Greek Islands Travel Facts

The Basics

City Name: Greek Islands

Where is it located?: The Greek Islands lie around continental Greece; a number are in the Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey

Why do people go there?: For fun in the sun, island hopping is the way to go around the Greek Islands. For those that have had enough of the bars, the booze and the bodies, there are a number of archeological sites to check out as well.

How do travelers get there?: Ferries work and go to every major island. You can find local connections between some of the smaller isles. Your best bet is to buddy up with someone who has a yacht or a sailboat – or save some major moola and do it on your own.

Currency: Euro

City Code: Varies

Population: Varies, although only 15 percent of Greeks actually live on the islands.

Languages: It’s all Greek to me

Travel Information

Attractions: Archaeological Ruins, Beaches, Quaint Villages

Accommodations: Greece Hostels,Greece Hotels

Tourist Office: Hellenic Tourism Organization, Directorate for the Dodecanese Islands, Makariou & Papagou corner, 85100 Rhodos Greece, Telephone: +30, 241 23255 or 21921, or 27466, Fax: +30-241 26955, Email: eot-rodos@otenet.gr

Off-the-beaten-path: Chios

Health Issues: No major health issues. No vaccinations required.

Tips for Visiting

When to go: Late spring and early fall will find nice weather, ample accommodation and relatively clear beaches. July and August are uncomfortably hot and the streets teem with European, especially Italian, tourists.

Common Phrases: Hello, goodbye (informal) – Yia sou ; Good morning – Kalimera ; Good evening – Kalispera; Goodbye – adio; How are you? – Ti kanis?; I’m fine – Kala ime; My name is – Me lene; What’s your name? – Pos se lene?

How to get around?: Walk around on the islands, or catch a bus or two.

Good to know: More than 6,000 islands comprise the Greek Islands.

Cheapest airport to fly into: Most of the Greek Islands have their own airport. For instance, the island of Corfu has the Corfu Ionian Island Airport, Rhodes has its own Rhodes Diagoras Airport, and Crete has Crete Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport and Island Chania Airport. To obtain cheaper flight, choose the airport that is actually within your preferred island.

Need more information?: Check out the Greek Islands travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.