Where is the best place to relax in August, if your choice is the resorts of greece. Where is the best place to go to Greece? Is it expensive to rest in greece

Those who have come to sunny Hellas at least once know how amazingly harmonious it is. In Greece, almost everything is beautiful: the weather, beaches, attractions, festivals, delicious traditional dishes and, finally, an established tourist infrastructure. There are so many opportunities that you cannot immediately figure out where and when to rest in Greece is best. Therefore, we made a review article, in which we sorted out on the shelves at what time of the year which Greek resorts are best to visit, and now we bring it to your attention. We hope that the material will help you decide on the choice of the resort and the time of rest.

When is the best time to go to Greece

Let's start with a little digression. It is clear that the answer to the question of when is the best time to go on vacation to Greece is rather subjective. There cannot be one solution that suits all tourists, because each has its own purpose of the trip. Therefore, when writing a review, we tried to guess the interests of travelers, and selected the best dates and suitable resorts for them. Most likely, the purpose of your trip to Greece will also be found in the material, but if not, do not worry, Hellas is worth your attention at any time of the year.

Dynamics of changes in prices for holidays in Greece by months

Finances are the first factor when planning a trip. After all, many are counting on the best time to relax in Greece based on financial capabilities.

You know for sure that you are going to Greece, but when is the best time to go on vacation so that the trip is not wasteful? We propose to trace the dynamics of the rise and fall of prices for 10-day vouchers provided for 2 persons with an all-inclusive service.

This is how Greece looks from the financial point of view: the holiday season with high prices falls on New Year's holidays and the height of summer, and prices reach their minimum in early spring.

Where and when to vacation in Greece is cheapest

When there are no restrictions on money, you can spend the tourist season in Greece at any resort, and not deny yourself anything. But if finances are limited, but you really want to go abroad, you have to carefully look for options when it is better to go to the sea to Greece. There are two ways here:

1. Make a reservation at the end of May-beginning of June, or mid-September (when the price of vouchers is falling).
2. Wait for the season and track last-minute deals to Greek resorts. Of course, they are offered at the last moment, but with discounts of up to 50%.

Prices are different for the regions of Greece. Holidays in Crete and Halkidiki will be more accessible. Traveling to the Peloponnese and Rhodes will cost a little more, but tours to Corfu and Kos are considered the most expensive.

The above applies to the beach holiday and the swimming season. If you are interested in sightseeing Greece, then when it is better and cheaper to go, they answered in the previous section: the most budgetary months for recreation are early spring and late autumn.

When is the best time to go on vacation for excursions and carnivals

Some tourists try to tailor their vacation so as to get abroad for national holidays and festivals. In this case, the decision on when to fly tourists to Greece depends on the dates of the cultural events.

A number of ceremonies in Greece are dedicated to Christmas and New Year's holidays. Shops are full of beautiful windows, cities are decorated like Christmas trees, songs and music never stop on the streets. After the New Year, the Orthodox celebrations of the Great Baptism begin.

In March, Greeks celebrate Independence Day. Large-scale processions, celebrations and ceremonies take place in cities. In April, the most important holiday for believers is Easter. It is widely celebrated in Greece and leaves a lot of impressions. Also worth noticing is the secular holiday on May 1 and the Christian day of Agios Konstandinos (May 21).

Summer is the time for cultural festivals that last for months. In the summer, you can find interesting events anywhere in Greece, so we will mention only the most famous ones:

• Rethymno Renaissance Festival (Crete, July-August);
• Kassandra Sleigh Festival (Halkidiki, July-September);
• Dance Festival in Kalamata (July-August);
• Rhodes festivals (May, September);
• Music Festival in Fira (Santorini, September).

Also worth noticing are the village wine festivals, artisan fairs and farmers' markets.

In the fall, most of the celebrations are Christian. Greeks celebrate the Nativity of the Theotokos (September 6), the feast of St. John the Evangelist (September 24), St. Dimitri's Day (October 26) and the feast of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel (November 8).

As a result, to visit festivals and get acquainted with museums, it is better to go on vacation to Greece in spring: the weather improves after winter, hotels are cheap, and there are enough activities. Of course, summer in Greece is the record holder for festivals, but in many regions the weather is hot, and housing prices are very high.

Spring break - the beginning of the season in Greece, popular places

The spring period is good in many ways to spend your holidays in Greece.

Hoteliers are just starting to work, prices have not yet been raised, because there is no demand, which means there is no fuss from tourists. Climatic conditions are also improving: a comfortable temperature for a European country is set at + 18-20 ° C. It is warm enough for walks and sightseeing trips in the countryside. In addition, they go to Greece in the spring for the beauty of nature: the trees begin to bloom and saturate the air with the purest oxygen.

Speaking specifically by month, the beginning of the holiday season in Greece is attributed to April. In March, the breath of winter is still felt, but the middle of spring is already pleasantly warm. But officially in Greece, the holiday season begins only in May, when the Mediterranean waters warm up to a comfortable +23 degrees, although a relatively warm sea in Greece can be found at the end of April. For example, spring resorts are popular in Crete, Santorini and Rhodes. But you shouldn't fly to Corfu, because there the sea warms up for a long time.

Where to relax during peak season - resort and beach holidays in Greece

The main tourist season is spent in Greece from May to September. During this period, resorts throughout the country receive thousands of vacationers. Greece will enjoy the summer with blooming greenery, sunny beaches and pleasant warm sea. But there are also disadvantages - crowds, high prices and scorching heat. Therefore, in the list of things to take with you to Greece, sunscreen must be included.

During the holiday season, such resorts as Crete, Halkidiki, Rhodes, Kos and Santorini are popular in Greece. You can take a break from the heat in the north of the country: the islands of Corfu, Kefalonia and Lefkada are in no less demand.

When is it better to go on vacation with children

The question of when is the best time to go on holiday in Greece with children depends on the age of the kids.

Children are often taken to the sea when the swimming season begins in Greece, i.e. in May. But for small children, the water is not yet warmed up enough: with the little ones it is better to go to the resort in June. July and August are the hottest times and the real beach season in Greece. But be careful as heat and sun can be difficult for a child. In this case, it is worth shifting the rest to the beginning of September, when the water is still warm and the air is no longer hot.

When it is not hot in Greece - features of relaxation during the velvet season

If we talk about which month of autumn it is better to relax in Greece, it is worth highlighting September and the first half of October. The pluses here are that the price of tickets falls, and the weather turns from hot to moderately warm. Cons - vacationers in Greece will not get to know all the seas. The water is already cooling down, and somewhere strong winds are raging. It will save only the warmest sea in Greece, which washes the coasts of Crete and Rhodes.

Winter and ski holidays in Greece

And for some, winter is the most cherished period when it is best to relax in Greece. Indeed, a thick layer of snow is strengthened on the mountain peaks, which allows skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. The ski season in Greece starts in mid-December, but the exact time depends on the vagaries of the weather. The country has about 20 tracks equipped with comfortable lifts and equipment rental. In winter, the most popular Greek resorts are Fterolaka and Kelaria.

Where to relax in Greece during the most popular vacation months

Most of the tourists tend to buy a ticket to Greece for the season for a beach holiday. But here's how to choose an interesting place: go to the hot island of Greece or buy a ticket to the resorts of the mainland of the country? Which of the months of the season is the most optimal? We propose to understand these issues in more detail.

May

The first really warm month in the resorts of Greece is more suitable for sightseeing holidays. You can soak up the beach, but the sun is still weak and the water is relatively cool - 21-23 ° C. Although there is no shortage of desperate swimmers even in May. Moreover, for our northern compatriots, such a temperature is like fresh milk. Diving enthusiasts in May are invited to Rhodes and Crete, and in very good weather and Halkidiki.

June

The beginning of summer is the best time to relax, which Greece offers to people who love the sea but cannot stand the heat. On average, the air temperature does not exceed + 27 ° C, and the water near the coast warms up to + 24 ° C. In June, all resorts of Greece are ready to provide a good rest: from northwestern Kerkyra to southeastern Kos. Do not forget to only stock up on sunscreen cosmetics.

By the way, the weather in June is quite comfortable for excursions. So you can go to conquer the ancient cities of Greece: Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Kalamata and others.

