The Greek Islands are full of wonderful places that thousands love to visit. Some delightful things about the Aegean region are the wonderful sun shine, long balmy evenings, the fabulous hospitable Greek people and the delicious, rustic cuisine. Mass tourism, has thankfully bypassed a lot of the Islands, but if night-life and excitement is what you are hoping for, there are numerous places that can accommodate you. For the rest of us, there are hidden corners of Greek island paradise.

Some websites associated with the Greek islands focus only on the positive. This web site provides detail about different Greek islands destinations and we try to give you an open and honest account of the different islands.

It is unique, with clear information, which may help if you decide to visit one, or several different resorts. It’s our aim to help you appreciate all this picturesque Aegean region has to offer.

There are many terrific resorts with fantastic accommodation. Throughout the country, there are quiet hideaways, lively resorts, excellent beaches, fine restaurants and many welcoming hospitable places to stay, no matter what your budget is.

• Cruising
• Sunbathing
• Swimming and snorkelling
• SCUBA Diving
• Walking
• Sailing
• Site seeing
• Dining out
• Dancing and nightlife
• Rock climbing
• Surfing
• Wind Surfing
• Kite Surfing
• Water Skiing
• Water sports
• Making friends
• Travelling and island hopping

Some of the smaller, sleepier islands are only reachable by ferry or sailing boat and yet while the accommodation may be quite basic, in the main, it is usually very comfortable and your stay will be pleasant.

We've compiled our list of Greek islands, both large and small, and we feel comfortable in recommending them to our visitors. Some of the smaller islands of course, will not be appropriate for those looking for a more lively type of holiday destination.

Most Greek islands lie in the Aegean Sea and are divided in seven groups (from north to south):

• North Eastern Aegean Greek Islands: Agios Efstratios, Thassos, Ikaria, Lesvos, Limnos, Inousses, Samos, Samothraki, Chios, Psara.


• The Sporades: Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros 


• Evia: is the second largest island after Crete and one of the most beautiful Greek islands. Its charms are many, spread all over the island, presenting a picture which is especially appreciated by all its visitors. Together with the island of Skyros, the islands of the Gulf of Evia, a part of the mainland and some small islands, it constitutes the county of Evia...


• The Argo-Saronic Gulf Islands: Angistri, Aegina, Poros, Salamina, Spetses, Hydra and the coastal area of Methana.


• The Cyclades: A group of 56 islands, its most important ones being Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos, Folegandros, as well as the “Minor Cyclades” comprising Donousa, Irakleia, Koufonisia and Schinoussa. 


• The Dodecanese: Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, Halki.


• Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the Greek island closest to North Africa. Magnificent small islands surround the biggest island of Greece like Gramvousa, Dia, Gianisatha, Koufonisi and Chrisi. Gavdos and Gavdopoula is a small complex of islands and are considered the southern edge of Greece..

The Ionian Sea is home to one sole island group:

• The Ioninan Islands: Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Cephallonia, Lefkada, Paxi, Antipaxi, Ereikoussa, Mathraki, Meganissi, Othoni, Strofades.
  
  These islands, together with Kythira, which is however cut-off from the rest, opposite the southern Peloponnese (Lakonia), as well as neighbouring Antikythira, they constitute the Eptanissa.

• Seems obvious, but make sure your passport is up to date and store it safely in preparation for your journey.
• Make a photocopy of your identification, just in case, you never know.
• Check flight times.
• Don't take bottles of liquid in your hand luggage. I had a bottle of perfume taken from me and put into a bin at the airport. Whilst I was extremely upset, the customs did what they had to, in line with the then current legislation.
• Greece is a Christian country, so please respect their culture and religious beliefs.
• The alcohol consumption limit if your driving is much lower than in some other countries. So, if you are driving, please don't drink; you don't want to spoil your time here and cabs are relatively easy to find.
• Although topless bathing isn't against the law, most Greeks don't like you to do it on public beaches.
• Some of the beaches are prone to litter being blown around; this is not as important to some of the inhabitants as it is to most of the visiting population. Nevertheless, please discard your litter responsibly...it makes sense to set a good example!
• Greek people are quite passionate when they talk to each other, they are not rowing, its just their way of expressing themselves; it's quite mesmerising when you witness it.
• The Greeks, like most foreigners, really appreciate it when you try your hand at saying hello and good evening in their mother tongue, give it a go! Efharisto (thank you)!
• Take something warm to wear, it may get cold during the evening.
• Try to stay in company, please don't wonder off, for your own safety, but if you do, let someone know where you are. Whilst you will never feel threatened, it pays to be careful nowadays no matter where you are in the world.
• Enjoy a drink but be sensible, the Greek police are not used to seeing drunken behaviour, particularly from their younger generation.
• Finally, please don't think the peoples of the Islands are naive, they are not. Far from it, they are very 'switched on'. Don't confuse their genuine, warm, unquestioning hospitality for stupidity.

