Any readers that have read some of my previous Hubs will realise that I love the Greek Islands. I may have only visited a handful but that has been enough to form an eternal love of these Islands. Given the time and money I would hope to visit many more of these Islands. With around 1400 to choose from I will definitely be spoiled for choice.

VARIETY

Visiting the Greek Islands is funny. If you visit a country many times you will find other visits there are always similar, even if you travel to a different destination. The Greek Islands are not like that.

Each Greek Island has its own little differences and peculiarities. Those islands in the Ionian Islands may be lush and green receiving plenty of rain out of season. Others will have a dry climate which will have resulted in a more barren terrain.

Whether you are looking for a beach based holiday, one with history and culture or simply one that has a laid back lifestyle, there will be a Greek Island perfect for you. Some are very commercial and lively whilst others have retained traditional Greece traits and charm.

GREEK ISLANDERS

Greek people are lovely. Of course there will be the odd rogue Greek but that is true of people anywhere in the world. However, on the whole, the Greek Islanders will treat you well. They are respectful, friendly, polite and warm.

THE FOOD AND DRINK

The Greek Islands offer a diverse range of food and drink. For those wanting basic European cuisine there will be appropriate fare available. Traditional Greek foods and Greek food that is a little European is also on offer. Moussaka, Kleftiko, Greek Salads, Ouzo, Dolmades and Souvlaki are as tasty as they sound. Depending upon the Island and its location there may be local fresh fish dishes and Kalamari or Squid.

THE BEACHES

Fair enough some of the beaches in the Greek Islands are better than others. However, one thing is for sure, there is no shortage of beaches. Beaches such as Vai beach on the Island of Crete will be busy in high season but it does have lovely sand. The beaches on the Ionian Island of Lefkas are almost all made up of shingle, pebbles or stones.

WATERSPORTS

Most of the Greek Islanders are very comfortable on and in the water. As an Island people this is hardly surprising. The Greek Islands offer a range of water sports. For example, Lefkas has a world famous wind surfing bay at Vassiliki in the South of the island, due to the winds that regularly blow through this bay. Other Islands such as Rhodes offer boat trips and ferries to other Islands whilst islands such as Zante offer turtle watching boat trips. Scuba diving is available on many Greek Island.

THE WEATHER

Want warm weather but not sizzling hot scorching sun? Prefer to holiday where the sun is so hot the sandy beach is unbearable to walk on with bare feet? Due the amount of Greek Islands and there varied locations it is possible to find an Island with weather that will suit you. May and September will usually be cooler months but of course the nights will draw in quicker each day. June July and August are usually hot and dry but again it depends which Island you are visiting.

THE SCENERY

I don't quite know what we expected when we first visited the Greek Islands. One thing for sure though is we did not expect to experience such beautiful scenery. Again though it depends on the Island. There are many Greek Islands that have stunning scenery, mountains, lush vegetation and more.

THE WILDLIFE

Well I do not mean the clubbing here. What I mean is the birds, butterflies, flowers, plants and trees that you find on so many of the Greek Islands. The wildlife is diverse and often so different to back home.

THE NIGHTLIFE

For those that love to go clubbing, dancing, drinking and more whilst on holiday there will be an Island for you. Faliraki on the Greek Island of Rhodes and Laganas Bay on Zakynthos have the reputation of being perfect for those seeking a wild time on holiday.

THE PEACE AND QUIET

Alternatively those seeking peace and quiet are also catered for. Even Islands with a lively reputation have pockets of traditional Greece and peaceful havens. Opt for locally owned traditionally run accommodation instead of large hotels.

Having initially thought that I may struggle to find 10 reasons to holiday on a Greek Island I now realise I could find many more such as:)

• Value for money
• English being widely spoken
• The fact that most of these Islands are so safe. You can walk around at various times of the day and night in perfect safety.
• Historical sites available.
• Variety of excursions available locally.
• Transport links
• Relatively short travelling time from the UK.
• Child and family friendly people

And more and more .................................................

One thing to bear in mind though, before you hot foot it down to your local travel agents, is that accommodation tends to be over rated in the Greek Islands. By this I mean that, what is rated as 4 star on the Greek Islands, would probably only be a two or three star elsewhere. Take this into account when you book your Greek Island vacation. Now go on. Off you go and book your Greek Island holiday. You lucky devil.