July and August

For the Greeks, these are the two hottest months: almost everywhere the air temperature approaches 40 ° C. The surface of the seas in July is warmed up to + 26 ° C, and in August the temperature is even slightly higher - up to + 28 ° C. The summer heat is most easily transferred to Halkidiki, Thassos, Corfu and Rhodes. An excellent option for holidays and the coast of Crete, where sea breezes cool the air a little. In general, the weather is suitable only for the beach: outbound excursions are out of the question.

September

The beginning of autumn has its own characteristics of relaxation. There are fewer people, the heat is slowly subsiding, but the sea is still warm. The vouchers are slightly reduced in price, and trips in September-October are cheaper.

If we talk about where to relax in the fall in Greece, then for a beach holiday we will note Crete and Rhodes as the warmest places. And for educational excursions, any Greek region is suitable, especially since many cultural festivals take place in September.

October

And this month can be attributed to the tourist season only half, because at the end of October, it often rains and cold winds blow. V october sunbathing and swimming are out of the question, but you can stroll along the city streets, admire the beauty of the sunset and explore the ancient sights of Greece. Moreover, the prices for tours are among the cheapest of the year.

Low season in Greece - what to see and where to relax

If you ask the Greeks themselves when is the best time to have a rest in Greece, they will answer "always", because we are sure that their country is beautiful every day and every hour. And there is some truth here. For example, from December to April, the weather in Greece is not bad, although locals consider this time to be the rainy season. Average daily temperatures are kept at + 15 ° C, and precipitation falls no more than 5-6 days a month. Sometimes cold winds blow, but there is no great harm from them.

The resorts are not crowded, and hoteliers set very low prices (except for the New Year holidays). In addition, during this period, the cost of visiting museums is reduced, and sometimes you can even get on “free days”. So the low season is an active time for sightseeing, exploring Greek traditions and trips to ski resorts.

November

The last month of autumn is cool and rainy, but not enough to scare off tourists. They go to health resorts with spa treatments and thalassotherapy. Special attention is paid to the Greek terms: Vouliagmeni, Loutraki, Edipsos.

Late autumn in Greece is also friendly to sightseeing trips. And November also favors shopping tours: for example, in Thessaloniki, many trade fairs are held in November.

December

The beginning of winter in Greece is calm, and since mid-December the number of tourists is growing rapidly. Everyone wants to get to the New Year's festivities and sales or go for a drive on the slopes. From mid-December to the end of January, hotels in Greece are again packed, and the prices for tours are sometimes more expensive than in summer.

In winter, the northern region of Greece begins to dominate the tourism industry: the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as the winter resorts of Parnassus, Kastoria, Pelio, etc.

January and February

New Year is a time of noisy holidays, colorful carnivals and outrageous shopping. Moreover, sales and festivities continue throughout January, sometimes reaching mid-February.

January and February in cities in northern Greece are characterized by cool temperatures with sharp drops from + 14 ° C to + 7 ° C. So, when going on vacation to Greece in winter, be sure to take warm clothes with you. Although, in general, it rains more here, and it rarely snows.

But on the mountain peaks there is enough snow in abundance, so fans of snowboards and skis go there. As already noted, the Greek ski season starts in December, but it is better to arrive in the middle or late winter to be sure of the piste.

March

With the onset of spring, the weather improves, but hoteliers are still in no hurry to prepare for the new season. In March, vouchers to Greece are the cheapest, but this does not mean at all that March and April are bad for a vacation. On the contrary, there are few tourists, nature is blooming, the weather is favorable, and prices for trips to attractions are extremely low. In March, you can enjoy a cultural holiday to your heart's content without fuss and crowds on excursions in Athens, Thessaloniki, Peloponnese, etc.

April

In the middle of spring, the air warms up to + 18 ° C, it is warm and sunny outside - it's time to take long walks or go on city excursions. At the end of April, you can even swim if you are seasoned and the water temperature of + 20 ° C is comfortable for you. At the same time, prices for vacations are starting to rise, because the new tourist season is already on the nose. So April is a good opportunity for a budget holiday in Greece in Rhodes or Crete in anticipation of summer.

This concludes our review for tourists on when is the best time to fly to Greece. We hope you have found the recommendation you are looking for and are ready to pack your bags. Fascinating trips!

Greece is one of the most popular beach holiday destinations for tourists from all over the world. Vacationers are attracted by the clear sea and clean beaches; such a set is available both in mainland resorts and on island ones.

Today we will consider a vacation in the most popular island resorts: Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Santorini, Halkidiki, Peloponnese... Judging by the reviews of tourists, it is on the islands that the best sandy beaches are. However, it is difficult to immediately decide where to go to rest, the islands differ from each other significantly and, first of all, by the washed seas, and there are only 6 of them.

• Ionian sea: west about. Crete, east about. Corfu, west of the Peloponnese .
• Aegean Sea: west about. Rhodes, about. Kos, about. Santorini, Halkidiki peninsula, east of the peninsula Peloponnese.
• Mediterranean Sea: east of Rhodes.
• Adriatic Sea: west about. Corfu.
• Cretan Sea: north about. Crete.
• Libyan Sea: south about. Crete.

Map of Greece with cities resorts in Russian

To add a map of Greece resorts to your website, copy the HTML code and paste it into the source code of the page:

And also today we will find out where the best beaches in Greece are, where is the cheapest place to relax, what the weather is in the island resorts throughout the year and what to see from the attractions during the holidays. And you yourself will decide where to go to rest.

Where to go to Greece?

What resort to choose for an exciting family vacation with children, and where to go for a secluded vacation for two, and where is it better for young people to relax?

Consider the most attractive resorts for different categories of vacationers with excellent beaches, sunny weather and affordable prices.

Family holidays:

Sandy, gentle beaches of the islands of Halkidiki and Corfu are more popular for families with young children. In addition, most local hotels have extensive infrastructure for children.

And it is better to go to Rhodes and Crete with schoolchildren, they will be interested there on excursions, in water parks, and in zoos.

Rest for youth

The best resorts for young people are located on the Halkidiki peninsula; the place of Kallithea is especially popular among tourists. There are party bars, nightclubs and great service. And lovers of diving and surfing favor the resorts of Rhodes, the west coast of Crete and the island of Kos.

Rest for couples

For a leisurely vacation for two, the islands of Corfu and the Peloponnese are suitable. Here you will find resort villages by the sea, comfortable sandy beaches and cozy cafes and parks.

You can also book a vacation in a budget hotel or choose a hotel for wealthy guests, there is an opportunity for this, and the choice is only yours.

Holidays in Halkidiki

The Halkidiki peninsula is the main resort destination for the entire mainland of Greece. known for the beauty of small bays and, of course, for its geographic shape, forming a trident, or three "fingers": Kassandra, Sithonia and Agion-Oros (Athos).

Oddly enough, there are few tourists on the island at any time of the year, and most of the island is covered with wild, lush nature.

• The resorts of the Halkidiki peninsula are not crowded, there are few holidaymakers even in the high season, an excellent method for a calm, comfortable stay. There are good beaches, there is even an opportunity to book a whole house by the sea.
• The peninsula has beautiful nature and an abundance of historical architectural monuments.
• All the beaches of the peninsula are well-groomed and comfortable for tourists, and, in which case, there are first-class bars and nightclubs.

• For an avid traveler it will be a little boring here, there will be a lack of attractions, and they are far away, you will have to rent a car or book a tour to expensive hotels. This is the only way to guarantee close proximity to ATMs and shops.
• The airport is not close, about 70 km from Thessaloniki.

Halkidiki beaches

Comfortable, well-groomed beaches are very popular not only among families with children, but also among young people. And this is not surprising, since there are as many as 500 km of coastline with sandy beaches that have been awarded the Blue Flag award.

And the best beaches are: Agios Ioannis, Agios Nicholas, Kriaritsi, Lagomandra, Porto Karras. Plus, the infrastructure in the resorts of Sithonia and Kassandra is well developed.

Prices for tours to Halkidiki

Once the Halkidiki peninsula was considered a resort place only for wealthy tourists, but recently there have appeared a lot of budget hotels.

Therefore, to everyone's delight, the peninsula is open to all categories of tourists, you can have a quite inexpensive vacation by the sea in a 3 * hotel.

Weather in Halkidiki

The holiday season in Halkidiki, like in other European holiday destinations, opens in the middle of spring, just when the long-awaited time for vacations and vacations comes.

