Beautifully preserved stone-built settlements and fortified towns spread all over Greece form a harmonious combination of local architecture and western influences. Silent witnesses of the country’s fascinating history are the ideal settings for you to rediscover romance. Whether in mainland Greece or on an island, beautiful sites await to offer you a journey through time and the opportunity to find yourself in places where the past and the present meet.
Be the knight or princess of your childhood fairytales in the Byzantine town of Mystrás, Peloponesse.
The mystical tower town of Mystrás, was declared in 1989 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around the castle city and sense through the silence the city's sheer grandeur: the Palace of the Despots (Anáktora), the Houses of Laskaris and Frangopoulos, the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Dimitrios and the impressive Monasteries of Our Lady Pantánassa, and of Our Lady Perivleptos.
Monemvasia: Unveil a medieval mystery!
Monemvasiá, founded by the Byzantines in the sixth century, is a breathtaking medieval tower town located on the south-eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Upon entering the castle, your journey through time begins. Peer into the history of the fortress –the so-called “Gibraltar of the East”–, which was occupied by the Byzantines, the Crusaders, the Venetians, and the Turks in the past.
Sérvia: A lesser-known fortified town in Macedonia
Visit Sérvia, “the Mystrás of Macedonia”, a breathtaking castle city on the southern part of Kozaniarea in Western Macedonia. “Sérvia” actually means “observe” or “guard” from the Latin verb “servo”. This beautifully preserved Byzantine fortress and its settlement are situated at the top of a naturally fortified hill overlooking the valley of the Haliakmon River.
Mestá: A medieval treasure hidden on the island of Chios
Mestá is a famous traditional medieval settlement on the south-western part of Chios.Upon entering the gateway of the castle, the “Door of the Captain”, you will sense the awe-inspiring atmosphere of this medieval village, which was built during the Genoese domination, and is a model of defensive architecture.
Rhodes: The island of the knights
As you enter one of the largest medieval towns in Europe through the Gate of Freedom, it soon becomes obvious that the Old Town of Rhodes is a mosaic of different cultures and civilizations; rarely does a visitor have the chance to stroll within medieval walls and explore twenty-four centuries of history. The fascinating medieval fortress-like buildings, the bastions, walls, gates, narrow alleys, minarets, old houses, fountains, tranquil and busy squares make it feel like you have stepped back into medieval times.
Vathia’s traditional settlements , Peloponnese
Váthia is located in the southern part of Laconian Mani; it belongs to the group of settlements called "Inner Villages" (Mesa Horia). On the top of a 200m high hill, Váthia is a dense, stone-built settlement consisting of 144 buildings grouped into four distinct neighbourhoods. The architectural style of the buildings and the village's spatial organisation reflect the struggle between Mani families competing to settle on the hilltop, Váthia’s dominant strategic point during the medieval times.
THE LAKES IN GREECE
Lakes reflecting beauty
Like stunning mirrors of outstanding natural beauty, lakes in Greece reflect the splendour of the Greek landscape in their waters. It is not by chance that the lakes of Greece, with their unique natural charm, have since time immemorial determined the destinies of mortal beings and the immortal gods of Greek mythology. Closely interconnected with human existence and the places around them, Greek lakes cast a powerful spell over their visitors.
Lake Trihonida
Surface area: 96 km2
Deepest point: 57 m
Lake Trihonida is an unexplored wonderland of beauty and remarkable biological diversity. The lake, in the Aetolia region of Western Greece, was created by vast geological changes. This is the largest lake in Greece and, as well as being beautiful, it is a major natural habitat of enormous ecological value with significant stocks of fish.
More than 140 species of bird can be found at the lake - thirty of them endangered. The birds nestle in the reed thickets or in the area surrounding the lake. On the shores, impressive calcareous fens create habitats of special scientific interest. Centuries-old plane trees, willows, oleanders, osiers, eucalyptus trees, olive groves and citrus trees create a forest landscape of outstanding natural beauty. In spring, wild orchids, cyclamens and gladiolas give off an intoxicating scent that rejuvenates the senses, and the water itself is dotted with beautiful white water lilies.
The lake is home to a wide variety of species of freshwater fish - some of these are rare and some delicious! Taste the superb lake sandsmelt, a gastronomic “must” to savour at local tavernas!
