Jan 25, 2024 · 26. Kastellorizo. Best of the Greek islands for: Castaway dreams and swimming through caves. Michael Anastassiades, Lynda Benglis, Savvas Laz, Silvia and Nicoletta Fiorucci…the number of artists ... Wine tours around the island can be arranged, or you can also taste the local tipples at one of Kefalonia’s wine bars such as Oinops in Argostoli. Read more: Athens Food Guide. How to Spend 1 Day in Heraklion. Kefalonia – 1 Week Itinerary. 15 Best Greek Islands for Beaches. 10 Best Small Greek Islands to Visit. 10 Greenest Greek IslandsFeb 9, 2023 · 2. Paros. Paros Island is one of the Cyclades’ gems and is known as a more authentic Santorini. It is one of the quiet Greek Islands but rests assured there is still lots to do on Paros Island. Paros is easily accessible by flight or ferry. There are even direct flights from and to Dublin, Ireland, or London, UK. There are daily ferries to Corfu from the port of Igoumenitsa, in north-western Greece, about 485km (5hrs30mins) from Athens and 325km (3hrs45mins) from Thessaloniki. Public bus (KTEL) services are available from both cities. The crossing takes 1-1.5hrs. There are also ferries from Italy (Venice, Bari and Ancona).An autonomous region of Italy, the island of Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also a melting pot of different cultures, including Greeks, Arabs, Spaniard...Milos. Discover the untouched island of Milos on our Cyldades on Wheels & Water itinerary. This island offers dream-like landscapes due to its ancient volcanic activity.May 13, 2020 · To top it off, Greeks also know a thing or two about delicious pastries (hello, baklava, revani, and koulourakia cookies), making a trip to the islands all the more sweeter. 9. Never Leaving the ... Santorini. The picturesque waters of Santorini, Greece. Located: in the southern Cyclades. Best known for: pure white villages, craggy cliffs, volcanic black-and …Greece is offering fast-track visas for Turkish tourists in 10 eastern Aegean islands in a ground-breaking move that would increase tourist flows and promote the …Alternative destinations to Greek islands, Amsterdam, Iceland, Yosemite National Park, Prague, Mallorca,and Spain to avoid crowds. Maybe we blame “influencers” a little too much. O...Just how many Greek islands are there? Take a guess. Got it? If you picked any number between 0 and 5,999, you’d be wrong. That’s right, there are 6,000 islands that belong to Greece. Sure, only 227 of them are inhabited, but still. Wowza. With 227 inhabited islands to choose from, the question of which Greek islands to visit is a …11. Skiathos – Best Greek beaches with tourist facilities. An island which owes part of its fame to the “Mamma Mia” movie, Skiathos has a few contributions to make to the best beaches of Greece. If you want to stay in the Aegean, but find the Cyclades too dry, you will love Skiathos.Greek people are known for their hospitality, so respecting their customs and traditions is essential when visiting their beautiful islands. Here are some essential etiquette tips to follow: Greetings: Shake hands when meeting someone for the first time and say “Yassas” (hello) or “Kalimera” (good morning).May 19, 2021 ... Comments14 ; Best GREEK ISLANDS To Travel 2024. Island Hopper TV · 180K views ; 15 Best Places To Visit In Greece 2023 | Greece Travel Guide.Discover the diverse and stunning islands of Greece, from Crete's mythical mountains to Santorini's volcanic caldera. Explore the beaches, villages, wineries, caves and more with this guide by National Geographic Traveller (UK). See moreSummer is right around the corner and it seems the Greek Islands are on everyone’s radar! One of the most common questions I’m receiving lately is how to choose which Greek Island to visit. It’s important to note that there are actually over 6,000 Greek Islands, but only a handful that are well-known and convenient to get to from Athens.3. Santorini. When you think of Greek islands, Santorini is sure to come to mind – and rightfully so, Santorini has earned its spot as one of the best Greek islands to visit! With its whitewashed villages, the caldera located against the incredibly beautiful sea, and amazing Greek food, Santorini does not disappoint.See Rachel’s 20 travel secrets of the Greek islands. 7. Best for otherworldly landscapes: Tinos. Having visited a clutch of Greek islands over the years, Tinos was my favourite – I long to return.