Around 1650 B.C., a large volcanic explosion caused the island's single island center to implode and sink beneath the sea. Some claim that this was the original location of Atlantis, the lost metropolis that long ago vanished beneath the sea. Beautiful beaches and regal whitewashed homes now stand guard over what is left of this mythical metropolis. Two inhabited islands plus a number of islets make up Santorini as it is today. The majority of visitors stay on Thira, the largest island in the archipelago, which is also where the main cities of Santorini, such as Fira and Oia, are located. The day journey to Sleepy Thirassia is quite soothing. Additionally, Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni are worth seeing if you like quieter islands.

The vibrant beaches of Santorini should be your first stop; the island's black and red sands make for an unforgettable trip. Continue on to Ancient Thera to witness the remnants of three civilizations, including the Romans, or savor the archaeological treats of the amazingly well-preserved Ancient Akrotiri. Catch a stunning view of the caldera from there, a magnificent turquoise pool of water that serves as the hub for the numerous islands that make up this archipelago. Some people claim that you just need a day to enjoy the attractions of these islands, but you'll need a few days to a week to truly take in everything Santorini has to offer. Then you'll have plenty of time to discover that these pretty Cyclades dots are more than just what the eye can see.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Island Vacations
• #1 in Best Greek Islands
• #3 in Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
• #5 in Best Places to Visit in October
• #6 in Best Destination Wedding Spots in Europe

The island of Corfu (sometimes called Korfu or Kerkyra) continues to draw weary travelers seeking to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It served as the setting for epic tales by both Homer and Shakespeare. Any worry can be melted away by the sight of its lush green surroundings and the aroma of citrus and olives from adjacent groves. And it's enough to make you feel like you've reached paradise to feel the expansive, pebbly beaches beneath your feet or to see the Ionian Sea's azure waves in the distance.

Corfu receives a large influx of visitors each year because of its miles of stunning beaches and coastline. You can find both secluded areas of sand and tranquil waves as well as pebbly beaches with lots of close-by services on Corfu. After a few days of sunbathing, make time to visit the island's distinctive historical and religious sites. Many of the prominent attractions are concentrated in and around Corfu Town, including the Palaio Frourio (Old Fortress) and the Corfu Museum of Asian Art. When you're prepared to travel to the western part of the island, you'll find one-of-a-kind sights like the Paleokastritsa Monastery and the Corfu Donkey Rescue there.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations
• #2 in Best Greek Islands

The Greek island of Crete could best be characterized by the word "diverse." Rustling modern towns share coasts with structures that date back hundreds of years. Palm tree jungles sprout in the center of wide plains. Sandy beaches are hidden behind towering mountains. In Crete, cities are a reflection of the people who came before. Architectural remnants from the Minoans, Venetians, and Ottomans, as well as modern Greek design, border the streets. This island retains a sense of oneness despite its obvious inconsistencies, which can be sensed whether you walk down the street, eat at a neighborhood tavern, or relax with a glass of raki at a sidewalk café.

Before making any firm plans, consider what kind of holiday you want to have because Crete's experiences are as varied as its history. Consider staying in Chania or Heraklion on the northern shore for a city environment with a variety of eateries, bars, and nightclubs. For the many gorgeous beaches, those who prefer the great outdoors should travel to Rethymnon or Agios Nikolaos.

Rankings:

• #3 in Best Greek Islands
• #9 in Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations

Hydra, which is a peninsula in the Saronic Gulf southwest of Athens, distinguishes out from its other settlements due to the absence of any automobiles. That's correct, you'll have to ride a donkey or walk your way through the narrow, cobblestone lanes. But travelers are drawn to Hydra largely for that reason. While there, stroll along the pebbly beaches of the island and explore its quaint seaside communities, such as Hydra Town, where you can find the island's most popular nightclubs and traditional homes.

