how many inhabited greek islands are there

To put this into perspective, Santorini, which is a relatively small island, is 76.19 sq km. Visitors who travel to this island group will be rewarded with an authenticity that other areas of Greece have lost. The island of Syros has the largest population and a number of large towns including Ermoupoli considered the capital of the Cyclades. Its gorgeous beaches, mountainous interior and pretty and plush towns and villages making it one of the best islands to visit in Greece. I love summer, sea activities and exploring the Greek islands. Due to the uncertainty of what exactly constitutes a geographic island, as opposed to an administrative region, please see comments about what is included in the figures: the statistics for some "islands" include other nearby islands. How Many Greek Islands Are There? - Definitely Greece The tightly-packed group consists of 24 islands in total, but only four are permanently inhabited: Alonnisos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros. }, { The easternmost Greek island, far beyond Rhodes and tucked under Turkey's Turquoise Coast. Evia is the second largest Greek island and linked to the mainland by two bridges. Can uninhabited islets and barren rocks be counted as islands? "acceptedAnswer": { The highest elevation on Alderney is 296 ft. The largest Argo-Saronic island is Salamis. Now, while Greece is a small country, travelling between two or more island groups isnt always easy. Others, like Tilos or Leros, are quiet even in summer, and are ideal destinations if you want to relax. I also love going to the islands in June, when the days are long and the season is just starting. The Mediterranean climate of the islands is ideal for the growth of olives, citrus fruits, and grapevines, which are widely cultivated in the region, and have been for thousands of years. Most of them are tiny and uninhabited, but even so, you will have 227 inhabited, gorgeous islands to choose from. On average, they are much bigger and more populous than the other island groups. "text":"Most Greek islands are quite affordable, especially if you avoid August, when accommodation prices tend to increase. As an example, it can take you eight or ten hours to get to some of the most remote islands like Amorgos or Folegandros. The landscape of the Ionian Islands is entirely different from the dusty, dry Cyclades. Zakynthos is a beautiful island that is known for its stunning Blue Caves and Shipwreck Beach, which are some of the most photographed spots in Greece. If you have a long vacation, you can fly to Kos, and island hop all the way to Rhodes, from where you can get your return flight home. A few examples are Kythira, Lemnos, Halki, Symi, Alonissos, Anafi, Sikinos, Kimolos and Ithaca. All Cycladic islands have fantastic beaches with crystal clear waters. A List Of All The Greek Islands - A Complete Summary Most visitors who come to Greece will want to visit more than one islands. From Athens, the Saronic islands are reachable via ferry within an hour or two, offering a convenient escape for the time-strapped. If you are already in Athens, you can take a short domestic flight to these three islands. If you are planning to take a domestic flight, book your tickets as early as you can. These islands are calledEptanisain Greek, which literally means seven islands. The Greek Islands: Beginner`s Guide - feelgreece.com Today, the islands are among the worlds most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year with their picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant culture. Click here for our whistle-stop guide to the Ionian islands. Other names you might come across are Nisyros, Karpathos, Kalymnos, Symi and Tilos. In total, they are about 150 islands! Island-hopping around the Ionian islands isnt always straightforward. Head further south and youll reach Crete. In addition, two of the Ionians, Kithira and Antikythera, are located between the Peloponnese and Crete. The sea is warm, and the majority of the tourist crowds are gone after the peak season of August. Recent estimates place the number of Greek islands between 1,200 and 6,000. Explore its hiking trail network and the lovely, unspoilt beaches. You will generally find low trees and bushes, and some islands are greener than others. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Piraeus, a couple of ports in the Peloponnese and Crete. Apart from Salamina, owing to its industrial port, the most densely populated islands in Greece come as no surprise. Here is everything you need to know to plan your trip to the Greek islands. Some are simply large rocks jutting out of the sea. Check out our A-to-Z Guide to the Cycladic islands here. How Many Greek Islands Are There? A Local's Guide - High Heels & a Backpack You can read more about these Greek island groups here. They were only officially released to Greece in 1948. Very useful to know, thanks for sharing! This includes all islands and islets in the Mediterranean Sea which belong to Greece. Salamina is the largest of the Saronic islands. Though not often mentioned, nor thought of, when recommending newcomers to Greece it does make a great place to visit. Here is a list of all the main Greek islands in the Ionian, ordered