Often forgotten about next to its larger and more popular neighbours such as Corfu and Zakynthos, Ithaca is a small island located next to Kefalonia in the Ionian Island group. It is a peaceful island that is naturally beautiful and the focal point for many stories in Greek mythology. Ithaca is a very green land that makes the red tiled roofs of its buildings stick out amongst the trees, making for beautiful views wherever you go on the island. In this article we’ll highlight this serene island and give you some ideas of what you can get up to and why you should visit.
How to get there Like many smaller Greek islands, Ithaca doesn’t have an airport. You can fly into Kefalonia and then get a ferry across from there. These ferries can take anywhere between 20 and 50 minutes to reach Ithaca and go from either Poros or Sami. You can fly into Kefalonia from many UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham.
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Often known as the Mamma Mia island, Skopelos has grown in popularity for tourists since the films release. It is still however, less busy than its neighbour Skiathos. The island serves as a perfect mix of its two neighbouring islands, the aforementioned Skiathos and the tranquil Alonissos. As we say at The Greek Specialist however, each island is completely different, which is why in this article we’ll be telling you what Skopelos has to offer and why it is worth visiting. How To Get There You can’t fly directly to Skopelos as it doesn’t have an airport, the nearest being on Skiathos. From there you can get one of the ferries which run regularly between the closest three Sporades islands. You can fly directly into Skiathos from London City, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle and London Gatwick. The Town
The main settlement on the island is called Skopelos Town. It is here where the main port is and where most of the ferries come into. Despite its recent increase in tourism, Skopelos has still managed to maintain its traditional atmosphere. In the town this can be seen in its architecture, which still reflects the islands history, as well as many tavernas found throughout the streets and waterfront, serving up authentic dishes. It is something you get a sense of when you step off the ferry for the first time. The town has plenty to see, for example it has over 360 churches within its limits. The best of these is the Church of the Virgin Mary, which from its tower you get a wonderful view across the town and marina. For a different view visit the Venetian Castle. It was built in the 13th century and stands on top of the ancient city of Skopelos. Now just ruins, this site gives you an insight into the history of the island. With loads of narrow streets filled with shops and cafes, the best way to explore the town is to wander around soaking it all in as you go. Skyros is an island in the Sporades Island group, yet it is often forgotten about because it is much further away than the rest. It is the largest of the Sporades and has a tilted hourglass shape with a thinner section in the middle. Most of the population and therefore the accommodation is on the northern end of the island, with only a few beaches and small villages on the southern half. In this article we’ll tell you more about Skyros so that you can see why you may want to visit this remote beauty. How to get there There aren't regular ferries from the other Sporades islands due to Skyros's location out of the way from the rest of them. The most reliable ferries, therefore, are from Kymi on the island of Evia. The best way to get to Skyros though, is by internal flight. There is an airport on the north of the island which connects with both Athens and Thessaloniki so you can fly there and then connect onto Skyros. Chora
The Chora (also known as Skyros Town) is the most instantly recognizable place on the island, with houses crawling up the hill towards the Monastery and Byzantine Castle at the top. It is also the largest town on the island and has a lot to see and do. The two must see places in the town are the above-mentioned Byzantine Castle and the Monastery of Agios Georgios. Both date back to the 10th century and the Monastery in particular is very well preserved. From this vantage point you get a wonderful view across Chora and down to Molos. For more history of the island, check out the Faltaits Folklore Museum and the Archaeological Museum, both of which are in Chora, where you can take a dive into the local culture or see finds from ancient sites across the island. Skyros is a very traditional Greek island and as such you can find plenty of tavernas and cafes which serve authentic Greek food littered around the town. Walking around the town you will likely end up on Megali Strata, a street which leads to Kyprou Square. This square is also known as Brook Square, named after the English war poet Robert Brook, who died and was buried on the south of the island during World War 1. Located just off the coast of Turkey, Kalymnos is an island in the Dodecanese Island group. Like Samos our Destination of the Week last week, Kalymnos used to be an island visited by many UK tourists on package holidays back in the 80s and 90s. Since this has dried up, Kalymnos has reinvented itself as a hub for activity holidays in Greece, especially rock climbing. In this article we’ll highlight what Kalymnos has to offer those looking to get active on their holiday.
