Explore Greece

Explore Greecehttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/greeceExplore Greecehttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/greece/six-lesser-known-greek-islands-you-must-visitValentini Argyropoulou gives us her insider’s tips on six unspoiled Greek islands, each with their own remarkable character.2021-05-04T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/greece/six-lesser-known-greek-islands-you-must-visithttps://www.worldnomads.comWhen 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. <ul> <li><a href="#cyclades">Cyclades islands</a></li> <li><a href="#dodecanese">Dodecanese islands</a></li> <li><a href="#eastern-aegean">Eastern Aegean</a></li> <li><a href="#corinthian">Corinthian Gulf</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="cyclades">Cyclades islands</h2> <h3>Kimolos: mesmerizing landscape and history</h3> Kimolos, the little gem next to famous Milos island, derives its name from the Greek word kimolia (chalk) because of the off-white argyle clay powder that can be found everywhere on the island, including on the beaches. This type of chalk is renowned for its cleansing and pharmaceutical properties since ancient times, and the locals have been trading it ever since. Kimolos’ unusual geological formations have blessed it with rare natural beauty and, consequently, a unique history; check out the archaeological and folklore museum in Horio, or hike to Skiadi, the famous “mushroom rock”. Locals have showcased this volcanic landscape even more by building typical, Cycladic white houses and chapels with blue windows, and characteristic cobblestone streets along with colorful boathouses in the Syrmata area. My favorite beach? Undoubtedly, Prassa with its turquoise seawater and powder sand; you can also swim to the Prassa-islet across the bay and wander around the abandoned buildings. Other beautiful beaches include Ellinika, to admire the submerged ancient ruins (snorkel and mask required), Bonatsa, Alyki and Mavrospilia for the sunset. Most people visit Kimolos from Milos on a daily boat tour, but I recommend spending more than a few hours here. The island doesn’t have an airport, but you can fly to Milos and take the short ferry ride to Kimolos. Alternatively, the direct ferry from Piraeus will take between five and eight hours. <h3>Immersed in Irakleia</h3> The first time I saw Irakleia port, I was impressed by the crystal-clear water and the locals at the nearby beach who were enthusiastically waiting for the ferry to cause some waves just for them. There’s always something special about islands ports, but this one was uniquely welcoming. Named after the Greek hero Hercules, Irakleia is a tiny Cycladic island with around 100 permanent residents. As a result, there are few facilities for visitors (as few come), and the place has maintained its authenticity. Irakleia is a very walkable island with easy access to beaches, and as well as the port area, I highly recommend Alikias for snorkeling and Livadi for its laid-back atmosphere. Lastly, don't miss the hiking trail between Panagia village and Aghios Ioannis, where you can enjoy the largest cave in the Cyclades region at your own pace. There is no airport on the island, but you can fly to nearby Naxos and catch the ferry from there. There is also a direct ferry from Piraeus a few days a week, taking around eight hours. <h2 id="dodecanese">Dodecanese islands</h2> <h3>Astypalaia: the Aegean Butterfly</h3> The butterfly-shaped island of Astypalaia lies in between the <a href="/explore/europe/greece/island-hopping-in-greece#chains">Cyclades</a> (where Mykonos and Santorini are found) and the <a href="/explore/europe/greece/island-hopping-in-greece#dodecanese">Dodecanese</a> (where Rhodes and Kos are) and, though it technically belongs to the Dodecanese, is blessed with the gorgeous aspects of both. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/greece/astypalaia-sunrise.jpg" alt="Sunrise over the white church tower on the Greek island of Astypalaia." /> <figcaption>Sunrise on Astypalaia. Image credit: Valentini Argyropoulou</figcaption></figure> I fell in love with this unique combination, and with Hora/Chora*, Astypalaia's main village. Built at the highest point of the island, next to a 13th-century Venetian castle, Hora offers the quintessential experience of an authentic Greek summer. At the annual 15 August celebration of the white-painted Church of Panagia Portaitissa, next to the castle, you may even be offered a free dinner by locals. Although the beaches are not the main reason to visit, there are some worth mentioning such as Livadi, Kaminakia, Vatses, and Agrelidi. In