Greece is known for its rich culture, raw unparalleled beauty, and delectable cuisine. It has been a dream of mine to go there one day in the not-too-distant future. In this article I will highlight the Greek Islands.

Amorgos is a place to go if you simply want to forget the hustle and bustle of life wherever you came from. Only two thousand people call this island paradise home and they are seriously outnumbered by the local goats. One thing you can do is to hike or bike to Hozoviotissa Monastery. It is located six hundred feet above the sea with stunning views and vistas. As a matter of fact, wherever you go you can see the sea and it is so many shades of blue you are destined to lose count as you gaze out upon it. It is easy to lose yourself in this cozy environment. Don’t let the sleepiness of this island fool you there is a vibrant nightlife regardless of the lack of hotels. There is also a plethora of wonderful fish to eat in the small restaurants inhabiting this island. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Astypalea is an underdeveloped and extremely beautiful island. Her beaches are rocky and orchards dot the landscape. The towns are small and completely memorable. There are a few old fishing villages that line the shore. This is the place you go if you simply want to check-out and not be a slave to your phones or computers. Drop in, tune out, and enjoy! (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Cephalonia/Kefalonia is home to Mount Ainos, two lovely seaside villages; Assos and Fiskardo, several awe-inspiring beaches, and awe inspiring wine tasting at the Haritstos Estate in Lixouri. Fiskardo has a very rugged coastline where you can either absorb the glorious sun aboard the limestone slabs or snorkel in the electrifying blue-green waters. Mount Ainos is surrounded by national parks that house majestic deer and wild horses. Other noteworthy beaches are Myrtos and Horgota. The Haritatos Estate in Luxori is s a Muscat wine vineyard that offers wine tastings and tours. Cephalonia with her sun-drenched terraces, rustic tables and glistening pools, and natural stone villas luring you in it is extremely hard to leave. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Corfu is a blend of the Venetian, British, and French, architecture modeled after Paris. Grand mansions and olive groves reminiscent of Tuscany rise from the posh countryside. The flick For Your Eyes Only was filmed here. The beaches are second to none. The tony tourists gravitate to the northeast coast of Corfu where the Rothchilds liked to relax. You can rent a boat and gunkhole from cove to cove, visit the local wineries or restaurants, or even the cooking school to sample their local specialties. The south shore is a crazy outrageous unless wet t-shirt contests are your type of fun. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Known for her vibrant antiquities market, blissful and bountiful sunshine, wild wondering goats, verdant olive and orange groves, ancient ruins, and fun-filled adventures is the island of Crete. Crete is the birthplace of the Greek God Zeus and the largest of the Grecian Islands. There are many canyons and gorges, beaches and more, to explore on this island. Some of Crete’s most picturesque beaches include Ligres, Sougia, and Kedrodassos. Crete is an well-established cheese, honey, and olive oil, producer. The northern portion of Crete is overdeveloped and should probably be avoided. Mila is a charming, yet progressive 17^th century village electrified entirely by solar. Everything served in this village is organically and locally grown, caught, or reared. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Folegandros is known as the cliff-hanging capital of Greece. In Greek, Folegandros means iron hard. The Panagia church is their best-known landmark. There are no sandy beaches on this island. All their beaches are pebbly. The waters are known to house large prawns and octopus, both staples of the Folegandros residents and guests diet, as well as, goat and rabbit. Come enjoy it for the food. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Hydra is the artsiest of the islands and one of the places to see and be seen. No cars are allowed on this island. Artists and musicians are make-up the most vital parts of this island culture. There is a School of Fine Arts housed in an old mansion that overlooks the Horseshoe harbor. Artists rent spaces in this lovely structure and meet one another in the hallways and outdoors. The musicians gather at the Old Carpet Factory because it boasts such wonderful acoustics with its double-height ceilings and underground cistern to play a variety of music. Cats and donkeys run wild in the streets and alleyways adding to the local color of this island. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Ithaca is the home of Homer’s mythical hero, Odysseus. Its emerald and Aegean blue waters beckon you to jump in and have a nice swim. Her Byzantine frescoes are beautiful and so eye-catching. Splendid sailing coves test your yachting prowess. Ithica’s pebbled beaches are pristine. Her eighth-century BC ruins are a look back in time.  The church of Anogi invites your inner peace and faith. Beautifully forested hills inspire exercise and keep you cool with endless breezes. Visitors can feed the sheep, pick fruit, or walk in the woods. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

