The Ionian Islands are considered the greenest of the Greek islands, and Zakynthos is certainly a discovery for nature lovers who don't want to miss out on good fun. The island is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches. Animal lovers will watch with interest the turtles that lay their eggs on the south coast of the island in July and August.
Turtles are considered an extremely endangered species, so the Greek authorities restrict the movement of curious observers, who can only observe the animals from a distance. The most famous beach is located on the eastern part of the island near the village Anaphonitria. Although her name is Navajo, most visitors know it as the bay where the wreckage of a ship carrying smuggled cigarettes washed up. The beach can only be visited by boat or by joining one-day visitors who come to the beach by tourist boats from the town of Porto Bromi. Xygia beach, about 20 kilometers north of the central town of the island with the same name as the island itself, is also famous for its healing properties, rich in sulphur. Another island attraction worth seeing is the Blue Caves in the north of the island, suitable for a one-day trip, which can be visited by boat from the port of Sveti Nikolaos. Full of impressions of beautiful nature, we can release energy at the end of the day in the southern part of the island, in Laganas.
Dodecanese – Karpathos
Dodeka means twelve in Greek and nissia means archipelago. It is one of the twelve islands that has not yet been overrun by mass tourism Karpathos, which was already mentioned by Homer in the Iliad, and according to Greek mythology, it is on this island that his daughter Athena jumped from Zeus's head. It is especially popular among windsurfers, and the strong winds pleasantly cool even the hottest summer days and repel annoying mosquitoes that disturb guests on the neighboring islands. Half of the island is difficult to access and uninhabited, while the other half is idyllic and green. Not only the surface of the island is diverse, but also its people. In the village Olympus it is dominated by women, since for centuries men went to the battlefields or went abroad with their stomachs for bread. Older residents still speak a special dialect and consciously preserve the tradition. It is in Olympus that we can observe some customs that have not been preserved anywhere else in Greece. The village of Menetes was also built in the Middle Ages, and today we can learn about life in the past in the archaeological museum, and above all, in Menetes, which is located in the hilly part of the island, we will enjoy wonderful views. The modern side of life can be felt in Pigadia, which, despite not too many clubs and bars, is charmed by stone houses with typical interior decoration and an abundance of embroidery. Nudists can also fully surrender to the sun, as Lefcos, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, has a nudist beach.
Cyclades - Paros
In the middle of the Cyclades lies the island of marble and excellent wine, Paros. The largest place is Parikia, which attracts the most tourists with its gleaming white houses. A beautiful view of the surroundings is offered from the monastery of Agios Anargyrous near the town. Most tourists spend only one day on Paros, but those who decide to spend a longer vacation on the island get to know its charming side and the hospitality of the inhabitants of small villages, such as the fishing village of Naoussa. Marble from Paros was already known in antiquity and brought rich income to the island. Today, ancient masterpieces of Parian marble can be admired throughout the Cyclades, and it was also used in the construction of sanctuaries at Delphi, Delos and the Sounion peninsula near Athens. An important church on the island is Katapoliani, which is one of the first Christian churches in Greece, and was said to have been built by St. Helena around 300 AD. The church is also called the Church of the Hundred Gates and another old legend tells that Greece will conquer Istanbul when the hundred gates are found. An interesting event takes place on Paros every August 23. At that time, the islanders celebrate the historic victory over the Turkish pirates by re-enacting the battle with more than 100 boats. Paros is also known for its beautiful beaches and diving. Families prefer to visit Kolymbithres, and Zlata plaža is often exposed to strong winds, which mainly attracts windsurfers.
North Aegean Islands - Thassos
"Green" is most likely the first association that those who have already visited the nearby island will get Thessaloniki. Few Greek islands can boast such lush vegetation as Thassos. The rich history and abundance of archaeological sites, long beaches, varied offer and friendliness of the inhabitants have convinced many tourists to return to the island for years and years. Due to its proximity to Thessaloniki and its beauty, it is also very popular among local guests, so the offer is at an enviably high level, and it maintains a healthy mix of modern and traditional. Thasos was colonized by the people of Paros because gold was found on the island, and Thasos grew into an important ancient center that also controlled extensive estates on the mainland. This is why we can still admire many ancient ruins, especially in the largest city on the island, Limenas, and the Greek theater is still used by artists today. In Panagia, don't forget to visit the Dragon Cave (Drakotrypa). The Monastery of Archangel Michael is open to visitors, but they must be appropriately dressed, i.e. with covered shoulders and in long pants or a skirt. If we are more interested in beaches than monasteries and antiquity, we will enjoy the clear water at Golden Beach, Makryammos and Skala Kallirachis, and the evening events are the most diverse in Limenas, mainly due to the abundance of Greek tourists; the nights tend to be very long, but not wild.
