What’s in a Name? How 5 Greek Islands Got Theirs

With over 6,000 islands and islets scattered through the Greek seas, the Greek islands are a distinguishing feature of Greece’s morphology and an integral part of the country’s culture across the ages.

The islands offer diverse landscapes filled with an endless list of natural wonders; from beaches stretching over many kilometres, sheltered bays and coves, impressive mountainscapes, to spectacular geological formations such as volcanic rocks, lagoons, waterfalls and caves.

Like the names of cities all around the world, which tend to be derived from the name of their founder, an early leader; or a description of the flora, fauna or geographical features; the names of Greek islands are not just random.

Many Greek islands were named after mythical heroes, ancient gods and kings, providing a reminder of Greece’s ancient history and rich mythology culture.

Some big and others small, each Greek island has its own past and a story to tell about how it got its name.

Folegandros

Paxos

Tinos

Andros

Naxos