by size and population. There is also Salamina, where few people choose to go. People travelling in their own vehicle can get a ferry to the Ionian islands from Patra, Kyllini or Igoumenitsa ports. Several ferries depart on a daily basis from Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio ports in Athens. If you can visit on weekdays, you will probably enjoy it more. The Greek islands are traditionally grouped into the following clusters: the Argo-Saronic Islands in the Saronic Gulf near Athens; the Cyclades, a large but dense collection occupying the central part of the Aegean Sea; the North Aegean islands, a loose grouping off the west coast of Turkey; the Dodecanese, another loose collection in the southeast between Crete and Turkey; the Sporades, a small tight group off the coast of Euboea; and the Ionian Islands, chiefly located to the west of the mainland in the Ionian Sea. Finally, there are ferry connections between some of the Dodecanese islands and Turkey. "@type": "Question", Thanks John. It had 5 permanent residents in 2011, and is 0.35 sq km." The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and monk seals (Monachus monachus). Something to do with the lifestyle and diet here means that the population regularly love into their 90s. . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In recent years, more and more people are discovering Lefkada, Paxi and Ithaca. Venture beyond the beaten path and you wont be disappointed. I downloaded a spreadsheet with 20,991 entries of regions, regional units, municipalities, islands, islets and other administrative units. Finally, Skyros is the biggest of the Sporades, but also the least developed. Greece Has 227 Islands. Here's How to Choose. "acceptedAnswer": { Among the most popular attractions in Crete are the ancient sites of Knossos, Festos, Gortyna and Matala. Syros is great if you are into architecture, but a day or two would be enough as the beaches are not special. How Many Greek Islands Are There? - Real Greek Experiences Crete is the 12th largest island in Europe, so huge it takes about 5 hours to drive from end to end. Lemnos is a prime example of a large and well developed island that many people will have simply skipped over when considering holiday options. Skiathos vast pine forests fall right down to its beaches, with walking trails weaving through the green to reach the blue. So, again, it all comes down to what counts as an island. But a visit there is worth it alone to see one of Greeces best preserved sanctuaries the Temple of Aphaia. When people talk about the Greek islands, they often have a somewhat vague group of islands in mind. You may be surprised to know that 40 of the Greek islands have a population of under 100 people. These islands are ideal for visitors looking to experience authentic, traditional destinations. As you might expect, they are not just seven! Oops not sure if that made sense.. Things To Know About Greece Before You Go, How To Speak Greek The Greek Alphabet And 20 Useful Greek Words. Nearby is Aegina, full of fishing villages and notable seafood taverns. Both of them offer plenty of history, culture and delicious food. The islanders are also known for their longevity, with a staggeringly high percentage of centenarians among them. Tinos is also fantastic, I was very impressed. I'm sure you've read and seen pictures of even more for the islands you haven't visited yet. They are shown in order of size. Very much appreciated! Hippocrates was born on the island of Kos, which is known for its history, beaches and windsurfing. If you ask me, there is a huge difference between the two! "mainEntity": [{ The largest Sporades island is Skyros. I guess we are looking for something like Ibiza vibe without the crazy clubs. Depending on the islands you choose, getting from one to another isnt always straightforward. Leipsoi and Halki are both untouched by mass tourism, with a strong sense of local community and natural beauty. Here, you will experience the authentic Greek island life. His sheep and goats are still there though! ", You can read more about it in my article on movies about Greece. The Best Greek Islands to Visit, and Where to Stay on Them - Travel So big you could visit a different part every year and not get bored one bit. This is also what happened with Despotiko island close to Antiparos. In fact, you can even reach them on a day trip from Piraeus. Evia (Euboea), the second largest island, close to Athens. Thank you! According to the late 8th-early 7th century BC poet Hesiod, the goddess of love, Aphrodite, was born from the sea-foam off Kythira, the southernmost Ionian island (another version of the myth says she was born off the coast of Paphos, Cyprus). Replication can only be made with prior agreement by quoting the source with a link to the site, whether it's text, picture or video. You can reach them from the mainland, Skiathos or Skyros. Samos (Northern Aegean islands) has an international airport as I flew into it from Vienna Austria in September 2016 going to Patmos. Agios Georgios Salaminos (St. George's Island, uninhabited). If you want to explore any of the North Aegean islands properly, it would be best to have several days. Alderney. In terms of landscape, the Cyclades are famously