Holidays in Greece
Read our guide to choosing self catering holidays Greece holidays
Choosing holidays in Greece is not the easiest task because there is so much choice. The influential Greek culture makes the Greek islands a Mecca for fans of ancient art and history, as well as the abundance of beachgoers who come throughout the year.
The country’s heritage dates back thousands of years and began with numerous tribes settling on different islands – each putting their own distinct mark on the Greek culture. From the Ionians to the Spartans, many of the monuments and structures of these civilisations have remained standing to this day, quite impressive when you consider the number of wars inflicted on the region.
Athens, of course, is a must for the history aficionados and after visiting this influential city you will be able to cross a few of the famous Greek attractions off your list. Casting a shadow over the city is the Acropolis, which is home to the captivating Parthenon – the temple of Athena that was constructed in the 5th Century BC. This area still remained in use after the Greek Empire had fallen and as well as all the ancient ruins and monuments, it has also impressive ruins and artefacts the Roman, Byzantine and Venetian periods.
The streets of Athens are also famed for their vibrant atmosphere and they come alive at night with an array bars and restaurants. It’s worth while noting that the Greeks like to start things a little later then their European neighbours, so if you are heading out on the town, be prepared for a late night.
As much as the Geek capital can offer, you still won’t have covered half of the historical landmarks. A few hours car journey from the city is the historic site of Delphi, which is said to have been the home for the Oracle of Apollo.
Rhodes is perhaps one of the most renowned destinations for Greek history and from the glorious buildings and monuments around the harbour gates in the main city to the ancient ruins of Kamiros and the medieval monastery at Filerimos, you are never going to run out of inspiration.
In addition, Crete – the largest of all the islands – is synonymous with Greek myth and legend and is where you can also explore the 4000-year-old ruins of the Minoan civilisation at Knossos.
But after all this exploring of historical sites, it will be time for a well-deserved break. The landscape of Greece is often described as that of a paradise and you couldn’t wish for more serene and idyllic scenery to relax and unwind. There is such a wealth of beaches to choose from not of course to mention the terraces from which you can enjoy the beautiful views onto the Mediterranean on a lazy day.
Each of the main islands offers their own range of seaside locations, but if you are looking for more fun-filled beachfronts and resorts, consider renting Corfu accommodation in order to enjoy all of the attractions. The soft sand tends to be found on the west coast and areas such as Sidari and Paleokastrista offer plenty of fun on the water for all ages.
Also well worth a day out is the beach at Pelekas, which is celebrated for its soft sand and stunning views of the Mediterranean sunset. In addition, Ionian Islands holiday rentals include Kefalonia, famous for some truly breathtaking beachfronts. As well as the hidden sanctuaries between the cliff faces, this beautiful corner of Greece is also home to one of the most celebrated stretches of golden sand at Myrtos, bordered by the green hills that slope down to the blue waters.
It is easy to see how Greece can appeal to all types of visitors, and food lovers will be pleased to know that they will also be looked after. Thanks to the Greek’s strong pride in their traditions, nearly every corner of every island will be able to offer different variations of the local delicacies, served with plenty of local culture and charm.
The immense popularity of Greece holiday rentals means that there will be a vast and varied amount of properties to choose from, no matter what sort of holiday experience you are looking for. The range of apartments will be able to cater for all group sizes and offer a perfect blend of charming locations and modern comforts. Also to be considered are the villas on offer, which can have you spending your holiday in some stunning and picturesque settings, whether its overlooking the Mediterranean coast or hidden in the captivating surroundings of the hills and valleys. The attractions and atmosphere of Greece will provide for both fun-filled family breaks and romantic getaways for two, and you can rest assured that you can find the perfect accommodation to suit your tastes.
