Greece Holidays

Ancient Greece developed many of the Western world's cultural building blocks, as the Olympic Games, democracy, mathematics and philosophy all began there. Today the country is known as a great holiday destination rather than a centre of culture and learning and attracts visitors by the thousands. Most of them come for the simple pleasures of its delicious food, wine, beautiful beaches, sunshine and quaint villages, with beach lovers, in particular, relishing the seemingly endless lacework of coastline and small islands stocked with ancient sites and scenic surprises.

Greece exudes traditional charm, especially on its ever-popular islands, which cling to their traditional ways despite the influx of tourists. Black-clad women still deliver vegetables to island tavernas on panniered donkeys, while bronzed, weather-beaten fishermen sit in the sun, drink thick coffee and play dominoes or backgammon. The tourist infrastructure has intruded in many respects, but the timeless aspect of whitewashed buildings clustered on hillsides has been retained. The myriad islands in the Aegean Sea are easily accessible from Piraeus, Athens' historic harbour, and many of the larger ones have airports with connections to Athens or major European cities.

On the mainland, the capital Athens is sprawling, polluted and overcrowded, but nevertheless enthrals visitors. It's dominated by its major landmark, the Parthenon, though the remains of other Classical Greek wonders are found mainly on the Peloponnese Peninsula. Thessaloniki lies in the north and is modern and vibrant with a Byzantine flavour.

Visitors are sure to love this ancient and sun-filled country.

Greece is easily one of the world's best destinations. From historic sightseeing to glorious beaches, travellers truly are in for a treat. Most visitors begin their trip in Athens, where Classical Greece colours the modern capital through famous structures such as the Parthenon and the Acropolis. There are also many wonderful museums; Syntagma Square is the city's social, political and commercial hub.

From Athens, many venture out to the islands. Mountainous Crete is the most popular and features sparkling beaches, spectacular green outcroppings, ancient Minoan sites, and the famous Samaria Gorge Trail. Other popular island destinations include Corfu, for its mythic significance, Santorini, for its volcanic history and vibrant nightlife, and Rhodes, which is a World Heritage Site. History buffs should head to the Peloponnese Peninsula for the region's ancient ruins and battlefields.

Greece's Mediterranean climate gives it long, hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures are tempered by breezes called 'Meltemia', and the Etesian wind which blows north across the Aegean Sea. Rainfall is generally low in most of the country and heaviest in the mountainous regions, where snow is likely and temperatures can get severe. Mercury on the mainland regularly hits the high spots.

Summer (between June and August) is Greece's peak holiday season and draws millions of beach lovers to its gorgeous coastline. Autumn is pleasant for travellers who prefer smaller crowds and milder conditions, while winter (December to February) sees the coldest, most variable weather and is the least popular time to visit. Travellers looking to explore Greece's cultural and historical attractions should not be put off by the winter months.