☞ Related: 3-days To Explore Mykonos Island In Greece Chios. As the locals like to say, even on the busiest of summer months it is still possible to find a beach to yourself in Chios.This is what we love about the quiet Greek islands and it’s one of the reasons to visit Chios. Despite being a quiet island, it is the fifth largest in Greece and …Zante – Zante or Zakynthos is one of the most famous Greek islands. Its airport had almost 2 million visitors in 2019. Corfu – Corfu or Kerkyra is the northernmost of the Ionian islands with the 5th busiest airport in …Feb 27, 2023 · 1. Crete: one of the best Greek islands for archaeology. As Greece’s largest island, Crete is something of an all-rounder. Crete boasts the dramatic White Mountains, kilometres of fine beaches, the delightful Samaria Gorge and several interesting cities, not least the island capital of Iraklion. It’s got around 6,000 islands, sandy beaches and clear waters, bright as day. Greece really is a dream for tourists, and while it is generally safe, there are parts of it that should be avoided if possible. However, following basic common sense and watching out for any possible dangers should get you through the trip smoothly.Santorini. Legendary Santorini is Greece's most popular (and most expensive) island to visit. And that popularity is well deserved, Santorini is simply stunning ...Bohey Dulang is a hidden gem located off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia. This small island is part of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park and offers breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters,...According to the Greek philosopher Plato, Atlantis sank into the Atlantic ocean after the gods sent fire and earthquakes to the island. The gods were angry at the people of Atlanti...The Cyclades are an ancient group of islands in the south Aegean sea of Greece. However they were formed, The Cyclades — which means the Sacred islands around Delos — their beauty and dazzling light can lend itself to a spot of spirituality. These groups of islands just a ferry ride away from mainland Greece, made most famous by …When I was little, I had a big dream: to travel to every Greek island. This didn't come out of thin air, since I am Greek, but let's not judge a child’s dream. I’ve managed to visit 53 so far. Here are some of my favorite, lesser-known Greek islands for travelers who like to avoid the crowds. Cyclades islands; Dodecanese islands; Eastern …Plan Out Your Greek Island Hopping Itinerary for the Ultimate Vacation. Choosing which Greek Islands to visit can be an exciting, but somewhat daunting task. It’s a good position to be in no doubt, but Greece has 2,654 islands and 164 of those are inhabited. For an indecisive person, that choice can be a tad bit stressful.1. Mykonos. No one can miss this island for partying in Greece. Mykonos is one of the most popular islands in Greece and is also known as the Ibiza of Greece. It is also one of the top Greek party islands. This island is filled with clubs and bars where you can let your hair down, no matter the day of the week.Alternative destinations to Greek islands, Amsterdam, Iceland, Yosemite National Park, Prague, Mallorca,and Spain to avoid crowds. Maybe we blame “influencers” a little too much. O...How To Visit The Greek Islands From Turkey In One Day. Although there are several options—some easier than others—most people will consider visiting the Greek islands while holidaying on the Turkish south coast. In that case, you have two destinations to choose from: Rhodes and Kos. Both are beautiful islands in their own right, and you …With 227 Greek islands to choose from, here are the ones that make for the best holiday. By Tal Dekel-Daks, Arabella Bowes, Antonia Bentel, Virginia Clark and Arta Ghanbari. 8 January 2024. Santorini Cavan Images / Alamy Stock Photo. Whitewashed churches with blue domes emerging out of rocky cliffs, gentle beaches rivalling that of the ...Hawaii may be a state, but it’s one of the most isolated from the rest of the country. For that reason, people may not get to visit, and many more don’t know too much about it beyo...Summer is right around the corner and it seems the Greek Islands are on everyone’s radar! One of the most common questions I’m receiving lately is how to choose which Greek Island to visit. It’s important to note that there are actually over 6,000 Greek Islands, but only a handful that are well-known and convenient to get to from Athens.Mar 23, 2019 ... Getting there: As the most popular Greek island, hands down, Santorini is also one of the most accessible islands, with frequent ferry service ...4. Evia. Best for hiking and history Greece’s largest island, Crete, is very well known, but Evia, the next in line, flies rather more under the radar. Though popular with weekending Athenians ...May 23, 2019 · Start your visit to Folegandros in Chora, as the number of things to do on this island is really staggering. If you’d like to know more about the heritage of this Greek island, go ahead and make your first stop at the Ecological and Folklore Museum of Folegandros. Church of Panagia is