Despite the financial issues Greece has been having lately, it is still one of many people’s ‘go to’ holiday destination. Basically, it’s failsafe – the weather is good, despite the odd cool (but very welcome) shower, all through summer, the food is great, and the people are extremely friendly. Over the years I have been lucky enough to visit a few Greek Islands, all of which offer something different and are special in their own way. Here are my top 3 and why they were special to me!

1. Zakynthos

It now has a bad reputation for underage British binge drinking, but the resort of Laganas was the first place I visited in Greece when I was less than a year old. On a negative note, I did get pretty ill there that year (read: very ill) but it was also the place where I learnt to walk and swim. The ‘strip’, or the club-lined street where partygoers head straight for is slightly horrific but parts of the resort, as well as other parts of  the island, are beautiful. At the right time of year, you can head out on the calm waters in a pedalo and swim amongst the famous loggerhead turtles that lay there eggs there once a year, or head to one of the many isolated beaches around the island. Driving through winding olive groves bathed in the mediterranean sunshine in a convertible Jeep is one of my favourite memories from this island.

2. Naxos

Naxos is probably the most stunning of the islands I have been to and, because it does not yet have an international airport, it is fairly untouched by tourism. The ferry journey from Mykonos is a bit too hot and bumpy for my liking, but it is worth it when you step foot on Naxos. The beaches are idyllic and are relatively empty even throughout the hottest summer months, whilst the old town centre with its cobbled, narrow streets is picturesque. The tavernas on Naxos are also some of the best I have been to, and the harbour at sunset is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two.

3. Kefalonia

The island of Kefalonia (or Cephalonia) lies a stones throw away from Zakynthos, and was made famous by the book and film, ‘Captain Korellis Mandolin.’ Katelios, one of the resorts I have stayed at on the island, can only be described as quaint; practically consisting of a few tasty tavernas that stretch out across the shoreline, you instantly feel cosy and welcome in this tiny Greek haven. If you explore elsewhere on the island, you will find stunning beaches that are nestled below soaring mountains.

The unusually warm weather in England has inspired this post and, I have to say, I’m now very excited about my holiday to Greece this year where I’ll be heading to the island of Corfu for the second time.

So, what’s your favourite Greek island and why?