It's a land steeped in ancient myths and legends and it still has the magic to make holiday dreams come true.
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Description
Greece is the perfect getaway for so many marvellous reasons and about 25 million tourists will enjoy its delights this year. Here’s why you should be one of them:
It’s a fantastic package…
The best part of booking Greece holiday packages is knowing that every aspect of your getaway is sorted all at once, and your booking is protected. Spectacular scenery, amazing beaches, wonderful weather, friendly people, great food, award winning wine and mind-blowing history. So much that’s so good. And it’s thickly spread across mainland Greece and the Greek islands that are scattered like brilliant gems across two clear blue seas.
In the beginning….
The storytellers say Greek Gods created the world. Historians tell us it was the birthplace of democracy, maths, modern medicine, the Olympic Games and so much more. Buildings from thousands of years ago have been discovered. The most magnificent is the white marble Parthenon, a temple to the goddess Athena, built 2,500 years ago and still the glittering crown on the Acropolis of Athens.
But what about now?
Greece has become cosmopolitan and modern in every respect without ruining the traditional Mamma Mia! charm and legendary hospitality that so many people love. English is spoken almost everywhere, and the food just goes on getting better.
Tavernas and restaurants provide international cuisine alongside wonderful Greek dishes – and over the road locals will be enjoying their ouzo at a kafenion, picking up the children from school or going to church.
You can still get that lovely Shirley Valentine moment when you have a meal at a beach and the table is set in the gentle lapping of the sea. Fun and romance in the herb-scented air.
Those traditional, family-run studios that were once the main accommodation for holidaymakers are still there. Now Greece has private villas, stylish boutique hotels and superb all-inclusive hotels offering the highest levels of luxury.
There are places where the summer parties start early and go on through the night; resorts for families; places for people who want to sunbathe all day and places to play all day. There are spas and gyms, water sports and hiking, tennis and golf, cycling and climbing. They even play cricket in Corfu!
And if that isn’t enough you can hop off to another beach, another town, another island because everything in Greece is always satisfyingly the same – but always sensationally different.
Book your Greek holiday with Olympic Holidays today and have a look at all of the Greece holiday destinations we offer below.
Where to stay in Greece
Let the Aegina time machine take you back into the past. To a stunning temple older than the Parthenon in Athens. To an olive grove with gnarled trees still alive after 2,000 years. To the remains of a medieval village laid waste by a notorious pirate. And to…
Agistri is a small, lush, pine-clad island which boasts pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. A true Aegean gem with its scenic and unspoiled charms, it offers the ideal escape for those looking for a relaxing, peaceful holiday. Part of the Saronic group…
Scattered with forests, orchards and meadows, with a coastline of many delightful coves. Those taking Alonissos holidays will be bowled over by the charm of this beautiful Greek island. Begin your holiday in Patitiri, a delightful town set in a serene bay and…
Waterfalls, rivers, bubbling springs, lush valleys, forests and neo-classical houses with terracotta roofs – ah, the beauty of the Cyclades. What? Aren’t the dry and dusty Cyclades famous for brilliant-white, flat-roofed cube-shaped houses in barren landscape…
A hidden gem in the Ionian Sea, awaits adventurous souls seeking tranquillity and awe-inspiring beauty. With its pristine turquoise waters, powdery white beaches, and lush vineyards, this enchanting island offers a sanctuary for wanderers yearning to escape th…
Quite simply, Athens is amazing. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world but great fun today – a fizzing cocktail of history, shops, restaurants, markets, bars, museums, cafes and parks. It’s modern, vibrant, and stunningly picturesque. And a reminder of t…
Have you been torn between visiting the attractions of a major European city and relaxing on sun drenched beaches? You don’t need to be! The Athens Riviera combines the wonders of a vibrant city with an unbeatable history all just a bus ride from some of Greec…
Corfu is a stunning Greek island in the Ionian Sea, known for its rich history and picturesque landscapes. The second largest of the Ionian Islands, Corfu is gifted with 217 kilometres of coastline. Home to over 50 beaches, there is a space for everyone of all…
Crete, Greece’s largest island, is a place where history, natural beauty, and local culture come together in perfect harmony. Famous for its stunning beaches, rugged mountains, and charming villages, Crete offers something for every kind of traveller. From exp…
Evia is a gorgeous island with a rich history and many fantastic ancient sites to explore. The second largest island in Greece, Evia is a large island connected to mainland Greece by bridge, making Athens reachable by car in less than a couple hours. Visitors…
Explore the magic and beauty of Greece from the water, touring multiple stunning islands by boat. Visit rich historical landmarks, taste authentic Greek food, and enjoy relaxing on picturesque islands. Immerse yourself in Greece's history and mythology and exp…
