The Greek Islands have always been popular holiday destinations, but what is the best? Well, of course it is down to personal preference but in our view you cannot go too wrong with Santorini, Mykonos, Kefalonia, Zante and Skiathos!
Santorini
Santorini is one of the most spectacular islands in the Med. One of the most popular tourist attractions is watching the sunset behind the caldera the flooded volcanic crater. A volcanic explosion cut
Santorini almost in half 3500 years ago, leaving black sandy beaches and steep cliffs. If you wish, you can take a boat trip to the smoldering crater of Nea Kameni or take a stroll around the Fira, the capital city, and see the wonderful white washed houses for which Santorini is famous. Evenings can be spent in one of the many family run tavernas and restaurants overlooking the spectacular views.
Mykonos
Mykonos is best known for being a party destination but there is more to this beautiful island than bars and discos. As well as the capital Chora with its high-end restaurants and designer boutiques there are also many small towns and villages with some of the best sandy beaches in the Mediterranean. One of the most famous sites are the windmills which were constructed by the venetians in the 16th century which were used to mill grain. You can visit the small island of Delos by boat which has one of the most important archaeology sites in
Greece. If time is on your side visit the little inland town of Ano Mera for an authentic look at quiet island life were you can visit the 16th century monastery which stands in the central square .
Zante
Zante is situated in the Ionian Sea and is probably best known for the iconic photo of a shipwreck on Navagio Beach you can visit the beach and blue caves by boat from various parts of the island and for the loggerhead turtles that hatch on the beaches of Marine Park. The loggerhead turtles travel from Africa to Zante to lay their eggs and special glass bottom boat trips run daily to Marathonisi, or Turtle Island were you can see them in their natural habitat. The capital Zakynthos Town is relaxed in style, in the evenings you can enjoy visiting its many tavernas and music bars and watch the sunset whilst enjoying a cocktail. For the liveliest part of Zante, make your way to the resort of
Laganas were you will find a strip a mile long with more than 50 bars and discos.
Kefalonia
Surrounded by stunning coasts, most of Kefalonia beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for their cleanliness. Sites to visit include the Lighthouse of Argostoli which was originally built in 1828 by the ruler of the island British administrator Charles Napier. Also worth visiting are the popular mountainous villages surrounded by lush greenery, Sea Lake of Melissani and the Cave of Drogarati. Best places to dine out are found in the resorts of Lassi, Skala, Lourdas and the port of Fiscardo were you will find an array of fish restaurants. If you wish to see
Kefalonia before you go watch Captain Corelli's Mandolin which was filmed here and is a true story of the Greek Islands during World War II.
Skiathos
Skiathos caters for young visitors with its great nightlife and is also a wonderful island for families with over 50 stunning beaches to visit. Things to do include diving trips to neighbouring islands or to the coasts of Pelion, hiking across the island, horse riding tours either along the coastline or the countryside and many more, you can also take the ferry across to Athens for a day trip which is well worth doing. Skiathos is a very cosmopolitan island were you will find plenty of places to dine out or sip on a cocktail whilst the sunsets. The vast majority of the nightlife can be found in Skiathos town with its many bars and clubs which are located in the main street and are open till the early hours.
