September is considered by many as one of the most splendid months for a holiday – perhaps even outshining June. The sea wraps you in its warm embrace, those gusty meltemi winds take a breather, and the majority of the populace has meandered back to their daily grind, leaving beaches and towns sufficiently deserted for the late summer wanderers to truly revel.

Among the huge plethora of fabulous islands in Greece, we have selected these five for their beautiful beaches and culturally exciting towns, great cuisine, and lovely architecture, all of which make them especially idyllic at this time of year.

Skiathos
If you’ve visited this island in the summer and developed a wee bit of affection for it, come autumn, you’ll be head over heels. The verdant landscapes, remarkable beaches, and charming town become even more captivating when the throngs thin out. No matter which beach you saunter to, the golden sands and lush backdrop are a given. And the sea? Well, it’s as clear as gin without the hangover. From Mikri to Megali Aselinos, Ligaries to Agkistros, Mandraki, both the smaller and grander Banana beaches, Troulos, Vromolimnos, and the famed Koukounaries – the setting is nothing short of enchanting. But do ensure you hop on a little boat to Lalaria, an astonishingly beautiful beach adorned with near-white pebbles and azure waters. And that’s just dipping your toe into the swimming possibilities here.

For the rest of your day in Skiathos, there’s the pure pleasure of wandering its narrow streets, occasionally resting your feet and sipping coffee at Bourtzi, situated to the left of the harbour – and what a view of the sea it affords. If you fancy, you can pick one of the island’s 25 marked trails, relishing the freshness of its green scenery, crossing quaint streamlets, and pausing at secluded chapels.

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