How to get to Kalymnos Kalymnos has a small domestic airport which connects to Athens, Kos, Leros, Rhodes and Astypalaia. These flights are limited however and therefore we recommend when coming from the UK you fly into Kos and then catch a ferry across to Kalymnos. You can get ferries to Kalymnos from Kos Town and Mastichari. We can advise which is best for you at time of enquiry. Rock Climbing Kalymnos has naturally very rocky and mountainous terrain due mostly to it being the site of an ancient volcano, this rocky landscape makes it perfect for rock climbing. Kalymnos became known for rock climbing back in the 1990s when many scenic paths of varying degrees of difficulty began to be discovered. Since then, it has become the premier place for rock climbing in Greece and throughout the world. The limestone rocks make Kalymnos a great place if you’re just starting out or are wanting to improve on an established skillset. For more information on climbing on Kalymnos visit https://climbkalymnos.com/ One of a number of Greek islands which seemed to drop off the map for UK tourists in the late 80s/early 90s, Samos doesn’t deserve this fate. An island full of rolling hills and mountains covered in green vegetation, its home to many beautiful beaches and towns with white walls and red tiled roofs. Perhaps it is because there is only one direct flight a week from the UK, but this shouldn’t discourage you as it is the same for 90% of the Greek islands. Instead there are plenty of routings through Athens or Thessaloniki, which would not differ to trying to catch a ferry for another island. In this article we’ll take you through the joys of this island to show you why you should give Samos a visit.
Towns and Villages The capital of Samos is Samos Town (or just Samos) yet locals still refer to it by its old name, Vathy. Located in the Northeast of the island, the town is home to lots of accommodation, mostly made up of small boutique hotels and apartments. Some ferries go into here so if you’re looking for a day trip to Chios then this is where it will go from. There are a wide range of bars, restaurants, tavernas and cafés in the town, meaning you’ll never be short of places to choose from. Samos Town is a good place from which to explore the rest of the island whether by car or by the public transport which stops here. A green and quiet island, Alonissos is located in the Sporades Island group, next to Skopelos and Skiathos. It is an island of outstanding natural beauty and is home to a natural marine park. The waters there are beautiful and clear which makes it a perfect place to go and snorkel or scuba dive. Whilst it may not be as well known as its neighbours, it’s a great place to relax and let the world go by. In this article we’ll show why this island is well worth a visit, whether it be for a day trip or to stay longer term.
How to Get to Alonissos Alonissos doesn’t have an airport and as such has to be reached by ferry. We recommend flying into Skiathos and then catching a ferry from there. These run fairly often amongst the Sporades islands as well as from Volos, Evia and Agios Constantinos. You can fly directly into Skiathos from the UK at London City, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle and Gatwick. Ios was one of the first party islands in Greece, being a spot for hippies and backpackers in the 60s. These days this reputation as a party island still somewhat remains yet it is far less deserved. That is not to say that the island doesn’t have a good nightlife, it has just mellowed out and become a more rounded destination. In this article we’ll show you what else the island has to offer by taking you through a list of the best things to do on the island.
