Holidays in Greece: Which island to choose? honeymoon in greece mainland or islands

Greece - is a country where almost all corners have access to the sea. favorable climate and magnificent beaches, as well as a rich history make it an ideal country for a holiday.

The Halkidiki peninsula consists of 3 smaller peninsulas (“fingers”). The third of them is closed to tourists - it is located there Holy Athos- complex of monasteries. But there is open monasteries, which are worth visiting during an excursion to a holy place.

First finger - peninsula Cassandra. This peninsula is closest to Thessaloniki. Life is always in full swing here, especially at night, shops are open until late at night, and bars and discos are always happy to welcome guests. The peninsula is full of fishing villages, and you can always taste fresh fish. Among the attractions are the ancient city of Afitis, where the national style of houses has been preserved, the city of Kallithea with the ruins of the temple of Zeus, the ancient cemetery in Polychrono and the temple of Poseidon in Kalandra.

Second finger - . It is also called the "Park of Greece" for the abundance of greenery in which the peninsula is buried. This resort in Greece will be ideal for families with children and lovers of a quiet holiday. Sithonia is one of the favorite places for recreation by the Greeks themselves. Cozy hotels of any star rating with the cleanest beaches And delicious food will be remembered by all for a long time.

Attica and Athens

Athens is the capital of Greece and a city that includes so many attractions that a couple of weeks will not be enough. The city is full of beautiful resort villages where you can combine a beach holiday with excursion program. The birthplace of democracy will surprise you every day! We will not describe all the sights of this glorious city, let's just say that lovers active life worth paying attention to the place - Glyfada with beaches, clubs and restaurants, and for those who prefer water sports sports and relaxing holiday - Vouliagmeni.

A favorite resort in Greece for the rest of the Greeks themselves, especially the inhabitants of noisy Athens. This peninsula is located in the southwest of Greece. Here every house is small ethnographical museum and every tavern is a gourmet's dream. Here are healing springs, many Greek families come here with their children to receive treatment and tell the story of their native country. There is Olympia- homeland Olympic Games, Sparta- the world's first totalitarian state, Corinth- the place where the apostle Paul spoke in the "epistle to the Corinthians", Mycenae- the city from where Agamenon led the Greeks to Troy. And a lot more! This peninsula is perfect for those who like to be surprised and walk, ride bicycles and spend time with their families.

Paralia - Katerini (Pieria)

This South part Macedonia - northern resort Greece. It's pretty here economical vacation among the resorts of Greece, and 70 km of the beaches of the Olympic promenade will satisfy the needs of even the most demanding lovers beach life. In addition, this resort will be of interest to fur lovers - there are many shops where you can buy a fur coat at a reasonable price.

Most hotels offer breakfast-based holidays, few have their own pools, so Pieria suitable for people who like to walk and spend time outside the hotel. There are amusement parks for kids, adults will enjoy local taverns, music halls and other entertainment.

Thessaloniki is the second largest city and resort in Greece with a population of over a million people. This major port and a large metropolis. cultural history Thessaloniki is vast, it is full of attractions and it is convenient to go on excursions in northern Greece: Church of St. Demetrius, Rotunda, Archaeological Museum, Arch of Galleria castle ruins...

Thessaloniki like business people, who came to the conference and are accustomed to a high level of service, and young people who need a large number of night entertainment. Families with children will also enjoy Thessaloniki - there is a lot of interesting things for big and small!

The variety of resorts in Greece is always amazing and it is very difficult to choose what you need without knowing all the features. Our operators will select the most best option from the resorts of Greece, taking into account your wishes in terms of recreation and entertainment.

Every year millions of tourists are convinced that Greece has everything. And if some are more attracted historical heritage, others come here for the beaches. Greek coast is a multi-kilometer series of sandy and pebbly, overcrowded and secluded beaches among which it is not difficult to find favorite place for relax.

The best sandy beaches in Greece

In terms of the number of sandy beaches, no country in Europe can compete with Greece. Many of them were recognized as the best not only within the country, but also outside of Greece - they lead the world rankings.

Long and firmly in the most top ratings settled Elafonisi beach(Crete). For the sake of it, tourists spend several hours on the road, in order to end up at a strip of immaculately clean white and pink sand. On Elafonisi, the feeling of exotic landscapes does not leave. The sea here is shallow - you can walk for several kilometers, but never reach a more or less "serious" depth. The area around the beach has been recognized as a protected area, so there are no hotels on the coast - several apartments operate nearby. But very close there is parking, sun loungers and a couple of beach bars.

Elafonisi beach.

Tourists who want to combine parties and beach holidays have heard about the popular Paradise Beach located on the island of Mykonos. The landscapes here are truly heavenly: soft sand, clean warm water, azure color of the sea. It is not for nothing that back in the 60s Paradise Beach was chosen by hippies. Today, life is in full swing here: parties, entertainment programs, music are played 24 hours a day without stopping. In a word, there is a feeling of complete freedom.

