4 Magnificent Islands Near Santorini Worth Visiting
Santorini is also called the supermodel of the Greek islands. Its magnificent caldera shaped trademark landscape was a result of a volcanic eruption some 3600 years ago. It has lovely panoramas, memorable sunsets, and brilliant volcanic-sand beaches. However, other islands near Santorini also have their own share of splendor and charm. There are wonderful close islands to Santorini worth visiting! Look into a Santorini rent a car company to really explore this wonderful place, as well as the magnificent islands surrounding it! Make sure to look into any rental car companies special offers as well.
When you visit Santorini this holiday season, you can take a short boat or ferry trip to reach other beautiful islands. Such short detours will make your stay even more superb. You can make Santorini your headquarters and start discovering the rest of the beautiful Cyclades archipelago from there.
There are about 220 islands in Cyclades archipelago. Each of them has something unique to offer. However, these four islands surpass others in beauty, charm and majesty. They are worth a visit.
1. Anafi
Anafi is among the least visited islands in the Cyclades. It is merely 22km away from Santorini. Anafi island is for people looking to enjoy the sandy beaches and hiking in the wild mountain terrains away from other tourists’ humdrum.
You should not expect the comforts and facilities of the more popular destinations. Anafi is for the people who are looking for an adventure surrounded by the quiet of nature.
2. Naxos
Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands. It used to be a cultural centre for Classic Greece and Byzantium civilisations. The main town on Naxos is called Hora, which has a beautiful waterfront and a web of steep stone-laid cobbled alleys. You can easily find isolated beaches, picturesque mountain villages and ancient marble quarries on Naxos.
This island offers a wonderful opportunity for the tourists to shop for souvenirs. Moreover, it also provides a beautiful blend of Venetian and Frank cultural influences. Foodies can also satiate their appetite for unique and tasty food, like Naxos Graviera. Adventurers will find that the strong winds of Naxos are perfect for surfing.
It is only 2 hours ferry ride away from Santorini.
3. Mykonos
Mykonos island is an amazing place. It is famous for its magnificent nightlife, clubs, glamour, and parties. There are superb sand beaches, five-star hotels, luxury resorts, expensive shops, fancy beach clubs, and wonderful restaurants. Mykonos island is the general destination for tourists looking for a slice of a hedonistic lifestyle.
Mykonos is a place to party all night and shop all day. Mind you; this place is a bit on the expensive side. But it more than makes up for it with the rich experience.
The ferry trip from Santorini to Mykonos only takes about 2 hours.
4. Milos
Milos island has outstanding rock formations and coastal landscapes. Its coastline offers picturesque views with quarries and stacks, white rocky cliffs, and unbelievably clear waters. Milos island has been mined for thousands of years. Despite that, the natural beauty of the island is surprisingly untouched.
This is a place to relax and let your hair down. Unlike Mykonos, you will be hard-pressed to find huge tourist complexes or crowded streets. Milos is just as beautiful as the famous statue of the Greek Goddess Aphrodite, Venus de Milo, discovered here in 1820.
It takes about 5 hours in a ferry ride from Santorini to Milos. You can plan a family vacation and spend a week here, discovering the beauty of this wonderful island.