While Athens is embroiled in the chaos of general strikes and protests, why not avoid the capital altogether and head out to the Greek islands? Renowned for their breathtaking scenery, great food and one-of-a-kind jewelry, Rhodes, Mykonos, Corfu, Santorini and Crete offer travelers an authentic Greek experience, without closed historic sites or late night rioting. Now is a great time to visit and avoid the mass exodus of Greek travelers who spend their vacations soaking up the islands’ sun in August. Aegean’s special domestic flight promotions make Greece’s islands even more affordable and accessible for summer travelers.

Rhodes
One of the most interesting islands to explore is Rhodes. If you arrive via ferry or yacht on the north end, it’s a short walk to the walled city in Rhodes Town. Explorers and ancient history lovers will no doubt enjoy the opportunity to climb Old Town’s medieval turret walls, stroll along the dusty mote and make their way up the Avenue of the Knights. The island is also home to a truly unique museum in the city center with an array of pottery, burial artifacts and breathtaking mosaics. The archeology museum, in what used to be the knight’s hospital, also has several outdoor garden areas with ponds that take advantage of the buildings’ many open spaces. The museum offers glimpses of Greece’s rich history of sculpture and artisan craft makers as well as jewelry. Visitors will also likely find themselves drawn to the city’s Palace of the Grand Masters.

But for a truly memorable experience, grab a bus ticket and head to the other end of the island. There you’ll find Lindos, a community with its own Acropolis atop a hill overlooking a majestic blue-green lagoon perfect for a day of beach fun. The Acropolis is the only one left, with the exception of its counterpart in the Greek capital.

To see everything, as well as enjoy the myriad of jewelry shops, restaurants and bars, schedule at least two or three days if you’re planning a beach day at Lindos.

Mykonos
The island is known for its pristine beaches. Although Business Today wasn’t impressed by the beaches, the island’s laid-back attitude and maze-like shopping district make it a pleasant layover between more adventurous stops. However, if you’re looking to spend your days shopping, then you’ve hit the jackpot. Slightly cheaper than Santorini, Mykonos has everything a visitor could ask for, from beachwear and designer sandals to hand-crafted jewelry to couture fashion.

Check out Parthenis (designer clothes by Dimitris Parthenis) and the Gold Market (jewelry) for unique pieces you won’t find elsewhere, or at least, that’s what you can tell your friends. It’s an easy island to see in a day, as long as you have transportation, so consider renting a four-wheeler to enjoy the sunny weather and idyllic scenery.

Corfu
Corfu is perhaps Greece’s most popular island destination. Made famous in Homer’s Odyssey as the “beautiful and rich land,” the Ionian island is a definite must for travelers looking for a blend of European influences, great food and drinks, as well as historical architecture ranging from Venetian mansions, Parisian arcades and Greek fortresses. This island certainly has it all, so make sure to stay a few days. Start with tours of Palaio Frourio and Neo Frourio (fortresses) in Corfu Town. Corfu also boasts several interesting museums, including the Archeological Museum, the Museum of Asian Art and the Antivouniotissa Museum, a gem for lovers of Byzantine imagery and history.

When you finally get tired of seeing the sights, rest your feet in a café and indulge in some people watching in Liston. If you’d prefer to get out of the city, head north past Pyrgi, with a quick stop in Kato Korakkiana to check out some of Greece’s most famous artwork. Better yet, get out on the water by booking a tour or sunset cruise on a yacht.

Santorini
Santorini’s blue-roofed churches, stunning views and historic sites are only some of the reasons the island is so aptly described as paradise. The long stretch of hotels and eateries, as well as unique shops can be done in a day, but budget at least one more if you plan to head to the black stone beaches or one of the islands archeological sites. The area’s volcanic past is clear as soon as you get to the top of the caldera in Fira. Take the tram, walk or ride one of the many donkeys that take tourists up and down the steep climb. Once you get to the top, you’ll be inundated with options for shopping, eating and touring. We recommend spending an hour or so touring the shops and then catching a bus to the south end of the island.

Ancient Akrotiri is without a doubt the site to see on the island. However, due to restoration efforts, it is often closed. Before you head out, check to see if it’s open. If so, catch a bus and head out of the site. Here you’ll see frescoes and remnants of the ancient city still being excavated from volcanic ash.

If you can’t see Akrotiri, go the opposite direction to Ancient Thira, the remains of an old community near Mount Proftis. Book a spot in a private car or rent a four-wheeler to get to the top. Just beware the twists and turns that make the drive up challenging. (For a real challenge, try walking.) At the top you’ll make a short trek to see an ancient church and then follow a path past it to the village. While the village foundations aren’t awe-inspiring, the views of the water and communities below are a real treat. For a less expensive experience, try staying in the small community of Kamari at the bottom where you’ll find Santorini’s famous black stone beaches.

Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and has more than enough attractions to keep visitors interested for weeks on end. Boasting several historical cities, fortresses, famous ports and some of Greece’s most lovely wine country and olive groves, Crete is a great place to simply rent a car and see where the road takes you. For beach seekers, try Kokkini Chani (also spelled Kokkini Hani), a beach town with a few nice resorts, including Knossos Beach Bungalows and Suites. But if you’re looking for nightlife, check out the nearby Heraklion, where you’ll enjoy port scenes over a glass of Greek wine or a shot of raki, Crete’s local liquor.

Nearby is Knossos, the capital of Minoan Crete and host to the remains of a Minoan-era palace. Although interesting in its own right, the overzealous restoration efforts earlier in the century may turn conservation buffs off, particularly after seeing so many other Greek wonders.  
Next on the agenda is Rethymno. Nightlife, shopping and a 16th-century fortress make this a fun city to tour during the day and then enjoy dining and dancing in the evening. Only another hour away is Hania (also spelled Chania). A real joy, this city is a great place to take pictures with its old buildings, port walls and lively shopping district.

If you’d prefer to indulge in the island’s outdoor exploits, head toward the center of the island. Along the way you’ll see the weather gradually change and become wetter as the green hills become mountain ranges. It’s here you’ll find gorges that lead visitors on hikes to the coast. If you’d rather stick close to the road, there are several lookouts and villages to check out with their own local attractions and beach culture. Plakias is another great Cretan city for travelers who want a variety of options, ranging from beach stays and long walks to lively evenings.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out and enjoy all the Greek islands have to offer. bt