A quest for the holy grail of Greece is a constant challenge for some holidaymakers. They seek a place where time really has stood still, where what is often described as “authentic Greece” still thrives and where friendly locals welcome visitors like long los…
How can Halkidiki, a sensationally different part of mainland Greece, promise three amazing experiences in one holiday? Because it has a three-legged peninsula that juts into the Aegean Sea creating a wonderful 500-mile coastline and a trio of contrasting oppo…
OK, so Ios is a party island. Thousands of young people flock there from all over the world knowing they can drink and dance all night, sleep all morning, sunbathe and swim on a gorgeous beach in the afternoon, then start the frantic cycle all over again after…
Ithaca! The very name transports you to an ancient world of mythology and legend. But this is a myth you can visit! Famed for being the homeland of Ancient Greek hero Odysseus, Ithaca today is a romantic, rugged island perfect for people who want to find a re…
It seems impossible to pack so much into such a small space. But Kalymnos does it with great style. It’s known as the sponge fishing island because harvesting sponges from the sea once made Kalymnos rich. Sub-aqua diving is still a big sport there. It’s a ro…
Karpathos has a real Greek soul, where islanders proudly retain age-old customs on the second largest island of the Dodecanese. Step back in time to find village festivals and celebrations, where musicians play locally crafted lyre and lauto, and sing just as…
A wealth of hidden gems and lush trails await you. Experience the best of both worlds on a Kefalonia holiday, with sublime beaches, endless natural beauty, and opportunities for infinite adventures on land and sea. The enchanting, sun-kissed island of Kefalon…
Kos has got it covered; the third largest island in the Dodecanese has a coastline that stretches over 290 kilometres. With stretches of glistening sea and gorgeous white sand, a Kos holiday is perfect for both couples and families. One of the most popular is…
Lefkada, also known as Lefkas, is a small island filled with wonder and beauty. The beauty of Lefkada isn’t only the lovely beaches and breathtaking scenery - it’s the amazing mixture of attractions it has for visitors. For Lefkada is many different places wra…
Leros is different in many ways. It’s a tranquil Greek island that is serene and surprisingly green, with small valleys between rolling hills. It has natural springs feeding olive groves and grape vineyards. It has an unusual three-in-one capital – the romant…
Lesvos is a jewel, often called the emerald isle because much of it is covered in lush forests and olive groves. It is one of the biggest and most beautiful islands in Greece, large enough to have an unbelievable wealth of attractions but traditional enough to…
Meganisi is a charming Greek island located in the Ionian Sea, just off the western coast of mainland Greece. Despite its small size, Meganisi is known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The island is characterized by picturesque villages, olive g…
Milos is a captivating Greek island nestled in the heart of the Aegean Sea, boasts an enchanting blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. It is set west of Santorini and is the 5th largest of the Cyclades islands. Thanks to its volcanic origin, it offer…
Mykonos is one of the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands; a favourite among sophisticated travellers and a stunning choice for your next holiday. Mykonos holidays provide some of the best beach days in the Aegean Sea: just one of its many claims to fame. …
Beautiful Naxos is a sparkling star in the deep blue galaxy of Aegean Sea islands. And the enchantment starts as your ferry glides into harbour. Spread before you are the gleaming white buildings of the old quarter of Naxos Town with a medieval Venetian cast…
Magnificent beaches in the North Peloponnese are not far from where the Olympic Games began nearly 3,000 years ago. And they are definitely worth a gold medal. The coastline is sheer delight with mile after mile of smooth, golden sand that mostly shelves gent…
"Olympus Riviera" isn't simply the name of a single resort, despite common misconceptions. Rather, it refers to a continuous 70-kilometre coastline situated at the base of Mount Olympus, a mountain steeped in Greek mythology as the abode of the gods. This coas…
Parga is, without doubt, the loveliest resort on the mainland of Greece’s north-western Preveza region. It nestles in a small, sweeping bay between green olive groves and the sea and is a favourite among Greeks as a holiday destination too. Holidays in Parga…
The stars of the Cycladic Islands are Mykonos and Santorini, holiday gems that people flock to. But Paros is the secret charmer. It’s green, beautiful and relaxing and Cycladic down to its white-painted houses, blue-domed churches and pretty blue tables and c…
Patmos, a captivating island in the Aegean Sea, boasts a rich blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Renowned for being the sacred isle where St. John the Divine wrote the Book of Revelation, Patmos exudes an aura of serenity. At its heart lies th…
Just an hour by sea from Corfu is this amazing haven of peace and beauty, Paxos is a tiny island, approximately seven miles long by three miles wide, with over 30 white pebbly beaches and crystal clear blue sea. There are a series of enchanting coves along the…
