Discover the taste of Greece
For a destination chock full of breathtaking landscapes, spectacular islands, world-class beaches, delectable food, friendly, hospitable people and a fascinating ancient heritage, Greece will surely not disappoint! Whether you want to soak up the sun on a quiet beach, explore the remains of an ancient civilization, or enjoy the great outdoors, Greece has something for everyone.
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Greece at a glance
WHY GO
- Renowned for being the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, Greece is the perfect destination for history buffs, with a history spanning over 3,400 years. Even for those not particularly interested, it’s hard not to be fascinated with Greek history as it is the home of some of the most-famed archaeological sites and collections in the world like the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens. For those who wish to delve into Greek history, you could explore mainland Greece and visit sites like the mythical Temple of Apollo in Delphi, the breathtaking monasteries in Meteora, and captivating Ancient Olympia, Zeus’ sanctuary and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The Greek Islands are not without their historical treasures however: take a boat trip to the mysterious island of Delos, get lost in the historic charm of Rhodes’ Palace and old town, and explore the glorious Minoan sites like the Palace of Knossos and Venetian town of Chania on Crete.
- Diverse and breathtaking landscapes – from rugged mountains to pristine beaches with crystal clear water to lush forests, Greece has it all. With an extensive coastline, Greece has some of the best beaches in Europe. There are a plethora of beaches ranging from sandy to pebbly beaches, isolated coves, and quiet bays where you can soak up the sun. Whether you want to party all day at a chic beach club in Mykonos, bask in the sun at a magnificent resort in Crete or relax on a quiet, picturesque beach on Naxos, there is a beach to suit everyone. An island like Crete is also the perfect locale for active travelers interested in the rugged outdoors where you could hike the Samaria or Imbros gorges or kayak to the deserted island of Spinalonga.
- Greek islands are heaven on earth with their beautiful whitewashed architecture, gorgeous vistas and romantic allure. Each island has its own unique charm and diverse landscape. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of lively Mykonos, get some R&R on the peaceful island of Naxos, investigate Minoan culture and gorgeous coastal towns on Crete, or take in the romance and striking volcanic landscape on evocative Santorini. Santorini is also known for its spectacular volcanic scenery and the most instagram-worthy sunsets in the world!
- Greek gastronomy is an essential element of Greek culture, and each area of the country has its own unique specialties. Greek cuisine reflects thousands of years of history and tradition and is rich in authentic flavors and aromas. Greeks have an enormous repertoire of wonderful vegetarian and vegan dishes in addition to the many seafood and meat based dishes, all of course cooked with a hearty dose of Greek olive oil! Enjoy a scrumptious fresh-caught fish with a glass of local wine on Santorini, fantastic moussaka (eggplant casserole) in Athens, tasty grilled octopus overlooking the harbor in Chania or lovely saganaki (fried white cheese) on Naxos.
WHEN TO GO
- Greece has fantastic weather all year round, with mild temperatures during the winter and little rain.
- Athens is popular all year round but most islands are only open seasonally from April through October, and many locals go back to the mainland for the winter.
- The best times to go is mid April to June or September to mid October when the weather, prices and crowds are milder. August is typically the hottest and busiest month of the year.
- It gets very hot in the summer with temperatures sometimes reaching 100 degrees!
- Many shops are closed on Sundays.
WHAT TO KNOW
- No visa needed
- Currency: Euro
- Language: Greek
- You will find no difficulty communicating in English with the Greeks. Asking for directions, ordering in restaurants, shopping or getting information in English will be very easy throughout most of the country.
- Signs are in Greek and often English as well.
- Greece is typically affordable except for Santorini and Mykonos which can be very expensive. The mainland is cheaper than the islands.
- Many hotels on Santorini don’t allow children under the age of 13 due to safety precautions as hotels are mostly built directly into the cliffs.
- Santorini may be difficult for families with strollers or those with mobility issues as you will need to walk up many steep steps.
- Domestic flights are easy and convenient between the mainland and the islands, and high speed ferries offer scenic views and great value when visiting multiple Greek islands.
- Using a private driver/guide or renting a car is the best way to explore Ancient Greece and some of the larger islands like Crete.
- The Greek people are known for their warmth and hospitality and will surely make you feel at home! No matter if they can speak English or not, you can expect a friendly and warm welcome and experience.
GALLERY
