Welcome to Greece, the country that will unlock all your senses!

For anyone with a cultural interest, Greece offers four millennia of history that cannot fail to inspire. Nevertheless the call to cultural duty will never be too overwhelming on a Greek holiday. The simple pleasures,such as swimming in crystal clear waters, eating fresh, mediterranean food, drinkingand dancing at a traditional feast or soaking up the eternal Greek sunshine, are just as appealing. Also, the genuine welcome and the heartwarming hospitality you receive by the locals is enough to make you book the next Greek holiday as soon as you get home.

FACTS & FIGURES 

Capital: Athens, the capital, expanded rapidly in the second half of the 20th century. Attikí (ancient Greek: Attica), the area around the capital, is now home to approximately one-third of the country’s entire population. 

Population: ~ 11.3 million

Language: Greek (spoken by 99% of the population). Communication in English is easily possible throughout the country. Signage is in both Greek and English language.

Greece is a member of the European Union 

Unit of currency: Euro (EUR) 

UNESCO World Heritage sites: Greece has an impressive 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites including Delphi, Rhodes Old Town, the mighty Acropolis, Delos, Mycenae, Olympia and may more. (view all: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/gr )  

Airports: the main airports of Greece are Athens and Thessaloniki. The airports of the islands of Santorini, Crete-Heraklion, Mykonos, and Paros are getting more and more busy. They receive domestic flights and charter and international flights.  

Throughout the Greek mainland there are airports in Kalamata, Patras, Volos and Preveza-Lefkada that work mainly in summer and receive charter flights from abroad and domestic flights. The most popular islands have airports and serve both domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki and charter flights from abroad in summer. The flight time from Athens to the Greek islands ranges from 30-40 min to 1 hour maximum. 

Ferries: All Greek islands are easily accessible by daily ferry boats, sea jets or flying dolphins speed boats. Ferries in Greece is a great and comfortable alternative to plane tickets. 

The best ways to explore Greece are often onfoot, by boat or by fork. 

Greece is made up of a mountainous and hilly mainland peninsula and thousands of islands scattered around the Ionian, Myrtoan, and Aegean Seas offering more than 13,500 kilometers of coastline to explore. While some parts of the country are home to dramatic gorges and stunning mountain peaks, others consist of peaceful countryside and beautiful beaches. Wherever you go, you are sure to come across amazing archaeological sites of ancient civilizations shrouded in Greek mythology as well as charming towns and villages displaying the country’s fascinating history. You can visit vibrant metropolitan cities, you can cruise among the islands, you can practice water sports and many other activities and of course, you can savor some of the best food of the Mediterranean kitchen.

Greece lies at the juncture of Europe, Asia, and Africa and owns heritages of Classical Greece as well as the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire.  

The land of Greece comprises almost 132 square kilometres including more than 2,000 islands, of which about 170 are inhabited; The Greek landscape is distinct for its rugged beauty and for its great variety. The dominating elements are the sea, the mountains, and the lowland.  

Geography has greatly influenced the country’s development, since mountains historically restricted internal communications, while the sea opened wider horizons. The total land area of Greece (one-fifth of which is made up of the Greek islands) is comparable in size to England or the U.S. state of Alabama.  

Regions of Greece

The Greek mainland from north to south: Epirus (northwest), Macedonia (north, including Thessaloniki) and Thrace (northeast), Thessaly (east-central), Sterea or Central Greece (including Athens) and the Peloponnese.   

Island groups: East Aegean islands, Sporades and Evia (including Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, etc), the Cyclades (including Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Milos, etc), the Dodecanese (east along the Turkish coast incl. Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, Symi etc), the Ionian islands (west, including Corfu, Cephalonia, Lefkas, Zante etc), Saronic (south of Athens, including Aegina, Hydra, Poros, Spetses, etc) and Crete.  

Greece enjoys Europe’s warmest climate, with April, May, September and October being ideal times to visit. Greece has a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine, mild air and water temperatures and a limited amount of rainfall. In summer, the dry hot days are cooled by seasonal winds called the Meltemi, while mountainous regions have generally lower temperatures.  

Greece is considered an all year round destination due to the great variety of things to do and see. The main season is from March to November with its peak in July and August. June, September and October are highly recommended for luxury travel.

