GREECE TRAVEL GUIDE
There is history all around in Greece, from the ultimate monument of the Acropolis in chaotic Athens to the famed UNESCO World Heritage archaeological sites spread far and wide. In addition fine cuisine, great Mediterranean weather, superb beaches on the Greek islands such as Corfu, Crete and Rhodes, plus fantastic nightlife make Greece one the most popular holiday destination with us Brits.
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GREECE WEATHER - When to Go
Greece sees a warm Mediterranean climate, with summer temperatures often hitting the 40s (°C) and a dry outlook for most of the year. Although the peak season is in July and August, this is when the country is at its hottest and most humid, and when tourist numbers are at their highest.
The best times to visit Greece are in May/June and September, particularly if you’re heading to the popular island resorts where cheaper accommodation can also be had. October and November are a bit stormy while December to March gets chilly on high ground.
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GREECE HIGHLIGHTS
MAINLAND GREECE
- Athens: the Greek capital is situated right in the centre of Greek territory. It is somewhat of a noisy, smoggy and chaotic city, but lovable all the same owing to its ancient persona and café culture. The Acropolis is the most important monument in the city, and perhaps the Western world for that matter; it features a collection of outstanding feats of architecture overlooking the dusty city. Visit as early as possible to avoid the heat and crowds. Major nearby attractions include the Mount Parnassus ski resort, to the north of Athens, and the nearby Mount Delphi and ancient town of the same name.
- Thessaloniki: right in the north of the country is Greece’s second city and one which possesses almost as much historical prowess as the capital itself. It has a continuous 3,000-year history, with Roman relics, Byzantine churches and loads of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Tsimiski Street is the main thoroughfare to seek out Thessaloniki’s best museums, including the brilliant Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Culture. Thessaloniki also has a buzzing nightlife and does well in the shopping stakes too, with fashion well represented on Mitropoleos, Proxenou Koromila and Tsimiski streets. Thessaloniki is accessible from Athens by night train in about six hours.
- Patras: lying in western Greece to the northwest of Athens, Patras is a major port and Greece’s third-largest urban area. As the western gateway to Greece, Patras receives numerous boats from Italian cities daily and boasts such fine attractions as the monumental Rio-Antirio Bridge and the Roman Odeon. A visit to the popular Achaia Clauss wine factory is also fun with varieties like Mavrodafni available to try. While out amid the cafés and restaurants of Patras, the local liqueur known as Tentoura is a must-try. The journey to Patras from Athens is fairly arduous due to the mountainous terrain and trains make the trip in about five hours. You can fly to Patras from Athens in less than an hour, however.
THE GREEK ISLANDS
- Corfu and Ionian Islands: are situated in the Ionian Sea to the west of the Greek mainland, with the island of Corfu the main attraction. Corfu is the Ionian’s best-known destination, featuring numerous beach resorts, cool mountains and the bustling Corfu Town (Kerkyra). Corfu is mainly about the beaches and nightlife and gets extremely hot in mid-summer. Other popular islands in the Ionian chain include laid-back Paxos and Anti Paxos (south), beautiful Lefkada, Kefallonia and Zakinthos in the south. All islands are linked to the mainland by ferry and the major ones have their own airports. The journey to Corfu from Athens takes about nine hours by a combination of bus and ferry.
- Crete: is Greece’s largest island, situated south in the Southern Aegean close to North Africa. Crete is famed for its fantastic beaches, great weather, mountains, historical prowess and entertainment options. Major resorts include Chania, Aghios Nikolaos (east) and Sitia, while Heraklion is the main city and capital. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion features relics of the 3,000-year-old Minoan civilisation from the legendary Palace of Knossos. All water sports can be enjoyed on Crete, with sailing and scuba diving being particularly popular, while Chania offers delightful dining options over the picturesque harbour. High-speed ferries running from Athens make the trip to Crete in about 4 hours, 30 minutes.
- The Cyclades: are located to the south of Athens and north of Crete in a circular configuration, hence their name. The islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Paros and Ios are the most famous and busiest, while Folegandros and Amorgos are less populated and quieter. Island hopping among the Cyclades is a popular pastime and ferries go all over to make this a straightforward (weather permitting) way to travel. Santorini is the prettiest-looking of the Cyclades; it features a sea-filled caldera which is visually stunning and has lovely beaches and interesting towns, with the cliff-perched Fira being the most popular. Ferries travel from Athens to the Cyclades with travel times ranging from four to eight hours.
- Rhodes and Eastern Aegean Islands: brush up against coastal Turkey, such is their eastern locale, with Rhodes lying just within the Dodecanese Islands in the south. Major tourist islands in the Eastern Aegean are Lesbos, Chios and Kos, and of course, Rhodes itself. Rhodes is one of the largest and most fertile of the Greek Islands and features both busy and quiet beaches, extensive archaeological sites, a bustling capital (Rhodes Town) and a near-perfect climate. The overriding factor as to why visitors come to the East Aegean as opposed to elsewhere in Greece is their remoteness and generally quiet nature. Ferries operate between the islands and Rhodes has an international airport to boot. The flight from Athens to Rhodes is about one hour.
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GREECE HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
- Food and Eating Out: Greek cuisine is ancient and succulent as well as being tasty and healthy. While resorts cater mainly to tourists, proper Greek restaurants are as visible as international eateries nowadays. As well as authentic traditional Greek cuisine (where old favourites like mousakka, kebabs, tzatziki and Greek salad can be had), Chinese, French, British and Italian restaurants are in the major cities, in addition to international chains such as McDonald's and Pizza Hut, and the popular local Goody's fast-food chain. Greek restaurants include service charges and rounding up is fine for a tip. Be sure to try ouzo, the aniseed liquor that’s the national tipple.
- Entertainment and Nightlife: Greece is widely known across Europe for its buzzing nightlife, which doesn’t really get going until around midnight but goes on until dawn in the larger resorts. Bars and cafés are ubiquitous in Greek resorts and on most street corners, and traditional Greek bars have great ambiance. Nightclubs in the major resort islands of Corfu, Crete, Rhodes and Ios have the best DJs and stay open very late, while traditional Greek shows feature eating, music and Greek dance, and usually take place at most large hotels.
- Accommodation.. in Greece is generally simpler than elsewhere in Europe with smaller rooms and bathrooms the norm, although cleanliness is generally not an issue. Family-run pensions offer a more traditional stay while mega resorts feature pools and every facility expected. The most luxurious digs will usually be in the best location of a given place, with posh villas in strategic spots just outside the resort areas.
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GREECE FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
You can fly direct to Athens from the UK with British Airways, Easyjet or Olympic Holidays.
For cheap charter flights to the Greek Islands - including Corfu, Crete, Kos and Rhodes package holidays - have a look tour operators such as Thomson, Thomas Cook as well as Olympic Holidays.
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