Newspaper US News dubs the Greek islands of Santorni and Mykonos among the 13 best destinations for US holiday makers to visit for the summer of 2016, based on a number of criteria it set. The 13 destinations were reviewed based on a series of criteria including accessibility, activities, food, accommodation, weather and entertainment offered to tourists. Readers are invited to cast their votes on the list. Santoninio comes n second on the list, while Mykonos is seventh.

Santorini:
Your first order of business in Santorini is to hit the colorful beaches — the black and red sands make for a memorable visit. Next up, indulge in the archaeological delights of the impressively preserved Ancient Akrotiri. or climb the ancient stairs that lead to the historic city of Manolas in Thirassia. From there, catch a breathtaking view of the caldera, a brilliant turquoise pool of water that serves as nucleus for the varied isles of this archipelago. Some would say you only need a day to enjoy these islands’ charms (they are a popular port of call for cruise ships), but to really drink in all Santorini has to offer, you’ll need a few days to a week. Then you’ll have plenty of time to learn there’s more to these comely dots of the Cyclades than meets the eye.
A volcanic eruption around 1650 B.C. forced the center of what was then a single island, called Strongyli, to implode and succumb to the sea. Some say that Strongyli was the original home of the lost city of Atlantis, which long ago disappeared into the ocean’s depths. Whatever remains of this mythological metropolis is now guarded by beautiful beaches and stately whitewashed churches. Today, Santorini consists of two inhabited islands and several islets. Most visitors spend their time on Thira (the archipelago’s largest island), which is home to Santorini’s major towns, including Fira and Oia. Sleepy Thirassia makes for a relaxing day trip too. And don’t count out the quieter islands: Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi and Christiana are all worth exploring.

Mykonos:
The cube-shaped buildings and whitewashed exterior facades of Mykonos scream Mediterranean. Winding roads twist through the main city of Chora, past expensive storefronts and beautiful churches that give the island a grounded sense of Greek tradition. But Mykonos is far from conservative, as it’s known for its rowdy beach parties and crazy nightlife. In the “Ibiza of Greece,” you’re never far from a party at any point in the day.
Mykonos’ silky sand beaches are the biggest draw. Vacationers come to them to see and be seen — ahem — often in the nude. This laissez-faire attitude particularly appeals to those who love a ruckus; Psarou and Paradise beaches start jumping early in the day and don’t clear out until sunrise. Don’t worry early birds, there are also plenty daytime sights like the Cycladic-style buildings of Chora, the windmills of Kato Myli and the ornate temples of Delos. Here, you’ll discover the perfect Greek mix of sophistication, relaxation and jubilation.

The full list:

1. Maui

2. Santorini

3. Fiji

4. Barcelona

5. Nice

6. Paris

7. Mykonos

8. Yellowstone

9. Amsterdam

10. San Francisco

11. Montreal

12. Chicago