Nearly 2.5 thousand belong to Greece. islands, which in total occupy about 20 percent. area of this country. Only 165 of them are inhabited. Only or until – if we wanted to see them all, we would have to spend quite a few years on the journey! The sanctuary supposedly does not hurt the head, but in this case the multitude of the offer is so great that the question is often asked which of the Greek islands to choose: Lesbo, Zakynthos or Kreta? To make your decision easier, we’ve created a guide to some of the most beautiful Greek islands.
Crete – the most popular Greek island
Crete is the largest Greek island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea – its area is 8,336 km². It has an oblong shape – its length is 260 km, and the width varies from 11 to 60 km. The largest city and its administrative capital is Heraklion, located in the north, inhabited by approx. 140,000 people. people. The island of Crete is considered the cradle of European civilization. Its history began 4,000 years ago. years before the birth of the Minoan culture. Tradition also says that Zeus himself was born in Crete, and according to mythology, the Minotaur monster lived in the labyrinth under the palace of King Minos in Knossos. This is also where the events described in the myth of Daedalus and Icarus took place.
Greek islands are always a good choice for a holiday. Of course, it is no different with the largest of them, i.e. Crete. For those who decide to come here, a whole lot of different attractions await:
rocky and sandy beaches,
picturesque mountain landscapes,
cuisine rich in seafood,
charming towns,
high-class monuments.
It is therefore an ideal place for lovers of sunbathing and amateurs of active recreation.
The most interesting places that you can visit during your holiday in Crete are:
Knossos – exceptionally well-preserved remains of a Minoan city, Samaria Gorge – located in the heart of the Crete Mountains National Park, the longest gorge in Europe (18 km) full of picturesque views and breathtaking nature, Heraklion – the capital of the island of Crete with magnificent Venetian defensive walls, the interesting Agios Titos cathedral, the 16th-century Rocca del Mare fortress and several historic fountains, Chania – the second largest city on the Greek island with a beautiful port district full of colorful tenement houses, surrounded by defensive walls dating back to the 16th century.
The longest gorge in Europe, the stunning Balos lagoon, atmospheric streets of Chania and Rethymno and the ruins of the Minoan Knossos are waiting for you on one of the most beautiful Greek islands!
Zakynthos – a Greek island that does not lack charm
Zakynthos (gr. Zante) is the third largest island of the Ionian Archipelago, located at the height of the Peloponnese Peninsula. It has an area of about 405 km² and is inhabited by over 40,000 people. residents. Throughout history, the island was of great strategic importance – together with neighboring Kefalonia, it guarded the entrance to the Gulf of Corinth. Zakynthos is one of the most popular Greek islands among Poles.
1.The northern areas are conducive to active tourists who like to go off the beaten track.
2.The south and east of the island of Zakynthos is an ideal place for lovers of sunbathing and water sports.
Nature lovers will be interested in the fact that Kareta-Kareta sea turtles lay their eggs here. Everyone will also want to take a picture by the famous shipwreck in one of the local bays. Isn’t this proof enough that Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful Greek islands?
The most interesting places on this Greek island include: Zakynthos – the capital of the island with a castle towering over it, Navagio, or Shipwreck Bay – the most famous and also the most visited place on the most popular Greek island, despite the fact that you can only get here by sea, Skopos – an interesting town, where, in addition to many medieval churches, there is an interesting Byzantine museum, Anafonítriá – a town located in the northern part of the island, where the oldest Byzantine monastery in Zakynthos is located.
Which is better to choose: Crete or Zakynthos? Each Greek island has a lot of charm and delights with beautiful beaches and blue water. For lovers of paradise views, Zakynthos may be a better choice. For history fans, Crete will have more to offer.
The most beautiful Greek island? Lesvos!
The island of Lesbos is located in the north-eastern part of the Aegean Sea, just off the Turkish coast at the height of the local resort of Ayvalik. It is separated from the neighboring country by the straits of Muzelim in the north and Mitilini in the east. It is one of the largest Greek islands – its area is 1,630 km² and it is inhabited by approx. 90 thousand people. people. The capital of Lesbobs is the town of Mytilene, which is inhabited by approx. 40 thousand. people.
The most interesting places on the island of Lesbos are: Mytilene Castle – a medieval stronghold, towering over the capital of the most beautiful Greek island, which was built on the site of a Byzantine fortress from the 6th century, Ipsilou Monastery – the oldest monastery on Lesbos, founded around 800, Mithymna – a picturesque town located in the north of the country (its inhabitants use the earlier, historical name Molyvos), Molyvos Castle – a huge fortress overlooking Mithymna.
We described more attractions in Lesbos in another entry on bogu. It is also worth knowing that there is a petrified forest, unique in the world, where you can see trees frozen millions of years ago. But this Greek island is also a paradise for history lovers – Lesbos was already described by Homer, and Sappho, a Greek poet, who lived at the turn of the 7th and 6th centuries BC, was born here, from whose work and love for the same sex lesbian love was named. Certainly, those who want to relax on beautiful beaches located in numerous bays or enjoy the wonderful Mediterranean Greek cuisine will not be disappointed either.
