Lonely PlanetJul 30
The 12 Best Greek Islands
From Santorini to Crete, discover the best of the Greek islands.
golden sand beach fringed by date palms
15 things in this story
- Kourtaliotiko GorgeTrailrugged gorge at Preveli beach mouth
- VaïSightgolden sand beach fringed by date palms
- ElafonisiSightrose-hued sand, low dunes, turquoise water
- Dikteon CaveSightstalactite-encrusted cave where Zeus was born
- Samaria GorgeTraildramatic path through sheer rock walls
- Palace of KnossosMuseumgrand capital of Minoan Crete
- Elsewhere
- OktoberfestFestivalMunich, Germanyserving beer
- National Marine ParkSightAlonissos, Greecehome to turtles, dolphins, monk seals
- Peristera Underwater MuseumMuseumAlonissos, Greecedive down to a Classical-era shipwreck
- Rhodes TownFerry terminalRhodes, Greecerewards history lovers
- Bath of AphroditeSightKythira, Greecenatural pool on east coast of Kythira
- Seychelles BeachSightIkaria, Greecefrost-white, boulder-speckled with azure waters
- Afianes WineryRestaurantIkaria, Greecefamily-run, high in vine-strewn hills
- ThermaSightIkaria, Greecesulfur-rich hot springs
- HoraNeighborhoodAlonissos, Greecewhitewashed alleys and pavement cafés