Island hopping in Greece is a fun way to explore this stunning country. Nothing beats sitting out on the deck of a ferry, sipping cocktails, and wondering what awaits you on the next island. But with more than 200 islands to visit, you definitely need a good book to keep you entertained. The book will fill the time as you lounge on the deck or wait to disembark on the next island.
If you need suggestions on what book to bring, check out this list of the top five books to read whilst travelling the Greek islands.
What Books to Read that are set on Greek Islands
#1 The Island – Victoria Hislop
The Island is a wonderful book to read on your trip to Crete. Written by Victoria Hislop, this book has bagged several awards, such as the Newcomer of the Year award during the 2007 British Book Awards.
Set on an island off the coast of Crete called Spinalonga, the book is centred around 25-year-old Alexis Fielding, who is on the verge of a life-changing decision. She knows little about her family and has long resented her mother for not wanting to discuss it. All she knows is that her mother, Sofia, grew up in the Greek village of Plaka, a small village in Crete, before she moved to London. As she went on to visit Crete, she discovered the small and deserted island of Spinalonga and was shocked to know that it used to be a leper colony. It’s here that she met her mother’s old friend.
The Island is a tale of four generations wrecked by illicit love, violence, war, and leprosy. Adding depth of colour to the story is the vivid description of Cretan life, which will further inspire you to travel to the Crete Island.
#2 The Summer House in Santorini by Samantha Parks
Famous for its stunning whitewashed villages, blue-tiled roofs, and the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is a must-visit when travelling to Greece. If you’re looking for a great book to take with you, check out The Summer House in Santorini by Samantha Parks. Set on the stunning island of Santorini, this tells the story of Anna, who is running away from a failed relationship, complicated family life, and a ruined career.
While in Santorini, Ana inherited a less than appealing summer house from her estranged father. She then went on to rebuild the house while also rebuilding her life. Along the way, she uncovered family secrets that would change everything in her life. Soon, she developed a fondness for her little slice of paradise and fell for the gorgeous and charming Nikos.
If you’re a sucker for romance novels, The Summer House in Santorini will surely delight you. What’s even great is that it’s set on the romantic island of Santorini. And if you’re heading there for a holiday, this book will be perfect.
#3 Murder in Mykonos by Jeffrey Siger
If you’re fond of mystery books, you might be interested in the Murder in Mykonos by Jeffrey Siger. It tells the story of a young woman who went to Mykonos on holiday but suddenly disappeared. No one noticed her disappearance until the body of a blonde female tourist was discovered on a pile of bones on the floor of a remote mountain church.
The new police chief of Mykonos, a former homicide detective from Athens, handled the investigation of the case. He suspects almost everywhere he looks and admits that the island is harbouring a serial killer. Teamed with a nearly retired local homicide chief, he tried to find the killer before the story could reach the media and destroy the tourist island’s reputation. And just when things couldn’t get any worse, another young woman disappeared.
Consider booking a luxury villa in Mykonos to make your holiday even more relaxing. In between exploring the island, you can relax at your villa and read a book by the poolside or in the villa’s comfortable lounge.
#4 Greece and The Greek Islands by Lonely Planet
It’s always a good idea to read about the place you are about to visit. Lonely Planet’s Best of Greece & the Greek Islands would be a perfect place to start. The book contains the most relevant and latest advice about which places to see or skip in Greece. It will also include hidden discoveries you won’t be able to read somewhere else.
While you’ll find plenty of other travel guidebooks, the Lonely Planet stands out as the best. Aside from the up-to-date advice, it also includes highlights and itineraries, featuring colourful images and maps. These can further help you tailor your Greek holiday based on your needs and interests. It also includes insider tips, allowing you to save money and time. Plus it highlights how to explore the city like a local while avoiding crowded places and troubled spots. The book includes essential info, such as the hours of operation of some attractions, websites, phone numbers, entrance fees, and more.
Lonely Planet is a popular travel media company and is considered the world’s leading brand of travel guidebooks. They offer inspiring and trustworthy information for every traveller. The company has printed more than 145 million guidebooks over the past four decades and has established a global community of dedicated and passionate travellers.
#5 On a Greek Island: A Personal Experience – Fionnuala Brennan
On a Greek Island: A Personal Experience tells the story of Fionnuala Brennan, who realised her dream of living on a beautiful island. In 1977, she and her husband left their jobs and took their two young kids to live on the Greek island of Paros in a house beside the sea.
On a Greek Island would be a great book to read whilst in Paros and staying in a luxury equipped Paros villa. The book is a personal account of their lives on the tranquil island of Paros. During that time, the only mode of transport on the island was through a donkey, bicycle and local buses, and they had very limited contact with the mainland.
Have you visited Greece? What books have you read that you would recommend to others looking to travel there?
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Thank you for this list of books. I plan to travel to Greece next year and these will definitely give my an idea of what Greece will be like. I look forward to reading them.