Moon Travel Guides - Moon Greek Islands & Athens: Island Escapes with Timeless Villages, Scenic Hikes, and Local Flavors

sun-dried octopus in Crete.

Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean Sea.

Nikos Kazantzakis

Theres a winding mountain road in Karpathos that leads down to a sliver of liquid turquoise paradise, cut between two jagged rocks like a bite of an ice cream sandwich. The view itself is stunning: With each turn of the road, the browns and greens of the mountainside give way to the dazzling blues of the Aegean. The light, a hazy glow that has inspired countless artists and writers, reflects off silvery olive trees and catches the ripples of the sea. The air is satisfyingly thick and salty, and as you inhale the scent of wild sage and oregano, it feels like you are sitting, in the best way possible, inside a giant mug of tea.

Karpathos is just one of more than 6,000 Greek islands, flung haphazardly across the Mediterranean like dozens of coins dropped from a great height. Each is a holistically sensual and unique experience, from the lunar dunes of Milos to the lush forests of Samothrace. Youll find dazzling displays of earnest humanness: villages precariously carved into cliff sides where old men finger komboloi (prayer beads) and drink syrupy coffee, domed churches painted ochre, octopuses drying in the sun, and bodies of every shape and size baking under the hot sun like loaves of bread. Each of the 202 inhabited islands has its own vibe, character, landscape, and specialties, and you can find one to soothe any ailment, tickle any fancy, or live any adventure.

souvenirs in a Mykonos shop

House of Cleopatra on Delos

a boat on a Mykonos beach

Its increasingly easy to travel across the Aegean and Ionian seas. Each year, the Greek government adds new, or bolsters existing, ferry lines. Budget airlines fly regularly from European cities to Ikaria, Lesvos, and Corfu, and new eco-lodges and hotels are built every season. Islands are offering more amenities to travelers, including windsurfing, yoga, and well-preserved hiking trails. The Greek islands continue to inspire and delight with their beauty, and theres never been a better time to visit.

fresco of leaping bulls in Knossos, Crete

ancient ruins on the island of Delos.

bright green olives commonly grown throughout the region

Finding your favorite

Visiting the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis at , just a short boat ride from Mykonos.

Taking a

Catching a glimpse of the from rooftops, streets, and other corners of the Athensespecially at sunset.

Visiting , aka the city of living folklore, on Karpathos. Isolated from the rest of the island (and world), this traditional village has been allowed to preserve its past.

Sampling chilled ouzo accompanied by seafood meze at an on Lesvos, known as home of the famed Greek drink.

Exploring on Samothrace, one of the most important (and mysterious) archaeological sites in all of Greece.

Losing track of time on , one of the worlds famed Blue Zones, and a place where time itself seems to be a philosophical concept.

Exploring . The Venetian harbor town is not only the most beautiful city on Creteits a stunning portal to some of the islands most amazing scenery, beaches, and food.