- this is not just another tourist trip, but a real journey into the past, an opportunity to touch the living history of this country - the cradle of ancient civilization. Moreover, Greece is one of the most favorite beach holiday countries among tourists. It is located in the southern part of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula and consists of more than two thousand islands washed by five seas: Mediterranean, Cretan, Ionian, Aegean, Libyan. On the largest islands: Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Crete, Peloponnese, Chalkidiki, Chios, Samos, Mykonos, there are the best resorts in Greece.

Rhodes Island- the southernmost island, located next to Turkey, this is a place, since ancient times shrouded in myths, where the Sun God - Helios lived, and also, this is the birthplace of the seventh wonder of the world - the statue of the Colossus of Rhodes. The island of Rhodes is famous for the abundance of sunny days a year, its Mediterranean climate and numerous forests: coniferous, cypress, plane, and citrus. This island is washed by two seas at once: the Aegean in the west and the Mediterranean in the east, and in its center there are mountains.

Resorts of Greece on the west coast of Rhodes in the Aegean Sea, represented by the cities of Ialyssos and Ixia. If young people and active tourists like to relax in Ialyssos, due to the presence of a constant wave, then the resort of Ixia is preferred by connoisseurs of luxury holidays. The beaches at these resorts are sand and pebble or large-pebble, the water in the sea is very clean and clear. The largest European Windsurfing Center is located here.

Resorts of Greece on the east coast of Rhodes in the Mediterranean Sea, are represented by the cities of Kallithea, Faliraki, Afandou, Kolymbia. People come here for youth, romantic, beach and family holidays. All the beaches are very wide and sandy, with excellent entry into the sea, there are many interesting entertainments for children and a vibrant nightlife, due to the presence of bars, restaurants, taverns, and discos.

Kallithea Resort– quiet and secluded, there are mineral springs, there are many coniferous forests around, all the beaches are sandy.

Faliraki Resort– famous for its magnificent sandy beaches - the best on the island of Rhodes. There is a very active nightlife and many shops. The city has a Waterpark and Luna Park.

Resort Kolymbia– a young and developing resort in Greece, suitable for a calm and measured holiday. There are hotels here for both luxury and budget holidays, mostly all hotels are located in a eucalyptus grove.

Resorts of Greece on the southeast coast of Rhodes, represented by the cities of Lindos, Lardos, Kiotari, Kalathos.

Lindos Resort- the largest resort center, located fifty kilometers from the capital of Rhodes, famous for its cozy bays and the location of the ancient military fort of the Crusaders, as well as the Acropolis, more ancient than the Acropolis of Athens. By the way, this is where the best ceramics on the entire island of Rhodes are made. And nearby is the “Valley of Seven Springs”, where, thanks to numerous springs, flowers are fragrant all year round. For fun people go to Lindos, one of the best resorts in Greece.

Resorts Lahanya and Plymiri, are famous for their sandy beaches and the presence of separate four- and five-star hotels on their territory, offering guests ideal conditions for a relaxing holiday, well-developed infrastructure and the highest level of service.

Corfu Island- is part of the Ionian Islands and is the second largest Greek island, as well as the greenest and most romantic. The capital of the island of Corfu is Kerkyra. The island of Corfu is very interesting and original, as it combines the great heritage of several cultures: Byzantine, Roman, Venetian. Basically, resorts on the islands of Corfu are located in the eastern tip of the island and in the west.

Resort Agios Spyridon– located on the territory of a nature reserve, there is an excellent sandy beach, right on which stands the Church of St. Spyridon. The resort is forty kilometers away from the capital of the island.

Nissaki resort– located twenty-five kilometers from the capital. It is dominated by picturesque bays and small-pebble beaches, above which rise steep cliffs and Mount Pantokrator.

Resorts of Greece on the northern coast of Corfu, delight travelers with the stunning beauty of the landscapes and their fantastic bays. They are represented by the cities of Roda, Sidari, Acharavi, Kassiopi.

Resorts of Greece in central and eastern Corfu- are famous for their lively nightlife and the presence of a lot of entertainment in bars, restaurants, cafes, taverns, which give the cities a special flavor.

Resort Dassia– all enveloped in the greenery of gardens and groves leading down to the local sandy beaches. It is located twelve kilometers from the capital of the island. This is an ideal place for a family vacation, although in recent years, young people, along with water sports enthusiasts, have often begun to come here.

Resort Kommeno- a very picturesque place on a private peninsula, considered the most elite area of ​​Corfu. By the way, here is the most pretentious and expensive five-star hotel on the island - Grecotel Corfu Imperial.

Resorts Kanoni, Perama and Benitses- offer tourists a calm and quiet holiday, and for active nightlife it is better to go to the youth resorts of Moraitika or Messonghi.

Resort Paleokastritsa– is located twenty-five kilometers from the capital of Corfu and is famous for its clear sea, steep cliffs, greenery and incredibly beautiful bays with sandy beaches. Divers love to relax here.

