What if you chose the islands for your next Greek holiday? A wonderful time awaits, whether in spring, summer or autumn, whether you are a keen walker or an occasional hiker, travelling alone or with your family. Whichever island you choose, you will find walks with a delightful Mediterranean feel, fabulous views and inviting coves, a warm welcome, charming ports and villages, exceptional cultural heritage, a cheerful and peaceful atmosphere, and delicious food.
Mountain lovers like those of us at Grand Angle, an agency founded in the Vercors in the Alps, also love Greece: there may be no snow-covered peaks, but there are majestic views and endless horizons over the sea. Over time, Grand Angle has become a specialist in the country, even establishing a branch in Corfu (Kélifos) to be as close as possible to your trip.
And you, how well do you know the Greek islands? Are you aware of how varied their landscapes are from one archipelago to another? Today, we offer you a short geographical overview of Grand Angle trips in Greece.
1. The Ionian Islands: between Greece and Italy
Off the west coast of Greece, the archipelago begins south of Albania and stretches down along the coast of Epirus. Its islands include Corfu, Paxos, Kefalonia and Ithaca. Historically and culturally, these islands are linked to Italy, and you can admire Venetian architecture in their towns. Beautiful Kythira lies a little apart, south of the Peloponnese, but is nevertheless associated with the Ionian Islands.
Here, the climate is mild and the vegetation lush, with superb mountain landscapes as well as sublime sandy beaches.
On foot, by bike or on a bike and boat trip, guided or self-guided, discover the emerald island of Corfu with Grand Angle; Paxos, its little neighbour fringed with beaches; or Kythira, with its wild beauty, all part of the Ionian Islands. For inspiration, we invite you to read the full account, with plenty of illustrations, by Les Globe Blogueurs, who walked across Corfu, or François’s accounts of hiking in Corfu and Paxos and exploring Kythira.
2. The Cyclades: our picture-postcard islands
These are the favourite islands of French travellers: 24 islands in the heart of the Aegean Sea! They include the famous islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Amorgos and Sifnos, with the arid little island of Delos at their centre, the birthplace of Apollo and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cyclades are often mountainous and somewhat dry, but their hilltop and seaside villages are whitewashed and filled with flowers, blue-domed chapels dot the mountains and coastline, valley slopes are carved into terraces and planted with olive trees, and secluded coves offer crystal-clear, deep-blue water.
Grand Angle has developed more itineraries in the Cyclades than anywhere else, having explored them for nearly 40 years: on foot, by bike, staying in hotels, aboard a sailing boat or a catamaran, from east to west, guided or self-guided, as a couple, in a group or with your family, there is plenty of choice! For a taste of somewhere different, read Anne-Marie Billault’s account of her trip around Naxos, Amorgos and Sifnos.
3. The Saronic Islands: gentle island life near Athens
In the heart of the Saronic Gulf, these islands are very close to Athens! As you sail from the Cyclades towards Athens aboard your 3-masted schooner, you will have the chance to explore them by bike and enjoy their relaxed way of life, beautiful villages, little ports and coves with turquoise waters.
4. Crete, cradle of European civilisation
Crete, the island of the gods and birthplace of Zeus, is almost a country in its own right; it even has its own language, recognised as such. At the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia, Crete lies at the origins of Greek mythology and holds a fascinating heritage: Minoan palaces, Venetian and Ottoman architecture… Nature is just as impressive! The island is mountainous, with magnificent gorges cutting through the White Mountains, including Samaria Gorge. The coast is home to beautiful towns, while the southern shore also has little ports opening onto superb coves and beaches that can only be reached on foot or by sea. The kindness of the Cretans and their delicious cuisine will leave you wanting to stay for life… You will see, we are not exaggerating!
Grand Angle’s trips take place in south-eastern Crete, with a stop in the beautiful city of Chania and/or Heraklion, very close to Knossos. And if you would like a holiday with very easy walking, we have that too! To start travelling right away, discover the account of Crete, a journey through time and space.
Need more inspiration for trips to the Greek islands? Discover all our travel stories from Greece on our blog, or explore all our trips to Greece.
To keep the holiday feeling alive and prepare for your next summer adventures, do not miss our selection of the Top 10 destinations in Europe for summer.
