The most “in” islands for young people

Summer is approaching and we all, more or less, have the same question.

Where will we go on holiday this year?

That we'll stay in Greece is self-evident, I won't even discuss it. Tourists from all over the world travel so many kilometres every year for the Greek summer, and we who have it as our own, will we leave?

So, together now we will look at the best suggestions for young people, students, and pupils who have just gone through the ordeal of university entrance exams this year and are looking for the ideal place to escape. So pack your bags and let's go! And if you're not young in age but young at heart, even better!

Our first destination is none other than the unforgettable Ios

My first holidays with my friends. U-n-f-o-r-g-e-t-t-a-b-l-e. The truth is that when we were getting ready and looking for tickets, booking rooms, and generally discussing Ios, everyone told us it was the ideal island that everyone should visit at 19. And how right they were. I will never forget this vibrant island. You should know it's an island dominated by groups of guys and groups of girls; in short, if you want to have a good time, it's best not to go with your boyfriend or girlfriend.

For swimming and dives in Ios

Mylopotas: the most popular beach in Ios

There are many beautiful beaches in Ios that attract crowds of young people every year. The most well-known and touristy area on the island is none other than Mylopotas. A large beach that can cater to all tastes. There you can enjoy a swim, sunbathe, and why not, try some water sports. It's a great opportunity after all. Mylopotas is naturally full of tavernas, bars, and cafes, covering all your needs throughout the day. Another very beautiful beach on the island is Kalamos, ideal for peace and relaxation. It's not an organised beach but it has the most golden sand. Maganari is another Blue Flag-awarded beach that you absolutely must visit. Other popular beaches include Manousou beach, Chamoulades, Koumpara, Papas and many others. Ios is an island with many beaches ideal for whatever you have in mind, as long as you have the desire to explore it. Finally, Kolitsani is the island's nudist beach.

Where to stay in Ios

You will find hotels for all tastes in Ios. Enter your desired dates and you will immediately find all available hotels at the best prices.

Our suggestion is to choose to stay somewhere near Mylopotas to be close to the island's centre for your evening outings and also close to the beach for a quick dip if you don't wake up early in the morning. The island also has camping facilities if you prefer that type of holiday.

How to get to Ios

Ios does not have an airport, so the only way to reach the island is by ferry and cheap ferry tickets. If you wish, you can fly to Santorini, you'll find flight tickets for Santorini on our website, and then take the ferry to Ios.

Ferry tickets for Ios can be found HERE at the lowest price

Where to go out – The unparalleled nightlife of Ios

The strongest aspect of Ios is none other than its nightlife. The most famous bars are located in the centre, in the island's main town. You definitely shouldn't miss Far Out Beach Club in Mylopotas with its unique parties that start at noon and continue until dawn, as well as Disco 69, one of the island's oldest clubs. At the Slammer Bar in the central square, you can try unique tequila cocktails, and at the No Name Bar, you'll have a great time Greek-style. Other well-known bars include Aftershock Night Club, one of the island's most popular clubs with guest DJs and various events almost every night; Red Bull Bar is ideal for starting every evening, followed by the incomparable Flames Bar.

Ios is an island you will never forget!

Skiathos – famous worldwide and our second destination

Another island that most of us have visited at a relatively young age. If you haven't been yet, then seriously consider it as your destination for this summer. An island with rich natural landscape and many beaches with golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Skiathos is, of course, also famous for its nightlife, which is why it's the second island on our list.

Rooms in Skiathos for all tastes

Full of hotels, Skiathos will make it easy for you to find the ideal one. No matter how much money you want to spend, you will surely find what you are looking for.

It's a good idea to stay in the centre of Skiathos, near the old and new ports, to be close to everything. Otherwise, choose to stay in Koukounaries, Troulos or Megali Ammos. The map below will help you see what's where. The circles indicate the port and the airport. Naturally, the umbrellas symbolise the island's most famous beaches.

The famous beaches of Skiathos

Even just from friends and acquaintances who have visited Skiathos, you will surely know the most popular beaches, which are none other than Koukounaries and Lalaria.

Lalaria Beach

This wonderful beach is the most popular on the island and the one that made it famous. It is a beach that you absolutely must visit. Unfortunately, you can only get there by sea, so make sure to join one of the many excursions organised from Skiathos harbour, heading to Lalaria, Kastro, and Tsougrias, the small island near Skiathos that you will also see on our map above.  

Koukounaries Beach

Just 15 km from the island's centre is its most organised beach, where you can also try water sports. Besides that, you'll find everything else you want: beach bars, tavernas, cafes, and even camping.

