From the history buff to the water sports fanatic to the beach bum Greece can offer the holiday of a lifetime to any type of traveller.
With a whopping 17 million tourists that visit every year and more airports than any other European country, Greece is by far one of the most visited destinations on the planet and here are a few reasons why it should be at the top of your bucket list as well.
The Historical and Archeological sites.
With a history dating back to Paleolithic and Neolithic times, Greece has a wealth of monuments round every corner, blending in with some of the most wonderful natural landscapes. The Acropolis standing magnificent overlooking the city and its adjacent museum are a true gem of ancient civilizations. The Delphi theatre, the Agora and the monasteries such as the one on top of Mount Athos just to name a few, are worth a visit even if you’re not interested in the historical and mythological references that are attached to them.
Adventures and activities
No matter what you’re into or who you’re travelling with, Greece has activities suited for all the family and all of your friends too. From beautiful countryside treks such as the one on mount Olympus, to the rock climbing in Meteora or windsurfing in Rhodes you’ll be sure to have your hands full. If you’re feeling a bit less adventurous though, why not try a wine tasting tour or head down to one of the tavernas and mingle with the locals. You might get lucky and get to hear some local musicians playing a few traditional tunes.
The local cuisine
The Greeks know how to cook and the portions are usually abundant and not expensive for the most part. Being one of the biggest producers of Olives in the world it goes without saying that olive oil is widely used in Greek cooking.
Try one of the Mezés, a collective name for a variety of small dishes (the equivalent of the Spanish tapas), typically served with wines or anise-flavored liqueurs such as Ouzo or homemade Tsipouro.
The islands
Greece is surrounded by a great number of islands some of which are worth a visit independently of the mainland. These are mostly accessible by ferries or charter boats but also by plane or seaplane in some cases. Crete being the largest inhabited island boasts soft white sandy beaches and enough monuments and archeological sites to keep you interested for days or possibly weeks. The volcanic island of Santorini and the island of Mykonos are gems that possess a wealth of stunning views, beaches, restaurants, luxurious accomodations, and some of the best nightclubs.
The Locals
The Greeks are a friendly and hospitable bunch. They are helpful and easy to talk to and approach. Having said that don’t expect each every one of them to speak to you in English. Although they see a lot of tourists every year they have their feet well rooted in tradition and they take pride in preserving their own culture including their language, which is a very admirable trait.
