A list of twenty Greek islands selected as the most beautiful, announced the British newspaper Evening Standard https://www.standard.co.uk/escapist/best-greek-islands-holidays-lesser-known-a3869661.html. «Crystal clear waters, sun, souvlaki, and a different side of Greece without the crowds,» promises travel editor Laura Hampson, selecting 20 of the country's 227 inhabited islands.
The top of the list is occupied by Naxos with its paradisiacal beaches and its special historical monuments. The following are the Serif with the white villages, the sunny Patmos for an unforgettable Easter, the refreshing Amorgos and the graphic Astypalea with the historical settlements. In the next positions is the family Corfu, the beautiful Symi and the imposing Santorini.
The list continues with the glamorous and impressive Crete, the gastronomic Sifnos, the cosmic Mykonos, the youthful Ios of paths and monasteries, the timelessness of the Paros, the Zakynthos with the famous Shipwreck, the unforgettable Kefalonia, the exotic Apple and the idyllic Lefkada. Finally, the list includes the Skopelos as the island of Mamma Mia, the Skiathos with the nightlife but also the Andros distinguished for its arts and unique beaches. Representatives of destinations on the list convey the mood of the time:
«The international press is responding warmly to the development of Ios. The Municipality is strengthening this direction with “green” initiatives, infrastructure projects, cultural festivals and improvement of the hiking network», says the Mayor of Ios, Gikas Gikas.
«With systematic effort, Astypalaia shows the future by combining sustainability, quality, tradition and special forms of tourism. The tourism industry is showing its interest earlier, creating a climate of optimism», adds the Mayor of Astypalaia Nikos Komeneas.
«A significant increase in pre-bookings from abroad and especially from Great Britain we have recently seen in Skopelos. Mamma Mia excursions, diving, hiking, monasteries and gastronomy, are elements that we are highlighting this year and have a great response, »says the President of the Tourism Committee of the Municipality of Skopelos, Ioanna Efstathiou.
«Through actions such as the religious music festival and the operation of a «smart» pavilion that «tells» the history of Patmos, we promote religiosity and traditions, as part of an experience that captivates tourists, especially in recent years,» says the Deputy Mayor of Patmos Tourism, Nikos Koutouzos.
«The interest of travellers from abroad has started. We are bringing Naxos to the forefront, conquering new international firsts. The uncrowded beaches, local products and nature activities place Naxos at the top», says the Deputy Mayor of Tourism of Naxos and Small Cyclades, Vangelis Katsaras.
«According to a recent survey by the Municipality, in the post-covid era, tourists have discovered in Andros a safe haven of peace and rejuvenation through trails, arts and exotic waters,» notes the Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Nikos Moustakas.
