Reservations

Luxury Travel

Reservations

Luxury Travel

Greek Islands: Joining the dots

Greek Islands: Joining the Dots

Island dots in an azure sea can be effortlessly joined together to create the sublime experience of an island-hopping adventure in Greece.

This is a feature from Issue 12 of Charitable Traveller. 

There is something special about an island holiday. Being surrounded by water puts an instant barrier between you and the worries of life back home – as your boat casts off, you cast off your cares. And if you are setting sail in Greece, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to islands to cast away on. There are over 200 Greek islands to explore, sitting in ‘hoppable’ family groups in both the Aegean and Ionian seas and knitted together by a ferry system that is an adventure in itself. These waters have attracted travellers throughout history, from Jason and the Argonauts to the  Romans; crusading medieval knights to Byzantine and Ottoman rulers.

Island-hopping in Greece has been popular since the 1960s. Since then, while tourist numbers have increased and the facilities on the islands have developed, the relaxed vibe, welcoming locals and authentically individual island cultures remain the same. 

You could take a lifetime (and a lovely life it would be) to visit every Greek island, so it makes sense to focus on those that suit your interests and inclinations. Are you looking for an away-from-it-all cove and a quiet local taverna, or a buzzing bar and club scene? Are you a culture vulture drawn by ancient monuments, myths and legends? Or are you simply seeking sun, sea, sand and ways to keep the kids happy? Perhaps you are looking to take a walk on the wild side, and explore remote mountains and forests away from the coastal crowds. In truth, many islands have a little something to satisfy all these inclinations, but with a little expert insight, you can create the perfect island-hopping itinerary for yourself and make the best out of the intricate ferry schedules.

The journey between islands is not just about changing location but about experiencing each island in its context. And the sparkling waters, the feel of the sun on your back and the smell of the heat-bleached ferry decks will be among the most evocative memories you collect along the way – sitting with those of the sunset bar you find at the end of the beach or the deserted little cove you kayak to for a peaceful picnic. 
Island hopping is also a great way to appreciate the unique cultures and cuisines of different islands. Local produce will certainly include fresh fish – pulled in at the local harbour and on the grill within hours – but also tangy cheeses, smooth olive oils, and the sweet h
oney crunch of baklava.
The architecture and style of each island is often distinctive too. Many cultural influences have paraded through these islands over the centuries, leaving their marks on walled cities, crumbling mountaintop castles, striking minarets and sparkling white churches. With each new island destination, a new adventure begins. Get ready to leave your cares behind as we whisk you away on a virtual island-hopping trip to eight distinctly beautiful Greek islands in three groups ripe for hopping…

The Sporades

Alonissos

From the picturesque harbour waterfront of its capital, Patitiri, to its pine forests, olive groves and orchards, Alonissos is as authentically Greek as any traveller could possibly hope for.
Its natural rugged landscapes reflect the fact that this is the most remote of the Northern Sporades island group, and perhaps this is also why its National Marine Park is such a perfect refuge for rare seabirds, dolphins and the Mediterranean monk seal, monachus monachus.
Chora, the old capital, is a town of stone houses and perfect shady courtyards,  narrow streets with relaxed tavernas, and cool churches. Atop it all sits a medieval castle with sweeping sea views.

Traditional lifestyles persist here, including a culture of natural folk medicine you can best explore in Milia; along with myths and legends from the past that link the island to its viticulture heritage. It was from here that Jason and the Argonauts sailed to Kolhida to retrieve the Golden Fleece, and the ships of Achaeans sailed to Troy.
Add Alonissos to your itinerary if you’re seeking a laid-back atmosphere, peace and serenity, alongside opportunities to mingle with the locals. Make sure you leave time to sample the island’s delicious specialities, such as cheese pie, grilled figs with honey, kakavia (fish soup) and walnut pie.

Skiathos

Stunningly beautiful, Skiathos has more than 60 crystal-clear water beaches set against a backdrop of pine forests, so it is perhaps not surprising that it draws the crowds. As a result of its popularity, the island’s infrastructure has a cosmopolitan vibe and there is a buzzing bar and open-air club scene with many vibrant restaurants and cafes.
Skiathos Town is built around a natural harbour, now a stylish haven for yachts and sailing boats. Its white houses, with their red tiled roofs and colourful gardens, are
typically Greek and very photogenic. Nearby is Kástro, a natural fortress, famed for its breathtaking natural beauty, and the lush peninsula of Bourtzi, where the romantic ruins of a Venetian fortress still stand.

The island is perhaps best known for the popular beaches, including Koukounariés and Banana, but beyond these, there are quieter, less developed beaches too with a classic Greek aesthetic and opportunities to get far from the crowd. Nature lovers can follow 25 well-signposted walking trails through unspoilt areas, and beaches at Mandráki, Eliá, Agkistros and Asélinos offer peace and quiet. Lalária is a one-off with impressive white rock formations, while Strofilia includes a rare protected wetland area.

Pelion

It’s not an island, but a peninsula – pointing into the scattered isles of the Sporades. Pelion is dominated by Mount Pelion, which is snow-covered in winter, bright with flowers in spring and summer and always surrounded by untouched wilderness areas and traditional villages. Hike it, horse ride it, mountain bike it, or just admire it from afar, Pelion’s highest summit, Stavros is 1.624 metres up from where its soft slopes stretch gently to the Aegean Sea.
At the foot of the mountain sits bustling Portaria, with luxurious hotels, restaurants and a cosmopolitan vibe and Zagora is popular for its citrus orchards that inspire local speciality sweets, marmalades and liqueurs. 