Kos Island- the third largest in the country, washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea and extremely popular among tourists. There are both sandy and small-pebble beaches. The entire island is covered with green forests and groves. There are many historical attractions and castles. The Greek island of Kos is among the top cheapest beach holiday destinations.

Resorts of Greece in the southern part of Kos island, are represented by the cities of Kardamena and Kamari. There are excellent sandy beaches, very calm sea and clear water. Here in Kefalos Bay is an ideal place for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Psalidi Resort– offers tourists pebble beaches and emerald-colored sea. Thermal springs are located a ten-minute drive from this resort. The Turkish resort of Bodrum can be seen in the distance.

Resorts of Greece on the northern coast of Kos, represent the cities of Tigaki, Marmari, Mastichari. They all have excellent sandy beaches. If you like active recreation, windsurfing and wave riding, then pay attention to the Marmari resort, where it is always windy and big waves. But the most popular resorts on the Greek island of Kos are Kardamena and Tigaki. Youth resort towns of Kos - Kardamena, Tigaki, Psalidi.

Crete- leader in the number of vacationers. And no wonder, because it is washed by three seas at once: the Aegean, Ionian, Libyan Sea! A beach holiday on the island of Crete can be combined with an excursion, allowing you to get to know Greece as much as possible, its history, traditions, attractions, exotic nature, gorgeous landscapes and the hospitality of the Greeks. Among other things, it has the longest swimming season in Greece, and the water warms up to twenty-five degrees. The climate of Crete is the mildest and healthiest in Europe, and the sun continues to shine three hundred days a year! Holidays in Crete are recommended for weather-sensitive people, since the atmospheric pressure here practically does not change, which does not force vacationers to spend invaluable time on acclimatization. Holidays on the Greek island of Crete are chosen by both young people and families with children, both newlyweds and elderly people, both lovers of a quiet holiday and extreme sports enthusiasts. Crete is universal and suitable for everyone!

Resorts of the central region of Crete. Heraklion is a developed region, where the international airport is located, as well as the capital of the island, the resort city of the same name, Heraklion. Young people and lovers of active recreation will appreciate such noisy resorts as Stalida, Hersonissos, Malia, thanks to the numerous entertainment in the form of bars, nightclubs, and discos. Local beaches are sand and pebble, entry into the sea is convenient. When there is wind, high waves rise on the Cretan Sea. For a relaxing holiday in this region, pay attention to the resorts of Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Ammoudara, Agios Pelagia. A huge plus is that in these cities there are various categories of hotels and inns, including hostels, which allow you to save money on accommodation and spend it on exploring the historical sights of the island of Crete. Families with children often come here, as there is a Water Park nearby.

Lasithi Resort- is located an hour and a half drive from the airport. This is a place for a relaxing and luxury holiday on sandy beaches located in cozy, gently sloping bays with convenient access to the sea. Nearby is the most respectable resort of the island of Crete - the city of Elounda.

Resort Rethymno– located in the north of the island of Crete. The beach here is sand and pebbles, with a gentle entrance to the sea. The audience that comes to this resort is different: families with children, young people, retirees.

Chania resort- located in the western part of Crete, you will have to travel to it along a serpentine road. But the nature here is simply stunning: dense vegetation, a riot of bright flowers. Local beaches are wide and sandy.

Zakynthos Island– famous for its natural beauty: cliffs, green mountains, olive groves, snow-white beaches and a unique underwater world, under the thickness of clear blue water. There are a lot of beautiful secluded bays and bays, mysterious underwater caves and ancient sunken ships. The island of Zakynthos, with a couple of small islands, is included in the territory of the marine natural park-reserve, being the natural habitat of dolphins, various seabirds, monk seals, snails, caretta-caretta turtles, porcupines, iguanas. The island of Zakynthos is located eighteen kilometers from the Peloponnese peninsula. Resorts are mostly located in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the island. There are many hotels of different categories here. The capital of the Greek island of Zakynthos is the city of Zakynthos, which is the center of the cultural life of the island, rebuilt after the earthquake that occurred in 1953. Music festivals and various cultural programs often take place here.

Tsilivi Resort- is located fifteen kilometers from the capital of the island and is famous for its wonderful sandy beaches, which have the Blue Flag award. There is the opportunity to engage in all types of water activities, a lot of attractions, beautiful olive groves and gardens.

Alykanas resort– located eighteen kilometers from the capital, it is a center of attraction for young people and lovers of water sports, extreme and active recreation.

Santorini Island- a visiting card, with its snow-white houses, paved on steep cliffs and blue, like the Aegean Sea itself, domes of churches. Santorini is the only volcano island in the world that has given shelter to people. It is covered in ancient legends and myths about the sunken Atlantis. Thanks to a volcanic eruption that occurred more than three and a half thousand years ago, nature created amazing local landscapes. Everything here still reminds of this eruption, including beaches with black volcanic sand, and unusual colors: red and black, rocks, and incredible-colored water in cozy coves. Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands; more precisely, it is not one island, but a group of five islands connected in a ring around a central lagoon. The beaches of Santorini with red, black and white sand are occupied by numerous tourists who, from May to mid-October, enjoy the warm waters of the clear Aegean Sea. There are the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises, extremely hospitable locals, delicious Greek cuisine and excellent wine. The island of Santorini is an unusually romantic place that attracts newlyweds or lovers who decide to hold a wedding ceremony in this wonderful corner of the planet.