In the evening, when the sun withdraws discreetly back into its kingdom, the lights in the small villages of Arakynthos are reflected in the calm waters of the lake.
Activities: Explore the area by renting a sea bicycle or try paragliding to enjoy a birds’ eye view of the lake!
The Prespa Lakes
Small Prespa
Surface area: 47. 35 km2
Deepest point: 8 m
Great Prespa
Surface area: 272 km2
Deepest point: 55 m
In the Florina region, surrounded by mountains, there is a magical world of incomparable natural beauty created by retreating glaciers and a series of seismic phenomena. Two important lakes here, Great and Small Prespa, provide a stunning sight, reflecting the wooded slopes of the surrounding mountains in their waters.
One of the most important wetlands in Europe, the Prespa lakes are considered to be a paradise for migratory birds; hundreds of bird species, many of them endangered, nest and breed here, among them the Dalmatian pelican, the cormorant and the heron. Kit yourself out with the right bird watching equipment and visit the special Bird Observatory, where members of the Hellenic Ornithological Society will tell you all about the birds or even lend you a telescope to observe them.
Don’t forget to cross the floating bridge leading to the island of Saint Achilios in Small Prespa and admire the ruins of the 10th century church of the same name. Visit the caves where hermits used to live and admire the rock paintings which can be seen at Fishermen Bay or along the shores of Great Prespa. At the end of your tour of the lakes, wander around the traditional settlements of Psarades (meaning Fishermen) and Aghios Germanos, where you can also try a meal of carp, one of the delicious fish found in the lake, Florina peppers and gigantes beans accompanied with a little local tsipouro (a clear schnapps-like spirit).
Activities: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to go on a romantic boat ride across the Great Prespa lake on traditional boats called “plaves”.
Lake Plastira
Surface area: 25. 2 km2
Deepest point: 60 m
Also known as “Little Switzerland”, Lake Plastira is surrounded by an idyllic landscape of unspoiled natural beauty that steals visitors’ hearts as soon as they set eyes on it. One of the biggest artificial lakes in Greece, the lake was created on the site where the Tavropos River used to flow in antiquity towards the Acheloos River further south. This marvellous stretch of water was created thanks to the vision of Nikolas Plastiras (after whom it was named), who wished to create an impressive dam that would bring great benefits to the whole area. Green mountain peaks bestow even greater beauty on the region and fast-flowing streams embellish the breathtaking scenery. Every season here has its own beauty and adds to the charms of the Agrafon region for thousands of visitors all year round.
Activities: A host of activities are available for visitors to explore nature in the area, including canoe-kayaking, sea biking or a trip in a traditional piroga (a small flat-bottomed boat).
Lake Pamvotida
Surface area: 23 km2.
Deepest point: 5 metres
This well known lake was in ancient times known as “Pamvotis” (the great provider). Situated right next to the city of Ioannina, this uncommonly beautiful lake is a true gem of the Ioannina Basin region. With a fascinating history full of legends and traditions that go back centuries, the lake of Kyra Frosyni * has become famous beyond the borders of Greece.
The lake is supplied by the springs of Mount Mitsikeli, of Drabatova, Sendeniko and Krya. Its waters are usually calm, though it freezes on occasions. It exerts a mysterious charm over the locals, who spend sunny summer days on its shores, revel in the morning mist around its banks or walk next to it on melancholic winter’s evenings.
There are thick reed beds around the lakeside as well as dense thickets of willows, poplar trees and huge plane trees which offer shelter from the wind to a host of local and migrational birds. Herons, grebe, snipe, swans and cormorants all “earn their daily bread” by snacking on the local fish population.
The lake has two main features: a dream-like peninsula with its historic castle and towering minarets and the small island – the only island in Greece to be inhabited and yet not have a name – which basks in its green waters.
Little boats will ferry you through the local nature, past historic monasteries and into the picturesque fishing community, where the real heart of the island beats. Sample some of the desserts that Ioannina is famous for, enjoy the warm welcome the locals offer guests or try some of the popular local snacks, such as carp, eel and frog’s legs.
The secrets of the lake are well hidden in the shroud of the morning mist. They await you when you take a trip through legend and history.
Activities: The Lake offers perfect conditions for water skiing, rowing and canoeing, as the wind in the area is usually very favourable.
*Interested in the story of Kyra Frosini?
