Introduction

Greece’s stunning beaches, shimmering blue seas and long hot summers attract millions of holidaymakers each year, but there’s more to this fascinating country than lying by the Mediterranean.

It was the home of Europe’s first great civilisation and the archaeological ruins that remain throughout the country are of as much historical importance as the great Pyramids of Egypt or the remains of the Aztecs in South America. Everywhere you go you’ll find the exuberant Greek culture’s infectious charm.

However the capital city Athens is undoubtedly the place to go. The old town is littered with ruins from the days of the Greek empire. Its main attraction is the Acropolis, a hill fortress and the site of some of the world’s most famous ancient monuments including the Parthenon, Erechtheion Shrine, the amazing Propylaia and the temple to Athena.

The countryside interior of the mainland and the islands has pine-filled valleys and rugged hills dotted with whitewashed villages, a picturesque rural pastiche unchanged for centuries. Add to this the opportunities for exploring the archipelago that extends far into the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas and it is easy to see why Greece makes such a fantastic and unique holiday destination.

The only problem is which island to choose. Mykonos and Santorini islands are steeped in natural beauty but each has its own attractions and personality. Some will appeal to partygoers and couples and yet others to amateur archaeologists looking to discover their own part of Ancient Greece.

Athens

The Acropolis in Athens is home to some of the most fascinating monuments and historical sites in the world. It is especially awe-inspiring at night when the surrounding monuments, including the Parthenon and Erechtheion Shrine, are lit up.

From its position above the city, you’ll be able to appreciate views of the Roman Agora, the Plaka district, Lykavittos Hill and the sparkling blue waters of the Aegean. The National Archaeological Museum, which has artefacts dating back to about 1500BC, is also well worth a visit.

Delphi

Delphi was once believed to be the centre of the Earth, and played host to thousands of pilgrims who would climb up to the Temple of Apollo to consult the Oracle.

The intact columns are a resonant reminder of the energy and inventiveness of the ancient Greeks. Today, many visitors find this site to be the most impressive in all of Greece, not just for the ruins themselves but also for the air of mystery that still pervades the area.

Crete

This is the largest of the Greek islands and almost a country in its own right.

The island offers fantastic beaches, excellent nightlife and a wealth of quality accommodation, but it is the ruins of the ancient Minoan civilisation for which it is best known. Visitors to Crete should not miss the fascinating sites at Knossos, the largest of King Minos’s Palaces and where the fabled labyrinth of the mythical Minotaur was located. Festos in the south of the island is another good site for exploration.

Mykonos

Mykonos is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, abundant scuba-diving opportunities, attractive scenery and diverse entertainment. It can be lively at night being a favourite haunt of the young clubbers and pubbers, but by day you can take it easy amidst one of the most beautiful settings in Greece.

Take a highly recommended day trip to the neighbouring island of Delos to visit the ruins and appreciate the views over the Cyclades from the top of Mount Kinthos.

Meteora

One of Greece’s most spectacular sights, Meteora means “in the air”, aptly describing the location of the hermits‘ monasteries perched on huge natural rock pillars.

These magnificent formations reach up to 300m above the flat Peneios valley, a dizzying perch upon which the hermits used to meditate – understandably in complete solitude. Tours of the monasteries are offered from the nearby town of Kalambaka.

Rhodes

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful with whitewashed houses and its own acropolis.

Visit the island’s picture-postcard town, Lindos, and you will be charmed by its cobbled streets and natural harbour. The old town of Rhodes itself is a picturesque maze of Byzantine, Turkish and Latin ruins which cries out for exploration.

The island is popular with a range of people, its many resorts offering a mix of modern nightlife and traditional Greek lifestyle.

Santorini

Santorini is made up of three close-knit islands, the most southerly of the Cyclades group.

The islands have dramatic scenery created by a now inactive volcano situated in the centre of the main island Thira.

On the west, white houses perch on cliffs that plunge dramatically to the sea; on the east there are long, beautiful beaches of black volcanic sand.

Weather

Greece has a warm Mediterranean climate with a distinct three-month dry period during the long, hot summer.

Winter (November through to March) is the wettest season and is generally mild in the south but colder in the north. Snow in winter is common in mountainous regions of the mainland but almost unheard of on the islands.

Greece can be visited throughout the year.

Average Weather Guide:

Temperature in Degrees Centigrade

Rainfall in Millimetres

The tables above are intended as guidelines only.