Oia Resort– a picturesque village, an ideal place for a honeymoon. There are narrow quiet streets, old mills, endless stairs, church domes, and numerous small hotels. And the famous sunsets of the Oia resort are visible only in the western part of the resort, overlooking the Gulf of Ammudi. From the eastern part you can see the stunningly beautiful Gulf of Armenia, where it is pleasant to watch the sunrise.

Fira resort– the capital of the island of Santorini and an excellent resort located on a steep cliff. It’s very cozy and colorful here, like in a fairy tale. In order to get from the port to the historical center of the city, you need to climb eight hundred steps, but if such an extreme is not for you, then a small gray donkey or a classic funicular will come to your aid.

Chios Island– this Greek resort has recently appeared as a beach destination on the Russian tourist market, since for many years it has been an elite vacation spot for the Greeks themselves. Chios is washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea. There are beautiful beaches, picturesque mountainous hills and clear dark blue seas. The island of Chios is a “Mecca” for people looking for a calm and quiet holiday, for families with children. There is no noisy nightlife here. And the peak tourist season is July and August. Thanks to ideal climatic conditions and volcanic soils, the island is rich in fruits and honey. The beaches of the Greek island of Chios are most often sandy, but there are pebbles and mixed ones, including black volcanic sand. There are fifty beaches in total.

Limya Resort– the ancient port of Volissos used to be here. Today the settlement is famous for its authentic taverns and the long sand and pebble beach of Managros, as well as the sandy beach of Lefkatia. As for the development of infrastructure, there is almost none here. However, lovers of solitude highly value their holidays in this resort of Chios.

Vrontados Resort– located in a very picturesque place, in the middle of fragrant gardens, olive and almond groves. There is a very beautiful embankment, many old windmills, narrow streets, and neat houses simply surrounded by greenery. The resort has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, many attractions and excellent beaches that attract many vacationers.

Mykonos Island– here are some of the best Greek resorts offering luxury holidays in the heart of the Cyclades islands. The island is washed by the Aegean Sea. The entire coastline is indented with beautiful bays with amazing sandy beaches. World celebrities prefer to relax on Mykonos, because here they offer the most expensive and pretentious vacation on the islands, and its vibrant nightlife is famous throughout the world. This island has managed to preserve its pristine nature, the beaches are very clean, and all the resorts are world class. The Mykonos holiday season starts at the end of April and ends in October.

Beaches of Mykonos varied, there are both sandy and pebble.

Paradise Beach, located four kilometers from the capital of the island, it became famous for its unreal parties, because here is the largest open-air nightclub and music is constantly heard. Part of the beach is reserved for nudists, although you can safely sunbathe “topless” on the main beach.

Elia Beach- is the longest on the southern coast of the island. There is white and soft sand, convenient entry into a quiet and calm sea, clear and clean water. A huge plus of relaxing here is the absence of crowds, but there is also a minus - it is difficult to get to: buses rarely run, so we recommend arriving here by boat from Paradise Beach.

Panormos Beach- an ideal place to retire and be in silence. It is located six kilometers from the capital, and can only be reached by taxi or car. This is precisely the secret of his privacy.

Peloponnese Peninsula- washed by the Aegean and Ionian seas. The Greeks themselves love to visit its resorts for their excellent sandy beaches, but there are mixed pebble and sand beaches here.

Larissos resort– famous for the excellent sandy beach of Kalogria, which is located in the protected lagoon of Prokopos, next to the protected forest of Strofilia. The beach stretches for nine kilometers and its width is eighty meters. Here you can practice water sports, learn to windsurf, skydive, and water ski. If you want to explore the surrounding area, you can rent a car, motorcycle, or bicycle. This beach has a Blue Flag award. Nearby is the wild Gianiskari beach, which is favored by nudists and people seeking solitude. It is famous for its golden sand and is surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Resort Lakopetra- a small settlement with a complex of bungalows, an ideal place for a family holiday with a sand and pebble beach - the owner of the Blue Flag. The beach stretches for half a kilometer and is thirty meters wide. The resort area is decorated with palm trees, tamarisk bushes, violets, and lilies. There is a water sports station where vacationers can rent equipment, learn to sail, take windsurfing lessons, and rent a mountain bike or car.

Chalkidiki Peninsula– the most beautiful corner of Greece and the most environmentally friendly tourism center. Pine forests and olive groves grow everywhere here. In its outline, the peninsula is similar to a “trident”, forming the peninsulas of Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. The resorts of Halkidiki are washed by the Aegean Sea. There are comfortable hotels, excellent beaches, amazing nature and numerous historical attractions, as well as Christian shrines - objects of mass pilgrimage.

