Lonely PlanetJul 30
The 12 Best Greek Islands
From Santorini to Crete, discover the best of the Greek islands.
grand capital of Minoan Crete
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