Santorini. In Santorini the blue of the sea blends with the blue of the sky and the blue roofs of the houses. This island, ranked among the best destinations for a honeymoon in Europe, is also one of the most beautiful Greek islands. The easiest way is to book a direct flight to Santorini.
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Santorini is somewhat of a cliché choice to kick-off the list, but there are a multitude of reasons why the film-set stunning island is considered one of the most beautiful islands in Greece.
Most first-timers choose the Cyclades, homing in on Santorini for its cliffs dripping with whitewashed cubic buildings, and Mykonos for its charismatic appeal. Once you've had your fill of Mykonos, take the ferry to nearby Tinos.
Usually it makes sense to go to the farthest island (Crete) first. Also, since you are going near the end of the 'season' it's best to visit Santorini last, since its season lasts a bit longer, thanks to cruise ships etc.
Santorini is famed for its stunning white villages like Oia and Fira spilling down high cliffs that sit above a volcanic caldera. The island tops many travelers' bucket lists, so it pairs nicely with Athens for a 5 day itinerary to Greece.
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and boasts a diverse landscape with something to offer everyone, from stunning beaches and hiking trails to lively nightlife and traditional villages. Corfu, on the other hand, is smaller and more laid-back, making it ideal for those looking for a relaxing beach holiday.
Lefkada island has the most impressive waters and shores in Greece and it is worth visiting the island anytime between early May to late September, or even early October. Travel tip: If you want to skip the steps down to the beach, you may as well hire a taxi boat from Nydri or Vassiliki villages.
Santorini is best known as a romantic island with one-of-a-kind views, whereas Mykonos is more about sandy beaches and spirited partying. Depending on the vibe you seek, both islands suit holidays à deux. Solo travellers and groups of friends will also find both appealing, though Mykonos offers more in terms of edge.
Kefalonia. Kefalonia is one of the largest Greek islands, but one of the lesser-visited. This means that you can explore the island's rugged mountains, fir forests and magical caves in peace, away from huge huddles of tourists.
The largest Greek island has mild weather, pristine beaches, great offerings for foodies and wine lovers, hundreds of ancient sites, breathtaking landscapes and hiking paths and wild nightlife. It is the largest island in Greece, but has its own unique history and culture.
Once there, Corfu is a nature lover's paradise with stunning beaches, adventurous hiking trails, forest-filled valleys, picturesque fishing villages, historic towns, and soaring coastal peaks. The sheer number of beaches in Corfu alone is enough to occupy your time.
Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands: The Greek islands are at their best from late May to early October for swimming, suntanning, and beach weather; and from April to early November for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring. A good travel itinerary for Greece should consider the weather patterns of the Greek islands.
How Many Days in Greece: For most tourists, I recommend a visit of 10 to 15 days. This allows for a few days in Athens; a day trip to Nafplio, Delphi, or the Meteora; and a few nights on 2 or 3 Greek islands. Of course, trips of more or fewer days are possible. Can you visit Greece for only two or three nights?