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Sail the Greek Islands
Published by Kristin Cowles, Editor-in-Chief
Country: Greece 
The Experience
Enjoy one of life's simple pleasures, as you sail along the beautiful coast line of the Greek Islands. For those familiar with these idyllic Islands, the mere mention of its name brings back warm and fuzzies of beautiful sun, breathtaking beaches, and great culture. The Greek Islands are made up of over 6,000 individual islands, of which only 227 are inhabited, offering you the welcome choice on how to to spend your nights, from a small quaint bistro to a lively pub.
A popular destination for boating enthusiasts is Symi, as it offers a taste of neoclassical Greece at its finest, evident in its alluring skyline and charming harbour front. Santorini is undoubtedly one of the most popular islands. Perched 250m above the Aegean Sea sits the city of Fira, offering some of the most breathtaking views, unsurpassed anywhere in the world. The air here is almost as infectious as the buzzing nightlife.
The Greek coast line spans over 16,000km, half of which is along the mainland and the other half along the island shores. Well known for its remote beaches, quiet sandy coves, and brilliant swimming, Skyros is a staple in a Greek sailing adventure. Mykonos is a reclusive and growingly popular destination, offering a flair for those with a taste for the absence of pace. If sailing the Ionian Islands hit Corfu and cruise down to Crete, both a must see for those new to the Greece. A mingling of the two give you a taste of lush untouched countryside and striking mountains, mixed with hints of ancient ruins and modern city scape's. The warm and appetizing culture of the Greek Islands is vibrant and ever changing, waiting to charm the next wanderer.
A popular destination for boating enthusiasts is Symi, as it offers a taste of neoclassical Greece at its finest, evident in its alluring skyline and charming harbour front. Santorini is undoubtedly one of the most popular islands. Perched 250m above the Aegean Sea sits the city of Fira, offering some of the most breathtaking views, unsurpassed anywhere in the world. The air here is almost as infectious as the buzzing nightlife.
The Greek coast line spans over 16,000km, half of which is along the mainland and the other half along the island shores. Well known for its remote beaches, quiet sandy coves, and brilliant swimming, Skyros is a staple in a Greek sailing adventure. Mykonos is a reclusive and growingly popular destination, offering a flair for those with a taste for the absence of pace. If sailing the Ionian Islands hit Corfu and cruise down to Crete, both a must see for those new to the Greece. A mingling of the two give you a taste of lush untouched countryside and striking mountains, mixed with hints of ancient ruins and modern city scape's. The warm and appetizing culture of the Greek Islands is vibrant and ever changing, waiting to charm the next wanderer.
When to Go to Greek Islands
The best time of year to sail these sweet currents is in early spring between April and June. Visiting at this time is best, as it avoids the hordes of European summer vacationers and the intense heat.
Odds n' Ends
The cost of chartering a boat can range from one thousand to a few thousand, depending on the duration and accommodations you seek.
Want a Guide?
- Greek Islands Sailing Adventure (Mykonos to Athens)
- A yacht adventure is the ideal way to experience what many consider the world's most beautiful islands: the Greek Islands. Sail for up to 22 days aboard our 50-foot yachts, with time for hiking, snorkelling and relaxing. Explore ancient archaeological sites and taverna-lined harbours, dine on fresh seafood and don't forget to try the Ouzo!
- Greek Islands Travel Guide - LonelyPlanet.com
- The Greek Islands are all about slowing down and soaking up the good vibes. They're about unspoilt mountain villages in Crete, baskets of local olives glistening in the sun, lazy ferry rides and floating in the Ionian Sea. Live it up like a local.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Tradition meets comfort and luxury in these traditional villas located in the settlement Kato Asites, hardly 20 kilometres from Heraklion (Crete's main city). In a ... 5 miles away
$60 EUR+
With its central location, Delina Mountain Resort is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Crete Island.The Delina Mountain Resort boasts ... 5 miles away
$80 EUR+
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Take a Trek to the Red Beach of Santorini, Greece
- There is an air of mysticism which surrounds the Greek Islands. As the setting for some of the oldest myths, it is no surprise that there is a powerful allure drawing tourists and travellers to these majestic islands. Some of the Greek Islands have become so popular that they have lost some of their authentic appeal and become tourist hotspots filled with hotels, gift shops and tourism agencies. The beautiful Island of Santorini, though a popular destination, has somehow maintained a low-key atmosphere with traditional villages and unique, breathtaking landscapes. Aside from the spectacular sunsets over sunken volcanic islands, one ...87 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Walk through the gorge, approximately 11 miles (18 kilometers) which begins at the plateau of Omalos.Cross through the White Mountains and finish at the tiny ...15.45 miles away via Heraklion.
$66+
Whilst on the island take a quick cable-car ride or a slow donkey ride to the top for sightseeing or souvenir shopping. These are just ...15.45 miles away via Heraklion.
$151+
+ 3 others. Show all.
Books and DVDs
- Greek Islands Travel Guide - LonelyPlanet.com
- The Greek Islands are all about slowing down and soaking up the good vibes. They're about unspoilt mountain villages in Crete, baskets of local olives glistening in the sun, lazy ferry rides and floating in the Ionian Sea. Live it up like a local.
- Greece and the Greek Islands (Hardcover)
- Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips (Hardcover)
- No one knows the world like National Geographic—and in this lavish volume, we reveal our picks for the world's most fabulous journeys, along with helpful information for readers who want to try them out.
Elsewhere on the Web
- List of islands of Greece - Wikipedia.org
- This is a list of some of the 1400 islands of Greece, of which 227 are inhabited. Only 78 islands have more than 100 inhabitants.
- Greek Island Postcards - GreekIsland.co.uk
- The Greek islands are grouped into visitor preferences. Popular islands often have their own airport and high tourist numbers. Although busy, there are always quiet resorts to be found away from the main holiday centres.
- Greek Islands - Visiting the Islands of Greece - About.com
- Find the perfect Greek island for your trip to Greece. Don't be shy - choose several.
- The Greek National Tourism Organization - VisitGreece.gr
- The islands are Greece’s chief morphological trait and an integral part of the country’s civilisation and tradition.
Media References
- The Best Islands - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Crete: Whether for its rugged mountains or its countless beaches, its ancient remains or its ultramodern hotels, its layered history or its intense people, Crete cannot be denied.
- Greek Islands - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Having already been successful in our initial defiance, we proceeded from island to island with relaxed abandon, a minimum of discomfort and a building abundance of sheer pleasure.
- Where Next: Seven Days in the Greek Islands - NationalGepgraphic.com (magazine)
- After more than a dozen trips to Greece over the years, Jim Bantis, 43, had acquired the wisdom of experience.
- Greek Islands To Call Home - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- MAYBE it was when we were sitting in Lilis's Taverna, relishing a spicy local sausage called louza and looking down a long, steepish hill to the port and the sea, that we came to what felt very much like a decision.
- Top 10 Greek islands - Guardian.co.uk (newspaper)
- Don't know your Skyros from your Symi? Ben Mallalieu brings you a beginner's guide to 10 of the best Greek islands, whether you're looking for a crowd-free cove or classical culture
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Language Guides
Russian 
,
Turkish
are some of the languages spoken in Greece. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
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