The climate of Hydra Island is the Mediterranean. The weather is pleasant in the winter and hot and dry in the summer. The island of Hydra experiences average annual temperatures of 21 degrees and 241 millimeters of precipitation. With an average humidity of 66 percent and a UV index of 5, it is dry for 241 days out of every year. From May through October is the ideal season to explore Hydra, Greece. The weather is mild and there is hardly any precipitation during this time. On the Greek island of Hydra, July, with a high of 30°C, and January, with a low of 13°C, are the two warmest and coldest months.

Rankings:

• #4 in Best Greek Islands

Despite the 1953 earthquake that severely damaged much of Kefalonia's exquisite Venetian architecture, the island nonetheless exudes a wonderful aura due to its varied environment. Explore quaint towns like Assos and Fiskardo to view the colorful homes and stunning churches. After that, relax on one of the island's sandy or pebbly beaches or go snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear turquoise ocean. Get an adrenaline boost by climbing Megas Soros, the highest point on the island, in Mount Ainos National Park, or by exploring one of Kefalonia's caverns below ground.

The most ideal times to visit Kefalonia are probably in May, June, September, and October. There aren't as many tourists there, prices are a little lower, and the weather is almost ideal. Beginning in May, the sea gets a little bit warmer, the island begins to bloom with flowers and lush green trees, and there seems to be less rain. However, by May, the pubs and tavernas are starting to fill up and there will be much going on inside that is worth a look. Some nights in May are probably still too cool to sit outside for dinner in a t-shirt.

Rankings:

• #5 in Best Greek Islands

Location: Greece

As the largest of the Cyclades, Naxos has a lot more shoreline available. From the well-known Plaka to the more sedate Alyko, this area has a ton of beaches worth raving about and offers a wide variety of water sports. Make sure you sign up for a class if you want to windsurf or kitesurf on Naxos because of the strong winds that the west side of the island experiences. A portion of your trip should be set out for touring historic sites including the temples of Apollo, Demeter, and Dionysus.

If you want mild weather, April through October is the best season to visit Naxos. Walking, trekking, and environmental exploration on the island are best done in the spring and fall. Beach enjoyment is also possible, albeit the water is still a little too chilly for swimming. The busiest season is during the summer, especially during the popular months of July and August. June is an excellent month to travel if you want to take advantage of the warm weather without fighting the greatest crowds.

Rankings:

• #6 in Best Greek Islands

Mykonos's whitewashed exteriors and cube-shaped structures scream the Mediterranean. Winding streets wind through Chora's central business district, past pricey shops, and stunning churches that give the island a solid sense of Greek tradition. But Mykonos is anything but traditional; it's famous for its wild beach parties and vibrant nightlife. You're never far from a party at the "Ibiza of Greece," at any time of the day.

The main draw of Mykonos is its fine sand beaches rather than its wild nightlife. Tourists visit them to see and be seen, frequently while they are nude. Psarou and Paradise beaches start partying early in the day and don't quiet down until sunrise, which attracts people who adore a commotion in particular. Don't worry, early risers; there are plenty of daytime attractions as well, such as Chora's Cycladic structures, Kato Myli's windmills, and Delos' elaborate temples. You'll find the ideal blend of sophistication, leisure, and celebration in Greece right here.

Rankings:

• #4 in Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
• #7 in Best Greek Islands

It's likely that you'll appreciate visiting Skopelos whether you like to watch movies or spend time outside. The "Mamma Mia!" movie was filmed on the greenest island in Greece. Skopelos is home to pine forests, vineyards, orchards, and olive groves in addition to Agios Ioannis (the church where Sophie Sheridan and Sky Ramand are married in the movie). Additionally, it has a number of lovely stretches of sand, including pebbly Panormos, a great location to see one of Greece's renowned sunsets. Consider using a bike or walking to navigate around Skopelos since there are only two main roads there.

Mediterranean weather characterizes the island of Skopelos. The weather is pleasant in the winter and hot and dry in the summer. Skopelos experiences an average yearly temperature of 19 degrees and receives about 433 millimeters of precipitation. With an average humidity of 69 percent and a UV index of 5, it is dry for 207 days out of every year. Greece's Skopelos is best visited from May to October. You experience warm temperatures and little precipitation throughout this time. On the island of Skopelos, July is the warmest month with a high of 27°C, and January is the coldest with a low of 12°C. The water reaches a maximum temperature of 28°C and a minimum temperature of 14°C.