Resorts of the Greek Kassandra Peninsula- the most suitable for holidays with small children, as there are a lot of playgrounds, parks, developed infrastructure, sandy beaches and a gentle entrance to the sea. But, nevertheless, it is in the resorts of Kassandra that dynamic life reigns, setting the tone for the entire peninsula. The best Greek resorts in Kassandra: Nea Moudania, Kallithea, Pefkochori, Hanioti, Nea Fokea.

Resorts of the Sithonia Peninsula- an ideal place for a secluded holiday, with numerous quiet coves, clean sandy or pebble beaches, surrounded by deciduous or pine forests. There is no such developed tourist infrastructure as in Kassandra. The most popular coastal resort villages are Agios Nikolaos, Vourvourou, with an ideal beach, Neos Marmaras, Nikiti.

Resorts of the Athos Peninsula– attract lovers of silence and connoisseurs of natural beauty. This is an ideal option for people who have planned and have permission to visit Holy Athos - the only Monastic Republic in the world where only men are allowed to enter. Since the Athos region is located at a distance from Thessaloniki airport, traveling here with a small child will be tiring and impractical.

In conclusion, it is worth saying that Greece is good for everything: a well-developed infrastructure, numerous historical and cultural monuments, a comfortable climate, the hospitality of the locals, amazing beaches, so everyone will find a vacation to their liking here!

In this article you will learn about where to go on holiday in Greece in the summer, and also find a lot of useful information about tours to this country.

The country of four seas invites you to relax from the first minutes of arrival at the airport. Beautiful Hellas seems to be created for a relaxing holiday with the family: the white and blue colors in the architecture of the cities and bright flowers on the narrow streets of Greece alternate with colorful bars and taverns where you can taste local wine. Even in the conditions of modern civilization, this ancient state managed to preserve the mysterious atmosphere of antiquity.

Greece has not only wide sandy beaches more than 14,000 kilometers long, but also many historical monuments, so it is good to combine a beach holiday with a rich excursion program. Add to this the hospitality of the locals, coupled with incredibly delicious cuisine and amazingly beautiful nature, and you get the perfect vacation by the sea.

Wise Greeks know how not only to work, but also to have fun, so it’s quite easy to get to some holiday here or accidentally become a participant in folk festivities. In addition, this is an Orthodox state, so Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians are close to local customs and rituals.

It is not surprising that many residents of the post-Soviet space come to this sunny country to get married in a romantic setting to the pleasant sound of the waves instead of the typical Mendelssohn waltz.

All you need to have a cheap holiday in Greece in the summer is to choose your destination and travel dates, and then choose a suitable tour.

Brief information

Interestingly, Greece is located on 2 thousand islands and is surrounded by four seas - the Mediterranean, Aegean, Libyan and Ionian. It is located in the southeast of the Balkan Peninsula, which the indigenous people sometimes call Emos. Among the closest neighbors of this hospitable country are Türkiye, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania.

The largest cities in Greece that you should definitely visit at least for a short time are Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Larissa, Chalkidiki and Patras.

Despite the fact that the country's official language is Greek, many residents, especially those working in the tourism sector, speak English quite well, as well as French and German. The overwhelming majority of the local population professes Orthodoxy.

From the history of the country

Over its long history, Greece managed to be part of the Roman Empire and find itself in the power of Venetian and Turkish rulers. However, in 1831, the land of the Hellenes was finally freed from the shackles of the conquerors, and years later officially became part of the European Union.

Many cities and monuments of Greece today are world cultural heritage and are protected by UNESCO. Among them: the remains of the Temple of Zeus, the Acropolis and Parthenon, the monasteries of Meteora, the ruins of the ancient city of Delphi and much more. If you believe the Greek myths, several thousand years ago the powerful gods of Olympus lived here. Since then, this great country has retained the special mystery of antiquity and harmoniously combined it with the modern state structure.

Tours to Greece

Those who want to get the most out of their vacation, enjoying not only a typical beach and sea holiday, but also a wonderful climate, as well as a rich cultural component, should go to the monastery of the ancient Hellenes. Booking a tour to Greece is not difficult at all: experienced travel agency specialists will help you decide on the departure date and choose the appropriate flight. They will carry out a competent selection of hotels in various parts of the country, and the process of issuing a voucher will take a matter of minutes. By the way, booking your tour early will help you save a lot of money.

For lovers of comfort

Many tourists traveling with children choose all-inclusive tours, which are most often offered by five-star hotels in Greece. The advantages of this system include the ability to eat on the hotel premises almost around the clock. Also, the standard Ultra All Inclusive package usually includes unlimited alcohol in the hotel bars and restaurants and additional services (visit to the spa center, fitness room and sauna).

The Land of Hellas offers many UAI tours to various destinations. Russian tourists especially like to relax on the islands of Crete and Rhodes. An inexpensive all-inclusive vacation in Greece is a normal desire. A tour operator will help you organize a trip there; you won’t even need to think about how to book a hotel and buy plane tickets, they will do it all for you, just choose the appropriate type of vacation using the tour search form located just above.

