Beaches of superb beauty, quality nature and a buzzing cosmopolitan vibe. As part of securing sovereignty in the islands, Italy created and applied a form of imperial citizenship for the local population unique to its overseas empire. Travelers who really want to get away from it all can also take a daytrip via boat to Saria or Sokastro, uninhabited and undisturbed islets that were once connected to Karpathos. This is a list of islands that are part of Greece. The Sporades have the fewest inhabited islands only 4 having people living on them year round. Although much of Kefalonia's impressive Venetian architecture was destroyed during an earthquake in 1953, the island still feels magical thanks to its diverse landscape. The weather is still lovely and mild, and the islands are less crowded by tourists. History buffs can visit the Archeological Museum of Kalymnos to learn more about the island or check out the Sponge Factory, which is an . Vacationers can also enjoy Ios' quieter side while they stroll the winding streets of Chora, a village with whitewashed buildings and quaint windmills. The Dodecanese Prefecture was one of the prefectures of Greece. We would also like to send you exclusive promotions, competitions and content from The Times and Sunday Times and selected partners. Here is a list of all the main Greek islands in the North Aegean, ordered by size and population. Most are concentrated in central Santorini and can be seen during a winery tour. Need more data? The country includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Greek Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited. Check out the highlights of things to see and do in Naxos, dubbed the Queen of the Cyclades. Naxos is the largest in size closely followed by Andros. 12 Mar 2021. Rugged beaches like Katergo and Livadaki are must-visits for their scenery and seclusion, while Agali is a top spot for its nearby tavernas. This is the largest island in the Cyclades, so there's plenty of room for you to get off the beaten path and have a solo adventure. Visitors can spend time hiking between beaches, passing Byzantine chapels and scenic monasteries along the way. And if you love water sports, you're in luck. The second largest island in area is Euboea or Evvia, which is separated from the mainland by the 60m-wide Euripus Strait, and is administered as part of the Central Greece region. Plus, it offers several stunning stretches of sand, including pebbly Panormos, a prime spot to catch one of Greece's famous sunsets. 25 Picks for 2023. Here is a list of all the main Greek islands in the Dodecanese, ordered by size and population. Shorelines here range from the sandy cove of Agios Konstantinos, which offers spectacular views of the hilltop village of Chora, to the rugged and rocky Kaminakia, which is worth the extra effort it takes to get there. If you're looking for a more raucous Greek vacation, opt for Mykonos. This small Dodecanese island in the Aegean Sea is where St. John reportedly wrote the Book of Revelation based on visions he received about the end of the world. Mykonos is one of the most famous Greek islands. The concrete-dominated Fascist architectural style detracted significantly from the islands' picturesque scenery (and also reminded the inhabitants of Italian rule), and has consequently been largely demolished or remodeled, apart from the famous example of the Leros town of Lakki, which remains a prime example of the architecture. This list includes those with a population of at least 50 people. Rhodes has been the area's dominant island since antiquity. Explore Katavoutheres National Park to see local birds and wildlife in their natural habitat, and venture into underground grottos at the Dorgarati and Melissani caves. If Kithnos was a person: she'd be quiet and traditional, keen to stay off any tourist trail and find secluded beaches. Spend the day at Columbus Beach or Golden Beach and practice water sports like scuba diving, kayaking, and water skiing. List of Greek islands - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dodecanese&oldid=1144697231, This page was last edited on 15 March 2023, at 02:45. Its gorgeous beaches, mountainous interior and pretty and plush towns and villages making it one of the best islands to visit in Greece. The largest Greek island by both area and population is Crete, located at the southern edge of the Aegean Sea. It was built in the 18th century and houses stunning frescoes, Venetian-style chandeliers, and the world's highest Baroque bell tower. Most of the islands were slated to become part of the new Greek state in the London Protocol of 1828, but when Greek independence was recognized in the London Protocol of 1830, the islands were left outside the new Kingdom of Greece. Rhodes is located in the southeast Aegean Sea and is considered one of the largest and most diverse Greek islands. We've got you covered. In the evening, dine at one of the restaurants overlooking the port and sample local delicacies like grilled fish and Greekmeze. Glad you found it interesting! Samos (Northern Aegean islands) has an international airport as I flew into it from Vienna Austria in September 2016 going to Patmos. [15]. From the rugged Ainos Mountains to lush green valleys, Kefalonia is home to a variety of beautiful landscapes. And, if you're an art enthusiast, add The Rarity Gallery to your itinerary. It's the most famous of the Greek islands, known for its picturesque Cycladic architecture with