efkada is one of the most breathtaking Greek islands and it is located in the heart of the Ionian sea, connected with the mainland by a small bridge. Being easily accessed by car and boasting one of the most wonderful natural landscapes and some of the most scenic beaches, Lefkada Greece (or the “Caribbean of Greece”, as it is also known as) is the absolute dream destination for those who are into exotic islands. Lefkada is Greek for white, and the island takes its name from the brilliant white of the limestone rock. From the dramatic sea cliffs and magnificent beaches of the west coast, across the rugged peaks of the interior mountains and down through fertile, stream-fed valleys to the gentler east coast with its wooded bays and quiet creeks, Lefkada is perfect for leisurely exploration. Like many places in Greece, Lefkada combines the beauty of nature with history, rich culture and natural heritage. Charmingly traditional, discover timeless villages where you can still get a powerful sense of the Greece of days gone by. Explore the rugged landscapes of imposing mountains and dense pine forests that combine harmoniously with picturesque bays, pristine sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise water. L Naxos Paros Antiparos RHODES Lindos Lardos Ixia Lachania Gennadi Faliraki Rhodes nce home to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this Greek Island is steeped in history. Today, Rhodes is just as celebrated for its idyllic beaches, lively nightlife and family-friendly resorts. Despite being a popular summer beach destination, there is so much more to Rhodes than its 300-plus days of sunshine and long, sandy beaches. The Unesco World Heritagelisted capital is Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited medieval town and worth a visit in its own right. The Knights of the Order of St John, the Ottomans and Mussolini’s facists have all passed through, leaving an indelible mark. History-lovers flock to the majestic Acropolis of Lindos and its Cycladic-style village of Lindos. Adventure aficionados head to the verdant interior for hiking and mountain biking, and south to Prasonisi for kite and windsurfing. The northern half of the island is the most developed tourism-wise and where most hotels are located, including multiple allinclusive options. New, high-end resorts are slowly unfolding along the south-eastern coast. The wind-whipped western side is where you’ll find serene, umbrella-free beaches amid a landscape of dramatic mountains, low shrubs and castle ruins. O Kadagan / Shutterstock.com Thira Kamari Imerovigli Monolithos Koloympos Oia Akrotiri Megalochori Santorini antorini, known since ancient times as Thira, is one of the most famous islands in the world. The fact that you can sit in front of the caldera, enjoy local dishes, a drink or a coffee while gazing at the remarkable beauty of an active volcano is priceless! The island is actually a group of islands consisting of Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni in the southernmost part of the Cyclades. Santorini’s volcano is one of the few active volcanoes on Greek and European land The islands that form Santorini came into existence as a result of intensive volcanic activity; twelve huge eruptions occurred, one every 20,000 years approximately, and each violent eruption caused the collapse of the volcano’s central part creating a large crater (caldera). The volcano, however, managed to recreate itself over and over again. Fira is the picturesque capital of the island perched on the top edge of the Caldera, 260m above sea level, offering breathtaking views to the Aegean Sea and the island of Nea Kameni. Along the border of the caldera you’ll come across the renowned villages of Oia - the whole village looks like a work of art as the houses are carved into the lava rock - Imerovigli and Firostefani, which are the best spots for you to get your sunset views. S Tragaki ZAKINTHOS TOWN Laganas Agios Nikolaos Tsilivi Akrotiri Vassilikos elcome to one of the most exotic and exuberant Greek islands. Sitting in the heart of the mesmerising Ionian sea, it boasts a wonderful natural landscape and magical Zante beaches. Exploring this diverse island, you will discover picturesque hilltop villages, traditional monasteries, and dreamy natural landscapes. What’s more, the exotic beaches are home to the endangered sea turtle species Caretta-Caretta, which every year hide their eggs in the fine white sand of Zakynthos