Where is the best place to fly to Greece. How to choose a resort in Greece. Ideal places for a secluded getaway with an authentic atmosphere

Greece as a travel destination is indeed very multifaceted. There are resorts for every taste and budget (not to mention the attractions)!

Here, I made a sign to make it easier to navigate in the main Greek resorts:

Athenian Riviera

Magnificent beaches can be found within half an hour's drive from the center of the Greek capital. From the southern suburbs of Athens to Cape Sounion, there are dozens of organized and wild free beaches, surrounded by an impressive natural landscape.

The Athenian Riviera is an ideal place for walking and swimming, as well as practicing a variety of sports and outdoor activities, with the appropriate infrastructure.

While walking along small coves, you can simultaneously shop in modern shopping centers, dine on the seashore or have fun in the coastal clubs, famous for their incendiary atmosphere.

The main resort towns of the Athenian Riviera:

Faliro, Marina Flisvu

Flisvos has a delightful bay with a beautiful view of the Sardonic Gulf. The local marina and the bay as a whole are the hallmark of the Athenian Riviera, and the Flisvos Park is surprisingly good for relaxing walks or cycling.

Take on arms: until September 30, from Wednesday to Saturday from 17:30 to 20:30, free bicycles are offered to everyone for a three-hour walk, within the framework of the program "Tram - Bicycle. Coastal Routes ”.

Glyfada

Glyfada is one of the most beautiful suburbs of Athens, distinguished by its delightful sandy beaches lined with date palms. Here you can get immense pleasure from swimming in the purest water, as well as having fun late in the famous clubs of the area.

Elegant villas, stylish shops, popular restaurants and fashionable hotels all combine to create a magnificent picture in which the beauty of nature is harmoniously combined with luxury and comfort.

Glyfada Golf Club boasts a field that meets international standards.

Voula

2 km south of Glyfada is the Voula region, a real decoration of the Athenian Riviera - with two well-equipped beaches and embankments: A` and B` Voulas. It is an ideal place for swimming and water sports, with excellent leisure facilities and excellent infrastructure. Especially developed here are water skiing, beach volleyball and water slides, which turn the beach into an amusement park.

Enjoy a cup of coffee right by the sea and continue your day with refreshing cocktails - right into the evening - at one of the nearby clubs.

A` Voulas Beach was awarded the Blue Flag in 2011 - a testament to the fact that it is a great place for a family vacation.

Vouliagmeni

Vouliagmeni is an impressive suburb of lush vegetation and beautiful beaches. Here are some of the most fashionable hotels and respectable restaurants in Attica, as well as famous nightlife entertainment centers that can satisfy the needs of the most discerning visitors. Do not miss the opportunity to swim in the crystal waters of Asteras Beach, awarded the Blue Flag in 2011, and unwind in peace while admiring the beauty of the surrounding nature.

Please note: Lake Vouliagmeni is a site of exceptional natural beauty that is definitely worth a visit.

Varkiza

Varkiza is one of the most popular tourist resorts along the coastline, with beautiful bays and excellent geophysics of the landscape. Here you can swim on the beaches with crystal clear waters, as well as do water sports.

Be sure to sample the unique fresh fish and seafood dishes in the traditional taverns and ouzeri (wine-glasses).

For fans of windsurfing: here you will have an unforgettable windsurfing experience thanks to the well-organized infrastructure.

The scenic coastal route along the Saronic Gulf also includes such unique tourist resorts as Lagonisi and Saronida, ending with Cape Sounion, dominated by the majestic Temple of Poseidon.

How to get to Athens suburbs - Athenian Riviera?

In order to get to the suburbs, in addition to taxis, you can use the tram departing from Syntagma (Constitution) Square:

1st route- tram line T1 going towards Neo Faliro (SEF stop)

2nd route- line T2 in the direction of Vula (stop "Asklpieo Voulas").

Line Τ3- the Vula - Neo Faliro routes - this is perhaps the most scenic route, providing its passengers with the opportunity to enjoy a walk along the coastline.

In addition to tram routes, the southern suburbs are served by bus routes:

• Β3(Academia - Glyfada, along Vouliagmeni Avenue)
• Ε22(Academia - Saronida, express).

Thessaloniki

The second largest city in Greece after Athens. Strictly speaking, it is not a resort, because to swim here, you have to go out of town. But in Thessaloniki itself there is a lot of interesting things for the traveler: ancient sights (White Tower, Arch and Tomb of Galerius, agora, Roman Forum), museums, a water park and an amusement park, nightclubs, restaurants and family taverns, and many shops, including, shops of fur coats.

pros

• own airport
• many attractions
• the opportunity to see the sights of the Greek capital, to which it takes quite a long time to get by land transport from other resorts
• rich nightlife
• fur shops

Minuses

• not suitable for lovers of active and extreme recreation
• beaches outside the city

The island of Crete

The largest island in Greece, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean region. It is considered one of the most popular European resorts. By the way, it is closer to Africa than to Europe, which is why the season lasts longer here than in other Greek resorts, but in July-August it can be very hot. There are most of the hotels and a huge number of attractions: archaeological excavations in Knossos, Malia, Festa and Gortyna, medieval Venetian buildings in Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno, the Samaria Gorge, the picturesque Lassithi plateau with the Zeus cave located on it. The most picturesque coastline in the area of ​​the cities of Elounda, with modern marinas for yachts, and Agios Nikolaos, with its unique lake connected to the Aegean Sea by a narrow channel.

Also from here you can easily take a cruise to the neighboring Greek islands: Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and others. Every year Crete hosts an arts festival and a colorful carnival in Rethymno. Active guests can go diving here.

pros

• own airport
• most developed infrastructure
• a huge number of attractions
• you can go diving

Minuses

• the most popular resort in Greece - many tourists in the "high" season

Island of rhodes

A true pearl of the Mediterranean: this island is rich in natural beauty and archaeological sites (the historical part of the city of Rhodes is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and, believe me, it is worth it!). The history of the island is closely intertwined with the history of the Knights of the Order of Malta. Unsurprisingly, the island is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece.