Tucked away in the Pagasetic Gulf in eastern Greece, the Pelion peninsula is characterised by sweeping mountain vistas, enchanting villages and hideaway beaches. Named after Mount Pelion, which majestically overlooks the peninsula, this locality is all about…
Peep into a kaleidoscope of Greek wonders. Want wonderful beaches, dramatic scenery and enchanting villages? Want to indulge in chic 21st century luxury or savour the addictive taste of traditional Greece? How about fantastic castles and haunting places from…
Poros is separated from the mainland by a 350m strait – so it is barely an island – therefore holidaymakers can enjoy relaxing sunshine days on Poros' beaches and tour the Peloponnese mainland whenever the mood takes them! Boats cross from Poros Town to Galata…
Legend has it that Rhodes was blessed by the sun god Helios, which is why it enjoys 300 days of glorious sunshine a year! We love package holidays to Rhodes, and it’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular Greek islands. As well as sunshine, Rhodes is…
There may be only one place in the world where tourists can walk through a tunnel that was cut in a mountain nearly 3,000 years ago. And that’s on the lovely lush green Greek island of Samos. Book your Holiday
Renowned for spectacular sunsets, stunning beaches, and volcanic beauty, incredible Santorini curves around a giant, breathtaking lagoon in the Cyclades Islands. Imagine a relaxing getaway on an island of idyllic whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, per…
Take one small, traditional Greek town in a sheltered bay that is sandwiched between tree-covered hills and the deep blue Ionian Sea. Add a busy little harbour, the quayside lined with tavernas and small shops, but don’t add too many and spoil the taste. Make…
Skiathos boasts more than 50 sun-kissed sandy beaches lapped by Caribbean-blue water which are among the best in Greece – and there’s a chic nightlife – so it's no wonder Olympic Holidays’ passengers return year after year. Together with the lovely old town o…
This enchanting island with its picture postcard scenery is an artist's paradise. Being twice the size of its neighbour, Skiathos, but much more peaceful, Skopelos with its flower filled courtyards, pretty cobbled streets and hillsides blanketed by greenery. I…
There are many things that make stylish Spetses special, but two are extraordinary. Firstly, private cars are banned from the island with just eight taxis operating from the central port and most locals travelling by motorbike. You will also see good vehicles…
Symi is one of Greece’s best kept secrets and sailing into the harbour from Rhodes is an experience visitors never forget. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful view of brightly painted neo-classical mansions tumbling down the hillside, traditional fishing boats and…
You can see why Syros is known as the Queen of the Aegean as the ferry sails into Hermoupolis harbour. The capital of this Cycladic island is a jewel fit for royalty – and provides an enchanting welcome for visitors. White houses cascade down hillsides, one t…
A gleaming emerald in a block of brilliant white marble. That’s the hypnotic beauty of remarkable Thassos. Pine forests and olive groves paint the island a lush green as they flow down hillsides to the beaches. Towering behind the trees are rugged mountains w…
Pulsating, exhilarating, vibrant, fascinating, dynamic! Just some of the adjectives used to describe this second city of Greece. And no wonder. Thessaloniki is where the 21st century combines brilliantly with thousands of years of amazing history and culture. …
It’s a tiny island, but Tilos has earned a big reputation for the good things in life. Like many other small Dodecanese Islands it promises a relaxing taste of traditional Greek life. But tranquil Tilos is also Greek’s greenest island – and the last place in E…
On the northern side of the Cyclades islands, between Mykonos and Andros, Tinos is one of the most captivating Greek islands with beautiful sandy beaches and traditional villages featuring marble white architecture. It’s Greece as it used to be. Book your Hol…
Golden sands, party-style nightlife, traditional charm, beautiful countryside and romantic seclusion – Zante is the full package for a captivating holiday with so much to see and do for couples, groups and families. Adventure-seekers will find beaches such as…
Best Time to Visit Greece
If you want to sunbathe, swim or take advantage of the vast range of water sports then the sunniest, hottest and driest months are July to September.
You can expect the temperature to be between 25 and 30 degrees Centigrade although temperatures can soar above 30 degrees inland and in big cities. The sea will be comfortably warm in the mid-20s. There is little rainfall in these months.
If you want to explore the amazing countryside, visit the spectacular historic sites or use some of the many hundreds of miles of marked hiking or cycling routes then the “shoulder seasons” may be best. These are the spring and early summer months of April, May and June and the later summer months of September and October. Be warned, though. Not all the facilities will be up and running in April and May and some will be shutting at the end of the season in October.
Average temperatures will be in the low to mid 20s in April and October but mid to high 20s in May, June and September. The sea is generally warm enough for swimming throughout these shoulder periods, but it takes a while to warm up. It could be a chilly 16 degrees in early April but still 20 degrees or higher in October.
