Greece has more than 100 inhabited islands, all of which rise picturesquely from the Mediterranean Sea. Many tourists therefore opt for a very special type of round trip, island hopping. You move by ferry from one island to the next and let yourself be enchanted by the diversity of the island world. With so much choice, however, it is not easy to decide where the journey should lead. The following islands are among the most beautiful in the Aegean Sea and are definitely worth a visit.
Crete
The largest of all Greek islands is also worthwhile as
a destination for your own round trip
:Crete. The ruins of the Palace of Knossos, Roman aqueducts and the Arkadi Monastery bear witness to the fascinating history of the island, which dates back to ancient times. The interior is characterized by olive groves and vines, many of the farms invite you to a tasting on site. With its turquoise waters and white sand, Elafonisi Beach can easily rival any Caribbean island. And thanks to street food, fresh seafood and local cheese specialties, a stay in Crete is also a culinary delight.
Corfu
Corfu owes its special character to the mixture of Greek and Venetian influences. The whole island is peppered with historic buildings, many of which are in excellent condition. In the old town of the main town of Corfu, you can feel like you’re in Venice in places, while fishing villages like Kassiopi are typically Greek. The Achilleion, the Empress Sisi built as a summer residence, gives an idea of what the buildings of Greek antiquity once looked like, colourful and richly decorated. Equally worth seeing are the many monasteries on the island, which are kept in good condition despite their old age. The panoramic view from the highest mountain Pantokrator is one of the most beautiful in Greece.
Santorini
Compared to Crete or Corfu, Santorini seems downright tiny. Nevertheless, the Cycladic island is one of the most popular destinations in Greece. The reason for this is mainly the picturesque architecture of places like Oía or Firá. The snow-white houses with blue roofs and shutters stand close to each other, winding alleys and hidden corners create a romantic atmosphere that thousands of visitors fall in love with every year. For a day trip, you can hike between the villages, along the rocky coast and with a view of the bright blue of the Mediterranean. The black sand beaches that give the volcanic origin of the island
are another highlight.
Tinos
Tinos may not be as well-known as other Greek islands, but that’s why it’s all the more worth seeing. The Grekaventura 10-Day Tour of the Cyclades dedicates two days to this island pearl to explore the traditional marble crafts, the pilgrimage basilica of Panagia Evangelistria and optionally a family brewery. Far away from the crowds and the tourist hotspots, visitors get insights into the traditional world of the Mediterranean islands: The island’s approximately 8,000 inhabitants are divided into 50 small villages, many of which seem like a remnant from another world. Many of the inhabitants earn their living as fishermen, so fresh seafood is one of the culinary highlights of the island. Other places of interest include the Kechrovouni Monastery, the picturesque dovecotes at Tarambados and the charming port town of Panormos.