a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and situated above ... Islands Close to Athens to Visit in 2024. There are six main island groups in Greece. (The Sporades, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the North Aegean islands, the Ionian islands and the Saronic Gulf). The Saronic archipelago is the closest group of islands to Athens and mainland Greece. The closest islands near Athens can be …Milos. Scenic Klima village in Milos, Greece. Milos, located in the heart of the Cyclades, is a mesmerizing island that captures the essence of the Greek Isles with its raw, natural beauty. This island, shaped by its volcanic heritage, is a geological marvel. It's home to an astonishing array of beaches, each with its own unique character.Best places to visit in Greece for couples. If it’s your first. time visiting Greece, I’d recommend the Cyclades group of islands. This is where you’ll find Mykonos, Santorini, Milos, Paros and more. It’s full of charming islands with whitewashed streets, blue and white churhces, and stunning pink flowers.Nusa Penida Island, off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, is known for iconic cliff-lined beaches and scenic viewpoints. Penida Island is a dream destination for travelers, and Nusa Pe...According to 101 Holidays, Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and boasts an average temperature of 27ºC in September, with 10 hours of daily sunshine. Visitors can explore the island’s natural beauty, including its harbour fronts, hiking trails and ancient sites. Kos is another island that offers plenty of late summer sun, with ...May 8, 2023 ... The five Greek islands with the lowest ratings · 1. Mykonos · 2. Santorini · 3. Rhodes · 4. Zante · 5. Kos. Total Score: ... 10. Paxos. Levrechio beach on Paxos island, Greece. Paxos, one of the 8 best Greek islands for families, embodies the idea of an island off the beaten path that shines like an undiscovered gem. Gorgeous beaches fade into clear turquoise waters. Ancient ruins glint with preserved marble foundations. Plan Out Your Greek Island Hopping Itinerary for the Ultimate Vacation. Choosing which Greek Islands to visit can be an exciting, but somewhat daunting task. It’s a good position to be in no doubt, but Greece has 2,654 islands and 164 of those are inhabited. For an indecisive person, that choice can be a tad bit stressful.Best time for islands and coastline. Temperature-wise, to get the most out of your days spent on the beach, the best time to visit the Greek islands is June, early July and September, when the weather is at its best and you get to avoid the frequent heat waves and tourist crowds of August and mid-July. The sunniest days can start as soon …... and we've gone with Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes and Corfu as 5 of the most popular Greek islands. If you've travelled to any of them, you'll be ...Explore the Greek Islands! Get inspired with Rick Steves' recommended places to go and things to do, with tips, photos, videos, and travel information on ...Top 10 Greek Islands… off the beaten track · 1. Kythnos, Cyclades Islands · 2. Ithaca, Ionian Islands · 3. Patmos, Dodecanese Islands · 4. Amorgos, Cycl...Another tourist opined: “The other islands in the Cyclades are amazing. Mykonos and Santorini are like Disneyland and Las Vegas. “Fake. Expensive. They’ve …27. Visit the 365 Churches. Ios is known as the island with a church for every day of the year. Although this may just be a popular myth as no one has ever counted them all. Visiting churches is one of the top things to do in Ios, and there are certainly enough churches here to make visiting each one a challenge.Jul 6, 2019 · The islands of Greece are some of the most beautiful places you can travel to in Europe. With over 6,000 islands scattered in the Aegean and the Ionian Sea, there is so much to explore. The perfect turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, beautiful coves, and idyllic villages make the islands of Greece a dream destination. The Cyclades are a group of 33 islands in the Aegean Sea, including the famous Mykonos and Santorini. The lesser-known are probably the Koufonisia, two islands Ano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi, separated by a 200-meter straight. The only way to move on the islands is by walking or cycling, making it a perfect spot for travelers looking for …Feb 9, 2023 · 2. Paros. Paros Island is one of the Cyclades’ gems and is known as a more authentic Santorini. It is one of the quiet Greek Islands but rests assured there is still lots to do on Paros Island. Paros is easily accessible by flight or ferry. There are even direct flights from and to Dublin, Ireland, or London, UK. Best of the Greek islands for: Antiquities, active adventures and sunshine all year