The season lasts for half a year, but, according to tradition, the greatest demand for recreation is observed during the high season, in July and August. During these months, both tour prices and air temperatures rise. At the same time, most of the holidaymakers come here.

However, the best time to visit Halkidiki is still the velvet season, September and the first half of October. And then only rains and a drop in air and water temperatures.

What to see in Halkidiki?

In Halkidiki, there will be time to sunbathe on the beach and swim, as well as visit various festivals and holidays that take place here in July.

For instance, Kassandra festival, Tuna festival or Sardine festival, Saint Panteleimon festival... During this time, you can taste delicious local cuisine, taste home wine and dance.

Halkidiki is also a famous pilgrimage site, for example, to the spiritual center of Orthodoxy throughout Greece - Saint Athos, which is located 150 km from the city of Thessaloniki. In addition to religious buildings, you can also visit other historical sites.

• Anthropological Museum of Petralona, 50 km from the city of Thessaloniki.
• Impressive Potidea channel, the width of which is 40 m, and the length is 1300 m. The canal is located 70 km from the city of Thessaloniki.
• Soaring monasteries of Meteora built on the tops of cliffs, 600 m high, they are located 2 hours by car from the city of Thessaloniki, it is about 189 km.
• Homeland of Aristotle, ancient cities of Olynthos and Stagira, 90 km from the city of Thessaloniki.

Holidays in the Peloponnese

The Peloponnese peninsula is the southernmost point of the Greek mainland. Holidays here are popular, mainly among history lovers, since it is here that the famous ancient Sparta is located. Of course, in addition to its rich history, the island has excellent beaches surrounded by beautiful nature.

• The peninsula is located far from the airport, it will not be easy to get to it, and there is no constant communication with Russia.
• There are no large resort areas, mostly small scattered and unconnected villages, each of them has its own infrastructure and a certain set of tourist services.

Peloponnese beaches

The Peloponnese has a coastline of 1100 km with hundreds of luxurious beaches, and the first places in the ranking of the best beaches are occupied by those located on the shores of the Ionian Sea, more precisely in the region of Messinia.

There are beaches with soft sand and small pebbles. In addition, the Ionian Sea is ideal for learning to sail, as its density is the highest of all the Greek seas.

For family holidays choose Argolis beach, it is quiet, secluded and clean, also awarded the Blue Flag. A Gythio beaches suitable for many tourists and those who prefer pebbles and those who prefer sand. There are well-groomed and wild places, as well as tourist-filled and secluded ones.

Prices for tours to the Peloponnese

Holidays in the Peloponnese are inferior to Halkidiki only in popularity, but no less good beaches and beautiful nature.

But there are not so many hotels here, but in the west of the peninsula there are the famous hotel complexes Aldemar or Grecotel, the same as in Rhodes and Crete, which include many tourist services, including thalassotherapy centers.

Weather in Peloponnese

The landscape of the peninsula is varied, there is a mountainous area, and the sea coast, and the central part. A light breeze blows on the coast, so hot weather can be easily tolerated. The warmest regions are Patra, Kalamata and Argolis.

In general, the Peloponnese has a mild Mediterranean climate, with an average temperature of + 29 ° C in summer and + 13 ° C in winter.

What to see in the Peloponnese?

The Peloponnese has a great historical heritage, the abundance of attractions is simply amazing and the first thing you should get acquainted with is Olympia.

• Olympia- the place where the Olympic Games originated in 776 BC and where the Olympic flame is still lit.
• Also the most significant archaeological site of the Peloponnese is Mycenae. An ancient Greek city, where the number of attractions is simply off scale and requires a separate article. The main thing that you should know is that it was the Mycenaean king who led the Greeks in the campaign against Troy. Mycenae is simply a sacred place for all lovers of ancient Greek myths.
• Visit also Amphitheater at Epidaurus with its unique and perfect acoustics, accommodating 14 thousand spectators.
• Must see and Corinth canal separating the mainland from the peninsula. The idea of ​​which belongs to the emperor Nero, but it was possible to implement it only in the 19th century. Now the canal is a structure 23 meters wide and walls up to 75 meters high.

Holidays in Crete

Crete is the largest island in the country, with magnificent sandy beaches and picturesque mountainous terrain. Rest here will not leave anyone indifferent: neither noisy youth, nor married couples with children, nor newlyweds.

• A great beach holiday by the sea is guaranteed in Crete, especially since the choice of accommodation is huge. Crete is washed by 3 seas - Cretan in the north, Libyan in the south and Ionian in the West.
• All Crete hotels have excellent service.
• The island has a large number of entertainments - bars, restaurants, water parks.

Crete beaches

Crete is washed from the west Ionian by the sea, its temperature in high season reaches + 25-26 ° C, you can swim in June.

Libyan the sea washes the southern part of Crete, there are many rocks and sandy-pebble beaches, and the bottom of the sea near the coast is rocky, which creates inconvenience for tourists when entering the water. In addition, underwater cold currents flow in this part of the coast, which noticeably cool the water.

Cretan the sea washes the island in its northern part. The sea itself is unpredictable, sea waves are as often as calm, it is impossible to predict what sea will be today. But most of the beaches are sandy and well-groomed, especially those that are not in the cities themselves, but 10 km from them.

Which of the seas to choose for relaxation is up to you, but I assure you for sure that you can have a wonderful time on each of them. Basically, for a seaside holiday in Crete, tourists choose such beaches as: Elounda, Rethymno, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Hersonissos.

Prices for tours to Crete

It is not surprising that Crete is so popular with all categories of tourists around the world. Prices for tours to the island are acceptable literally for everyone. Crete has a huge selection of places to stay.

Weather in Crete

Despite the fact that Crete is the southernmost of the islands of Greece, cold currents pass near its shores, which inevitably affects the water temperature. In addition, the weather in any season of the year is windy.

Tourist season in the north of Crete starts only in May and lasts until October. And on south tourists come a month earlier, already in April. Therefore, if you cannot stand the heat, then choose the middle of spring or autumn and go to the south of the island.

High season, July and August, is best spent on the coast, where the wind will ease the heat. And for sightseeing, choose the beginning of summer or autumn. And also consider the winter months, the temperature in winter is comfortable for walking on excursions, on average + 17 ° C and it rains infrequently, the only exception is January.

What to see in Crete?

The main tourist spots are concentrated in the center of the island, where you will find ancient ruins, medieval monuments, and natural attractions. Here everyone will find something to their liking.

• Knossos and Phaistos palaces- the largest palaces on the island, which played an important role in the history of the Minoan civilization, and also left behind many mysteries and assumptions about the date of the start of their construction.
• Labyrinth of the Minotaur. Many scientists believe that it is Knossos palace and there is nothing more than a labyrinth in which King Minos settled the Minotaur. This is believed to be due to the intricate system of the interior of the palace, and the dimensions of the building are practically immeasurable. You will also have to check whether the Palace of Knossos is in fact the labyrinth of the Minotaur, it is located 5 km from Heraklion.
• The largest in Europe Samaria gorge or, in other words, Samaria National Park, located in the Lefka Ori mountains in southwest Crete.
• The ancient city of Gortyna survived its power and heyday during the Pre-Aryan era. The ruins of fortresses and monasteries of more than 2000 square meters have been preserved there. meters. And the city's code of laws, carved on the wall of the Odeon, is more than 2,500 years old, and it is one of the oldest written legislative documents in Europe.

Holidays in Rhodes

Rhodes is the most beloved island among our compatriots. And all at the expense of fairly reasonable prices for tours and a large number of them. You can safely go to the island to have a rest for almost everyone: both parents with children, and pensioners, and connoisseurs of beauty.

Greece, Rhodes island, port, Aegean Sea / © Emilia_Baczynska / pixabay

• The island has a well-developed infrastructure.
• There are many different attractions in Rhodes.
• Local restaurants and cafes are famous for their delicious national cuisine.
• In Rhodes, an excellent vacation will be for parents with children, aged tourists and everyone who travels to the sea, first of all, to visit local historical monuments there.
• There are a lot of excellent beaches, eyes diverge where to go, since the western coast of Rhodes is washed by the Aegean Sea, and the eastern one is washed by the Mediterranean.

