A Guide to the Greek Islands

With historic gods such as Aphrodite, the goddess of love it’s no wonder the Greek Islands themselves symbolise dazzling beauty, a beautiful body and are eternally young. Although museums filled with ancient Greek art and artefacts continue to attract visitors it’s actually the Mediterranean climate along with the renowned cuisine, beaches, culture and buzzing nightlife that are the biggest draw to the islands.

Ancient Greece:

You can’t go far without coming across something ancient in Greece. Greek life was dominated by religion so it is not surprising that the temples were the biggest and most beautiful. These temples along with sculpture, pottery and artefacts are all accountable for the history knowledge and play a major part in piecing history together.

Often cited as the birthplace of European civilization, Greece offers a heady mix of ancient archaeological sites, chic design hotels, rustic taverns, family-orientated seaside resorts and hedonistic dance clubs.

Throughout the calm blue waters of the Aegean and the Lonian sit the 1,400 Greek islands, each with its own special story. The serenity of islands like Kefalonia and Amorgos contrast with the riotous party islands such as Mykonos and Paros. And for those interested in architecture you should visit the medieval fortified towns of Rhodes and Corfu, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Looking for things to do?

Whether it's unspoilt deserted beaches you are looking for, or action-packed packed resorts lined with plenty of lively bars, no Greek Island holiday is complete without spending time on the hundreds of quality beaches here, many of which have been awarded the EU Blue Flag for cleanliness and excellence, so grab your bucket and spade, or your sun glasses and cocktail and head to the sea front.

If excitement is more your scene, then discover the real Greece whilst walking or hiking. With an abundance of natural beauty, many of the less developed islands are a haven for exploring on foot in the off-peak season, whether it's along stunning coastlines, through rural villages or past meadows full of colourful spring flowers.

With so many islands to choose from you may wish to hop islands to see what delights wait on the others- offering a huge and diverse range of places to see and experience. One of the best ways to make the most of a Greece holiday is to island hop, using the local ferry system, which is a cheap and convenient way to travel around the islands.

Which Island is for me?

To the untrained eye, the Greek islands' pristine golden bays, endless olive groves and steep cliffs dotted with precariously perched whitewashed villages may seem identical, but island hoppers who have had the chance to explore these sparkling isles know better.

The Dodecanese islands are the furthest away from the mainland and are actually nearer Turkey then Greece. These islands are rich in history, boasting complex and medieval architecture. The largest and most popular of the islands is Rhodes, which focuses on sun-worshipping, happy hours and clubbing till sunrise. Follow the young party crowd to Faliraki or jump on a ferry to Kos. With so many others to choose from you are bound to find something to tickle your fancy.

For a holiday that conveniently packages up picture-perfect beaches, balmy weather, ancient history, energetic nightlife and breathtaking scenery, look no further.