ATHENS – the Capital of Greece  

The capital of Greece, is the oldest still inhabited city in Europe and serves as a transportation hub to the Greek islands and several destinations of the mainland. 

Ancient yet modern, classic yet creative, traditional yet constantly changing; Athens is a city of memorable contrasts. An enduring symbol of democracy, philosophy and all those big-picture ideals of the ancients, Athens also has a unique way of living in the moment. It is versatile and inventive, alive with the power of possibility day and night. Whether you’re on an Athens city break or passing through as a stopover on your way to an island or elsewhere on the mainland, the Greek capital has become one of Europe’s most exciting destinations. At its heart is the Acropolis, continuing to emit its unique energy and acting as a beacon to the world – just as it would have done in antiquity. Around it, the likes of the Ancient Agora, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the temples of Olympian Zeus and Hephaestus and so many other world-renowned cultural highlights stand ready to reveal their secrets, like an open-air museum. 

MUST SEES: Acropolis & New Acropolis Museum, Syntagma, Plaka, Monastiraki, Thissio,  Kallimarmaro Stadium, Archeological Museum, Agora, Hadrian’s Arch, … 

DAY TOURS from Athens: beyond the fascinating city centre you can easily arrange daily excursions to the following places: Cape Sounion, Marathon, Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Epidaurus, Delphi, Arachova, Thebes, Aegina island , Hydra island, Athenian Riviera.

DELPHI – where the two Eagles met 

Nature at its grandest, the famous oracle and Unesco World Heritage monument. 

After all these years, the gods still reign over Delphi. The harmony and energy that bound men and their Gods is still apparent in Ancient Delphi. Pictures cannot do justice to the grandeur and majesty of this sight, nor can words express the emotions that this place provokes. The two eagles, dispatched by Zeus to find the centre of the earth, met here. And it is also the place where God Apollo founded his sanctuary when he killed the dragon Python. The Delphic landscape of Central Greece and the archaeological site are a gift to humanity. In Delphi, you will bow to what men and nature made together, a creation beyond place and time.  

The ancient Greeks believed Delphi to be the ’navel of the earth›. Modern-day visitors to this UNESCO World Heritage site, still find inspiration in its stunning setting and ancient ruins.  

MUST SEES: the Sanctuaries of Apollo Pythios and Athena Pronaia, the Delphi Oracle, the Castalia Springs, the Stadium, the museum. North of Delphi you can visit the town of Thebes, birthplace of the legendary Hercules, and the scenic village of Arahova, famous for its woven handicrafts.  

OPTIONAL VISITS: stop at the traditional cosmopolitan village of Arachova (at 1000 meters altitude). Visit the Archaeological museum of Thebes or the Byzantine Monastery of Hosios Loukas.  

EPIDAURUS – the Birthplace of Theatre 

In Epidaure you will feel the vibration of a living ancient theatre and visit the famous Asclepius of the Antiquity. This lush green landscape, with its numerous thermal springs, was the perfect location in which to build the Asclepion of Epidaurus – the headquarters of antiquity’s god-physician and one of the most important healing centres of the ancient Greek and Roman world. Its fame travelled beyond the borders of the Argolid and its monuments have become renowned masterpieces of ancient Greek art. From the upper tier, peace and tranquillity reign over the horizon and you understand immediately why the Asclepion was built there.  

Then walk up to the Theatre, take a deep breath and look at the grandstand and the stage down below, from which you can hear the proverbial pin drop. Here you are in the most beautiful open-air, ancient theatre in the world, the birthplace of Psychagogia, meaning entertainment in Greek. The theatre of Epidaurus was built as a place for patients of the Asclepion to have therapeutic fun and has become renowned for its extraordinary acoustics. Now an Unesco World Heritage Site, it is still a therapy for body and soul. And best of all, it is an ancient theatre that is still alive today. Since 1955, performances of ancient tragedies have found their natural home here, nowadays during the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival. 

OPTIONAL VISITS: visit the village of Old Epidaurus by the sea, Lygourio, Kotsiomitis Museum, lunch stop at a typical taverna.  

MYCENAE – a Journey to the Bronze Age  

Welcome to the most important – and lavish – palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece, Homer’s “gold-rich Mycenae”. According to the mythology, the founder of Ancient Mycenae was Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae. The myth of the Cyclops and the story of Heinrich Schliemann’s discovery of the so-called Mask of Agamemnon are fascinating, as is a tour of the archaeological site. Mycenae is one of the most significant archaeological destinations in Greece and an Unesco World Heritage site. 