• There are attractions on the island, but they are located far from the center of the resort.
• Strong winds are possible in Rhodes, especially on the Aegean coast.
• There are many beaches on the island, but there are few sandy beaches among them.

Rhodes beaches

While vacationing in Rhodes, you can swim in two seas: the Aegean in the west and the Mediterranean in the east. As these two seas are not similar to each other, so are the shores and beaches of the island.

Rhodes has both sandy and pebble beaches, but most of them are sandy and pebble. So there are sandy beaches on the Mediterranean coast, in Faliraki and Kallithea, Kolimbia, Tsambiki, and pebble or sandy-pebble - on the Aegean coast, in Ixia, Ialyssos.

The Aegean coast is a bit windy, while the sea is exhilarating and cooler and is preferred by surfers. The Mediterranean coast is calmer, the wind, if any, is minimal and light, and the sea is calm and warm, an ideal place for families with children.

Weather in Rhodes

The tourist season in Rhodes lasts from May to early November, and the best time to relax is from June to October, when the sea is warm and the sun is shining brightly.

If you also plan to visit the sights, then choose the velvet season from September to early November, then the heat is gone, and the sea is still warm.

The low season begins in the second half of November, when there are no tourists and some hotels and restaurants are closed, a chilly wind blows and it rains.

What to see in Rhodes?

Excursions on the island are good because you don't have to go far, the island is small, from the southern coast to the northern one only 90 km.

• The following tourist spots are considered the most popular attractions among vacationers: Acropolis, Old Town, Rhodes Fortress, as well as Valley of the Butterflies, landscape Rodini park.
• The female half of the guests of the island travels en masse to monastery of the Mother of God Tsambika, which is located on the east coast, near the town of Archengolos, 29 km from Rhodes. It is believed that after visiting this holy place, newlyweds do not have problems with childbirth.
• Also, many tourists visit the valley of the Seven Springs. According to the legend, anyone who overcomes his fear and dares to pass an ankle-deep dark tunnel in icy water, at the exit from it, to be cleansed of seven sins. The valley is located in the city of Lindos, 25 km from Rhodes, on the Mediterranean coast.

Holidays in Corfu

The picturesque island of Corfu, the northernmost of all the Greek islands, is famous for its lush green nature, rocky mountains and winding coastline where quiet coves hide.

Here you can have a relaxing beach holiday with children in hotels with high European standards and adjoining sandy beaches with a gentle entrance to the water.

• The island has a mild climate, no intense heat in high season, beautiful nature and excellent beaches.
• A bonus for all holidaymakers on the island is two seas: the Adriatic in the west and the Ionian in the east. So there is something to think about, which resort and which sea to choose for relaxation.
• The island's resorts are praised by both retirement tourists and families with children, mainly for the pleasant climate, comfortable beaches and picturesque nature, as well as for the absence of noisy establishments.

Corfu beaches

The Ionian coast of the island is diverse, there are beaches with fine golden sand, a gentle entrance to the water and pebble, rocky shores. This coastline is mostly popular with diving enthusiasts.

The most beautiful and popular beach among tourists - Sidari beach... It is separated on 2 sides by rocks that form a beautiful bay, ideal for a quiet rest. Tourists also love the beaches: Barbati, Kalami, Paleokastritsa, Dassia, Agios Gordios, and youth choose Kavos and Sidari.

Prices for tours to Corfu

Tours for holidays in Corfu are not the cheapest and in the recent past, holidays on the island could cost you a pretty penny, but the resort is developing and gaining more and more popularity, due to this, budget hotels 3 and 4 * appear.

Corfu weather

Corfu is popular with tourists due to its mild Mediterranean climate. In winter, it is not cold and there is practically no rain, and in summer it is not hot, even in the high season and a light wind blows, the air temperature is about + 28 ° C.

Sea water for bathing warms up enough only in mid-June, and by July the water temperature reaches + 25 ° C.

It will be comfortable for all categories of guests: children, pensioners, and youth. Due to the low temperatures, the beach season on the island begins later than on other southern islands, and it ends earlier, in the second half of September it starts raining.

What to see in Corfu?

While on vacation on the island of Corfu, be sure to visit the architectural sights that the island has acquired throughout its history.

So the island at one time belonged to the Italians, and the British, and the French, so there is something to see, even a simple walk along medieval streets reminiscent of the French so much, will be a pleasure.

• Be sure to visit the majestic Palace of Saints Michael and George, which originally served as a residence British lord.
• Also take a guided tour of Achillion palace, built Austrian Empress Elizabeth in 1890 . It is located just half an hour from the capital of the island of Kerkyra.
• From archaeological sites you can also explore Old Fortress Paleo Frurio, 14 km from the capital of the island.
• Castle Angelokastro popular with tourists, it is also known as the fortress of the Archangel Michael. The castle sits at the top of a slope, the highest point of the island's northeastern coastline.

It will be interesting for children to visit Sidari Water Park, 10 minutes from Sidari beach, or take a boat ride with the whole family, especially since you do not need a driver's license when driving a boat up to 30 horsepower.

Holidays on Kos

The small island of Kos is a resort for the elite, located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea. There is a lot of greenery and great beaches, which are especially loved by Hollywood stars.

• Holidays on the island are considered one of the best for families with children, as well as romantic youth and conservative pensioners.

Prices for tours to Kos

Although the island of Kos is positioned as a resort for wealthy tourists, if you really want to, you can find a suitable tour that will not hit your budget, especially if you consider holidays in the velvet season from September to October and with early booking.

Tours toKos	High season	Low season
For 7 days

Kos weather

Holidays on the island are not as highly in demand as other island resorts in Greece, but the rest here will be just as good. The weather is warm from April to October, this is the time for the influx of tourists from all over the world.

The highest air temperatures are observed from June to the first half of September, + 30 ° C and above. Low season weather, from November to March, is characterized by heavy rains and cold air temperatures of + 15-19 ° C.

You can swim from about May to October. And the most successful time for a beach holiday is the second half of September and October. At this time, you can already swim to your heart's content in the warm sea and are not afraid of sunburn.

Weather forSpit

Day air temperature

Air temperature at night Ancient Agora. Ancient agora- this is the historical part of the island with many ruins dating back to completely different eras, and it is located in the city of Kos, right on the coast. It will also be interesting for you to visit Archaeological Museum of Kos, Venetian fortress Antimachia 20 km from the capital of the island. Also appreciate the significant archaeological site of Kos Asclepeion, which is only 4 km from the town of Kos. Holidays in Santorini Probably, there is not a single person who has not heard of the fabulous island of Santorini or Thira. This volcanic island in the Aegean Sea is small but distinctive. Here life seems to stop, and the blue and white houses of local residents are as natural and beautiful as the local nature, all this is an integral part of the landscape of the island. Yes, Santorini is an expensive island, many tourists allow themselves to look here only for one day and as part of an excursion group. But the island is fabulous, so you can safely hope for a miracle, namely early booking, last minute tours and the right month of the year. Mid-spring in Santorini is the beginning of the tourist season, and it lasts until the end of October. High season: June, July, August - this is an active sun, warm sea, delicious food and night discos, time for young people and a romantic getaway for two. In the velvet season, September and October, the older generation and tourists come who cannot stand the heat, but love the warm sea. The low season, from November to March, is characterized by rather cold weather with wind and rain. What to see in Santorini? To get to know the island, it would be ideal to go to one of the festivals taking place here. They are most often held on religious holidays. For example, in July they celebrate Agios Ioannis in Monolithos, and in August - day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary... At the end of the beach season, they also celebrate Jazz and Wine Festivals. The history buff will be interested to know that Santorini is considered part of the once-existing Atlantis. And in confirmation of this, there are many historical monuments on the island: For instance, antique and the main one on the island Fira town(Thira), which was formed as a result of the strongest volcanic eruption in the 16th century. BC e. The ruins of residential buildings and temples have been preserved there, and many interesting finds are also exhibited in Museum of Tyra. And 12 km from Tira is the city Akrotiri and his eponymous Archaeological reserve. Among the main religious buildings of the island: a snow-white cathedral with a bright blue roof - Ayiu Mina Church and Monastery of Elijah the Prophet with a library and a rich collection of icons.

I love the sea and Europe! Been to Cyprus 10 times, delighted with Mallorca and the islands.