How to get there Ios doesn’t have an airport, and this means you have to get a ferry. The nearest island which you can fly into is Santorini. The ferry takes around 30-60 mins depending on the speed of the ferry. You can fly directly into Santorini from London Heathrow, London City, Bristol, London Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Stansted, Newcastle and East Midlands. Athens, a bustling metropolis which is great for a city break and is the gateway to the Greek islands. If you’re someone who loves a city break but is looking for the authentic Greek experience than look no further than the birthplace of democracy. In this article we’ll show you why Athens is perfect for those looking to get a taste of Greece over a long weekend or at the start or end of an island hop. How to get there You can fly directly to Athens from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Luton, Edinburgh, Manchester and Stansted as well as well as almost every domestic airport in Greece. Athens’ 3 ports; Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrion are the gateways to the Greek islands, especially the smaller ones, so it is perfect place to spend a few days at the start or end of your island-hopping trip as depending on your island choice, you will have to go through Athens to get there. A Uniquely Greek Experience
Athens is unlike anywhere else in Greece, similar to how London is with England. It has a unique blend of history and modernity, managing to balance them perfectly without the scales tipping too much to either side. Because of this there is something for everyone there, and due to its size and narrow, winding streets you can immerse yourself in bustling markets or perhaps instead find a small quiet square where you can sit in the sun and enjoy a relaxing drink. Hotels and all buildings are now beginning to put their focus on rooftop bars, most of which have a view of Greece’s most famous monument – The Acropolis. And with the city not allowing buildings above a certain height you can always be sure to find somewhere with a spectacular view, day or night. A long, thin island with beautiful contrasts in scenery, Karpathos is one of the largest islands in Greece yet is still only recently becoming more popular with tourists. The north of the island is mountainous whereas the south is lower lying and greener. In this article we’ll take you through the best villages to visit whilst on the island, so that we can help you see why you should add Karpathos to your list of places to visit.
How to get there Karpathos has a small domestic airport in the south of the island which links with Athens, Rhodes and Kasos. We recommend flying into either Athens or Rhodes and then catching a connecting flight. If you don’t want to fly you can catch a ferry which runs five days a week in the summer months. We’ll help you work out where best to catch it from. Pigadia Pigadia is a seaside town which is the capital of Karpathos. Contrary to the title of this article, Pigadia is a town but as a settlement with a lot to do we thought we’d include it. Pigadia is also the main port of the island, so if you arrive by ferry this is where you’ll come in. The town has a great traditional feel and as you walk around, you’ll be greeted by beautiful architecture and cafes and restaurants lining the glistening waterfront. Coming in on the ferry you’ll see Vouno Hill on which sits the acropolis of the ancient settlement of Potideon sometimes called Poseidio, named after the god of the sea. In keeping with the theme of Poseidon, take a visit to the Cave of Poseidon, a natural cave just outside the town. There’s one beach in the town and a few nearby, where you can relax and catch some sun. Pigadia has all the amenities you could need from a town and there is much accommodation here. Lemnos is the 8th largest island in Greece, which means it has plenty of coastline from which to choose the best beaches on the island. Due to its large amount of beaches, its tough to narrow it down to just a few. What we’ve tried to do in this article is split them up into three categories in terms of how well organised they are. We know people prefer different things when it comes to a beach so this way we’ve given everyone a few options no matter what they want, so that they can make the most of their holiday to Lemnos
Organised Mikro Fanaraki Located in the south of the island near the town of Moudros, Mikro Fanaraki and its neighbour Fanaraki, are some of the best equipped beaches on the island. Near to a number of hotels, it has many sun loungers and umbrellas as well as bars and food stalls to keep you happy whilst there. Its sands and shallow waters make it great for families and there are a number of sea caves to explore nearby, most famously Seagull’s Cave. Riha Nera Next to the northern end of the capital Myrina, this beach is excellent due to its location to the town and the facilities that affords. With sunbeds and loungers as well as cabanas, you can stay in the shade or there is some open beach to play around on if you want a bit more space. Plati Not far away from Myrina in the village of Platy is its namesake beach. Curving around the bay, this beach is one of the most popular on the island. Its easy to see why, with golden sands lapped at by deep blue waves its shallow waters are safe for families to play on and it has plenty of services should you want drinks and snacks. Avlonas Despite having a number of facilities including a court for games and a hotel at one end, the beach is fairly secluded and doesn’t have many sunloungers. If you’re looking for a beach with some facilities but a different feel, Avlonas may be the one for you. Milos has received a lot of attention recently for being one of the Greek islands rising in popularity, even on its way to becoming the new Santorini. Now that is lofty heights indeed, however as we have found on our travels around Greece, every island is different. Milos is known, similarly to much of Greece for its beaches. Where it stands out is in its unique landscape, being a volcanic island much of it has been sculpted into weird and wonderful shapes. Alongside this, it is a very laid-back island where life goes at its own pace and where you can take your time with your holiday. In this article we’ll tell you more about the island to show you why its becoming more popular and perhaps you’ll make it part of your next Greek holiday.
