Where is the best place to go on holiday in Greece? The point of entry is Athens. The most Italian island

Greece really has everything: and amazing beaches with black and red sand, and centuries-old museums with monasteries, underwater caves and ancient excavations, the opportunity to swim with turtles and dolphins, and Greek cuisine will appeal to even the pickiest gourmet, mild climate and magnificent nature. The swimming season here lasts from the end of May until October. Perhaps all this explains why Greece is so loved by tourists.

1) Children in Greece will love the Attic Zoo in the forest. Almost under natural conditions, animals of 350 species live, some of them are listed in the Red Book. You can visit it daily from 9 am to sunset. Children under 3 years old are admitted free of charge.

7) All resorts have diving centers, there is a rental of surf equipment, yacht trips are organized. Those who like to swim underwater without scuba gear (snorkelers) will be pleasantly surprised by the perfectly clear water, and you don’t even have to dive deep to see the octopus and moray eels.

Many tour operators make considerable discounts on tours to Greek resorts for early bookings. For family vacation it is difficult to come up with a more suitable country, with such a diverse service, mild climate, with an abundance of interesting sights.

Sunny Greece with a subtropical climate is ready to receive tourists almost all year round.

Summer is hot here average temperature air +30 degrees, humidity - about 60%, heat is easily tolerated.

Winter in Greece is mild and rainy, the air temperature is about 10 degrees Celsius and humidity is 70-75%.

Most often, tourists prefer to visit the cradle of human civilization from the beginning of April to the end of September, and the peak of tourism falls on June-August.

Springtime

March

The tourist season in Greece begins at the end of March, when the real spring comes. There are almost no tourists, plums, tangerines and oranges begin to bloom, the air is filled with the aromas of flowering almonds and apricots and has already warmed up to 20-22 degrees. The swimming season is still closed: the water temperature rises only to +17 degrees.

Prices are significantly lower than in the high season, in a tavern you can dine together for 15-20 euros, if you do not take soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, but in some places you can eat well with drinks for very little money, there is only one rule: the farther from tourist places the cheaper.

Sometimes tourists who come in March have a chance to participate in carnival processions that take place throughout the country. Special, almost Brazilian carnivals are held in the cities of Patra and Kshansi, they are dedicated to the god of winemaking Dionysus.

And on March 25, the Greeks celebrate the great church holiday of the Annunciation and Independence Day of Greece. In all settlements there are parades, numerous exhibitions, concerts and festivities.

Going to Greece in March, do not forget to take warm clothes with you! You will need them, it is still cold at this time, especially in the mountains. Take care of medicines for allergies to flowering plants, and if you have to travel by sea, remember about seasickness pills.

Medicines in Greece are not cheap, and on Sundays, when most excursions take place (entrance to museums is free on this day), it is generally difficult to find a working pharmacy.

Accommodation prices please with their affordability: the cost of a room per day starts from 25 euros. There is no need to book a room in advance - the hotels are half empty.

Estimated cost of economy class flights to Athens

• from Moscow - from 200 euros;
• from St. Petersburg - from 250 euros;
• from Yekaterinburg - from 300 euros;
• from Novosibirsk - from 300 euros.

April

In April, Greece will delight you with +25 degrees of air and +16 of water. At the beginning of the month, it is still difficult to find tourists, but towards the end, Greek resorts become busier. April is the perfect month for a calm, measured holiday.

It's most pleasant at a time like this southern islands(Rhodes,), there is warm and dry weather. Prices in hotels gradually begin to rise by the end of the month, but by booking a room in advance, you can save a lot.

You will be met by the gentle and warm sun, the purest sea. There are not very many fruits, but there are oranges, apples, kiwi. Jasmine and citrus fruits bloom near houses and along the coasts. Easter is traditionally celebrated this month.

If the weather is unlucky, you can successfully spend time exploring local attractions by buying excursions from street agents or in your own hotel. It will help to see more and a rented car (how to do it in Crete). In May, you can rent a car for 30 euros per day, for gasoline prices are fixed - 1.7-1.8 euros. Remember that buying excursions at the hotel is always more expensive than taking them from local firms.

On the first of May, Greece celebrates the festival of flowers - fragrant and spectacular, even passing cars are decorated with flowers on this day.

