Greece is multifaceted and diverse. Its shores are washed by four seas, and a scattering of islands reflects the rich cultural and historical heritage of the country. Which is the best island to go and what to see in Greece?

Crete

In the heart of the Aegean Sea is the island of Crete, popular among tourists of all ages and countries. By the way, it is the largest island in Greece. The best time to visit it is from May to October included. The Minoan civilization on the island is hidden among the remains of the palace of Knossos. It will be interesting for everyone to be in a place shrouded in secrets. According to one version of the researchers, there was a famous labyrinth without an exit, where the Minotaur lived. Today, only ruins remain of the palace, but the intricate system of rooms can be examined in detail. The Palace of Knossos is located almost in the center of Crete and is very close to the city of Heraklion. The most convenient way to get here is by car. For visitors, sightseeing is available from 8:00 to 19:00 on weekdays and until 15:00 on weekends. Tourists vacationing from November 1 to March 31 can get acquainted with the amazing place from 9:00 to 15:00.

You can continue the study of ancient history at the Archaeological Museum in the city of Heraklion. It is one of the largest in Greece and has collected valuables from different periods. It houses a unique collection of objects of the Minoan civilization, which is of historical importance for Crete. The museum consists of three halls, which makes it possible to get a complete picture of how people lived thousands of years ago. The Archaeological Museum is located in the center of Heraklion. Open on Monday from 10:00 to 19:00, from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:00. You can buy one ticket to visit both the Museum and the Palace of Knossos, it will be more profitable.

The mountain monastery of Arkadi is the most beautiful on the island; an atmosphere of peace and tranquility reigns within its walls. At different times, scribe monks lived here, a school and a library functioned, then there was a creative gold embroidery workshop. Today the monastery is inactive and is a museum complex that stores valuable specimens. You can visit it all year round, but the time varies in different seasons: in April, May, October, the museum is open from 9:00 to 19:00, in summer and September - from 9:00 to 20:00, in November - from 9:00 to 17:00, and in winter and in March - from 9:00 to 16:00.

Be sure to visit the island of Spinalonga. Previously, it used to be a place of exclusion for the seriously ill. After they found a cure and cured all the lepers, the island got empty. However, picturesque beaches and bays attract crowds of tourists, beckoning with azure waters and sandy beaches. Also on the island it is worth seeing the ancient acropolis and the Venetian fortress. You can get to Spinalonga only by sea. Such a trip will cost 10-20 euros, depending on whether the boat leaves from Elounda or Plaka.

Santorini

The former volcano of Santorini is famous for its snow-white, as if toy houses and beautiful sunsets. It is worth coming here at least for a day to admire its beauty and, as they say, the best sunrises and sunsets in the world. It has become quite popular in recent years to celebrate weddings, spend honeymoons and make romantic photo shoots on Santorini.

The capital of the island, Fira is located on the crater. The beaches nearby are strewn with volcanic sand and beckon with their unusual colors: Kamari and Perissa are black, Akrotiri is red, and Aspri Paralia is dazzling white. 

Fira at sunset
Fira, Santorini
Church of Santorini
Red beach of Santorini
Black beach of Santorini
Sunset in Fira, red and black beaches

Rhodes

The city of Rhodes - the capital of the island of the same name - is winding streets and sharp spiers of minarets, Turkish houses and Christian temples. The port of Mandraki is famous for the statue of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the world. The statue has not survived to this day, however, there are bronze deer - the symbols of the island. The port itself today gives most of its part to the New Market, built in oriental style. The special atmosphere of the place is given by three windmills and beautiful sunsets that you can watch forever.

In the Greek town of Lindos, you will find the walls of a knight's castle and the Ancient Acropolis on a hill. The ruins of the temple of Pythian Apollo, an amphitheater and a stadium have been preserved here. The road to the top is not easy, but it is worth it to admire the unique landscapes. You can visit the Acropolis all year round: in winter - from 8:15 to 14:40, in summer - from 8:00 to 19:40, except on Mondays, when the entrance is open until 14:40.

An amazing place with murmuring waterfalls and flocks of different-winged butterflies is Butterfly Valley. This wonderful place is located almost in the very center of the island. The valley is available daily from 8:00 to 17:00.

Prasonisi - the confluence of two seas - the Aegean and the Mediterranean will be appreciated by everyone. The beach of the same name is especially popular in summer, when the water level drops and forms a spit of sand. Being on two seas at the same time is indescribable. You can feel all the magic of the area by arriving at the southernmost point of the island.

Zakynthos

The paradise corner of Zakynthos is covered with olive and pine groves, buried in orchards, and its shore is washed by warm and clear azure waters. Sandy and pebbly bays are separated by rocks that form grottoes and caves and are able to aesthetically amaze everyone. Some of them have springs with healing hydrogen sulfide water. Nature lovers can admire various species of birds and rare animals from different parts of the world, meet endangered species of seals and turtles.

Mykonos

One of the most expensive resorts in Greece - Mykonos - is ready to present all kinds of entertainment for every taste. Even show business stars and actors of all ranks come here in search of a quality holiday on the resort's fashionable beaches. The island will satisfy any requests for an active holiday, and round-the-clock clubs will captivate you with dancing. Bars and taverns coexist with branded clothing stores, jewelry stores and art galleries.

Mykonos Chora
Mykonos city
Chora, Mykonos
Platis Gialos beach
Views of Mykonos
Views of Mykonos

To have a great rest in any of the Greek resorts, you should choose comfortable accommodation. On our site Aktis Villas you can rent luxurious villas and cozy cottages. We have selected only attractive options and made convenient filters to make your search easy. No time to choose the desired region or island? Write to the consultant on the site, and the best options will be selected for you according to your wishes. Make your vacation unforgettable!