Todays’ Guest post is by Christine Medina from Christine in Spain
Teeming with ancient history and set against stunning backdrops, the Greek islands are unlike any other place on Earth. Backpackers have flocked to these islands for years for their cheap hostels, friendly locals and sandy beaches. Having lived, studied and vacationed in Greece, I’ve had the opportunity to see a few of the Greek Isles, which only scratches the surface; there are thousands of them! Hopping to a handful of islands you’ll quickly learn that every island has it’s own unique personality—below is a short personality profile of the 7 I was so lucky to see:
Hydra
Hydra
This quirky island is the only of its kind that outlaws vehicles. In the past it drew acclaim for being an artist/writer’s colony, but these days it’s more frequented by Athenian city-dwellers on weekend getaways. The large majority of Hydra’s population lives in the center of town where all of the tavernas and restaurants can be found. Come to this island expecting a quiet retreat and stunning Venetian architecture.
Tip: Do not rely on Hydra to be a beach escape, as they are found sparingly and are extremely rocky.
Aegina
Aegina
Aegina is only a quick 30-minute hydrofoil ride from the main port of Pireaus making it an easy choice for tourists who are seeing Athens sights but don’t have the time to island-hop. The beaches here are rather lackluster, but the center is filled with cute café’s perfect for escaping the summer heat.
Tip: Aegina is famous for its production of pistachios, be sure to pick up a bag from one of the many shops located near the port.
Evia
Evia
Don’t expect anything remotely resembling mass-tourism from Evia, the second-largest island in Greece and past home of Aristotle. Evia is composed of several quaint villages, fishing towns and coastal resorts and offers a truly authentic slice of Grecian life.
Tip: Chilaro beach in the village of Vitalo is hands-down the most serene, beautiful beach I’ve seen in all of my travels. Ask locals how to find it.
Santorini (Thira)
Santorini
Undoubtedly one of the most famous of Greece’s islands, Thira (as it’s known to the Greeks) balances jaw-dropping beauty and intriguing ancient history with a lively party scene and is truly the island that offers something for everyone. Oia is the town of all the typical Grecian images of white churches with blue domes. It is a bit isolated at the northern tip of the island, and is a great place for older couples and families to stay. Fira, the main town, and Perissa, where the black sand beach is located are the best places to go out. Akrotiri, site of the red sand beach and ancient Minoan ruins makes for a great day-trip.
Tip: Seeing the sunset in Oia is a must, but get there early as crowds start filling up the best viewpoints quickly.
Ios
Ios
Ios has a hedonistic reputation, but is surprisingly relaxing (without losing its sense of fun!) outside of high-season. If you want to avoid the crowds, head to the beaches furthest from Chora for a truly tranquil experience.
Tip: Pack a picnic and hike to the churches on the top of the hill in the old town’s (Chora) center for a 360 panoramic view of Ios in time to catch the sunset.
Mykonos
Myknonos
The playground of elite jet-setters in years past, Mykonos has retained its glamour while still charming in every way. The center is a maze of narrow cobble-stoned streets that buzz with energy deep into the night when the bars and clubs open and are bustling during the day with shoppers. The famous windmills and little Venice (pictured) are a must-see as they are just as beautiful in-person as by photo.
Tip: The meltemi winds that surface in high-season are fiercest in Mykonos, which offers little natural shelter so bring a sweater even if you’re coming in August.
Naxos
Naxos
Agricultural at its core, Naxos offers some of the best beaches on the Aegean (and dare I say, the Mediterranean) and a lively beach promenade and town center. It hasn’t lost its charm, likely because it isn’t reliant upon tourism like so many of the other Greek islands are.
Since it’s located in the heart of the popular Cycladic chain of islands, Naxos makes an excellent base for island hopping.
Make sure to see the ruins of Apollo’s Gate near the port (pictured above.)
Tip: Naxos is big and therefore, the ideal place to rent a moped and explore its more isolated beaches and countryside.
Christine Medina is the writer behind Christine in Spain. She has been traveling since she first fell in love with Europe in 2008, and now calls Spain her home away from home. Follow her on Twitter
I’d love to go to Evia–it seems that’s the place to get away from tourists and really enjoy the beauty of Greece. Also, I have a thing for quiet fishing villages
I like Ios a lot. It was the week after most of the bars closed, so it was nice and relaxed. Santorini was my favorite of the Cyclades that we went to.
Thanks for sharing! I went to Mykonos and Santorini with my sister about 12 years ago and have been dreaming about returning ever since.
We had the opportunity to visit Greece during the 2004 Olympics and had an amazing time. We visited several of the Islands – Santorini, Hydra, Aegina – after the games closed and were absolutely stunned by how gorgeous the islands are. I think it says a lot when an island (Santorini to be specific) can almost out shadow Athens during the freakin’ Olympics!
It was very clear to us – standing on the rim of the Caldera and looking out over the hazy Aegean – why a civilization would create such a rich religion. The fantastic mythology that we learn about in history class almost seems likely when surrounded by what Greece and the islands have to offer.
I just sat here for 5 minutes contemplating the fact that the Olympics in Greece as in 2004- where the hell has all that time gone? :0 The islands are so magnificent. I went in ’97 and again in ’98. The first time I did not make Santorini as I got lost in the bars of Ios for 12 days. When you are 21 that is just too much fun to pass up.
I went on a Greek island hopping trip a few weeks ago, although I vitied different islands. Except Mykonos and Naxos and it is very nice to read the impressions of another Greek island lover.
It must have been a great trip Inka. It is such a beautiful part of this world
Great shots! Are these film or digital. They all have a film look like some older photos I have taken in the past.
I’m not sure. These came straight from the Christine the author of this post. They do look like film photos though.
Thank you! They are all digital shots. Some are taken from when I lived and studied there in 2008, others are from traveling there in 2009 and 2010.
Love this! I’ve been wanting to go to the Greek islands for such a long time. Hopefully I’ll have the chance to visit it and see its ancient architecture in my future RTW.
You must go- so beautiful Norbert. You will love it.
Thank you for sharing these posts! These are nice shots and well written. I wnat to Hydra, the picture feels like the town Capri from Italy (beautiful coastal view). It doesn’t look like they have a beach too, but the view is enough for me to take lots of picture and relax ;P I wonder if their seafood r great? I love seafood restaurant.
opps spelling correction, I meant I want to go to Hydra by looking at your pictures.
I love Greek Islands. Last year I had the great opportunity to see Santorini (amazing sunset indeed), Mykonos, and Crete. Crete is my personal favourite, maybe I’m biased because I was there for several weeks. The sunset and beach, the archaeological ruins and museum, the food, the music…. I hope one day Ryan and I could visit and relax in that Island again.
I recently had a chance to see Corfu, although I was slightly blinded my the hot pink reputation of the Pink Palace Backpackers Hostel, my ATVing adventure of the islands lent me some beautiful views and experiences.
I can’t wait to live what I’ve seen in this post and others! It’s great to get an insider’s perspective on what the different islands have to offer! Great post Chirstine!
Greek Islands always have colorful backpacker names. The Purple Pig was where I stayed in Ios- or should I say overstayed by 8 days
I love the Greek Islands! Amorgos is my favourite although Santorini is excellent too.
Great list of Islands. I visited Santorini and Milos myself last summer. Both islands were incredible and both had interesting characteristics to them.
I’ve never known much about the Greek islands but wow, those are gorgeous. My list of destinations to travel to just got longer, thanks a lot!! haha