Greek Islands: Things To Do

Archaeological Sites The islands’ most impressive archaeological site is Delos on Delos islet, opposite Mykonos. Regarded as sacred by the ancients, it has three temples dedicated to Apollo, plus the renowned Sanctuary of Dionysus, with huge marble phalluses mounted on columns. Mykonos; www.mykonos.gr (Greek only)
archeology

Cavo Paradiso Balmy summer evenings, waterside restaurants and open-air beach clubs make for a carefree nightlife. Abandon yourself to the hedonistic pleasures of after-dark Mykonos, with dinner and cocktails in town, followed by dancing til sunrise at Cavo Paradiso beach. Mykonos; 011-30-22890-27205; www.cavoparadiso.gr
trendy | dancing | open late | nightclub

Corfu's Old Town The UNESCO-listed medieval old town of Corfu is a must see for its two Venetian fortresses, the 19th-century arcaded Liston and the green Spianada. Corfu
architecture | history

Lalaria Although Skiathos’ most famous strand is Koukounaries, escapists prefer the much-photographed Lalaria on the north coast. Backed by cliffs, the smooth white stone beach gives way to crystal-clear aquamarine water. Accessible by taxi boat from Skiathos Town. Sporades, Skiathos
beach | outdoors

Pallas beach This lovely sandy beach sits in a sweeping cove of aquamarine water overlooked by a whitewashed village and a hilltop fortress. Visit in May or October to avoid the crowds. Dodecanese, Rhodes, Lindos
beach | architecture | outdoors | views

Paradiso and Super Paradiso Only glamorous Mykonos could give us these twin sand party beaches. The former is developed, with water sports facilities and a string of bars playing 24-hour music; the latter is prettier and popular with gay nudists. Cyclades, Mykonos
beach | outdoors | bar | water sports

Rhodes Old Town The fortified Old Town of Rhodes, also a UNESCO heritage site, is dominated by the 14th-century Palace of the Grand Masters and several Turkish-era mosques. Rhodes
architecture | history | religious

Sailing Hire a yacht and a skipper and chart your own route to explore the islands by sea. Kiriacoulis, Greece’s largest charter company, has bases on Paros, Skiathos, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, and Lefkas. Kiriacoulis; 011-30-21098-86187; www.kiriacoulis.com
sports and adventure | outdoors | sailing

Scuba diving Snorkeling is allowed everywhere, but scuba diving is prohibited in areas containing underwater antiquities. On the islands of Paros, Eurodivers offer PADI courses, plus scuba diving trips to approved reefs, caves, and wrecks. Eurodivers; 011-30-22840-92071; www.eurodivers.gr
sports and adventure

Windsurfing One of the Mediterranean’s top windsurfing bases is Vassiliki on Lefkada. Here, Club Vassiliki takes advantage of the awesome weather conditions and their store of the latest and best equipment to offer guests a top-notch surf experience. Club Vassiliki, Lefkada; 011-30-26450-31588; www.clubvass.com
sports and adventure

Wine tasting Santorini’s volcanic soils support rich vineyards. Santo Wines, between the port and Thira, commands views down onto the caldera, and offers guided cellar tours, plus wine tasting and bottles for sale. Santorini, Pyrgos; 011-30-22860 22596; www.santowines.gr
wine