The beautiful mountainous islands, scattered throughout the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian Seas, offer a unique perspective of Greece. Each of the islands, of which there are more than 150, is unique. The beautiful islands open a door to a different way of life that lets visitors get away from it all and escape from the real world into somewhere they've always wanted to be. Though life on many the islands mimics everyday life in the rest of the world, with a similar atmosphere, the internet and cars, each island is different and offers a piece of history and relaxation that can be found nowhere else on earth.

Archaeology

The various islands have numerous places where one can explore archaeological sites. Crete, the largest of the islands, has these sites, interspersed with ancient cities, all across the island. Other islands, like Aigina, have similar ruins. Aigina has dozens of ruins and temples, including the Temple of Aphaia. Rhodes offers one of the best medieval cities in the world.

Life Without Cars

Though many of the islands have the same transportation as we do everywhere else, some Islands, like Ydra, Poros, Hydra and Spetses don't have them at all. You can explore these islands by bike, ferry, horse-powered vehicles or on your own two feet. They're small, so cars are unnecessary and it's possible to see everything just on a walk. Other islands that don't offer rental cars provide buses and mopeds for transportation, so you don't need to drag your things to the hotel.

Beautiful Beaches and Watersports

Some say the island, Spetses, has the most beautiful beaches in the world. Some are sandy, some are pebbly, but they're all beautiful. Others say the beautiful sandy beaches of Ios are best, and others say the sandy beaches of Milos, with rocky structures to explore and white-washed buildings nearby are best. Skopelos has beautiful, semi-private beaches that are only accessible by boat or small foot-trails. And still others say that Naxos has the best of the beaches, with beautiful golden sands. All the islands, though, offer beautiful beaches that are ideal for enjoying the sun, tanning and enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

Each island has boating, sailing, fishing, windsurfing, parasailing, snorkeling and other watersports that visitors can enjoy.

Shopping

What's a vacation but a chance to shop? Crete, in addition to its other assets, has dozens of villages and stores for shoppers. Santorini, known as the top destination for honeymooners, is something of a shopping paradise. Naxos and Paros have smaller shops and stores.

Parties

On the island of Mykonos, when the sound goes down, the people go out and it's time to party. Hydra has an exciting night-life and lots of bars, restaurants and people ready to party. Likewise, Aigina also has a vibrant night life. Don't be worried about being stared at, if you're there to party, you'll be welcome.

Food

It's expensive, but it's abundant. Each of the islands offers traditional Greek food, as well as International choices that can suit anyone's palate. Try something new, but don't eat anything you're uncomfortable with.

Next time you're considering going on a vacation, don't discount the Greek Islands. Imagine seeing the white-washed buildings surrounded by oceans of deep blue water, the calm and serenity of a different life, and a chance to party. You'll never regret the decision.