Greece knows no crisis! It has always been a tourist destination (certainly since the second half of the 18th century), because the charm of its islands – but also the rugged beauty of its continental hinterland – attracts thousands of people from all over the world every year. And like any over-inflated tourist destination, there are “cool” locations that everyone wants to visit and lesser-known but equally beautiful places … yet to be discovered. In addition to the very famous Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos, the map of the wonderful Greek islands includes dozens of incredible lands. Proposing an itinerary per year in order to get to know them all could be a happy idea! And what about 2024? What will you propose?
Santorini and its Famous Sisters
Santorini (the ancient Saint Irene of Venetian domination) is a marvel of white-and-blue villages overlooking a “round” sea, just as the round volcanic caldera … not completely extinct! … where the urban centers were built. It has always been a tourism paradise, bookings are skyrocketing in 2024 too! You go to Santorini to enjoy that aura of ancient Greece: sun, sea, excellent food, little shops in Fira and windmills in Oia.
Also confirmed for this year are Zakynthos, strongly linked to the story of Ulysses but today loved above all for its beaches, in particular for the very famous “Wreck beach”. There you can swim around a submerged ship… after reaching the cove via long excursions on foot or by boat. Mykonos also shows off its white mills against a turquoise sky; its beaches are a paradise of freedom, especially for the LGBTQ+ population, but also for those seeking clean, fascinating waters and unique archaeological itineraries. Crete, on the other hand, is the kingdom of ancient palaces… the Minoan palace, the royal place of Knossos, the monasteries…. Here the sea is a precious break between spectacular historical-artistic itineraries.
More Islands for 2024
For summer 2024 the guides also recommend booking on the islands of Ios, Milos, Naxos, Paros. All boasting – needless to say! – romantic beaches and a wonderful sea, each subsequently differs in its own special characteristics.
In Ios, among the beautiful beaches surrounded by harsh and rocky vegetation you can also visit the father of Odyssey, Homer’s, Tomb!
Milos is an island full of museums, archaeological ruins, historic buildings that alternate with white rocky beaches and light blue waters. Here you can also enjoy some hot pools for open-air thermal baths.
Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades and is famous for its temples which are still in good condition. But it is equally true that tourists come here for its many dream beaches: to name just a few, Saint Anna, Saint Procopius, Alikos, Kastraki, Mikri Vigla, Plaka and Saint George!
If you choose Paros you will also have to visit its towns that seem like they came out of a fairy tale! The little shops of Parikià, the village “of good wine” Naoussa, the rugged beauty of the bay of Hrysì Aktì, the islet of Antiparos… and above all the tastings in the Moraitis Cellars… are the elements that will make you want to stay. Or to come back again.
New Discoveries for Summer 2024
If you want to avoid the crowds, the “magical” and noisy nights, the inflated standards of the Greek islands, this year focus on the solitary beauty of Kea, which can be reached with a nice ferry trip so to enjoy the quiet of the fishing village and the deserted beaches.
But you can also go and discover Koufonissi… a small paradise of white rocks, with a few houses and a few beaches you can explore by a healthy bike ride! Or you can stay a few days in Iraklya to admire its pink sunsets over a very calm sea, surrounded by silence and the ancient songs of the few remaining inhabitants.
Finally, why not go and discover Astypalea with its white village straddling two hills overlooking the small port? In the evening, the view reminds of a glittering nativity scene on the sea! Here there are few tourists and the inhabitants love the tranquility. So if you want to go there… you will have to love quiet life too.
How to Get to the Islands
Many of the Greek islands have their own small airports and some of them are also international hubs, especially in the summer. You will easily find means to get to your place, whether you land in Athens (ATH) and then move via ferries, or land in Santorini (JTR), Zakynthos (ZTH), Mykonos (JMK), Naxos (JNX).