She was a beautiful young girl that asked her parents to allow her to marry a Greek merchant from Venice so as to avoid being forced to join the harem of Ali Pasha, the local ruler (she was only 12 year old). One day, when her husband was away, Muhtar (Ali’s son) fell in love with her (although he too was already married). Unfortunately, Ali Pasha also liked her, so he sent his son abroad on a military mission to be able to get close to her himself. She refused his advances, so he accused her of prostitution and ordered her to be executed (along with 16 other girls) by being drowned in the lake! The year was 1801. The story of Kyra Frosyni is so popular that many taverns, cafes and boats on the lake are named after her.
The lake of Kastroria
Surface area: 28 km2.
Deepest point: 9 m.
With its uniquely glorious natural beauty, Lake Orestiada in Kastoria (kastoria in Greek means beaver – the area used to have a large population of the animal) enchants visitors with its indescribable beauty. It has been calculated that the lake came into existence 10,000,000 years ago and that, in its present form, it is a remnant of an older expanse of water that covered 164 square kilometres.
Lake Orestiada makes a stunning mirror in which the fur trading city of the same name is reflected. It is home to a significant population of birds with more than 200 species, many of them rare or endangered. Swans, wild pelicans, herons, cormorants and wild duck shelter in the dense forests on the shores of the lake and the moisture-loving trees around it, which lovingly protect their feathered guests beneath the canopy of their leaves. At the first light of day, the lake erupts into life. Fishermen in traditional local boats skilfully compete with the waterfowl to catch the varied rewards the lake has to offer, such as crucian carp, carp, perch and roach. When the sun begins to dip down to the horizon, cyclists and romantically minded walkers seek tranquillity and inner calm by walking amongst the gigantic copper-green plane trees that surround the oval lake.
Activities: The lake at Kastoria is ideal for water-based activities such as rowing, sailing, water skiing, fishing and boating.
ESCAPE TO GREECE AND CAPTURE THE BEAUTY !!!
Planning to visit Greece? If the answer is positive then there are two things that you should definitely bring with you: a high-quality digital camera to capture breathtaking sceneries and a high-capacity memory card to store all these beautiful spots!
The destinations described below are seven of the most photographed spots in Greece:
Santorini(Thira), Cyclades
The crescent shaped gem of an island is one of the most sought after destinations in the world! Here, from the picturesque village of Oia, perched on the rim of a massive caldera in the middle of the sea, you will have the chance to shoot amazing photos. The rose-hued sky during sunset offers the perfect backdrop to create your personal picture-postcard snapshot.
Mount Athos, Halkidiki
Mount Athos is home to the oldest monastic community living. It dates back over 1,000 years to the time of the Byzantine Empire. A secluded peninsula, Mount Athos has remained one of the least affected by the development. The landscape is impressive and wild. Women are not allowed in these holy places and men need a permit to enter. For cons, the island of Amouliani and the coastal village of Ouranoupolis welcome women. Men who have obtained all the guarantees to enter and explore monasteries, embark on a unique experience. Huge monasteries dot the coast and mountain slopes. There are caves that still house hermits as they have done for thousands of years. There are churches with more gold than the reserve of some countries and icons that perform miracles. There are virgin forests and animals not found anywhere else.
Twenty monasteries – keepers of the orthodox faith – perched along the peninsula make out an outstanding landscape of unique natural beauty that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ideally take your picture at sunrise, whenthe first light of dawn gently defines the area, and the sunrays warm up the monastery walls.
Mount Athos is located about two hours drive from Thessaloniki airport.
Bálos, Crete
Definitely one of the best beaches in the world; bask in turquoise waters lapping against sandy strips of landand savour an eye-catching landscape, a colourful palette with all shades of blue and green that it’s hard to describe in words. Any time of the day offers a lovely setting to take your picture against; morning and early afternoon scenes though, when the white sunlight sets off the landscape, can be particularly inspiring.
Acropolis, Athens
The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens; a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Athens’ landmark and the city’s most photographed site! Capture its grandeur late in the evening when the illuminated monument proudly overlooks the city against the dark Athenian sky.
