The rising temperatures and melting snow can mean only one thing, Summer has arrived. Summer is the perfect time for a European vacation. When you are considering traveling to Europe, consider visiting some of the popular Greek islands. The islands feature crystal blue water and cobblestone streets. While there are over one thousand islands you can visit, these are the top five Greek islands that you must visit this summer.
1. The Island of Santorini
Santorini has become the most popular Greek island for visitors. It's the picture-perfect destination with whitewashed buildings and doors accented with blue shades, creating a color scheme that melds the outdoors with the culture.
The homes and other buildings are also built right into the cliffs.
The cheapest way to get to Santorini is by flying from Athens. The average flight costs $50 to $150, round-trip. You can also get a ferry from Piraeus, but that costs $120 round-trip. When you get to Santorini, there are numerous historical ruins to see, including Minoan Bronze Age ruins at the Akrotiri archeological site. You can also take a trip to the volcanic island.
2. The Island of Mykonos
Mykonos has to be the second most popular Greek island, because of its charm and idyllic town. Mykonos offers plenty of luxury hotels. Mykonos is known for its sandy beaches and nightlife. You can get to Mykonos from Athens via a 40-minute round-trip flight that costs between $50 to $250.
Ferry Travel is also an option but takes nearly two and a half hours, and the slow ferries take nearly five hours.
3. The Island of Paros
Paros is the Greek island between Mykonos and Santorini. It's larger than its two neighboring islands. It doesn't get many visitors, which leads to lower prices, while still offering plenty of magnificent beaches.
You can take a 40-minute flight from Athens to get here. Be warned, though, as there are not as many daily flights as there are to other islands such as Santorini or Mykonos. Flights can be expensive, ranging from $100 to $200. Many visitors tend to fly to Santorini and take a two-hour ferry ride, which costs $50 to $100 round-trip.
Paros is another major party scene. Visitors often kitesurf and windsurf while there.
4. The Island of Naxos
Naxos is very similar to Paros. They both have incredibly beautiful beaches, while Paros offers more ferry services and bus services. Naxos is more of a mountainous island and has more villages to stop and see. Naxos doesn't attract as many tourists as some other islands.
While on Naxos, you can visit the Temple of Apollo ruins. There are not many daily flights to Naxos. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes, while round-trip tickets cost $150 to $200. It's better to take a ferry from Paros, which takes 25 to 45 minutes and costs only $25 to $60 round-trip.
5. Crete
Crete has become one of the top budget-friendly Greek islands.
Food and lodging tend to fall on the cheap side. Crete also offers some of its own islands, creating a variety of experiences for its visitors. The quickest way to visit Crete is by flying from Athens to Heraklion or Chania. Round-trip tickets are between $100 to $150. Crete is home to many historical and cultural attractions. Spinalonga is home to a historic fortress and former leper colony. It's also the perfect place to get in some hiking.