summer, local boats deliver visitors to the surrounding islets, too. And there are around 20 signposted hiking paths (beginner to advanced level), some leading hidden beaches and caves. Reaching Astypalaia is relatively easy thanks to the small airport with direct flights to and from Athens. However, flights can be pricey, so you might consider taking the ferry from Piraeus port in Athens (an eight-hour journey). <h3>Finding peace in Halki</h3> UNESCO characterizes Halki as “the island of Peace and Friendship” and it’s a well-deserved name. This tranquil island, part of the Dodecanese island group, doesn’t have an airport, but can be reached by ferry from Rhodes in a couple of hours, from Crete (around eight hours), and other surrounding islands. The ferry ride from Piraeus may take over 22 hours and, though I’ve done it as an affordable way of traveling, might not be worth your time. Nemporio is the only village, home to 300 residents, with guesthouses and homestay options. I really liked the beaches (especially Pondamos, with its ultra-clear water), the renovated, Italiante mansions (dating from the era of Venetian rule, around the 13th century), and the windmills on the western side of the island, overlooking the port. In summer, a minibus picks up and drops off people to the beaches and other points of interest; if you’re up for hiking, ask the locals about the abandoned pirates’ village. Must-try foods: Halkian pasta, local cheese and xerotigana (a honeyed pastry dessert). <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/greece/halki-peace-and-friendship.jpg" alt="Flags wave over a tile roof on the Greek island of Halki." /> <figcaption>Halki, the "Peace and Friendship" island. Image credit: Valentini Argyropoulou</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="eastern-aegean">Eastern Aegean</h2> <h3>Living Forever in Ikaria</h3> Known for its inhabitants' longevity, Ikaria is one of the most exceptional Greek islands. Its name derives from the myth of Ikaros (Icarus), who escaped Crete on wings made of wax and feathers, only to fly too close to the sun and fall to his death in the Icarian Sea. Located in the Eastern Aegean archipelago, Ikaria is a place to de-stress, and forget unnecessary commitments – as Ikarians do. Don't be surprised if you can’t find any stores open after lunchtime – everyone is taking a nap. The island offers mountains and sea along with activities such as <a href="/explore/europe/surfing-in-europe-5-unexpected-spots-to-explore">surfing</a> (Messakti beach), camping, and hiking (Nas Gorge and Nas beach are gorgeously wild). I particularly love the radioactive (safe levels – don’t worry) mineral springs and thermal spa at Therma village, and the summer fiestas where people dance the local ikariotiko all night long, in contrast to their relaxed daytime lifestyle. Not to be missed, even if you don’t know how to dance. Ikaria’s airport offering direct flights to/from Athens, Thessaloniki, and some surrounding islands. It’s also one of the few Greek islands with more than one port; useful if you’re planning an island-hopping itinerary. The direct connection from Piraeus takes around six hours. <h2 id="corinthian">Corinthian Gulf</h2> <h3>Trizonia, the overlooked, ultra-relaxing paradise</h3> I’ve always found it strange that, even though many travelers visit Delphi (one of the most famous ancient Greek sites), few make it to this hidden little island just 1hr away. Trizonia is the only inhabited island in the Corinthian Gulf and is just 550 yards (500m) off the Greek mainland, west of Athens. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/greece/trizonia-from-mainland.jpg" alt="The island of Trizonia, Greece, seen from the mainland." /> <figcaption>Trizonia, seen from the mainland. Image credit: Valentini Argyropoulou</figcaption></figure> Getting to Trizonia is relatively easy by road as far as the village of Hania / Chania (155mi/250km from Athens, 47mi/75km from Delphi), from where the boat trip takes five minutes. Plus, the coast route from Delphi to Hania is especially beautiful, so it’s worth the effort even for a short stay. Trizonia feels busy, yet serene, probably because cars, motorbikes, trucks are strictly prohibited here – such a pleasant surprise. Perfect as a place to unwind, Trizonia is only comprised of the village/port and three or four beaches reached on foot within around 20 minutes. If you only have one day on the island, head to Pounta Beach to enjoy its rare, reddish pebbles. Trizonia has limited accommodation options, so book your stay well in advance, especially if you plan to be here in August, the busiest period of the year. *Note: Often, place names such as Hora or Horio will appear on English-language maps as Chora or Chorio. Be aware that the word is pronounced with an “h” as in “hotel”, rather than a “ch” as in church or a “k” sound.Getty Images / George Pachantouria 11013776956 Getty Images Colorful boats in the harbor of a small fishing village on the Greek island of Kimolos.