  We also have our top ten Pre-Travel Tips for you and our Family Friendly Holiday Check-list as well. We do hope you find them helpful !

  With the more popular islands you can quite often fly directly to their own airport. These are the islands which will usually have the higher visitor numbers. Although busy, there are always quiet places to be found, far away from the 'madding crowds'.

  Quieter islands are more often than not, to be found far off the main tourist drags and you may need a short ferry ride to reach them; but it is worth the extra effort required to get there.

  Sleepy islands are nearly always small and will only be accessible by a small ferry, or sometimes the boat of a hotel owner. Those happy with simple walks, a couple of tavernas and golden beaches will be attracted to these.

  Choose from a variety of wonderful accommodations; from small hotels, charming holiday guest houses, luxury holiday villas, or a cozy bed & breakfast.

  The owners and designers of the many holiday properties have captured the beauty and spirit of the islands in there own unique and friendly way.

  The focus in Greece are the islands themselves and the friendly, hospitable inhabitants. Don't come to the Greek Islands seeking high rise hotels on the beach, crowded promenades or busy nightlife.

  The islands, in the main, are for people wanting a real getaway, who want to celebrate life, nature, and...who knows...fall in love all over again!.

  There's lots to explore on this website and we hope there's everything you may need to help you plan and enjoy your Heavenly Greek Island, so...happy browsing!

  Please...do come to the Heavenly Greek Islands...you never know, you may fall in love all over again; I really hope so !

  We look forward to seeing you...

  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Minky Jardine
  Creator & Editor

  Ef-hari-sto (Thank you)...for visiting my site!
  I hope you enjoy your stay

  
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  Well, I've said enough for the time being...so I shall leave you to wander around the site on your own; to help you on your way, here are several topics that may be of interest to you!...
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Map of Greek Islands An outline map of Greek Islands illustrating their positions relative to each other and mainland Greece

  Argo - Saronic Gulf Islands The Saronic Gulf islands have one of the best ferry networks across Greece, with fast hydrofoil services from Piraeus at regular intervals every day.

  Cyclades Island A Cyclades island is something many dream about; sun-drenched with dappled earth liying in the blissful sea that is the celebrated Aegean. From the big island of Naxos to lesser Iraklia and Anafi.

  Dodecanese Greece The Dodecanese Greece, is agroup of islands in the South Eastern part of the Aegean Sea. The islands are situated between Crete, the eastern shores of the Cyclades and Asia Minor.

  North Eastern Aegean Greek Islands The North Eastern Aegean Greek lslands group is much closer to Turkey than to the Greek mainland. They are composed of Chios, Ikaria, Lesvos (Mytilene), Limnos, Thassos and Samos.

  Ionian Islands Greece Running parallel with the west coast, the Ionian islands Greece, are no more than 30km from the mainland. Their position, at the southern end of the Adriatic, historically put them at the mercy of nor

  Island of Crete The Island of Crete is a lot more than just another Greek island. In fact it doesn't feel like an island at all, but more of a country in own right.

  The Sporades Islands The Sporades are an archipelago along the east coast of Greece, northeast of the island of Euboea, in the Aegean Sea. It consists of 24 islands, of which five are inhabited: Alonnisos, Skiathos, Skope

  Remote Greek Islands, Secluded Romantic Quiet Greek Islands Remote Greek islands and some secluded romantic quiet Greek Islands accommodation, hotels and more.

  Special Greek Destinations: Stay with Special Greek People Over 200 special Greek destinations where you can stay with welcoming Greek people and who knows, meet one or two famous Greek people.

  Central Hotel Athens Central Hotel Athens: The former Aphrodite Hotel is on the edge of Plaka's pedestrian zone, and the goddess of beauty has been at work.

  Greek Island Cruise For a really different kind of Greek island cruise, you must treat yourself to a gullet cruise and combine it with a little historical exploration.