MUST SEES:  

The Cyclopean Walls: According to myth, Perseus, the founder of Mycenae, commissioned Cyclopses – huge, one-eyed mythical creatures from Asia Minor – to build the walls. Hence their name. 

Lion’s Gate:  A symbol of the power of the Mycenaean Kingdom, Lion Gate is perfectly symmetrical and unique in Europe. The main entrance to the citadel of Mycenae dates from about 1250 BC. The monument is named after the relief sculpture of two lionesses that stands above the entrance. As yet, nobody has discovered how it was constructed. So why not stick with the Cyclopses theory?  

The Mask of Agamemnon: Five gold-plated masks were discovered in Mycenae by the renowned archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, who excavated this citadel because he believed Homer’s stories. He was convinced he’d discovered the remains of King Agamemnon and named his historical findings after the famous king. More recent studies revealed that the masks were from 1500-1550 BC, nearly three centuries before Agamemnon supposedly lived. However, the name remained and the findings can now be viewed in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. 

The Archaeological Museum of Mycenae: The exhibition is divided into four distinct sections. You’ll learn about the history, life and activities of the Mycenaeans, their burial customs and their use of space. 

OPTIONAL VISITS: Tomb of the House of Atreus, Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth,  wine tour through the wine region of Nemea.

ANCIENT OLYMPIA – eternal flame of the Olympic Spirit 

A day’s visit to the birthplace of the Olympic Games will not be enough, so much is there to absorb, with a scale of ancient history that never ceases to astound. The centrepiece of Zeus’ most magnificent sanctuary was the 13.5m tall gold and ivory statue, dedicated to the king of the gods and created by master craftsman Pheidias. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it no longer exists but you will appreciate its scale by visiting and you will be able to admire firsthand other famous artefacts, such as the statue of Hermes by Praxiteles. Both the archaeological site and the museum offer a vivid picture of the splendour, glory and breadth of a civilisation that continues to give so much to the modern world – not just in sporting action, but ethics, ideals and sportsmanship.  

The Olympic Games were more than just athletic competitions. They were panhellenic festivals and took precedence over everything occurring at that time, even wars. During the period of the Games, any hostilities between the normally fractious city-states were suspended and the Olympic Truce imposed. 

MUST SEES: Sanctuary of Zeus, the ancient stadium (run the lap), the hippodrome for chariot races,  Hermes of Praxiteles, the onsite museum.  

OPTIONAL VISITS: the Temple of Hera, Bouleuterion, Prytaneion, Gymnasion, Palaistra, Pheidias’ Workshop, the Leonidaion, Philippeion, Echo Colonnade, Pedestal of Paionios’s Nike, the Nymphaion 

METEORA – the Monasteries on Giant Rocks 

The pillars of rock known as Meteora, sculpted by prehistoric rivers and crowned by otherworldly monasteries, are monuments to the power of nature and faith. 

Meteora means ‘suspended in space’. Your first, second and third sight of these impossibly tall, vertical rocks will have you gasping in disbelief. But it’s not just the incredible geology that stretches your imagination. It’s the monasteries balanced on these pinnacles. How did they get there? Well, unbelievably, the monks who built them were the original rock climbers, lifting the materials up with pulleys, nets and their bare hands. Today’s rock climbers come to the site from the world over to pit themselves against these gigantic rocks.  

Unesco has declared Meteora a much-cherished World Heritage Site and the Greek state calls it a sacred spot.  

In the 14th century, the Blessed Athanasios of Meteora founded the first monastic community here in the monastery of the Great Meteoron. Other monks followed from other corners of Greece, creating a total of 20 monasteries. 

10 Reasons to visit Meteora: 

• Visit the Monastery of Holly Trinity famous of James Bond movie! 

• Admire the six Monasteries that are in operation today. Most of them were founded in the 14th century. 

• Climb the 300 steps leading to the highest peak of the biggest rock and visit the Monastery of the Transfiguration. 

• Visit a very old and strange church, the Assumption 

• Experience moments of relaxation and culinary delights in the shadow of Meteora. 

