Depending on which internet based oracle you believe, Greece is made up of anywhere between 1’200 and 6’000 islands, of which around 200 are inhabited.
No wonder it can be hard to narrow down a Greek holiday adventure into something succinct and manageable. Many choose to base their trip around island hopping, with a wide variety of ferry destinations scattered across the Aegean sea offering something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie, extreme sports lover or keen student of history.
After the 18 months we’ve all had, stuck indoors and very much dormant, we’re particularly keen to get out and amongst nature, far from the blue light of our screens and closer to the loulaki blue of Greece’s iconic buildings and the azure of its seas.
If you’re looking to join us, then hop aboard! Here’s what to do on a Greek island hopping holiday for nature lovers.
PADDLE IN BALOS BEACH AND LAGOON
Greece is famous for its picture perfect postcard beaches. From the throbbing parties of Mykonos’ beaches to the seafront tavernas of Corfu and the tranquillity of Paxos’ sandier stretches, Greece is a mecca for beach lovers.
If you’re after something a little more different and a lot more unique, then consider Balos beach and lagoon, known by locals as the ‘beautiful one’ and very fitting of this title.
On the west side of Crete and connecting the island’s Gramvousa peninsula with Tigani island, Balos Beach is an unspoiled, naturally made lagoon and beach framed by jagged cliffs and pristine sands. No wonder it’s regularly voted among the very best beaches in the world by travellers.
BOULDERING IN TINOS
For fans of more active excursions, visiting the island of Tinos is a must, especially for those who enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and especially bouldering.
With rugged, uninhabited hills and mountains (including the famous Mount Tsiknas and Mount Exobourgo), as well as the fertile plains of Falatados and 100 miles of coastline, Tinos is blessed with a landscape other Greek islands can only dream of. As such, it’s ideal for adventure sports.
In fact, Tinos is nicknamed ‘the Granite Island’ and has even been dubbed ‘Europe’s off-the-map bouldering mecca’ by Climbing Magazine. For those keen to get the granite underneath their nails and their adrenaline raised, the best two bouldering areas on the island are arguably Livada Beach and Volax. And the best part? Because Tinos isn’t particularly touristy, there’s plenty of elbow room for climbers!
DISCOVER THE HOT SPRINGS OF SANTORINI
Dive into nature’s spa in Santorini, one of the most iconic of all the Greek Islands.
Of course, you’ll know Santorini by its instantly recognisable, always Instagrammable whitewashed blue and white houses. What you might not know is that the island also boasts some incredible hot springs, namely the island of Nea Kameni, known as the Santorini Volcano.
Surrounded by naturally therapeutic hot springs and healing mineral waters, the island was created by volcanic eruptions and is, essentially, a formation of black lava.
Nea Kameni is only accessible by boat, with daily trips departing from Santorini’s two old ports, Athinios and Gialos, the latter of which is in the capital, Fira. Once there, nature lovers should head to the island’s small cove, Agios Nikolaos, to bathe, frolic and get healed.
Read: 7 of the best local dishes and delicacies to try in Santorini
SCALE THE CORFU’S TALLEST PEAK, MOUNT PANTOKRATOR
Situated in the north-east, Corfu’s tallest mountain peak Mount Pantokrator is a hiker’s dream. The views as you climb up the mountain are breathtaking and the summit, home to a monastery which dates back to the 1300s, is worth every moment of short breath experienced on the ascent. From here you can enjoy panoramic views of the neighbouring island of Paxos and you can even see Albania on a clear day.
The road up is home to some remote dwellings including the traditional Greek villages of Spartilas and Strinilas which offer some respite and refreshments, as well as an intriguing look into the past. On the way down, be sure to sample the locally brewed sweet wine at one of the taverns to help you on your way.
NATURAL POOL OF GIOLA
One of the world’s most beautiful defined lagoons, Giola is found on the island of Thasos. Perilously separated from the North Aegean sea by all but a few rocks, the natural pool sits some 8 metres above its lapping waves, seemingly enticing you in like a siren’s song.
As such, Giola feels a little like sitting (and swimming) at the edge of the known world. Should you be keen to dive off that edge, caution is advised; it’s a long way down! It should also be noted that in the peak holiday season, between June and August, it gets seriously busy here. Better to visit during the months that bookend that time, in May or September.
Oh, and watch out for sea urchins, which also call the lagoon home and can get a little, well, spiky about having the share the water.
VISIT MT. ZEUS IN NAXOS
For those interested in a bit of Greek Mythology, visiting Mount Zeus in Naxos should be top of the itinerary. In Greek legend, this mountain (sometimes known as Zas) housed a famous cave where Zeus spent his childhood and was said to have hidden from his father.
Apart from the mythical side of things, this mountain is the highest peak on Naxos, making it the ideal adventure for those who are keen to mix a little hiking with their history. The panoramic views from the top (a 7 km, four hour hike) are spectacular, taking in not only Naxos but also its surrounding islands, Paros, Keros and Iraklia.
CAVE OF THE NYMPHS, ITHACA
We end our tour of the Greek Islands in Ithaca’s Cave of the Nymphs, because…where else? Not only of mythological significance, as this is where Odyessiss hid the gifts of Phaeacians upon his return to Ithaca, it’s also a geological wonder, full of stalactites and the subject of many archaeological studies.
Sitting at 200 metres above sea level overlooking Dexa beach and commonly referred to as Marmarospilia, you can only enter the cave via a ladder’s descent of ten metres. This one is not for the faint-hearted but for those keen on mystique and adventure, the Cave of the Nymphs is a fascinating place.
If island hopping across Greece’s captivating cluster of islands isn’t on your agenda right now (for environmental and/or travel restriction reasons), then transport yourself there with these; our 5 ways to go to Greece without leaving the house.