The Soft Journey

If you’re looking for beach holidays that include plenty of sightseeing and some beautiful landscapes, you can’t really go wrong if you book a break that involves island hopping around Greece.

Off the mainland there are thousands of isles, of which a couple of hundred are inhabited. The archipelago is separated into a number of groups – including the Ionian Islands, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Argo-Saronic Islands and the Sporades – and you can travel between many of the clusters by ferry.

Renowned for its pleasant climate, tasty Mediterranean cuisine and rich history, Greece and its surroundings make for the ideal holiday, especially if you make the journey during the summer months when you can enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures.

You can book accommodation before you travel, or, if you relish the spontaneity of last-minute breaks, you’ll often find locals waiting at the ferry terminal to offer rooms at their guesthouses.

Why not start your Grecian adventure at the largest isle – Crete? Located at the southern edge of the Aegean Sea, Crete boasts wonderfully rugged scenery along with some golden sands, ideal for making the most of the sunshine and working on your tan.

Additionally, the island is home to a palm tree forest, numerous Byzantine churches and fascinating ruins, such as the Minoan Palace of Knossos.

There are three airports in Crete, so you might choose to find accommodation on the island for ease of travelling to and from Greece.

Next, board a flight for Santorini – one of the Cyclades islands. The spot was the site of the massive Minoan eruption from the volcano Thera thousands of years ago and retains its craggy landscape as a result. Here, you can view the volcanic crater or climb up to the capital of Fira, which perches on clifftops and affords amazing views over the water below.

Afterwards, journey to the prehistoric site of Akrotiri to admire the sight of ancient buildings that are remarkably intact, or take a boat ride out to Red Beach or White Beach and spend some time on the sands. Alternatively, stay on the boat and opt for a tour of the volcanic islands.

From Santorini, you can take the ferry to Mykonos, another of the Cyclades islands and arguably the archipelago’s most famous spot. The isle is the place to be if you enjoy a party atmosphere and boasts sophisticated nightlife that attracts thousands of visitors every year. You can enjoy dancing until dawn and recover on one of the many beautiful beaches to be found here, some of which offer water sports facilities if you feel like cooling off.

Take a ferry to Syros next and admire the Venetian and neoclassical buildings before heading on to the Dodecanese island of Patmos. The mountainous region’s impressive monastery is its main landmark and the site is well worth a visit.

A religious island, Patmos has long been a site of pilgrimage as a result of being the place where St John received a vision from Jesus. There are a few UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore here, including the island’s historic centre Chora, as well as the monastery.

Make your way around the bustling port and soak up the sun at Agriolivadi Bay or Cape Yenoupa before you journey on to Leros – a pretty little island that is largely unspoiled and offers some authentic Greek charm.

The isle was once used as a prison for political rebels and also as a naval base by the Italians and Germans, but is now a calm, relaxed spot where you can explore the remains of a Byzantine castle or browse the fresh food on sale at the markets.

Brush up on your local culture with a visit to the archaeological museum or the war museum on the island or call in at the well-preserved old flour mill.

Head to Kos next via the ferry and spend some time relaxing on the beaches here – one of the island’s main draws. It is equally well known for its buzzing nightlife and if you’re in the mood to party you’ll find a wealth of bars and clubs to visit.

From here, you can take a boat to Rhodes, home to a beautiful sandy coastline, inland forests, mountain villages and medieval architecture.

Make your way around the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wander through the Valley of the Butterflies before sampling some rustic Greek food at one of the upmarket restaurants to be found here.

These are just some of the many Greek Islands you can visit – for more holiday ideas to Greece and elsewhere visit iWantSun.co.uk.

Tags: Cheap Holidays, Cheap Holidays to Greece, Greek Holidays