Whether you're looking for culture, nightlife, shopping or beaches, there's a holiday in Greece to suit you. Capital Athens is a brilliant city break destination, with its mix of modern boutique hotels and the ancient Acropolis. Elsewhere on the mainland, Halkidiki and Parga offer a relaxed pace of life and beautiful beaches. Then there are Greece's islands, scattered around the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Each one has its own personality, from rugged countryside and sleepy villages to busy resorts with non-stop nightlife. Enjoy boat trips, diving, water sports and swimming in clear blue seas and explore olive groves, pine forests and ancient ruins on dry land. Old favourites like Crete and Rhodes have large, resort-style hotels and plenty to do, whilst smaller islands such as Thassos and Skiathos offer peace and tranquility. For an authentic taste of Greek life, head to Kefalonia or Santorini. With warm summers and so much to do, it's easy to see why the Greek islands are popular with solo travellers, couples, families and gropus of friends.
Whether you're looking for culture, nightlife, shopping or beaches, there's a holiday in Greece to suit you. Capital Athens is a brilliant city break destination, with its mix of modern boutique hotels and the ancient Acropolis. Elsewhere on the mainland, Halkidiki and Parga offer a relaxed pace of life and beautiful beaches. Then there are Greece's islands, scattered around the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Each one has its own personality, from rugged countryside and sleepy villages to busy resorts with non-stop nightlife. Enjoy boat trips, diving, water sports and swimming in clear blue seas and explore olive groves, pine forests and ancient ruins on dry land. Old favourites like Crete and Rhodes have large, resort-style hotels and plenty to do, whilst smaller islands such as Thassos and Skiathos offer peace and tranquility. For an authentic taste of Greek life, head to Kefalonia or Santorini. With warm summers and so much to do, it's easy to see why the Greek islands are popular with solo travellers, couples, families and gropus of friends.
As well as a haven for relaxation, the beaches of the Greek Islands offer plenty of sports and activities. From banana boat and jet-ski rides, to wind surfing, water skiing, fishing, parasailing, surfing and kayaking, there's something for everyone. Waterparks and theme parks put in an appearance on some islands too. Away from the beach, other activities to enjoy in the Greek Islands include mountain biking, horse riding, tennis and golf. One of the most popular ways to explore Greece is of course from the sea with island-hopping boat trips the best way to do it. Walking tours along stunning coastlines, through rural villages and meadows full of flowers are also popular, especially in the cooler autumn months. For the culture-vultures, the islands are also rich in ancient sites, from centuries-old archaeological locations, to Roman ruins and remains, and museums full of art and artefacts.
Food & Drink
Greek favourites like moussaka and keftides are best enjoyed al fresco in small tavernas. Most big resorts and cities also have a choice of restaurants serving up food from around the world – and the odd fast food joint too. Many visitors to beach resorts stay in all inclusive hotels, where buffet meals, snacks and selected drinks are included in the cost of the holiday. Don't miss freshly-picked olives and other fruit and vegetables. Aniseed-flavoured Ouzo is the preferred aperitif and the robustly flavoured Retsina wine is the popular accompaniment to any meal.
In The Evening
Nightlife in Greece varies greatly depending on where you choose to stay, but there are plenty of options including glossy cocktails bars, British style pubs, quaint tavernas, live music, Greek folklore shows, concerts, big name Djs, laser shows, karaoke clubs and many more. Stay in a young a lively beach resort on one of the islands for the liveliest nightlife, or choose a break in Athens or Mykonos for sophistication.
Health & Entry Requirements
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct travel insurance and vaccinations and / or special medication for your destination. Please consult your GP for advice at least one month ahead of travel.
It is essential that you meet the visa and passport requirements for your chosen destination. Visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (http://www.fco.gov.uk) website for up to date entry requirements listed by country
Greece has a warm Mediterranean climate. In summer, dry hot days are often relieved by stiff breezes, especially in the north and coastal areas. Athens can be stiflingly hot, so visitors should allow time to acclimatise. The evenings are cool. Winters are mild in the south but much colder in the north. November to March is the rainy season.