In the summer, a variety of festivals are held in Rhodes: medieval, where residents in historical costumes arrange a fair, demonstration knightly duels and other fascinating performances, and a watermelon festival, where you can see many amazing crafts made from this berry: plates, candlesticks, soccer balls, hats, and also ride on watermelon rinds.

pros

• professional windsurfing and kitesurfing station
• there is a casino
• day cruises to Turkey (Marmaris)

Minuses

• it can be too windy, especially on the Aegean coast

Corfu island

The greenest Greek island for lovers of a relaxing holiday. It is nice to lie on a sandy beach here (the average temperature in summer is + 25-30 ° C) or go on a leisurely boat trip through the lagoons and caves.

An interesting experience can be a safari-style trip or a bike ride through the picturesque places of Corfu. Those who cannot sit still can find centers on the beaches for organizing kitesurfing, jet skiing, parachuting, diving, etc. For the Orthodox - in the center of the island's capital, Kerkyra, there is a cathedral with unique imperishable relics Saint Spyridon of Trimifuntsky.

pros

• own airport
• the greenest island
• great for families with children

Minuses

• not many attractions and entertainment, it can be boring
• a rather narrow strip of beaches along the highway; beaches are not everywhere - sandy
• shortest beach season

Santorini Island (Fira)

The most mysterious and unusual island of the Cyclades group. In 1500-1650 BC. at this place there was a powerful earthquake and a volcanic eruption - the surviving remnant of the crater and became the island of Santorini. Because of this, there are black mountains and beaches of various colors - white, red and black.

Many researchers, including the famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau, still suggest that it is here, in the volcano's caldera, after an earthquake plunged to a depth of 300-400 meters, that the lost Atlantis is located. Many tourists choose this island for romantic dinners, weddings and honeymoons: the breathtaking views and the unique atmosphere of the island dispose to this.

Some interesting facts about the island:

1. The hypothesis of the death of the Minoan civilization, as a result of the eruption of the Santorini volcano, is considered the most plausible, but not the only one. There are versions that the culprit could have been the Achaean Greeks who invaded from the mainland.
2. Jules Verne visited Santorini with a group of volcanologists. What he learned here was used by him to describe a volcanic eruption in the novel "The Mysterious Island".
3. The pumice stone from the Santorini quarries was used in the 1860s during the construction of the Suez Canal.
4. In the bay near the port lies a circle of black mourning buoys. This is the site of the sinking in 2007 of the Greek cruise ship Sea Diamond, as a result of an impact on a volcanic reef of one of the five islands that make up the Santorini archipelago - Nea Kameni.
5. There is a NATO base in Santorini.

Santorini has long been ranked first in the list of the most beautiful islands in the world, leaving behind Bali (Indonesia), Cape Breton (Canada), Boracay Islands (Philippines), Great Barrier Reef (Australia).

The beauty of Santorini is truly impressive. At the same time, admiring the magnificent caldera, you do not forget for a second that this beauty carries danger and destruction. Here, you instantly realize all the power of nature and our planet and imbued with the feeling of how defenseless a person can be in front of this power.

A day trip to Santorini, for example from Crete, can be a pleasant boat trip for the first acquaintance with Santorini, however, during such an excursion, you will definitely not have enough time to get acquainted with the beauty and sights of the island.

Some of the attractions and hiking trails of Santorini:

• Excavations of an ancient city near the village of Akrotiri, 15 km south of the island's capital, Fira. The city was buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash during the eruption, thanks to which it is perfectly preserved. It consists of 2-3-storey buildings, inside of which well-preserved frescoes were discovered, somewhat reminiscent of the Cretan Minoan palaces.
• Walking route Oya - Fira starting with a trail on the caldera and leading along the old road to the churches Profitis Ilias and Timios Stavros on the top of the mountain.
• Scenic walking route Imerovigli - Skaros, lasting about 30 minutes and leading to the Venetian fortified castle Skaros towering over the sea on top of a sheer cliff.
• Perissa - Massa Vuno - Ancient Fira... This route from Perissa Beach (with black volcanic sand) will take you to Mass Vuno, where was the ancient Fira, the capital of the island, and now excavations are underway, visiting which, you can see the agora, theater, Roman baths, sanctuary, gymnasium.
• Be sure to take a boat trip around the caldera, visiting the islands of Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni and Ferasia. The uninhabited island of Nea Kameni is the most visited among tourists - in fact, it is an active volcano that last erupted in 1956. The landscape of the island of Nea Kameni is absolutely lifeless, when visiting it is recommended to have a hat with you and wear shoes with a dense sole, since the soil on the island near the crater heats up to + 80 ° С! On the island of Palea Kameni there are thermal springs with blue-yellow water due to the high sulfur content. You can swim in them, but you will have to throw out your swimwear and swimming trunks after that. it cannot be washed.

pros

• exotic black beaches
• the most beautiful and romantic views in all of Greece
• the opportunity to walk around the crater of the volcano
• numerous music festivals are held here in summer

Minuses

• no direct flights from Russia
• not suitable for families with children

Kos island

A small cozy island (only 112 km of coastline), part of the Southern Sporades archipelago. Strong winds often blow here, because of this, most of the northern coast is not developed. The best places for a beach holiday are to the right of the capital (on the map) or to the left to the cape. It is considered the birthplace of the ancient physician Hippocrates.

pros

• has its own international airport
• suitable for a calm, measured rest
• natural and architectural and historical sights for every taste

Minuses

• may be windy
• located in a seismically unstable zone

Zakynthos island (Zakynthos)