How to get there Milos has a small domestic airport so you can fly in, we recommend doing so from Athens. If not you can use the ferry. Milos is on the western Cyclades line and ferries run around 3 times a day from Athens Piraeus and once from Santorini, if you’ve flown in from there but that is generally more expensive. Located in the Dodecanese just off the coast of Rhodes, Halki (sometimes spelt Chalki) has been largely untouched by mass tourism. This makes it a great place if you’re looking for a flavour of life on a traditional Greek island. Because of its size, it is also sparsely populated, which makes it the perfect place to relax whether be a short trip from Rhodes or for an extended stay. In this article we’ll tell you why this is a great place to relax and experience the quiet island life of traditional Greece.
Halki is way too small to have its own airport and therefore you have to get a ferry, in the past these ferries were infrequent which is perhaps why it remains untouched by mass tourism, but as they improve this may change. This is all the more reason to go experience it now while you can. Getting the ferry does add to the experience and as you come into harbour you’ll see the picturesque orange tiled buildings stretching up the hillside like a theatre. This stunning entrance is the first impression you get of the islands port and largest town Nimporio. This week’s Island of the Week is Thassos. We put it in our Outstanding Oddballs as it doesn’t fit with many other islands, despite being in the North Aegean just off the coast of the Macedonian region. Similar to Corfu and Skiathos in that it is luscious and green, covered in pine forests yet it is far less busy than them. It is perfect for families and those looking to relax or get involved in activities. In this blog we’ll take you through our favourite 5 things to do on this picturesque island, yet there is so much that is worth doing, we would be here all day otherwise. How to get there To get to Thassos you need to fly into Kavala, which is in the northern Macedonian region of Greece. You can fly into Kavala directly from Birmingham, London Gatwick and Manchester. From Kavala you then transfer by ferry to Thassos, in the summer these ferries run hourly (and the journey only takes 40 minutes). 1 – Thassos Archaeological Museum
Located in Thassos Town, the archaeological museum in Thassos is one of the largest in East Macedonia and Thrace. With 18 galleries it covers from the Neolithic Period to the 7th Century AD. During antiquity Thassos had a large marble quarry and gold and silver mines. Many of the pieces in the museum come from this period as well as archaeological sites from across the island and on the mainland. Very near to the museum is the ruins of the ancient city of Thassos, the main part of what is left is the theatre which is mostly intact and is great for history enthusiasts and gives you stunning views out to sea. Paros is sometimes called Mykonos' little brother. Despite the fact that thousands descend on Paros each summer, the island has managed to maintain an authentic Greek island atmosphere which makes it more relaxed than its neighbour. Not only that, but it has so much to offer. In this blog we’ll narrow Paros’s many delights into a top 5 of things to do and places to visit on the island. How to get there
Paros does have an airport but you can’t fly directly into it from the UK as it is for domestic flights only, therefore you have to fly from Athens or in the summer, Thessaloniki and Heraklion. Flights from Athens only take around 40 mins. Alternatively you can take the ferry to get to Paros, not only is it one of the largest islands in the Cyclades but it is also one of the main ports and therefore is usually one of the first stops on the route. Its also great if you’re wanting to island hop as it has great links with other islands in the Cyclades. 1 - Parikia The islands main port and capital town, Parikia should be high on your list of things to do when on Paros. Full of the typical whitewashed houses you expect from the Cyclades, it makes for stunning scenery. As well as these, there are the remains of the Kastro (castle) which was built by the Venetians in the 13th century. Parikia is filled with close streets bustling with cafes and tavernas that stretch all the way down, and along the waterfront providing a scenic spot for food. If you want to be in the middle of everything that is happening on the island Parikia is a good place to stay, and it is very accommodating to tourists with all the amenities you could need such as banks and supermarkets. Parikia is also home to one of the places you should definitely visit when on Paros, Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a church which is one of the most important Byzantine monuments in all of Greece. If you’re on the island on the 15th August then you’re in luck as it is the feast day for the Dormition of Our Lady, to which the church is dedicated and there is a huge celebration on the island. Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands and is slowly becoming more popular for tourists. With an airport for internal flights and excellent ferry links, its not a difficult place to get to and is great if you’re looking to stay on one island or as part of an island-hopping trip. In this blog we’re going to show you why, if you’re looking at the Cyclades, Naxos should be your first choice. How to get there
As we mentioned earlier Naxos has a domestic airport and excellent ferry links. If you’re going to fly we recommend flying into Naxos via Athens, Mykonos or Santorini. As Naxos is on the main Cyclades ferry line, boats are regular and so it is not difficult to get to, no matter where you are coming from. We will sort ferry times to line up with flights at the time of enquiry. Come for the beaches Many people come to Greece for the beaches and Naxos can certainly deliver on that front. Being the largest island in the group, it has plenty of beaches (over 90kms). It has several organised beaches but there are many which aren’t and can be a lot more private. Most of these organised beaches are in Naxos Town or the nearby Agios Prokopios. Those looking for the smaller, more quiet beaches can travel around the island, either via public transport, excursion or hire car. Most of Naxos’s beaches have fine white sand, there are however some pebble beaches and rocky ones as well. Its many beaches make it perfect for a number of water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. Spetses is not a large island, only 10 square miles, and most of the population lives in the main port of Spetses Town. This means that if you’re looking to escape the town and explore and relax it can be done in about a 30-minute walk. Known as a retreat for wealthy Athenians, it can be reached in less than two hours by boat from Piraeus. In this blog we’re going to go into more detail about the places you should do and visit whilst on the island, and show why, if you’re visiting the Argo-Saronics, you should visit Spetses.
Bike or Moped Round the Island Cars are banned on Spetses so the only way to get around is via bus or our preferred method, bicycle or moped. Our personal choice would be bike as it allows you to take in the beautiful, serene surroundings as you cycle around. Using a moped, you can follow the track that goes around the island in just over 2 hours, so if you want to take it at a more leisurely pace, bicycle is the way to go. The track running around the island is only partially concreted so a bike may be more suited to adventuring. Spetses Town The beating heart of Spetses, the town is where the majority of people who live on the island and the hotels and apartments are. A figure you will likely see around a lot in the town is Laskarina Bouboulina, a legendary figure and admiral in the Greek War of Independence. Leading the efforts of the island as part of the Greek independence movement against the Turks, she is commemorated in a statue in the main square as well as having a museum about her, which is based in her old home. Another museum to check out is the Chatzi-Giannis Mexis Museum which tells the history of Spetses. The old port area of Spetses, in the south of the town has less tourists but is still full to the brim with life and packed with restaurants. Spetses is home to a number of churches as well, all of which vary in age but are all equally beautiful. Andros is an island that is the best of the Ionian islands and the Cyclades thrown into one. With the beautiful, whitewashed buildings and warm, sandy beaches it fits in with its neighbours as part of the Cyclades. However, one half of the island is full of luscious greenery, filled with different types of trees and shrubbery. This mix of the two gives it a very different feel to others in the Cyclades and makes a refreshing change if you’re island hopping or staying for a night or two from Athens. Andros is one of the most authentic Greek islands and is largely unaffected by mass tourism, instead it is a popular spot for many Athenians to go on holiday due to its proximity. In this article we’ll take you through what makes Andros great and why you should make it a stop when visiting the Cyclades.
