Greece is the most beautiful country in the world, Look no further than the legendary Greek Isles, where postcard-perfect beaches make for the best sunsets, an “anything goes attitude” makes for the best locals, and perpetually sunny climes make for the freshest, most flavorful olives and tomatoes you will ever taste.
Hydra
Hydra’s good looks are undeniable, but there’s more here than meets the eye. Alas, since it’s less than two hours away from Athens by ferry, people rarely really get to know it. Splurge on the overnight experience once the day-trippers have gone back to the capital, There are no cars, just horse-drawn carriages, but the best way to explore this tiny island is on foot.
Rhodes
If you’re looking for UV, this is your island. The sun shines about 300 days a year here, courtesy of the Greek sun god Helios who once ruled this island. Rhodes is packed with luxe resorts and silky stretches of sand outfitted with beach loungers and drink service, it also has a wonderful archaeology museum, Greece’s oldest Jewish temple by way of the 16th-century Kahal Shalom Synagogue, and an Ottoman hammam with a starry dome.
Crete
As Greece’s largest island, Crete is perfect for island-hoppers who can’t decide what to do and want a bit of everything. Cities and towns are totally different: In Heraklion, you’ll find fancy beach resorts and fascinating archaeological sites, while Chania and Rethymno offer Venetian and Turkish architecture as eye candy.
Skiathos
In Skiathos There are 63 beaches to choose from, like the outrageously beautiful Koukounaries or pebble-strewn Lalaria, plus remote coasts hidden by pine forest and hills to explore via Sea-Doo, kayak, or boat.Besides all the resplendent nature, Skiathos is also known for throwing a good party.
Santorini
Santorini’s got that iconic rooftop view with ivory villas, stuccoed cave hotels, and pops of blue cascading down the hillside beneath the sunset. The only downside is all the other people, but that’s what private pools are for. Better yet, plan your visit for the winter to steer clear of the masses.
Milos
This tiny volcanic island is a little slice of Mars on earth, its surrealist beaches festooned with bizarre rock formations and painted in a spectrum of hues: crimson, pitch black, and, in the case of Sarakiniko Beach, moon-dust white. The archaeological ruins are just as curious, including the second-largest catacombs outside of Rome and an ancient marble theater.
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