Zakynthos is one of the three Ionian islands in Greece, located near the Peloponnese (9.5 nautical miles) and Kefalonia (8.5 nautical miles). A picturesque island with numerous beaches, Navagio Bay - the symbol of the island (you can see it in any post about Zakynthos), Caretta-Caretta turtles, magnificent old Venetian mansions, etc. The capital of the island - the city of Zakynthos - resembles a Medieval town with narrow cobbled streets and beautiful squares. where the mansions of Venetian merchants with loggias and arched galleries are perfectly preserved.

pros

• great beaches
• developed tourist infrastructure
• scenic views

Minuses

• perhaps for some in Zakynthos, in contrast to the nearby island of Kefalonia, there may not be enough "spirit of true Greece" - as in many popular tourist destinations, there is a dominance of pizzerias and McDonald's, for the needs of British and Italian tourists who have settled here for a long time

Kefalonia Island (Kefalonia)

The largest and most mountainous island in the Ionian Sea, located near the Peloponnese, between the islands of Ithaca, Zakynthos and Lefkada. Picturesque, green and very clean island. Unfortunately, many of the architectural landmarks of the Venetian occupation on the island were destroyed by the earthquake in 1953, however, there are many great places to visit on the island. The "visiting card" of the island is the world famous beach of Myrtos.

pros

• great beaches
• well suited for families with children
• here you can feel the "real", and not adapted for the English-Italian tourist, Greece

Minuses

• transport accessibility of the island is relatively difficult for Russians

Mykonos island

Mykonos is the capital of Greece's nightlife, a vibrant mosaic of wonderful beaches and picturesque streets. The name of this island has long become a symbol of prestigious and fashionable rest and life to its fullest. Representatives of the world bohemia and the offspring of the noble families of Europe love to relax here. The destination is also very popular with gay tourists.

pros

• great beaches
• wonderful tourist infrastructure
• scenic views

Minuses

• transport accessibility of the island is relatively difficult for Russians

Halkidiki peninsula

Halkidiki is three quite different peninsulas, with their outlines resembling the trident of Zeus. The most popular among tourists is on the far left - the Kassandra peninsula. The tourist infrastructure is most developed here: there are many hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. The middle peninsula, Sithonia, is known for its picturesque landscapes and wild beaches.

Pine groves, the cleanest Aegean Sea, soft sand and cozy bays make Halkidiki attractive for families with children. The third, easternmost, peninsula is the monastery Aion-Oros (Athos or "Holy Mountain", where there are 19 Orthodox monasteries). Access to this "monastic state" is only possible for men, is limited and requires a separate permit.

pros

• picturesque landscapes
• pine groves
• clean sandy beaches with a gentle entrance
• there is a casino

Minuses

• long transfer from the airport to most hotels

Peloponnese Peninsula

Really huge (with an area of ​​22 million km 2) is called "Greece in miniature", there is everything for which we love this hospitable country: beautiful beaches, picturesque mountain ranges, lively tourist centers and traditional villages with a patriarchal lifestyle, legendary antique cities and archaeological sites and much, much more!

In the west, the peninsula is washed by the Ionian Sea, and in the east - by the Aegean Sea. The six-kilometer Corinth Canal, which was dug by hand in the 19th century, connects the two seas.

The main cities of the Peloponnese are: Patras, Sparta, Tripoli, Pyrgos, Kalamata, Araxos, Naflion and Corinth.

pros

• own international airport
• great beaches
• ideal for a relaxing family vacation, incl. with kids
• an abundance of truly significant and interesting tourist attractions
• scenic views
• all-seasonality of some SPA-resorts

Minuses

• there are no large resorts: hotels and apartments are rather scattered

Pieria

The capital of the region is Katerini, and the most popular seaside resort is Paralia. I amazed by the abundance of fur shops (almost every factory in Kastoria considers it its duty to open a fur salon in Paralia). Therefore, if the purpose of your trip is to purchase furs and you are not planning a full 1-2 week vacation in Greece, Paralia and the neighboring coastal towns may be a good option. In other cases, I'm not sure: the beaches that we saw here cannot fully compete with the beaches I saw earlier in other parts of Greece, in particular: the suburbs of Athens, the Halkidiki peninsula, the islands of Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini and others, - neither by the cleanliness of the coast and water, or the tourist infrastructure.

Being in the mainland of Greece, it is definitely worth getting to know the beauty of Pieria: it is here that the habitat of the ancient Greek gods is located - the famous Mount Olympus with a magnificent national natural park on the slopes. The picturesque villages and mountain resorts at the foot of Olympus are full of charm. The mountain village of Litochoro impressed me with its extraordinary atmosphere.

And in addition to the natural beauty, there are many archaeological sites in the vicinity: Dion, Pidna, Paliambela Kolindru and Platamonas.

So, I would advise you to visit Pieria, but not for a beach holiday, but for the purpose of excursions or buying a fur coat.

pros

• an interesting destination for sightseeing holidays, as well as all those who are fond of mountain sports
choose and buy with a discount an organized tour to Greece with a departure from any city in Russia, from the most reliable tour operators

If you liked this article or helped you - share it with your friends on social networks, the "Like" buttons are below.

In this article you will learn about where to go on vacation in Greece in the summer, as well as find a lot of useful information about tours to this country.

The country of the four seas disposes to rest from the first minutes of arrival at the airport. Beautiful Hellas seems to be created for a relaxing vacation with the family: white and blue colors in the architecture of cities and bright flowers in the narrow streets of Greece alternate with colorful bars and taverns where you can taste local wine. Even in the conditions of modern civilization, this ancient state managed to preserve the mysterious atmosphere of antiquity.

Greece has not only wide sandy beaches with a length of more than 14,000 kilometers, but also many historical monuments, so it is good to combine a beach holiday with a rich excursion program. Add to this the hospitality of the locals, coupled with incredibly delicious cuisine and amazingly beautiful nature, and you have the perfect vacation by the sea.

