There are about 1400 islands in Greece, but only 227 of them are inhabited with 78 of these having more than 100 people living there. When you plan a visit to the Greek Islands, you have many options to choose from, but you should do your research to find the best places to visit on the top Greek Islands. Some of the islands are not geared up for tourists, although all of them are beautiful locations to visit.



There are four main islands: Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros and Alonissos. Much of the island of Skiathos is forested and contains more than 70 beaches, one of which is a nudist beach. There is an airport on the island and links to the mainland of Greece by ferry service. There is only one major road that connects the four settlements on the island. Skiathos town is the main town and is a haven for tourists. The villages on the outskirts are mainly farms and there is a bus that runs from one end of the island to the other and cheap taxis.

If you want to visit an island of legends, then Skopelos is the one for you. According to legend Dionysus and Princess Ariadne founded the island. Here you will see vestiges of the vitaculture introduced to the island by the Cretans. Since the economy is fully dependent on tourism you will find a wealth of accommodations and attractions. The town of Skopelos is a Traditional Settlement of Outstanding Beauty and there aer more than 300 churches and chapels on the island.

On Skyros, you will have an excellent view of Mount Olympus. You can also visit a castle that dates back to the 13th century, a Byzantine monastery and a archaeological site of a Bronze Age settlement at Palamari. There are many beaches where you can enjoy the sun and the sand as well as see the unique breed of horses on the island - the Skyrian ponies.

Alonissos is one of the Greek Islands where you can visit a protected area for monachus seals in the Alonissos Marine Park there is one main road through the island that will take you to the farming villages when you leave the main port. There are several unused roads if you want to enjoy walking without any danger of traffic. The old settlement of Patitri, which was destroyed in an earthquake, has been rebuilt as a tourist attraction. While there are many beaches on the island, they are most pebble beaches.

Syros is one of the main islands of the Cycladic group of Greek Islands. The capital of the island, Ermoupoli, is a natural amphitheatre and has numerous buildings dating back hundreds of years. There are numerous outdoor cafes and seating areas. Visit the magnificent churches in this city, which ahs been nicknamed the "City of Hermes". The second largest city is the medieval city of Ano Syros where the medieval atmosphere still prevails. You can walk the steps from the harbor to the top of the town and while the medieval part of the town is not accessible by car, it is serviced by marble steps.

Any of the Greek Islands will provide you with the vacation you are looking for. It really depends on what you are looking for in a vacation when you decide which of the islands are the top ones.