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Greece travel guide

From radiant sunshine and mesmerising lagoons to mystical hills and rainbow-coloured coral reefs, Greece is a European treasure trove of natural wonders. Whether you're looking for a relaxing seascape on pristine beaches, an adrenalin-fuelled getaway with your significant other or a series of excursions to suit everyone, you're sure to create unforgettable memories in Greece.

Beaches in Greece

Ah, the beaches of Greece. With over 400 Blue Flag beaches in the country, it's impossible to single out even the top five. Each cove has its own unique characteristics, with silky-soft sands of every colour and magnificent waters surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

Beaches in Greece

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Paradise Beach, Mykonos

Paradise Beach is on the lively island of Mykonos. As its name suggests, Paradise Beach offers perfect sand and a lively atmosphere. Most party-goers head here to paddle its translucent waters, then sip a colourful cocktail at the Paradise Beach Club, which transforms into a nightclub at sunset. Take to the sea with the water sport of your choice, hired from Paradise Watersports, then opt for a delicious lunch at the Tropicana Beach Bar.

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Navagio Bay, Zakynthos

Also known as Shipwreck Beach, Navagio on the island of Zakynthos is the most iconic beach in Greece and certainly the most photographed. If you've ever received postcards from Zakynthos (aka Zante), the picture most likely came from Navagio. It features a tranquil cove with a rusty shipwreck resting on its snow-white beach, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

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Elafonisi Beach, Crete

This beach deserves all the Oscars and awards, as Mother Nature worked overtime to create this natural beauty. Elafonisi sits on the southwestern coast of Crete. Famous for its perfectly pink sandy stretch and shallow waters, visitors can wade through the sea to reach a small islet of Elafonisi in the centre of the sea.

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Greece geography

Greece is situated in the southeastern region of Europe, renowned for its captivating geography. It shares borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey, occupying the southeastern tip of the Balkan Peninsula.

Its landscape is a blend of mountains, rugged coastlines, fertile plains, valleys and breathtaking islands.

Mount Olympus, with its towering peaks, is said to have been the residence of one of the great Greek gods. The Rhodope Mountains offer picturesque routes and abundant outdoor activities.

As for the Greek islands, there are over 6,000 to explore. Beyond the well-known destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Zakynthos, you'll find charming coastal villages and pristine waters in Kefalonia, Paros and Skiathos.

Greece's position on the map makes it prone to volcanic activity, particularly in the Aegean Sea. Santorini, or Thera, is a volcanic island shaped by past eruptions. While there hasn't been a major eruption since 1950, the unique rock formations in Milos attest to its volcanic history.

Greece history

Some argue that Greece is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, literature and numerous other intellectual advancements. The ancient history of Greece traces back to the Bronze Age civilisations of the Minoans in Crete and the Mycenaeans on the mainland. In the fourth century BCE, the Macedonian Kingdom rose to prominence under Alexander the Great, whose military campaigns led to the conquest of Persia, Egypt and vast parts of Asia, spreading Greek cultural influence across the world.

Following Alexander's reign, Greece came under Roman rule and later became part of the Byzantine Empire, during which Christianity became the state religion. In 1453, Greece fell under Ottoman rule, lasting for centuries until 1822 when Greece declared its independence.

Wildlife in Greece

Greece's geographical diversity and range of ecosystems support a rich array of flora and fauna across both the mainland and islands. Among the most iconic species is the caretta caretta (or loggerhead) turtle, which frequents the beaches of Ionian Sea islands like Zakynthos and Kefalonia. These graceful creatures are often protected by conservation efforts to safeguard their nesting sites, as they are endangered. Consequently, certain watersports may be restricted in some beach destinations to ensure their survival.

Greece also serves as a crucial stopover for numerous bird species migrating between Africa and Europe. These include majestic birds like the Dalmatian pelican, as well as eagles, cormorants and herons. The country's varied terrain, with its mountains and rugged valleys, provides habitats for various mammal species, including brown bears in the Pindus mountains, wildcats, wolves, roe deer and the Eurasian lynx.

The marine life around Greece is equally remarkable. The Aegean Sea and Ionian Ocean are home to diverse and vibrant species, from Mediterranean monk seals to bottlenose dolphins, making Greece a prime destination for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.

Activities in Greece

In Greece, you can enjoy a plethora of activities, from relaxing on a serene beach with a margarita to exploring caves hidden in limestone cliffs. There's something for everyone.