Sounio, Athens
Perched on a cliff in Cape Sounio, Attica’s southeastern tip, lies the sacred Temple of Poseidon –the last piece of the ancient Athenians’ homeland every time they sailed into the Aegean. Take a picture of the Temple at noon or capture the romantic atmosphere of a cloudy afternoon when grey streams of light glisten in the waters of the Aegean. Hundreds of visitors flock to the Temple before sunset. Watching the sunset envelop the Temple’s centuries-old columns in mauve and pink shades is an unforgettable experience that will definitely weave a powerful spell over you.
Meteora, Thessaly
Above the town of Kalambáka, on the north-western edge of the Plain of Thessaly, the visitor encounters a breathtaking site of impressive monasteries “balanced” on massive detached stone pinnacles, 400 metres above the ground. Metéora is one of Christianity’s holiest places as well as a landscape of outstanding natural beauty. Thousands of visitors flock to this place every year, attracted by the daunting size of the rock formations where timelessness and beauty prevail, while they seek spiritual enlightenment far away from the earthly bustle.
The “stone forest” of Metéora is a perfect combination of natural and manmade landscape, practically inducing a sense of the transcendent. Visitors come here either to feel the aura of the contemplative seclusion of monastic life, and admire a truly unique natural landscape or to marvel at the outstanding architecture of the monasteries, the so-called “architecture of awe”.
Metéora is the second largest monastic and pilgrimage area in Greece after Mount Athos. The first monks took refuge on these cliff tops fleeing an invading Turkish army around the 11th century. Several monasteries were built in the centuries that followed and all the building materials had to be winched up in baskets. Until 1920 this was the sole means for getting supplies up to the monasteries. According to numerous historical sources, there were once thirty religious communities but today only six of them remain and can be visited; other smaller monasteries, mostly built during the 14th century, are now deserted.
In the past, monks had to climb steep rocks to reach the monasteries but today you can follow the steps cut into the rock or ride up a special cable car. Action enthusiasts, however, should opt for climbing, the ideal way to get an adrenaline rush and enjoy the uniqueness of the landscape in the most exciting way!
Nature lovers should not miss the opportunity to hike through winding stone paths and gaze at a unique geological phenomenon formed as a result of a chain of erosions and geological changes over a period of 15 million years. In 1988 Metéora was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Definitely, the most photogenic spiritual site in Greece!
The Shipwreck beach (Naváyio), Zakynthos (Zante)
With its mile-and-a-half long stretch of shiny white pebbles cutting deep into a sheer cliff on the island’s northwest coast, Naváyio (also written “Navagio”) is one of the most dramatic-looking beaches in Greece. The beach is famous for a rusty shipwreck washed on the shore thirty years ago. Ideally at noon, when the strong sunlight bathes the white cliffs, making the crystalline turquoise waters shine, go to the edge of the cliff and take spectacular photos from a distance. The first time you catch sight of it from the coast road high above is truly memorable.
Perhaps, the most photographed spot in Greece!
The destinations described below are seven of the most photographed spots in Greece:
Santorini(Thira), Cyclades
The crescent shaped gem of an island is one of the most sought after destinations in the world! Here, from the picturesque village of Oia, perched on the rim of a massive caldera in the middle of the sea, you will have the chance to shoot amazing photos. The rose-hued sky during sunset offers the perfect backdrop to create your personal picture-postcard snapshot.
Mount Athos, Halkidiki
Mount Athos is home to the oldest monastic community living. It dates back over 1,000 years to the time of the Byzantine Empire. A secluded peninsula, Mount Athos has remained one of the least affected by the development. The landscape is impressive and wild. Women are not allowed in these holy places and men need a permit to enter. For cons, the island of Amouliani and the coastal village of Ouranoupolis welcome women. Men who have obtained all the guarantees to enter and explore monasteries, embark on a unique experience. Huge monasteries dot the coast and mountain slopes. There are caves that still house hermits as they have done for thousands of years. There are churches with more gold than the reserve of some countries and icons that perform miracles. There are virgin forests and animals not found anywhere else.
Twenty monasteries – keepers of the orthodox faith – perched along the peninsula make out an outstanding landscape of unique natural beauty that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ideally take your picture at sunrise, whenthe first light of dawn gently defines the area, and the sunrays warm up the monastery walls.
Mount Athos is located about two hours drive from Thessaloniki airport.
Bálos, Crete
Definitely one of the best beaches in the world; bask in turquoise waters lapping against sandy strips of landand savour an eye-catching landscape, a colourful palette with all shades of blue and green that it’s hard to describe in words. Any time of the day offers a lovely setting to take your picture against; morning and early afternoon scenes though, when the white sunlight sets off the landscape, can be particularly inspiring.
