With incredible stunning natural beauty, a rich cultural and historical heritage, tantalising cuisine and endless adventures to be had, Greece is the ideal destination to escape to. From Greece’s majestic mainland to its tranquil islands, you’re sure to be enchanted and inspired every day of your trip. Here you’ll find an incredible history to get lost in with hundreds of monuments, archaeological sites and cultural experiences to enjoy. You’ll be able to experience the birthplace of democracy in Athens and marvel at the impact and legacy that Greek civilisation has left on the world.
You’ll also find vibrant cities, towns and villages to explore with incredible food, a multitude of established resorts, hotels and villas to stay in and a well-established local tourism industry ready to make your visit one to remember for a lifetime. Away from their urban centres, Greece will enliven thrill seekers with incredible landscapes to explore from stunning mountain ranges nestled in the clouds, tranquil forests, and gorgeous rivers and coastlines to navigate. Greece will also provide you with plenty of opportunities to unwind and recharge with a long history of therapeutic practices stretching back to ancient times.
The Greek Islands are stunning and offer a welcome escape from the rush and busyness of daily life including Santorini, Mykonos, Halkidiki, Alonissos, and so many more. We have an incredible range of island hopping tours on offer, which will enable you to explore these wonderlands for yourself while giving back to the causes you care about.
Greece and its islands are famed for their majestic coastlines with hundreds of incredible beaches to explore and savour. With coastlines along the Aegean, Mediterranean and Ionian seas, you’ll have no shortage of opportunities to take a dip in tranquil waters and sunbathe. Greece’s beaches come in a variety of forms. From quiet coves nestled between cliffs with pools of crystal clear water, to energetic mainstream beaches on the party islands, or the iconic black sand beaches of Santorini. Both the mainland and the islands have incredible beaches to experience for yourself.
If you arrive in Greece via Athens you’ll be pleased to know that there are a number of incredible beaches just a short distance away from the city in the Attica region. Just south of the city you’ll find Cape Sounion, with an incredible stretch of golden sand and the nearby ruins of the Temple of Poseidon and Athena to explore. Other nearby beaches include Vouliagmeni, Lagonisi, Glyfada, Schinias, and Nea Makri beach, but be rest assured that all of Greece’s mainland regions have fantastic beaches to explore and enjoy.
On the islands you’ll often find a variety of beach types for all travellers. For example, on the island of Limnos, you’ll find a variety of beaches, from busy tourist hubs, to secluded romantic beaches and hidden natural alcoves. The aforementioned islands of Santorini, Kefalonia, Mykonos, Halkidiki and Alonissos also have stunning beaches made for exploration and relaxation.
Wherever you choose to visit on the mainland or the islands you’re sure to find optimal conditions to relax, unwind and work on your tan. Your worries are sure to melt away as you feel the sand between your toes and the ocean breeze washing over you.
Across its many regions and islands, Greece has a tantalising mixture of different terrain, scenery and ways to explore. You may be familiar with many of the attractions on the mainland including the towering heights of Mount Olympus in Thessaly, Greece’s largest wetland the Messolonghi Lagoon, and its many deep ravines and enticing forests to explore. The jaw-dropping Vikos Gorge is a stunning must-see as the second biggest canyon in the world, proceeded only by the majestic Grand Canyon. Greece’s tilled land is also remarkable including its spectacular vineyards which have long produced the region’s excellent wine.
The Greek Islands also have their share of stunning scenery you won’t find anywhere else. Many of the best spots will be found on the tranquil Ionian Islands including Corfu, Lefkada, Ithaca, and Kefalonia. Corfu is a key standout with incredible weather all year round, stunning natural landscapes and crystal clear waters which are great for swimming in. Lefkada is another island popular with nature lovers. Long beloved by those into sailing and other aquatic sports the island has incredible serene beaches, tranquil waters and lush vegetation.
For those who prefer to explore less charted territory be sure to visit the caves on the island of Serifos. Along with the caves, the island also has incredible untouched landscapes which are sure to provide you with more than a few moments that take your breath away.
No matter where you are in Greece you’re sure to find incredible history and culture to explore, whether contemporary, ancient Greek or even Byzantine. On the mainland, there are a variety of great regions to explore, but most travellers will probably start in and around Athens. One of the main centres of Ancient Greek civilisation, the city is renowned for its incredible architectural sites. Here you’ll find incredible monuments including the Acropolis and Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and so much more. Central Greece also has its share of prominent icons including the famed site of Delphi where the Oracle of Apollo resided and helped shape the history and culture of Greece. Another unmissable attraction on the mainland is the Ancient theatre of Epidaurus in the Peloponnese. Built in the 4th century BC, the theatre has hosted ancient religious ceremonies and offers a gorgeous view of the valley below.