Minimum package

If you are not going to stay in your hotel room for a long time and don’t mind saving a little on comfort, the best option for a tour to Greece may be a minimum package with half board or breakfast alone. In addition, by purchasing such a tour, you will be able to try many local dishes, since you are unlikely to have dinner at the hotel.

By choosing such a package, you get hotel accommodation, air tickets to the desired city, as well as medical insurance and transfer. Russian travel agencies also have special offers, by purchasing which you can fly to Athens or any other city in Greece on a budget.

Prices for holidays in Greece by the sea next year may change due to constant fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, so before your trip we recommend checking the current cost of your trip with tour operators. And if you want to have a cheaper vacation, you can choose a last-minute tour, but for this you need to be ready to leave at any moment.

Best places to stay

Numerous Greek beaches attract tourists with their soft golden sand, and ancient temples and attractions keep many secrets and mysteries. This small country is an entire open-air museum, which can only be matched in terms of the number of monuments and valuables by Italy, Spain and several other Western European countries.

The best beauties of Greece are concentrated in the capital and on the islands, each of which has its own characteristics and rich historical heritage. Holidays in Greece in the summer will be truly unforgettable if you visit one of our recommended places in this warm southern country.

Athens

Traveling to Greece is often associated with the majestic capital of this country - Athens. This city with ancient history is located on the plains of Attica and is surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Parnitha, Imittos and Aigaleo.

This monumental place is the cultural, historical and political-economic center of Greece, where a third of the population of the entire country is concentrated. From ancient times to the present day, Athens has been named after a maritime power, because dozens of ships pass through the famous port of Piraeus every day, and from the Greek capital you can reach the islands by sea.

Athens is shrouded in ancient legends on all sides. The birthplace of democracy has hundreds of places that deserve the attention of tourists.

It would be a good idea to start with the grandiose Acropolis - a real treasure of ancient history. Councils of Elders have long been organized here, which represented the judicial body of Ancient Greece and served as the beginning of the development of world democracy. After climbing the Acropolis, take a look at the sacred Parthenon Temple, dedicated to the Olympian goddess Pallas Athena. Despite numerous restorations, this majestic building has retained almost its original appearance to this day.

Another must-see item on the program is the National Archaeological Museum, which displays more than 20,000 different exhibits from all over Greece. The highlight of the museum is its unique collection of Greek vases.

Finally, in Athens you should definitely visit the Olympic Stadium, the size of which will amaze your imagination. It can accommodate up to 75,000 people, but it is best to come here on days free from concerts and matches, because then you will be able to take a good look and photograph this architectural masterpiece, which came from the hands of Santiago Calatrava.

In addition, the following equally popular attractions are worthy of travelers' attention:

• Numismatics Museum
• Champ de Mars
• National Park
• Houses of Parliament
• Syntagma Square
• Cape Sounion

If you want to continue your journey, after visiting this pearl of the ancient world, you can take a look at the Greek islands.

Crete

The largest island of the Greek lands is also the fifth largest in the entire Mediterranean Sea. Crete is surrounded by the waters of three seas - Cretan, Ionian and Libyan. In addition to luxurious beaches and cozy sea coves, travelers will find here many Byzantine temples and ancient attractions, including the world-famous labyrinth of the Minotaur from Greek legends.

This place combines ancient civilization with modern infrastructure. The resort villages and towns of Crete have everything you need for a carefree holiday: from shops and markets to hotels and water parks. There are as many as 2 airports with international terminals, so you can fly here directly from many cities around the world. Crete is considered one of Europe's most popular seaside holiday destinations in Greece.

Rhodes

This colorful “pearl of the Mediterranean” is the fourth largest Greek island, which is also washed by the Aegean Sea. The city of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich history. Here are the most valuable monuments of various times: medieval knightly fortresses and ancient monasteries, in particular, the temple of the goddess Athena.

Fragrant orange orchards and fragrant rose flower beds are interspersed with narrow Greek streets and cobbled embankments. A beach holiday in Greece can be combined with active spending time on the island of Rhodes in the form of diving, surfing and rock climbing.

Corfu

If you're looking for privacy and luxury, this Greek island is a good choice. The island of Corfu with the emerald water of the Ionian Sea is considered one of the elite resorts in Greece. Luxury deluxe hotels have their own beaches and vast areas with green spaces.

However, in the island villages you can still experience the delights of traditional village life, tasting real homemade wine and dishes prepared with premium olive oil. Arriving in Corfu, it is worth taking a walk through the private sector among cypress and oak groves, as well as admiring the natural beauty of tangerine orchards and vineyards. By the way, Old City - the Old Town of Corfu - is included in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites.

Already in the first hours of your stay on this wonderful island, you will feel the touch of the sun's rays and the light aroma of coniferous trees in the air. One of the seven islands of the Dodecanese archipelago, it is famous for its pleasant climate without sultry heat and the cool waters of the Aegean Sea. A beach holiday in Greece on the island of Kos would be incomplete without surfing and other sports. Moreover, the cozy sea bays that adorn the golden beaches of the island seem to be created for this.