Wise Greeks know how not only to work, but also how to have fun, so here it is quite easy to get to some holiday or accidentally become a participant in folk festivals. In addition, this is an Orthodox state, so local customs and rituals are close to Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians.

It is not surprising that many residents of the post-Soviet space come to this sunny country to get married in a romantic setting accompanied by the pleasant sound of the waves instead of the typical Mendelssohn waltz.

All you need to have a cheap summer vacation in Greece is to choose a destination and travel dates, and then choose a tour that suits you.

Quick reference

It is interesting that Greece is located on 2 thousand islands at once and is surrounded by four seas - the Mediterranean, Aegean, Libyan and Ionian. It is located in the southeast of the Balkan Peninsula, which the indigenous people sometimes call Emos. Turkey, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania are among the closest neighbors of this hospitable country.

The largest cities in Greece, which you should definitely visit at least for a short while, are Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Larissa, Chalkidiki and Patra.

Despite the fact that the state language of the country is Greek, many residents, especially those working in the tourism sector, speak English quite well, as well as French and German. The overwhelming majority of the local population professes Orthodoxy.

From the history of the country

During its long history, Greece managed to be part of the Roman Empire and to be at the mercy of the Venetian and Turkish rulers. However, in 1831, the land of the Hellenes finally freed itself from the shackles of the conquerors, and years later officially became part of the European Union.

Many cities and monuments in Greece today are World Heritage Sites and are protected by UNESCO. Among them: the remains of the Temple of Zeus, the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the Meteora monasteries, the ruins of the ancient city of Delphi and much more. According to Greek myths, the mighty gods of Olympus lived here several millennia ago. Since then, this great country has retained the special mystery of antiquity and harmoniously combined it with the modern state structure.

Tours to Greece

Those who want to get the most out of their vacation, enjoying not only a typical beach-sea vacation, but also a wonderful climate, as well as a rich cultural component, should go to the abode of the ancient Hellenes. It is not difficult to book a tour to Greece: experienced travel agency specialists will help you decide on a departure date and choose a suitable flight. They will carry out a competent selection of hotels in various parts of the country, and the process of registering a voucher itself will take a few minutes. By the way, early booking of the tour will help you to save a lot of money.

For lovers of comfort

Many tourists traveling with children choose all-inclusive tours, which are most often offered by five-star hotels in Greece. The advantages of this system include the ability to eat on the territory of the hotel almost round the clock. Also, the standard package "Ultra All Inclusive" usually includes unlimited alcohol in the bars and restaurants of the hotel and additional services (access to the spa center, fitness room and sauna).

The Land of Hellas offers many UAI tours to various destinations. Russian tourists especially like to relax on the islands of Crete and Rhodes. It is a normal desire to have an inexpensive all-inclusive vacation in Greece. A tour operator will help organize a trip there, you will not even need to think about how to book a hotel and buy plane tickets, they will do everything for you, just choose the appropriate type of vacation using the tour search form located just above.

Minimum package

If you are not going to stay in your hotel room for a long time and do not mind saving a little on comfort, the best option for a tour to Greece may be a minimum package with half board or breakfast alone. In addition, by purchasing such a tour, you can taste a lot of local cuisine, as you are unlikely to dine at the hotel.

Choosing such a package, you get hotel accommodation, air tickets to the desired city, as well as medical insurance and transfer. Russian travel agencies also have special offers, purchasing which, you can fly to Athens or any other city in Greece on a budget.

Prices for holidays in Greece by the sea next year may change due to constant fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, therefore, before the trip, we recommend that you check the actual cost of the voucher with the tour operators. And if you want a cheaper vacation, you can choose a hot tour, only for this you need to be ready to leave at any time.

The best places to stay

Numerous Greek beaches attract tourists with their soft golden sand, and ancient temples and landmarks keep many secrets and mysteries. This small country is a whole open-air museum, with which only Italy, Spain and several other Western European states can be compared in terms of the number of monuments and values.

The best beauties of Greece are concentrated in the capital and on the islands, each of which has its own characteristics and rich historical heritage. Summer holidays in Greece will be truly unforgettable if you visit one of our recommended places in this warm southern country.

Athens

Travel to Greece is often associated with the majestic capital of this country - Athens. This city with an ancient history spreads on the plains of Attica and is surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Parnita, Imittos and Egaleo.

This monumental place is the cultural, historical and political and economic center of Greece, where one third of the population of the entire country is concentrated. From ancient times to the present day, Athens bears the name of a maritime power, because dozens of ships pass through the famous port of Piraeus every day, and from the Greek capital you can reach the islands by sea.

Athens is shrouded in ancient legends from all sides. There are hundreds of places in the homeland of democracy that deserve the attention of tourists.

It would be a good idea to start with the grandiose Acropolis, a true treasure of ancient history. Here the Councils of Elders have long been organized, which were the judicial body of ancient Greece and served as the beginning of the development of world democracy. After climbing the Acropolis, take a look at the sacred Parthenon temple, dedicated to the Olympic goddess Pallas Athena. Despite numerous restorations, this magnificent building has retained its almost original appearance to this day.

Another must-see on the program is the National Archaeological Museum, which displays over 20,000 different exhibits from all over Greece. The highlight of the museum is the unique collection of Greek vases.

Finally, in Athens, you should definitely visit the Olympic Stadium, the size of which will boggle your imagination. It can accommodate up to 75,000 people, but it is best to come here on days free from concerts and matches, as then you will be able to properly view and photograph this architectural masterpiece that emerged from the hands of Santiago Calatrava.

In addition, the following equally popular attractions are worthy of the attention of travelers:

• Numismatics Museum
• Field of Mars
• National park
• Parliament building
• Syntagma Square
• Cape Sounion

If you have a desire to continue your journey, after visiting this pearl of the ancient world, you can take a look at the Greek islands.

