non touristy greek islands to visit download free

Swoon at the majestic beauty of Santorini or indulge in the pulsing nightlife of Mykonos. Sink your toes deep into the sand and listen to the warm Aegean waters lap the shore like you have nowhere else to be. Greek ruins are as impressive as they are numerous. Beyond these celebrated sites are the quieter ruins scattered on nearly every island, filled with mystery and often overgrown with wildflowers – from the enormous marble statues of Naxos to the colourful 2nd-century mosaics on Kos. Step through a window into times past as you explore the medieval walled city of Rhodes, or the ruins of Ancient Thira on Santorini.

Surround yourself with the ruins of Delos or wander through the reconstructed Minoan palace of Knossos and you can almost sense the ancient Greeks moving alongside you. With blue skies and a vast and varied landscape that begs to be conquered, it's easy to understand how so many myths of gods and giants originated here. The Greek islands also offer some of the world’s top kitesurfing, diving and rock-climbing locations. Meander along cobbled Byzantine footpaths, hike into volcanoes, kayak beside dolphins, watch for sea turtles and cycle through lush forests. The temptation may be simply to head to the nearest beach, but by doing that you'd be missing out on another wonderful aspect of Greece's islands – that they are an active traveller's adventure playground. On others, the Ottoman past surfaces in spiced sweets and pastries. On many islands, you'll encounter the Italian legacy of pasta with a Greek slant, like rich sauces with mussels steamed in ouzo.

Head to a harbourside taverna to enjoy the daily catch fresh from fishermen's nets, and look for people collecting wild produce on the hillsides. You'll often be fed like long-lost family from traditional dishes heaped with pride and featuring unique local products including cheeses, olive oils, wild greens, honey, wines and spirits. Island hopping is a culinary adventure and a tour of regional cuisine. The Greek islands ignite the imagination and satisfy the soul with a history laced in mythical tales and told through ancient, sun-bleached ruins.

Non touristy greek islands to visit download free