Students are given a 50% discount to visit museums and monuments of antiquity, archaeologists, architects and artists, as well as teachers of higher educational institutions have the right to visit them all days free of charge.

It is not allowed to carry away any debris from the territory of the monuments! Some locations also require a permit or an additional ticket to take photos and videos. The violator will have to pay a hefty fine with confiscation of the footage.

In May it is best to go to Crete, Rhodes, Corfu. The approximate cost of a room per day in Crete or Rhodes is 50 euros.

Prices for air tickets to the island of Crete (, Chania)

• from Moscow - from 160 euros;
• from Yekaterinburg - from 200 euros;

Summer rest

June

In June, Greece will give you a lot positive emotions, and you will remember the gentle sun of the olive country for a long time.
The air temperature is kept at around +30 degrees, and water - +25 degrees.

In the summer, of course, beach holidays are popular among tourists. Only true aesthetes and history buffs seek to visit the sights despite the scorching Greek sun.

At this time, you can visit the Athens Art Festival, which takes place in the capital and in the ancient theaters of Epidaurus (a city in the northeast of the Peloponnese). During it, they attend theatrical and musical events, get acquainted with the traditions of the ancient Greek theater.

And on the night of June 23-24, the most magical night of Midsummer, when the Greeks allow themselves to fool around, tell fortunes and perform the ritual of burning dried flowers collected back in May to drive away witches.

The swimming season is gaining momentum, different, but mostly sandy. Some of them are found sea ​​urchins, so it is better to buy special beach shoes (5-6 euros).

Almost nowhere is it forbidden for women to sunbathe the top forest, but there are places specially designated for this for nudists: part of the beach hidden in the bay, Paradise beach in Mykonos, part of Hiona beach in Crete, Discos, Diaskara and Langada, Red beach in 20 minutes walk from the village of Matala. Western and South part the small island of Chrissi, a couple of kilometers south of Ierapetra, where tourists are delivered by a scheduled ship.

In June, the weather is most favorable in a temperate climate, for example, on the Halkidiki peninsula (). The average cost of a room per day is 60 euros.

Airfare to Thessaloniki in June

• from Moscow - from 170 euros;
• from St. Petersburg - from 180 euros;
• from Novosibirsk - from 270 euros.

July

When going to Greece in July, keep in mind the fact that you will be at the peak beach season. Prices in hotels, in bars, are usually overpriced. The air temperature in the north of Greece is gradually approaching +35 degrees, and in other areas - to +40 degrees. The water temperature reaches +25-+26 degrees.

In such a hot month, it is best to choose northern regions: Halkidiki, Corfu, Thassos. At the same time, an idle vacation by the sea can be combined with wellness.

In Greece there are resorts famous for their healing springs:

In Vouliagmeni- sodium chloride springs, the waters of which treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Ikaria- with hot (up to +58 C) thermal radon sources - indicated for the treatment of skin and gynecological diseases.

Elefthera- hot radon chloride waters and sulfide silt mud, indicated for the treatment of motor organs and gynecological diseases.

Ipati– sulfide bicarbonate-chloride baths for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Loutrakion– thermal radon waters from several sources. Useful for the liver, kidneys, biliary and urinary tract.

A few tips: The insurance company's customer service phone number is usually listed on your policy. If you have an accident, report it to your insurance company. When contacting a doctor in Greece, keep all payment receipts medical services, for their presentation to the company insuring you and subsequent payment. Take with you a first aid kit with the necessary medicines, so that if necessary, you do not waste time and extra money looking for them.

Hotel prices in high season from 70 euros per day for two.

Airfare to Corfu in July

• from Moscow - from 180 euros;
• from St. Petersburg - from 170 euros;
• from Yekaterinburg - from 190 euros;
• from Novosibirsk - from 250 euros.

The cost of air travel to Thessaloniki (from here you can get to the resorts of the Halkidiki peninsula, and to the resorts of the island), changes in comparison with the June rates as follows:

• from Moscow - from 140 euros,
• from St. Petersburg - from 175 euros,
• from Yekaterinburg - from 190 euros,
• from Novosibirsk - from 275 euros.

August

Holidays in August also fall at the peak of the summer season. Greeks traditionally rest in the first two weeks of the month - from the 1st to the 15th. The cities are being devastated, it seems that the whole country is leaving together for the coast.