blue shutters and bougainvillea, where you can meander down cobbled lanes and pick up charming souvenirs. Delos, the sacred archaelogical island at the heart of the Cyclades, makes the list. Vacationers can swim in coves at Kaladi beach or visit the village of Milopotamos to hike to Neraida waterfall. Finally, however, the citadel at Rhodes fell to the large army of Suleiman the Magnificent in 1522, and the other islands were overrun within the year. And who knows, perhaps you'll find a unique piece of art to bring home as a souvenir! Best forcar-free coolIn-the-know Athenians love Hydra, an unrushed island thats close to the city (just two hours away by ferry). To help you plan your trip, we've compiled a list of the 12 best Greek islands to add to your travel bucket list. The characteristic white washed towns, colourful accents and gorgeous beaches make this group one of the most appealing. For a more secluded feel, take a daytrip to Kato Koufonisi to swim or sightsee by boat. [13], After the outbreak of the Italian-Turkish war over Libya, in early 1912 Italy, in order to apply pressure on the Ottoman government closer to its metropolitan territories, occupied all the present-day Dodecanese except for Kastellorizo.[14]. Subscribe for weekly inspiration and deals from The Times and The Sunday Times. And at lunchtime, tuck into traditional Greek dishes likehorta versa(boiled leafy greens) anddomatokeftedes(Santorini-style tomato fritters). The 25 best Greek islands to visit in 2023 - National Geographic Island-hopping in Greece: everything you need to know Top off your evening in Oia to take in a magical sunset (there's a reason crowds break into applause as the sun dips below the horizon). During the war, the islands became an important naval base for Britain and France; Italy was allied with both nations during World War I. It was during this period that they began to re-emerge as an independent entity, and the term Dodecanese itself dates to around the 8th century. [2] Since Antiquity, these islands formed part of the group known as the "Southern Sporades" ( ). Santorini is another of the most famous Greek islands, known for its natural beauty and colorful villages that spill from terraced cliffs. Hey! This Greek island group is the most accessible from Athens. 15 Greek Islands That'll Leave You Awestruck With Beauty List of Islands in Greece. [8], By 1920, the name had become firmly established for the entire island group, a fact acknowledged by the Italian government when it appointed the islands' first civilian governor, Count Carlo Senni[it], as "Viceroy of the Dodecanese". . 12 Islands Greek Taverna 263 reviews Claimed $$$ Greek, Seafood Open 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM See hours See all 377 photos Write a review Add photo Menu Popular dishes View full menu $27.50 Octopus 15 Photos 63 Reviews $12.50 Baklava 9 Photos 23 Reviews $50.00 Lamb Chops 5 Photos 13 Reviews $21.25 Calamari 9 Photos 15 Reviews $25.00 Moussaka A Perfect 14-day Itinerary to the Greek Islands From a T+L Travel Expert Naxos also offers fantastic local dining experiences. Best forlush landscapesEasily reached via direct flights from Britain, Corfuis one of the greenest Greek isles. By Zeus! The 12 Best Greek Islands For History Lovers & Why These have been reorganised at the 2011 Kallikratis reform as well. This art gallery located in Mykonos Town displays works by both contemporary and traditional artists. Having discussed Homer and his world-renowned Odyssey, guessing whether his home is in Ithaca or Kefalonia, now is the time to pay our respects to his supposed place of eternal rest. Best foryesteryear appealThis rocky Dodecanese island of former boat-builders, merchants and sponge-divers was once the wealthiest in the archipelago. Spend days swimming in crystal clear water and lounging on unspoiled beaches like Apella and Kyra Panagia. Here are just some of the benefits of using an Airalo eSIM: You're all set for your trip to Italy! Amateur radio call signs in the Dodecanese begin with the prefix SV5 instead of SV for Greece. Kos has a rich history and amazing archaeological sites. If you have time to spare, discover the nearby village of Ano Mera, with its peaceful atmosphere and traditional Greek buildings. No visit would be complete without heading to Skiathos Town to eat authentic Greek cuisine and party at a local nightclub. Venture beyond the beaten path and you wont be disappointed. Aside from the tourist heavy islands of Rhodes and Kos, the smaller of the main islands are all getting increasingly popular. Ikaria is one of the truly great unspoilt islands of Greece. The Greek defeat in the Greco-Turkish War and the foundation of modern Turkey prevented the exchange. Shortly after, in 1912, most of the Southern Sporades were captured by the Italians in the Italo-Turkish War, except for Ikaria, which joined Greece in 1912 during the First Balkan War, and Kastellorizo, which came under Italian rule only in 1921. Salamina is the largest of the Saronic islands. Wander through charming villages like Assos and Fiscardo to see colorful houses and beautiful churches. ", ", ", Italy's Sea: Empire and Nation in the Mediterranean, 1895-1945. You can also stroll through the main village of Hydra and visit local shops, art galleries, and historic churches. Best forromantic retreatsSugar-cube houses, blue-domed churches and epic volcano views: is it any wonder that Santorini is such an enduring Greek icon? The Greek islands