Millions of tourists head to Greece each year for their beaches, islands and ancient history. Add in the almost guaranteed blue skies and warm temperatures,andit’s easy to see why so many people love the country. Whether you’re looking to enjoy some of the luxury greek island vacations or explore in search of ruins, you’ll find it here. If you’re still unsure, here area few reasons why you should put Greece on your travel bucket list.
Thousands of Islands
Greece boasts some 6000 islands surrounding the mainland in both the Aegean Sea and theIonianSea. And approximately half of Greece’s 16,000 kilometres of coastline can be found on these islands. Some have thousands of residents with metropolitan centres while others seem to be stuckin a time capsule from thousands of years ago. It doesn’t matter what trip you want, you’ll find something to suit your interests on the Greek islands. Check out Santorini for the views, Rhodes for history and Corfu to have access to some of the best resorts.
Greece: The Cradle of Civilisation
Schoolchildren around the world spend hours in history lessons learning about the essential contributions made by the ancient Greeks. From coining the concept of modern democracy to their spectacular advancements in geometry and mathematics, history oozes from all corners of their culture and landscapes. Visit Athens and stroll around the Agora and see the world-famous Acropolis overlooking the city. Others can check out the ancient ruins dotted around the country. You can visit the place that hosted the original Olympics, go to the ancienttown of Marathon (which gives rise to the 26.2 endurance event) or stroll through ancient villages. Few countries offer as much ancient history as Greece and having the chance to see it with your own eyes is enough of a reason to visit.
Visit the Less Explored Destinations
Apart from the country’s tourist destinations, Greece also has several smaller towns and villages. You can rent a car and drive to some of the more rural settlements which stubbornly resist change and remain practically the same as they have over the centuries. Stroll through the dusty streets and see the locals going at such a slow pace they almost appear to be going backwards! Few holiday destinations in Europe offer so many opportunities to get off the beaten path and get such a warm reception from the residents. If you do want to explore more of the country, try to find out the best spots to visit rather than renting a car and just driving. To rent a car in Greece is extremely easy, though. Those with a plan tend to get so much more out of their trip than just winging it. Or to get even more of a cultural experience, why not stay overnight in one these somewhat forgotten towns and villages in Greece?
Guaranteed Sunshine
If you come from some parts of the world, havinga clear blue skies with warm temperatures is once in a month event in the summer.But not in Greece. On average, the country bathes in over 300 sunny days every year. Or to put this statistic in another way, they get on average six sunny days out of seven. If you’re a sun-lover and want to top up that tan, head to one of the Greek islands. Just be prepared for hot and dry conditions during the summer. Temperatures in some parts of the country often exceed 35°C in both July and August. And different parts of the country have different climates. The best time to visit is during either spring or autumn when the temperaturesare pleasant. This isespecially the case if you’re planning a family holiday. Other favourite times to visit are for winter breaks when temperatures in Greece hover in the low 20s.
Greece is Easy to Visit
If you’re in Europe, getting to Greece is fast, cheap and convenient. Regular flights connect cities around the continent to dozens of destination on both Mainland Greece and their islands. You can book up a flightand depart the following day if you wish! Unlike some of the other tourist hotspots around the world, Greece is well-connected. And if you’re coming from further afield, flights from around the globe pass through Athens too.
Some of Europe’s Best Beaches
With thousands of kilometres of coastline, it’s easy to understandwhy Greece has so many picturesque stretches of sand. From the empty beaches on the uninhabited islands to the gentle waters of others, Greece has it all. Families, honeymooners and those looking for a few days of partying in the sun will find suitable beacheshere. And you’ll always be within easy reach of classy resorts, vacation rentals and more budget-friendly accommodation. Get online and search for which beaches suit yourinterests and needs. After all, who wants to have a bachelor party on the family-friendly stretch of coastline! And likewise, a coupleon a romantic getaway might not appreciatethe clubbing music until the early hours of the morning!
Greek Food
And finally, Greek food has a reputation around the world for their delicious platters and olives. Whether you want a meat feast or a fresh salad, restaurants around the country cook up mouth-watering food at all times of the day. Add in the giant watermelons, juicy grapes and fresh seafood washed down with a bottle of local wine. Tourists will never feel hungry in Greece!
The Perfect Place for a Holiday
Greece has islands, beaches and history. There’sgood food, viewpointsand thousands of destinations to choose from. It doesn’t matter what trip you want, you’llget it here.