The weather at this time is very hot and dry. The air temperature is about +35 degrees, and in southern regions- up to +45. The water warms up to +26, it is especially pleasant to swim in the sea.

Most tourists tend to the islands. One of the most popular is Crete.

Prices for accommodation and food are overpriced, but this does not frighten vacationers at all: it is difficult to find a free umbrella on the beaches, and it is difficult to rent a hotel room (if you do not book it in advance). The cost per day starts from 70 euros.

An economical alternative to hotels can be apartments, apartments or guesthouses that actively offer locals visiting.
Prices for a studio-type room (with everything you need) start in the season from 40 euros and reach up to 100 euros or more, but this is taking into account the fact that such apartments usually have several bedrooms. By dividing the amount by all those who settled, you can relax on a budget, cook your own food, or negotiate with the owners about breakfast for an additional fee.

On the fifteenth of August, Greece celebrates the great feast of Kimisi tis Feotoku - Assumption Holy Mother of God, which Christians around the world call "Summer Easter". This is the time of the end of holidays for the Greeks and pilgrimages to holy places.

The sun is strong in August, so do not forget about sunglasses and creams, especially for people with a fair skin tone and children. Be sure to bring hats with you, preferably white - this color best reflects the sun's rays. Try not to be in the sun from noon until 4 pm, when the daytime solar activity is at its peak. At this time, the local population has a traditional "siesta" - an afternoon rest.

Flights to Crete (airports in Heraklion and Chania) in August

• from Moscow - from 150 euros;
• from St. Petersburg - from 200 euros;
• from Yekaterinburg - from 260 euros;
• from Novosibirsk - from 305 euros.

Velvet September

Holidays in September are still tempting for tourists - the velvet season is coming in Greece.

The heat gradually subsides, the air temperature is set within +30 degrees.
The water is still warm (+24) and pleasant for swimming.

In September, there are no special holidays in Greece, but at this time the season of discounts starts.

For lovers of shopping, expanse begins, discounts in branded stores reach 50% or more.

Corfu

This incredibly beautiful island is popularly called "emerald" because of the huge amount of greenery, olive groves and orange orchards. It is washed by the waters of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, and its coastline is 127 kilometers.

The climate in Corfu is Mediterranean subtropical, the air temperature in summer ranges from +27 to +30 degrees. The water warms up to +25, so most tourists purposefully go to Corfu to swim and sunbathe. At the peak of the beach season (July-August), it is better to relax on the northern coast of Corfu, where you can hide from the exhausting sun in the shade of green trees. The beaches in Corfu are usually sandy, with occasional pebbles.

Corfu is also famous for its cuisine. Be sure to try the rooster in wine (Cocoras krasatos), the rabbit with onions (Stifado), the Graviera cheese and the dried fig pie (Sycomaida).

If you get bored of a beach holiday, then you can see, interesting places, of which there are a lot: the capital of the island is Kerkyra, the Cathedral, where the holy relics of the great saint of God are kept, old fortress Kerkyra, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis and numerous museums.

Corfu is a place of elite and expensive holidays. The average room rate for a couple per night in the summer is:

• hotels 3 * - from 50 euros;
• 4 * hotels - from 90 euros;
• 5 * hotels - from 120 euros.

Estimated cost of flights to Corfu in the summer

• from Moscow - from 180 euros;
• from St. Petersburg - from 260 euros;
• from Yekaterinburg - from 280 euros;
• from Novosibirsk - from 290 euros.

Resorts of Corfu

• noisy resorts for young people (various types of entertainment, affordable prices for accommodation): Gouvia, Ipsos, Sidari, Kavos;
• family-friendly resorts (quietly, lots of entertainment for children): Dasia, Kontokali, Moraitika, Komeno;
• romantic places for lovers: Glyfada, Benitses, Kassiopi, Nissaki.

Corfu Hotels

• Grecotel Corfu Imperial 5* DELUXE (Kommeno) – 320 EUR/night;
• Kontokali Bay Resort& Spa 5 * (Kontokali) - 240 euros / night;
• MarBella Corfu 5 * (Agios Ioannis Peristeron) - 250 euros / night.

Relatively inexpensive:

• Sunshine Corfu Hotel & Spa 4 * (Nissaki) - 130 euros / night;
• Century Resort 4 * (Acharavi) - 90 euros / night;
• Levant Hotel 3 * (Pelekas) - 85 euros / night.