The list of Greek islands for holidays, where excellent seascapes are combined with ancient antique artifacts, has more than 100 names.

Tourists planning a trip may come in handy with a checklist:

1. Season. The optimal period for a beach holiday is from May to September. Comfortable air and sea temperatures will allow you to combine sea bathing with an excursion program. In the autumn-winter time, the mild climate and temperatures in the range of + 10 ... + 14 ° С give tourists the opportunity to take long walks.
2. Place. Upon arrival in Greece, a map with islands in Russian will help the tourist to plan a route in such a way as to stay on one, but at the same time visit other interesting places around.
3. Housing. When choosing it, you can focus not only on hotels and resort hotels that offer full board, but also on private apartments in small villages, thanks to which you can better feel the atmosphere of the ancient country. It is better to book this option in advance.
4. Visa. A visa is required to visit Greece, however, you can only choose those resorts where an entry permit is issued on the spot.
5. Religion. If the journey is not undertaken for the purpose of pilgrimage, it is better to avoid major religious holidays, during which access for tourists to many attractions is limited. Women are advised to take a scarf or headscarf on their travels in order to be able to visit churches.

How to get to the islands of Greece?

Direct flights from Moscow are available in summer to Crete or all year round to major cities (Athens or Thessaloniki). Of these, tourists go on vacation with domestic flights. The best ticket price is in November.
List of airlines: Aegean Airlines, Ellinair, Aeroflot, UTair.

By adjusting the duration of the connection between flights, you can have time to see the mainland sights of the country. Flights with connections in European cities are possible.

The most picturesque islands

If, when choosing a destination where to go on vacation, the tourist prefers beautiful landscapes, in Greece it is better to stay at Santorini or Skiathos. Although literally every corner of this country can compete for the title of the most picturesque.

Santorini

It is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece thanks to its interesting landscapes: the rocks are dotted with small cloudy white houses with azure roofs. Nearby are small temples with blue domes. You can appreciate the landscape by taking a boat trip on a ferry or yacht.

Despite the lack of fresh water, the locals grow fruits and vegetables, and vineyards and eucalyptus groves cover most of the land. Therefore, the rest will take place among flowers and greenery.

Santorini's beaches are impressive with black or red sand, the best of which are Perissa and Kamari.

Fans of archeology will be able to see the architectural monuments of the Cycladic civilization on the island, visit the excavations of the ancient city of Tera (9th century BC) in the east. Here you can see the ruins of old Roman baths, theaters, markets, visit the monastery of the 18th century, the archaeological museum, the monastery of the Prophet Elijah and the nunnery of St. Nicholas.

Skiathos

Monuments of ancient culture are located here along the entire coast, and the combination of interesting cuisine with seascapes and excellent beaches, of which there are more than 60, will suit visitors with different interests.

Skiathos is an island for active tourists: lovers of yachting, jet skis, parachutists. There are also sights on Skiathos: the ruins of Castro, the Venetian fortress Burtzi, the monasteries of the Mother of God and Evangelistrius. The latter are producers of local specialties. You can not only taste or buy cheese, olive oil, wine, liqueurs, but also try to make it yourself.

The best islands in Greece for a beach holiday with children or two

Resorts in Greece with sad beaches and mild climate are what you need for families with children or a couple. And Crete, the eighth largest island in Europe and the largest island in Greece, located in the Aegean Sea, will introduce tourists to the world of Greek mythology.

Evia

Located in the Northern Sporades archipelago, Evia is best for travelers with children or small quiet companies.

According to the legend, from here began the campaign to Troy, and Hercules himself treated himself to the mineral waters. This amazing climatic zone combines a centuries-old pine forest, sea beaches bordered by powerful rocks, healing mud, hot springs among mountain gorges.

At the same time, the proximity to the mainland (only 80 km to Athens, there is even a 14-kilometer bridge across the Euripus Strait) makes the most eventful excursion program possible.

Crete

Sandy beaches of Crete for families with children or two are especially good in September, when the velvet season begins on the islands of Greece. Although the mild climate and beautiful nature make it possible to swim in the sea at the end of April.
Crete is an amazing place where all the ancient myths seem to come to life against the backdrop of mesmerizing local landscapes. It is the historical and cultural center of the ancient Cretan civilization, rich in ancient monuments.

Here King Minos kept the Minotaur in his palace called the Labyrinth. And nowadays, visiting the Palace of Knossos made of different types of stone in Heraklion will delight tourists of all ages. The first use of water supply, sewerage, ventilation, and heating is associated with its construction.

Crete invites children to visit 4 water parks at once, a large CretAquarium and a wonderful family park "Labyrinth" with attractions.

The most visited island among the Ionian tourists in the west of the country. The nature reserve attracts people from all over the world with olive groves, citrus orchards, lush greenery. Corfu is famous for its high-quality service, during the season it attracts many tourists, which should be taken into account when planning a trip.

When thinking about which resort in Greece to choose for families with children, in Corfu take a look at the towns of Moraitika and Messonghi - there are long sandy beaches with a smooth descent to the sea.

History lovers will be able to ride along the Lovers' Channel in Sidar, see the Byzantine churches in Kerkyra, and in the Old City visit the royal palace, Empire style houses, and an old Venetian fort.

Belongs to the Greek Dodecanese archipelago and attracts many tourists. Hotels, bars, restaurants are concentrated here. Teenagers and young people will appreciate the party atmosphere of the central districts. The beaches of the island are shallow, safe sandy places for the whole family.

The islanders respect medicine, because Hippocrates was born here. Therefore, rest in this place among all the islands of Greece is chosen by tourists who are interested in medicine. Children will be interested to look at the thousand-year-old plane tree, which, according to legend, was planted by Hippocrates in his youth, or to take part in the traditional oath ceremony for future doctors.

The water parks Aquis Marine Resort, Lido Water Park, Go Kart centers, Baywatch water sports club are the choice of sports guys and young couples for their holidays in Kos. And very young travelers can mingle with animals in the Fisiko Parko tis Zias nature reserve.

Travel to Zakynthos if you are thinking about which Greek island to choose for a rich children's vacation at sea or a relaxing holiday for two. There are fewer tourists here than in other Greek resorts, which guarantees a measured pace of vacation.

The southernmost of the seven Ionian Islands will offer visitors not only 123 km of comfortable pebbly and sandy beaches, beautiful azure bays with grottoes and green gardens, but also a large list of hotels. In the south and southeast of Zakynthos, there is a marine reserve with rare animals such as the caretta tortoise and the monachus seal.

The island's landscapes are exquisitely complemented by Venetian towers and fortresses; the capital has a similar Venetian St. Mark's Square with a Catholic cathedral.

A place that preserves the national flavor and ancient structures. Great for walking for two after relaxing on Myrtos Beach, during which you can see sights such as:

• Drogarati cave - with a "ceremonial" hall decorated with "chandeliers" of hundreds of stalactites;
• the mystical underground lake Melissani, opened after the collapse of the ceiling of his cave, because of which the sunlight now penetrates here;
• the Venetian town of Fiskardo, the only one not affected by the terrible earthquake and therefore retaining its historical appearance.

Islands for young people and couples in love

Tourists call Rhodes among the most romantic places for recreation, and young people will appreciate the nightlife of fashionable Mykonos.

An important tourism center off the coast of Turkey. European tourists consider Rhodes the best resort in Greece. According to legend, Zeus raised him from the bottom of the sea as a gift to the sun god - Helios.

There is a variety of hotels and beaches in Rhodes: there are small hotels for couples in love looking for privacy, as well as chain hotels with night discos, 24-hour parties for dance lovers.

At the same time, the island is also attractive for visitors who are interested in archeology and the ancient world. The list of places to visit should include the ruins of ancient Kameiros, the Rhodes fortress, the castles of Archangelos and Monolithos.
Lovers should visit the Valley of the Butterflies in spring or summer.

Located in the Aegean Sea, it is the center of Greek nightlife. The resort for wealthy tourists, including world stars, is famous for its tolerance to the whims of guests. This is a place of entertainment, in a relaxed atmosphere where you can choose daily pleasures according to your mood: a party on the best beaches, shopping in stores of world fashion brands, a quiet beach vacation, meeting the dawn on a yacht, surfing, a Greek dinner under the stars.