round. Greece's largest island, the birthplace of Zeus, Crete has ancient ruins, …Greek islands with airports. There are 13 Greek islands with domestic airports. This makes it easy for you to travel from Greek cities like Athens and Thessaloniki to the various islands, or to fly between island groups. Sky Express, Olympic and Aegean are the main airlines that service domestic flight routes in Greece. What’s more, with a friendly atmosphere and so much to do, it’s one of the most popular Greek islands for families. Mix in amazing hospitality and this island easily cracks the top five to visit in 2024. Join us on a 12-day culinary journey with stops in Naxos, Crete, Santorini and Athens. Sample local food and visit historical sights on ... Jan 21, 2023 · The Best 18 Quiet Greek Islands to Visit in 2023. 1. Lemnos. Myrina town harbor on island Limnos. The North Aegean is full of charms, and Lemnos is one of them. Tucked somewhere between the better known Lesvos and somewhat known Thassos, this more minimally developed island has a delightful wild side. Nusa Penida Island, off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, is known for iconic cliff-lined beaches and scenic viewpoints. Penida Island is a dream destination for travelers, and Nusa Pe...Just how many Greek islands are there? Take a guess. Got it? If you picked any number between 0 and 5,999, you’d be wrong. That’s right, there are 6,000 islands that belong to Greece. Sure, only 227 of them are inhabited, but still. Wowza. With 227 inhabited islands to choose from, the question of which Greek islands to visit is a …Jul 13, 2023 · The best time to travel in the North Aegean Islands is from July to early September, when the weather is hot, and the best way to explore the island group is by scooter. We recommend spending 3-4 days on each island to get to really know the place, explore the stunning beaches, mingle with the locals, and feel the Greek hospitality ( philoxenia ). May 14, 2019 ... Santorini is probably the most popular Greek Island. Afloat in the Aegean, east of the mainland, it is typically Cycladic with its blinding ...9. Naxos. If you’re looking for one of the most amazing Greek islands for your getaway, add Naxos to your list! Naxos is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. There are many reasons for this, but the main attractions are the lovely beaches, the stunning scenery and the friendly atmosphere.During these years, I learned so much about the island! In Crete, I juggle being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours, and writing for several travel media. I’ve written for Greek Reporter, published travel guides about Greece, co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete, and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.Dec 17, 2020 · Whether it’s time to relax on a beach or visit the small traditional villages, for a getaway from it Greek island, you can’t go wrong with Paxos. 3. Lemnos. Recommended by Chrysoula of Travel Passionate. Another one of the many quiet Greek islands is Lemnos (Limnos) in the north-eastern Aegean. In today’s post, we are going to tackle a hot topic. Can you visit the Greek islands without breaking the bank? I’m a travel expert from Greece, and I’m here to declare that, you most definitely can!Keep reading, and I promise you that thanks to my travel tips and local knowledge, by the end of this article you will have found the …That was me 14 years ago before making my first trip to Greece. Since my maiden voyage to the Isles in 2010, I have visited some of the most famous and lesser-known Greek islands. Compiling my decade of experience, I’ve put together all my tips into the ultimate Greek Islands Travel Guide to help you avoid the usual island-hopping …15.) Symi. Nestled within the Dodecanese islands, Symi is a stunner of an island to explore. It’s easily up there as one of the best Greek islands to visit if you’re in eastern Greece or on the nearby island of Rhodes. Now, the island is much more chilled and laid-back than Rhodes, with the pace of life much slower.Therefore, if Crete is the island you pick to visit, it would be a better idea to check two or three of its four regions at a time and forget about the rest of the Greek Islands. And if you really want to add another island to this itinerary, it might be a better idea to make a day trip to Santorini than splitting your time between Crete and two or …Milos. Scenic Klima village in Milos, Greece. Milos, located in the heart of the Cyclades, is a mesmerizing island that captures the essence of the Greek Isles with its …Jan 15, 2024 ... If you want to kickstart your Greek island hopping adventure, the best way to get to Greece is by plane. The most important airports in Greece ...Oct 10, 2020 · 6. Saronic Gulf. The