dry and rocky. Greece receives approximately 30 million international visitors each year, with many heading to the countrys six main island regions. There are 7 main islands in the Ionian, including the ever popular Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Corfu long time favourites for British holidaymakers. The Grand Palace in Rhodes is unlike anything else you will see in Greece. In 2011, two shepherds lived there, but Ive heard that they have now moved. The Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics (IBGE) 2014 population estimates list a population of 352,104 for the municipality of, note: Argentine side has 160,457 people incl. Impressive (and unusual) selection!!! They are surrounded by the Ionian Sea. As an example, here is my experience hiking to the famous Kleftiko Bay in Milos. Astypaleia. The northernmost island of the group, Patmos, is renowned as the place where St. John wrote the Book of Revelations. There are up to 6000 islands depending on definition, only 247 are inhabited How many islands surround Greece? This 7-day Athens, Santorini and Mykonos itinerary is very popular, especially among first-time visitors. Islands - Visit Greece The other islands are a calm alternative to Skiathos. In addition, there are also several minor, uninhabited islands. According to different sources, the number of the inhabited islands is between 120 and 127, while the total number reaches more than 6000, including private islands, uninhabited islands and every . List of islands of Greece - Wikipedia Known for its wide sandy beaches and turquoise seas, Lefkada is a great destination for beginner sailors, thanks to its steady and predictable wind patterns. Common combinations are Santorini and Mykonos, or Paros and Santorini. The islands are also home to a number of endemic species, including the Cretan goat (Kri-kri) and the famous mastic trees of Chios. the Cyclades islands which contains a group of 56 isles out of which the most important are: Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos, Folegandros. There are 7 main Greek island groups, each with their own characteristics and influences in culture, architecture, climate and cuisine. Offering a true slice of seclusion. As per their latest report, the precise figure for all Greek islands of any size is 29,372!!! 10 Uninhabited Islands and Why Nobody Lives on Them A version of this article appears in print on. Milos, Naxos and Syros have domestic airports, where you can fly from Athens in about 40-50 minutes. The Cyclades islands comprise around 220 islands and islets. The large island of Lesvos is interesting for its architecture and exuberant gastronomy (olive oil, sardines, and the home of ouzo). Draws include hills perfect for hiking; tiny, secret pebble beaches around the perimeter; unnerving cliffs leading to the calm of Myrtos Beach and storybook towns like Assos. For comparison, continental landmasses are also shown, in italics. The real number of all Greek islands has always been subject to debates but one thing is certain - they are many. Religious or not, give the swim a go. Skiathos is the busiest of the major Sporades, and is famous for its intense night life. Karpathos Island | ID 59985116 Freesurf69 | Dreamstime.com The largest Greek island, located at the southern part of the country, is Crete. The Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics (IBGE) 2014 population estimates list a combined population of 786,605 inhabitants for the municipalities of, Approximate. Hydra has also famously banned all but a handful of wheeled vehicles on the island, including cars, motorbikes, and even bicycles (mules, donkeys, and sea taxis provide the only public transportation). Visitors are usually overwhelmed when it comes to "the Greek islands". "acceptedAnswer": { Islands that often feature among the best Greek islands are Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Crete, Hydra, Corfu, Zakynthos, Skiathos and Rhodes." The landscapes are wild and rugged, and the beaches are stunning. Examples include Sikinos, Anafi, Telendos, Pserimos, Agathonisi, Gavdos, Agios Efstratios and Thirasia. You will discover a whole new world, and perhaps a new life philosophy. There are a staggering 1,200 to 6,000 islands in Greece, ranging from the extremely well-known islands of Mykonos and Santorini to the lesser visited and relatively unknown islands of Samothraki and Leros, but not all of them are inhabited. How many islands does Greece have? - Greece High Definition Alternatively, there's the option of scheduling a direct pickup by a local driver at the following numbers: 0030 690 679 4316, 0030 22860 22555. "text": "Everyones top-10 Greek islands will be slightly different. That of course depends on what you consider an island to be. The majority of the islands are relatively small, with only a few exceptions like Crete, which is the largest and most populous island in Greece (over 630,000 year-round inhabitants), and Evia (190,000), which is connected to the mainland via a short bridge. Wherever you go, the trees reach all the way to the beautiful beaches. Greece-related lists Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos in the Ionian islands, Lesvos, Chios and Samos in the Northern Aegean. Home to