Greece

A Rich History, Wonderful Islands and Fine Cuisine

Greece is everything that’s good about Mediterranean Europe. This naturally beautiful country is home to countless islands, fine beaches, white washed villages and spectacular sights. It also benefits from a wonderful climate and cuisine as well as people who are genuinely warm and welcoming. On top of all of this is Greece’s rich history, which adds another dimension to this spectacular destination. Greece has been been a consistent holiday destination for families, couples, the rich and famous as well as young adults for years, which reflects just how much this fantastic country has to offer. 

When visiting Greece, you’re faced with a multitude of options when deciding where to go. The mainland is home to many of the countries best historic sights, the major cities of Athens and Thessaloniki and the countries best hiking. It’s also home to numerous small traditional villages, many of which see few visitors. To the west, south and east of the mainland lie the near 6,000 islands, which draw swathes of visitors each year. Boasting warm clear seas, beautiful beaches and historic towns, it’s not surprising that so many visitors are attracted by these idilic isles. 

The Parthenon in Athens
The Parthenon has dominated the Athens skyline for nearly 2500 years.

Orientation

Greece is located in southern Europe, bordering Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and long term rival, Turkey. Boasting 6,000 islands and a coastline measuring 8,500 miles, the country has become synonymous with the Mediterranean Sea and beach escapes. Greece’s islands are divided into 6 main groups, plus the 2 large islands of Evia and Crete. The Ionian Islands lie to the west of the Greek mainland, while the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Saronic, Sporades and North Aegean Islands all lie to the south and east. 

Best Time to Visit Greece

Greece’s location in southern Europe ensures it has a great year round sunny climate. This is particularly true of the islands and coastal areas. While the weather remains pleasant during the winter, it’s not warm enough for the beach or swimming so most of the islands will largely close down for tourism over the winter months. From April to October the islands come back to life and it’s often on the shoulder months of this season that it’s best to visit. Peak season is typically July and August, which is the European summer holiday period. Visiting either side of this in June and September will ensure fine weather, better hotel availability and lower prices. 

On the mainland it’s a similar story for the coastal areas, however cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki can be visited throughout the year. Hiking and visiting central and northern Greece is best done during April and May or September and October when the weather is still mild. During the summer months temperatures can become oppressively hot, while the winter brings cold weather and sometimes snow at altitude.

Smugglers Cove in Zante
The beautiful beach at Smugglers Cove in Zante with its famous shipwreck.

Best Things to See in Greece

Greece’s attractions are many and varied. From shipwrecks in pristine coves to the mighty Parthenon in Athens and the ancient ruins on Delos. To try and help you map out your trip and understand the best sights and attractions in Greece, we’ve split out the must-see locations into a number of different categories. 

Best Islands in Greece

Greece’s islands are as varied as they are numerous. Your circumstances and interests will dictate the best island to visit, but you can’t go far wrong with our top selection.

Our top 5 best islands to visit in Greece are:

  1. Santorini – A honeymooners paradise, this romantic island boasts some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world.
  2. Rhodes – This historic island features historic sites such as Lindos and Rhodes Old Town, but still has great beaches, coves and villages.
  3. Crete – Greece’s biggest and most populous island offers fine history, hiking and some outstanding beaches and lagoons.
  4. Naxos – A great family friendly option with fine beaches and some good historical sights.
  5. Kefalonia – Possibly the prettiest of all the Greek Islands, this serene mountainous island is also home to fine beaches.

Best Beaches in Greece

Greece’s 8,500 miles of coastline is home to many spectacular beaches, coves and lagoons. From soft sand to pebbles, shingle and black volcanic sand, you’ll find every type of beach imaginable.

Our top 5 best beaches in Greece are:

  1. Plaka Beach, Naxos – A long stretch of soft sand with crystal clear waters.
  2. Elafonissi Beach, Crete – This remote beach is in the most spectacular location of all and the sand has a pink hue. 
  3. Mytros Beach, Kefalonia – This picture perfect cove is home to a spectacular soft pebble beach with crystal clear waters.
  4. St Paul’s Bay, Rhodes – In the shadow of Lindo’s Acropolis, this tiny cove is in a spectacular setting.
  5. Platys Gialos Beach, Mykonos – A busier and more developed party beach, but one with real character and wonderfully soft sand.

Best Historical Sites in Greece

Along with it spectacular islands and beaches, Greece is also famous for it’s rich history. Centuries of empires, conquest and philosophy have left behind a treasure trove of archaeological sites and historic buildings.

Our top 5 best historical sites in Greece are:

  1. Parthenon, Athens – Sitting atop the highest peak in Athens, the Parthenon is a temple dedicated to the Greek God Athena. 
  2. Meteora, Kalabaka – These 6 monasteries are spectacularly built atop massive natural rock pillar formations.  
  3. Panathenaic Stadium, Athens – Dating back to the 3rd century BC, this marble built stadium hosted the first ever modern Olympic games.
  4. Rhodes Old Town, Rhodes – This atmospheric medieval walled city is home to historic bazaars, mosques, churches and cobbled streets.
  5. Delos – The island of Delos is a treasure trove of excavated hidden sites. Temples, theatres and Agora’s have all been unearthed as part of a mass excavation.

Explore our Greece trip ideas, guides and itineraries

Best Things to do in Corfu

Best Things to do in Rhodes

Best Things to do in Lindos

Greece Guide and Blog Archive

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