More rain is to be expected in April and October, but the wettest months are from November to February. Snow falls, too, in the winter – and lots of it in some places
Easter, in March or April, is one of the biggest events on the Greek calendar. Holy Week, the week before Easter Sunday, sees candlelit processions and church services in almost every town and village. Many people go back to their family home for the festivities. A multitude of poppies, daisies, orchids, wild iris and other colourful spring flowers make Greece look like an Impressionist painting.
The Greek Orthodox Church says that practically every day of the year is a Saints Day and communities throughout Greece celebrate their special day with processions, services and parties which can make be a spectacle for tourists.
For example, Zante celebrates Saint Dionisios’ (Dennis) Day on August 24 with a three-day festival which includes fireworks, parties and a seafront procession in which the mummified body of the saint is displayed.
There is another three-day festival in June for the Holiday of the Holy Spirit. It’s the second biggest religious event in summer after Easter to recognise Pentecost and involves church services, processions and feasts.
August 15 is another major bank holiday to celebrate the Day of the Panaghia, the Virgin Mary, when Christ’s mother ascended to heaven. Some Greeks fast for a fortnight before flocking to their home towns for church services, parades and big family parties.
Ochi Day is on October 28, the day in 1940 when the Prime Minister said “ochi” or “no” to Benito Mussolini, an ally of Adolf Hitler, and brought Greece into World War 2. The “no” was the rejection of Mussolini ’s request for Italy to occupy Greece and triggered conflict between Greece and Italy. Now, almost 80 years later, the Greeks still celebrate the day with parades, church services and parties. Most businesses close for the day.
Greece Travel Advice
Car hire
This is a popular way to explore Greece and the islands and resort areas usually have a wide choice of car hire centres. Roads have improved over the years and motorways and long dual-carriageways link many cities. There are still plenty of narrow roads too. Roads in villages and small towns were designed before there were cars to use them. Be extra cautious when using a roundabout. Traffic on a roundabout should give way to traffic joining the roundabout. Drive on the right.
Buses
The green buses of the national KTEL service are the most popular form of public transport on the mainland and many of the islands. Busy tourist areas have comprehensive services and the vehicles are likely to be modern and air-conditioned. They may also be busy. More rural areas and some of the smaller islands will have more reduced services. Fares, cheaper than in the UK, are set nationally. KTEL has a website with English translation.
Ferries
Giant super-ferries are an iconic Greek sight and visitors marvel at how the huge vessels squeeze into such tiny harbours. But they do, and they do it regularly and reliably and are used by Greeks, tourists and island-hoppers.
Olympic Holidays use ferries to transport clients to islands that don’t have international-quality airports. Most islands, as well as numerous mainland ports, are serviced by ferries. Their arrival, announced by blasts on the ship’s hooters, is a local attraction with people gathering to watch the ferries unload. There are high-speed catamaran ferries as well as the large vessels that carry vehicles, people and, occasionally, goats. Lots of islands are also linked by numerous smaller ferries.
Taxis
A popular form of transport and widely available. Most drivers will speak enough English for you to discuss the fare before the journey. The fares should be cheaper than in the UK. Tourists are expected to tip. Lots of resorts have water taxis as well as the conventional road ones.
Two wheels
Mountain bikes, city bikes, e-cycles and e-scooters (the ones with electric motors) can all be hired. So can mopeds and scooters and an A1 “light motorcycle licence” is required for them.
Others
Athens has a metro, trolley buses and trams as well as buses, trains and taxis. Quad bikes over 150cc can be hired almost everywhere but you will need a full driving licence or motorcycle licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many islands does Greece have?
No one seems to know for sure, but one source says there are as many as 6,000 islands and islets. More than 200 are inhabited, 10 have international airports and many more have domestic flight-only airports.
Is the Peloponnese an island?
No, it isn’t considered to be an island even though it is separated from the mainland by water. A bridge across the Corinth Canal provides a permanent link between the peninsula and mainland. However, Lefkas and Evia are called islands although they are also linked by bridges to the mainland. The difference seems to be that a man-made canal separates the Peloponnese whereas it’s the sea that separates both Lefkas and Evia.
Why do Greek churches have blue domes?
Stunning white churches with blue domes have become one of the country’s iconic picture postcard images. Sky blue and brilliant white, the colours of the Greek flag, are widely used across Greece and her islands, but not exclusively. Many churches and buildings are decorated in other colours too, although white is often used to help deflect the power of the sun. Use of the patriotic colours was twice banned by tyrannical rulers, but the ban made the defiant Greek people more determined to use them.
Where are the best beaches in Greece?
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