picturesque villages and some wonderful beaches, the islands have become quite cosmopolitan over the years, attracting writers, artists and musicians. As an example, this includes the island of Ancient Delos. The island is car-free, has an elegant main town and vibrant atmosphere. Skopelos, the Mamma Mia island, is of course well known from the movie. "text": "According to official data, there are almost 30,000 islands in Greece. Sicily, island, southern Italy, the largest and one of the most densely populated islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Allow yourself several days to immerse yourself into the culture and the customs of this fantastic island. If you have been to Mykonos, Tinos or Santorini in the past, you will think that Corfu, Kefalonia or Lefkada are in another country! Even among many Greek people, especially those from Athens, they are relatively unknown. If you are in Athens already, you can catch a short flight from the Athens airport. Lars Leetaru By Caterina Hrysomallis Published Feb. 19, 2020 Updated Oct. 13, 2021 Greece receives approximately 30 million international visitors each year, with many heading to the country's. in GREECE A A Most likely you have been on holiday to many islands in Greece either in the Aegean Sea or the Ionian Sea. Greeces natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, and vibrant towns and villages extend to these lesser known gems. Try to stay for at least a week, and be prepared to drive around. Another famous chain are the Ionian islands. Ive saved the best for last. And now that we are clear with the geography, lets try to answer the question: how many Greek islands are there? We are on a budget and I did see that it can get expensive using the ferries, especially the fast ones. Budget islands include Naxos, Andros, Crete, Lesvos, Samos, Chios, Agistri, Aegina and Evia. Most of the Cyclades have beautiful hiking trails that you can explore. Here is a list of all the main Greek islands in the North Aegean, ordered by size and population. There may be flight connections between the islands, so its worth doing some research. The Cyclades are home to the Aegean cat, a formally . It will definitely enhance your Real Greek Experience! There are flights from many European airports to both. Santorini and Mykonos are the islands with the largest population density, in part due to their popularity and, hence, tourism they generate. You can then visit the Caldera but also many other places of interest. In 2011, when the last census happened, 119 Greek islands were inhabited. The most famous Dodecanese islands are Rhodes, Kos and Patmos. I read through a few of your posts, really informative! The Dodecanese islands are in the Aegean Sea, quite far from mainland Greece. Its towns are cheerful and colorful, painted in a warm palette of straw yellow, pastel pink and orange. If you want to see unique landscapes and views, Santorini and Milos are both great. From the narrow kantounia streets to the wide pavements, and from Spianada to the pedestrian street of Liston, reminiscent of San Marco square in Venice, the city of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers limitless visual appeal for history buffs and culture lovers. ", islands on the planet. "name": "How many Greek islands are there exactly? Connected to the mainland by a suspension bridge over the narrow Euripus Strait (40m wide at its narrowest point), the elongated island, which means land of the well-fed oxen, nevertheless boasts some amazing beaches, rustic villages, and hiking trails, which meander through spectacular, rugged landscapes. "text": "According to the 2011 census, there are 119 inhabited islands in Greece. The iconic Santorini sunsets with the blue domed churches are world-famous. But are they really that many? By Greece Is Team | Honshu Great Britain Luzon Sumatra Madagascar Mindanao Mainland Australia Taiwan Borneo Sri Lanka Hispaniola Sulawesi Salsette Kysh New Guinea Cuba Hainan class=notpageimage| World's most populated islands (10 million+ inhabitants) Population over 10 million Population 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 Population 500,000 to 1,000,000 How Many Greek Islands Are There? - Greece Travel Ideas This is the body of water to the east of the Greek mainland, between Greece and Turkey. Alderney is the northernmost inhabited island in the Channel Islands archipelago. I hope this overview of the Greek island groups was helpful! English is widely spoken in Greece. Islands The islands are the main characteristic of Greece's morphology and an integral part of the country's culture across the ages. Greeks in Ukraine Take Russian Invasion Threat in their Stride 40 of them had 100 or fewer permanent residents. A-Z List of Greek Islands - The Mediterranean Traveller In winter, most of the Greek islands will be very quiet and you can enjoy the peaceful island life. As Im Greek, I loved driving around the winding mountain roads of around Evia! If, like most visitors, you only have a few days in Greece, its best to stick to one or maximum two island groups. The North Aegean islands are located in the Aegean Sea. It is incredible how many Greek islands there are to satisfy the taste of every visitor. "@type": "Answer", These two islands