Greece has long been a mecca for sun worshippers, lured by the cultural odyssey of the mainland, or one of the 227 inhabited islands. Creating a shortlist is no easy task; while each destination may share the same climate, they nevertheless remain as distinct as you like, generous in their servings of history, culture and scenery so astonishing it’s hard to imagine being just an olive stone’s throw away from the UK.
Greece is located in southeastern Europe, at the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered by Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria to the north, and by Turkey to the east. The Aegean Sea lies to the east of mainland Greece, the Ionian Sea to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Greece also includes several islands in the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas.
Greece, often hailed as the cradle of Western civilization, is a mesmerising blend of rich history, culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. From the ancient ruins of Athens to the vibrant islands scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, Greece offers an unparalleled journey through time, paired with lip-smacking cuisine and renowned Greek hospitality.
Santorini and Mykonos lead the charge in terms of picture-perfect destinations - although Greece has its fair share. The latter may have gained a reputation as something of a party hotspot, but tranquillity is never far away. For every Ibiza-like stretch, there’s a more refined alternative - wholly impressive for an island of its size. Both of these Eastern Mediterranean enclaves exude effortless beauty, where whitewashed walls are splashed with hot pink bougainvillea, as wisteria-draped walls provide the headiest perfume. Santorini’s soaring cliff faces even come with the added geological clout of being formed by a submerged volcano, which has thankfully remained dormant for long enough to add intrigue rather than peril.
Greece is the perfect destination for history enthusiasts. In Athens, don't miss the Acropolis with its iconic Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, and significant historical sites like the Agora and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Delphi, the location of the ancient Oracle, enables you to uncover the mystique of the ancient world. Be sure to check out the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archaeological Museum. Maybe you will visit the island of Crete, and uncover the advanced Minoan civilization at the Palace of Knossos, followed by a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Greek cuisine is a rich symphony of flavours borrowed from the Mediterranean palette. Dishes consist of fresh, flavourful, and often locally grown ingredients. Integral to almost every Greek dish, Greek olive oil has a distinctive taste thanks to the many unique Greek olive varieties grown across the country. Many Greek recipes incorporate local cheeses, including feta, a staple in Greek salads, and others like mizithra, graviera, and kasseri. Greece is also one of the oldest wine-producing regions globally, with wine production dating back over 4,000 years. The country has several native grape varieties, which yield unique wines.
With approximately 227 inhabited islands, each with its unique character, Greece offers somewhere to suit every taste - whether you want vibrant nightlife (Mykonos), stunning landscapes (Santorini), tranquillity (Naxos), lush greenery (Zakynthos), or a cultural journey (Crete). Whichever island you choose, you can be guaranteed a warm welcome and an immersion into its culture - you'll be surprised at just how different they really are!
