The Greek Islands

The Greek Islands are famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The water of the Aegean Sea is crystal clear blue and the coast is varied with white, red and black sand and pebbles. In Corfu you can find endless stretches of sand, in Santorini you can see signs of volcanic activity, Sifnos is great for snorkelling and diving, while Lesbos offers water sports and deserted coves. Most of the islands also offer year-round sunshine, with the southern island of Rhodes boasting an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. The potential for island hopping also makes sailing a popular pastime, with the opportunity to take a boat trip or a flotilla around the region for longer periods of time.

Mythical landscapes

The Greek myths pervade the Greek landscape, whether immortalised in ancient architecture or literature, or pointing directly to an area where gods and goddesses were once said to roam. This is true of the Greek Islands too, lending a romantic air: Sappho the Poet and honey-voiced songstress was said to come from Lesbos; Zeus is thought to have flown to the island of Crete where he had twins with Europa; Hercules slew the giants on Mykonos and their petrified corpses are fabled to be the surrounding rocks; while it is believed that Jason and his Argonauts and the Greek fleet against Troy stopped on Skiathos before sailing on.

Nightlife

Greece is also famous for its nightlife, which you’ll either love or want to run a mile from. Many Greeks are party lovers, with the action starting in bars and cafes around 10-11pm and potentially going on until dawn. The Greek Islands of Corfu, Kos, Santorini and Paros are among the biggest party spots drawing crowds of revellers in summer. The party atmosphere can be so intense here that these islands can turn into one big nightclub, although some islands (Mykonos for example) offer a more sophisticated brand of partying than others. For less hedonistic types, quieter Greek Islands such as Ithaca or Skyros allow you to watch the sunset without the crowds.

Favourite haunts

Find your perfect spot and make it a home from home. Here are three to try…

• Peaceful
  Skyros lies in the Aegean Sea as the most southern and largest of the Sporades Islands. It is also the most remote with no nearby airport and few ferry connections. This isolation has helped preserve the island’s culture and customs including beautiful arts, crafts and furniture making. One half is densely forested and the other rocky and barren with most of the 3,000-strong population living in between. You might not find the best beaches, but if you want peace and quiet then you can have it here.
• Glamorous
  Mykonos – said to be named after an offspring of the god Apollo – is known for its intense nightlife but the ambience is generally cosmopolitan and the clubs, bars and hotels here ooze a certain glamour. There are also miles of sandy beach, trademark Cycladic windmills, a ‘Little Venice’ area, seaside tavernas and outdoor bars and clubs, where it’s not unusual to spot a Greek celebrity or international jetsetter who has a holiday house here.
• Historical
  The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete includes the Minoan sites of Knossos and Phaistos dating from the time when Greece and Crete were at the heart of European civilisation. The name Minoan comes from King Minos who ruled here and was said to be the son of Zeus and Europa. Crete is also known as the setting for the labyrinth tale of Theseus and the Minotaur. Today many Britons have houses here, thanks to the temperate climate, regal mountains, fertile plateaus and less strict property laws. But the culture of Crete – with its own language, wine and music – still remains to give a flavour of ancient times.
  

Getting there

Plane

Several of the Greek Islands have airports. These include Mykonos, Samos, Kos, Rhode, Crete, Lesbos, Skiathos, Kefallonia, Santorini, Corfu and Limnos. Airlines that fly to them include Aegean Airlines, Thomsonfly Charter, Air Malta, British Airways, Flyjet, BMI Charter and First Choice Airways. To find out who goes where visit www.flightmapping.com/Europe/Greece.

Boat

If you have time to island hop, you could also get to one, or several, of the Greek Islands by boat. See www.greekferries.gr for routes from Italy and mainland destinations in Greece. Ferry services are also usually the best way to get from island to island. You could also cruise or fly-cruise there from the UK or other parts of Europe, stopping on an island as part of a wider itinerary.

Find out more

Get more information and holiday ideas from www.gnto.gr and www.greekisland.co.uk. Guidebooks like The Rough Guide to the Greek Islands, Lonely Planet’s Greek Islands Country and Regional Guide or Berlitz’s Greek Islands of the Aegean Pocket Guide can also help you find your way around while there.

Stay insured

Visitors are advised to maintain the same level of security in Greece as they would do in the UK. An extra level of vigilance is wise around tourist spots such as markets and beaches where theft and pickpocketing are more prevalent. Drivers are also urged to take care as the risk of road accidents in Greece is almost three times as high as in the UK. If you’re hiring a moped or scooter you may need a licence. Check the country profile page of Greece on www.fco.gov.uk for more details. To ensure you are covered against theft and medical emergencies make sure you don’t travel without travel insurance. You may also want to double check that your policy covers you for any adventure activities or sports you wish to do.

With Direct Line it’s quick and easy to sort out your travel insurance online. Our annual travel insurance policy is perfect for favourite places or holiday homes that you want to return to over again. It’s also great for frequent travellers to the Greek Islands or other places in the world – just make sure your geographical selection covers you for where you want to go.

Related information:

Golf holiday insurance – golf is becoming a more popular tourist sport in Greece – read up on how Direct Line travel insurance can cover all your equipment
Winter sun – fed up of the usual British weather? Why not take a break where you’re guaranteed sun
Family holiday guide – taking your family on holiday needn’t be stressful if you pick the right destination and plan before you go