The Greek islands make for an unforgettable charter experience with their beautiful white sand beaches, picturesque white villages perched on hillsides, stunning sunsets, and intriguing archaeology showing remnants of previous Minoan, Phoenician, Turkish, Venetian and Roman civilisations. Justifiably, they are one of the most popular charter destinations. The islands are close to each other making for comfortable day-cruises between them, and regular winds make them especially alluring for sailing enthusiasts.

At 173 miles long east to west, and as wide as 30 miles north to south, Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands. The prevailing winds bring winter rainfall to the west of the island, and the vegetation is surprisingly lush. The central mountains are even snow-capped in winter. The east is drier, is more reminiscent of the Levant, and there are even naturally occuring palm groves. Sprinkled around the island there are beaches, lively resorts, archeological ruins and ancient villages. The variety around the island makes it a popular destination for charters.

Syros is the major island of the Cyclades, and has a large commercial port. Despite its working image, it has three of the best restaurants in the islands. Because Syros is the administrative centre of the Cyclades, and has plenty of industry revolving around the commercial port, tourism is not as important to the economy as some of the neighbouring islands. Its beautiful beaches and local tavernas have not therefore succumbed to the tourist dollar to the extent of some of the other islands.

Another Volcanic island with spectacular rock formations and hot springs. There is some industry and mining, but this does not detract from the islands beauty. This is a beautiful island with fantastic beaches and well worth a visit on charter. Situated in the south western corner of the Cyclades, most of Milos' 161 square kilometres are parched, multi-hued, volcanic rock and are a magnet to geologists. The shoreline is tortured by steep cliffs, sea caves, subsurface rocks and small islands. Minerals and ores are in abundance, their treasures mined in outlying areas and scarring the barren landscape. Villages cling to slopes or nestle at the water's edge in sandy coves.

Ios is a party island for the young package holiday crowd, though arriving by day you would not guess it any different from any other typical cycladic village. But come sunset, every house is a disco, bar, fastfood restaurant, or boutique. The famed party island, this is a magnet for youngsters from all over Europe and beyong, eager to drink and party all night and sleep off the day. Ios is a pretty, but harsh island with quite a few things to do and see, but because of the young package crowd, more well-seasoned travelers prefer not to come here. Which is a shame, since you can enjoy large, empty beaches before noon, when all the "clubbers" are fast asleep. The people on Ios live mainly off the tourism, and partly off agriculture and fishing. For them, the island's reputation is something of a dilemma. On the one hand the young holidaymakers provide an important source of income, but on the other hand the island has become a bit too commercialised, and the locals are quite disgusted by the behaviour of the young tourists.

Corfu has long been a favourite destination for north Europeans. Generally considered to be one of the most beautiful Greek Islands, the lush green Corfu is also called the 'Emerald Island'. Corfu was the last stop for legendary Odysseus and it has lots to offer the visitor. The many years of tourism have taken their toll unfortunately, and some find the island too busy in peak season. The turquoise sea and green nature are exceptional though, and the island is still a recommended cruise destination. Corfu Town is the charming capital of Corfu. It has borne the brunt of package tourism, but rest assured, you can get your souvlakis and frappes just as you would anywhere else in Greece. Glyfada is regarded by most of the locals as the island's best beach, and always attracts a lot of visiting boats. Palestrikaeo is definitely one of the most scenic parts of Corfu with its turqouise coves and pine covered hills.

Folegandros is a dramatic site when arriving by boat with its villges perched on high clliffs. The main port is Karavostasis where there are restaurants, hotels, beaches and buses.

Amorgos is the most easterly of the Cyclades, lying close to the Dodecanese. The scenery is rugged and dramatic with spectacular cliff top views over the Aegean Sea, beautiful sandy beaches, and interesting archaeological sites...

Expensive, decadent, and fun for gays, staight people and familes too. Intense nightlife with clubs that never stop. If you can't handle it there are frequent boats to escape to other less wild islands. For a little culture there are trips to the uninhabited ancient island of Delos...

Sifnos is easily reachable by ferry from Pireaus. Sifnos is a mountainous island with fertile valleys, beautiful beaches and several towns. It has a long history and has been inhabited since 3000 BC. For people who are looking for the 'real Greece' ...

If one were to have to choose only one place to visit in Greece, then Sanorini would be it. The views over the caldera are absolutely magnificent, and this island should not be missed on any charter in Greece. It was around 1450BC that an event took place in Santorini that completely altered the history of the anceient world. This was the terrible eruption of the volcano which was in the centre of the island, and the subsidence of the greater part of it into the sea, creating the gaping hole of the Caldera. But it was perhaps the subsequent tsunami that left the greater mark. With a height calculated to be around 100m, when it hit the north coast of Crete it wiped out the palace of Knossos and is attributed with the ending of the Minoan civilisation.

Paros has long been a well-known tourist attraction and one of the favourite islands for visitors - partly because all the ferries stop here. The beautiful capital of Parikia, the pretty village of Naoussa, and the superb beaches are amongst its most popular features.

Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, home to its tallest mountain, the pyramidal Mount Zeus (1,010 m). Naxos is a fertile island, and is one of the most popular islands for tourists, but is relatively quiet, quaint, and charming.

The best place is the main town of Andros on the other side of the island. No autos are allowed in the village which juts out on a peninsula between two long beaches. There is a shipping museum and an excellent art museum there. Because of the wealth of the village, tourism is not encouraged. Good reason to go there. Renting a car is recommended. This is a beautiful, green island that even has a small river or two. ...