For the economical:

• Glyfada Beach Hotel 3* (Pelekas) – 65 EUR/night;
• Marias Beach Hotel 3 * (Sidarion) - 45 euros / night;
• Jason Hotel 2 * (Ipsos) - 40 euros / night.

Rhodes

Rhodes is famous luxurious beaches and luxury hotels, everyone will be interested here: a variety of entertainment for young people, lovers a relaxing holiday- secluded and deserted places, curious tourists will be able to appreciate the sights, of which there are a lot.

Luxury hotels:

• Rodos Park Suites & Spa 5 * (Rhodes) - 280 euros / night;
• Atrium Platinum Resort & Spa 5 * (Ixia) - 250 euros / night;
• Rodos Palladium Leisure & Wellness 5 * (Faliraki) - 180 euros / night;
• The Aquagrandof Lindos 5 * (Lindos) - 290 euros / night.

Not very expensive:

For the economical:

• Caravel Hotel Apartments 3 * (Ixia) - 60 euros / night;
• Achillion Hotel 2 * (Rhodes) - 55 euros / night;
• Faliro Hotel 1 * (Faliraki) - 30 euros / night.

Approximate cost of flights to Rhodes in the summer:

• from Moscow - from 170 euros;
• from St. Petersburg - from 190 euros;
• from Yekaterinburg - from 270 euros;
• from Novosibirsk - from 295 euros.

Crete

Crete is one of the most popular Greek resorts. This is the most big Island, with the longest coastline(more than 1000 km), attracting tourists with favorable conditions for recreation: sandy beaches, turquoise sea, magnificent landscapes, various entertainment, luxury hotels and great service.

When choosing a hotel, ask if it has a children's kitchen, animation, entertainment and slides. Even better, find . Having a green area is just as important so that the child can hide in the shade from the hot sun of Greece.

Good hotel options for families with children

• TheWestin Resort, Costa Navarino 5 * (Peloponnese, Costa Navarino) - family suite - 400 euros / night;
• Peridis Family Resort 5 * (Kos) - apartments - 145 euros / night;
• Best Western Plaza Hotel 4 * (Rhodes) - standard room - 205 euros / night;
• Alexander Beach Hotel & Village 5 * (Malia, Crete) - standard room - 186 euros / night;
• Peninsula Hotel 4 * (Agia Pelagia, Crete) - standard room - 115 euros / night.

Where to relax cheaply

If you are planning an inexpensive vacation, then the Katerini resort is in Northern Greece(70 km from Thessaloniki) will be an ideal option for you.

Paralia Katerinis (Beaches of Katerinis) has long gained popularity among Russian tourists.

It is distinguished from other resorts in Greece by democratic prices.

In a cozy, with a good developed infrastructure town, there are mainly small 3 * hotels operating on the basis of breakfast.

For example:

• Hotel G.L. 3* (Paralia Katerinis) – double room – 50 EUR/night;
• Hotel Studios SanGiorgio 2 * (Paralia Katerinis) - studio - 40 euros / night;
• Evrostar Hotel 2 * (Paralia Katerinis) - double room - 40 euros / night.

If you plan your vacation in advance, then by early booking you can have a budget vacation in Crete, Corfu, Thessaloniki and other resorts.

Expensive holidays in Greece

If you want to spend your vacation in the most comfortable conditions and are not financially constrained, then you should go to one of such resorts as, or (Crete). Luxurious hotels, friendly staff, impeccable service are an excellent addition to the gentle sea, beautiful beaches and bright sun.

Some the best hotels countries:

Estimated cost of air tickets (economy / business class) to Santorini in the summer:

• from Moscow - from 170/450 euros;
• from St. Petersburg - from 210/730 euros;
• from Yekaterinburg - from 305/1609 euros;
• from Novosibirsk - from 350/1670 euros.

Where it is better to spend your vacation - on the islands of Greece or on its continental part, will depend on what you want to get from your trip and at what time of the year you are going to come to ancient Hellas. In any case, this country is so beautiful that it will never disappoint you.