Many of Symi's sandy or pebbly beaches are located in such a way that they can only be reached by sea. This attracts lovers to the island, who can spend their holidays here together, away from other tourists.
Interesting Greek architecture and seascapes make a good backdrop for photographs.

Ideal retreats for a secluded getaway with an authentic atmosphere

Small sparsely populated Greek islands give travelers the opportunity to experience all the traditions of the region in their original form. For many, such a vacation is preferable to a five-star service.

It is famous for its coastal line, along which stretch sandy or sandy-pebble beaches. Here you can choose a place to swim according to your taste: from organized with bars and restaurants on the shore to a sports one that offers different types of water sports. Fans of "wild" rest will also find beaches here for themselves.

Chios

The island offers a secluded getaway. There are fewer tourists here than in other Greek resorts. The beaches of Chios are the spacious black and pebble Mavra Volia Beach, the small Vroulidia Beach, consisting of a mixture of pebbles and sand. Also noteworthy are the sandy beaches of Komi and Karfas, ideal for children.

Ancient Orthodox shrines (the monasteries of Nea Moni, Ayia Markela and Agios Konstantinos) will be an interesting addition to your vacation. The closeness to Turkey can be felt by visiting the capital and seeing the 10th century fortifications with Turkish baths, the Byzantine museum located in an old mosque.

Lefkada

The island is located in the Ionian Sea. It is connected to the mainland by a pontoon bridge, which gives tourists an additional advantage: not to depend on the vagaries of nature and enjoy the scenery almost all year round. Lefkada has a mountainous landscape and lush green furnishings.

The island is a center for water sports. Kitesurfers, divers, windsurfing fans feel great here. In summer, lovers of an authentic atmosphere can take part in a major folklore festival.

Greece as a travel destination is indeed very multifaceted. There are resorts for every taste and budget (not to mention the attractions)!

Here, I made a sign to make it easier to navigate in the main Greek resorts:

Athenian Riviera

Magnificent beaches can be found within half an hour's drive from the center of the Greek capital. From the southern suburbs of Athens to Cape Sounion, there are dozens of organized and wild free beaches, surrounded by an impressive natural landscape.

The Athenian Riviera is an ideal destination for walking and swimming, as well as a variety of sports and outdoor activities, with the appropriate infrastructure.

While walking along small coves, you can simultaneously shop in modern shopping centers, dine on the seashore or have fun in the coastal clubs, famous for their incendiary atmosphere.

The main resort towns of the Athenian Riviera:

Faliro, Marina Flisvu

Flisvos has a delightful bay with a beautiful view of the Sardonic Gulf. The local marina and harbor as a whole are the hallmark of the Athenian Riviera, and the Flisvos Park is surprisingly good for relaxing walks or cycling.

Take on arms: until September 30, from Wednesday to Saturday from 17:30 to 20:30, free bicycles are offered to everyone for a three-hour walk, as part of the Tram - Bicycle. Coastal Routes ".

Glyfada

Glyfada is one of the most beautiful suburbs of Athens, distinguished by its delightful sandy beaches lined with date palms. Here you can get immense pleasure from swimming in the purest water, as well as having fun late in the famous clubs of the area.

Elegant villas, stylish shops, popular restaurants and fashionable hotels all combine to create a magnificent picture in which the beauty of nature is harmoniously combined with luxury and comfort.

Glyfada Golf Club boasts a field that meets international standards.

Voula

In 2 km south of Glyfada is the Voula region, a real decoration of the Athenian Riviera, with two well-equipped beaches and embankments: A` and B` Voulas. It is an ideal place for swimming and water sports, with excellent leisure facilities and excellent infrastructure. Especially developed here are water skiing, beach volleyball and water slides, which turn the beach into an amusement park.

Enjoy a cup of coffee right by the sea and continue your day with refreshing cocktails - right into the evening - at one of the nearby clubs.

A` Voulas Beach was awarded the Blue Flag in 2011 - a testament to its being a great place for a family vacation.

Vouliagmeni

Vouliagmeni is an impressive suburb of lush vegetation and beautiful beaches. Here are some of the most fashionable hotels and respectable restaurants in Attica, as well as famous nightlife entertainment centers that can satisfy the needs of the most discerning visitors. Don't miss the opportunity to swim in the crystal waters of Asteras Beach, which was awarded the Blue Flag in 2011, and unwind serenely while admiring the beauty of the surrounding nature.

Please note: Lake Vouliagmeni is a site of exceptional natural beauty that is definitely worth a visit.

Varkiza

Varkiza is one of the most popular tourist resorts along the coastline, with beautiful bays and excellent geophysics of the landscape. Here you can swim on the beaches with crystal clear waters, as well as do water sports.

Be sure to sample the unique fresh fish and seafood dishes in the traditional taverns and ouzerí (wine-glasses).

For windsurfing enthusiasts: here you will have an unforgettable windsurfing experience thanks to the well-organized infrastructure.

The scenic coastal route along the Saronic Gulf also includes unique tourist resorts such as Lagonisi and Saronida, ending at Cape Sounion, dominated by the majestic Temple of Poseidon.

How to get to Athens suburbs - Athenian Riviera?

In order to get to the suburbs, in addition to taxis, you can use the tram departing from Syntagma (Constitution) Square:

1st route- tram line T1 going towards Neo Faliro (SEF stop)

2nd route- line T2 in the direction of Vula (stop "Asklpiio Voulas").

Line Τ3- the Vula - Neo Faliro routes are perhaps the most scenic route, providing its passengers with the opportunity to enjoy a walk along the coastline.

In addition to tram routes, the southern suburbs are served by bus routes:

• Β3(Academia - Glyfada, along Vouliagmeni Avenue)
• Ε22(Academia - Saronida, express).

Thessaloniki

The second largest city in Greece after Athens. Strictly speaking, it is not a resort, because to swim here, you have to go out of town. But in Thessaloniki itself there is a lot of interesting things for the traveler: ancient sights (White Tower, Arch and Tomb of Galerius, agora, Roman Forum), museums, a water park and an amusement park, nightclubs, restaurants and family taverns, and many shops, including, shops of fur coats.

pros

• own airport
• many attractions
• the opportunity to see the sights of the Greek capital, to which it takes quite a long time to get by land transport from other resorts
• rich nightlife
• fur shops

Minuses

• not suitable for lovers of active and extreme recreation
• beaches outside the city

Crete

The largest island in Greece, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean region. It is considered one of the most popular European resorts. By the way, it is closer to Africa than to Europe, which is why the season here lasts longer than in other Greek resorts, but it can be very hot in July-August. There are most of the hotels and a huge number of attractions: archaeological excavations in Knossos, Malia, Festa and Gortyna, medieval Venetian buildings in Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno, the Samaria Gorge, the picturesque Lassithi plateau with the cave of Zeus located on it. The most picturesque coastline in the area of ​​the cities of Elounda, with modern marinas for yachts, and Agios Nikolaos, with its unique lake connected to the Aegean Sea by a narrow channel.

Also from here you can easily go on a cruise to the neighboring Greek islands: Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and others. Every year Crete hosts an arts festival and a colorful carnival in Rethymno. Active guests can go diving here.

pros

• own airport
• most developed infrastructure
• a huge number of attractions
• you can go diving

Minuses

• the most popular resort in Greece - many tourists in the "high" season

Island of rhodes

A true pearl of the Mediterranean: this island is rich in natural beauty and archaeological sites (the historical part of the city of Rhodes is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and, believe me, it is worth it!). The history of the island is closely intertwined with the history of the Knights of the Order of Malta. Unsurprisingly, the island is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece.

In summer, a variety of festivals are held in Rhodes: medieval, where residents in historical costumes arrange a fair, demonstration knightly duels and other fascinating performances, and a watermelon festival, where you can see many amazing crafts made from this berry: plates, candlesticks, soccer balls, hats, and also ride on watermelon rinds.

pros

• professional windsurfing and kitesurfing station
• there is a casino
• one day cruises to Turkey (Marmaris)

Minuses

• it can be too windy, especially on the Aegean coast

Corfu island

The greenest Greek island for lovers of a relaxing holiday. Here it is pleasant to lie on a sandy beach (average temperature in summer is + 25-30 ° C) or go on a leisurely boat trip through the lagoons and caves.

