Greece
Renew your sense of wonder on an unforgettable holiday to Greece. The combination of some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean and thousands of years of culture and history makes Greece hard to beat as a destination. There are so many islands to choose from that a holiday can be found to suit everyone, whilst Athens is one of Europe's most enthralling cities. Look forward to the holiday of a lifetime.
Highlights
With an estimated 6,000 islands, there is plenty to explore in Greece, as well as the multitude of historic sights on the mainland including the bustling capital Athens.
When to Visit
Greece’s temperatures soar to well over 30C in the summer months of July and August. This is also the most crowded time of year. Temperatures are more moderate (mid 20Cs) in May-June and September-October, as well as being quieter. Greece’s climate means it is not known as a winter-sun destination but Athens is a good option for a city break year-round.
Attractions
Athens
The Greek capital is one of the largest cities in Europe with a population of around four million. Athens has a history dating back 5,000 years and the skyline is dominated by the Acropolis and its monuments, including the magnificent Parthenon temple. Another must-see is the nearby Acropolis Museum, which only opened in 2009, to view fascinating archaeological artefacts. Other historic sites are dotted around the city, while the Plaka area is packed with shops, bars and restaurants. Syntagma Square is the centre of modern Athens and is home to the Royal Palace, where the Greek parliament sits.
Peloponnese
The southern part of the mainland, lying to the south of Athens, features some of the most important sites in ancient Greek mythology including Mycenae, Pylos and Epidaurus, which is still home to a well-preserved ancient theatre. The region is also home to Olympia, which hosted the ancient Olympic games for 1,000 years. The peninsula features many pretty beaches around its coastline while hiking trails through gorges and caves make the Peloponnese ideal for a varied touring holiday.
Crete
Greece’s largest island in the far south of the Aegean sea often thinks of itself as a country in its own right. The major two headline attractions are the Bronze Age historic site Knossos, near Heraklion, and the Samaria Gorge in the south of Crete. The island benefits from having two gateway airports at Heraklion and Chania. The major beach resorts are located around the largest city Heraklion in the east, while quieter areas can found around Chania on the western side. To escape the crowds completely, head to the sparsely populated south of the island.