Like snow on his head, fell suddenly. One wonderful evening I was flipping through tapes social networks and then bam - amazing photos classmate from Greece. Want Want! I immediately opened the site of one of the travel agencies and sat down on the ass in surprise - the cost! This prices! And I want to go to Greece with even greater force.

I decide to fly savage, especially in my practice it already was. ;)

Well, what are you with me? Let's fly!

How to travel to Greece on your own

To start, I made plan actions:

• route;
• Schengen visa;
• insurance;
• tickets;
• hotel reservation.

If you act according to plan, then not far off. ;)

Of course, you won’t be fed up with concepts alone, now I’ll tell you how I performed plan independent travel VGreece.

Where to go

At the outset, you need to decide route. To be honest, it was difficult for me, I wanted both in and on Crete warm up the ass, and before Rhodes get. I was literally torn to pieces, as a result, Crete won in my internal duel. :)

Schengen visa

Visa regime no one canceled, so the second important thing is obtaining a visa! Of course, if you are the owner of a multi-visa or Schengen visa, then you can skip this section, and if not, then read on. I thought it would be difficult to get a Schengen visa to Greece, but I was wrong, in Embassy of Greece in Moscow me her done without any problems, To Russian tourists very loyal ;)

Insurance

This obligatory condition If you already have a Schengen visa, you can risk your health and go without insurance.

And if you, like me, needed to draw up Schengen then I want to tell you without insurance it is impossible to get it! In general, if you want to relax in Greece with peace of mind, then I advise you to purchase an insurance policy, if something happens - you will have to pay crazy money for treatment. I think everything is clear with insurance, we move on.

Tickets

Since I flew to tourist season, then from Moscow to the island of Crete itself was straightflight you could say lucky. :) I know from experience that the easiest way to find direct flights With mid May to mid September, at other times there is an opportunity to get to the island with transfer in Athens or Thessaloniki.

Hotel reservation

When the visa and ticket are in your pocket, the route plan has been drawn up, it's time to move on to hotel booking. I always compare the cost of staying in hotels in different booking systems, for example, I choose the most advantageous option where I make the reservation.

So, the hotel is booked, it remains only to pack your suitcase and board the plane, have a nice trip! ;)

Not sure 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!

Where to go to Greece for the first time?

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

If you are going to Greece for the first time and do not know where to go, this article is for you. Here I have selected 4 of the most popular destinations:

First time to Greece: Mykonos

Mykonos is the most famous and cosmopolitan island of Greece. It is here that the notorious white buildings, so unusual to the Russian eye, are located. But keep in mind, Mykonos is quite an expensive island compared to the rest of Greece. The capital of the island is the city of Chora, here you can get acquainted with the famous Greek architecture.

Where to go and what to see

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

Where to stay

Mykonos tourist island, and therefore you will not have problems finding housing. - from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses and hostels, you can also search for hotels through the form on the left. For the very economical, there is Couchsurfing.

Things to do

• In Mykonos, many holidays and festivals are held in the summer, all this is accompanied by rivers of delicious wine and mountains of delicious food.
• Also, this "Isle of the Winds" is a paradise for lovers water sports, surfers and sailors come here from all over the world. Mykonos has a wide range of windsurfing beaches. The most isolated beaches are considered the best: Kórfos, Fteliá, Meyáli Ámmos and Kalafátis. Almost all beaches teach surfing.
• In Mykonos you can play tennis or minigolf at Ayios Stéfanos, beach volleyball at Ayia Ánna, skydiving or jet skiing at Eliá or Kalafátis. Even diving enthusiasts will not be left behind and will be able to explore the beauty of the underwater life of the Aegean Sea.

Mykonos is the standard choice for both hanging out and being like interesting excursions and enjoy your beach holiday. Therefore, if you are going 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. Unparalleled natural beauty, developed tourism infrastructure, beaches with clear waters, Byzantine footpaths connecting traditional Greek villages, breathtaking landscapes and pulsating night life– all this awaits you on the island of Paros.

Parikia, the capital of the island, is also home to famous whitewashed rectangular buildings and impressive neoclassical mansions.