beaches. The trademark image of Zante, as the island is known in Italian (recognising its Venetian heritage), is the scenic Navagio (Shipwreck) beach. Many pictures and postcards have tried to capture its beauty, but the reality is far better! Only accessible by boat, Navagio beach has magical turquoise waters, white sand and is backed by dramatic towering cliffs. While the view from above is simply breathtaking, you should also experience a dip in its enticingly clear water. Apart from Shipwreck beach, though, there are many wonderful Zakynthos beaches you should visit, such as Laganas Zante, Gerakas beach, Vasilikos beach, and Spiantza beach. After exploring the emerald bays of the island, take a break from the beach life to visit the island’s capital, Zakynthos Town. Strongly influenced by the Venetians, who had also named the island “Fiore di Levante” (flower of the east), Zakynthos Town has many hidden gems to explore! Saint Mark Square, the Venetian Castle, Solomos Square and the Post-Byzantine Museum of Zante are some of the best places to visit. W Zante (Zakinthos) The ‘Levant Flower’ of the Ionian Sea Athens Paros, Naxos & Antiparos Rhodes Santorini 32 38 42 48 Zante (Zakinthos) Mykonos Town Kalafati Super Paradise Beach Paradise Beach Ornos Mykonos ith sandy beaches, whitewashed villages and a vibrant, cosmopolitan party scene, Mykonos adds a touch of glamour to the Greek Islands. In contrast to the romance stamp of neighbouring Santorini, this is the Cyclades Island for funloving, sun worshippers. From July to October the island literally buzzes as the bikini clad, ‘party beautiful’ brigade dance until dawn at the many, stylish beach clubs like Cavo Paradiso, Tropicana and similar on both Paradise and Super Paradise beaches, and yet the island has so much more to offer with ample opportunity to escape from the fast lane of fun. Even revellers seek downtime and there is a distinct bohemian resistance fighting the turntable troopers. The island’s main historic town of Chora Mykonos (Mykonos Old Town) is a delightful traffic-free labyrinth of winding cobblestone lanes with whitewashed houses with bright blue balconies and shutters, lovely old churches, and narrow alleyways draped in bright fuchsia bougainvillea. Wander through the maze to discover quaint artisan shops, terraced cafés and little tavernas hidden away in narrow side streets and quiet squares. Bordering the waterfront the distinctive, overhanging terraced houses have earned this area the title of ‘Little Venice’. On a hillside overlooking the town of Mykonos stand the emblematic windmills, once used to supply power to grind grain and now a favourite instagram moment. W Cosmopoltan culture and family-friendly beaches Mykonos 26 Lefkada Meganissi efkada is one of the most breathtaking Greek islands and it is located in the heart of the Ionian sea, connected with the mainland by a small bridge. Being easily accessed by car and boasting one of the most wonderful natural landscapes and some of the most scenic beaches, Lefkada Greece (or the “Caribbean of Greece”, as it is also known as) is the absolute dream destination for those who are into exotic islands. Lefkada is Greek for white, and the island takes its name from the brilliant white of the limestone rock. From the dramatic sea cliffs and magnificent beaches of the west coast, across the rugged peaks of the interior mountains and down through fertile, stream-fed valleys to the gentler east coast with its wooded bays and quiet creeks, Lefkada is perfect for leisurely exploration. Like many places in Greece, Lefkada combines the beauty of nature with history, rich culture and natural heritage. Charmingly traditional, discover timeless villages where you can still get a powerful sense of the Greece of days gone by. Explore the rugged landscapes of imposing mountains and dense pine forests that combine harmoniously with picturesque bays, pristine sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise water. Meganissi is a beautiful little island located between Lefkada and the western coasts of the Greek mainland. Thanks to its proximity to Lefkada, Meganissi is the perfect destination for an island hop from Lefkada. Untouched by international tourists, Meganissi is one of those Greek islands that boasts an unspoiled beauty, so it is perfect for relaxing holidays! L The Caribbean Islands of Greece LEFKADA Potos Lefkada & Meganissi 22 Peleponnese
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