Watersports

Diving in Greece

Greece's crystal-clear waters in every shade of blue are teeming with marine life, offering a captivating underwater world. With numerous islands, coastal regions and a rich history, watersports enthusiasts can create unforgettable memories in any region.

Shipwrecks abound in Greece, adding to its appeal. The island of Zakynthos boasts the iconic Navagio Bay, or Shipwreck Beach, where a rusting ship lies on the shore, attracting millions of visitors every year to take photographs.

The legacy of shipwrecks extends across the Aegean, whose sapphire and indigo waters offer idyllic views. The HMHS Britannic, sister ship of the Titanic, lies near the island of Kea, offering magnificent experiences to divers exploring her massive hull.

With the country's remarkable marine biodiversity and submerged archaeological sites, divers won't miss a single highlight.

Surfing in Greece

Due to its endangered Loggerhead turtle species nesting on its turquoise beaches, Greece may not be considered a surfing mecca. However, experienced surfers can catch some waves, especially during winter, as the country's extensive coastline, spanning over 400 beaches, offers numerous surfing opportunities.

Top destinations for surfing in Greece include Crete, Evia the Peloponnese region, and the Cycladic Islands. Popular options also include Vouliagmeni beach in Athens and Pounta beach on the island of Paros.

The prime time for surfing in Greece is during the spring and autumn seasons when the swells are more consistent, delivering large to moderate wave sizes suitable for surfers of various skill levels.

Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Greece

The top destinations for windsurfing and kitesurfing include Paros, Rhodes and the island of Kos. Paros offers ideal conditions during the summer, with strong and consistent winds, particularly along the long stretches of Golden Beach, which benefits from favourable wind patterns.

In Rhodes, Prasonisi is a haven for both beginner and advanced surfers. Situated between two seas, the Aegean Sea provides strong winds for an exhilarating ocean experience, while the Ionian Sea offers calm, clear waters and gentle breezes, perfect for beginners.

Sailing in Greece

The sailing season in Greece usually spans from April to October, peaking in July and August. During this time, you can book sailing trips, ship tours or glass-bottom tours in popular tourist destinations like Athens, Santorini, Zakynthos, Mykonos and Corfu, among others. Additionally, some large hotels provide hobie cat sailboats, allowing guests to explore the azure waters at their own pace.

Fishing in Greece

Enjoy this relaxing pastime on your holiday in Greece. The country's vast coastline appeals to all anglers with a variety of types of fishing, including deep-sea fishing, shore fishing or freshwater fishing. Cast your line for swordfish, tuna, snapper, sea bass, squid and much more. Fishing is permitted all year round, but seasons and regulations may vary depending on the species of fish and the region. It is advisable to consult local fishing regulations to ensure that you are fishing during the appropriate season.

Canoeing & kayaking in Greece

Explore the breathtaking waterways, tranquil rivers and pristine coastlines of Greece by canoe or kayak. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate paddler, you'll be surrounded by lush landscapes and turquoise lagoons.

For a deeper connection with nature, kayaking on the Alfeios River in the Peloponnese region provides awe-inspiring landscapes and unparalleled natural beauty that shouldn't be missed.

Land activities

Golf in Greece

Greece offers several golf courses for both visitors and locals to enjoy – yes, Greeks do love a round of golf!

Just a short drive from Athens, Glyfada Golf Club features a stunning 18-hole course set amidst emerald-green grasslands and a serene atmosphere.

Meanwhile, in Crete, the Crete Golf Club, located in Hersonissos, provides a challenging course nestled at the foot of a mountain, surrounded by beautiful scenery.

In addition to golfing facilities, many courses also offer on-site restaurants, hotels and other amenities for a complete experience.

Cycling in Greece

Greece has a plethora of bike trails, but among the best are those offering breathtaking panoramic views of charming fishing villages, picturesque countryside dotted with olive groves and vineyards, and ancient ruins.

Crete and Corfu stand out as top destinations for awe-inspiring cycling routes and mountain biking adventures, while Rhodes and the hilltops of Macedonia are close contenders for stunning trails and scenic landscapes.

Walking & hiking in Greece

From the majestic Mount Parnitha to the historic acropolis of Lindos, and from the breathtaking Samaria Gorge to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, Greece and its islands offer an endless range of breathtaking walks. Its diverse landscapes include mountain valleys, wooded rivers, tranquil walks and peaceful beach hikes. If you're not sure which route to take, your hotel's friendly receptionists can offer expert advice to help you discover the most scenic trails close to your accommodation.

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