On Kos there are a number of monuments of ancient culture, including the plane tree of Hippocrates, the Temple of Asklepion and many others. In addition, the convenient geographical location of this green corner of nature makes it possible to take an excursion to other islands of the Dodecanese archipelago.

Local kitchen

There are countless resorts in Greece, most of them have excellent tourist infrastructure.

5.Astypalea (Αστυπάλαια)

An island rich in history, traditions, with picturesque churches, beautiful white houses and courtyards with bougainvilleas.

Astypalea is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday. The capital of the island, Chora, and its port stand on a rock jutting out into the sea, forming two bays. On the one hand, it is a port, and on the other, a bay. The island is divided inside and outside by a sandy strip called Steno, 100 meters long. If it were not for this narrow strip, Astypalaia would have been divided into two neighboring islands.

Numerous beaches are located in the bays around the island - Agios Konstantinos, Kaminakia, St. John, Panormos, Pahia Ammos. Small boats await visitors who want to enjoy the secluded beaches. The island of Astypalaia is ideal for a summer holiday as it offers peace and coolness and lots and lots of fresh fish!

6.Chania (Χανιά)

Chania is the second largest city in Crete, after the island's capital, Heraklion, and the capital of the prefecture of Chania. The city of Chania is a beautiful coastal city that has the largest port on the island of Crete.

Looking for information on the best places to holiday in Greece? We tell you everything about the country's resorts: where to go to Greece for a beach holiday, where the best excursions are, what places are inexpensive.

The first part of the article contains a selection of the best Greek resorts by type of holiday (beach, excursion, youth, with children, etc.). The second part of the article contains a detailed description of popular resorts with the pros and cons of holidays.

Holidays on the islands of Greece

According to reviews of many travelers, when going to Greece, they prefer to relax not at the mainland resorts of the country, but on the islands. This gives a better sense of local color, and the beaches on the island part are usually better and cleaner than on the mainland.

Islands of Greece for holidays - list of the best destinations:

1. Rhodes
2. Corfu
3. Zakynthos
4. Santorini
5. Kefalonia

The island of Kos used to be popular, but recently many have complained about the large number of migrants there.

Photo: © Militaru Alin Cristian / flickr.com

Beach holiday

Most tourists choose islands in the south of Greece or the Halkidiki peninsula in the north of the country for a beach holiday.

The best resorts in Greece with sandy beaches, according to tourist reviews:

• The islands of Crete and Rhodes are the most popular destinations.
• The islands of Mykonos, Thassos, Corfu - in addition to relaxing on the beach, you can enjoy magnificent scenery.
• The Chalkidiki Peninsula is a good option to combine sightseeing and beach holidays.

Excursions and attractions

If you are traveling to Greece for a long time, it is convenient to stay in Athens: there are many attractions in the capital and its surroundings, and it is also easy to travel from there to other interesting places.

Another option for an excursion holiday is the Peloponnese peninsula, with ancient Greek cities (Olympia, Sparta, Mycenae with the preserved Lion Gate, Corinth and Epidaurus).

Popular excursions to the north of Athens are to Delphi and Meteora.

Advice: It is convenient to explore many attractions on your own if you rent a car. Conditions and tips are in our article Car rental in Greece.

Holidays with a child

For a comfortable holiday with children, it is better to choose a hotel with good infrastructure and a sandy beach. There are many suitable hotels on the islands of Crete and Rhodes.

Other Greek resorts with good sandy beaches and family hotels:

• Chalkidiki Peninsula
• Peloponnese Peninsula
• Corfu Island

Resorts for young people

Where to relax in Greece for young travelers? For youth recreation, it is better to go to the resorts of Hersonissos (Crete) and the island of Mykonos: there are a lot of active entertainments, parties and discos.

Mykonos is considered an elite resort; holidays there are expensive; in Hersonissos you can relax much cheaper.

In addition to these resorts, young people often choose other places: the Halkidiki peninsula, the islands of Zakynthos and Rhodes.

Best Resorts for Seniors

For a quiet and measured holiday, it is best to go to the resorts of Crete (especially Rethymno), Thessaloniki, and the island of Thassos.

There are good hotels on the Halkidiki peninsula - from there easy excursions to the historical parts of Greece are available. At the resort of Loutraki near Athens you can undergo treatment with mineral waters.
Photo: Fira at night © Nikola Totuhov / flickr.com

Crete

One of the most popular resorts in Greece is the island of Crete. There are good sandy beaches, beautiful nature, hotels of any category, many restaurants and entertainment. An excellent destination for those who are choosing where to go to Greece for the first time.

The main resorts of the island of Crete are Rethymnon, Elounda, Chania, Hersonissos and Gouves.

Rethymno

Rethymnon is a resort for a quiet and relaxing holiday. There are many streets for romantic walks, sandy beaches, delicious food in cafes and restaurants. There are no parties or noise, and there is also no entertainment for children. Vacationers are mainly elderly tourists from Europe.

Most excursions are from Heraklion or Chania, so you will have to get to these cities first (about an hour away).