Where to go and what to see

• the village of Naousa, here 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 surrounded on all sides by greenery, located in the very high point the islands 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 Marathi, 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

• Attending a religious festival is a great opportunity to taste the 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. Such a walk around the island is a great way to see the most beautiful places in Paros with your own eyes.
• Sun-drenched beaches Chrissí Aktí, Santa Maria, Poúnda and crystal clear waters the seas will conquer all lovers beach holiday. You can also go surfing here.
• Surrounded by red and green clay cliffs, Kalóyeros Beach provides you with an effective and natural spa for free. 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 most low prices for holidays in 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, the countryside is still picturesque and unspoilt. The island is adorned 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 a vibrant nightlife, and you will understand why thousands of travelers travel to this island every year.

Where to go and what to see

• the capital of the island - the city of Skiathos with its cobbled stone, cozy streets and white buildings;
• a picturesque harbor surrounded by 4 islets;
• the small island of Boúrtzi, where the ruins of a Venetian fortress nestled among dense vegetation;
• home, and now a museum of the famous author Alexandros Papadiamantis (Alexandros Papadiamantis);
• Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, which houses 4 museums.

Where to stay

Skiathos has plenty of hotels, hostels and lodging. affordable prices. You can also stay at Camping Koukounariés.

Things to do

• Every summer the island hosts colorful cultural events, concerts and art exhibitions.
• Take a breathtaking trail that starts from Asélinos, past Kounistra monastery, small Asélinos beach and Alygariés beach, and ends at Kehriá beach.
• The entire nightlife of the island is concentrated on the street near the Old Harbor. Bars and nightclubs are open here all night until morning and are always full of fun young people. The Ammoudiá area often hosts open-air parties (it's easy to find them, you just need to follow the road leading to the airport).

First time to Greece: Chios

The island of Bos is practically in no way inferior to the famous and sometimes overrated Mykonos and Santorini. Walk the picturesque streets, enjoy the elegance of buildings, swim in warm clear waters worldwide famous beaches Mylopótamos and Maganári, taste obscenely delicious Greek delicacies.

Where to go and what to see

• Be sure to visit Hóra, perched on the famous hill with its snow-white cubic buildings and covered lanes.
• See 12 windmills.
• Panayia Gremiótissa (Madonna of the Rocks) is at the highest point of Hòra, with amazing view to the bay and the neighboring island of Sikinos.
• The Byzantine castle of Paleókastro, built on the very top of a hill.
• The 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, 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 same luxury as Mykonos and Santorini, but there are many beautiful places for walks.

Things to do

• I think you already understood that August 15 is a special day for the Greeks, Ios is proof of this. On this day, one of the most impressive Panagia Gremiotissa celebrations takes place here, when the procession carries the famous icon of the Virgin Mary around the Hóra, all this is accompanied by a banquet, playing national instruments and dancing.
• Walk along the ancient paths Ayia Theodóti-Hóra, Ayia Iríni-Valmá beach, Hóra-Pýrgos-Psáthi, Hóra-Áyios Spyridonas-Perivolia-Áyios Prókopas-Pelekaniá, which are still used by local shepherds, so 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 equipment for aquatic species sports, all the same surfing, water skiing, diving. Here you can learn how to surf and canoe.
• There are plenty of clubs, bars and restaurants on this island as well. Every day, crowds of young people enjoy colorful cocktails, dancing until dawn and night swimming here.

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

We will tell you where to go for the first time in Greece. Three areas have been chosen: active rest, lie on the beach and places with cool sights.

Greece only seems small country. In fact, each of its regions is a whole world filled with ancient monuments, picturesque beaches and places that remain in memory for a long time. Therefore, when going here for the first time, tourists rightly ask themselves questions: from which island or part of the mainland to start their acquaintance with Hellas? Some prefer a leisurely vacation on the idyllic coast, others do not miss the opportunity to see the legendary monuments of history. Let's try to figure out where to go to Greece for the first time.

See the sights of Greece

Nowhere is the atmosphere of the rich past of Greece felt so much as in Athens. And at the same time, none of the Greek cities can boast of a more rapid development. The metropolis, and once the center of Western civilization, has retained the most iconic sights Southern Europe, about which many have heard from school textbooks.

Excursions to the sights of Athens should begin with the Acropolis, the heart of which is the Parthenon and the temple of Zeus. Not far from the Acropolis is the Agora - the center of life of ancient Athens with its temple of Hephaestus.

The capital of Greece is rich in museums. It is difficult to choose one of them to visit - the presented collections are so interesting. But among the most impressive are the Benaki Museum, the Acropolis Museum and the Cyclades Museum.