are considered some of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world. When you're not dancing the night away at one of the island's many clubs, you can relax with a cocktail as you admire the Aegean Sea. But such romanticism is a large part of Hydra's appeal to travelers. Greece Help me, LP! The island is car-free, has an elegant main town and vibrant atmosphere. The Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos is the best pick of the lot, and that realization has made it pretty crowded. Yes However, the Peloponnesian War had so weakened the entire Greek civilization's military strength that it lay open to invasion. Whether youre looking for two weeks on a small patch of paradise or putting together an island hopping itinerary, this summary of all the islands worth visiting will hopefully help you on your way. Stay connected during your trip to Greece with aneSIM from Airalo. This development was interrupted around 499 BC by the Persian Wars, during which the islands were captured by the Persians for a brief period. Konstantinos_K/Getty Images. If you want tranquility, this is the Greek island for you! Mykonos is also known for its stunning beaches. Greece has so many islands it's almost inconceivable. So big you could visit a different part every year and not get bored one bit. But theres also a huge number of unspoilt and unheard of islands. [citation needed] On 8 May 1945 the German garrison commander Otto Wagener surrendered the islands to the British on Rhodes handing over 5,000 German and 600 Italian military personnel.[17]. Spetses is a beautiful Greek island located in the Argosaronic Gulf and is accessible from Athens in approximately two to three hours by ferry. Top up in the Airalo app. Elafonissos is one of minor islands of the Ionian group, off the Peloponnesse coast. Santorini is the perfect destination if you're looking to relax and unwind. Patmos appeals to everyone from history lovers to sun-seekers. Find the best of all worlds at Asterion Suites & Spa: a boutique retreat with design-led rooms and an excellent Cretan restaurant thats close to historic Chania and touristy Platanias with its shops, bars and restaurants. Symi, Patmos and Leros are all small in size but big in character. David Atherton on Twitter: "The body of Polish woman Anastasia Rubiska In 164 BC, Rhodes signed a treaty with Rome, and the islands became aligned to greater or lesser extent with the Roman Republic while mostly maintaining their autonomy. Visit Greece and Turkey on one trip! Its southerly position gives it the longest summer of any Greek island, not to mention some of the warmest winters in Europe. The most popular, including Platys Gialos Beach, Elia Beach, and Paradise Beach, are along the island's southern coast. Stock up and save on travel-size toiletries ahead of your summer vacation. After the surrender of Italy in September 1943, the islands briefly became a battleground between the Germans and Allied forces, including the Italians. Kasos in particular played a prominent role due to its skilled mariners, until its destruction by the Egyptians in 1824. As a part of the 2011 Kallikratis reform, the prefecture was abolished, and its territory was divided into four regional units, within the South Aegean administrative region: The prefecture was subdivided into the following municipalities and communities. The main castle of the Knights of St. John was also rebuilt. At the island's sun-drenched beaches, travelers can windsurf, kitesurf, scuba dive and go boating, among other pursuits. You can alternatively drive to the closest port and take a small boat across the water to reach Spetses' harbor. Sunday - Thursday 11AM - 9:30PM Friday & Saturday 11AM - 10:30PM Now Offering Online ordering through the website. You can discover . There is a Turkish Muslim minority living in Rhodes and Kos. The Colossus of Rhodes, built in 304 BC, perhaps best symbolized their wealth and power. And visit quaint coastal villages such as Naousa and Parikia, where you will find traditional whitewashed buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. Skiathos' vibrant blue water also makes it a terrific place to go sailing. . Following the war, the TittoniVenizelos agreement, signed on 29 July 1919, called for the smaller islands to join with Greece, while Italy maintained control of Rhodes. Store multiple eSIM data plans on your device. Ios is a summertime hotspot famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant party scene. Rhodes' large footprint allows for a wide range of activities for vacationers to enjoy. May to September is the most popular time of year for sunny weather, making for the ideal beach vacation. Last and certainly not least, we must add Crete to our list of the best and most beautiful Greek islands. Best forferry-free island-hoppingYou dont have to be a seafarer to consider a trip to Lefkada. This small island's proximity to Athens makes it a popular weekend getaway for city-dwelling Greeks. Pack your bags and head here to experience the ultimate laid back Greek island life. 12. Have a favorite Greek island? Stay in step with nature by booking into Natura Luxury Boutique Hotel, where rooms come dressed in earthy tones and up-to-date furnishings. Vote below to help determine next year's ranking. If you'd rather get an adrenaline rush, hike to the top of Megas Soros (the highest point in the Ionian Islands) in Mount Ainos National Park or explore one of Kefalonia's underground caves.