How to get there Andros is the closest of the Cyclades islands to Athens and therefore it isn’t too far on the ferry. This also makes it a good first stop if you’re embarking on a island hopping trip of the Cyclades. It doesn’t have its own airport so we recommend flying into either Athens or Mykonos. If you’re thinking of flying into Athens, the ferries will go from Rafina port which is served by a bus service which runs every 25 mins from Athens airport. You can fly into Athens or Mykonos from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted. Check the individual pages for Athens or Mykonos for other regional airports, but we will advise you of this at the time enquiry. Ikaria has been identified as a ‘blue zone’, one of 5 in the world where the population lives consistently longer than the average. Maybe this is due to the island’s remoteness or maybe its something in the water. That is very possible as Ikaria is famed for its thermal springs which are unique in their chemical composition and radiation. The only true way to find out is to visit, and with 102km of coastline filled with beautiful white, sandy beaches what a better place to figure it out. In this blog we put forth our argument as to why this is truly a unique place that you must see.
How To Get There As part of the Northeast Aegean islands, it is just off the coast of Turkey. The southernmost of these islands, Ikaria has a small domestic airport. You can fly into Ikaria from either its neighbour Samos, Athens or Thessaloniki. There are ferry services that run but they are irregular, so we recommend flying into Ikaria. You can fly into Athens direct from the four main London airports, Birmingham and Edinburgh. 14 kilometres from the tourist hotspot of Corfu, Paxos could not be more different. As one of the least commercial islands in Greece, here you can really explore the real Greece and sit back and enjoy everything. In this blog we’ll take you through the areas of the island and highlight the best things to see and do in Paxos. How to get there As Paxos isn’t large, it doesn’t have an airport so we recommend you fly into Corfu and then get the ferry over to Paxos from there. You can fly into Corfu from many UK airports including the main four London ones, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham and Bristol. Ferries run multiple times a day leaving from Corfu Town and arriving at Paxos’s main port Gaios. Gaios
The capital of Paxos, Gaios is also the main ferry port for the island and this is where the ferry comes from Corfu. From here you can also take the ferry to the smaller island of Antipaxos. Although it is the capital of the island it is still fairly small and operates as a fishing port first and foremost rather than catering primarily to tourists. Despite it’s size that doesn’t mean it is lacking any of the amenities that you need and the narrow, winding streets are packed with cafes, bars and tavernas as well as shops, banks, chemists and more. It is here in the cafes and tavernas of the bustling streets that you can sample the local food and a spread of other cuisines. You can choose whether to sit in the square on the waterfront and take in the atmosphere or you want to get out and explore what the town has to offer, either work equally as well. One of the most recognisable sights of Gaios is the statue of Georgios Anemogiannis, a hero of the Greek war of independence, this statue lies to the south of the town. You can also venture over to st Nicholas’s Island across the harbour, this island what makes Gaios such a great sheltered harbour as it blocks the winds coming across. St Nicholas’s Island which has two churches and the ruins of a 15th century venetian fort on it which are well worth exploring. This is not the only remains of the venetian occupation as many of the waterfronts building are built in venetian style. Rhodes is an island that offers lots of different aspects of Greece all in one place. Rhodes Old Town holds a lot of history and is made of winding cobbled streets and alleyways which lead into open squares full of markets, churches, restaurants and cafes. Pefkos is a beautiful resort with a gently shelving beach and crystal-clear waters. Perfect for family holidays, there are also a number of good tavernas where you can sample traditional Greek dishes. Lindos is a combination of Rhodes Old Town and Pefkos with a wonderful sandy beach and a town awash with historical buildings, the highlight of which is the acropolis which features the site of an ancient temple and a 14th century castle. In this article we’ll take you through our Island of the Week discovering why it is somewhere you absolutely have to visit.
How to get there As one of the most popular islands in the Dodecanese and Greece itself, Rhodes has a large airport which you can fly into from many UK airports. You can fly direct into Rhodes from Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, Belfast, the main four London airports and many more. As a centre for the Dodecanese you can also get a ferry from either Rhodes Town or Kamiros Skala if you want to explore nearby islands such as Kos, Symi and Kalymnos. |
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