Crete

The largest island in the Greek lands is also the fifth largest island in the entire Mediterranean. Crete is surrounded by the waters of three seas - Cretan, Ionian and Libyan. In addition to luxurious beaches and cozy sea coves, travelers will find here many Byzantine temples and ancient attractions, including the Minotaur labyrinth, known throughout the world according to Greek legends.

This place combines ancient civilization with modern infrastructure. The resort villages and towns of Crete have everything you need for a carefree vacation, from shops and markets to hotels and water parks. There are as many as 2 airports with international terminals, so you can fly here directly from many cities in the world. Crete is considered one of the most popular seaside holiday destinations in Greece in Europe.

Rhodes

This colorful "pearl of the Mediterranean" is the fourth largest Greek island, which is also washed by the Aegean Sea. The city of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich history. Here are located the most valuable monuments of different times: medieval knightly fortresses and ancient monasteries, in particular, the temple of the goddess Athena.

Fragrant orange gardens and fragrant rose flower beds are punctuated by narrow Greek streets and cobbled embankments. A beach holiday in Greece can be combined with active spending time on the island of Rhodes in the form of diving, surfing and rock climbing.

Corfu

If you are looking for privacy and luxury, this Greek island is a good choice. The island of Corfu with the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea is considered one of the elite resorts in Greece. Luxury deluxe hotels have their own beaches and vast green spaces.

However, in the island villages, you can still feel the delights of traditional village life by tasting real homemade wine and dishes cooked in premium olive oil. Arriving in Corfu, it is worth strolling through the private sector among the cypress and oak groves, as well as admiring the natural beauty of the tangerine orchards and vineyards. By the way, Old City - the Old Town in Corfu - is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Already in the first hours of your stay on this wonderful island, you will feel the touch of the sun's rays and the light aroma of conifers in the air. One of the seven islands of the Dodecanese archipelago, it is famous for its pleasant climate without sultry heat and the cool waters of the Aegean Sea. A beach holiday in Greece on the island of Kos will be incomplete without surfing and other sports. Moreover, the cozy sea bays adorning the golden beaches of the island seem to be created for this.

On Kos there are a number of monuments of ancient culture, including the plane tree of Hippocrates, the Temple of Asklepion and many others. In addition, the convenient geographical position of this green corner of nature makes it possible to conduct an excursion to other islands of the Dodecanese archipelago.

Local kitchen

They say that Greece has everything. This is absolutely true, especially when it comes to relaxation. Greece is a treasure trove for a historian, for an Orthodox believer, for an esthete, for a lover of beach bliss and crazy night entertainment.

There are beaches in Greece for every taste. The coastline is heavily indented; Greece includes hundreds of inhabited and not very inhabited islands. Therefore, it will take a long time to find the perfect place. But the choice is huge.

The most popular Greek holiday destination is the Halkidiki peninsula. "Trident of Neptune", consisting of three parts, each of which can offer an absolutely different kind of relaxation.

The first prong is Cassandra. It is considered one of the best resort in Greece for young people. All conditions for active recreation are created here, there are many discos and bars. The beaches are mostly sandy and pebbly. You can come here with teenage children, they will be interested here.

The second prong is Sithonia. Sandy beaches and the air filled with coniferous forests and herbs. Due to the closedness on three sides, there are practically no waves and storms here. For a quiet relaxing holiday, as well as for parents with small children, the western part of the peninsula is ideal. If you want something more fun, here you can find the largest casino in Greece.

The third tooth is Athos. The only Orthodox monastic republic in the world. It is a resting place for the soul. Beach pleasures are excluded here.

The southernmost mainland of Greece is the Peloponnese. It is not as popular as Halkidiki or the islands, but it is very interesting here. Firstly, these are beaches, sandy and sandy-pebble. In the Peloponnese, most of the hotels belong to the world famous Greek hotel chains. This means that the quality will be at the proper level. Secondly, there is a huge number of historical sites that will be of interest to both adults and children. For family holidays, the northern coast is more suitable, and in the south it will appeal to those who are tired of people.

The Greek islands are worthy of Homer's poems. A fifth of the entire territory of Greece lies on them.

Beach vacation with excursions

Santorini is a volcanic island with a souvenir postcard. If you get away from the tourist patterns, here you can relax on the unusual dark sand beaches or dive with scuba diving. But the prices for living are very expensive.

Crete is the largest and most popular island in Greece. Here, too, there is everything, and beaches for every taste, and ancient monasteries and fortresses. The best beaches in the north of the island.

Lagoon Balos is a wild beach in Crete. It is difficult to get here, but the most stubborn will be rewarded with a beautiful view and lack of people. Crete has the most white sand resorts in Greece.

Corfu is an island on the west coast. The atmosphere here is almost Italian, because before Italy "Close at hand"... This is one of the oldest tourist destinations on earth. The level of service is higher, the prices, respectively, are also higher. Crime is minimal, but it's still better to keep an eye on things. Corfu is considered the most comfortable resort in Greece for children. Most beaches are safe for swimming, and there are no fearful reptiles or insects.

The Ionian Islands include the mysterious Zakynthos with beaches closed from the land, and the magnificent Kefalonia, and the cozy Lefkada.

Rhodes is part of the Dodecanese archipelago. He has been popular with Russians for many years. Covered with ancient legends, it attracts travelers of all ages. The beaches are mostly pebbly, but you can also find sandy ones, for example, in the bay of Lindos.

Kos is a place for the elite. There are villas of some Hollywood stars here. The hotels are luxurious, the landscapes are beautiful, there are few tourists, and therefore the prices are high.

The Aegean Islands - Lesbos, Thassos, Chios, Samos - are waiting for the coast of Turkey.

Argosaronic Islands - they are located very close to the mainland. You can escape here for a few days or even hours from noisy Athens. Better yet, take a ferry ride and visit everyone at once.

