Alexandria, VA – Ultimately, charting your own course through the Greek islands is more than just moving from one destination to another. It’s about putting thought and care into the experience you’re looking for and planning to make that happen. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a culinary experience, exploration of ancient ruins, or all the above, you are sure to leave with a unique appreciation of the astounding beauty and warm hospitality that Greece is famous for.
The Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea are the most well-known and a perfect destination for first- or second-time travelers to Greece. The most famous of these are Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Crete, and Santorini. Getting to Greece is easier than ever now that United has added a daily nonstop flight from Washington Dulles to Athens. From Athens, you can take one of the dozens of available flights to any of the islands above.
From a geographic perspective, Crete or Santorini would make the most sense as your first island stop as they are the farthest south, and from there you can island hop towards the mainland via ferry – ending your journey back in Athens for your return flight home. You can also take advantage of the many inter-European nonstop flights from major cities in Europe to islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete.
Every Aegean Island is unique and it’s a good idea to devote 3 or 4 days on each. Crete is the largest inhabited island in Greece with many quaint villages and beautiful beaches to explore. Greek food anywhere in Greece is amazing, but Cretan cuisine is truly special and in a league of its own. Some if the best things to do in Crete include exploring different villages, visiting some of the many archaeological sites, spending a day at the beach or on a catamaran, taking cooking classes, and enjoying one of the amazing hotels and resorts on the island.
My favorite village is Chania and you can fly directly there from Athens. From Crete, it’s a 90-minute ferry ride to Santorini. The views are everything here, so you want to stay along the Caldera, or the rim of the volcano, to fully experience the wonder of the island. Besides the famous sunsets and views, Santorini has become a culinary powerhouse with many great restaurants. Other things to do include a half-day catamaran ride around the island, cooking classes, food walking tours, winery visits, and the archeological site of Akrotiri.
From Santorini, you can take a short ferry ride to Milos, Paros, Naxos, or Mykonos. Milos is the lesser known but gaining in popularity for its very laid-back vibe. Naxos and Paros are close to one another and are very similar with the main port as the focus of the island and many shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Paros has a more upscale vibe and many great 5-star hotels on the island. Mykonos is famous for its beaches and nightlife. If you’re looking for a more celebrity party vibe, I would recommend Mykonos. They have a wide range of 5-star accommodations and some of the best beach clubs in Greece.
After you decide how long your vacation will be, you can choose as many islands as will fit in that timeframe. I would leave at least a night or two in Athens at the end of your journey to see the highlights, and to get to your flight home. To truly appreciate Athens, you will need a longer visit than a night or two. For your next trip, maybe combine several days in Athens with a trip through the Peloponnesus and a visit to a few of the Ionian Islands. Make sure you work with a Greece expert for any of your travel arrangements to ensure you are getting the vacation you’ve always dreamed of.
To plan your Greek Adventure, contact Gina Galloway at [email protected], a contributing writer on behalf of Villas and Voyages.
