black beaches of Perissa and Kamari are popular, as well as the Red Beach near Akratiori. The island is remembered for its magnificent views, good food and vibrant nightlife. And magnificent architecture, as the locals proudly say, "formed from the hands of God." Many hotels, restaurants and cities were built on the cliffs, windmills and crooked narrow lanes in the settlements are typical features of the area.

Sunsets are considered legendary on the island, which attract newlyweds and romantic lovers from all over the world. In the evenings, numerous visitors flock to special viewing points and terraces to admire the sun setting in the sea. The city of Oia is famous for its most beautiful sunsets, which can be visited on a boat trip, which includes a day trip to the volcano and an evening sunset tour.

Fira is the capital of Santorini and is located on the edge of a crater. Many cruise ships make stops here. A vacation in Oia or Imerovigli, if you decide to stay here, will significantly hit your pocket and you will have to pay well for the heavenly places and surroundings chosen by European moneybags. As a more budget option for a holiday on the island, I can advise Kamari.

Mykonos party island.

The popular island of the Cyclades, with a mild climate, immediately comes to mind white houses and golden, beautiful beaches. And the impression of a permanent holiday! For those who love stylish nightlife feel here like a fish in their native element. Some even argue that the island of Mykonos is in no way inferior to the famous Ibiza. Not least because of the many movie stars, singers and famous designers who spend their holidays here. This explains such an abundance of fashion boutiques and shops, which are nowhere else in such numbers among other Greek islands.

The northern beaches are less crowded and calmer compared to the busy south, the most beautiful and popular is in the city of Elia, which is located in the south of the country. For the night, everyone moves to Hora, the largest city and capital of the island and all the partygoers. Mykonos is also famous for its culinary delights, which you can try in the excellent restaurants of which there are more than enough on the island.

The unique architectural style of local churches and temples is striking and inspiring, for example, as the most photographed snow-white church of Panagia Paraportiani.

Naxos: the largest island of the Cyclades.

An island in the Aegean and the largest among the Cyclades, it is the birthplace of the father of the gods, Zeus. Its capital is also called Naxos. The island is separated only by a narrow strait from neighboring Paros. Known for its antique unfinished sculptures and beaches.

The symbol of the island of Portara is the Stone Gate, which is perhaps the most photographed of the sights of Naxos. Behind the ruins ancient temple you can enjoy great view surroundings. I recommend Agios Prokopios Beach for relaxation, where, like most Greek islands, you can practice your favorite water sports. You can eat well in one of the many taverns of the capital and the coast, but try to look for restaurants where there are few tourists and the main visitors are locals to taste the national cuisine.

Corfu: the pearl of the Greek islands in the Ionian Sea.

Due to nature, Corfu has long beaches, rocks, and fantastically beautiful quiet bays and is considered the greenest among the islands of Greece. The French and British influence is especially noticeable here, especially in the new city and on the cramped cobblestone streets.

Like all islands in Corfu you can enjoy great views and opportunities to travel both on foot and on mopeds, bicycles or cars. Renting here is available and ubiquitous. You can visit, for example, one of the 250 villages that are hidden in the depths of the island in the dense greenery of trees. For swimming and beach holidays, I can recommend the Kassiopi Bay and the beaches at Cape Paleokastritsa. Kassiopi is a small port town with small shops and cafes and inexpensive hotels.

Beautiful Zakynthos.

This is the southernmost big islands Greece in the Ionian Sea. The capital of the nome is the city of Zakynthos. It has its own international airport and a well-developed transport infrastructure. There are many cafes and delicious restaurants national cuisine, for revelers I can advise you to visit the resort town of Laganas with its nightclubs and bars. The most famous attractions of the island are blue caves in the north.

On the island, you will definitely visit the stunning beach of Navajo, located in the eponymous, perhaps one of the most beautiful bays on the planet. Here you can see the real wrecks of shipwrecks, a ride on a light boat of which there are many.

Kefalonia: home of Odysseus.

The green island of Kefalonia is also located in the Ionian Sea and is the birthplace of the legendary king Odysseus, sung by Homer. The island is a paradise for all nature lovers. Only here grows a very rare dark green spruce.

Millions of tourists come every year to admire the sapphire waters of Kefalonia. The popular Myrtos beach with amazing white pebbles is located in the northwest. For water sports, Makris Gialos and Platis Gialos are suitable. You should definitely visit the Drogariti Cave and the Archaeological Museum of the city of Argostoli, which is the capital of the island. Most nightclubs and bars are also located in the capital.

Skiathos: a beach paradise.

Although Skiathos is a small island, it has over 60 excellent beaches. Kokounaries beach is considered the most popular and comfortable for a beach holiday. The transport system of the island is debugged and works like a Swiss watch - you can get to any point of the island very quickly and comfortably. Walks and boat trips will leave long-lasting memories of your holiday in Skiathos. Banana Beach is popular among young people. own center aquatic species and a private nudist beach.

