To be honest, I didn’t know too much about Greek islands before I came to Greece. Even my expectations were not huge but I can tell you now that I was blown away by the beauty and people wherever I have gone. Imagine that Greece can be proud of 6,000 islands while around 200 are inhibited. It would take a lifetime to see them all.
However, there is my modest list of places I can recommend you where to eat, what to see and how to reach your destination. Information is based on my own experience and my own taste. Believe me I am big foodie so any taverna, coffee place, bistro mentioned here take into serious consideration to try!
THASSOS
Green island as part of the North Aegean Sea is perfect for weekend getaway trip with cozy streets and not so many tourists.
How to get there?
You can reach Thassos from Kavala by ferry. Ticket costs only 4€.
What to see?
- Saliara Beach known as Marble beach
- Golden Beach
- Giola Natural Pool
- Limenaria village
Where to eat?
- SERRAIKI MPOUGATSA “SAKIS” perfect for morning bougatsa and fresh orange juice
- Taverna Tavernaki
- Street Cafe Cocktail Bar in Limania village
CRETE
Crete as the largest and the warmest Greek island can offer you beautiful beaches, mountains, history, food experience and a lot more.
How to get there?
Ferry from Athens or flight to Chania, Heraklion.
What to see?
- Chania town
- Seitan limania beach
- Balos Lagoon
- Elafonissi Beach
- Kourna Lake is the only natural lake in Crete
- Rethymno is old, historic town with its own charm. Take a few hours to wander the narrow, cobbled streets, stop off at the little cafes for a frappe and find the Venetian Harbour.
- Preveli beach with little palm oasis
Where to eat?
- Carte Postale is my favourite. Make sure you catch the sunset while enjoying an amazing food.
- RIDE Cycle Culture Cafe
- Nama
- Adespoto Music Taverna
- Mikio Taverna
SAMOTHRAKI
Very wild undiscovered island with clear streams of cascading waterfalls and rock pools for swimming. Feel free to hitchhike as there is nothing to be afraid of! Nudism in Samothraki is very common. So enjoy the cold outdoor shower in the camp with the sunset without overthinking it! No one really cares and at the same time everyone is very friendly.
How to get there?
You can reach Samothraki by ferry from Alexandroupoli. The schedule and the price can be different depending on the season. So I advise you to get the right information in advance otherwise you can get stuck on an island more days that you planned.
What to see?
- Fonias
- Gria Vathra
- Chora the capital of Samothraki
- Pachia Ammos Beach
- Katarti Beach
- Vatos Beach
- Kipos Beach
Where to eat?
- O BPAXOS well known taverna for goat meat
- Fonias Pale Ale handcrafted unpasteurized beer is must try as it’s original Samothraki product
CORFU
Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea. Get ready for many tourists tho.
How to get there?
Ferry from Igoumenitsa or flight to Kerkira.
What to see?
- Kerkyra – historic Venetian houses, statue of Georgios Theotokis, Liston, Old Fortress, Spilias Square, Saint Spyridon Church (the patron saint of the town)
- Gorge at Agni Bay
- Canal d’Amour
- Cape Drastis
- Loggas Beach – one of the best sunsets on the island
- Porto Timoni – take a picnic for lunch, plenty of water and sunblock
- Palaiokastritsa – a great spot to spend a chilled morning in the sun
- Rovinia Beach
- Paxos // Antipaxos
Where to eat?
- Nikolas Taverna
- Taverna Glyfa
- 7th Heaven bar
- Akron beach bar
- La Grotta Lounge and Pub (recommendation of my friend)
- Cafetierra the best quality coffee!
- Mikro Cafe with perfect sitting area
- Starenio bakery
LEFKADA
Lefkada is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea.
How to get there?
This island can be accessed by car or bus through a small narrow bridge. However,
Lefkada is connected by ferry with neighboring islands as well.
What to see?
- Pefkoulia Viewpoint
- Milos Beach
- Kathisma Beach
- Egremni Beach
- Porto Katsiki
- Cape Lefkatas – watch the sunset at the lighthouse
- Vasiliki – an excellent place for windsurfing and paragliding
Where to eat?
- Restaurant Thymari is a fine dining Greek restaurant and wine bar placed in the historical center of Lefkada town.
- Maraboo Beach with very good food and drinks any time of day.
- Areia Club Restaurant
- I must mention Esperia luxury apartment as it was our most favourite apartment during our stay. We wished to stay there longer. Check it out via airbnb you will not be disappointed.
METEORA
Geological marvel and the 6 active monasteries sitting on top of these immense rocks. In order to visit a single monastery it will take roughly from 45 minutes to an hour minimum, counting from the parking lot outside the monastery.
How to get there?
Meteora is most often travelled to from Athens and Thessaloniki by both train and bus.
What to see?
- Great Meteoron
- Varlaam
- Roussanou
- St. Stephen
- Holy Trinity
- Agios Stefan
Where to eat?
- Meteoron Panorama
- Voulas Traditional House for great one night stay
THESSALONIKI
Welcome to the second largest city in Greece also considered as the most popular destination for street photography.
How to get there?
So many direct and cheap flights.
What to see?
- The Zongolopoulos Umbrellas
- White Tower of Thessaloniki
- Aristotelous Square
- Farmers market
- Ano Poli old town
- Pasha’s Gardens
Where to eat?
- Egon Agora
- Mahalo
- Valenio
- To Elliniko
- Ypsilon
- Urban Deli Thessaloniki
- FINOKIO meze bar
- Mezen Salonica
- Ουζερί Λόλα
After travelling several places across Greece you never get enough. You always want to see more, explore, taste and get mesmerized. However, I am so glad for this opportunity and now I know that I will definitely come back!
Kαλό ταξίδι!
Domi ♥