• Follow the oldest human footprints ever discovered in the cave Theopetra 

• Get an amulet for a scarf from the St. George. 

• Admire the glorious sunset over the rocks of Monasteries 

• Walk the streets of the picturesque old quarter of the amphitheater built Kastraki village 

• Go up to the oldest settlement of Kalambaka to discover the fountain with magical properties.

MUST SEES: Great Meteoro, Varlaam, Saint Nikolas, Agia Triada, S. Stephan, Rousanou 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: rock climbing, hiking, biking, rafting at shallow, visit Kalambaka (Spotos), visit the woodworking school, Kastraki village, the Sarkina bridge, Theopetra cave.  

MYKONOS & the Cyclades Islands 

Mykonos is the jet-setter of the Cyclades, inviting you to experience its palpable energy, perfect beaches and pulsating nightlife.  

It’s hard to imagine a time when Mykonos was a humble little island, without electricity, just a layover on the way to famous Delos. Things changed in the 1950s, with the arrival of the likes of Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas, Jackie O, Marlon Brando, Grace Kelly, Princess Soraya, Elizabeth Taylor, Nureyev, Pierre Cardin, Stavros Niarchos… legendary names of the international jet set that became associated with Mykonos. Mykonos quickly became the favoured holiday destination in Greece for the super-rich, artists and movie stars. And the list of celebrities continues to grow: Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks, Shakira, Lady Gaga, Steven Spielberg, Monica Bellucci, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Giorgio Armani, Russell Crowe…since then Mykonos has been attracting an international crowd like a magnet. Exceptional beaches, award-winning restaurants, legendary parties, expensive yachts, dreamy villas, luxury hotels and 5-star service…Mykonos will make you feel like a celebrity! 

MUST SEES: Chora, Matogiannia, Little Venice, Ornos, Psarou, windmills, Paraportiani Church, town hall, Mavrou School, visit the nearby DELOS with its archeological site. 

OPTIONAL VISITS: Cruise on a private yacht to the party beaches, to Rhenia, Delos and Tragonisi. Ftelia, Paleokastro, Gyzi Castle.  

SANTORINI ISLAND 

«Whitewashed cliffs, sapphire seas, and golden sunsets—Santorini is a dreamscape where history meets romance. Lose yourself in the winding streets of Oia, savor world-class wines, and soak in volcanic hot springs. Your perfect Greek island escape starts here.» 

The power of the volcanic island of Santorini creates an energy that overwhelms the senses. Exquisite luxury, amazing food and wine and the unforgettable Santorini sunset are just the start of what this legendary Greek island in the Cyclades offers its visitors. In Santorini all your senses seem magnified due to the many contrasts you encounter: black earth against whitewashed homes clinging to the cliff-side, or wild volcanic sculptures against sleek Cycladic lines. Also known as Thera in Greek, Santorini is an island immortalised by poets and painters thanks to its celebrated light, multicoloured cliffs and picture-perfect sunsets. Santorini is the island for honeymoons and luxury travel. It is the island of infinity pools that flirt with the edge of the cliffs, the island of romantic restaurants perched on the rocks, fiery sunsets, elegant boutiques and stylish bars and beach clubs.  

The cuisine of Santorini boasts extraordinary ingredients thanks to the nutrient-rich volcanic soil. Amongst the island’s specialities are its famous sun-dried cherry tomatoes, fava beans (split peas), capers, and white eggplant. Of course you will also try the one-of-a-kind white and red wines of Santorini that have a legacy of more than 3,200 years, making the island a top destination for food and wine lovers. 

MUST SEES: Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia, Akrotiri (historic site), volcano boat trip, sunset cruise, Red Beach, Kamari, Perissa.  

OPTIONAL VISITS: Finikia wineries, rock of Skaros, Thirasia, Prophet Elia’s Church 

CRETE ISLAND  

The largest island in Greece, Crete is renowned for its pin-up beaches, wild natural beauty, exquisite cuisine and thousands of years of culture and history. As Crete’s most celebrated author, Nikos Kazantzakis (Zorba the Greek), once wrote: “The mystery of Crete runs deep. Whoever sets foot on this island senses a mysterious force coursing warmly and beneficently through their veins, sensing their soul beginning to grow.”  

