The islands of the Saronic Gulf, which lies between Attica and the Peloponnese, are so close to Athens that each summer they are inundated by Athenians—all of whom, of course, are seeking to avoid the crowds of Athens. These islands are especially packed on summer weekends, as well as whenever there is a serious heat wave in Athens. n addition, the Saronic Gulf islands are popular destinations for travelers whose time is limited, but who are determined not to go home without seeing at least one Greek island.

Crete isn’t always and everywhere a gentle Mediterranean idyll—its terrain can be raw, its sites austere, its tone brusque. But for those looking for a distinct destination, Crete will be rewarding. Not to mention endless beaches and magnificent mountains, intriguing caves and resonant gorges, and countless villages and sites that provide unexpected and unforgettable experiences. Per square mile, Crete must be one of the most “loaded” places in the world—loaded, that is, in the diversity of history, archaeological sites, natural attractions, tourist amenities, and more. In a world where increasing numbers of travelers have “been there, done that,” Crete remains an endlessly fascinating and satisfying destination.

The Cyclades got their name from the ancient Greek word meaning “to circle,” or “surround,” because the island chain encircles Delos, the island long sacred to the god Apollo. Today, especially in the summer, it’s the visitors who circle these islands, taking advantage of the swift island boats and hydrofoils that link them. If you were to come up with a few words to describe the best-known Cycladic islands (roughly from north to south), Tinos would probably be called the “Lourdes of Greece.” The sea and sky really are bluer here than elsewhere, the islands on the horizon always tantalizing. In short, the Cyclades are very “more-ish:” once you’ve visited one, you’ll want to see another, and then another, and then, yes, yet another.

The Dodecanese are far-flung from the Greek mainland and mostly hug the coast of Asia Minor. As frontier or borderline territories, their struggles to remain free and Greek have been intense and prolonged. Although they have been recognizably Greek for millennia, only in 1948 were the Dodecanese reunited with the Greek nation.

Greek islands that no one else in your crowd knows about? Try the Sporades (“Scattered” Islands), verdant islands with fragrant pine trees growing down to the edge of golden sand beaches. The Sporades would seem to have always been natural magnets for tourists, but lacking major archaeological remains and historical associations, for a long time did not compete with other parts of Greece. The Sporades are no longer quite the natural retreats they once were. Skiathos and Skopelos are the most popular islands, with excellent beaches, fine restaurants, fancy hotels, and an international (heavily British) following. Skiathos is among the most expensive islands in Greece and becomes horrendously crowded in high season, but in spring and fall remains a lovely and pleasant place. It’s still worth a visit, especially by those interested in a beach vacation, good food, and active nightlife.

Located off Greece’s northwest coast, the Ionians offer some of the loveliest natural settings (and beaches) in the country, a fine selection of hotels and restaurants, a distinctive history and lore, and some unusual architectural and archaeological sites. The Ionians are rainier, greener, and more temperate than other Greek islands, with a high season lasting from late June to early September. The roads are generally in good condition, even if unavoidably steep and twisting. Accommodations range from luxury resorts to quiet little rooms on remote beaches. The local cuisine and wines offer numerous special treats. Among the best are sofrito, a spicy veal dish; bourdetto, a spicy fish dish; and the Theotaki and Liapaditiko wines.

Syros, which lies in the heart of the Cyclades, has one of the most jagged rocks in the North, and more gentle ranges of hills in the South. The prehistoric digs and the rock walls inscribed during Roman and Byzantine times, in the North-East of the island, are worth a trip.

Kos, a very fertile island, lies between the Myndus peninsula in the North and the fingers of the Turkish coast in the South. In many ways, Kos has a surprising resemblance to Rhodes, with its green hillsides, large hotels and busy harbour dwarfed by a Knight’s Castle. It is, however, much quieter than its large neighbour to the South, although there is an international airport on the island.

North of Evia, and away from the usual sailing routes, lie the green islands of the Sporades. All the islands are fertile, gentle, and idyllic, being known for their white beaches and rich under water fauna. Those islands that are more readily accessible have developed into popular holiday destinations.