Whether you prefer your holiday to be action-packed or relaxed, Greece never disappoints! Spend your time clambering around ancient temples and historic monuments, or whiling away the afternoon on a white sandy island beach. From Athens to Santorini, this dynamic destination offers stunning sights at every turn. Learn about Greek mythology at the Acropolis Museum, dance until dawn in a Mykonos beach club, or shop for artisan crafts in a Corfu market. Whitewashed terraces and the freshest food and wine make every meal time special.
Crete’s beauty is legendary, featuring prominently in Greek mythology with its gorgeous beaches, grottos and imposing White Mountains. Zeus himself was said to be born in Mount Ida’s Ideon Cave! Visit the capital of Heraklion to explore the island’s history in the Archaeological Museum, or venture to the Knossos site to see Bronze Age palace ruins. Afterwards, relax on the amazing pink sandy beaches at Elafonisi.
Join the international jet set in Mykonos, a Greek island in the Cyclades. In the summer, beach bars heat up with thumping electronic music and dance clubs attract partygoers from around the world to dance until dawn. Yet there’s a quieter side to the island as well, with the impressive ancient ruins at Delos and world-class archaeological museum. Don’t miss seeing the row of windmills positioned above Mykonos town!
The capital of Greece, Athens, was the centre of attention during Ancient Greece. The city is known for its impeccable architecture, with the Acropolis from fifth-century BC still standing today and playing a vital part in the city’s culture. If you’re looking for a productive trip to Athens, GazARTE will offer you the choice of drinking in the bar, reading Greek literature in the library and watching local independent film makers movies in the cinema.
Santorini is part of the Cyclades islands that form a group of Greek islands. The island was once devastated in the 16th century BC when a volcanic eruption overwhelmed the island and removed any kind of human activity until centuries later. Santorini offers guests fine cuisine which is based on agricultural products that are nourished by volcanic soil, sea breeze and sunlight. This combination produces flavours that are truly unique to the small island.
If it’s sunny skies you’re after, you’re in luck as Greece enjoys an enviable forecast throughout much of the year! July to August is the peak season, with throngs of visitors and soaring temperatures. You’ll need to get up early to beat the crowds and heat for top attractions during this time, however. Visiting during the shoulder months of June and September means you’ll still enjoy a dose of sunshine without the peak season crowds. Autumn can be a beautiful time to visit, with balmy seas and changing colours, while winter brings cooler temperatures and even a chance of snow!
From its mainland cities to its iconic islands, there are plenty of highlights on a Greek cruise. Santorini offers some of the most famous views, with its whitewashed buildings and blue rooftops tumbling their way down to the sea on this volcanic island. Fellow islands like Crete and Mykonos are also popular, with volcanic landscapes and archaeological sites like the 4,000-year-old Knossos Palace. Visit the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, or stroll through the filming locations of ‘Mamma Mia’ on Skopelos. Within Athens, highlights include the famous Acropolis with its Parthenon temple dedicated to the Greek Goddess Athena.
Greek cuisine expertly utilises the bounty of the countryside, laden with olives, honey and fresh lemons. Try ‘bougatsa’ pastries filled with a choice of savoury cheese and meat or sweet custard cream. Taramasalata is a favourite dish for locals and visitors alike, made with smoked fish roe, olive oil and lemon juice. Fresh tomato or courgette fritters are simple, tasty treats you’ll enjoy when the vegetables are in season, while fresh fish is always a good choice particularly along the coastline. Moussaka is a famous Greek dish layering aubergines with cinnamon-fragranced minced meat sauce and bechamel, a hearty choice for cooler evenings. And don’t leave without a tomato, feta and olive Greek Salad!
Nature is the star of the show in beautiful Greece, ranging from active volcanoes to mountain lakes and white, powdery sand beaches! The country includes 4 Geoparks and 419 Natura 2000 sites, with protected landscapes. Visit its wetlands or go bird-watching in the Dadia Forest. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, give hiking a go. Approximately 80% of Greece is comprised of hills and mountains, which means there’s no shortage of trials to explore whether you wander around the mythical landscapes of Olympus or through the gorges of the Lefka Oroi White Mountains. You may spot hot springs and ancient temples along the way as you explore these rugged landscapes. If you want to see how your favourite products are produced, you can take a wine, honey or olive oil tasting tour. Agrotourism is also popular here, giving guests the chance to help farmers produce cheese, gather olives, and pluck grapes in time for the harvest. Do you want to explore the country’s bounty of culture? Beyond its ruins and temples, it hosts some truly memorable museums. Learn more about the region’s prehistory in the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum, or explore the Byzantine Empire’s riches in the Byzantine and Christian Museum.