The Greek islands form one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Europe. Over 1400 separate islands are spread across the Ionian, Aegean and Mediterranean Seas and make up a fifth of the land mass of Greece. The influx of tourism has had different effects on different islands with some happy to rush along with the demands that modern tourism enforce, while others have been more cautious and are now reaping the rewards of not succumbing to over development. These are beautiful islands and many retain that original charm of vast historical culture wrapped up amongst fertile forest areas, spectacular coastal scenery and charming village life.
Corfu was my first experience of the Greek islands twenty five years ago now. In those days preferences were for action packed beach side holidays with younger companions and Corfu did not disappoint. These days the island still satisfies that need but in a more sophisticated manner and Corfu Town provides that cosmopolitan experience for those that need more that just sun and sand.
Ninth on my top ten list is another Ionian island. Zakynthos, although having a wealth of history behind it, is almost a brand new island in construction terms. In 1953 it took the brunt of a huge earthquake that had its epicentre very close by and almost all of the buildings on the island were destroyed. There was some minor loss of life but the weak construction techniques of years gone by were found out and over the past fifty years the island had been going through a huge reconstruction programme. The poorer elements of this still remain with concrete hotel developments from the seventies scattered around but now building is tightly controlled from a stability and aesthetic perspective. I’ll come back to the Ionian Islands later with a more favoured choice.
Crete is eighth ranked for me and is the largest of all the Greek islands. It has suffered negligent occupations in its past from Turks and by Nazi Germany during the Second World War but the Cretans are resilient and have word hard to retain their own culture. For all the poor tourist areas of Crete there are some spectacular attractions and for that reason I can feature it. Most liked are some of its hidden and quiet beach areas like Xerokampos tucked away on the south eastern corner of the island. Quiet, peaceful and untouched by mass tourism, it defines the get away from it all dream beach we all yearn for. The Samaria Gorge walk, although popular with visitors, should all so be experienced.
Next we have Rhodes, an island closer to Turkey than Greece. Again, this is a large island that has its spoilt tourist areas like Faliraki, but places of culture and great beauty are never too far away. The Street of Knights in Rhodes Old Town takes visitors right back to the era when the Knights of the Order of St John bought the island from a pirate.
Eighty miles north of Crete lies the volcanic island of Santorini in the Cyclades. The crescent shaped island can only be reached by boat and, if arriving by cruise ship, a steep walk or donkey trek up a cliff path to the town of Thira. Another casualty of an earthquake in 1956, Thira has been rebuilt with terraced white houses perching high on the cliffs. Inland the island has charming villages and a wonderful black sand beach at Kamari.
Fourth and fifth come the island pair of Naxos and Paros, the main islands in the centre of the Cyclades group. Both have mountain villages, quaint fishing harbours and sweeping beaches combined with a history of settlements dating back 5000 years.
My third best rated Greek island is Leros. Less well known and quieter for it, it has the same beautiful beaches and wooded interior of others without the hectic feel of tourism intruding.
Preferable to both Naxos and Paros is the nearby island of Mykonos, the post popular island of this group in the Aegean. Classed as an island for the upper well educated classes, it tries to retain that with museums and art galleries everywhere. The beaches are spectacular in places like Platys Gialos.
Finally here is the island I love best. It may not be the choice of everyone but for beauty, peace and relaxation combined with an interesting mix of history and culture Kythira has it all. The reason this island is so quiet is that many residents deserted it to emigrate to Australia, perhaps fearing further earthquakes in the 1950’s. A renovated airport and a new harbour make getting here a little easier now and the mix of amazing beaches, quiet coves and lush valleys really appeal.
Author Dan Williams
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