Special Greek Islands
The Ultimate Greek Island Bucket List
introStunning beaches, exquisite food, thousands of years of history and legend – it’s no mystery why the Greek islands, from the Sporades to the Cyclades and Dodecanese, are a prime summer holiday destination. With so much to see and do, narrowing down your itinerary can seem impossible – but we’re here to help, with 15 can’t-miss experiences to have on your next trip to these fabled islands.
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Special Greek Islands
The Ultimate Greek Island Bucket List.
RhodesVisit The “Other” Acropolis In Rhodes – Most visitors to Greece have only heard of the Acropolis in Athens, but there’s another – and it’s definitely worth a visit. Sitting dominantly on an outcrop above the sea, as it has done for thousands of years, the ancient Acropolis of Lindos is a must-see site when you visit the island of Rhodes. Don’t forget to stop by the modern-day city of Lindos as well; situated on a bay with gorgeous sandy beaches, it’s a charming place with cobblestone streets and white houses leaning toward the sea.
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Special Greek Islands
The Ultimate Greek Island Bucket List.
LesbosDiscover The Petrified Forest Of Lesbos – Unique not only in Greece, but on the whole continent of Europe, the petrified forest of Lesbos was formed when a volcanic eruption spewed ash and lava over the landscape, fossilising the plant and animal life …nearly 20 million years ago. Designated by UNESCO as a protected natural monument, this amazing place constitutes a “living document” that has recorded the geological history of the Aegean basin over the last 20 million years. The Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest in Sigri has a variety of exhibits that provide visitors with a vivid experience. [Photo: Paul Johnson/Flickr]
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Special Greek Islands
The Ultimate Greek Island Bucket List.
MelissaniTour The Crystal-Clear Waters Of Melissani Cave – This limestone cave and underground lake is a magnificent geological phenomenon located on the island of Kefalonia. The natural entrance to the cave was created by the collapse of a section of its roof, though today there’s also a manmade entrance with stairs, allowing visitors to easily access the lake cave. Oddly shaped stalactites more than 20,000 years old adorn the largest part of the site, lending it an unearthly atmosphere. [Photo: Marcus Ward/Flickr]
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Special Greek Islands
The Ultimate Greek Island Bucket List.
SantoriniSip Greek Wine At Sunset In Santorini – Santorini is notable for many things, but 3 stand out above the rest: its breathtaking architecture, its marvellous wine and its world-famous sunsets. In recent years, Santorini’s sunset has become one of the most sought-after visual (and Instagrammable) experiences on the planet, with thousands of people from around the globe visiting the island just to capture a picture of it. There are several landscapes on the island that offer an incredible view of the sunset, but the town of Oia is by far the best – just get there early to claim a good spot.
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Special Greek Islands
The Ultimate Greek Island Bucket List.
CreteTrack Down The Birthplace Of Zeus – According to Greek mythology, Zeus was born on the island of Crete. Two caves high in the mountains compete for the title of the birthplace of the greatest god of antiquity: Dikteon Cave in south-central Crete and Ideon Cave on the island’s highest mountain, Mount Ida (also known as Psiloritis). Both are waiting for you to discover …and perhaps have a mythical experience. [Photo: Jerzy Strzelecki/Wikimedia Commons]
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Special Greek Islands
The Ultimate Greek Island Bucket List.
Samaria GorgeExplore The Samaria Gorge – Found in the White Mountains of western Crete, this captivating gorge is one of the island’s natural wonders, visited by many nature enthusiasts each year who hike through its beautiful surrounds. It takes anywhere from 5 to 8 hours (depending on how fast you walk) to hike the full 16 kilometres of rugged terrain, so make sure you wear the right shoes and bring lots of water in order to best enjoy the experience. [Photo: © GNTO/Y. Skoulas]
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Special Greek Islands
The Ultimate Greek Island Bucket List.
KnossosAdmire Europe’s Most Ancient Civilisation In Crete – Other than the gorgeous beaches, wonderful nature trails, pulsing nightclubs and delicious cuisine, Crete is also the former home of the Minoans, considered to be the first advanced civilisation in all of Europe. The Palace of Knossos, located in north-central Crete, offers proof of human activity on the island 10,000 years ago. In Knossos, where myth and history blend mystically, you can admire the first labyrinth in recorded history, where according to legend Theseus killed the Minotaur. [Photo: © GNTO/Y. Skoulas]
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Special Greek Islands
The Ultimate Greek Island Bucket List.
ZakynthosSunbathe On An Iconic Beach In Zakynthos – Zakynthos is known in Greece for its sandy beaches and verdant valleys. What makes this Ionian island famous all over the world, however, is one particular landmark: Navagio Beach, a little cove with a pristine beach and glassy waters, under which lies a well-known shipwreck. The popular beach has reopened recently with restrictions to the public after a cliff collapsed last summer, injuring several tourists.
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Special Greek Islands
The Ultimate Greek Island Bucket List.
CorfuBe Enchanted By The Architecture Of Corfu – Corfu is one of the most elegant places in all of Greece, where you can glimpse a rare amalgamation of Venetian, French, British and Greek architectural styles. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the perfect example of the harmony derived from the blending of different cultures on the island throughout history, with the island’s central square, Spianada, the largest in the Balkans and one of the most beautiful.
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Special Greek Islands
The Ultimate Greek Island Bucket List.
Island hoppingVisit A Different Greek Island Every Day – Greece is home to thousands of islands, more than 200 of which are inhabited. Every island is a unique world unto itself, making each trip to a different Greek island a totally new and exciting experience. The many styles of architecture and cuisine, cultures and customs, landscapes and beaches has made “island hopping” the new big thing in Greece during the summer, with organised cruises travelling to numerous islands on a daily basis.
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