Acropolis, Athens
The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens; a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Athens’ landmark and the city’s most photographed site! Capture its grandeur late in the evening when the illuminated monument proudly overlooks the city against the dark Athenian sky.
Sounio, Athens
Perched on a cliff in Cape Sounio, Attica’s southeastern tip, lies the sacred Temple of Poseidon –the last piece of the ancient Athenians’ homeland every time they sailed into the Aegean. Take a picture of the Temple at noon or capture the romantic atmosphere of a cloudy afternoon when grey streams of light glisten in the waters of the Aegean. Hundreds of visitors flock to the Temple before sunset. Watching the sunset envelop the Temple’s centuries-old columns in mauve and pink shades is an unforgettable experience that will definitely weave a powerful spell over you.
Meteora, Thessaly
Above the town of Kalambáka, on the north-western edge of the Plain of Thessaly, the visitor encounters a breathtaking site of impressive monasteries “balanced” on massive detached stone pinnacles, 400 metres above the ground. Metéora is one of Christianity’s holiest places as well as a landscape of outstanding natural beauty. Thousands of visitors flock to this place every year, attracted by the daunting size of the rock formations where timelessness and beauty prevail, while they seek spiritual enlightenment far away from the earthly bustle.
The “stone forest” of Metéora is a perfect combination of natural and manmade landscape, practically inducing a sense of the transcendent. Visitors come here either to feel the aura of the contemplative seclusion of monastic life, and admire a truly unique natural landscape or to marvel at the outstanding architecture of the monasteries, the so-called “architecture of awe”.
Metéora is the second largest monastic and pilgrimage area in Greece after Mount Athos. The first monks took refuge on these cliff tops fleeing an invading Turkish army around the 11th century. Several monasteries were built in the centuries that followed and all the building materials had to be winched up in baskets. Until 1920 this was the sole means for getting supplies up to the monasteries. According to numerous historical sources, there were once thirty religious communities but today only six of them remain and can be visited; other smaller monasteries, mostly built during the 14th century, are now deserted.
In the past, monks had to climb steep rocks to reach the monasteries but today you can follow the steps cut into the rock or ride up a special cable car. Action enthusiasts, however, should opt for climbing, the ideal way to get an adrenaline rush and enjoy the uniqueness of the landscape in the most exciting way!
Nature lovers should not miss the opportunity to hike through winding stone paths and gaze at a unique geological phenomenon formed as a result of a chain of erosions and geological changes over a period of 15 million years. In 1988 Metéora was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Definitely, the most photogenic spiritual site in Greece!
The Shipwreck beach (Naváyio), Zakynthos (Zante)
With its mile-and-a-half long stretch of shiny white pebbles cutting deep into a sheer cliff on the island’s northwest coast, Naváyio (also written “Navagio”) is one of the most dramatic-looking beaches in Greece. The beach is famous for a rusty shipwreck washed on the shore thirty years ago. Ideally at noon, when the strong sunlight bathes the white cliffs, making the crystalline turquoise waters shine, go to the edge of the cliff and take spectacular photos from a distance. The first time you catch sight of it from the coast road high above is truly memorable.
Perhaps, the most photographed spot in Greece!
THE ISLANDS OF GREECE (OVERVIEW)
The seas of Greece are sprinkled with over two thousand islands and islets.
The Greek islands have been a popular tourist destination for a long time, and each island of Greece with its unique topography, history, and culture attract thousands of visitors from around the world every summer.
Tourists flock to the Greek islands every year to enjoy a few days of beautiful weather, unique architecture, and the character of Greek hospitality. With so many islands to choose from, one is bound to find their favorite vacation spot, and while many preffer to island hop, others return to the same island year after year.
The gamut of character is incredibly wide. There are islands that have been forgotten by time that allow visitors to feel as if they live in a different era, and there are islands that offer cosmopolitan luxuries for every contemporary taste. There are quiet island spots where one can be lost in solitude, and also there are islands where one can be absorbed in the crowds.
Better yet, several islands offer everything in one destination. Islands like Rhodes and Crete are popular because they offer spectacular topography, unique hospitality, beautiful beaches, exciting tourist resorts, fascinating history, unique culture, quiet villages, and party-till-you drop towns.
