Aah Greece! The birthplace of myths and legends, azure waters, blue domed Byzantine churches and olive groves in their hundreds! Admittedly most countries have a pearl or two to celebrate, but how many countries have ancient history and culture combined with a rich tapestry of legendary tales, as well as serving up the finest cuisine, indulging in a lifestyle of both hedonism and fine relaxation, acting as host to numerous natural wonders and nurturing over 200 inhabited islands, all of which hold their own appeal? Yes, Greece wears quite a dazzling string of pearls. It’s perhaps the grand lady of the Middle Eastern region (it is technically in Europe) and deserves as long as you can muster to be explored and appreciated. 

Things to do in Greece

Due to the diversity of appeal, it is impossible to list all of the reasons to come to Greece without writing a book about it. To sample a few of its pleasures see below for some suggestions, but know that they are just the tip of the iceberg!

The island of Santorini

Unless you’ve been asleep for the past decade you can’t fail to have seen the heart stopping advertorial images of Santorini gracing bill boards, glossy magazines and travel shop windows. The rustic steep streets of white washed houses with window boxes overflowing with bright flowers, interspersed with blue domed churches and picturesque hotels carved into cliffsides, offering views of pristine Mediterranean waters. The images are arresting and have contributed to the increase in tourists to an island that is one of the jewels in Greece’s crown. The number of couples choosing Santorini as their wedding or honeymoon destination has also risen and is testament to the romanticism of the place – the Gods must have been smiling down on Santorini when it was created! It is said that Santorini sunsets are among the best in the world. It is no surprise that historically the name given to Santorini was Kalliste, meaning “the most beautiful one”.

The beauty of Santorini is enough of itself to warrant a visit. However, for those interested in more than aesthetic appeal, Santorini has a wealth of substance beneath its goddess like surface. Santorini is the remains of an enormous volcanic explosion, leading to the creation of a giant central lagoon, surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs. The result is spellbinding.

Visiting the site of the ancient Akrotini is a must and be amazed at the history of the place with a trip to the museum of prehistoric Thira. Follow up with a lazy afternoon on the black sands of Perissa.

However, be aware that the beauty of Santorini is no longer a secret and you’ll be sharing your romantic trip with a bevy of others all of whom had the same idea so if you had seclusion in mind you might want to consider looking elsewhere. 

Athens

Athens is a bustling metropolis yet still set in ancient surrounds and with ruins peppered here there and everywhere.

Here, you’ll be treated to an endless string of outdoor cafes winding their way through ancient ruin strewn streets paying homage to an eclectic array of legends that evoke the kingdom of ancient gods and cautionary tales!

Immerse yourself in the bygone mystery of the Acropolis, topped by the supreme sacred temple Parthenon, possibly the world’s greatest archaeological site. Built by Pericles in the fifth century BC, the Parthenon was intended as a monument of the achievements of Athens’ inhabitants and it reigns supreme over Athens in its immense stature and historical importance. Unless a steep climb in the heat is your idea of fun, the best time to visit is late afternoon, out of the way of the crowds and the harsh sunlight.

If your first glimpse of Athens gives you a thirst for knowledge of how it all fits in, then you must make time for a visit to the astounding National Archaeological Museum. The museum contains a staggering number of ancient artefacts as well as providing a divine history of the creation and make up of ancient Greece. 

Nearly 40% of Greek inhabitants actually live in Athens, including many of the wealthier well heeled local folk, which can lend a certain arrogant air to the place – definitely a place to see and be seen.

As well as being the granddaddy of Greece with its ancient ruins, Athens is also the spirited teenager, with its busy bars and clubs that welcome throngs of young people through the doors every night. Colourful and lively, Athens in the evening becomes a hive of activity and all are welcomed into its hedonistic arms. Fear not though if this is not your scene, there are plenty of places to escape the chaos! 

Crete

The length and breadth of Crete packs more in than any of the other Greek islands. Party paradise? Check. Historical remains? Check. Sweet smelling orange trees? Check. Stunning mountain roads? Check. Idyllic beaches? Check. Dramatic gorges? Check. Crete is heaven on earth and so it should be given it was allegedly the birthplace of Zeus.

For the culturally astute, initiate yourself with delightfully frescoed Minoan palaces, close your eyes and imagine ancient civilizations – Crete is yet another Grecian paradise where history reigns. In fact recent archaeologists have discovered that the earliest civilization in Europe flourished in Crete. With a world class museum and a spattering of roman and other ruins, Crete has a remarkably rich history to digest.

However, like Athens, Crete also embraces the new, the lively and everything in between. A haven for beach goers, including nudists, as well as retail therapy - the island could well be a country all of its own accord for what it offers, which is why tourists flock there in the peak seasons and if you want to explore Crete away from the madding crowds you’d be just as well to avoid the school holidays and the package tour hot spots of which there are many. 

Dodecanese Islands

The problem with Greece is that nearly all of the islands are what dreams are made of and the Dodecanese islands are no exception. It starts to sound a bit repetitive when you talk of the azure waters and soft sand and romantic crumbling ruins, the sweet smelling citrus groves and scented flowers, the white washed walls and fig trees, but yes there is all this and more to look forward to. Relaxation, exploration and island hopping is what this region does best, thrown in with the warm and friendly smiles of the locals.

Some of the smaller Dodecanese islands like Patmos are all about tasting a real slice of Greece as it used to be. No big resorts here, just a beautiful laid back landscape of local bays and beaches. 

Island hopping

A fabulous and adventurous way to see Greece is to charter a boat and go island hopping! This really is the best way to get an overall view of the different facets of a country with such charm, character and varied landscape and attractions. Over 200 of the islands are inhabited, many with a population of less than 100. There is no better way to find your own private slice of heaven. Drop the anchor in gorgeous bays, eat freshly caught fish for lunch and then hire a motorcycle to explore the rugged interior of the islands. It’s not hard to see why so many have fallen for the charm and gone on to make boat charters around the Greek islands their way of life.

Whether you are in the market for a sleepy, peaceful haven or a throng of busy beach bars and clubs, from romantic ruins to a strong dash of ouzo, Greece has it covered. 

Getting there and around

Flying into Greece from other European cities is cheap and easy and is by far the most convenient way to begin your trip. Another alternative is to travel overland across one of the borders. However, a fun way to arrive is by ferry boat to Trieste, Corfu, Igoumenitsa or Kefallonia.

Once there, use the extensive bus system or take the train from place to place. Or do as thousands do every summer - charter a boat and begin an island hopping adventure. 

Fast Facts

Capital City: Athens
 
Population: Approx 11,000,000 

Languages: Greek 99% (official), English, French 

Currency: Euro (EUR)