Greek Islands – a place in the sun for everyone

For travellers, the Greek Islands offer some of the best scenery, fantastic weather and enough culture to fill a few spare days that aren't taken up by the beach or the bar.

The Islands are split into groups. Some of the Dodecanese chain of islands are close enough to Turkey for holidaymakers to take day-trips there. The island of Rhodes is part of the Dodecanese family. This is the most popular of these islands, and also has a claim to being one of the most popular in Greece. Rhodes Town is claimed to be the site of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Colossus of Rhodes. Rhodes is also home to other popular resorts including Lindos and the party town of Faliraki. Other islands in this group include Kos and Tilos.

The Ionian islands contain some of the popular tourist destinations for many Europeans, including Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, which is also known as Zante. Zante is home to one of the most photographed beaches in Greece – known as Shipwreck Beach. This island is also famous for its sea-turtles, and there is a call to protect the area of Laganas and the beach so that these sea-turtles can lay their eggs in peace and continue to thrive.

The Cyclades islands include tow of Greece's most popular, Santorini and Mykonos.
Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands, and is built in full view of a volcano that erupted in 1956. It must be said that the volcano is not dead, just dormant – or sleeping. There are some magnificent places to stay in Santorini, with some rooms overlooking the 1000ft drop off a cliff face. The island also has a vibrant night scene, with bars, tavernas and nightclubs along some great restaurants.
Mykonos has an intense night-life, but is also welcoming to people from all walks of life. There is something for families, couples and groups on Mykonos. Culture is not completely missing either, with trips available to an uninhabited ancient isle called Delos.

Crete is another popular island, especially with British tourists who seem to flock to Malia. Crete is the biggest island in Greece, and for many people it may be best to see outside of peak season when everywhere is just a little bit calmer. However, if you are looking for fun in the sun at one of the top tourist destinations, then you cannot go wrong with Crete.

Take all these fantastic destinations and add in the wonderful weather, some of the friendliest people you could hope to meet, great food and drink and beaches that are among the top-ranked in Europe, and it is easy to see why Greece is a popular holiday destination, and one that travellers will keep returning to again and again.