Given the beautiful weather and the amount of sunshine that bathes the Greek islands in the summer, they have become the favorite destination of millions of Europeans and who choose the Greek islands to spend their annual vacation. Needless to say, several of the most popular islands of Greece are overrun by tourists in the summer, but depending on one’s taste, being among so many people who are there just to have fun together is not a bad place to be.
Alongside the most touristy islands of Greece are the quiet holiday spots with sleepy villages, picturesque promenades, endless sunny days, and crystal cool waters.
The major industry these days for most of the islands is tourism, but the remnants of the yesteryear activities of fishing, diving, commerce, and small-scale agriculture are everywhere. Greek islanders have a strong sense of tradition, and despite the considerable development of tourist infrastructure, they retain the unique cultural character of their individual island.
The unique topography, the long history of invasions, and the long tradition of commerce imprint each island with unique characteristics. Once you experience one Greek island, you will want to see them all. Searching for the perfect island is half the fun and might entice you to Greece annually for life.
GREECE ISLAND GROUPINGS
Greece is surrounded by three seas: the Ionian Sea to the west, the Aegean sea to the East, and the Sea of Crete to the south. They are all northern extensions of the Mediterranean sea that touches the south of the Peloponnese and Crete.
Accordingly, the islands of Greece are divided into Ionian and Aegean Islands and they in turn are separated into smaller administrative groupings or prefectures.
The Ionian Sea
The islands of the Ionian Sea all belong to the prefecture of Eptanisa. Eptanisa means “seven islands” and the grouping is comprised of
Corfu
Paxi and Antipaxi
Lefkada
Kefalonia
Ithaki
Zakynthos (Zante)
Kythira and Antikythira
The Aegean Sea
The islands of the Aegean Sea are divided into several administrative regions:
Saronic Gulf Islands (Islands of the Saronic Gulf and the vicinity)
Salamina
Aegina
Poros
Hydra
Spetses
Sporades (Islands of the northwest Aegean Sea)
Skiathos
Skopelos
Alonnisos
Evia and Skyros,
despite their proximity to the Sporades, these two islands administratively belong to Sterea Ellada
Souther Aegean Islands that include
Cyclades
Andros
Tinos
Syros
Mykonos
Delos
Paros and Antiparos
Naxos
Amorgos
Ios
Santorini (Thera)
Anafi
Sikinos
Folegandros
Milos
Kimolos
Sifnos
Serifos
Kythnos
Kea
Little Cyclades
Iraklia
Shinousa
Koufonisia
Donousa
Dodekanese
Rhodes
Halki
Karpathos
Kassos
Kastellorizo (Megisti)
Symi
Tilos
Nisyros
Kos
Astypalea
Kalymnos
Leros
Patmos
Lipsi
Arki
Agathonisi
North-Easter Aegean Islands
Ikaria
Fournoi
Samos
Chios
Inousses
Psara
Lesvos
Agios Efstratios
Samothraki
Thassos
Despite their position in the northeastern Aegean, Thassos and Samothraki islands belong administratively to the Easter Macedonia & Thrace prefecture.
Crete
VISITING THE GREEK ISLANDS
By Sea
To serve the multitude of islands, Greece has developed the most extensive network of ferries in Europe. In the last ten years the fleet has been modernized and expanded with new ferries that sail between the islands with speed and safety. One major accident in the island of Paros in the late 90s was the starting point for this modernization of the fleet, and maritime regulations that have become stricter to ensure the safety of the passengers. The newer ferries, besides speed and safety have added considerable comfort to their offerings.
The ports of Piraeus and Rafina are the busiest hubs of ferry activity. Between them they connect every major and minor island of the Aegean with every conceivable kind of boat. The islands closest to Athens can be reached within a few hours from these two ports, while islands further away require an overnight ferry ride.
By Air
The largest, and most popular Greek islands have airports that connect them to Athens and Thessaloniki by air. Most flights to the islands leave from Athens airport, and in high season they are connected directly with major European cities via charters that land with some regularity.
Smaller islands have smaller airports and see flights more infrequently, but several development programs have subsidized air travel between smaller Greek cities and Islands. For example, there is air travel between the city of Sitia in Crete and Alexandroupoli in eastern Thrace.