On the slopes, you’ll find pretty villages like Tsagkarada, defined by its chestnut and plane trees; and Vyzitsa and Makrinitsa with their stone-paved alleys renovated mansions (known as archontika) and lush greenery. Makrinitsa is nicknamed ‘the balcony of Pelion’, thanks to the fantastic views it offers over the island. Or alternatively, fill your Instagram feed with stunning views over the Pagasetic Gulf as you board the panoramic steam train of Pelion from Milies.

The Cyclades

Santorini

Probably the most iconic of the Greek islands, Santorini was created by 12 huge intensive volcanic eruptions over thousands of years. As you approach it from the sea, sheer cliffs soar above the azure sea and you are actually sailing in the huge crater of the defunct volcano.
The main villages of Fira and Oia line the cliff top and trickle over the terraced rock, defined by their bright white Cycladic houses. Post your snap and watch your ‘likes’ soar. Head up to Fira, the picturesque capital, and take your seat 260km above sea level. You will be perched on the top edge of the volcano’s caldera with breathtaking views.

Move along to Oia to see houses carved out of the rock, and check out the villages of Imerovigli and Firostefani where at sunset you and your fellow visitors will likely burst into spontaneous applause at nature’s magnificent display. Take your pick of the high-end restaurants and luxurious hotels, stylish night spots and pretty romantic wedding settings, explore the vineyards, hike black sand beaches or take a road trip to ancient sites, it is all here and waiting. But it will be the villages’ distinctive topography and the way the whitewashed houses and alleys are contrasted by the lava-black terrain and spectacular rock formations that will ensure images of Santorini stay in your memory for a lifetime

Mykonos

This is a place where style meets simplicity and a party ensues. The island’s popularity cuts across all classes and ages because it welcomes all equally and somehow offers something for them all, whether they island hop from elsewhere, come from the cruise ships or are drawn by its fun-loving reputation.
The capital town, Hóra, is one of the best examples of Cycladic architecture you’ll find and is overlooked by the town’s famous windmills. Here, narrow marble streets are lined with whitewashed houses and the colourful doors and window frames are draped in pink and purple, bougainvillea, whose heady fragrance fills the air.

High-end shops and classy cafes draw the rich and famous who come here for luxury stays and smart parties, but students and families are equally at home admiring the fishing boats in the harbour, meeting the resident pelicans or trying the spicy local sausages, almond pastries and honey pies

The Dodecanese

Rhodes

This is the largest and historically the most important of the Dodecanese islands, and whilst it is one of the most popular, its size means there’s plenty of room for everybody to explore. It is a quieter, family-friendly island where echoes of Greece’s medieval past provide cultural interest and contrast to its modern cosmopolitan resorts, fun waterparks and all-inclusive hotels. Here you can, for example, combine the fortified medieval old town of Rhodes (recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site) with the natural beauty of pine-covered mountain slopes that lead down to lovely beaches. Or, combine seaside favourites like Lindos – winding up the hillside to its own ancient Acropolis – with luxurious stately homes and vibrant nightlife.

You’ll find climbing opportunities and watersports; vineyards and mountain villages; coves and castles. Whether you seek archaeological insights and ancient monuments, authentic local communities or sophisticated sea views, Rhodes will deliver, and it will do so with its own unique style of traditional charm always at hand.

Kos

Corinthian columns, medieval castles, ancient Greek ruins – Kos is nothing short of an open-air museum! While the majority of people come for the warm hospitality and magnificent beaches, the numerous archaeological sites and monuments never fail to impress. Kos town reflects the many influences of the past, with wide streets, squares and parks to wander or pedal through, via a network of cycle paths. Seaside towns and villages such as Kardamena, Kefalos, Mastihari and Tigaki are never far from both a beautiful beach, historic interest and good quality family activities, including a water park.
Beyond the coast, the rugged Dikeos mountains majestically mark areas which retain a natural wilderness feel. Here you can join together picture-perfect rural villages, full of charm. Some head here for bird watching too.

Home to the father of medicine, Hippocrates, the island even boasts a 2,500-year-old plane tree (in Kos Town) whose vast shady canopy is believed to have been the great man’s first consulting ‘room’ and ‘lecture theatre. Its trunk circumference is over 10m long.

Symi

For jaw-dropping visual impact and knock-out fi first impressions, few islands can beat Symi. Its dramatic jumble of indigo, ochre and terracotta-painted stone houses with red roofs and dainty balconies are spectacular and have the cameras working overtime.
As you head into this fairytale vision, complete with a castle at the top, the postcard scene splits into two – the main town, Gialos, and the village of Chorion, sprawling gently down the slopes. Welcoming cafes and tavernas stand ready to serve and look out for the elaborately decorated ceilings, skylights and neo-classical decor when you step inside.

You can head out to a monastery on Symi’s southern tip, but the blue coves and small beaches are the real draw beyond the town. Fuss-free and with a relaxed away-from-it-all vibe, the beaches are varied – some sandy, some pebbly – but all with crystal clear water. Many are truly off-the-beaten-track, and some are only accessible by water taxi 

Find out more about Greece and her Islands!

Click the button below to read more about Greece and her Islands. Or if this article has given you more than enough inspiration to start planning your own trip, get in touch with our team of expert travel agents who can help you plan and book your perfect island itinerary!

Don’t forget – every time you book a holiday with Charitable Travel, you can donate 5% of your holiday price to the charity of your choice at no extra cost!

This is a feature from Issue 12 of Charitable Traveller.