Greece is well known for its amazing island destinations for all types of travellers. From the larger and most popular ones such as Corfu and Rhodes to the smaller ones such as Naxos and Andros. In addition, it boasts the historic and vastly improved Athens, the northern region of Thessaloniki and the Halkidiki region as well as much in between.
Community Tips For Greece
The north is a great place to visit in the summer months. Wonderful beaches, a vibrant city of Thessaloniki and slightly more manageable heat and crowds.
Island hopping is a great way to see some of the best the country has to offer. You can catch a boat from Piraeus near Athens and still choose your own accommodation upon arrival in the island. There are people who will greet you to sell their accommodation to you but this can vary due to seasonality.
Staying in one of the famous and picturesque blue and white stone houses dotted around the islands is not only traditional but keeps you cooler in the summer.
The cuisine is well know and abundant everywhere. Fish more prevalent on the islands for obvious reasons! There are many party islands but be careful as some of the cocktails may not include the best type of alcohol.
Explore Greece
Athens
The Acropolis and Parthenon are the most iconic sites. Try to arrive there early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and sun. You can get there by public transport.
There are several beaches around Athens such as Glyfada or Vouliagmeni.
Some of the neighbourhoods worth visiting include Plaka, with its cobblestone streets and wonderful small restaurants and Anafiotika, which is near the Acropolis.
Athens is home to the Olympic games and the Marathon. The Olympic stadium is located in Marousi and can be explored on an inexpensive guided tour.
Thessaloniki
The city itself is a great place to visit, starting at the White Tower. You can go into the Tower itself but there isn’t that much to see inside. Make sure you enjoy some of the amazing refreshing slush puppies on offer in many of the shops (Theo!)
There are many places to stay along the beach but they can vary in terms of quality. If you want somewhere more peacful, then try the Hyatt Regency, which is a wonderful resort and not as expensive as you think. Also only 10 minutes from the airport (Vera.)See more on Vera’s trip here.
Travelling around the area by boat is the best way by far. There are many options from the main areas along the seafront.
As well as many beach resorts, Halkidiki also includes the unique area of Mount Athos. Still home to monks of the Greek Orthodox church with 20 monasteries in operation and only open for men. If you want to visit, then you need to apply in advance.
Bigger Islands
Crete – so large it feels like its own country; Chania’s old Venetian harbour is the highlight, with the Samaria Gorge hike for those wanting more than beaches.
Rhodes – the medieval Old Town (a UNESCO site) sits right alongside buzzy beach resorts like Faliraki, so you get history and nightlife in one trip.
Corfu – lush and green compared to the classic Cycladic look, with Italian-influenced architecture in Corfu Town and quieter beaches up in the north.
Kefalonia – dramatic coastline and the turquoise waters of Myrtos Beach make it one of the most photographed spots in the Ionian.
Smaller Islands
Ios – known as a party island, but the beaches (especially Mylopotas) and the sunset views from Chora are genuinely beautiful once you look past the nightlife reputation.
Milos – home to Sarakiniko, the otherworldly white lunar-rock beach, plus far fewer crowds than Santorini despite similar dramatic landscapes.
Folegandros – a quieter, more authentic alternative to its famous neighbours, with a clifftop main town (Chora.)
Hydra – no cars allowed on the island at all; donkeys and boats are the only way to get around, giving it a completely different pace to the rest of the Cyclades.