Shopping + Leisure

Kastoria is the northern region of Greece, famous for its furrier crafts. Fur coats, popular in the 90s among Russian women, are still in trend among tour operators. In addition, you can come here for a few days to rest by the mountain lake.

You won't be able to swim in it, but you can go fishing and enjoy the magnificent landscapes and the cleanest air.

Excursion rest

All Greece is a treasure for excursion tourism. The main object of visits, the capital of the country is Athens. Interesting places on the mainland - Delphi, Olympia, Thessaloniki. Greece is a maritime power, ferry service is very popular here.

A great option to see the many islands is to take a cruise. Independently or organized by a travel agency.

Leisure

The most popular sports in Greece are those associated with the mountains - trekking, mountaineering, hang gliding, downhill skiing (in winter). On the islands, where the wind blows constantly, you can go windsurfing and yachting.

Diving is very interesting. But there is one "but"! Greek laws prohibit diving in places of interest to archaeologists. The islands of the Aegean Sea, Santorini, the western part of Crete, and the island of Corfu are famous for their excellent diving.

Orthodox rest

It makes up the bulk of the tourist flow to Greece. There are many Orthodox shrines here, where thousands of believers go. The main one is the Holy Mount Athos. According to the laws of this monastic republic, a woman's foot should not step here. They can admire the views of Mount Athos only after having traveled around it by ship. There is nothing here except monasteries.

An amazing place on the mainland - Meteora. Monasteries soaring above the ground on steep cliffs will be carried away to other dimensions and only crowds of tourists will prove that we are still on Earth.

On the island of Corfu there are the relics of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky. Those who have problems with housing or other everyday difficulties come to him. From here you can take a ferry to Italian Bari "On a visit" to Nicholas the Wonderworker. Fortunately, the Schengen visa allows it.

Enjoy your stay!

Greece is a fairly popular country for tourism. It is chosen by both lovers of attractions and beautiful nature, and connoisseurs of comfortable service. In our article, we will tell you in detail everything about Greece: its sights, hotels, weather conditions and other nuances in order to make your vacation in this country as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

Ancient architecture and centuries-old history

Greece is a country with a rich history. It is called the land of the gods, the birthplace of philosophers and the cradle of European civilization. This country has a great architectural past, in which special attention is paid to the erected temples of extraordinary beauty and majesty.

Where is

Greece is located on the Balkan Peninsula and the adjacent islands, which make up a fifth of the country. It is washed by the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian seas. The total area of ​​the territory is 131,957 square kilometers.

Greece map

How to get from Moscow

Tours to Greece from Moscow are best done by plane. Aeroflot and Olympic Airways operate flights between Moscow and Athens with ticket prices starting at 180 euros. You can get to Thessaloniki with East Line, Aeroflot, Ellinair and UTair airlines. The average price will be from 230 euros.

During the holiday season, airlines offer direct flights to the Greek islands with a price of 349 euros; in winter, you need to fly to them with a connection in Thessaloniki or Athens.

It is also possible to travel to Greece by train, making a change in Belgrade or Sofia. But this is a rather complicated and costly option. Travel time will be more than 90 hours, and the amount spent on train tickets will exceed the cost of air tickets.

Popular holiday destinations in Greece

Greece is a country where everyone can choose a corner where they can relax with pleasure. The most popular holiday destinations:

• An island with wonderful beaches, of which Red Beach, Kamari and Perissa are the most famous.
• Corfu (Kerkyra). Clean beaches, rich architecture and picturesque nature are fully represented on this island, washed by the Ionian Sea.
• The largest Greek island. The north side will appeal to fans of a lively holiday, while the south side is suitable for connoisseurs of pristine beaches and privacy.
• Presented by clean beaches and constant parties, as well as picturesque nature. Various kinds of water sports are widely developed.
• A very sunny island with many beaches and beautiful architecture.

The most popular cities in Greece are Athens, Thessaloniki, Volos, Ioannina and Nafplio.
The best ski resorts are Vasilitsa, Kaimaktsalan and Seli.
The best mountainous places in Greece are Olympus, Zagorohoria, Parnassus, Pelio.

Weather in the land of white sands

The climate in Greece is temperate Mediterranean, due to which the winters are humid and the summers are very hot. The best time to take a break is from May to October, the rest of the time it may rain frequently.

Water temperature

The lowest water temperature in the resort months is in May, it is +19 degrees, the warmest water is in July-August, up to +26 degrees, in other months it is + 23 ... + 24 ° C.

Air temperature

The air temperature during the holiday season is +30 degrees on average. The hottest months are July and the first half of August. During this period of time, the thermometer columns can reach +35 degrees.

Curious tourists

When planning a vacation, each tourist will be able to find a suitable resort for himself, plan excursions and visit interesting places.

The main attractions of Greece are:

• Acropolis. It is located in Athens and is famous for its temples, including the Temple of Poseidon on the Aegean coast and the Parthenon temple. Also of interest will be the first theater of Ancient Greece - the theater of Dionysus.
• The island is famous not only for the number of resort areas, but also for its interesting places. Among them are the Palace of Knossos, which, according to mythology, was built by Daedalus, and the palace of Radamant, impressive with the unusual shapes of the rooms.
• A sanctuary in the Peloponnese where the Olympic Games originated and were held. Since 1896, the Olympic flame has again been lit in the sanctuary, which is sent to the site of the next Olympic Games.
• The island is the largest center of knightly culture. The main attraction there is the Castle of the Knights, the construction of which dates back to the XIV century.
• They are located in central Greece at the foot of Mount Parnassus. There you can visit the Temple of Apollo and the ancient Delphic Theater.
• Epidaurus. The ruins of this city are located on the Argolis Peninsula. The landmark of Ancient Greece is the 1400-seat Epidaurus amphitheater, which is famous for its wonderful acoustics.
• It is located 160 kilometers from Thessaloniki. Monasteries stand on steep cliffs, to which a road is now paved. There you can admire old icons and art objects.
• Mycenae. They are located in the northern part of the Peloponnese. Here you can see the "Lion's Gate", the royal palace and the tomb of Agamemnon.
• Located in the national park in the Pindus mountains. Named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the deepest in the world. Its depth is 490 meters and its length is about 20 kilometers.
• Located 26 kilometers from the city of Areopoli. The cave has a stunning atmosphere with wall galleries, stalactites and stalagmites. An underground river also flows there, which allows you to move around the cave in a boat.

