Highlights
Island Life
From tiny isles to vast areas of land, the Greek Islands are all very different, each one showcasing its own individual character. Crete is the largest and perhaps most diverse island, housing a host of historic treasures and sweeping mountain ranges. Mykonos is miniscule in comparison, a picture-postcard island dotted with windmills and white-washed buildings, whilst Santorini is another smaller gem, oozing romance and spectacularly raised up on an ancient volcanic crater. Slightly larger, Zakynthos is an important breeding place for Loggerhead Turtles. Though different in many ways, these pretty islands all have friendly locals, gorgeous beaches, delicious food and sublime seascapes in common.
History & Culture
Greece is a country unrivalled in its historical treasures and cultural gems. Explore the Acropolis settlement and Parthenon temple in Athens, or marvel at the Bronze Age archaeological site of the Palace of Knossos, capital of Minoan Crete. Another extraordinary Minoan settlement on Santorini is named Akrotiri, while the iconic Ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese is the home of first Olympics. Epidavros, also in the Peloponnese, is a fabulously-preserved ancient city and backdrop for starlit dramas in its grand outdoor theatre. The culture continues into modern-day Greece: explore galleries draped with contemporary art and smooth sculptures, finding big name artists in Athens and the works of local creators in the backwaters of island villages.
Cuisine
In Greek cuisine, a handful of key ingredients promise full-on flavour: look forward to silky olive oils, salty feta cheeses, wild herbs, succulent meats, sticky honey and freshly-baked pitta breads. Start your culinary adventure with Greek yogurt drizzled in honey, before sampling classic dishes like moussaka (minced meat, aubergines and potatoes in tomato sauce), kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb), beef stifado (casserole) and souvlaki (skewered meat served in pitta). Usual delicious accompaniments include Greek salad and tzatziki. A hotspot for delicious seafood, Greece’s Aegean larder brings a delicious catch-of-the-day to all good local tavernas. Wash down these gastronomic delights with a tot of ouzo or glass of local wine – Crete has some highly commendable labels, especially whites.
Music, Dancing & Drinking
The Greeks have a passion for socialising, not just with their friends and families but also with their visitors. Enjoy Greek music and energetic dancing, a time to join in with the merriment and soak up the true Greek culture. Look out for classic tavernas with long tables, designed to welcome everyone keen to join in the fun, as bouzouki music blares and bottles of ouzo flow.
Outdoor Activities
Greece offers the perfect setting for open-air escapades. Choose from a huge array of water sports, wildlife watching (for the likes of dolphins and turtles), hiking into volcanoes, walking Byzantine trails, and cycling across forests or coastal paths. More relaxing options include ambles through ancient, sun-dappled olive groves, a sail into the sunset, or simply chilling out on a stunning white-sand beach. Alternatively, feel your adrenalin pumping as you enjoy wreck-diving, kite-surfing, rock-climbing and more!
Shopping
Greece’s capital city, Athens, along with the likes of Mykonos Town and Thira on Santorini, all have a fine selection of elegant boutiques filled with designer labels and stylish homeware. Alongside the big labels, look out for the small, traditional shops selling local handicrafts, silver jewellery, religious icons, sea sponges, dried herbs and olive oil-based products for the skin and hair – all great souvenirs of your stay in Greece.