Saronic Islands - Hydra
Due to its proximity to Athens, lively nightlife and rich cultural offer, Hydra is considered a cosmopolitan island, and many famous Greek names have built beautiful villas on it. Despite the above, it also offers peace and quiet, as cars and even motorbikes are almost prohibited on the island. Many of the island's inhabitants move to nearby Athens in the winter months, where they earn their living, and in the summer they work as tourist workers on Hydra. In addition to them, fishermen and farmers give the island a taste of tradition. Hydra is also home to many artists and foreigners who have escaped the stressful life of the big cities, but are still close enough to the Greek capital to satisfy their needs for a varied social and cultural life. The island got its name from the legendary monster Hydra, which was supposedly killed by Heracles. In the eighteenth century, Hydra had a large fleet, and due to its lively trade and European flair, it was nicknamed "Little England". Even today, Hidra is a pleasant town for strolling among the buildings that were built during the commercial boom and numerous galleries and churches. A few monasteries are also open to visitors, and the Ag women's monastery offers the most beautiful view. Efpraxia and the monastery of Prophet Elias (Profitis Elias) on Mount Eros. In addition to the beaches and the possibility of day trips to Athens and even Delphi, Mycenae or Epidaurus, Hydra offers an interesting nightlife with clubs that follow the latest trends, but are not overrun with high school graduates, English football fans or German bikers.
Sporades - Skiathos
One of the theories about the name of the island claims that it comes from the word skia (shadow) because of the many trees that grow on the island. Skiathos it has a long tradition of shipbuilding, which, together with the fertile soil, convinced many travelers and explorers to stop on the island. Thus, the Greek crew is said to have spent some time on the island on their way to Troy, and Jason and the Argonauts are said to have gained new strength on it. Today, most travelers and tourists come on vacation from Scandinavia and Great Britain, mainly because of the beautiful beaches. Most of them have been returning for years, so the population, which is around 4,000 in winter, jumps to 70,000 in summer. Skiathos is a green island with more than sixty beaches. Koukonaries is one of the most famous Greek beaches - a long sandy strip with beautiful surroundings, many restaurants and taverns and a wide range of various water sports. Part of Banana beach is reserved for nudists, Agia Paraskevi is an ideal refuge for families, and Lalaria can only be visited by boat, and the movie about Jason and the Argonauts was also filmed there. Chora is the city that attracts the most night birds, most of whom spend the long summer nights on Polytechniou street, known as the street of bars, and in the discotheque area at the end of the new port. During the day, Chora is a pleasant town with winding streets and typical Greek houses. Just a thirty-minute drive from the city, you can visit the Evangelistra Monastery with a small museum and a shop with beautiful icons and other souvenirs, and the monks also sell good wine. The medieval capital of Kastro is also interesting, and you can visit it on a one-day boat trip or head towards it by car and walk the last part of the way. Due to the proximity of the mainland, we can also join tourists on one-day trips to Athens or Meteora.
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Zakynthos
In August, a two-week carnival takes place on the island, with dancing, parades, skits on the main square and pies (mandatory food during the Greek
carnival) reminds of ancient Greek carnivals, while the višek represents an unusual burial. Instead of mourning, there is rejoicing and the spirit of Bacchus is present everywhere.
Paros
On the first Sunday in July, the wine and fish festival takes place in the village of Naoussa. On August 15, one of the most important celebrations takes place in the Katapoliani church and on the seashore with fireworks. On August 6, a night fish festival takes place on Aliki beach in Paros with folklore performances, traditional music and plenty of fish and wine prepared by the locals.
Thassos
The most important summer festival on Thassos is dedicated to ancient drama, and takes place in the old theater. In Theologos, they are reviving old traditions by reviving the old custom of the Tasos wedding.
Skiathos
Boutzi is a small wooden peninsula between the old and the new ferry port, where a series of exhibitions are held in the summer, and the open-air theater hosts ballet, music and traditional Greek shadow theater performances. The biggest summer festival takes place on August 15 with a procession from Evangelistria Monastery.
Hydra
The Miaoulia festival at the end of June is dedicated to Admiral Miaoulis, one of the heroes of the Greek struggle for independence. The highlight of the festival is the revived battle between the Turkish and Greek fleets with powerful fireworks. In July, puppeteers from all over the world visit Hidra and entertain children and adults at the puppet festival.
