Vacations in Greece

Some insightful information about Milos and Zakynthos - the most beautiful Greek Islands

Milos or Melos (/ˈmiːlɒs, -loʊs/; Modern Greek: Μήλος, romanized: Mílos, IPA: [ˈmilos]; Ancient Greek: Μῆλος, romanized: Mêlos) is a volcanic Greek island in the Aegean Sea, just north of the Sea of Crete. Milos is the southwesternmost island in the Cyclades group. The Venus de Milo (now in the Louvre) and the Asclepius of Milos (now in the British Museum) were both found on the island,[1] as were a Poseidon and an archaic Apollo now in Athens. Milos is a popular tourist destination during the summer. The municipality of Milos also includes the uninhabited offshore islands of Antimilos and Akradies. The combined land area is 160.147 square kilometres (61.833 sq mi)[2] and the 2021 census population was 5193 inhabitants.

FUN FACT: ✅ The island of Milos originates from a combination of volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and earthquakes. Some of the most distinctive volcanic rock around the island have come from this process. This includes the black glass, called “Obsidian,” that can still be seen around the island, especially while hiking.

Zakynthos (also spelled Zakinthos; Greek: Ζάκυνθος, romanized: Zákynthos [ˈzacinθos] (listen); Italian: Zacinto [dzaˈtʃinto]) or Zante (/ˈzænti/, US also /ˈzɑːnteɪ/,[1][2] Italian: [ˈdzante]; Greek: Τζάντε, romanized: Tzánte [ˈdza(n)de]; from the Venetian form) is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the third largest of the Ionian Islands, with an area of 405.55 km2 (156.6 sq mi),[3] and a coastline 123 km (76 mi) in length. The name, like all similar names ending in -nthos, is pre-Mycenaean or Pelasgian in origin. In Greek mythology, the island was said to be named after Zakynthos, the son of the legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus. Zakynthos is a tourist destination,[4] with an international airport served by charter flights from northern Europe. The island's nickname is "the Flower of the Levant", bestowed upon it by the Venetians who were in possession of Zakynthos from 1484 to 1797.

FUN FACT: ✅ Zakynthos is famous for its unspoiled natural environment, home to the endangered species of the sea turtle Caretta Caretta, which goes there during the reproduction period. The monk seal Monachus Monachus also goes to Zakynthos to give birth.

Learn more on 'Salt in our hair' blog