Beach Greece

Most of the beaches in Greece are sandy, less pebble and rocky. All municipal beaches, umbrellas and sun loungers can be rented for an average of 4 euros per day. On some beaches there is the possibility of free rental of umbrellas and sun loungers, subject to the purchase of drinks there.

In 2017, 486 Greek beaches were awarded the Blue Flag award, which confirms their high quality.

In order for the trip to be successful, we will get acquainted with the resorts of Greece and consider where it is better to rest, focusing on the purpose of the trip.

Without children

Among tourists eager to spend a fun and stormy vacation, the priority is the beaches, which are distinguished by entertainment programs. Among them, the most popular are:

• Faliraki on the island of Rhodes;
• Super Paradise Beach on the island of Mykonos;
• Sidari on the island of Corfu;
• Adelianos Kampos in Crete.

Rest on such beaches will definitely be boring and will be remembered for a long time.

The best places to stay with children

For tourists traveling with children, the priority in choosing beaches is comfort, shallow sea, as well as the availability of the benefits of civilization and various attractions for children.

Greece has a large number of beaches for the whole family, of which the most popular are:

• Agios Gordios (Corfu island);
• Elafonisi (Crete);
• Marati (Akrotiri Peninsula);
• Agios Georgios (Naxos island);
• Monastiri (island of Paros).

On any of these beaches, little pranksters will be able to enjoy their vacation to the fullest, just like their parents.

For lovers of "spicy"

Beaches and excursions are not all that can be said about tourist Greece. For lovers of risk and extreme, there are also interesting activities here:

• Rafting. These risky boat trips are especially popular on the Peloponnese island, where every tourist can choose a rafting with a suitable level of difficulty.
• Canoes and kayaks. Practiced in quiet lakes such as Plastira and Kremaston in Thrace.
• Jeep safari. Those who want to feel the speed and extreme can safely go to the mountainous Nafpaktos and Kissavos.
• Tracking. Walking along lost paths, descents into gorges and ascents into mountains are best done in Zagorohoria, Vikos gorge on Olympus and Tembi valley.
• Rapel. This is a descent down steep slopes using special equipment. The most suitable place for this is Meteora with a route along the old path of the monks.

Thrill-seekers will surely find something to see in Greece and get extreme experiences.

In houses in Greece, shoes are not taken off, and an invitation to visit does not imply sharing a meal.

Nightlife in the land of white sands

Nightlife in Greece is vibrant and fun with many different cafes and bars. Nightclubs are open until 6-7 in the morning, offering travelers a rich program and music for every taste. The most popular places among party-goers:

• Athens. They are rightfully considered the club center of Greece, but the prices here are not cheap either. An entrance ticket to a disco costs about 15 euros, food - from 40 euros, and a bottle of alcohol can drag on for 150 euros.
• Thessaloniki. This small city amazes with an abundance of various nightclubs for every taste, which can be found not only in the city center, but also on the roofs of buildings.
• The most famous island with nightlife. It is also often called the second Ibiza.
• The main concentration of entertainment venues here is located in the resorts of Lindos and Faliraki and in the capital of the island. Here everyone will find a nightclub to their liking.
• Skiathos. First of all, it is famous for its beaches, but the local population has perfectly adapted to the demand of tourists for nightlife. The island has a large number of nightclubs and discos.

Did you know? During siesta (from 14:00 to 18:00) and after 22:00, it is not customary to make phone calls in Greece.

Food and accommodation

The first priority of every traveler is to find the most convenient way to deal with food, accommodation and transportation.

Where to stay?

Greece is famous for its hotels for every taste and budget. The choice of a hotel should be taken care of in advance, especially during the peak of the tourist season. Hotels set the highest cost of living in the period from May to September, however, various discounts and promotional offers are possible throughout the year.

Accommodation price depends on the season. On average, a room in a two-star hotel costs 30-60 euros per day, hotels with three or four stars offer accommodation for 60-120 euros, and five stars offer a starting price for rooms from 100 euros.

Holidays in all-inclusive hotels are also gaining popularity in Greece, but you should be prepared that the daily price will exceed the cost of a standard room at least twice.

Public transport and car rental

The most developed public transport in Athens is represented by the metro and a wide network of buses and trolleybuses. One-way fare for all types of transport is 1.50 euros.

Large cities in Greece have a well-developed bus network, and in small cities, transport can run on a schedule, which will have to be adjusted.

The taxi fare is € 3.20 plus € 25 cents per kilometer.
To rent a car, you need an international driver's license, driving experience of at least three years and age from 25 to 70 years. The average cost of an economy class car is 40 euros.

Most gas stations in Greece usually close at 19:00. The only exceptions are gas stations in large cities and on expressways.

Cuisine and food

Greek cuisine is famous for its abundance of vegetables and herbs, cheeses, olives, olive oil and wine. In various cafes and restaurants with a local flavor, you can taste a variety of dishes for every taste. The portions are usually large and the prices are reasonable. If you do not order expensive food and alcohol, the average bill in a restaurant will be 15-25 euros.

You can also eat in hotels, the average price per day will be 15-20 euros.

Shopping and Greece

Many tourists go to Greece for shopping. In this country, you can profitably buy leather shoes and high-quality knitwear. The price for a fur coat is usually 1500-3000 euros.

