Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Milos and Rhodes: 5 Greek paradisiacal islands

November 19, 2024 4 min read.

Sunsets in Santorini, nightlife in Mykonos, archaeological finds in Crete. So many things come to mind when we think of the Greek islands! Greece is generally a country with a pleasant climate, full of beautiful landscapes, historical monuments and fun things to do. But specifically, its islands have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and are also the birthplace of a many of cultural traditions and civilizations. If you have always dreamed of visiting this beautiful Mediterranean country, this is the right time to do so. Here is a guide to the 5 most famous Greek islands.

Check out this amazing tour package through these paradisiacal Greek islands!

Mykonos and Delos

Surely you have heard many things about Mykonos, that beautiful and exuberant island! Beautiful beaches, a typical Cycladic architecture -located in the center of the Aegean Sea -, many clubs, pubs and bars, where you can dance the night away. Also, some of the places of interest are the island's windmills, the old town and the Little Venice area, which is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods on this lively island. Also, just a few minutes away by boat, there is the historic island of Delos, which, according to Greek mythology, was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. This small island, inhabited since 3000 B.C., was one of the most important cultural and religious centers of antiquity. In 1990 Delos was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and, today, only 24 people, among them archaeologists, police officers and custodians of the archaeological museum, are allowed to remain on the island after sunset.

Santorini

Santorini, the "Princess" of the Greek islands, is listed as one of the best tourist destinations in the world. If you are also a travel enthusiast, you should take the opportunity to visit this romantic island. You will enjoy unforgettable sunsets, beautiful landscapes and a mesmerizing view of the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. You should keep in mind that Santorini is made of volcanic rock from the Minoan Eruption (between 1639 and 1616 BC) and that is why the mounds of sand and pebbles are not only golden, but also black and red! The image of the city of Fira crowned by its white houses, perched on the cliffside and overlooking the volcano, makes it one of the most famous images of this amazing and picturesque island. In addition to the capital Fira, the most important places on the island are Oia, Acrotiri, Pyrgos and Megalochori.

Crete

There are so many things one can write and be enthusiastic about in Crete - its long and important history, idyllic villages and wonderful nature. In particular, Crete is the largest island in Greece and each place has its own tale to tell. Crete is also the island of contradictions. On one hand, visitors can find bustling but also pristine beaches; urban landscapes with modern clubs and on the other hand wild nature ... Here can also be found the oldest city in Europe, dating from 7000 B.C., Knossos. Today, the modern visitor can enjoy gorgeous beaches, traditional taverns, museums, galleries, and labyrinthine paths, the myth of the Labyrinth originated here, too! Finally, Cretan cuisine is something you must try at least once in your life.

Milos

This island, worldwide known for being the place where the statue of Aphrodite of Milos was discovered, is not only famous for its Minoan, Hellenistic or even Roman and Byzantine past; it is also renowned for being the island of lovers. Milos is a small Greek volcanic island, less touristy than other neighboring islands. Its beaches are very diverse in style, both rocky and sandy. The beaches are surrounded by beautiful hills, typical backdrop setting of the island. The archaeological remains, such as the catacombs and the ancient amphitheater. are really worth a visit.

Rhodes

It is the largest island in the Dodecanese island complex. Rhodes is known in Greek as the "Island of the Knights", due to the numerous monuments left by the Order of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, from the period it occupied the island. In 1988, the famous medieval city of Rhodes was proclaimed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The most famous creation was the Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Its construction lasted 12 years and was completed in 282 BC. Another important attraction on the island is the Butterfly Valley, a natural habitat that provides shelter to the rare Panaxia Quadripunctaria butterfly.