It takes a lifetime to discover GREECE but only takes an instant to fall in love with her!

About Greece

Greece is a famous country, popular for its clean beaches and its long history. There are hundreds of archaeological and historical sites to visit in Greece that gloriously depict the country's past. Some of the most popular island resorts are:

• Mykonos island, with its cosmopolitan character;

• Santorini island, with the most romantic sunset in the world;

• Rhodes island, the island of the medieval castles, the sun and the butterflies;

• Crete island, with its revolutionary spirit;

• Ios island, with the wild nightlife;

• Corfu island, with its Venetian style;

• Ithaca island, the homeland of Ulysses;

• Samos island, the greenest of all Greek islands;

• Skiathos island, with its long and sandy beaches;

Key Points:

 

Incredible culture

Ancient history

Gorgeous island landscapes

18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Beautiful mountain walks

Stunning Mediterranean coastline

Clear waters in the Aegean and the Ionian Sea

Calm sea and beautiful beaches

Diverse array of wildlife

Archaeological museums 

Fantastic value

Family friendly destination

Easily accessible from many UK airports

Approx. 3 - 4 hour flights from the UK

Towns for nightlife

Foodie heaven

Popular wedding destination

Best resorts & beaches

NAVAGIO, ZANTE

Framed by towering vertical cliffs, the beach boasts azure waters, pure, perfect sand and, just to give it an extra bit of character, like a beauty spot on a face, a shipwreck. Just to note the beach is only accessible via boat but well worth a visit!

KOUKOUNARIES, SKIATHOS

Framed by electric-green pine trees, two forested headlands and a small salt-water wetland, Koukounaries' silky 1200m) sweep of bleach-blonde sand is Skiathos' – and one of the country's – most sparklingly beautiful, with beach bars, sunbeds and water sports creating a buzzy vibe. The whole area is a protected nature reserve but still gets very busy in summer.

MYRTOS BEACH, KEFALONIA

From afar it's certainly a stunning sight, with electric-blue waters offset by what appears to be searing-white “sand” (in reality it's white pebbles). Even so, it's a beautiful spot and once you're in the sea it’s heavenly – come early in the morning to see it at its most serene.

KOKKINI (RED) BEACH, SANTORINI

This stunning, surreal beach in southwestern Santorini is backed by rust-and-fire coloured cliffs, making it one of the most photogenic stretches of sand in the country. You can access the beach by boat or via a short walk (sturdy shoes recommended!) down from the nearby church, where there are parking spaces and a handful of good restaurants.

FALASARNA BEACH, CRETE

This broad sweep of beach on the island of Crete has magical-looking pink-cream sands and teal waters and is known for its stunning sunsets. Along with superb water clarity, Falasarna has wonderfully big waves: long rollers coming from the open Mediterranean. 

PLAKA, NAXOS

Unspoilt and undeveloped, Plaka has become one of the most popular beaches in Naxos. Long and sandy, it retains its popularity with nudists, but during the heights of summer you're likely to see more families than exposed tan lines on the main strip of sand.   

SAINT PAUL BEACH, RHODES

The beach is under the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. Golden sand and pebbles compose the beach where sun beds are available for rent. Rocks are boarding the beach, giving the possibility to dive into the clean turquoise waters.

MUST SEE & DO THINGS IN GREECE

Watch the sunset in Santorini If there are 1000 bucket list travel experiences, having a sundowner overlooking the crater of Santorini would near the top of the list. Most places facing the crater are great, but Ouia at the western tip is especially popular.

Channel your inner pirate at Shipwreck Bay on Zakynthos Lie back and enjoy the unforgettable scenery of one of Greece’s poster beaches on Zakynthos (Zante). The southernmost of the six core Ionian islands, is divided between relative wilderness and indiscriminate commercialization. However, much of the island is still green and unspoilt, with only token pockets of tourism.

Discover Greek wine in a wine tasting An increasing number of Greek wineries open their doors to visitors for tastings and tours, which are usually free or make a nominal charge. There are a number of wine routes on the mainland and individual wineries dotted around the wine-producing islands such as Límnos, Lésvos, Santoríni, Kefaloniá, Náxos, Ikaría, Rhodes and Crete.

Climb Mount Olympus to meet the Greek gods A trek to Mount Olympus, the home of the Greek gods, is supremely atmospheric and among worthwhile thing to do in Greece for hikers. The main trailhead for the ascent of Mount Olympus starts from Priónia – just under 18km up the mountain on the sealed road from Litóhoro. 

Go party in Mykonos The sophisticated nightlife is hectic, amply stimulated by Mýkonos’s former reputation as the gay resort of the Mediterranean, although today gay tourists are well in the minority. While everywhere on the island is at least gay-friendly, gay tourists prefer to congregate in Mýkonos Town itself or the beaches of Super Paradise and Eliá.

Hike Samaria Gorge, Crete The 18km hike down the spectacular Samaria gorge, which some claim to be Europe’s longest, is one of the most popular day-trips on the island; still better if you make it part of a longer excursion to the south. Although often crowded it’s not a walk to be undertaken lightly, particularly in the heat of summer. It’s strenuous – you’ll know all about it next day – the path is rough, and walking boots or sturdy trainers are vital, as is plenty of water.

Tasting the variety of Meze (Mezédhe) - a necessary thing to do in Greece For a true taste of Greek food, tuck into a mezédhes (meze) platter of starters and dips accompanied by a glass of ouzo.The most common mezédhes are:tzatzíki (yoghurt, garlic and cucumber dip), melitzanosaláta (aubergine/eggplant dip);tyrokafterí/khtypití/ kopanistí (spicy cheese dips);fried courgette/zucchini or aubergine/eggplant slices;yígandes (white haricot beans in hot tomato sauce);tyropitákia or spanakopitákia (small cheese or spinach pies);revythokeftédhes (chickpea patties similar to falafel);octopus salad and mavromátika (black-eyed peas).

Visit Kefalonia Famous as the setting for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Kefalonia remains a firm favourite despite the crowds.Kefalonia (also known in English as Cephalonia) is the largest of the Ionian islands, a place that has real towns as well as resorts. 

For Families

Greece has everything families need for a great time with their kids.

Beautiful beaches - with calm waters

Child-friendly accommodation - apartments, bungalows to villas and luxury hotels

Family days out - history, culture, family-friendly restaurants, cycling, walks, waterparks Friendly culture - Greek hospitality is second to none and families are very much welcomed

Top Tips:

Download the Visit Greece App Visit Greece App

Travel with Euros

Electric power voltage in Greece is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are F Type

Learn some of the lingo

Try a frappe or fredo cappuccino

Enjoy a Greek sunset

Use the ferries to go between the islands

Enjoy the Greek cuisine and wine!

Tipping is not expected but it is nice to leave a few euros

Prepare for a Greek siesta

Eat when you want, No time is too late for dinner

Don't leave it any longer book your holiday to Greece today with All About Travel!