Greece Travel Guide

Renowned for its influence on Western civilisation, Greece is very much the heart of the Mediterranean experience, where travellers can escape to a heady blend of stunning vistas and warm, passionate people. Idyllic islands await those who seek blissful days of glorious sunshine and crisp waves, but there's far more on offer in this ever-popular destination. Visitors will also find iconic ruins, charming villages and some of the best nightlife in the region.

Gastronomes can feast on meze staples such as saganaki (fried haloumi cheese), kleftiko (lamb slow-baked on the bone), and souvlaki (shaved pork wrapped in a pita) and, of course, no visit is complete without a taste of Greek spirits. A trip to Greece promises unforgettable adventures and rich insight into an incredible heritage.

Best time to visit Greece

The most popular season for a visit is summer (June to August), when the weather is beautiful and sun is guaranteed. Late spring (April and May) and early autumn (late August through September) are also lovely times to holiday in Greece, as crowds are thinner and the sun is gentler.

What to see in Greece

-Spend a few days marvelling at the ruins of the Parthenon and the Acropolis in Athens, and wandering through the archaeological museums nearby.

-Visit the site of the first Olympic Games in 776 BC, where there are still ruins of arenas, gymnasiums and changing rooms.

-See the tomb of King Leonidas in Sparta, along with other relics of the famous warriors of the Peloponnese Peninsula.

-Explore the Cave of the Apocalypse on Patmos, where the Apostle John is said to have written the Book of Revelation.

What to do in Greece

-Take a cruise to Crete and lounge on the beaches in Hania, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.

-Follow the trail of Homer's Odyssey with a visit to Ithaca, and enjoy the lively village of Vathy.

-Let loose in the trendy tavernas and nightclubs of Mykonos.

-Watch a stunning sunset off the coast of Santorini.

Holiday resorts in Greece

Greece has many popular resorts for sun-seekers looking for the perfect beach holiday. Each resort has its own character, varying from packed and lively to laid-back and secluded. Options range from single's heaven to family friendly.

Getting to Greece

There are direct cheap flights to Athens and Rhodes from many UK airports. There are direct flights to Greece from the US as well, and there are many connecting options.

Read

Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis, The Odyssey by Homer, Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières and The Magus by John Fowles.

Watch

Shirley Valentine (1989), Agora (2009), and My Life in Ruins (2009).

Drink

Ouzo

What to buy

Greek wine and products made from olive oil or olive wood. Ouzo and Metaxxa brandy. It's illegal to take historical artefacts out of Greece.

What to pack

A swimming costume for the islands, sturdy hiking shoes for the ruins, and plenty of sunblock.

What's on in Greece

Athens is the hub for Greek festivals. The Athens and Epidaurus Festival from May to October showcases the best in Greek music and culture. The Lycabettus Hill Festival hosts contemporary music and dance all summer long in the capital, and the traditional Greek Dance Festival takes place in Athens every year for a weekend in July.

Did you know?

-Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world.

-More than 16 million tourists visit Greece annually, which is more than the country's whole population.

-Nearly 80 percent of Greece is mountainous.

A final word

Sunny beaches and sparkling seas combine with the rich history of a 3,000-year-old civilisation to create the ultimate holiday destination.