  Greek Islands Cruises Greek islands cruises provide the basis of an ideal Aegean adventure. There are cruises for everybody and most of us think that we have to take in at least one cruise in our lifetime.

  Sailing Greek Islands Sailing Greek islands is an absolutely wonderful way of seeing this magical part of the world. The Aegean with all its beauty can be explored and seen best, by a sailing voyage on these waters.

  Ancient Greek Underworld The Ancient Greek Underworld was a place, according to ancient Greek Mythology where, it was believed, that all the souls of the damned went to, also called Hades Underworld. Not only do the dead go t

  Ancient Greeks ... A Brief History of the the Ancient Greeks World, covering topics, such as Art and Architecture, Mythology, Culture, the Olympics, Philosophy, Kings and Rulers of Ancient Greece.

  Greek Gods and Goddesses Greek Gods and Goddesses myths were not all written on the same day. They evolved along with Greek civilisation.

  Greek Ferries and Tickets Since the deregulation of Greek ferries the impact has been mixed. We have seen midweek discounts of up to 30%, but at the same time a ticket to Mykonos can cost up to a staggering €75.

  Greece Weather Greece weather follows a typical Mediterranean climate pattern with warm, dry summers and mild rainy winters. The country receives a lot of sunshine, for which it is rightly famous.

  Tantalising Greek Foods Tantalising Greek foods and Greek food recipes for you to try at home. Includes everything from a simple gyro to full blown haute cuisine.

  Greek Names Greek names and name of Greek gods

  Greek Recipes | Greek Food Recipes | Find a Great Greek Recipe Greek recipes: There are thousands of wonderful greek food recipes; here are a few that you can try at your leisure.

  The Island of Evia, Greece Evia is the second largest island after Crete and one of the most beautiful Greek islands.

  Kalymnos Greece Kalymnos Greece is located within the group of islands known as The Dodecanese. It is a working island and as such, it is a year round location as opposed to other more touristy islands. Nevertheless

  Kea, Greek Island, Cyclades Closest to the mainland One of the loveliest Greek Islands.

  Kos Greece - An Island For Everybody As far as heavenly Greek Islands go, Kos Greece, in my opinion is one of the best. Kos caters for all tastes, whether you want a lively resort or a quiet place to laze away the days.

  Leros Island Leros, part of the south east Aegean islands called Dodecanese. Leros lies between Patmos and Kalymnos. REcently opened to the tourist trade, so has a llong way to go before it on a par with Rhodes or

  Patmos Greece Patmos Greece is a delectable island in the Dodecanese, close to Leros

  Rhodes Greece - A Colossus of an Island Rhodes Greece is one of the larger Dodecanese Islands. It is really an exquisite island and many consider it the IT (fashion centre) place to live.

  Telendos Greece - An island without traffic Telendos Greece is a small island a very short distance from Kalymnos. It is a lovely quiet island and there are no cars on Telendos. It's a short trip by a short boat from Myrties

  Islands Adventuring Islands adventuring in Greece is available in abundance to the more adventurous traveller. This site gives some idea of the watery, land-based, and underwater activities available in the islands.

  Why the Aegean Greek islands? Begin your own journey of discovering the many attributes that make the Aegean Greek islands experience one that is not easily put in words but one that is truly bound in 'feeling is believing'.

  Greek islands real estate for sale. This is our little piece of Greek islands real estate that we have decided to sell. We bought it as our holiday home and it has served us well. Now it is time for us to move on.

  News & UpdatesOn Heavenly Greek Islands A travellers log of the authors excursions throughout the Greek Islands over many years. Here, you can find all the information required to plan you holidays and vacations.

  Heavenly Greek Islands Newsletter Journey with us through the heavenly Greek islands.

  Heavenly Greek Islands Contact Page Contact Heavenly Greek Islands

  Greek Life Through Boggers' Eyes Greek Life! What's so special about it? Find out what other expats have to say. Check out the best blogs and websites out there. Stories from travellers, adventures, photography, opinions, links..

  How to Work From Home A page bout me and how to work from home.

  Rosys Little Village | Angistri | Saronic Islands Rosys Little Village: This is Rosy's retreat, Where she and her husband Nondas spend most of the year in peaceful, art filled semi-retirement.

  Lost City of Atlantis Lost city of Atlantis: Possibly an entire continent. It is said to have been submerged beneath the sea, possibly as a result of volcanic activity or a huge earthquake.

  
  
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