There are other resorts near Rethymnon - for example, Bali (good beaches) or Plakias (suitable for diving).

Elounda

The small resort is located in a bay, so the sea is always calm, without large waves. Elounda has good sandy beaches. There are hotels that operate on an all-inclusive basis. Suitable for families with children.

Chania

The Greek resort has many clean sandy beaches, but hotels are quite expensive. The city itself is beautiful (according to some tourists, it is the best on the island of Crete), it has many ancient buildings and attractions. The airport is nearby, making the resort easy to get to.

Hersonissos

One of the most youthful resorts in Crete is Hersonissos. The city has many bars, restaurants, discos - it is always noisy and fun. The beaches are sandy, prices for accommodation and food are low. Hersonissos – a suitable option for an inexpensive but good holiday in Greece.

If desired, you can easily reach Heraklion or the resort of Agion Nikolaos.

Photo: cafe in the village of Kalyves, Crete © VV Nincic / flickr.com

Halkidiki

The Chalkidiki peninsula is located in the northern part of Greece, where it is better to relax at the height of summer (July-August) - at this time the weather there is more comfortable than in other resort regions of the country.

Nearby is the airport of Thessaloniki, from where it is easy to reach most of the resorts of Halkidiki - Kallikratia, Kassandra and others.

Callicracy

Quiet resort, except for the center where the fur shops are located. The city beach is well suited for children: it is sandy, the entry into the water is gentle, there are umbrellas and sun loungers, and the sea is without strong waves. There are few attractions.

Cassandra

This Greek resort offers a family-friendly environment. Beaches with fine light sand, clean sea water, fresh air. Among the hotels, private hotels with a small territory and hospitable hosts predominate.

Photography: views of Halkidiki © AHT PHOTOGRAPH & PHOTOGRAPHER AGENCY / flickr.com

Rhodes

Where to go on vacation in Greece if you want to go to an island and you’ve already visited Crete?

The second most popular island resort in Greece after Crete is Rhodes. It is easy to get to - there is an airport and a seaport.

The island of Rhodes can be conditionally divided into 2 parts – eastern and western.

The eastern part is crowded, with hotels of all categories, restaurants, and entertainment. The sea there is a little warmer and calmer, but holiday prices are usually higher. The most popular beaches in the eastern part of Rhodes: Afandou, Faliraki, Kolymbia, Lindos.

The western part is quiet, with rocky shores and crystal clear sea. This side of Rhodes is washed by the Aegean Sea, which is considered windier and cooler than the Mediterranean. It is better to relax in the western part of the island in the high season (July and August) - the summer heat is easier to bear there. Prices in the west are lower, it is easier to find inexpensive hotels or private accommodation.

Don't know where to go to Greece for the first time? We have selected for you the 4 most popular and favorite destinations among travelers from all over the world, talked about their features and shared tips on how to spend time, where to stay and what to see. Read and make your choice!

For the first time in Greece - where to go?

In Greece you can experience ancient culture and mythology, enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Aegean Sea, soak up the Greek sun on the white sandy beaches of Greece, walk in the mountains with the purest air, admire white buildings and taste delicious Greek cuisine.

Where to go and what to see

• Church of Panagia Paraportiani;
• "Little Venice"
• an area with 18th-century buildings, where the mansions of great captains with colorful balconies and stylish windows are everywhere;
• strange windmills perched imposingly on the slope;
• snow-white sandy beaches stretching along the perimeter of the island.

Where to stay

Mykonos is a tourist island, and therefore you will not have problems finding accommodation. – from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses and hostels, you can also search for hotels using the form on the left. For the truly budget conscious, there is Couchsurfing.

Things to do

• In the summer, Mykonos hosts many holidays and festivals, all accompanied by rivers of delicious wine and mountains of delicious food.
• Also, this “Wind Island” is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts; surfers and sailors gather here from all over the world. Mykonos has a large selection of windsurfing beaches. The best beaches are considered to be the most isolated ones: Kórfos, Fteliá, Meyáli Ámmos and Kalafátis. Almost all beaches teach surfing.
• In Mykonos you can play tennis or mini golf at Ayios Stéfanos, beach volleyball at Ayia Ánna, skydiving or jet skiing at Eliá or Kalafátis. Even diving enthusiasts will not be left out and will be able to explore the beauty of the underwater life of the Aegean Sea.

Mykonos is a standard choice where you can hang out, go on interesting excursions, and enjoy a beach holiday. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Greece for the first time, and your budget allows, visit Mykonos, you will not be disappointed.

First time to Greece: Paros

Paros is one of the most popular holiday destinations for young people. Unlike Mykonos, this island is a more budget option. Unsurpassed natural beauty, a developed tourist infrastructure, beaches with clear waters, Byzantine footpaths linking traditional Greek villages, breathtaking scenery and a pulsating nightlife await you on the island of Paros.

Parikia is the island's capital and is home to its famous whitewashed rectangular buildings and impressive neoclassical mansions.