In addition to the beaches, there are many interesting churches and Orthodox monasteries on the island. So, Evangelistra Monastery can be reached in 30 minutes from the capital by regular transfer. You can also take a day trip to the neighboring islands of Skopelos and Alonissos on speedboats.

I hope my review of the top Greek islands will help you in choosing your favorite for future travels. Good luck and have a good rest!

Addendum: Tourist islands of Greece

The islands of Greece - ancient and mysterious, but at the same time open and hospitable - are visited by millions of tourists every year. What attracts people here, many of whom, having visited island Greece 1 time, then come back here again?

Tourism in island Greece

The map of Greece with the islands includes more than 1400 names, but of all this set, only about 200 are inhabited. The number of islands that have a tourist infrastructure is more than 50.

The islands of Greece are very different, but they are united by some features, which were the basis of their popularity among tourists from all over the world:

1. Magnificent nature: comfortable beaches, clear sea, picturesque rocks and the refreshing greenery of the forests. The atmosphere of relaxation reigns here, which allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy all the delights of a Greek holiday.
2. Huge list of European cultural heritage sites. The places here are covered with ancient legends of Hellas. Seeing the Greek sights, you can feel the great spirit and courage of the ancient Hellenic seafarers and mythical heroes who performed their exploits here.
3. Greek cuisine. Rest on the islands of Greece is very "delicious". In different regions, residents bring their own characteristics to the menu, but the basics remain unchanged. Bright dishes of fresh vegetables and seafood dressed with young olive oil and complemented by a glass of local wine will please your taste.

Below you will find a description of the most famous Greek resorts, which will help you choose yours. perfect place for a holiday or even plan a whole cruise around the Greek Islands.

Holidays in Crete

Crete is the most popular summer resort not only in Greece, but throughout the southern Mediterranean. In addition, it is the largest island in Greece. Its permanent population is more than 600 thousand inhabitants, and during the season this figure grows several times.

There are 5 major cities here: the capital Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos. The island has good transport accessibility: Heraklion International Airport receives flights from all over the world, and Chania Airport is open for local flights.

Crete is an island that is one of the economic centers of Greece, despite the fact that there are practically no industries here. The only exception is a few food industry enterprises. Agriculture is well developed in Crete - olives and grapes are grown. However, the backbone of the local economy is tourism. Therefore, those who come here on vacation are always warmly welcomed and try to please them in everything.

The total length of the coastline of Crete is over 1000 km. From mid-April to October, the Mediterranean Sea around pleases with warm clear water. But north coast washed by warmer currents, so hotels located in the north of Crete can offer the best conditions.

However, Crete is not only a wonderful beach holiday, but also an acquaintance with historical artifacts that are important for the entire European civilization. People have inhabited these places for more than 4 thousand years ago. You can learn more and see with your own eyes the most interesting evidence of ancient eras at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Greek myths are familiar to everyone to one degree or another, and Crete is exactly the place where the action of many legends took place. Visiting the Palace of Knossos, you will see the building that served as a prototype for the legend of the Minotaur.

Closing your eyes for a minute, you can imagine how Theseus, having defeated the monster, wandered here in search of a way out and found it thanks to the help of Ariadne, who was in love with the hero. This romantic story is very popular with newlyweds, and it is not surprising that many couples choose Crete as their honeymoon destination.

Here, on Crete, there is also a cave in which, according to legend, Zeus the Thunderer was born and grew up for some time. This inconspicuous-looking place is today a popular item in the program of many excursions.

Cyclades

Santorini is part of the Cyclades archipelago, located in the south of the Aegean Sea. This is the most magical and mysterious of the Greek islands. Once upon a time there was a huge volcano, powerful eruption which, presumably, destroyed the ancient Minoan civilization in Crete. But today only the water-covered caldera, a former crater, and hot springs nearby reminds of those times.

Santorini owes its geological past to its unique beaches. There's a black beach here volcanic sand in the towns of Perissa and Kamari, the incredible red beach in Akrotiri and the pure white beach in Aspri Paralia.

Tourists often come to Santorini on a day cruise from Crete. As part of this mini-voyage, it is usually offered to visit the capital of the island, the city of Fira, and the no less popular town of Oia. But when you come here, you will immediately understand that Santorini deserves more. To truly enjoy the serene atmosphere, you should definitely visit other towns, such as Perissa and Imerovigli, which will delight you with more affordable prices.

The impressions will be incomplete if you leave without seeing one of the main spectacles on the island - sunset or sunrise. The sun at such moments paints snow-white houses and the sea in gentle tones, turning the landscape into a real fairy tale. This spectacle is unlike anything else and is remembered for many years.

