Santorini - from Greece National Tourism Org
Greece Destination Guide
by Jonathan Milligan
Summary
Greece has it all - a magnificent past, cultural delights, excellent food and drink, picture-perfect islands, shimmering beaches and azure, crystal-clear waters.
The country has long been a favourite with British tourists, with many packages to suit those seeking to splash out on luxury family holidays or honeymoons.The summers are long and hot and the people warm and welcoming - it all makes for an idyllic summer break.
Getting there, getting around Greece
There are charters and direct flights to destinations all over Greece and in the summer months, most operators run a daily service. If you've booked a package holiday, transfers are normally pre-arranged.
Otherwise, the local bus services on the mainland and the bigger islands are, on the whole, efficient and cheap. Taxis are probably the most convenient way of getting about and are not too expensive either.
Many visitors like to hire mopeds and they are good value - just make sure you get a helmet included in the price. Island-hopping is a favourite backpacker pursuit and the ferry services between the islands are frequent and inexpensive.
Quick facts
Currency: Euro
Language: Greek, though English is widely spoken
Flight time: 3 hours 30 minutes
GMT: + 2 hours
Weather: Warm Mediterranean climate. averaging upwards of 26C
Dialling code: + 00 30
Electricity: 220V AC, 50 Hz, two-pin plugs are standard
Crete - from Greece National Tourism Org
Beaches in Greece
It's hard to know where to begin given the abundance of wonderful beaches in Greece. On the mainland, Halkidiki is one of the most popular destinations, and you'll find a lovely sandy beach at the resort of Kalamitsi on the Sithonian Peninsular.
Most holidaymakers however, head to one of the 1,400 or so islands. The most well-known include Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Mykonos and Kos. These are package tour hotspots and you'll find wonderful stretches of sand lapped by the waters of the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas.
If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of a busy beach, try islands like Kefalonia and Sifnos, which are quieter and much more laid-back. Santorini's beauty is legendary and it's a great beach destination for families and couples booking honeymoons.
Sightseeing in Greece
The cradle of the western civilization and birthplace of democracy will leave the history buffs out there euphoric. In Athens, admire the ancient Acropolis, the Parthenon and the huge National Archaeological Museum. On Crete you'll find archaeological sites, including the magnificent Knossos, which were reconstructed by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans.
Other Minoan sites are Phaestos, Malia, Gournia and Agia Triada. Hike up Mount Olympus in northern Greece to get close to the Gods and don't miss the country's lush and mountainous interior where you’ll discover the rock pillar monasteries of Meteora, the ancient oracle of Delphi and the lush mountain villages of the Pelion Peninsula.
Family activities in Greece
In the big resorts, the hotels will often have good kids clubs and they'll happily entertain your kids for a few hours. The beaches and the watersports on offer should also keep the whole family occupied. Horse-riding is also popular and there are good excursions all over the country for those who enjoy equestrian activities.
You'll also find the odd water park dotted about, with lots of slides and various rides Aqualand on Corfu is popular, as is the Water Park in Faliraki, Rhodes.
Day trips
You could indulge in a spot of island hopping and visit two countries on one holiday. From Kos, it's just a 20-minute hydrofoil trip to Bodrum in Turkey and services run daily between May and September. From the north eastern coast of Corfu, you can pop across (it's two miles away) to Albania for the day to take in some villages, ruins and markets.
Or you can simply travel between stunning Greek islands and experience several beaches instead of the same one every day.
Kos - from Greece National Tourism Org
Eating out in Greece
Greek people love to dine out and there are great-value eateries serving top quality Mediterranean cuisine. Local specialities include lamb pilaf, stewed rabbit and sweet ricotta pies and if you're after cheap, traditional snack foods, look for souvlaki (kebabs), mezedes (a variety of nibbles including the fish roe dip taramasalata and the yoghurt and cucumber dip tzatziki), and spanakopita (spinach pie).
On the islands, the seafood is, of course, heavenly and if you're visiting Athens, you'll find lots of reasonably-priced tavernas, particularly in Plaka. If you're missing your British fare, the most popular resorts will offer the chance to sample a traditional fry-up or a Sunday roast.
Nightlife in Greece
There's no shortage of vibrant nightlife in all of the country's cities and big resorts. The island of Mykonos is considered the gay capital of Greece and you'll find a hedonistic and welcoming attitude towards late-night revelry. Corfu is also famous for its night-life and the big clubs are mostly found in beach resorts such as Kavos, Roda, Ypsos and Gouvia.
For a wonderful and cultural evening, don't miss the Athens Festival. It runs from June right through to September, and features performances of ancient Greek drama at the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, against a backdrop of the floodlit Acropolis.
Shopping in Greece
Greece isn't renowned for its retail therapy opportunities so don't expect to splash out on cheap designer labels and other bargain goods. Local handicrafts are decent buys and you'll find good leather goods, pottery and gold and silver jewellery.
Stock up on top quality olive oil if you feel so inclined, or, if you're in Athens, head to the National Welfare Organisation's Hellenic Folk Art Gallery on the corner of Apollonos and Ipatias. It’s a great place to buy handicrafts like knotted carpets, rugs, cushion covers, pottery, copper and woodwork.
Related destinations
If you're interested in Greece you may also like to look at these related destinations:
End of content. You can:
