4 Greek Islands Known for Their Food and Crafts

The islands of Greece are known for many things: incredible beaches, fresh food by the sea, and nightlife that goes on until dawn.

However, did you know that certain Greek islands are particularly well known for specific crafts their residents have perfected? Below are five islands and the crafts they are known for – so if you’re visiting any of these paradise destinations this summer, you know exactly what souvenir to pick up!

Tinos – Basket Weaving 

There is a town in Tinos called Volax, which is famous throughout Greece for two things: its surreal, boulder-laden landscape, and its basket-weaving residents. Though the town only has around 50 permanent inhabitants, many of them are basket-weavers with workshops adjacent to their houses. So stop by Volax to marvel at its alien landscape, historic churches, and gorgeous baskets!

Chios – Masticha

It is still an unsolved mystery why the mastiha tree produces mastiha (mastic) only on the island of Chios and nowhere else in Greece. Mastiha is a resin used for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. The 24 villages in Chios that produce it are the picturesque and aptly nicknamed “Mastihohoria” – definitely worth a visit both for sightseeing and souvenir shopping.

Crete – Paximadi

Paximadia are a common staple of Greek breakfasts and snack food. This crunchy bread-like food is closest to barley rusk, and is used in plenty of Greek recipes, including the traditional “dakos”, where it is mixed with feta, tomato, oregano, and cappari. The best paximadi is made in Crete, so if you are visiting the island for its glorious hiking and beaches, be sure to bring plenty of paximadia for snacks after your afternoon swim or walk!

Syros – Loukoumia

 Aside from the fresh, healthy foods that make up the local Mediterranean diet, Greece is also known for its delectable sweets. The island of Syros especially is famous throughout the country for its loukoumia. These gummy sweets come in a variety of flavors, though the most traditional kind have hints of roses and pistachios. Sit at one of the many portside cafes or restaurants on Miaouli Square and enjoy this famous Syros sweet!

 

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Sail & Hike Cruises in Greece

The Greek islands are known for many things: beaches, sailing, great food, and water sports. However, did you know there are incredible hiking opportunities in the Aegean islands as well?

If you’re visiting in the springtime or fall, and it’s a bit too chilly for the beaches, try these great trails instead. During the summer, you can also access these trails to get some great sunset views.

The Caldera in Nisyros

One of the most mind-blowing hikes in the Aegean is the caldera hike on the tiny island of Nisyros. Wear good footwear, as the terrain can be a little difficult (and hot). Follow the track to the craters of Stefanos and Polyvotis, and take in this otherwordly volcanic landscape.

 

Explore the Villages of Andros on Foot

The quite large island of Andros has hiking trails connecting most of its charming villages, which can easily be crossed on foot. Explore the island’s valleys and ancient water mills while making your way from one scenic small town to another.

Go Back in History on the Trails of Ithaki

Ithaki, well-known to fans of Greek history and mythology as the Ionian home island of Odysseus, has plenty of hiking trails on its lush landscape. Walk between historic sites related to Trojan War hero Odysseus, and step back in time as you also admire the green landscape and clear turquoise waters below.

Enjoy the Tranquility of Tilos

As a smaller island overlooked by many foreign and Greek tourists, Tilos is the perfect place for travelers seeking some peace and quiet in a great natural setting. The island has dramatic cliff tops jutting out over the sea, and isolated beaches where you can have the beautiful Aegean scenery all to yourself.

Charter one of our Sail in Greece vessels private for your group and our team will design a tailor made itinerary ideal for hiking adventures!

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5 Greek Beaches accessible only by sailboat

In a country full of beautiful, scenic, unspoilt beaches, it’s hard to pick the best, but the part of Greece’s coastline accessible only by sailboat tends to be the most beautiful of all. With a couple of exceptions, these beaches have less tourist crowds and less human pollution thanks to their hard-to-access locations, making them prime spots for swimming and sunbathing.

When you hop around the Greek islands on a boat, these five breathtaking beaches are yours to enjoy!

• Kleftiko Beach, Milos

The turquoise water and stunning white rock formations that dot Kleftiko Beach make it an impressive destination for travelers. Thanks to the fact that Kleftiko is only accessible by boat, the water tends to be cleaner and clearer than on the rest of the popular island of Milos. Lie out on the rocks and soak in the dazzling Mediterranean sun, then jump into the water for one of the best swimming experiences of your life.

• Lalaria Beach, Skiathos

Lalaria is the beach that put Skiathos on the map for many Greek and international tourists alike. The white pebble beach, limestone cliffs, and crystal clear blue waters make this particular spot on the island appear almost surreal in its beauty. Local legends state that swimming through the natural rock arch will give you eternal youth – even though it’s a myth, it doesn’t hurt to try!

• Agiofulli Beach, Lefkada

Lefkada is famous all over Greece for its incredible beaches, as well as its prime spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Though it’s hard to pick just one beach from the island, Agiofulli is especially beloved thanks to its inaccessible by car, tranquil location. Pull in on a sailboat and swim to shore, or hop a charter from the main town of Lefkada and take the 45-minute ride to experience Agiofulli Beach yourself.

• Navagio Beach, Zakynthos

One of the most popular destinations in all of Greece, Navagio Beach is truly a unique sight to behold. Almost everyone has seen famous pictures of the beach, which has an old shipwreck on the sand and is surrounded by towering cliff faces. The reason most of these photos of Navagio are taken from above is that the beach itself is only accessible by sailboat. It is definitely worth it to sail out here, take a swim, and explore the beautiful old shipwreck yourself.

• Koufonissi Island, Crete

If you’re looking for more than just a secluded beach, how about a whole uninhabited island accessible only by boat?! Koufonissi Island, right off the coast of Crete, doesn’t even have a regular service from the mainland anymore, meaning that only those who have rented sailboats can go there. Koufonissi doesn’t offer developed beaches with sun beds and cocktail service, but it’s a favorite destination for those looking to get back to nature and simply enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the sea and sand.

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The Sail in Greece Team