Saronic Gulf islands are the ones located closest to Athens. They are Aegina, Salamina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, Agistri, and Dokos. These islands are ideally located very close to the mainland and can be reached from Athens with high speed ferries, that often take less than 1 hour of travel. Patmos. Patmos is not only the island where Saint John reportedly wrote the book of Revelation; it’s also where the Athenians go for a chic, under-the-radar vacation, according to Sofia. Of course the island has plenty of picturesque beaches too. Be sure to visit the capital, Chora, built on a hill around the 12th-century Monastery of Saint ...Lefkada was voted the best Greek island in our survey with five stars for peace and quiet and scenery, and four stars for beaches and value for money. Nydri, which overlooks a bevy of emerald islets, is the busiest resort, while Geni, just across the bay, is the more peaceful alternative. If a sandy beach is what you’re craving, aim for the ...If you are visiting the Greek Islands in August, good luck getting by on less than $100 a day. But don’t worry! You can still backpack Greece on a budget. It’s pretty tough to travel to Greece on $10 a day unless you’re participating in a work exchange. You can, however, go backpacking in Greece for under $40 a day.Greece is offering fast-track visas for Turkish tourists in 10 eastern Aegean islands in a ground-breaking move that would increase tourist flows and promote the …Crete. Crete, owing to its southern location, is not only one of the best Greek islands to visit in September, but it is also one of the hottest. Early in the month, it is not uncommon for temperatures to remain at around 30 degrees Celsius. As the month progresses, you can still enjoy temperatures in the mid-twenties.2. Ios. Chora of Ios. A party island during July and August when the 18-25 backpacking crowd descend, Ios returns to its sleepy roots in September welcoming a more mature group of travelers in the 35+ age bracket though if you search for it, the nightlife can still be found in the narrow backstreets of Chora.photo stella / Shutterstock.com. 5. Hydra. Known as the Jewel of the Saronics, Hydra is possibly one of the most popular islands to visit on a day trip from Athens. It’s famous for not allowing any motorized vehicles on the island — except the fire and refuse trucks. It’s not so popular for its beaches, but there are plenty of good ...Find the perfect Greek island for your vacation based on your preferences, from sun, sea and sand to diving, snorkeling, ancient ruins and culture. Explore the best Greek islands for hiking, cycling, family-friendly, food …There are camping and hostels and Mykonos is famous for the LGBTQI+ community vibe that is very alive and special. Once more, please bear in mind that these 2 ...Specifically, The Times newspaper published a list of the 15 best Greek islands recommended for 2024. " Mykonos and Santorini may be the obvious stars of the show, but the scattered isles of Greece play host to plenty of other headline acts. From the Cyclades to the Dodecanese and across to the Ionian, each and every island group has …The influence of ancient Greek architecture is evident in almost every style of architecture in use today. Any building that uses columns, such as the White House, can trace the ro...Travelers can visit Zakynthos for around $673 per week. Shutterstock. Navagio beach with clear blue bay waters and an abandoned shipwreck on the beach, Zakynthos …With 227 inhabited islands in the region, there are plenty of Greek islands to visit—so, where should you go first? First, think about the experience you want and …3. Kasos. Lonely and unspoiled, this is one of the quiet Greek islands in the Dodecanese, reasonably close to Karpathos Island.. How To Get To Kasos. Maybe you didn’t expect it, but it is possible to reach Kasos by plane with daily flights from Karpathos, Rhodes, and Crete.. If you prefer to travel by ferry, you can connect from other …11. Skiathos – Best Greek beaches with tourist facilities. An island which owes part of its fame to the “Mamma Mia” movie, Skiathos has a few contributions to make to the best beaches of Greece. If you want to stay in the Aegean, but find the Cyclades too dry, you will love Skiathos.The influence of ancient Greek architecture is evident in almost every style of architecture in use today. Any building that uses columns, such as the White House, can trace the ro...The best Greek islands boast the bluest of waters, dazzling white villages and miles of sandy beaches. Whether you're looking to try Greek island hopping or you're searching for that one perfect place for a solo, romantic or family escape, you've come to the right place. We've selected 20 of the most beautiful destinations to explore this …
