DESTINATIONS
38
With their rich history, unrivalled beauty and sparkling
seas, Greece’s islands are rightly mythologisedG
reece has attracted visitors since
antiquity – even the citizens of
the Roman Empire were not
immune to the charms of this
cradle of Western civilisation.
Great weather, diverse landscapes,
a rich history, delicious food and a
coastline lapped by the Aegean, Mediterranean
and Ionian seas all add to the draw. The
big mainland destinations of Halkidiki,
Thessaloniki and the capital, Athens, take some
beating, but the 200-plus inhabited islands in
the archipelago are unique and each has its own
distinctive character.In spite of the financial difficulties Greece
has faced in recent years, travellers continue to
visit its sandy beaches, cosy coves and verdant
olive groves. And there is no need to fix on
one destination. Island hopping presents the
opportunity to enjoy several islands in one trip.
Here are five of our favourites, accessible by air
and inter-island ferries.SANTORINI
Santorini’s show-stopping sunsets are
something to behold. Each day at dusk,
people flock to the island’s west coast and perch
along cliff sides to watch the sky explode intoTHE STUFF OF LEGEND
→MARCH 2019