If the main purpose of your visit to this country is shopping, then it is most advisable to do it during seasonal sales. August-September is the time of sales for the summer collection, and February-March is for the winter.

In Greece, when buying fur products, you must keep a receipt, which will need to be presented at customs.

Greece is a country to which one would like to constantly return. Its rich architecture, clean beaches, amazing places and excellent cuisine will make your stay in this country unforgettable.

Have you thought for a long time where to go to unwind, and in the end opted for the homeland of olives? Greece- a wonderful and versatile country with a lot of entertainment for both young people and those who are "older". This article contains information not only about which ones are right for you, but also information about the temperature conditions from April to October in different cities of this country. So, let's figure it out, on the islands or on the mainland, where is it better to rest in Greece , what kind of cities can rightfully be called “ the best vacation spots in Greece «?

Greece Is not just a land of ancient myths and echoes of the past, but also an amazing place for tourism. Some of the local beaches deserve to be in Blue Flag lists... However, in addition to the most interesting excursions and tourists, surprises in the quality of food await, because Greek cuisine is simply magnificent! And what shots will remain in family photo albums after unforgettable walks along the Greek streets and riding on the blue water surface on a motor ship!

When is the best time to visit Greece?

Due to the presence of three seas, there is a Mediterranean subtropical favorable climate. In the winter months it is damp and it rains everywhere, in the spring it is pleasant, in the summer it is hot and not very "high". The most comfortable time of the year is autumn. For children and people in years, trips in May, June or September are suitable. If you like a vacation with an abundant number of excursions, then the best time for it is October and April.

The official opening of the beach season falls in April, you can climb, but it's cool. At the very end of March, the swimming season opens, and several other islands. The air temperature in the daytime is about + 25C. The sea warms up to + 19C. The beach season lasts about five months until mid-October.

By May, a little warmer, the temperature is +24. + 28C, and the water heats up to + 22C. By June, the thermometer slowly moves to + 33C, but so far it is tolerable for excursions. Better these months resting in Northern Greece.

In July and August, the hottest comes, in the afternoon the air is about + 35C and above, and the sea is + 25C. It is best to visit during this period, because it is located in the north of the country and the temperature there is more gentle. There is still a lot of vegetation and you can always find salvation in the shade of dense thickets. The humidity is low, the summer sea breeze lightens and pleasantly refreshes.

The ideal weather can be called in September, when the heat subsides and usually does not exceed + 33C, and the sea is still warm, it is pleasant to relax in absolutely any city Greece... The closer the end of September is, the better it is to be in the southern part of the country, it is warmer and still dry there. The rainy season begins in November.

The best Greek resorts in Greece, according to tourists

Holidays in this country Is a vacation on the mainland or a vacation on the islands. The best vacation in Greece- this is a pastime in the most common cities among vacationers:; , on the peninsulas; Peloponnese and islands; ; ; and . Tours on Cyprus, but more on that another time.

Islands of greece

Cultural activities in Greece

Have you come not only to fry on, but also to visit various excursions? If yes, then you need to think about and distribute your leisure time in order to be in time and enjoy the sea and taste a beach holiday and spend time culturally. One of the main ones, beloved by tourists, is the temple complex -. However, if you believe the reviews, the trip is not for everyone, because in order to see this historical monument you need to climb the mountain for a long time, in summer, even in the heat, there are practically no places for photos, so there are also huge crowds of tourists. But if you are a connoisseur of art and ancient history, then this is a chance for you to touch the past.

In the resorts of the peninsula Peloponnese it is very convenient to combine business with pleasure: the presence provides pleasant conditions for the body, and the opportunity to visit Olympia - the cradle of the well-known Olympic Games, a fortress Naploen, and Ancient Corinth- will increase the level of your knowledge.

Quite tiring, but no less interesting can be considered excursions in monastery complex in Meteora and ascent to the abode of the ancient gods - the mountain. Despite the fatigue, you will receive a sea of ​​vivid and unforgettable impressions.

V Greece Orthodoxy was born and therefore there are not many Orthodox churches and holy places, a visit to which will make your trip unique. If they manage to get permission, then the men will be able to visit the monastery on the mountain. Athos.

The most famous attraction on the island is, of course, the well-known one. minotaur maze located in. The legend of this labyrinth is truly terrifying, and therefore interesting. Zeus cave causes no less excitement, as vacationers love to walk around the city with the Venetian architecture of Chania. boasts its palm trees, but the pink sand beach is even more popular with tourists. In a couple of hours, by ferry, you can reach the island, which contains cities with the most romantic streets: And I and Fira.

Turtle Beach, on the island, is very famous. And if you are interested in a knightly theme, then there are a lot of architectural monuments that remind of that heroic era, it is not for nothing that this island is considered the main center of medieval knighthood. The palace complex is also of interest to visitors.

The best places to travel with a child, based on feedback from families, are different. All of these cities have safe sandy beaches and hotels with playgrounds for your children and other pleasures for small tourists, especially for family trips. To be Dinosaur Park and Aquarium, all this will be interesting to visit for both children and their parents. If you are traveling with very little crumbs, then make sure that your chosen location is on the first line and has a safe sandy, gentle, not sharp entrance to the sea.

Youth prefers resort Hersonissos... Here you will find thousands of clubs, extreme water activities and hotels at an affordable price point. You are also welcome here dive centers and aquapark... And if you suddenly want to attend a live performance, an unusual show or a stormy concert, that is, there is one bohemian place here - Chania.

Resorts for the elderly in Greece

The quietest places in which older tourists will be comfortable are, Rethymno and Loutraki... V Loutraki you can combine swimming in the sea with treatment with mineral water, it will be not only pleasant, but also useful. In addition, the Athenian monuments are only 80 km from Loutraki.

Greece is a wonderful country, where you can find a comfortable place to stay, regardless of your finances, age and season.