Where to go and what to see

• the village of Naoussa, where the ruins of a Venetian fortress stand at the entrance to its small port;
• Lefkes is also a village, it is built into a mountain and is surrounded on all sides by greenery, located at the highest point of the island of Paros, from here a breathtaking view of the island opens;
• Márpissa is a traditional village with a strong medieval character, dating back to the 15th century;
• marble quarries in Maráthi, where the famous Parian marble was mined.

Where to stay

It all depends on how much you plan to spend. There are options for every taste and budget.

Things to do

• Visiting a religious festival is a great opportunity to taste sweet wines produced in the Monemvassiá and Mantilariá vineyards. On August 15, one of these events is traditionally organized near the Panayia Ekatontapyliani church.
• Explore the island on horseback. There are two horse rentals here, one near the sea in Ambelás and the other in Ystérni. This walk around the island is a great way to see with your own eyes the most beautiful places of Paros.
• The sun-drenched beaches of Chrissí Aktí, Santa Maria, Poúnda and the crystal clear waters of the sea will captivate all beach lovers. You can also go surfing here.
• Kalóyeros Beach, surrounded by red and green clay rocks, will provide you with an effective and natural spa completely free of charge. Cover your body with clay and let it dry in the sun, after a while wash the clay into the sea - your skin will be soft and velvety.

Price statistics for tours to Greece

If you are not yet ready to travel on your own, then price statistics for tours to Greece will help you. Here you can find the lowest prices for holidays to Greece from leading tour operators.

First time to Greece: Skiathos

Skiathos is the most popular resort island in the Northern Sporades. Despite the rapid growth of the tourism sector, it is still picturesque and unspoilt. The island is decorated with more than 60 beaches with absolutely clear waters, the most famous of which is Koukounariés beach, which is rightfully considered the third most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. Add to all this the vibrant nightlife and you can see why thousands of travelers flock to this island every year.

Where to go and what to see

• the capital of the island is the town of Skiathos with its stone-paved, cozy streets and white buildings;
• a picturesque harbor surrounded by 4 islands;
• the small island of Boúrtzi, where the ruins of a Venetian fortress nestle among dense vegetation;
• the house and now museum of the famous author Alexandros Papadiamantis;
• Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, which houses 4 museums.

Where to stay

Skiathos has many hotels, hostels and rooms at affordable prices. You can also stay at Camping Koukounariés.

Things to do

• Every summer the island hosts colorful cultural events, concerts and art exhibitions.
• Walk along a breathtaking route starting from Asélinos, past the Kounistra monastery, the small beach of Asélinos and Alygariés beach, ending at Kehriá beach.
• All the island's nightlife is concentrated on the street near the Old Harbor. Bars and nightclubs are open here all night until the morning and are always full of young people having fun. The Ammoudiá area often hosts outdoor parties (easy to find, just follow the road leading to the airport).

First time to Greece: Chios

The island of Ios is almost in no way inferior to the famous and sometimes overrated Mykonos and Santorini. Stroll the picture-perfect streets, admire the elegance of the buildings, swim in the warm, clear waters of the world-famous beaches of Mylopótamos and Maganári, and taste the outrageously delicious Greek delicacies.

Where to go and what to see

• Be sure to visit Hóra, located on the famous hill with its snow-white cubic buildings and covered alleys.
• See 12 windmills.
• Panayia Gremiótissa (Madonna of the Cliffs) is located at the highest point of Hòra, with amazing views of the bay and the neighboring island of Sikinos.
• Byzantine castle Paleókastro, built at the very top of the hill.
• Summer theater "Odysseas Elytis", built in one of the favorite places of the poet Odysseas Elytis and well preserved from 2800 BC.

Where to stay

There are many wonderful hotels and hostels, and there are cozy family pensions near the beaches. There are also several camping areas on the island. Keep in mind that Chios does not have the luxury of Mykonos and Santorini, but it does have many wonderful places to walk.

Things to do

• I think you already understand that August 15th is a special day for the Greeks, Ios is proof of this. On this day, one of the most impressive celebrations of the Panagia Gremiotissa takes place here, when a procession carries the famous icon of the Virgin Mary around the Hora, all accompanied by a banquet, playing traditional instruments and dancing.
• Walk along the ancient paths of Ayia Theodóti-Hóra, Ayia Iríni-Valmá beach, Hóra-Pýrgos-Psáthi, Hóra-Áyios Spyridonas-Perivolia-Áyios Prókopas-Pelekaniá, which are still used by local shepherds, and you will see the most beautiful locations of the island.
• The mountains of Ios are ideal for climbing, mountaineering or cycling. On the peaks you will have an unforgettable view of the island and the endless expanse of the Aegean Sea.
• On the beaches of Mylopótamos and Manganári you can rent water sports equipment, including surfing, water skiing, and diving. Here you can learn how to surf and canoe.
• There are plenty of clubs, bars and restaurants on this island. Every day, crowds of young people enjoy colorful cocktails, dancing until dawn and night swimming.

That’s all, if you are going to Greece for the first time and don’t yet know where to go, listen to our advice. IN