An interesting experience can be a safari-style trip or a bike ride through the picturesque places of Corfu. Those who cannot sit still can find centers on the beaches for organizing kitesurfing, jet skiing, parachuting, diving, etc. Saint Spyridon of Trimifuntsky.

pros

• own airport
• the greenest island
• great for families with children

Minuses

• not many attractions and entertainment, it can be boring
• a rather narrow strip of beaches along the highway; beaches are not everywhere - sandy
• shortest beach season

Santorini Island (Fira)

The most mysterious and unusual island of the Cyclades group. In 1500-1650 BC. at this place there was a powerful earthquake and a volcanic eruption - the surviving remnant of the crater and became the island of Santorini. Because of this, there are black mountains and beaches of various colors - white, red and black.

Many researchers, including the famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau, still assume that it is here, in the volcano's caldera, after an earthquake plunged to a depth of 300-400 meters, that the lost Atlantis is located. Many tourists choose this island for romantic dinners, weddings and honeymoons: the breathtaking views and the unique atmosphere of the island dispose to this.

Some interesting facts about the island:

1. The hypothesis of the death of the Minoan civilization, as a result of the eruption of the Santorini volcano, is considered the most plausible, but not the only one. There are versions that the culprit could have been the Achaean Greeks who invaded from the mainland.
2. Jules Verne visited Santorini with a group of volcanologists. What he learned here was used by him to describe a volcanic eruption in the novel The Mysterious Island.
3. The pumice stone from the Santorini quarries was used in the 1860s for the construction of the Suez Canal.
4. In the bay near the port lies a circle of black mourning buoys. This is the site of the sinking in 2007 of the Greek cruise ship Sea Diamond, as a result of an impact on a volcanic reef of one of the five islands that make up the Santorini archipelago - Nea Kameni.
5. There is a NATO base in Santorini.

Santorini has long been ranked first in the list of the most beautiful islands in the world, leaving behind Bali (Indonesia), Cape Breton (Canada), Boracay (Philippines), Great Barrier Reef (Australia).

The beauty of Santorini is truly impressive. At the same time, admiring the magnificent caldera, you do not forget for a second that this beauty carries danger and destruction. Here, you instantly realize all the power of nature and our planet and get imbued with the feeling of how defenseless a person can be in front of this power.

A day trip to Santorini, for example from Crete, can be a pleasant boat trip for the first acquaintance with Santorini, however, during such an excursion, you will definitely not have enough time to get acquainted with the beauty and sights of the island.

Some of the attractions and hiking trails of Santorini:

• Excavations of an ancient city near the village of Akrotiri, 15 km south of the island's capital, Fira. The city was buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash during the eruption, thanks to which it is perfectly preserved. It consists of 2-3-storey buildings, inside of which well-preserved frescoes were discovered, somewhat reminiscent of the Cretan Minoan palaces.
• Walking route Oya - Fira starting with a trail on the caldera and leading along the old road to the churches Profitis Ilias and Timios Stavros on the top of the mountain.
• Scenic walking route Imerovigli - Skaros, lasting about 30 minutes and leading to the Venetian fortified castle Skaros towering over the sea on top of a sheer cliff.
• Perissa - Massa Vuno - Ancient Fira... This route from Perissa Beach (black volcanic sand) will take you to Mass Vuno, where was the ancient Fira, the capital of the island, and now excavations are underway, visiting which, you can see the agora, theater, Roman baths, sanctuary, Gymnasium.
• Be sure to take a boat trip around the caldera, visiting the islands of Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni and Ferasia. The uninhabited islet of Nea Kameni is the most visited among tourists - it, in fact, is an active volcano that last erupted in 1956. The landscape of the island of Nea Kameni is absolutely lifeless; when visiting, it is recommended to have a hat with you and wear shoes with dense soles, since the soil on the island near the crater heats up to + 80 ° С! On the island of Palea Kameni there are thermal springs with blue-yellow water due to the high sulfur content. You can swim in them, but you will have to throw out your swimsuits and swimming trunks after that. it cannot be washed.

pros

• exotic black beaches
• the most beautiful and romantic views in all of Greece
• the opportunity to walk around the crater of the volcano
• numerous music festivals are held here in summer

Minuses

• no direct flights from Russia
• not suitable for families with children

Kos island

A small cozy island (only 112 km of coastline), part of the Southern Sporades archipelago. Strong winds often blow here, because of this, most of the northern coast is not developed. The best places for a beach holiday are to the right of the capital (on the map) or to the left to the cape. It is considered the birthplace of the ancient physician Hippocrates.

pros

• has its own international airport
• suitable for a calm, measured rest
• natural and architectural and historical sights for every taste

Minuses

• may be windy
• located in a seismically unstable area

Zakynthos island (Zakynthos)

Zakynthos is one of the three Ionian islands of Greece, located near the Peloponnese (9.5 nautical miles) and Kefalonia (8.5 nautical miles). A picturesque island with numerous beaches, Navagio Bay - the symbol of the island (you can see it in any post about Zakynthos), Caretta-Caretta turtles, magnificent old Venetian mansions, etc. The capital of the island - the city of Zakynthos - resembles a Medieval town with narrow cobbled streets and beautiful squares. where the mansions of Venetian merchants with loggias and arched galleries are perfectly preserved.

pros

• great beaches
• developed tourist infrastructure
• scenic views

Minuses

• Perhaps for some, in Zakynthos, in contrast to the nearby island of Kefalonia, there may not be enough "spirit of true Greece" - as in many popular tourist destinations, there is a dominance of pizzerias and McDonald's, for the needs of British and Italian tourists who have settled here for a long time

Kefalonia Island (Kefalonia)

The largest and most mountainous island in the Ionian Sea, located near the Peloponnese, between Ithaca, Zakynthos and Lefkada. Picturesque, green and very clean island. Unfortunately, many of the architectural landmarks of the Venetian occupation on the island were destroyed by the earthquake in 1953, however, there are many great places to visit on the island. The "visiting card" of the island is the world famous beach of Myrtos.

pros

• great beaches
• well suited for families with children
• here you can feel the "real", not adapted for the English-Italian tourist, Greece

Minuses

• transport accessibility of the island is relatively difficult for Russians

Mykonos island

Mykonos is the capital of Greece's nightlife, a vibrant mosaic of wonderful beaches and picturesque streets. The name of this island has long become a symbol of prestigious and fashionable rest and life "to the fullest." Representatives of the world bohemia and the offspring of noble families of Europe love to relax here. The destination is also very popular with gay tourists.

pros

• great beaches
• wonderful tourist infrastructure
• scenic views

Minuses

• transport accessibility of the island is relatively difficult for Russians

Halkidiki peninsula

Halkidiki is three quite different peninsulas, with their outlines resembling the trident of Zeus. The most popular among tourists is on the far left - the Kassandra peninsula. The tourist infrastructure is most developed here: there are many hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. The middle peninsula, Sithonia, is known for its picturesque landscapes and wild beaches.

Pine groves, the cleanest Aegean Sea, soft sand and cozy bays make Halkidiki attractive for families with children. The third, easternmost, peninsula is the monastery Aion-Oros (Athos or "Holy Mountain", where there are 19 Orthodox monasteries). Entry into this "monastic state" is possible only for men, it is limited and requires a separate permit.

pros

• picturesque landscapes
• pine groves
• clean sandy beaches with a gentle entrance
• there is a casino

Minuses

• long transfer from the airport to most hotels

Peloponnese Peninsula

Really huge (area 22 million km 2) is called "Greece in miniature", there is everything for which we love this hospitable country: beautiful beaches, picturesque mountain ranges, lively tourist centers and traditional villages with a patriarchal lifestyle, legendary antique cities and archaeological sites and much, much more!

In the west, the peninsula is washed by the Ionian Sea, and in the east - by the Aegean Sea. The six-kilometer Corinth Canal, which was dug by hand in the 19th century, connects the two seas.