Rankings:

• #8 in Best Greek Islands

Greek mythology states that the Cycladic island of Delos is where the god Apollo and the goddess Artemis were born. One of Greece's most significant archaeological sites today is this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Terrace of the Lions, the Apollonion, and the Artemision are three must-see ruins. Mount Kynthos, which you can trek to for sweeping views of neighboring islands like Mykonos, is also located on the island of Delos. Visit the amazing relics on show at the Archaeological Museum of Delos when you need to escape the heat.

The climate on the island of Delos is the Mediterranean. The weather is pleasant in the winter and hot and dry in the summer. Delos experiences an average yearly temperature of 20 degrees and 229 millimeters of precipitation. The average humidity is 74 percent, there are 249 dry days per year, and the UV index is 5. Greece's Delos is best visited from May to October. You enjoy a good temperature and nearly little precipitation throughout this time. On the island of Delos, July is the warmest month with a high of 26°C, and January is the coldest with a low of 14°C.

Rankings:

• #9 in Best Greek Islands

One of the central Cycladic islands, Paros, is a paradise for water sports. Travelers can engage in a variety of activities at the island's beaches, such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, and boating. Away from the lake, travelers can locate hopping Parikia, which has a ton of shops, eateries, and bars. The sixth-century Panayia Ekatontapyliani, also known as "Church with 100 Gates" in English, and a 13th-century Venetian castle are two other notable historical buildings in Paros' city. Come to the island in the summer to take in the Festival at the Park, a well-liked event hosted yearly in the 800-acre Paros Park.

Particularly in the summer, Paros is a popular vacation spot with travelers from all over the world. The climate in Paros is typical of the Mediterranean region, with hot summers and mild winters. The best months to visit Paros are from April to October since the weather is ideal for beach activities. While the hottest months of the year might be rather hot, they are also the best for swimming.

Rankings:

• #10 in Best Greek Islands

Explore Zakynthos' magnificent, rocky coastline full of undiscovered coves and beaches. Shipwreck Beach and the enchanted Blue Caves, where the reflection of the sky and the white limestone renders the sea an ethereal shade of blue, are two of the island's most well-known locations. Away from the ocean, there are other must-see sights. View the Venetian Castle that dominates Zakynthos' principal settlement before exploring the religious art displays at the Post-Byzantine Museum of Zante.

Greece experiences the usual Mediterranean temperate climate. This indicates that summer is hot and winter is mild. The most pleasant times of the year to visit are typically spring and fall when temperatures rarely rise over 30 degrees Celsius or fall below 10 degrees. As a result, if you decide to visit Zakynthos at that time, the weather will be at its best. On the other side, winter may bring significant precipitation or even snowfall. Naturally, there isn't much snow on the island, so it's quite unlikely. The winds could become fierce, however, and wreck your day.

Rankings:

• #11 in Best Greek Islands

Have you ever noticed that certain islands usually appear attractive in photographs? The Koufonisia islands undoubtedly fit under this heading. They are the greatest option for individuals seeking a vacation from reality because of their reputation for exotic ambiance and immaculate beaches. You may be sure that when you get there, all of your troubles will go! Between Naxos and Amorgos in the center of the Aegean Sea, Koufinisia Greece is a member of the Small Cyclades group, which is a famous island chain.

The three islands of Koufonisia are among the smallest in the Cyclades, but they have everything you might want for a tranquil coastal vacation. The stunning beaches may be found on Pano Koufonisi, the sole inhabited island of Koufonisia, some of which are clothes optional. Take a day excursion to Kato Koufonisi to go swimming or boating for a more private experience. Keros, the third island in Koufonisia, cannot be visited because it is a protected archaeological monument, although you will probably be able to see it from Pano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi.

Rankings:

• #12 in Best Greek Islands

Location: Greece