Greek Classics

Embrace island time on Santoríni, Crete and Rhodes.

- Marla Cimini

WITH SO MANY PICTURESQUE and enchanting Greek islands to choose from, it can be a bit daunting to select just one charming locale for a getaway. Of the 227 inhabited islands in Greece (of nearly 6,000), these three favorite destinations offer unforgettably authentic yet diverse experiences: Santoríni, Crete and Rhodes.

The sun was about to set, and we hastened our pace along the rocky coastal trail to reach our destination, the scenic town of Oia on Santoríni’s northern tip. My husband and I decided to hike the six miles from Fira that afternoon to see the stunning views of the sun melting into the horizon, a must-do activity on Santoríni. Part of the journey brought us along the narrow, winding footpath and then later along a trail of volcanic soil, past whitewashed homes, churches and other structures topped with iconic cobalt blue domes. Along this cliffside walk, we soaked in the panoramas of the famed caldera, glistening brilliantly in the late-day sunshine. We arrived, took our place among the assembled crowd facing west and celebrated the end of another day in paradise.

If you’re seeking to step into a picture postcard, Santoríni is certainly the place to do it. Visitors can’t get enough of the jaw-dropping sapphire Aegean Sea, and an abundance of hotels and guest houses deliver on the mesmerizing view. It’s no wonder this island casts a spell on those who visit … the mythical home of the lost city of Atlantis, it offers pure magic. The southernmost island in the Cyclades lies about 120 miles from the Greek mainland and is known for its legendary vistas and laid-back vibe. Featuring mountainous terrain, everything here is on a slope, with meandering footpaths steep and uneven in places.

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