From recent history be sure to pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, built in the 1930s to commemorate Greek soldiers who have died during conflict. Another excellent contemporary cultural site to visit while in Greece are the magnificent ‘Umbrella’s of Thessaloniki’, a modern art installation created by Greek sculptor George Zongolopoulos to celebrate the city of Thessaloniki receiving the European Capital of Culture award in 1997.
Like the mainland, the Greek Islands have a wealth of history and culture to explore with incredible architectural sites, museums and monuments to explore. The Greek Island of Heraklion has long been a cultural melting pot with influences still evident on the island from Venetian, Byzantine and Ottoman culture with sites dotted all around the island. A key stand out on the island is the Minoan Palace of Knossos. The palace was the home of the royal family of the Minoan civilisation which was one of the ancient worlds most powerful, and has also given birth to the famous Greek legends of the Minotaur and Icaurus. Its stunning architecture is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
You’ll also find incredible historical sites and attractions on the island of Santorini including the Akrotiri ruins and a wealth of incredible museums. The ruins are a unique must-visit as they include over 5000 artefacts which have been perfectly preserved following a volcanic eruption on the island. The eruption buried the ruin’s unique architecture and artefacts under a layer of volcanic magma meaning the ruins are one of the best representations available of the Middle to Late Bronze Age. There are also incredible museums on the island including the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Archaeological Museum of Fira, Museum of Folkloric Art and the Naval Museum to explore at your leisure.
Chania, Crete’s capital city is another must-visit with incredible Venetian architecture and a long historical legacy. The city’s old town is a stunning historical attraction in and of itself and when you’re not exploring the city for yourself be sure to visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania for a more in-depth look into the city’s history.
If you’ve got a taste for adventure then Greece and the Greek islands are a must-visit destination. The country’s natural landscapes make it the perfect place to get out and explore and keep active with a variety of land and aquatic activities to indulge in. On land, you’ll find numerous opportunities to explore on foot with a plethora of walking and hiking trails available through magnificent scenery. If you prefer to pair exploration with an adrenaline rush you’ll find plenty of opportunities to climb and ascend peaks and rock faces throughout the mainland and islands.
If you’re keen on hiking then make sure to visit the Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete. The Gorge is in the only national park in Crete, the White Mountains National Park. If you choose to hike the Gorge it will take 6 to 8 hours and require sturdy footwear, however, rest assured at the end you’ll be treated to a rejuvenating swim to reward all of your hard work! Challenges on the mainland include mountaineering on Mount Olympus, horse riding on Mount Pelion, and skiing at some of Greece’s incredible resorts including Parnassos, Mainalo and Kalavryta.
For those who prefer aquatic experiences, there are a huge number of options on the islands and the mainland including sailing, surfing, diving, jet skiing and more. The island of Lefkada is a must-visit for surfers with Vassiliki beach one of the top 10 in the world for surfing due to its high wind speeds. The island is also popular with kite surfers with the nearby beach of Agios Giannis a key destination. If you’re new to the sport or just want to try it out you’ll find multiple schools catering for beginners.
On the mainland, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities to take part in aquatic sports including rafting through Vikos Gorge on the Voidomatis River. Another option to consider is canoeing and kayaking along the length of the Pineios River which ends in the Aegean Sea. Along the way, you’ll be enchanted by incredible scenery and diverse wildlife which will astonish you. You’ll also find opportunities to take to the open waters all along the coastlines of the mainland, just like on the islands.
In Greece, you’ll find a multitude of ways to relax, unwind and recharge with a therapeutic legacy stretching all the way back to the time of the Ancient Greeks. Many therapies have survived and have been incorporated into current wellness practices including over 800 medicinal spas, springs known to treat various ailments and conditions, Thalassotherapy, and the healthy traditional Greek diet. Greece’s mild climate has also long been seen as having rejuvenating benefits with many travellers since the 19th century journeying to the nation to seek healing and calm.
If you’re looking to experience the healing powers of thermal springs for yourself then the North Aegean island of Ikaria is a must-visit as the springs are famed for the composition of healing chemicals and minerals. On the mainland be sure to visit the Greek city of Edipsos. This city was named in the works of Aristotle and its thermal springs have long been visited to help aid relaxation and recovery, including by the emperors Marcus Aurelius and Hadrian.
Consider supporting our charity partner Conservation Collective and their Monkseal project when you book your holiday to Greece. The Conservation Collective is a network of local philanthropic foundations focused on protecting, preserving and restoring the natural environment.
Keen to experience the magic of Greece for yourself? Speak to our expert travel agents today to plan your perfect break.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security, local laws and passports – click here
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