A causeway from mainland Greece connects to the peninsula of Lefkada. There are several activities you can enjoy there. They range from windsurfing to kite surfing to diving and snorkeling to paragliding and bar hopping. There are caves within swimming distance you can also peruse. Forests of chestnut and pine can be found in the mountainous portions of Lefkada. Lefkada has an active rental marketplace. Fresh tuna can be caught offshore and eaten fresh from the boat. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Milos is one of the most photogenic places in the Greek Islands. It is the volcanic island where Aphrodite was first discovered. Milos is mineral rich. Obsidian, alum, sulfur, and barite are readily available and allow them to have a productive economy. Milos also hosts over seventy beaches, undulating white cliffs, and a vital tourism and boating community. There is also an eleven-thousand-year-old mining industry that is still somewhat operative to this day that can be visited. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Mykonos is known for its five-star hotels, mouth-watering food, and truly decadent parties. The beaches are almost always packed with superstars and supermodels alike. There are spas and temples dedicated to Apollo, the God of light to the Greeks. Haute cuisine is normal here where lamb chops and superfood salads reign supreme.  Sunsets are fabulous from Mykonos so don’t miss out. Everything your heart desires is possible here for the asking. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Best known for its shallow water and lush sandy beaches is Naxos. Naxos is postcard perfect. You can go horseback riding on Plaka beach or wind and kite surfing on Mikri or Kastraki beach. Bougainvillaea, roses, and geraniums brighten up low-scale squarish homes. Hidden in the hills are three huge statues you can easily walk to and explore. Farming is the top industry on this island. They export potatoes, cheese, marble, and emery. They even produce their own liquor at the Vallindras Distillery in Halki. You can also sample homemade wine and cheese there. A smattering of delicious restaurants keeps the locals and tourists sated. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Patmos is host to the medieval monastery called St. John. St. John is filled with Byzantine relics and named after John the Divine. He was known for his apocalyptic prognostications. This island has a bustling fashion-oriented clientele. Streets with high whitewashed walls and sturdy doors surround mansions that date back to the sixteenth century. Cuisine on this island is a blend of Asian and Mediterranean which may sound out of character but are delicious and interesting all the same. Patmos is a nine-hour ferry ride from Athens which keeps the riffraff at bay. It is called the Spiritual Island because the church has managed to keep the nightlife down to a dull roar. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Paxos is one of the smallest islands in Greece but filled with very top-notch hotels. There are three small harbor towns with exceptionally blue-green waters. Logos is on the northeast shore where al fresco waterfront dining is the norm. Spiros is the musical town on this island where you can boogie down. Gaios on the western coast is filled with Venetian architecture and limestone cliffs, both delight the old and newcomer alike. Gaios is protected, for the most part, from the winds that are so prevalent on the remainder of the island. The best beach on Paxos is Monodendri beach. Paxos has a little sister island that is called Antipaxos which has a host of vineyards and is popular with the yachting circuit. The sea in Antipaxos is crystal clear. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Rhodes is like traveling back in time. It was devastated by the crusaders and invaders as well as WWII. Over time it has managed to rebuild itself better than ever before. There is an eclectic mix of Byzantine churches, Roman ruins, synagogues and minarets, and a medieval citadel to captivate visitors. Marco Polo has a guest house on Rhodes that is said to be decorated like a pasha’s harem. The waters are deep emerald green, the sand a golden color, and the cliffs offer unexpectedly incredible views. There are alpine forests leading up to Mount Attavyros, hilltop castles, and barely visible frescoes mixed and mingled amongst ancient ruins. Everywhere you look there is something beautiful to behold. One side of the island is calm and serene, the other choppy and less temperate. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Serifos is the perfect island for those with a penchant for interior design or the architecture industry. It is not very populated and their best beaches are only accessible by donkey on dirt roads. You can rent a boat and skip along the coast dropping in at local eateries that serve spectacular locally caught and grown cuisine. A vibrant nightlife is elusive here as are fancy hotels and shops. It is a quaint island that provides visitors wonderful vistas and views. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Skisnthosis the tiniest of the Sporades islands. This is the island where the movie Mama Mia was filmed. Families love this island for its powdery soft beaches and craggy topography. It may appear a sleepy island by day, but definitely has a distinct nighttime vibe. The main shopping street is Papadiamantis Street. Hand-crafted jewelry and chachka can be found there. The harbor area is wonderful place to taste the local fare. Restaurants serve specialty cocktails and local delicacies as well as providing patrons with colorful sunsets over the Agean sea. There is even an open-air cinema where locals and visitors can catch films and enjoy the outdoors.  (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Symi is best known as the most beautiful port in all of Greece. It was originally settled by sponge and spice merchants in the nineteenth century. The entire island is now categorized as a national monument. Instead of the whitewashed homes that seem to be spun in and around of much of Greece this island boasts colorful homes more like those in the Bahamas or Florida Keys. The Acropolis is on Symi. You can make it there in about five-hundred steps to be exact. There is a lot to explore on Symi. The Panormitis monestary is a special place for the visitors and locals. Ayios Yorgos Disalonas beach backs up to cliffs with great vistas and Marathounda beach allows you to picnic with the wild goats. Beware they are brazen! The French and Italian yachting set love this island. Symi is just the right mix of rugged terrain, historical monuments, neoclassical architecture, spectacular beaches, and world-class cuisine. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Tinos is home to more than fifty villages and is only fifteen minutes from Mykonos, yet not overrun with tourism. Each August the harbor is overrun with pilgrims who come to kiss the Panagia icons at the monastery. It is heralded as being one of the holiest sites in all of Greece. The village of Pygos is renowned for its marble craftsmanship. Volax is notable for basket weaving. Agapi is the village of love. Great food is easy to find on Tinos and is literally farm-to-table. The residents of Tinos take culture very seriously and go out of their way to create fun venues to enjoy it. They often host honey and artichoke and caper festivals. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

Zakynthos/Zante has a rugged shoreline that dips into the electric blue sea. The south coast is a nature preserve where endangered turtles are protected and able to hatch eggs safely in the sand. Turtle beaches are inaccessible to people not part of that preservation. There are gurgling underwater springs, sunbeds wedged betwixt rocks and palms, craggy Porto Limnionias and more to behold. You can hike or bike the pine forests, visit Askos Stone Park – a wildlife sanctuary, explore ancient Venetian castles, and eat delicious home-made pizza on this family-friendly island. (https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-greek-islands-beaches)

I hope you have enjoyed reading this succinct description of the Greek Islands and will come visit them one day. I know I want to and hopefully sometime soon.