The main cities of the Peloponnese are: Patras, Sparta, Tripoli, Pyrgos, Kalamata, Araxos, Naflion and Corinth.

pros

• own international airport
• great beaches
• ideal for a relaxing family vacation, incl. with kids
• an abundance of truly significant and interesting tourist attractions
• scenic views
• all-seasonality of some SPA-resorts

Minuses

• there are no large resorts: hotels and apartments are rather scattered

Pieria

The capital of the region is the city of Katerini, and the most popular seaside resort is Paralia. I amazed by the abundance of fur shops (almost every factory in Kastoria considers it its duty to open a fur salon in Paralia). Therefore, if the purpose of your trip is to purchase furs, and you are not planning a full 1-2 week vacation in Greece, Paralia and the neighboring coastal towns may be a good option. In other cases, I'm not sure: the beaches that we saw here cannot fully compete with the beaches I saw earlier in other parts of Greece, in particular: the suburbs of Athens, the Halkidiki peninsula, the islands of Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini and others, - neither by the cleanliness of the coast and water, or the tourist infrastructure.

Being in the mainland of Greece, it is definitely worth getting to know the beauty of Pieria: it is here that the habitat of the ancient Greek gods is located - the famous Mount Olympus with a magnificent national natural park on the slopes. The picturesque villages and mountain resorts at the foot of Olympus are full of charm. The mountain village of Litochoro impressed me with its extraordinary atmosphere.

And in addition to natural beauty, there are many archaeological sites in the vicinity: Dion, Pidna, Paliambela Kolindru and Platamonas.

So, I would advise you to visit Pieria, but not for a beach holiday, but for the purpose of excursions or buying a fur coat.

pros

• an interesting destination for sightseeing holidays, as well as all those who are fond of mountain sports
choose and buy with a discount an organized tour to Greece with a departure from any city in Russia, from the most reliable tour operators

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Tatiana Solomatina

Which resort to choose in Greece?

Hello again, dear readers! It's December and summer is still far away, but already now many are thinking about a vacation. I would like to draw your attention to sunny Greece.

Pieria

Pieria is a fairly large region located between the city of Thessaloniki and the capital. Vacationers will like the fact that you can combine sightseeing holidays with the beach. Not far from here are the famous, it is convenient to get to Athens.

The area is located at the base of the Olympus mountain range. If you have a car, housing can be rented in small villages in the mountainous part, this will allow you to hike and enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery, while being close to the sea and in complete silence.

Sandy beaches interspersed with small pebbles and smooth entry into the water, a large selection of water activities, create the best conditions for families with children.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second most important metropolis in Greece after the capital. However, due to the competent layout of the streets, there is no crowding and feeling of the crowd. It is pleasant to walk along the streets of the city, looking at the numerous architectural monuments.

The rest will appeal to young people; various festivals are often held in the city, and musical events are offered.

Hair

Volos is not yet such a well-known place as other resorts in Greece, but it is quite comfortable and beautiful. Despite the fact that all the infrastructure is available, there are few tourists. There is no airport nearby and public transport is difficult. However, if you are by car, it is better to take a closer look at the resort.

There is no beach in the city itself. But in the surrounding villages there are amazing coves with clean and transparent water. Peace and quiet are guaranteed. It will be of interest to tourists who like a relaxing holiday surrounded by beautiful nature. Perfect for families with small children, but teenagers will be bored here.

In conclusion about the mainland resorts, I want to say that if you are going for a beach vacation and do not aim to visit certain attractions located only there, then it is better to choose other resorts in Greece. In my opinion, the beaches on the islands are better, there are more bays, the sea is more beautiful, and there are no less interesting historical sites than on the mainland, although there are always exceptions.

Peninsula

Halkidiki

Halkidiki is one of my favorite places in Greece. Very green with many small beautiful coves. In some places, the rocks hang fancifully over the emerald transparent water, creating natural grottoes. There are very few people, most of the peninsula is magnificent, wild, untouched nature.

There are also disadvantages. There are few attractions here. And those that are, are located far enough away. If you do not plan, then you need to choose housing in towns where there is the necessary infrastructure, or take a tour to. Because, as in small villages it is difficult to find a good store or ATM.

This place is just meant for a beach holiday. Here you can find quiet and uncrowded resorts or even rent a house on the beach far from everyone. Luxurious nature and magnificent beaches will not leave indifferent any tourist.

Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is a fairly popular place, but more for outdoor activities, there are many ancient sights here. Sparta, which in those ancient times became famous for its opposition to Athens, is located here. As a rule, tourists come here to visit certain historical sites.

As in all of Greece, there are excellent beaches and beautiful nature. Of the minuses, it is difficult to get here. In the summer, Aeroflot occasionally flies, but there is no constant connection with Russia. It is possible to fly through other cities in Greece, but this lengthens the journey and makes the transfer difficult.

Islands

Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece and one of the best holiday destinations. Here you can find everything a tourist needs. The unusual mountain landscape and magnificent sandy beaches, especially in the north of the island, will not leave anyone indifferent.

Suitable for recreation for literally everyone, it is not difficult to find something to their liking, there are many interesting places, a huge choice of accommodation for every wallet.

You might be interested in these articles:

Rhodes

Rhodes is a favorite island of Russian tourists, thanks to a large selection of tours and reasonable prices. The vegetation here is slightly less than in Crete, there are many cozy coves, there are historical monuments.

You can safely go to rest for everyone. As in Cyprus, infrastructure is well developed everywhere, there are many beaches, only the prices are slightly lower.

I wrote a separate article about this island. There is a lot of useful tourist information there. And the article contains a complete overview of the island's resorts.

Corfu

Corfu is located in the west of Greece. A very picturesque green island. The coastline is winding, there are many rocks in which quiet coves hide. It is not difficult to find secluded places here, there is beautiful nature around. Cozy hotels offer true European service. The island is comfortable for families with children, soft sand and a gentle entrance to the water. Read more about the best beaches in Corfu.

Kos

Kos is a chic and expensive resort for the elite, it's not for nothing that Hollywood stars choose it for recreation. The island is small, located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea. There is a lot of greenery here, the nature is very beautiful.

The prices are high, so you probably won't be able to have a budget vacation. You can see the cost here.

Zakynthos

Zakynthos is an amazingly beautiful island that you want to return to. Two rows of mountain ranges protect the valley from bad weather. Lush vegetation, sheer cliffs, picturesque bays with golden sand closed from the sea - a real paradise for tourists.

Unfortunately, people rarely land on the island; you can only get here by local airlines or ferry.

Santorini

Santorini is a small volcanic island with 70 km of coastline. The white houses of local residents are laconically inscribed in the mountain landscape. It has its own kind of aristocratic, cozy atmosphere. Life flows slowly, time seems to stop.

If you step back a bit from the hiking trails, you can find wilderness and enjoy the solitude. The beaches of the island are very diverse, even the sand in each place has its own shade, from pale yellow to bright red.

Rest on the island is expensive. As a rule, tourists come here for one day as part of excursion groups.

Find information on Santorini.

conclusions

There are many resorts in Greece and it is really difficult to choose. Beautiful nature and gorgeous beaches can be found in almost every corner of this sunny country. So where is the best place to relax in Greece? How many people, so many opinions. Where one likes it, the other will not necessarily be good there.

If you, dear readers, are interested in my opinion, now I would act in the following sequence:

1. We read general information about the country and the main resorts
2. We look at the prices for tours or accommodation and air tickets (you may come across cheap tickets and it will be more profitable to go on your own)
3. Based on the second point, we decide how to rest, through a tour operator or by yourself. How to make the right decision I wrote
4. Most likely, for the first acquaintance with the country, I would choose one of the islands, focusing on price-nature-quality-easy transfer (in this sequence). You may have other priorities.
5. Having decided on the island, read detailed information about the resorts of this place, based on the latest reviews on the network
6. Then choose accommodation, hotel or house (if not a tour)
7. Now redeem the tour or tickets (if you are driving on your own)

This plan is not suitable only for those who purposefully go to see certain attractions. It is easier for such tourists, they just need to choose a resort closer to the desired places of visit.

That's all I wanted to tell you about, I hope you have a general picture of the resorts in Greece.

My personal impressions can soon be learned from the stories in the "My travels" section. In the meantime, I suggest you read the article. It seems to me that this is a topical issue. Subscribe to my mailing list and be the first to receive new publications.

Recently, in some minor magazine, I came across a note that this country will also soon be closed to Russians. Allegedly, they will make a couple of provocations for this purpose. Heard nothing? It will be a great pity. Write in the comments what you think about this. Very interesting to read.

And I say goodbye to you for a little while. Share the article on social networks, convenient buttons are below.

Tatiana Solomatina