The Greek Islands are flooded with tourists from Turkey when the holiday seasons begin. I don’t know if it’s because of the beauty of the Greek Islands or because it was ours in the past, but even the increasing Euro is not enough to reduce the interest in the Greek Islands.. When the Greek Islands are mentioned, the islands of Thasos, Kos, Lesbos, Chios, Samos come more often.. I will tell you about Greece the larger islands of Crete, Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos.
Rhodes, Crete, Santorini and Mykonos may attract the attention of Turkish tourists with its different features. You can spend a day on each and discover which island is more suitable for you.. However, it should not be ignored that there may be difficulties in entering the Greek Islands even if they have a Schengen visa for those who have an entry stamp to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in their passport.
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Greek Islands: Rhodes
According to legend, while the gods were dividing the world among themselves, Sun God Helios noticed an island rising from the sea. Helios, impressed by this island, goes to Zeus.. She asks him for this candidate. Zeus does not refuse his request and the island becomes Helios.
The Island of Rhodes, which impressed Helios so much, has not lost its charm today.. The island continues to fascinate tourists with its historical and beautiful beaches.
Places to Visit and See in Rhodes
Rhodes is a very popular holiday center due to the fact that it has an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, as well as having a medieval city.. The island’s castle built by the Knights Templar and its neighborhood that has survived from the Middle Ages are on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.. The streets of the Old City, surrounded by high walls, are covered with small stones like mosaics.
The Knights Quarter at the eastern end of the city is the center of the old city. The building, which was used as a hospital by the knights in the past, is now used as the Archaeological Museum.. Knights Street and Sokratous Street in the Old Town are among the most popular tourist destinations.
Lindos
On the other hand, it is not possible to come to Rhodes and return without seeing Lindos. This port town, 55 km south of Rhodes, is one of the most photogenic places on the island.. In Lindos, it is necessary to go to the Acropolis even if it is tiring.
Because that unique view of Acropolis makes you forget all your tiredness.. Moreover, if you are too lazy to take this road on foot, it is also possible to do it on the back of a donkey.
You can have lunch on the hill with a view without going down from the Acropolis.. Or at least you can enjoy the view with a coffee in the narrow streets of the bay.
On the other hand, it is not possible to come to Lindos without enjoying the beach here.. Because the bay is so clean that you can almost count the sands of the sea from the Acropolis.
Greek Islands: Crete
Crete, the largest and most indented of the Greek Islands, was also home to the Minoan Civilization.. Moreover, in mythology, it is mentioned as the place where Zeus lived.. Due to its location, Crete has been the focus of attention of many states for years.
Places to Visit and See in Crete
The Knossos Palace is at the top of the places to visit in Crete. Sir Athur Evan’s findings after excavations at Knossos BC. It shows that there was a very large kingdom called Minoan in Crete in 4000 BC.
After this historical tour in Crete, you can stop by one of the traditional Cretan villages on the way.. For example, in Karouzanos, one of these villages, you can taste special local flavors such as cheese, spicy tarts and donuts.
Spinalonga and Elounda
Another alternative in Crete would be Spinalonga and Elouda. The island of Spinalonga, which is very close to the Island of Crete, is about 1 hour away by boat from Agios Nicolaos.
For years, Venetians protected it very tightly due to its location. Although the island later passed to the Ottoman administration, it was used until 1957 in the Greek Administration for leprosy patients to live in isolation.
Now it is a historical island where no one lives.
From here you can go to Elounda, where the world’s jet set’s favorite hotels are located.. However, it is worth mentioning that these hotels are a bit far from the center of Elounda.
While taking this Spinalonga, Elounda tour, it is a good idea to prepare for this trip, considering that most of the trip is on the boat.
Greek Islands: Santorini
Santorini name, 13. The patron saints of the Venetians who ruled the island in the 19th century, St.. gets it from irene. B.C. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis in the 1400s caused the island to take its current shape.. Santorini is an island that offers a unique feast of scenery that will completely change the concept of scenery you have ever had.
Places to See in Santorini
The village of Oia, located in the northern part of the island and built on the rocks, blows your mind with its narrow cobblestone streets, small white Greek houses and a unique view.
On the other hand, the only negative comment that can be said about this place can be that it is very difficult to walk sometimes due to the density of tourists in its narrow streets because it is very touristic.
After visiting Oia Village, the city center Fira Village can be visited. Again, this village, built on a rocky hill, is mind-blowing with its classic white houses and unique scenery.
You can meet the sunset in Santorini by drinking frappe in one of the cafes here with your spouse or girlfriend.. However, after this view, the Bosphorus view may not be as enjoyable as before.. If you came to the island by ship, you need to use the cable car to get to this village.
Or on foot or by donkey on the 586-step road The shabby fishermen in the port area where the cable car departs are quite affordable both in terms of price and taste.
Santorini Beaches
If you want to swim in Santorini, you can swim on the beaches with volcanic black sand beaches from Fira. Or you can swim in the crystalline sea of Thirassia with a boat.. On your way here you can pass Nea Kameni (Newly Burnt Lava Islet) and Palea Kameni (Old Burnt Lava Islet). Take a half hour break at Palea Kameni and swim in the sulphurous and special muddy thermal waters.
Greek Islands: Mykonos
The discovery of Mykonos, known as the Greek island of entertainment, was actually thanks to archeology.. Tourists, who came to examine the archaeological structure of the island of Delos, which was located near the island in the 1950s, discovered Mykonos after these trips.. The small island of Delos, reached by boat from Mykonos, has been the center of the Cyclades in history.. Considered as the island of Apollo and Athena in Greek Mythology, The Temple of Apollo, Athena Shrine, Old City, Ancient Theater and archaeological museum in Delos are among the works worth seeing.
Mykonos city center also offers a very pleasant architectural feast with its narrow streets and white houses.. The streets in the city center were designed in a labyrinth-like architecture to protect them from pirate raids and winds. hard. All buildings have the same architecture and the same color.
Mykonos Beaches
If you want to explore Mykonos beaches during the day , you can go from the city center to the beaches in the south of the island.
Elia, Paradise Many beaches such as Beach attract tourists with the clarity of the seas.. These beaches continue as a normal beach until 16 o’clock, and beach parties begin in the following hours, preparing the tourists on the beach for evening entertainment.
Mykonos Nightlife
In the evening, on Saturdays and Sundays, the big entertainment venues in the Paradise Beach area promise entertainment until the morning.. On other days, many entertainment venues in the city center can be an alternative for you.
Greek Islands Transportation
The easiest way to visit the Greek islands can be a cruise tour like I did. You can stop at a port every day and spend time on the ship in the evening.. Only because it is famous at night in Mykonos, ships stop at the port until late.
For those who do not like cruises, the most practical way is by plane.. Among the Greek Islands, it is easy to find direct flights from Turkey to Mykonos, especially in summer.. Atlasjet has flights to Mykonos from Istanbul. In fact, Borajet also organizes flights to Mykonos from Bodrum.. To reach Crete and Santorini by plane, you need to try connecting flights from Istanbul to Athens or Thessaloniki.