Unsurprisingly, this mystical, pure and generous island to the south of the Aegean Sea captures the spirit of Greece and enchants everyone who visits. Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra, Malia, Hersonissos, Sitia, Sfakia, just to mention a few of the breathtaking destinations in Crete. Wherever you visit, it’s an island of thousands of vibrant images, filled with an open-hearted and vivacious spirit, rich history, world-famous cuisine and hospitable people. 

Best beaches of Crete 

Balos Lagoon in Chania , Falarsana, Elounda, Chrysi, Elafonisi, further on the southwestern tip of Chania, Episkopi, Petres as well as Preveli, Plakias, Ligres, Triopetra and Agios Pavlosin in the south of Crete.  

Kilometres of golden coastline surround Ierapetra, in the Lassithi prefecture to the east. And the celebrated palm forest in Vai is one of the most spectacular sights in Crete. 

Culture and history of Crete 

On Crete, you’ll find some of the most significant attractions in Greece: famous archaeological sites such as the Minoan palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Kato Zakros. You’ll also visit important monasteries, such as the Preveli Monastery in southern Rethymno, the monasteries in southern Heraklion and the historic Arkadi and Toplous monasteries. 

Also castles erected by Venetians and Byzantines are absolutely noteworthy: Kastelli in Chania, the Fortezza in Rethymno, the castle of Heraklion, Frangokastello in southern Chania, the Kazarma Castle in Sitia, and the Monte Forte in Lassithi.  

As for museums, particularly fascinating are the Museum of Natural History and the Historical Museum of Crete. In Myrtia, there is also the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum and in Fodele you’ll find the El Greco Museum. 

Gastronomy and customs in Crete 

Crete is the home of the Mediterranean diet and the Cretan hospitality is grand, generous and infinitely welcoming. Families are only too happy to share the island’s many specialities – a Dakos salad, free-flowing Raki or the experience of the Mantinades, poems often accompanied by a Cretan lyre or lute. Wise old men recount memories of Crete’s rich, and often troubled, past or tales of the vendettas between feuding families. 

You’ll eat to your heart’s content in Crete, from simple homemade food such as rusk salad with sea salt, extra-virgin olive oil, artichokes and cheese to fine gourmet gastronomy. Some of the many famous products are the local Graviera (a piquant cheese), herbs and salad greens such as Stamnagathi (a wild chicory), as well as Staka (think clotted cream made from sheep’s milk) and assorted savoury pies and sweets. 

In Crete, you’re bound to be offered a glass of Tsikoudia (firewater-like distillate), as locals often make their own. At tavernas, cafes, festivals and fairs, they start drinking it early in the afternoon and it flows until late at night. 

MUST SEES: Chania, Balos, Heraklion, Rethymno, Fortezza, Agios Nokolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, Sfakia, Knossos, Lassithi, Preveli, Samaria Gourge, Frangokastello, Elafonisis,, Elounda. 

OPTIONAL VISITS: Day cruises on the northern coast of Crete, cruise to Santorini, Honey farm, cooking classes, olive oil, distilleries, Crete safari, water sports. 

CORFU & The Ionian Islands  

One of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece, Corfu is an island in the Ionian Sea known for its cosmopolitan Old Town, spectacular sandy beaches and beautiful landscapes. Corfu has a rich history that weaves a bewildering number of influences, with the Venetians, English, French and Russians all flourishing here and leaving their mark on the island. In the Old Town, you’ll feel like an aristocrat walking along Liston Arcade and Spianada Square while looking up to the Venetian forts and churches. And you’ll adore the romance of the labyrinth-like alleyways of Campiello (the medieval quarter of the Old Town) as well as the beat of the marching bands, particularly on festival days.   

Holidays on Corfu are also famous for the food – with the many cultural influences expressed in dishes that show off Italian touches and the island’s delicious Mediterranean produce. And don’t forget the beaches and swimming spots dotted around the island – not least the Canal d’Amour, where legend has it you’ll find your soulmate. Corfu island (or Kerkyra in Greek) certainly knows how to seduce you.  

MUST SEES: Old Town Corfu, Liston and Spinada square, Fortess, Achillion Palace, Solomos Museum, Paleokastritsa Monastery, Saint Spyridon Church, Canal d’Amour 

OPTIONAL VISITS: Cruise to Paxos and Antipaxos, Mon Repos, Archeology Museum, spend Easter in Corfu and experience the local Easter customs.