DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Greek Islands (Pocket Travel Guide)

Clockwise from top: The coastal town of Oa in Santorni, Palace of the Grand Masters in Rhodes, Prto Katski beach in Lefkda, Cretes Irkleio harbour lit up at night, excavated pithoi at Delos, dovecotes in a field in Tnos, a fresco at the Palace of Knossos in Crete

With endless days of sunshine, dazzlingly beautiful beaches, magnificent countryside and legendary historic sites, the Greek Islands have it all. These stunning islands make for a Mediterranean holiday like no other, whether youre seeking a beach holiday, hiking destination or cultural break. With Eyewitness Top 10 Greek Islands, they are yours to explore.

Elegant Corfu Old Town and atmospheric Argostli, the capital of Kefalloni, are just two of the must-see sights of the Ionians. To the south are the unspoiled Argo-Saronic Islands, home to the magnificent Temple of Aphaia on gina. The Cyclades and the Spordes include the blue and white splendour of Santorni, whimsical Mkonos with the sacred city of Delos close to its shores and quintessential Skithos, a magnet for film-makers.

Take in the artistic legacy of the Knights Hospitallers in Rhodes Old Town and visit the Monastery of St John where the saint wrote the Book of Apocalypse. Admire Macedonian influences at the Na Mon on the Northeast Aegean island of Hos, explore ancient Pythagreioand Heraion on neighbouring Smos, and dont leave without visiting Crete, where you can walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations at the Palace of Knossos. Along the way youll find superb resorts with watersports, restaurants and nightlife.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything the Greek Islands have to offer, from immaculate Santorinian villages to spectacular Cretan canyons. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus nine easy-to-follow itineraries designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy the Greek Islands.

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Two Days in Corfu and Pax

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Day 1

Morning

Start on . See Platea Spianda before visiting the Dimarcho. Enjoy lunch and people-watching at a trendy caf in the Listn.

The Achlleion Palace on Corfu, where statues of Greek gods take centre stage, is a splendid place to visit.

Afternoon

Marvel at the red-topped campanile of the Church of gios Spyrdon. On the seafront, visit the Palace of St Michael and St George to see its fabulous Asiatic art. Outside, check out the view of the Palai Frorio.

Day 2

Morning

Take the fast hydrofoil to Gios on the island of . A taxi tour here will give you a real taste of Ionian rural life. Stop at Lkka for an early fish lunch before returning to Corfu for the afternoon.

Afternoon

Join a tour to the for dinner.

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Seven Days Around Rhodes, Smos, gina, vvia, Crete and Mkonos

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Day 1

In .

Day 2

Board the short flight from Rhodes to . See the sites treasures at the museum in Vath.

At the Sanctuary of Heraion, statues mark the Sacred Way to the temple.

Day 3

Fly from Smos to Athens and make your way to Piraeus port to take a ferry to .

Day 4

Head back to Athens, hire a car and board a ferry to at Rafina port. Get a taste of the island with a coastal drive from Na Stra to its capital Halkda, taking time out to explore ancient Ertria en route.

Day 5

Cross the bridge linking Halkda to the mainland, and on to Athens for the short flight to Irkleio on the island of .

Day 6

Catch the fast ferry from Irkleio to before heading inland to see the famous windmills of Mkonos dotting the landscape.

Mkonos is identified by its many pretty windmills.

Day 7

Board a boat from Mkonos Town to . Spend a leisurely day enthralled by the remains left by the ancient inhabitants in the Maritime Quarter, the Sanctuary of Apollo and the Theatre Quarter.

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Top 10 Greek Islands Highlights

Ladies in Blue fresco at the Palace of Knossos, Crete

Top 10 Greek Islands Highlights

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CORFU OLD TOWN

With its cobbled plazas and tiny alleyways dating back to ancient times, Corfu Old Town continues to retain its old-world charm. Palaces, museums, fortresses, gourmet restaurants, traditional tavernas, cultural venues and a lively harbour combine to give the town its inimitable character. It has beautiful arcades reminiscent of the finest in Paris, and elegant Venetian mansions, which line the towns main thoroughfare, the Kapodistriou. Add Greek, Italian and British influences and you have an eclectic architectural anthology.