Greece Things to Do

The 3,000 plus Greek Islands fan out into the Aegean Sea from the mainland; those closest to Athens include the Saronic Islands, where Hydra, Poros, and Aegina are popular destinations. To the east highlights of the Cyclades encompass Delos, Mykonos, Kea, Paros, and Tinos.

If you’re looking for some uninterrupted time with your sweetheart, soaking up the beauty of the Greek Isles without the hassle of crowds, salespeople, and traffic, an uninhabited or partially uninhabited island is great way to go. Of the more than 6,000 Greek islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, only a few hundred are actually inhabited.

Situated in the southern Peloponnese, the port city of Gythio is the largest and most important city in the region (with a population of just under 8,000). It is also one of the most pleasant. Gythio’s long history has been, shall we say, seismic. Originally the main seaport of Sparta (which is located roughly 25 miles to the north), the majority of the port was completely destroyed in a massive earthquake in the 4th century.

The sheer size and beauty of the island of Crete makes it an ideal destination for travelers looking to log some time hiking in the Mediterranean. By far the largest islands in Greece, Crete is home to more than half a million people, but it is easy and advisable to enjoy the many wild places that the island has to offer.