Greece is world-famous for its majestic 16,000 km coastline – the third longest in Europe. About 6,000 of its islands and islets are scattered around the crystal-clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, of which 227 are inhabited year-long.
Whether you are looking to relax on a beautiful pebble or sandy beach, explore unique archaeological sites, taste delicious local food or simply interact with friendly people, Greece has it all! If you are eager for more information on which island to choose for your vacation, here are 6 of the most picture-perfect Greek islands to visit this summer.
Where to Watch Sea Turtles
Zakynthos, internationally known by the name Zante, is the third largest island of the Ionian Sea after Corfu and Kefalonia. Zakynthos is also called the island “Fiore di Levante” (flower of the East) because it hosts over 7,000 species of flowers on its land. Visitors from all over the world fly to this Greek island to see the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) that inhabit its coastal areas.
Where to Party 24/7
A favorite destination among local and international celebrities, Mykonos is located between the islands of Tinos and Naxos in the Cyclades island group. In Mykonos, you can visit beaches like Agios Ioannis, Agios Stefanos, Kalo Livadi, Paragka, Psarou, Paradise and Superparadise to dive into the mesmerizing blue waters of the Mediterranean sea. You can play football with your friends in Ornos, try water sports in Elia or windsurfing in Ftelia, while there are great options for sailing, spearfishing, hiking and of course partying hard in almost all of the island’s beach bars and nightclubs.
Where to Smell Bougainvillea and Jasmine
Paros, located in the center of the Cyclades, is the birthplace of some of the most famous ancient Greek painters, poets, and sculptors. People from all around the globe book a flight to have a memorable vacation on this Greek island with the small white cube-shaped houses and narrow streets which are usually embellished with bougainvillea and jasmine flowers, vast sandy beaches, crystalline seawaters, and genuinely unique archaeological sites and historical monuments.
Where to Exchange Romantic Kisses
Santorini is a group of islands comprised of Thira, Thirasia, Aspronisi, Palaia and Nea Kameni and one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide. In this pearl of the Aegean, visitors can enjoy deep blue waters and beaches with red, white, or black sand as well as volcanic pebbles.
Where to Make Friends with Local People
The largest Ionian island lies between the Greek islands of Zakynthos and Lefkada. Amazing sandy beaches, great monuments, castles, and monasteries are only a few of the assets that have turned Kefalonia into one of the most luring destinations in the world. Make sure you do not miss horseback riding at Lourdas beach.
Where to Lose Yourself into Ancient Greek Myths
The cosmopolitan island of Symi is mainly known for its rich tradition in myths as it was first inhabited in the prehistoric times. Tourists in Symi can enjoy swimming at Faneromeni, Marathounta, Nimporio, Nos, Pedi, and Toli beaches. You can also enjoy excursions to other wonderful beaches, such as Agios Aimilianos, Agia Marina, Ai-Giorgis Dysalonas, Agios Vasilios, Fokospilia, Nanou, as well as at nearby Nimos and Sesklia islands.