--- title: An introduction To The Greek Islands description: The Greek Islands-just the name evokes images of sun-drenched coastline, sparkling azure water, friendly people and an easy, happy way of life. image: https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/hubfs/C77DA908-A74F-48B2-9D49-077E721B1105.jpeg --- - [Why us](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/why-us) - [Blog](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog) 1-877-457-3177 [![Food N' Wine Vacations, Inc®](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/FoodNWineVacations_July2020/images/logo-fooadneinevacations.svg "Food N' Wine Vacations, Inc®")](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/) **Menu** - Tours - [Italy](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/culinary-tours-italy) - [Secrets of Tuscany](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/tuscany-tours) - [Tuscany wine Tour](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/tuscany-wine-tours-italy) - [The Best of Sicily](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/the-best-of-sicily-tour) - [Dreamin’ Amalfi Coast](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/amalfi-coast-tours) - [Discover Piemonte](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/italy-piedmont-wine-tours) - [Colors of Puglia](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/puglia-tours) - [Veneto Food & wine Tour](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/veneto-wine-and-food-tour) - [Culinary Paradise](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/umbria-italy-tours) - [Lake Como](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/italian-lakes-lake-como-italy) - [France](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/best-wine-tours-france) - [Best of Provence Tour](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/provence-tours-france) - [Bordeaux Classique](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/bordeaux-wine-tours-france) - [Taste Burgundy Like A Local](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/taste-burgundy-like-a-local) - [Enchanting Dordogne](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/enchanted-dordogne-tour) - [Champagne Tour](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/champagne-france-wine-tours) - [Greece](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/greek-island-tours) - [Greek Islands Fantasy](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/greek-islands-fantasy) - [Portugal](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/small-group-tours-of-portugal) - [Heart of Portugal Tour](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/portugal-tours-heart-of-portugal-tour) - [Spain](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/best-tours-of-spain) - [The Splendor of Andalucia](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/tour-andalucia-southern-spain) - [Rioja Wine Tour](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/rioja-spain-wine-tour) - [Croatia, Slovenia](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/croatiatours) - [Picture-Perfect Croatia](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/picture-perfect-croatia-trip) - [Discover Slovenia ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/discover-slovenia) - [South America](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/southamericanwineadventure) - [South American Wine Adventure](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/southamericanwineadventure) - [About Us](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/about-us/) - [Reviews](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/review-food-and-wine-vacations-2) - [Private Groups](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/private-tours) - [Calendar](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/tour-calendar-food-n-wine-vacations) - [Contact](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/contact-us) # Food N' Wine Vacations Blog You are here: [Home](https://foodnwinevacations.com) / [Food N' Wine Vacations Blog](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog) / An introduction To The Greek Islands # [An introduction To The Greek Islands](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands) 23 October 2020 / in [greek islands tours](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/topic/greek-islands-tours), [Greece small group tours](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/topic/greece-small-group-tours), [tour of greek islands](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/topic/tour-of-greek-islands), [guided tour of Greece](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/topic/guided-tour-of-greece) / by [ smadar Palace ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/author/smadar-palace) 2 minute read The Greek Islands-just the name evokes images of sun-drenched coastline, sparkling azure water, friendly people and an easy, happy way of life. While the iconic imagery applies, there’s a certain unique charm and individual appeal to each of the islands of Greece. Though the islands number in the thousands, only 227 of them are actually inhabited. The islands are clustered into groups based on geographic location. These clusters are the Saronic, located close to Athens; the Cyclades, a very dense, large group of islands in the central part of the Aegean Sea; The North Aegean Islands which are located just off Turkey’s west coast; The Dodecanese lie in the southeastern stretch between Crete and Turkey; The small, tight Sporades which are off the northern coast of Euboea; and the Ionian islands, west of the mainland in the Ionian Sea. **Start With the Cyclades** The most convenient introduction to these glorious islands is by starting with Cyclades.  The  islands in the Cyclades are easily accessible and likely familiar, with names like Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos and Paros. Charming little coves and quaint villages dot the island of Mykonos, with its stunning water-edged cobble-stone walkways and famous windmills. Santorini’s unique cliff-top villages offer amazing views and rugged landscape shaped by a volcanic eruption a few millennia ago. Explore the beaches at Paros, stroll the traditional Greek villages and dine in one of the island's classic tavernas. Naxos, as the largest of the Cyclades islands, offers much to explore. Take in the vast stretches of beach, the classic Grecian whitewashed architecture, the medieval Venetian mansions and visit Naxos’ archeological museum housed in a 13th century hilltop castle. **Kick Up Your Heels in Sporades** Sporades is known for its nightlife, specifically the island of Skiathos. There you’ll find a distinct casual vibe with its sunny beaches, lively open air waterfront clubs, and charming restaurants lining the old harbor.  **Medieval Influence** Among the Dodecanese archipelago you’ll find a decidedly different cultural influence in architecture. This group of Greek islands boasts medieval castles and Byzantine churches dating back to the middle ages. The island of Symi is home to a major Greek Orthodox pilgrimage site, the 18th century Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis. In mountainous Symi you’ll see examples of the colorful neoclassical architecture popular in this group of islands. **Multi-Cultural Influences in Corfu** Corfu in the Ionian Islands is a fascinating place to visit. While widely known as a jet-setter destination, with its plush resorts and rugged mountains, Corfu has a fascinating cultural aspect as well. Ruled at different times by the French, Venetians, and British before being united with Greece in 1864, Corfu still retains the obvious influence of each of Greece’s predecessors. **A Blue Zone Island** The Aegean island of Ikaria, is one of the most unique Greek islands, for both its scenic natural beauty and the long and healthy lives of the residents of this gorgeous island.  **Ancient Ports and Sandy Beaches** The Saronic Islands are a popular getaway for those who live on mainland Greece. Their proximity to Athens makes for easy travel and the islands of Aegina and Poros have some of the best beaches for families and vacationers. Aegina also is the site of the Temple of Aphaia which dates back to 500 B.C. The port on the island of Salamis harkens back to the 4th century B.C. No visit to Greece is complete without a trip to the Greek Islands. With each individual island being a world unto itself, it’s the ideal way to complement a tour of the mainland and discover new ways to come to know this beautiful country.  [![The Greek Islands](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/The%20Greek%20Islands.png?width=500&name=The%20Greek%20Islands.png)](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/greek-islands-fantasy) [![Greek Islands Fantasy Postcard](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Greek%20Islands%20Fantasy%20Postcard.png?width=500&name=Greek%20Islands%20Fantasy%20Postcard.png)](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/greek-islands-fantasy)   ##### Share this article - [Share on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands&text=An%20introduction%20To%20The%20Greek%20Islands) Share on Facebook - [Share on Twitter ](https://twitter.com/share?text=An%20introduction%20To%20The%20Greek%20Islands&url=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands) Share on Twitter - [Share on WhatsApp ](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands) Share on WhatsApp - [Share on Pinterest ](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands&description=The%20Greek%20Islands-just%20the%20name%20evokes%20images%20of%20sun-drenched…&media=https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/214221/C77DA908-A74F-48B2-9D49-077E721B1105.jpeg) Share on Pinterest - [Share on LinkedIn ](https://linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&title=An%20introduction%20To%20The%20Greek%20Islands&url=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands) Share on LinkedIn - [Share on Tumblr ](https://www.tumblr.com/share/link?url=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands&name=An%20introduction%20To%20The%20Greek%20Islands&description=The%20Greek%20Islands-just%20the%20name%20evokes%20images%20of%20sun-drenched…) Share on Tumblr - [Share on Vk ](https://vk.com/share.php?url=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands) Share on Vk - [Share on Reddit ](https://reddit.com/submit?url=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands&title=An%20introduction%20To%20The%20Greek%20Islands) Share on Reddit - [Share by Mail ](mailto:?subject=https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands) Share by Mail - [Popular](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands#tab-1) - [Recent](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands#tab-2) ### Popular [Greek Etiquette06 May 2022 - 04:20 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/greek-etiquette) [Why the French Serve Cheese Before Dessert15 August 2025 - 05:03 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/why-the-french-serve-cheese-before-dessert) [Burek in Croatia21 June 2024 - 04:00 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/burek-in-croatia) [Aperol Spritz13 October 2023 - 06:54 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/aperol) [The Story of The Jewish Baths of Ortigia10 February 2023 - 04:46 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-story-of-the-jewish-baths-of-ortigia) ### Recent [ETIAS Europe travel update01 May 2026 - 06:20 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/etias-europe-travel-update) [The History of Biscotti: Why It’s Baked Twice20 February 2026 - 04:56 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-history-of-biscotti-why-its-baked-twice) [Day Trips from Palermo12 February 2026 - 03:34 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/day-trips-from-palermo) [The Great Pastry war croissant-vs-cornetto05 February 2026 - 09:41 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/croissant-vs-cornetto) [How to Order Coffee in Italy16 January 2026 - 07:35 ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/how-to-order-coffee-in-italy) [Eat Your Way Around Madrid - San Miguel Market ![Eat Your Way Around Madrid - San Miguel Market](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2020/Madrid%20San%20Miguel%20Market%20.jpg?width=80&height=80&name=Madrid%20San%20Miguel%20Market%20.jpg) ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/eat-your-way-around-madrid-san-miguel-market) [![Orvieto, Umbria -Above and below](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Orvieto%2c%20Umbria%2cItaly.png?width=80&height=80&name=Orvieto%2c%20Umbria%2cItaly.png) Orvieto, Umbria -Above and below ](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/orvieto-umbria-above-and-below) ### Food N’ Wine Travel Style Food N’ Wine Vacations™ is all about experiences. Our tours focus on connection to people and places, to their history, landscapes, food and tradition. From driving in beautiful landscapes to tasting regional specialties and wines, and staying in charming private estates. [** ](https://www.facebook.com/FoodandWineVacations) [** ](https://twitter.com/FOODNWINETRAVEL) [** ](https://www.pinterest.com/foodnwinetravel/) [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/food-n-wine-vacations/?viewAsMember=true) [** ](https://www.instagram.com/foodnwinevacations/?hl=en) ### Find your Tour - - [Why Food N’ Wine](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/why-us) - [Reviews](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/review-food-and-wine-vacations-2) - [Blog](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog) - [About Us](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/about-us/) - - [Email us](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/contact-us) - [Private Groups](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/private-tours) - [Travel advisors](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/travel-advisors) ### INFO & CONTACT - - [Why Food N’ Wine](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/why-us) - [Reviews](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/review-food-and-wine-vacations-2) - [Blog](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog) - [About Us](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/about-us/) - - [Email us](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/contact-us) - [Private Groups](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/private-tours) - [Travel advisors](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/travel-advisors) © Food N’ wine vacations 2023. All rights reserved. - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy policy](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/private-tours) [Scroll to top](https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands#top) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "smadar Palace", "url" : "https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/author/smadar-palace" }, "dateModified" : "2021-03-06T14:07:13.331Z", "datePublished" : "2020-10-23T23:15:00.000Z", "headline" : "An introduction To The Greek Islands", "image" : [ "https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/hubfs/C77DA908-A74F-48B2-9D49-077E721B1105.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/blog/the-greek-islands", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.foodnwinevacations.com/hubfs/logophoto.png" }, "name" : "Food N' Wine Vacations" } } ```