Arts, Language & Philosophy
Discover ancient ruins, fascinating museums and archaeological sites. Walk in the footsteps of Romans and Greeks at Ephesus or Islands hop at your own pace.
Greece
Attractions
Cyclades & Dodecanese, Greek Islands
Many of the islands are accessible by ferry from the Port of Piraeus (Athens) and cater to just about every budget. Whether looking for a party, romance or an authentic taste of Greece, no trip is complete without a visit to one or more of the islands.
Archaeological Sites, Athens & Islands
This country is teeming with archaeological sites and centuries-old ruins. The majority of the famous sites such as the Parthenon, Temple of Zeus and the Herodian Theatre are located in Athens but historical sites can literally be found throughout the entire country.
Capital City, Athens
The heart of Greece is a cosmopolitan capital, combining the old and new. Archaeological sites scattered throughout the city sit alongside brand new cultural centres and buildings. Locals and tourists alike linger over coffee at the Plaka and watch the world go by at Syntagma Square.
Festivals, Nationwide
Festivals dominate the Greek year, with the biggest being Greek Easter – a week-long celebration. Try to include the Hellenic Festival into your summer itinerary, when the Theatre of Epidavros and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus host the cultural events right in the centre of Athens.
Handicrafts & Souvenirs, Athens & Santorini
Browse the Plaka for souvenirs and make sure to visit the Monastiraki Flea Market for leather, jewellery and antiques. Santorini is brimming with boutiques for unique and one-of-a-kind clothing. Coffee, wine and olive oil are also worth putting on your shopping list.
Greek Eats, Cafes, Bars, Tavernas
There is no shortage of great food and drink available in Greece. From the booming coffee scene to low key tavernas, Greek food is plentiful, fresh and tasty. Make sure to chow down on souvlaki, moussaka, olives and seafood, all washed down with ouzo, metaxa or retsina.
Beaches, The Greek Islands
It’s practically unheard of to visit Greece without including some serious beach time. The Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean Seas provide the ideal flop and drop destinations with postcard scenery and warm, blue waters. Try Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos or Balos Beach in Crete.
Acropolis, Athens
This ancient citadel sits high above Athens and can be seen from virtually every corner of the city. Accessing the site is a pleasant walk from the Plaka and Monastiraki and rewards with incredible views of the Parthenon – once considered the world’s most perfect building.
Popular Cities
Athens
Athens is the historical and cultural capital of Greece. Set high upon a hill, the rock of the Acropolis – featuring the ancient Parthenon – dominates the skyline and can be seen from almost every part of the city. Below the Acropolis lies the Plaka neighbourhood and the core of the historical centre. Here, discover a labyrinth of streets lined with shops, cafes, mosques and churches.
See & do
- See the collection of Greek Antiquities at the National Archaeological Museum
- Admire the view from the Parthenon – the all-marble, crowning glory of the Acropolis
Watch the changing glory of the Acropolis - Explore the fashionable and hip neighbourhood of Metaxourgeio
- Browse the Athens Central Market for an authentic shopping experience
The Greek Islands
Greece’s many islands dot the Ionian, Cretean and Aegean Seas and offer a wide variety of geographies and experiences. Most feature iconic white-washed buildings complemented with blue or yellow painted windows, with sprays of bougainvillea adding splashes of pink and purple. Narrow cobblestone streets wind through the tiny villages, while the main port towns are lined with traditional fishing boats and tavernas. The holiday season for the Greek Islands is April to October, with the peak being July and August. Outside these months, some properties, restaurants and other facilities close down and there are reduced ferry services. We recommend you check with your travel agent for the island and holiday season that best suits your needs.
Santorini, in the Aegean Sea, is by far the most popular Greek Islands. This volcanic island is famous for its blue and white buildings, picturesque hilltop villages and incredible sunsets. Mykonos, with its iconic, hilltop windmills, oozes glamour mixed with simplicity and offers more of a party atmosphere while Paros is quieter and more laid back. Crete, the largest of the islands, is both a holiday-maker’s and historian’s delight.
Santorini
This island has long attracted visitors from all walks of life by offering a range of experiences from lively nightlife to romantic getaways. The principal towns of Fira and Oia cling to cliffs that loom high above an underwater crater, affording magical views. With boutique accommodation, a flourishing wine industry, its easy to see this island’s world-wide appeal.
See & do
- Take in the view from the Akrotiki Lighthouse, on the southern coastline
- Grab a bottle of wine and admire the sunset from Oia Castle.
- Spend the day exploring the island’s wineries, such a Santo or Domaine
Mykonos
Mykonos is a cosmopolitan island in the heart of the Cyclades, offering nightlife, a lively waterfront and vast array of watersports. Those seeking a quieter holiday will enjoy the island’s museums, archaeological sites and historic landmarks. During summer months, Mykonos becomes one, huge party but the spring and autumn months promise fewer crowds and the chance to enjoy the island’s quaint villages and cafes.
See & do
- Visit the windmills in Chora – the most recognised landmark on the island.
- Watch the sunset from the neighbourhood of Little Venice, located in Mykonos Town.
- Rent a bicycle and ride around the island.
- Wine tasting at the Mykonos Vioma Organic Farm.
Crete
Crete is the country’s most populated island and was once the centre of the Minoan civilisation. It’s teeming with local treasures such as the Palace of Knossos and is a nature lover’s delight, with mountains, gorges, rivers and beaches seemingly at every turn. Various museums can be found in the capital of Heraklion and other popular attractions include the Venetian old city and the port of Chania.
See & do
- Head to Balos Lagoon and admire its turquoise waters and exotic scenery.
- Visit the Holy Trinity Monastery for incredible examples of Renaissance architecture.
- Tour the Palace of Knossos, also known as Europe’s oldest city.
- Hike through Samaria Gorge National Park.