Known for their natural beauty, the Greek Islands attract travellers from around the globe every year. These islands have enchanting landscapes and pristine beaches.
However, the Greek Islands offer much more than picturesque scenery. They are also home to a uniquely rich culture and fascinating history, inviting visitors to delve deeper into their captivating past.
To truly make the most of your time in this idyllic paradise and spend the best holidays on the Greek Islands, we recommend immersing yourself in the cultural tapestry that weaves through these islands.
Discover in this article how to get the most from this region by going on delightful island hopping trips.
For more holiday recommendations, read our travel articles on Malága and Faro.
Discover the rich culture and history of the Greek Islands
Everyone knows about the beauty of the Greek islands: the breathtaking landscapes and wonderful beaches attract tourists from across the world every year.
In addition to the scenery, the Greek islands are known for their rich culture and history. We recommend that you discover some of this cultural beauty in order to make the most of your holidays on the Greek islands.
Here are some places you have to visit if you are interested in the culture and history of the Greek islands:
Discover the ancient Minoan civilization – Crete
Crete is the largest Greek island and was home to the oldest advanced civilisation in all of Europe: the Minonans. They lived on the island of Crete from 3,000 b.c. to roughly 1,100 b.c.
This advanced civilization was known for its sophisticated culture and rich economy, which led it to have much power and influence over the region.
You may have already heard of King Minos, the legendary king who, in Greek mythology, built the labyrinth with the notorious minotaur.
If you are in Crete, you should definitely visit the ruins of the palace of Knossos, a Minoan city that is thought to be the oldest European city! It is the largest Bronze Age archeological site in Crete.
Other noteworthy palaces include Phaistos, Malia, and Kato Zakros. The ruins truly speak to how spectacular Minoan culture was.
Whether you’re a history buff or not, Crete is a must-see island for its unique history!
Discover a Greek island rich with British and Venetian history – Corfu
Each Greek island has a different history. This is certainly the case with Corfu, or Kerkyra, which only became a part of Greece in 1864.
Given its prime location, Corfu was historically fought over by various powers in the region. This means that Corfu has a rich history influenced by many countries:
- Roman: When the Roman Empire split, Corfu became part of the Eastern Roman Empire. It stayed under its influence until the Norman invasion.
- Norman: Corfu was invaded in 1267 by the French king of Sicily.
- Venetian: In 1386, Venice took over the island, ruling over it for four centuries. This marked a period of prosperity for the island.
- British: From 1815 to 1864, the British Empire ruled over the island of Corfu. During this time, the first Greek university was founded in Corfu. In 1864, the British Empire gave the island to George I, the King of Greece.
This brief time shows just how unique Corfu is as an island. The diverse influences can really be felt in the wide variety of historical buildings you can visit.
For example, you can visit the Old Fortress, dating back to around the sixth century AD! This fortress has a long history: it is responsible for pushing back many invasions during the 16th and 18th Centuries.
Another stunning historical site is the Achilleion Palace, which was built for Empress Elizabeth of Austria (Sisi) in the late 19th century. It is a truly stunning and majestic place to visit.
There’s much more to see in Corfu, but we hope this brief description makes you as excited about this island as we are!
Make the most of your holidays – visit multiple Greek Islands
If you like adventure and want to travel during your holiday, we highly recommend visiting multiple Greek islands during your trip.
Greek Island hopping
Seeing lots of Greek islands, or “Greek Island hopping”, is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Many people don’t know just how many islands there are in Greece. If you can believe it, the country has more than six thousand islands!
Whereas some of these islands are only rocks poking out of the seas, others have breathtaking landscapes that include mountains and beautiful beaches.
Given the wide variety of islands, island hopping ensures you will have a special and unforgettable experience in Greece.
When should you go island hopping in Greece?
Going island hopping is possible from March to November, so here are the benefits to going during each season (spring to autumn):
Island hopping in spring
We always recommend going island hopping in spring, especially during the months of April and May. During this time, the temperature quickly rises to the high twenties, offering a warm yet pleasant climate.
Also, spring isn’t the peak tourist season in Greece. This means you can see the most popular Greek islands, like Mykonos or Santorini, and avoid the crowds.
Island hopping in summer
Summer is the peak tourist season in Greece due to the stunning weather during these months — you can expect temperatures over 30℃ for the duration of your trip!
Also, the Ionian Sea and Aegean Sea are known for getting lots of wind, meaning that the climate will be less stifling. These weather conditions are also ideal for people who want to sail.
Island hopping in autumn
Greece in autumn is just as stunning as it is in summer and it is much less busy. Indeed, the weather is still great until the end of September — you can expect average temperatures above 21℃ until then.
Greece also rarely gets rain until October and November, meaning that you can still make the most of the country’s delightful beaches.
What is special during autumn is the vibrant colours: the mountains impress tourists and locals alike with their red and ochre hues.
Booking your island hopping trip
We recognise that booking an island hopping trip can be time-consuming. With Trazler’s smart search engine, you can make the booking experience much more efficient and less stressful.
From the same page, you can book travel, accommodation, and car rentals.
With Trazler, booking your island hopping trip has never been so simple. Seeing multiple islands will really show you how much Greece has to offer in terms of beauty, culture, and beaches!
Conclusion
As you plan your next holiday, consider visiting the Greek Islands—a land where beauty, culture, and history converge to create an unforgettable experience. These islands offer a window into the past and an opportunity to connect a rich history.
And why limit yourself to just one island? Greek Island hopping presents a unique opportunity to explore multiple destinations, each with its own distinctive charm.
With Trazler’s convenient booking platform, the journey to discovering the beauty, culture, and beaches of the Greek Islands has never been easier. Unveil the secrets of the past, soak up the present, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Your perfect Greek getaway awaits.