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/greece/island-hopping-in-greeceWhich Greek Islands should you hop? How should you plan your trip for maximum efficiency and relaxation, and minimal crowds? Local Rebecca shares her tips.2023-06-20T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/greece/island-hopping-in-greecehttps://www.worldnomads.comGreece has more than 6,000 islands divided into six main chains, as well as the stand-alone islands of Crete and Evia. You’ve probably heard of the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos, both in the Cyclades chain and distinguishable for their sugar cube-shaped houses and blue-domed churches. But my favorites are lesser-known, and being based in Athens, I love traveling to them by ferry. <ul> <li><a href="#easy"> Is it easy to island hop in Greece?</a></li> <li><a href="#expensive">Is island hopping in Greece expensive?</a></li> <li><a href="#chains">The six main island chains in Greece</a></li> <li><a href="#ionian">Island hopping the Ionian Islands</a></li> <li><a href="#dodecanese">Exploring the Dodecanese Islands</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="easy">Is it easy to island hop in Greece?</h2> One great thing about the Greek islands – even the smaller ones are typically accessible by ferry. The bigger ones, such as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Zakynthos, have airports with direct flights from many European destinations in high season, or Athens year-round. Depending on the size of your budget, you could fly between islands. But if you’re island-hopping by ferry, I suggest keeping within the same chain because the country’s geography is so vast. It’s not practical to island hop by ferry between Santorini-Rhodes-Corfu as they’re located in completely different parts of Greece. Even within the island chains, allow yourself enough time to connect, as ferry services don’t always run daily. Grab a map of Greece, make a plan, and spend a week to 10 days to really get a good feel for a few islands in one chain. <h2 id="expensive">Is island hopping in Greece expensive?</h2> This depends on whether you choose to fly or take the ferry. Flying can save time, but with virtually zero airline competition, fares tend to be expensive, starting from US $72 (€66) one-way, for example, from Athens to Rhodes, low season. Despite the fact there are over 20 different ferries, including hydrofoil services, in Greece, all serving similar or different routes, none offer a package of discounted tickets, choosing instead to run random offers such as a 20% discount to members, but only after accumulating a certain number of miles. I’d recommend budgeting approx. US $30-36 (€25-€30) per person per ferry ride and being smart in your travel planning: choose to hop between islands within the same chain and also on the same route, cut down on the number of islands you visit, choose a slow ferry with outside seating as opposed to a faster, more expensive ferry with an indoor seat. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/greece/island-hopping-ferry.jpg" alt="A passenger ferry sails between the Peloponnese Islands of Greece." /> <figcaption>A passenger ferry sails between the Peloponnese Islands. Image credit: Getty Images / George Panchatouris</figcaption></figure> Many routes from the Athenian ports of Piraeus and Rafina offer a range of fares from US $36-42 (€30-€35), increasing to US $97-121 (€80-€100) if you choose an airline-style, indoor seat or cabin. Which you choose depends on your expected comfort level and how long the journey is. Slow ferry journeys to some islands can take up to 10 hours, with many stops along the way. Personally, I think <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/low-impact-ways-to-see-the-world">the journey is part of the fun</a>, and love being at sea – I look forward to a ferry ride whenever I can. There’s always a public lounge to sit in with food and snacks to buy. <h2 id="chains">The six main island chains in Greece</h2> Your travel planning for the Greek islands is made easier due to the distinctive island chains, each with their own charms. The Cyclades – famous for their white and blue houses, windmills, and sandy and volcanic beaches – contain around 220 islands, only 33 of which are inhabited. The most famous of the main islands are Santorini and Mykonos. <a href="/explore/europe/greece/five-lesser-known-greek-islands-you-must-visit">For a quieter experience, consider Kimolos or Irakleia</a>. This island group is approximately 93mi (150km) from Athens. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/greece/island-hopping-santorini.jpg" alt="Iconic white buildings with blue roofs climb a hillside in Santorini, Greece." /> <figcaption> The iconic white-and-blue architecture of Santorini. Image credit: Getty Images / Mateo Colombo</figcaption></figure> The Saronic and Argosaronic islands are lesser known to international travelers, yet shouldn’t be overlooked. As they’re the nearest from Athens – an hour’s ferry ride to the beautiful, pine-forest island of Aegina – many Athenians have summer homes here and visit on weekends. The Sporades are in the Aegean Sea on the east coast, with four main islands and several uninhabited ones. Skiathos is the busiest – its neighbor Skopelos is known for its greenery, whereas Alonissos has Greece’s first underwater museum and is famous for its monk seal population. Travel here either by ferry from Agios Konstantinos or Volos, or fly to Skiathos. The Northeast Aegean Islands, in the northern Aegean Sea, are the nearest to <a href="/explore/middle-east/turkey">Turkey</a>. The biggest ones are Lesvos and Samos, both with airports and famed for being mountainous and rugged. Dodeca in Greek means “12”, hence the Dodecanese chain has 12 main islands. Kos and Rhodes are the most popular, both with international airports. Some of the smaller islands have regional airports, and are all accessible by ferry from Piraeus port in Athens. Rhodes is renowned for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, the oldest continually inhabited medieval town in Europe. The Ionian islands on the west side of the mainland, reaching as far up as <a href="/explore/europe/albania/hiking-in-albania">Albania</a>, are nicknamed the “Caribbean of Europe” due to their azure waters and white sand. Corfu, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia – where Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed – are the most famous, but other, smaller ones are also worthy of exploration too. I’ve done most of my exploring in the Ionian and Dodecanese islands – read on for my tips on the best ways to enjoy them. <h2 id="ionian">Island hopping the Ionian Islands</h2> The Ionians are one of my favorite island chains, with their turquoise waters, limestone cliffs tumbling down into the sea, and lush, green vegetation due to winter rains. Their beauty makes my preferred activities – relaxing on a white, sandy beach, drinking frappe in a small fishing village café, or trekking in the forests – especially worthwhile. Corfu has a wonderful castle and old town, yet it’s the much smaller, less touristy islands of Paxos, AntiPaxos, Ithaca, and Lefkada that are the pull for me. I love evening drinks in village squares with the locals, and spending days lazing on quiet beaches and seeking out hidden churches along hiking paths, getting in touch with the real Greece. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/greece/island-hopping-symi.jpg" alt="Colorful buildings rise above a turquoise harbor in Symi, Greece." /> <figcaption> Colorful buildings rise above the harbor in Symi. Image credit: Getty Images / Mateo Colombo</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="dodecanese">Exploring the Dodecanese Islands</h2> Located in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Turkey, this cluster of islands has gorgeous, warm temperatures most of the year – there’s no bad time to visit. I love wandering the cobbled streets and castle walls of the UNESCO Old Town of Rhodes, as well as historic Kos, also famous as the birthplace of medicine – Hippocrates was born here. But they do attract package-tour crowds, so I hop onto a ferry from Rhodes to the quieter island of Symi, with its colorful Venetian houses clustered on the hills rising from the sea and its small, pebbly coves. Despite exploring the Dodecanese every couple of years, I always feel there’s something new to discover. The Greek islands have something for everyone – just put quality over quantity and take your time.Getty Images / Edward Staines 1114698382 Getty Images Limestone cliffs rise above Erimitis Bay on the Greek Island of Paxos.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/greece/adventures-of-a-voluntourist-greeceColleen Finn's voluntourism experience with a wildlife hospital in Crete, Greece, turned out to be both extremely challenging and rewarding in equal measure. 