The 3 green Greek islands

11/07/2022
Naxos, Ios and Astypalea resist mass tourism and the easy solutions that will spoil their original, natural landscape.
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The Spanish-language edition of National Geographic just published a list with the greenest islands in Greece. Naxos, Ios and Astypalea are «the islands that want to be free», according to the publication. This means that despite their incomparable beauty, they resist mass tourism and the easy solutions that will spoil their original, natural landscape.
If you want to discover the greenest islands of Greece and feel what it means to have a green holiday, book your trip today!

Astypalea
The island of the Dodecanese is also known as the "Butterfly of the Aegean" and for three years now it has been making serious efforts to change its profile. Electric vehicles are replacing private ones as well as traditional public transport that covers routes between the island's settlements. The network of charging stations is constantly expanding while an e-car sharing service is already in operation, in an effort to make the use of the electric car simpler and more flexible by even more residents and visitors. Throughout the year, residents will be able to use the new, ecological way of moving.

Sandy beach in Astypalea

Sandy beach in Astypalea

The mayor of Astypalea, Mr. Nikos Komineas, stated that "Astypalea is constantly evolving into a combined travel experience of sustainability and authenticity that has given a new identity and impetus to the Aegean butterfly".

The town of Astypalea

The town of Astypalea

Don't miss:
 In Astypalea you must definitely discover the area around the Venetian Castle in Chora. If you find yourself there in the evening, choose to have your drink in the sought-after bars of the area. Also, don't forget to take a selfie at the most photographed spot on the island, the 8 windmills!

Naxos and Ios
According to the National Geographic article, the Municipality of Naxos and Small Cyclades makes clear its intention to shift to alternative forms of tourism such as hiking and cycling. Naxos, the island of Ariadne, is endowed with an impressive coastline, with fertile and bright plains, historical monuments and the mythical Mount Zas.
The Deputy Mayor of Naxos and Small Cyclades Tourism, Mr. Vangelis Katsaras, stated that "our narrative about Naxos, as the only island in the Cyclades that offers such a wide variety of alternative activities, is impressive, since the tourist flow continuing even after August".

Beautiful landscape with a Church in Naxos

Beautiful landscape with a Church in Naxos

Don't miss:
 Don't leave Naxos without trying its delicacies: Naxos fried potatoes, sour mizithra and local cheeses are among the must-try flavors. As for the beaches, if you are looking for isolation, go for a swim in Orkos and Kastraki.

The entrance of Ios's port and the Chapel of Saint-Irini

The entrance of Ios's port and the Chapel of Saint-Eirini

In the same article, the efforts of the Municipality of Ios to preserve the most precious commodity of the Greek islands, water, are praised. Recently, the charming island received an award for "smart" management of its water resources. At the same time, a large tree planting program was completed in Ios.
The mayor of Ios, Mr. Gikas, stated that "in Ios we are planning the next day based on our concerns for the environment, culture and special forms of tourism, so that together with the beaches, entertainment and gastronomy, we will become a model destination that offers tasteful contrasts".

Hiking with the view of Aegean

Hiking with the view of Aegean

Don't miss:
  Ios is not only known for its wild parties, but also for its unique architecture. If you happen to be on the island on the fifteenth of August, go to the church of Panagia Gremiotissa where a traditional festival takes place, that lasts until the morning.

Surely a magazine like National Geographic knows a lot about the environment. Follow its lead and take a vacation on the three Aegean islands where sustainability is key. Travel on new terms that will increase the quality of your vacation and actively reduce your footprint on the environment. And, of course, book ferry tickets with Let's Ferry.