Discovering the allure of Greece’s 6,000 islands, including 227 inhabited ones, Vogue Australia has spotlighted the Greek islands as the must-visit destination for summer vacations.
With a plethora of options to choose from, the publication notes, it’s no wonder that social media feeds are often teeming with images of people exploring this picturesque country.
From the mesmerising “crystalline blue waters” to the pristine “bleached white sand,” there is an island to suit every traveler’s preferences.
Vogue specifically mentions popular party hotspots like Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu, known for their vibrant nightlife, clubs, and exceptional beaches that can rival those of Italy’s Amalfi coast. Lefkada and Skopelos, the latter made famous by the film ‘Mamma Mia’, also make the list, offering idyllic settings and captivating beauty.
Referring to Greece as a place “blessed by the gods” like no other on Earth, the esteemed fashion magazine has curated a selection of 30 favorite islands.
Sifnos, with its Cycladic architecture featuring white homes and stone alleyways, takes the top spot, followed by the striking yellow and blue homes with red roofs of Kastellorizo, offering a contrasting architectural aesthetic.
The list also includes the neo-classical charm of Syros, the mastic tree-filled Chios, the literary allure of the library in Patmos, and the alluring waters of Milos for avid swimmers. Folegandros and Amorgos are praised for their church and monastery, respectively, while Paros earns acclaim for its diverse attractions: “Paros has something for all”, says Vogue.
Vogue‘s list of recommended islands is completed with the inclusion of Astypalea, Tinos, Zakynthos, Cephalonia, Paxoi, Corfu, Ithaca, Mykonos, Thassos, and Lefkada. Rounding out the selection are Hydra, Naxos, Crete, Santorini, Serifos, Symi, Polyaigos, Rhodes, and Skopelos.
According to the Long Distance Market Barometer published by the European Travel Commission, Greece ranks among the top ten holiday destinations for tourists from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil heading to Europe. Visitors from these distant markets demonstrate high per capita tourist expenditure and longer-than-average stays. Notably, Greece holds the sixth position for Australian travelers.
Representatives from various Greek island destinations spoke to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, shedding light on the factors that make their islands truly special.
Mayor Lefteris Pentas of Patmos highlighted the island’s unique energy that inspires artists, writers, and travelers, emphasizing its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and enchanting nature.
“Patmos radiates a special energy that inspires artists, writers and travelers. We highlight all those components of the uniqueness of Apocalypse Island, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the enchanting nature. At the same time, however, we are upgrading our tourist product, for example through the care and provision for lifeguard coverage on our busy beaches, infrastructure projects and the road network”, Mayor Pentas said.
Gianna Efstathiou, President of the Tourism Committee of the Municipality of Skopelos, expressed how the original ‘Mamma Mia’ musical tours and the island’s traditional products and gastronomy captivate international visitors.
“Skopelos has developed into a pole of attraction for long-distance international travelers as well. The original Mamma Mia musical tours and the introduction to the traditional products and gastronomy of the island delight our visitors from abroad. Scandinavians, Dutch, British and tourists from other markets have already started visiting Skopelos since May”, she said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Nikos Komineas of Astypalaia discussed the island’s efforts to attract emerging markets and make it a sustainable destination in the coming years. Deputy Mayor of Tourism Vangelis Katsaras of Naxos and Small Cyclades noted the high quality and competitiveness of the island’s tourism services, attracting travelers from Europe, America, Australia, and other markets.
Finally, Mayor Maria Nadali of Sifnos emphasised the island’s global appeal, particularly for the Australian market, showcasing its unique characteristics.
“Sifnos attracts travelers from all over the world. Australia is a market that is attracted by the unique characteristics of the island that we promote internationally such as gastronomy, rich tradition, natural beauty, pottery and our cultural events of which the revival of the ancient towers and the Cycladic gastronomy festival Nikolaos stand out Tselemendes”, the Mayor of Sifnos noted.