Even the districts of Athens are attractions with a special atmosphere. For example, Monastiraki with the same name flea market or the picturesque Plaka, whose buildings stand on the foundations of ancient structures. There is also Anafiotika - an area with its architecture more reminiscent of the Cyclades.

Are you planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help save money at the stage of preparation for the trip.

If you want to get to know the ancient Greek sights better, you can settle in the Peloponnese. This is an excellent starting point for organized excursions, and for independent travel. The Peloponnese is home to the most legendary places Greece: archaeological park Mycenae, the once mighty Epidaurus, the ruins of Tiryns, Delphi with its sanctuaries and Olympia, to which the world owes the appearance of the Olympic Games.

In the North of Greece, the region of Thessaly extends, past which amateurs cannot pass sightseeing holiday. It is famous not only for its excellent landscapes, but also for rich history. Here, the most popular object to visit was Olympus - the highest mountain range country covered with legends. Today it has been turned into a National Park. Nearby is Meteora, one of the iconic and most important religious sites in Greece. The monasteries, which rise on the rocks and seem to float in the air, receive a stream of believers and tourists all year round.

Relax on the beach in Greece

Greece has been recognized for many years in a row the best country Europe by the number of clean and picturesque beaches. There is no doubt about it: every summer the number of people who want to lie on Greek coast and forget about the fuss big cities only grows.

On the mainland the best beaches boasts the Halkidiki peninsula. Its coastline stretches for almost 500 kilometers, so everyone can choose appropriate place for relax. On the Kassandra peninsula, the palm is given to the beaches of Sani for impeccably clean sand. By the way, the best and most comfortable hotels are concentrated here. A large and long beach will please the guests of the resort of Afytos. It stretches for almost 4 km and will appeal to everyone who is looking for a calm coastline. The Sithonia peninsula is the leader in terms of the cleanest beaches. Vourvourou, Porto Carras, Porto Koufo, Toroni and Akti Elyas are distinguished by their beauty. The advantage of a beach holiday in Halkidiki is its proximity to developed resort villages and any infrastructure.

Going to Greece for the first time, many tourists rely on its islands. Get started with Greek beaches possible in Zakynthos. It is famous for its turquoise bays and reserved places. Tourist brochures are adorned with images of Navajo Bay, with a small but impressive beach. A much larger scale (9 km) is the beach of Laganas. Its shallow sea and soft sand make it comfortable to relax with children. For a relaxing beach holiday, you need to go to the coast of Gerakas. Here sand beach, green landscapes and lack of crowds even in high season.

Choosing Kefalonia for a beach holiday, it's hard to go wrong. No wonder it's called an island. blue flags. The beaches here are crowded and empty, sandy and pebbly, but they are united by the impeccable purity of the turquoise sea. In Kefalonia, it is worth relaxing on the beach of Myrtos, included in the ranking of the best in Greece. In shape, it resembles a crescent, and around are white rocks with lush greenery. Among other famous beaches of the island are Xi with dark orange sand and well-equipped Antisamos with large white pebbles.

Active holidays in Greece

Not in Greece best place for outdoor activities than Crete. The island seems to be created for those who are not used to sitting still and prefer any kind of activity. There are many leisure options, but the most popular of them are:

• Gorge trekking. The best way explore Crete - on foot. The island has both well-studied routes and routes accessible only to professionals. You can start with a hike through the gorges of Samaria, Imbros and Aradena;
• mountain biking. On mountainous Crete expanse for lovers of mountain bike tours. You can plan a trip yourself or use the services of special agencies. For beginners, short routes up to 30 km are provided, for experienced tourists - up to 100 km;
• canyoning. This is an option for those who are in search of new sensations. Descents through the canyons mountain rivers, high cliffs, breathtaking landscapes - all this will leave an indelible impression;
• Family fun. Since Crete is popular for families, you can actively spend time in any of the four water parks on the island.

Greece is one of the most underrated windsurfing destinations in Europe. But at the same time one of the most promising. An example of this is Paros, which annually hosts major competitions. During the summer, this island has a steady wind, which creates ideal conditions for windsurfing. From time to time it weakens, and then Paros is the best suited for beginners in this sport. Most popular places for skiing - the beaches of Santa Maria and Golden Beach.