As you could have heard, issues have been a bit shaky in Santorini between earthquake warnings, and if the bucket-list island is something like final summer time, then overtourism considerations will certainly repeat themselves.
On the intense facet, Greece is house to six,000 islands and lots of provide unparalleled views, whitewashed buildings draped with the kako mati, and extremely pristine seashores to make the lengthy journey worthwhile.
National Geographic simply revealed an in-depth information to 31 Greek islands to take a look at this 12 months and Santorini did not crack the highest 15.
2025 is the 12 months to faucet into your sense of wanderlust and discover the unknown, together with these 3 Greek islands Nat Geo puffed up as the perfect.
3) Kos
Boasting a mixture of historical past and tranquil seashores, Kos is on the other finish of the spectrum of party-fueled Mykonos and extra aligned with islands Naxos and Paros with just about no crowds.
Nat Geo has dubbed Kos the ‘bicycle island’, and rightfully so.
There are over 6,000 bikes for rent to wander designated trails, together with a brand new 8-mile path alongside the coast.
No rap battles, although. And there’s waaaay higher meals than Mom’s spaghetti with Greek classics like gyros that by no means disappoint, together with mousaka, souvlaki, and a give attention to recent seafood like octopus and calamari, dwelling as much as the widespread phrase that ‘the whole lot is betta with feta’.
Especially, when you possibly can dine on a patio overlooking the colourful blue sea at such locations as Olivity, simply tucked away sufficient to really feel genuine.
One of the highest websites to achieve on two wheels is the traditional website of Asclepieion, solely $4.50 to enter.
While it is actually not the Acropolis, it presents a glimpse into the previous of famed native Hippocrates, the ‘Founder of Medicine’ and therapeutic/medicinal practices lifetimes in the past.
The waterfront of Kos (the primary city with the identical title) is vibrant, walkable, and a delight to make your base in old-timey inns, or you possibly can stage up on the island’s most unusual keep — 5-star all-inclusive Mitsis Selection Blue Domes, with lodging starting from bungalows to villas.
And the pool is to die for. It looks like it by no means ends as if it flows straight into the ocean.
2) Kalymnos
Formerly a sponge-diving hotspot, all that modified when Spongebob captured our hearts.
Okay, thats second half is a lie…
What’s actually remodeled the island of Kalymnos from a former diver haven within the 90s’ to now what’s attracted a brand new kind of journey: mountain climbing.
You cannot miss Kalymnos staggering limestone cliffs, however even in case you’re not into chalking up your arms and praying to all of the Greek gods the ropes weren’t purchased on Temu, the island continues to be an idyllic paradise providing lovely seashores, vibrant villages, and general, a refreshingly genuine Greek island expertise.
Travelers rave about Platis Yialos Beach on TripAdvisor, however Vlychadia Beach is off-the-beaten path with crystal-clear waters on what looks like a secluded cove.
For the perfect views, vacationers additionally rave concerning the unmissable Saint Savvas monastery perched on the hillside and are free to enter.
Hotels are tremendous low cost in case you’re prepared to downsize to a comfortable boutique resort. Kantouni Blue Sea holds a formidable 4.9 Google ranking, and charges are round $50 via spring.
1) Nisyros
Ever heard of Nisyros? It’s in all probability an excellent factor that the majority of us have not because the island’s declare to fame is an energetic volcano, however is open to the general public to go to.
It erupted within the 1800s, however its wild historical past goes manner deeper. The volcano’s origins actually put the “myth” in “mythology.”
As Nat Geo put it, it was ‘Poseidon who seized a bit of Kos and hurled it on prime of a fiery Titan known as Polyvotis’, ensuing within the creation of Nisyros.
Fact verify, anybody?
You’ll wish to scroll again as much as #3, as Kos is the perfect gateway right here. Even in case you’re not into volcanic hikes, the pint-sized capital Mandraki is a delight to go to.
In reality, one may argue it is one of the picturesque cities in all of Greece’s islands. Lined with multi-colored properties, Byzantine church buildings, and sun-drenched waterfront tavernas, that is the kind of laid-back Mediterranean paradise we have all dreamt of visiting.
Nat Geo additionally hypes up the tiny village of village of Emporios, however it packs a punch with ruins of castles, a pure cave sauna, and arguably the perfect views of the volcano.
If you keep in Mandraki, company have beloved boutique resort Romantzo, solely $51 per night time this spring and presents spacious sea-view balconies.
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