Five suggestions for an alternative escape with a unique experience, even in winter
Although Greek islands evoke an image of being crowded with tourists in the middle of summer, this does not mean that the Greek islands are not worth visiting in the winter, either.
On the contrary, some Greek islands, whether small or large, are perfect for every season, offering every would-be traveler a dynamic mix of experiences that can turn the dreary winter into a super opportunity for travel, sightseeing and recreation.
Below, we’ve selected 5 Greek islands worth discovering in winter too, so you can get a good dose of winter sea air just before the arrival of spring.
Syros
The hidden island of the Cyclades with its historic architecture, small museums and rare sweet gastronomy is without a doubt a promising winter getaway that you should reconsider adding to your travel list.
Although summer comes alive artistically thanks to the famous Animasyros festival, Syros, famous for its sugar-dusted Asia Minor loukoumia, is an island that certainly promises to make the winter gloom a little sweeter, bearable and – why not – exciting.
Chios
A melting pot of cultures between East and West, Chios is without a doubt the alternative choice of summer and the unexpected choice of winter.
Internationally known for mastic, the fragrant fruit of the mastic trees that thrive in the south of the island, and for its beautiful medieval villages that fill the covers of magazines every summer, Chios is sure to offer you a quiet winter escape giving you the chance to discover its unknown beauty.
Lesvos
There’s no better way to combine a short winter getaway with some ouzo, sardines and picturesque architecture than with a visit to Lesvos.
The island with its characteristic coves is by all accounts a dynamic winter choice that combines gastronomy, sightseeing and history in a dynamic combo, especially if you are looking for an injection of sea breeze in the winter.
Of course, weather permitting and in the present mood, a visit to Plomari, Molyvos and Kalloni is essential, so that you can experience the island to the fullest.
Kefalonia
The largest island of the Ionian is the unexpected winter choice of the Ionian Islands.
Historical, but also an amalgam of traditions, gastronomy, architecture and natural beauty, Kefalonia is the hidden ace of the Ionian that can offer you an exciting and full short travel experience.
From Argostoli and Lixouri to Fiskardo, Kefalonia should be on the list for a quick winter weekend.
Rhodes
Although it steals the attention of foreigners every summer, the Knights Island with its magical sunsets is much more than an interesting idea for a short winter getaway.
At this time, you can freely enjoy a quiet winter walk on the empty beaches of the island and connect with the aura of the ancient citadel of Lindos, without the unbearable hot heat and endless queues of tourists.
Also, the traditional cafes and the few open taverns are the perfect gustatory complements after a refreshing wander through the empty alleys of the medieval city of Rhodes under the cloudy Mediterranean sky.
READ MORE: Yianni Koutroudis is a columnist for Travel.
