What to see and do on the Greek Islands - a guide to notable activities and attractions

Surrounded by vibrant waters that shaped their history, the Greek Islands have a deep relationship with the sea. Experience the underwater volcanoes, submerged caves and thriving sea life by diving, or skip along the coastline with plentiful water sports. With the country steeped in history and folklore there are also an endless wave of museums and archeological sites to stumble across, whether it be the dramatic mythology of the Greek gods or the crumbling ruins of Venetian fortresses. 

Water sports

 

Water sports are popular all along the turquoise waters of the Greek Islands. The island of Ios has multiple water sport centers with a range of activities, whether it be the excitement of water skiing, the skill of wind surfing or group fun such as bouncy banana boat rides. You can also rent motorboats to explore the more secret beaches of the island. Paros, Rhodes and Lefkada are prime windsurfing areas, definitely worth a trip if you’re looking to catch some waves.

 

Diving

 

On the island of Kalymnos, sponge fishing was the island’s main profession for a hundred years, making the experience and professionalism of divers on this island unmatched. There are a number of professional diving centers providing organized excursions and even the opportunity to become a certified scuba diver. Discover underwater volcanoes, caves, shipwrecks and colorful sea life. Alonissos is one of the Sporades region’s top scuba diving destinations and thanks to the crystal clear waters you can easily explore the delights of this underwater world.

 

Hiking

 

Some of the most unique experiences in the Greek Islands can be found off the beaten track, discovering hidden ruins or finding wild lush valleys isolated from the world. The island of Crete hosts hikes along the coastline, through mountains and ancient villages. The hiking tours also provide a wondrous experience by water too, as sea kayaking is included in the tour.

 

Museum of Asian Art

 

Housed in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George in Corfu City, the Museum of Asian Art is the only one of its kind in Greece. Dedicated exclusively to Far Eastern and Indian art and antiquity, it holds early Buddhist iconography, ancient Chinese ceramics and Samurai armor and weaponry. The museum has approximately 10,500 pieces ranging from the 2nd century BC to modern day.

 

Rock climbing

 

Located in the southeast of the Dodecanese, Kalymnos is one of the most important rock climbing destinations worldwide. One of the most celebrated of all the locations on Kalymnos, the Grande Grotta cave forms a giant limestone amphitheater providing an almost telescopic view of the Aegean Sea. The island even hosts a non-competitive international climbing festival every two years.

 

Bungee jumping

 

In the remote hamlet of Aradena, in the west of Crete, experience the high adrenaline bungee jump over the lush Aradena Gorge. Many thrill seekers, tourists and locals alike, visit this attraction - at 138m the Vardinogiannis Bridge is the highest bungee jumping bridge in Greece and the second highest in Europe.

 

Blue Caves

 

Beneath a lighthouse on the northern part of Zakynthos is the island’s surreal natural attraction, the Blue Caves. The partially submerged caves make anything dipping below the waterline appear blue. There are frequent boat tours into and among the caves, including small boats venturing inside the caves where the light reflects deep marine blues onto the roofs of the caves.

 

Valley of Butterflies

 

On the western side of Rhodes lies the lush and magical Valley of Butterflies. Home to thousands of butterflies from the genus Panaxia, the insects emerge from their cocoons at the end of the wet season and decorate the valley throughout July and August. The valley itself is only a short drive or bus ride from Rhodes town center.

 

Weddings

 

The Greek Islands have long been a popular place for couples to say ‘I do’ and their popularity sees no sign of waning. The Ionian Islands, Santorini and the Sporades are hot destinations for wedding day happiness and have well-established wedding businesses to help you plan your day. Turquoise waters, sandy beaches and gorgeous sunsets add a touch of sparkle to those all-important photos.