2010-07-07T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/greece/adventures-of-a-voluntourist-greecehttps://www.worldnomads.com“We will not be needing you.” This was said in heavily accented English by a grumpy man who I later discovered was the director of the equestrian farm — a part of the non-profit therapeutic center that accepted and confirmed my volunteer position before I had arrived. The gruff man returned to his office and shut the door behind him, effectively closing the door to any further discussion. Another employee ventured out and sheepishly explained that they had decided not to take new volunteers for the summer. The person who had accepted my application had been fired the prior week and no one had bothered to contact the new volunteers. The employee’s manner seemed to convey the apology that the director would not provide. I sat on the office’s front step, dumbstruck. I had done everything right—applied for the position, sent the required information, and confirmed my placement. I had been in <a href="/explore/europe/greece/island-hopping-in-greece" target="_blank">Greece</a> for a mere five days, had taken an overnight ferry to Crete, and had only just arrived that morning. My head was spinning with thoughts as one of the farm’s baby goats trotted by in a pair of diapers. Diapers. Somehow, this didn’t seem out of place with the surreal nature of what was happening. My fatigued brain replayed the director’s message one more time. I felt both incoherent and incredulous that so much planning could fall apart so quickly.   That was my first experience with voluntourism. Thankfully, it was not my last. Although I was tempted to fill my newfound free time by lounging on a beach sipping cold drinks and gorging on spanakopita, I wanted to do something different.I already knew what it was like to be a tourist—with a whole summer ahead of me, I wanted something more. Thankfully, a Plan B began to form. I had thoroughly researched Greek volunteer organizations prior to selecting the opportunity in Crete, so I remembered another non-profit organization that accepted foreign volunteers. I took a week to make my way back to the mainland so I could enjoy a few islands (while sipping cold drinks and gorging on spanakopita), and when I returned to Athens, I contacted the organization. They accepted my application immediately and before I knew it, I was back on a ferry to the neighboring island of Aegina to volunteer at a wildlife hospital. My experience with the wildlife hospital turned out to be both extremely challenging and rewarding in equal measure. It pushed me to do things that I had never imagined myself doing—bandaging and medicating animals, performing a necropsy, catching birds to prepare them for release in the wild, and the monotonous, day-to-day care and maintenance of wild animals. During a particularly memorable day at the hospital, I found myself on the cold floor of the main building with an injured stork in my lap. The large bird had collided with electric lines earlier in the day, which sheared off a wing, amputated part of its leg, and paralyzed half of its body. In its terror and pain, the stork had been flailing around the hospital floor before I gently picked it up and cradled it in my lap so it wouldn’t hurt itself further. As I  stroked its body and its long, graceful neck, the remaining stump of its leg quivered as though electricity still coursed through it. This bird, which would normally fly away at the approach of a human being, accepted my attempts to soothe its traumatized body and the crazed look in its eyes gradually mellowed with every gentle caress. The bird died later that night. My first experience with voluntourism taught me a great deal about how quickly even the best-made plans could change, how resourceful and resilient I could be in a pinch, and what it means to experience a culture by investing yourself in it. I may not have been needed at the therapeutic farm in Crete, but I was needed somewhere, if for no other reason than to bring comfort to a stork while it struggled with the last moments of its life. The way that I traveled would change from then on. About the Author Colleen Finn is a globe-trotting, sight-seeing, day-tripping, frequent-flying traveler with a penchant for voluntourism. When not traveling, Colleen works as a technical consultant in Portland, Oregon, and applies her love of adventure and exploration to her local surroundings by enjoying the many outdoor activities that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.Alamy Stock Photo/Stephen French 0BRE0DN Alamy Harbour at Agia Gallini in Southern Crete, Greece