Europe & Mediterranean

14 Photos of the Greek Islands to Inspire Your Next Vacation

By Reagan Johnson

May 18, 2011

From Patmos to Crete, Santorini to Rhodes, these photos take you inside the Mediterranean's breathtaking Greek Islands.

This Greek island is known for its picturesque, whitewashed villages that scale the steep cliffs overlooking the Aegean.Thinkstock

Was this the ancient city of Atlantis? Some scholars and archeologists believe it could be.Thinkstock

This lovely city on the island of Crete faces the sea on three sides.Thinkstock

Greece's largest island has seen burgeoning tourism and offers an array of glitzy resorts, though it still retains its small town charm in its more remote regions.Thinkstock

The ruins of the palace of Zakros still remain in eastern Crete, and date to 1900 B.C.Thinkstock

The ancient Roman ruins of the Nymphaeum on Kos are an opulent archeological site today.Thinkstock

It wouldn't be a photo tour – or actual tour – of the Greek Islands without a sample of the local cuisine, famous for its gyros and colorful Mediterranean salads.Thinkstock

The town of Nikia is perched on the crater of a semi-dormant volcano on the island of Nisyros.Thinkstock

Rhodes, Greece Lindos beach is a local favorite for sunbathing and swimming on the island of Rhodes. Return to Main PageThinkstock

Just beyond the city of Lindos rests the ancient acropolis high on a hill, a relic of the town's former citadel.Thinkstock

The Antoni Queen beach is considered to be one of the best beaches on the Greek island of Rhodes.Thinkstock

The Monastery of St. John on the island of Patmos, widely regarded as the location where the apostle John wrote the book of Revelation, is home to a number of vibrant mosaics.Thinkstock

The mountainous island of Corfu – the northernmost of the Ionian Group – is one of the Greek Islands' most popular draws for travelers.Thinkstock

Corfu's Vlacherna Monastery is a favorite photo-op for many travelers to the Greek Islands.Thinkstock

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