As a tourist destination, Greece is unique. It appeals to history enthusiasts, admirers of classical ancient Greek architecture, beach holiday lovers, gourmets, and pilgrims. Ancient Delphi and Olympia, the Athenian Acropolis and the Parthenon — are an invaluable heritage of humanity. The picturesque bays of the Cyclades are like a perfect picture straight out of a travel brochure, and the monasteries of Mount Athos are a cherished dream for many Orthodox Christians.
Greece is the “cradle” of poetry, theater, philosophy, exact sciences, and sports. And the heavenly waters of the Aegean Sea, the pearly scattering of islands, and the endless cypress-olive horizons — are a generous gift from the mighty Olympian gods.
When to Go
For swimming and sunbathing — from May to late September, and on Crete and Rhodes even in October. At the beginning of summer, there aren’t as many tourists as in July-August. These months in Greece are very hot: the sun beats down mercilessly during the day, and thermometers often reach extreme values.
In September, it’s already easier, so it’s the perfect time to come with small children without the risk of overheating them on the beach. Going on excursions in the heat is not entirely comfortable — long walks around landmarks are best planned for mid-spring or autumn. Ski slopes usually open in December-January and end their season in the last days of March.
Beach Vacation
When it comes to choosing a beach resort, it’s no wonder one might fall into a slight stupor. There are dozens of them, and each one is unique. The mere fact that hundreds of Hellas’s beaches are regularly awarded the Blue Flag suggests you can go anywhere — you are guaranteed to end up on an island with a picture-perfect coastline.
For a first acquaintance with beach Greece, Crete and Rhodes are excellent choices. They boast a wide selection of hotels of varying star ratings, long sandy shores, and diverse entertainment. There are bustling places with vibrant nightlife, and there are quiet corners as well.
Kos and Corfu are a mix of pebble and sandy beaches. These regions will appeal to travelers seeking tranquility. They are also comfortable with children, plus the prices for 4-5* hotels on Kos are lower than on the more popular Crete.
Charming Santorini, with its recognizable white-and-blue houses, will delight you with beautiful sunsets and a well-maintained coastline with volcanic sand. However, entertainment there consists only of yacht and walking tours, as well as contemplation of the harmonious symbiosis of nature and architecture. In short, it’s not for party-goers. The Peloponnese is good for those seeking a rich excursion program alongside a beach holiday, which, by the way, is top-notch here. The vibrant nightlife of Mykonos and Paros will appeal to tourists who adore parties from sunset to dawn and a bohemian atmosphere.
It’s hardly possible to cover all the sights of Greece in a couple of weeks; it would likely take more than a month. But for a first acquaintance with the country, there are several “strategic points” worth including in your itinerary. The first stop is the capital, Athens, where the number of ancient temples, squares, theaters, and stadiums is simply overwhelming. All of this was built long before our era. On the benches of the Theatre of Dionysus, among the columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and under the roof of the Erechtheion, you can feel the very fabric of history.
It is impossible to form a complete impression of ancient Greece without visiting the Temple of Apollo in Delphi and legendary Olympia — the birthplace of the Olympic Games. And many know about the Palace of Knossos in Crete from school days. It was in its intricate labyrinths that the sinister Minotaur dwelled, and today you can search for traces of this mysterious monster while wandering through the ancient ruins.
The historical region of Thessaly is one of the most interesting in the country. It is home to Mount Olympus — the abode of the Greek gods, and the incredible Monasteries of Meteora, crowning the peaks of steep cliffs.
Skiing
Incredible, but true — in Greece, you can not only sunbathe and explore ancient heritage but also go downhill skiing. Of course, local resorts are not as promoted and popular among foreigners as their competitors in other European countries, but they have their audience. Excellent slopes for beginners and professionals, modern infrastructure, and decent après-ski — in Vasilitsa, Falakro, Kalavrita, and Parnassos, located on the slopes of the Pindus and Rhodope mountains.
Pilgrimage
Orthodox Christians from all over the world travel to Greece to venerate the relics of saints or visit monasteries and religiously significant temples. The goal of pilgrims in Thessaloniki is the early Christian basilicas of Acheiropoietos and the Great Martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki. The spread of Christianity in Europe began with the arrival of the Apostle Paul in Kavala, making it a special place for believers. People come to the Cathedral of Panagia Spiliotissa in Corfu to venerate the icon of the Mother of God Spiliotissa and the relics of Empress Theodora.
Most pilgrims head to Mount Athos (access is permitted only for men with special passes) to visit one of its 20 monasteries.
Vacation with Children
Family tourists most often choose Crete, Kos, and Rhodes. Crete has as many as 4 water parks, the largest and most visited being WaterCity. On Rhodes, you should definitely take children to the Valley of the Butterflies — a natural park of amazing beauty favored by thousands of these insects. Bright tourist trains run around Kos, and a ride on them will entertain even the smallest child.
Also popular are Halkidiki, where the beaches are covered with sand and the entry into the sea is gentle and safe. But for entertainment, you’ll have to travel towards Thessaloniki — the local water park is considered perhaps the best on the continent. The city also has the Magic Park amusement park for children of all ages.
In general, Greece is very welcoming to little guests. In many taverns, owners and waiters will happily play with a child and shower them with attention while the adults try to conquer generous portions of “gyros” and “moussaka.