Another popular tourist island of the Cyclades is Mykonos. The atmosphere is the opposite of Santorini. Mykonos is a bustling and relaxed city, just a paradise for party lovers. There are many clubs and night discos, including beach ones. The resorts of the island are popular with Greek artists, and world show business stars often hold their performances here.

Ionian Islands: Zakynthos

The islands in the west and southwest of the country are called Ionian, as they are located in the Ionian Sea. These are perhaps the most beautiful islands in Greece. For example, Zakynthos, or Zakynthos, is famous for its indented coastline with numerous cozy and insanely picturesque bays. It is Zakynthos with its white beaches and turquoise water that most often appears in photographs and sites about holidays in Greece.

The name of one of the bays on the island of Zakynthos is known to many tourists. This is Navajo, or Smugglers' Cove. Here, several decades ago, a sunken ship washed ashore, the sailors of which were engaged in illegal trade. Over the past time, the ship has partially collapsed and rusted, but has become an integral part of the local landscape. Tourists love to be photographed against its background, because especially romantic pictures are obtained here.

Another highlight of the island of Zakynthos is the opportunity to see giant sea ​​turtles V natural environment a habitat. At the beginning of summer, adults travel hundreds of kilometers to reach the island and make a clutch, from which little turtles later hatch and, driven by a thousand-year-old instinct, rush to the sea. local view The caretta caretta is considered endangered, but environmentalists and volunteers are doing their best to save these beautiful animals.

Ionian Islands: Corfu

Of the islands of the Ionian Sea, not only Zakynthos, but also Corfu is very popular with tourists. The beautiful island of Corfu Greece received under its full control only relatively recently. This happened during the uprising in the middle of the 19th century. Prior to that, Corfu was ruled by Venice, Republican France, then the British Empire. But unlike the rest of the country, this Greek island has never been ruled by Ottoman Turkey.

Of course, this left its mark on the economy: the inhabitants of Corfu have always been considered the most affluent. This also influenced the culture: a large number of Italian architectural monuments are still preserved here. Especially a lot of them in the Old City.

Today, Corfu, like other Greek islands, lives off tourism. It is visited by different groups of travelers every year. Beautiful beaches with a gentle slope into the water attract families with children, fun nightly events attract young people. Christian pilgrims - both Orthodox and Catholics - strive to get to local monasteries and temples, where the holy relics of Blessed Theodora and Spyridon of Trimifuntsky are kept.

The most favorite holiday in Corfu is Easter. The celebration lasts for a week. The Resurrection of Christ is celebrated here magnificently, with a large religious procession, various performances, and parades. Some tourists specially come here in the spring to see this magnificent sight.

Emerald Isle and other islands of the Aegean

The island of Thassos is called emerald because of the abundance of greenery. This is indeed the greenest island in Greece. Coniferous forests cover more than 1/2 of its area. It is separated from the mainland only by a small strait, which bears the same name - Thassos. The locals did not fantasize too much with the names, so the main city is also called Thassos. The second version of the name is Limenas, which means "port" in translation.

Thassos is proud of its ecology. Breeding of bees is popular here, which, as you know, live only in the most clean places. For the same reason, a jar of fragrant honey will be an obligatory souvenir from the island of Thassos.

If you decide to visit the island of Rhodes, Greece will reveal many more of its legends to you. After all, the name of this place is associated with many myths, and the history confirmed by excavations goes far into the depths of centuries.

This is practically the southernmost island. It is located in the opposite part of the Aegean Sea from Thassos, in relative proximity to Turkey. There is an international airport here, so a lot of people from different countries come here for vacation during the season.

Pebble beaches on the northern coast are considered the most popular among tourists. The capital of the island, the city of Rhodes of the same name, is also located here. In addition to it, there are many hotels in Faliraki and Lindos. In the south and southwest of Rhodes, the places are wilder, the infrastructure is not so developed here, but for many this has its own attraction.

From the island of Rhodes, you can easily get to nearby Kos. After 3.5 hours of travel by ferry, you will see the powerful fortifications of the knight's fortress, built in the port by the Johnites in the 15th century.

Greece appreciates the small island of Kos because it is the birthplace of the ancient physician Hippocrates. He was born here in the 5th century BC. e. On the same island, you can also see the remains of a temple once dedicated to Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of healing. But Kos will be of interest not only to those associated with medicine.

lovers active rest can go surfing. From June to October, the weather favors this. A feature of Kos is the opportunity to explore its surroundings using the most environmentally friendly transport - a bicycle. Bicycle paths entwine the entire island and pass through the most beautiful places.

There is an opinion that Greece has everything. Maybe this is an exaggeration, but having visited the Greek islands, you will see that there is definitely everything for a wonderful holiday here.