Dec 30, 2019 · The best Greek islands, whether you're looking for sandy beaches, unspoilt island life or history and culture. 1. Best for beaches: Zakynthos. The Ionian Islands can't be beaten for sandy beaches ... . Small inground swimming pools
1. Azamara Greek Island Cruises. Azamara Quest (Photo: Azamara) Azamara Cruises offers longer stays in port than many other other cruise lines, letting you visit the destinations at your own pace ...Donussa. Donussa is a small island on the southeast side of Cyclades and is located 10 miles north of Amorgos and east of Naxos. The island has one ferry transferring visitors to its undiscovered sandy beaches. Kendros is the largest beach on the island, ideal for free campers. Kalotaritissa is a small cove with clear water and narrow coast ...A local traveller shares her secrets of the best islands in Greece for different purposes and preferences. From Santorini to Crete, from Mykonos to Kefalonia, discover the top 20 Greek islands to visit in …Many solo visitors to Greece are often happy to explore the islands independently by ferry but join tours on the Mainland where driving is required. A 4 day tour of the ancient sites including Meteora, Mycanae and Delphi is very popular as is a 3 day tour of the Peloponnese including incredible Monemvasia and the Mani peninsula.Many solo visitors to Greece are often happy to explore the islands independently by ferry but join tours on the Mainland where driving is required. A 4 day tour of the ancient sites including Meteora, Mycanae and Delphi is very popular as is a 3 day tour of the Peloponnese including incredible Monemvasia and the Mani peninsula.The Saronic Islands 3. Aegina . Located only 30km from Piraeus port in Athens, Aegina is a perfect city escape.The short distance from the Greek capital keeps travel costs low, and the island can even be included as part of a more extended Athens trip, making it a genuinely cheap Greek island holiday.. With beautiful coves and plenty …10. RHODES. Rhodes, the capital of the Dodecanese islands, is the fourth largest Greek island, after Crete, Evia and Lesvos, and a very popular Greek tourist destination. This Mediterranean gem of an island boasts a centuries-old history: a turbulent past full of unexpected turns and twists of fate. It’s a place where the strong mediaeval ...More than 27 million travelers made their way to Greece in 2022, visiting the country's gorgeous islands and coastlines, rural towns, and historic capital city of Athens.One look at its landscapes ...Visiting the Saronic Islands 2024. As mentioned, there are seven Saronic islands. Namely, they are Hydra, Salamina, Poros, Dokos, Aegina, Agistri, and Spetses. A lot of people also include Methana in their Saronic Gulf trips although technically this is not an island, but a peninsula of the Peloponnese.6. Rhodes. Rhodes, one of the largest and most diverse Greek islands, is an excellent destination for over 60s tourists. Located in the Aegean Sea, Rhodes is a family-friendly summer destination and its mediaeval port, Rhodes Town, is a key stop-off point on many Greece cruise itineraries.Top 10 Greek Islands… off the beaten track · 1. Kythnos, Cyclades Islands · 2. Ithaca, Ionian Islands · 3. Patmos, Dodecanese Islands · 4. Amorgos, Cycl...Of course, we have islands like Santorini and Mykonos – the two most traditional Greek islands for couples to visit. But this list of islands for couples in 2024 has more than that. You’ll find my list has islands that have the best of both worlds, you know, ancient Greek ruins, places to enjoy traditional Greek cuisine, as well as romantic dinner …Dec 16, 2023 · Anafi. A little-known secret, Anafi is one of the least visited islands in the Cyclades despite being just 22km (14mi) from Santorini. Greek mythology claims the island emerged from the bottom of the sea to give shelter to the Argonauts, and its wild natural beauty, rocky hillsides and turquoise waters still feel like a sight for sore eyes some ... Naxos – As one of the Cyclades islands like Mykonos and Santorini but larger in size, Naxos offers long stretches of sandy beaches with fewer crowds. It’s also home …But I would make the decision on the order of the islands depending on your needs. If you need to relax and decompress before plunging into activities, go to Naxos first. If you want to see spectacular sights first and get that off your bucket list before spending time on the beach, go to Santorini first.Feb 27, 2023 · 1. Crete: one of the best Greek islands for archaeology. As Greece’s largest island, Crete is something of an all-rounder. Crete boasts the dramatic White Mountains, kilometres of fine beaches, the delightful Samaria Gorge and several interesting cities, not least the island capital of Iraklion. .