5 hot Aegean Sea Greek islands you need to visit right NOW!
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5 hot Aegean Sea Greek islands you need to visit right NOW!

The Aegean Sea has loads of stunning Greek islands you probably haven’t discovered yet. Beautiful architecture, lush nature, and amazing beaches are some of the things almost all the Aegean islands have in common.

But what are the 5 hottest Aegean islands to visit this summer?

Keep reading and prepare for some new additions in your bucket list!

#1 Rhodes

rhodes

Medieval castles and knights are the essences of Rhodes island.

So, if medieval fairy tales are your jam, you’ll absolutely love this island in the heart of the Aegean sea! Even if this is not cool enough for you, though, Rhodes beaches and villages will blow you away!

Rhodes Old Town is the cultural center of the island, where the magic happens! Being one of the biggest medieval settlements in Europe, the Old Town of Rhodes has a truly unique vibe. Once you pass its gates, you’ll see the influence of many different cultures everywhere around you. Walk down the Street of the Knights, explore the impressive Palace of the Grand Master, discover Gothic churches and visit the Hospital of the Knights. That's the way to have the whole medieval experience!

You’ll have to pinch yourself to realize you’re not living in a medieval fairytale!

Rhodes beaches are unique, endless and mainly sandy! Some of the best beaches of the island are Anthony Quinn beach, Afandou beach, Kallithea beach, and Kolymbia beach. And if you’re feeling fancy, go to Faliraki water park, the biggest water park in Europe, where you’ll have a blast with all kinds of water slides!

The ultimate archaeological gem in Rhodes is the Acropolis of Lindos, in Lindos village. This impressive acropolis is built 116 meters above sea level, thus it offers a breathtaking view to the endless blue of the Aegean sea. Lindos Rhodes is probably the most popular archaeological site in Rhodes, receiving about 600,000 visitors every year.

As for accommodation, the variety of Rhodes hotels is wide! From luxurious spa resorts to elegant downtown hotels, there’s an option for every taste. You only have to find the perfect one for you.

#2 Chios

chios

Located on the northeastern side of the Aegean sea, Chios is a mastic flavored gem!

Medieval villages, stunning beaches, all kinds of mastic products and unspoiled natural beauty establish Chios as one of the most beautiful hidden Aegean treasures.

Exploring the Mastic villages (or Mastikachoria) is the best way to immerse yourself into the history of Chios. Such villages are Pyrgi, Olympi, and Mesta, which for years have cultivated mastic. Mastic villages are fortified, full of narrow streets and sophisticated houses. These houses are unlike anything you’ve seen before! Also known as “Ksista”, their exterior is decorated with beautiful geometrical carved designs.

Mastic production is what Chios island is famous for. Mastic is basically the sap of the mastic tree, which is known for its healing properties. After extracting it from the trees, people in Chios use it to make all the kinds of things you can imagine, from alcoholic beverages to cosmetics. Don’t miss to take some mastic based products with you before leaving the island!

Now, this is our favorite bit: Chios beaches! Whatever your taste in beaches might be, in Chios you’ll find the perfect one for you. Visit Emporios beach, Mavra Volia beach, and Karfas beach and thank us later.

#3 Kos

kos

Full of archaeological sites and stunning sandy beaches, Kos is one of the most popular Greek islands in the Aegean sea. Under the occupation of the Knights of Saint John and the Ottomans, many impressive buildings, which are preserved until today, were constructed.

What does this mean?

Simply that Kos is an ideal destination for history junkies!

If you happen to be one, there are some really impressive places to visit, such as the Medieval Castle (Neratzia Castle), the ancient castle, and Asklipeion. The latter is an ancient medical center, built in honor of the god of medicine, Asklipios. Absolutely worth visiting!

The beautiful sandy beaches of Kos will blow you away! With a 121 km coastline, we’re talking about endless beaches, stretching for hundreds of meters. Kardamena beach, Paradise beach and Akti Zouroudi beach are some of the most popular Kos beaches. But, if you’re not in a cosmopolitan mood, you’ll love Cavo Paradiso beach and Camel beach.

Saving the best for last, Kos is an island full of revelations and one of them is peacocks. Yeah, you read that right! In Plaka Kos you’ll find a sanctuary for peacocks, which you can visit and feed the birds.

#4 Amorgos

amorgos

The endless blue and the rich cultural heritage of Amorgos will steal your heart! Just imagine topaz waters, amazing caves and traditional architecture all over the island. Dreamy, right? Not surprising at all that the famous movie “Le Grand Bleu” was shot here.

Surrounded by windmills, Chora, the main town of Amorgos is one of the most beautiful little towns of the Aegean sea. Picturesque whitewashed houses, courtyards full of flowers and narrow paved streets transform a casual stroll in Chora, into a dreamy experience. Don’t miss to eat some of the local delicacies in one of the traditional taverns and try “psimeni raki” a local alcoholic beverage.

The trademark of Amorgos is, hands down, Panagia Hozoviotissa monastery. This monastery was built in the 11th century on the edge of a steep cliff, 300 meters above the sea. Only visible from the sea, this beautiful monastery can be reached by walking up 350 steps. Once you get there, you will be welcomed by the monks living in the monastery, who will offer you treats, such as liqueur and candy. The interior of the monastery will blow you away! Let us set the scene. Sacred icons, labyrinth-like infrastructure and an absolutely breathtaking view from the balcony on the top of the monastery.

Sounds pretty good, right?

As for Amorgos beaches, they are iconic. End of story. That’s because the island is full of turquoise waters, underwater caves, and sandy coves. Some of the best beaches are Agia Anna beach, for amazing views to Panagia Hozoviotissa, Kalotarissa beach, and Mouros beach. But, honestly, whatever beach you choose, the beauty is guaranteed.

#5 Astypalea

astypalea

Now, this is an Aegean sea secret.

If you’re someone who loves destinations off the beaten tourist trail, this one's for you. Located in the middle of the Aegean sea, Astypalea is known for its wild natural beauty and amazing views to the Aegean sea.

The Venetian castle on the hill above Chora is the most characteristic site of the island. It’s such an important monument, that almost all the roads from Chora lead there. Constructed in the 13th century by John Querini, the Venetian Castle, used to serve as a shelter from the pirates. So climb up to the castle, and marvel at some amazing views!

You’ll also be pleasantly surprised by the diversity of Amorgos beaches!

From totally isolated beaches to organized beaches, you’ll definitely find your perfect match. But, there’s one thing they all have in common: they are quiet and ideal for relaxation!

Some of the best beaches of the island are Kaminakia beach, Pera Gialos and Livadia. If you want to explore even more beaches, though, visit the little islands around Astypalea by boat. The “double” beach at Kounoupes island is too good to miss!

To wrap it up, there are way more Aegean sea Greek islands apart from Mykonos and Santorini that should be in your bucket list. Remember that the magic of the Aegean sea is hiding behind the most unexpected places.

That been said, are you ready for your next Aegean sea adventure?

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