Other very well-known beaches on the island are Vromolimnos, a small but wonderful golden beach, and Kolios, next to Vromolimnos. Banana is the most famous beach on the island, where all the young people gather. Right next to it is Small Banana, which is a nudist beach. Try to visit as many beaches as you can in Skiathos because each one is unique. Agia Paraskevi, Tzaneria, Agia Eleni, Elias, Aselinos, Nikotsara, Kanapitsa are some other famous beaches.

To Skiathos by air

Skiathos is one of our islands that has an airport, making it an ideal destination for those who do not want, or cannot, travel by sea. Find the most affordable flights to Skiathos on Travelo on the website https://v1.tec.gr/~travelo/airtickets-aeroporika-eisitiria/

To Skiathos via Volos and by ferry

Another way to get to Skiathos is to travel by road to Volos and then take the ferry from there. See information about all routes here.

If you wish and have the time, money, and inclination, you can arrange an excursion to the neighbouring Skopelos or Alonissos. Both are very different islands, both from each other and compared to Skiathos.

What to see – where to go

If you're interested in exploring the historical side of the island, we recommend visiting specific spots. The most important sights – points of interest in Skiathos are:

Papadiamantis' House: the house where the great Greek writer spent his last moments. The ticket is very cheap, and the visit won't take long as the house is small. Just make sure you are aware of the operating days and hours. More information can be found here: http://mouseiopapadiamanti.blogspot.gr/p/blog-page.html

Kastro: if you choose to take the excursion we suggested to visit Lalaria beach, then you will definitely pass by the castle. It's worth climbing to the top to admire the wonderful view and the chapels inside. If you don't want to climb, you can swim at the beach, which is one of the most beautiful on the island. 

Our third stop is the all-white Paros

Paros, one of the most beautiful white islands of the Aegean. The third largest island of the Cyclades combines wonderful beaches and a very vibrant social life. It has some interesting sights for those who prefer them. Every year, tourism in Paros grows rapidly, attracting tourists from all over the world who want to enjoy carefree holidays.

Paros map

Parikia is the capital of the island, meaning its centre. Paros' port is also located there, with arrivals from Rafina and Piraeus. From the port, Antiparos is connected by small private boats, while daily excursions are made to Mykonos, Delos, Tinos and Naxos. The most famous area on the island is Naousa, a beautiful fishing village.

How to get to Paros

Flights to Paros are only from Athens International Airport 'Eleftherios Venizelos' and last only about 45 minutes. Book affordable flight tickets at the best prices through Travelo.gr

If you're not keen on planes, we can also reach Paros by ferry.

The most famous beaches of Paros

 

New Golden Beach

The most popular beach on the island is Golden Beach. It is organised and always full of people. It is also particularly well-known for windsurfing, as the beach offers suitable conditions. If surfing is unfamiliar to you but you've always wanted to try, there are instructors to teach you the basic techniques.

Kolymbithres: the most famous beach in Naousa, characterised by large rocks found in the sea.

Pounda Beach

Directly opposite Antiparos, don't miss the chance to go windsurfing. It's an experience you'll enjoy and remember forever.

Other well-known beaches in Paros are Monastiri, Kaloyeros, Santa Maria, Piso Livadi. Discover as many beaches of Paros as you can and you won't regret it.

 

Where to stay in Paros

 Choose to stay near one of the most popular areas. These are Parikia, which is the centre, Naousa and Marpissa.

The most famous sights of Paros

The Castle of Parikia: also known as Frankish Castle, don't miss the opportunity to see the Venetian castle up close, built for the city's protection in the 13^th century.

Panagia Ekatontapyliani: one of the most important Christian monuments is located in Paros. Its name is followed by a myth. It has 99 visible open doors and a final closed one.

Archaeological Museum of Paros: In Parikia is the museum which houses Neolithic finds from prehistoric settlements.

Paros – all-night entertainment

The nightlife in Paros offers great variety. In Parikia, you'll find quiet bars with Aegean views, perfect for starting your evening with a relaxed drink, further down begin the area's clubs. However, every night of yours must end in Naousa. That's where the best clubs are located, and in short, that's where the fun is at its peak. You should go to Vareladiko, but only after the early morning hours, around three to four, one of the best Greek clubs you'll ever visit. To W for house music if that's what you prefer, Akanthus for dancing until morning. Linardo, one of Naousa's oldest clubs, for magical nights.

Go to as many clubs as you can in Paros; only then will you understand why it has such a reputation for its nightlife!

Of course, there are other ideal islands for young people. One of them is Ikaria. Read about our experiences here https://v1.tec.gr/~travelo/taxidi-stin-ikaria/

Other ideal islands for you are Zakynthos, Samothrace, Crete and, of course, Mykonos. However, we'll cover these islands in our next feature.

For anything concerning this article or any travel queries, feel free to comment below anything you wish.