belong to Turkey, and we call them Imvros and Tenedos. - Definitely Greece How Many Greek Islands Are There? Subcategories This category has the following 2 subcategories, out of 2 total. Your travel options to Crete include flights and ferries. "@type": "Question", January by islands - StatBank Denmark - data and statistics", "Canada: Administrative and Census Division (Provinces and Census Divisions) - Population Statistics, Charts and Map", "Community Profiles from the 2006 Census, Statistics Canada - Census Division", "Philippines Population (2022) - Worldometer", Biro Pusat Statistik - Nusa Tenggara Barat, Trinidad and Tobago: Municipalities, Major Cities & Communities - Statistics & Maps on City Population, "Mauritius: Districts, Cities, Village Council Areas - Population Statistics in Maps and Charts", "2022[]-", "Soal Mandalika Resort, DPRD NTB Studi Komparatif Dengan Pemkot Batam | Global FM Lombok", Bahrain: Governorates, Major Cities & Towns - Statistics & Maps on City Population, s&labeling=labels&plugin=1 "Total population as of 1 January". { In my opinion, going to Crete for just 2-3 days isnt really worth it. Most of the Cyclades are only accessible by ferry. For more ideas, check my article onisland hopping in Greece on a budget. . Naxos is one of the most family-friendly islands in Greece. The Greek territory comprises 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Sea, a truly unique phenomenon on the European continent; of these islands only 227 are inhabited. Click here for our bumper guide to the Sporades. Sign Up for Premium Content, Special Offers & More. The truth is, there are more than 200 inhabited Greek isles (and about 6,000 islands total). }, { and see if you like the looks of them. between 1200 and 6000 depending on your definition, 227 are inhabited ", Greece is a country known for building religious monuments in the most extraordinary places. How many islands are there in Greece? Car rental: There's the option of renting a car and picking it up directly from your hotel. If you have very limited time in Greece, but definitely want to go to one or two Greek islands, the Saronic islands are a great option. Enter email and get our travel tips to maximise your trips. Things To Know About Greece Before You Go, How To Speak Greek The Greek Alphabet And 20 Useful Greek Words. Nestled in the southeast corner of the Aegean, touted by the GNTO as the sunniest corner in Greece, are the Dodecanese islands. "@type": "Question", The tiny Koufonissi is only 5.8 sq km. How many of the Greek islands are actually inhabited? Sadly, he has now passed, and the monastery is deserted. The sea and the allure of the water has always been a constant element in the life of Greek people and that is instantly obvious to travellers. Travelling by ferry is the most popular way for Greek people, especially when they want to bring their vehicle. Skiathos is also full of secluded beaches only accessible via boat, like Lalaria Beach. There are a number of Greek islands that are quite remote and hard to get to, and hence they are less touristy. The answer to this isnt as straightforward as youd think. There are 33 main Cyclades islands, surrounded by dozens of smaller islets. Here is my ridiculously long Greek ferry guide that should be helpful. Heres How to Choose. "@type": "Answer", About 800 feet from the main beach of the town of Kefalos is a small island topped with a petite church. Patmos, Greece. This beautiful island has some lovely landscapes and is full of forests and wild beaches. No more avocado toast and croque-madames. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, even in August. As an example, if you are after parties, some of the best islands to visit are Mykonos and Ios. However, in reality, only a small number of people live there. There are between 166 and 227 islands that have people living on . { From the inhabited Greek Islands, just 53 have more than 1.000 residents and out of the remaining, 95 of them have less than 100 . The main islands are indicated in bold below.[7][8]. You can comfortably travel around the islands for weeks with just a carry-on. Naxos is the largest in size closely followed by Andros. Not just a consideration for day trips, but also for longer stays to really recharge those batteries. 7. Including any of those islands and islets in your holiday will expose you to a completely different pace of life. Thanks so much and I will def check out your fb post. In fact, none have international airports, only domestic ones with flights to and from Athens and Thessaloniki. Here is a list of all the main Greek islands in the Dodecanese, ordered by size and population. The country includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Greek Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited. Sights from the sea can be breathtaking and during various island stops vendors come on board selling snacks, like the must-try nougat pies on routes heading to the Cyclades. You can see each ferrys specs online, and decide for yourself. If you are going to the Greek islands in the summer season, you wont need to pack too much! The number of inhabited Greek islands is much smaller, often ranging between 166 and 227.

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