Away from hiking trails: five beautiful greek islands

No European tourist destination can compare to the popularity of Greek resorts: Europeans love come here for the weekend, and tourists from more remote corners prefer to relax in Hellas for several weeks. On numerous Greek islands, country guests enjoy crystal clear water, soft sand, gentle rays of the sun, surrounding sights, local cuisine and all those the pleasures with which we firmly associate the carefree and pleasant stay.

15.09.2014

Парос, Миконос, Санторини, Родос – о них не слышал, пожалуй,just lazy. But in a country of about 1,400 Islands, there are probably many other less studied places, where do not lead the massive hiking trails. Here, for example, some of them.

1. Paxos

The smallest of the Ionian Islands, Paxos, is located south of Corfu. In the east of the island are white beaches with shallow pebbles, and in the mountainous western part there are chalk cliffs and caves. AT small villages with typical Mediterranean architecture white houses tourists can easily rent low-cost housing, even without prior reservation. What to do in Paxos? Take rent a boat and take a boat trip – to many beautiful beaches here can be reached only by sea. In the town of Gaios, the capital of the island, you can find great eateries, cafes and restaurants with amazing Greek cuisine. A small tourists are advised to visit Lakka village for hiking: on its narrow streets you can catch that amazing and unhurried the rhythm that lives in the Greek province. South of Paxos is Islet Antipaxos, known for its secluded sandy beaches.

2. Ithaca

Ithaca – a small amazing island, forever glorified Homer is the legendary birthplace of Odyssey. About this island we all heard from school, so to be here is a double pleasure, because there is a sense of belonging to the legendary the events that took place thousands of years ago!

Ithaca is part of the Ionian Islands and is located east of Kefalonia. Mass tourism has not yet reached these places however, the conditions for recreation are no worse, and sometimes even better, than at more famous neighboring resorts. Picturesque villages, ancient monasteries, pebbly and sandy beaches – this is not all charms of the island, which attract travelers here. Capital Ithaki Wati is one of the world’s largest natural harbors, and on its streets, taverns, bars and shops side by side with historical and archaeological sites. To fully appreciate the beauty of the island and its surroundings, be sure to make boat trip!

3. Koufonisi

The islands of Pano (upper) and Kato (lower) Koufonisi are part of Small Cyclades and located in the eastern part of the archipelago. These the islands have only recently lived solely by fishing, however soon tourists began to drop in here too.

First, the Greeks themselves came to rest on Koufonisi, and then, according to their paths went and foreign guests. Koufonisi is mainly loved for authenticity and originality: here you can see the real Greece – no gloss and tinsel for visitors. As mentioned above, the main the occupation of the inhabitants of Koufonisi was and remains fishing, therefore in local taverns tourists for a small price will be able to taste the freshest delicacies caught from the depths of the Aegean Sea.

4. Ikaria

Ikaria Island is part of the Eastern Sporades archipelago, and despite the rather large size (area 225 km), while a little Popular among holidaymakers. Even the ancient Greeks discovered in Ikaria several healing springs for which residents and guests of the country still come to improve their health. Wellness Terma resort with mineral springs is located 2 km from the capital island of Ayios Kirikos. Near the town of Armenistis is biological reserve with relict plant species, lakes and waterfalls – a great place for walking in the fresh air. Not The local caves are of less interest to tourists, many of which are not studied until the end to this day. Worth it visit also the traditional village of Christ, located on the mountainside, which offers a breathtaking view of the island and sea.

5. Tylos

The small rocky island of Tilos, part of the South Sporade, located in the south of the Aegean Sea. Here in every village there are several ancient churches or monasteries, and in Archaeological excavations are constantly held in the area. The administrative center of the island of Megalo Chorio is also built on the site of the ancient city, the remains of the buildings of which are here and there see between modern buildings. 2 km from the capital is The island’s most famous beach is Eristos. However, the main local The attraction is not considered to be churches and ancient ruins, but the cave of Harkadio, where skeletons of ancient elephants and tools of primitive man. In addition, Tilos is known their protected areas, where rare species live in the natural environment. types of birds, animals and plants. The location of the island as it were on does not contribute to the side of the tourist routes of Greece rapid development of the tourism industry, so on the island Independent travelers prefer to stay prefer quiet rest.

photo: greece.com