Mostly paradise beach young people choose, but people of different ages consider it their duty to visit here, since they have already arrived in Mykonos. Only for tourists with children, this beach will not be the best option. Demand generates supply, so a large number of hotels and apartments are concentrated near the beach, there is a well-organized campsite. On the beach itself there are restaurants, sun loungers, bars, a diving center, all kinds of water activities.

Myrtos beach(Kefalonia) - the most photographed sand beach Greece. His natural beauty cannot but admire, therefore, the views of Myrtos have long been adorned with advertising brochures. The beach is located on the northern coast of Kefalonia, near the village of Assos. Arriving here, tourists first admire the view from the cliff, and then begin the descent. The beach is surrounded green hills and partially organized - there are sun loungers. But half of Myrtos is unequipped and perfect for solitary recreation. On the coast there is a bar where you can buy drinks and food.

Myrtos beach.

The best beaches in mainland Greece

beach holiday on mainland Greece is the perfect choice for those who want to combine days on the beach with sightseeing of the country's most iconic sights. On the mainland decent beaches exists in every area. The leader in their number is Halkidiki. On the second finger of this peninsula, Sithonia, it is worth relaxing on Vourvourou beach. This idyllic place captivates with its beauty. Small islands are scattered in the bay, and the coast forms a quiet shallow bay. Vourvourou is surrounded by untouched lush forests and is suitable for families with children. Nearby there are fish taverns and bars.

Widely known for their luxurious sandy Sani resort beaches(Chalkidiki). This coast is a 7-kilometer line with a transparent shallow sea. Sani Beach is surrounded by lush greenery, and Mount Olympus is visible opposite. Sani is one of the most comfortable places to stay in Greece with developed infrastructure. Here you can dine at a coastal fish tavern, have a bite to eat at a bar, rent a sun lounger, use a shower and changing cabins. Animation works for children.

Located 40 km from Athens Lagonissi beach. He earned his popularity thanks to beautiful scenery and the purest water. On the sandy coast there are sun loungers and taverns. And you can order dishes directly to the sun lounger. Tourists are provided with a wide range of services: there is a spa, indoor pool, shops, water activities, restaurants with sea views. The only drawback of the beach is the inflated prices for services.

The best beaches in the Greek islands

Island Greece provides tourists huge selection beaches. Some sheltered in calm green bays, others stretched along the coast. All of them are unique, but some can be safely called "the most-most".

Porto Katsiki- a beach that has become an adornment of the southwestern part of the island of Lefkada. Its emerald sea contrasts with high cliffs covered with greenery. For the purity of the water and the incredible beauty of Porto Katsiki, it is regularly included in world ratings. But the best recognition is popular. Tourists visit it during the summer and say that the beach is at its best at dawn or before sunset. Above the bay there is parking and several bars. On the beach, you can rent a sun lounger or go to the deserted part of Porto Katsiki.

Porto Katsiki beach.

On the island of Naxos, one of the best is considered Agios Prokopios beach. It is located just 5 km south of the city of Naxos. Extended coastline, covered with soft golden sand, stretches for 1.5 km and is washed by azure sea. Despite its popularity, Agios Prokopios is not crowded with tourists due to its impressive size. On the shore there is everything for recreation: taverns, apartments, cafes, diving, kitesurfing and windsurfing centers.

Faliraki(Rhodes) - one of the most famous beaches insular Greece. It stretches for 4 km and has become a favorite vacation spot for young people. Crowded bars in high season music is not turned off until late in the evening, and water activities are offered to the most active. Despite the fact that in the summer there is nowhere for an apple to fall, sandy Faliraki is chosen by families with children. The water here is shallow and safe, waves are rare, and the entrance to the sea is gentle. The infrastructure of the beach allows you to stay in Faliraki all day long. Here you can rest in a bar, dine in a tavern on the coast and take diving lessons. And since the resort of the same name is located on the beach, tourists are provided with a huge selection of hotels - from exclusive to budget ones.

Irina, we also choose between the mainland and the islands.
Sithonia attracts me. I would like to visit Meteora. Attract gentle entrances to the sea. Sand.
The islands are always covered with a romantic halo. In addition, in September it is warmer on the islands. But, at the same time, in Crete, as I understood from the descriptions and responses, the sea is not calm in September.
So for the third year now, our family, like Buridan's donkey, cannot make a choice. Last year we went to Italy, the year before last - to Portugal. But in this they still aim to make a choice.
Choose between Bali on Crete, Sithonia and Zakynthos.
Therefore, I am also very interested in the opinion of members of the forum on your question.

Start with Sithonia, a very complete place to relax, and then stretch to the islands for the next years. If you don't like it, don't stretch. only as a rule of Greece is not so easy to give up. about the restless sea in Crete - this is to some extent not true, that is, we were 14 days in September - it was stormy for three days on black, it rained for one day, but ten days of a calm, unforgettable beach holiday. if the sea is restless, then you just need to go on excursions or to other beaches.

to Irina76
Last year we were twice exactly on island Greece - in late May and early June in Crete and Santorini, in late September in Rhodes. It never stormed! Great beaches! There is something to see (more on Crete), just take it better car. You will not regret.

Quote: Did you consider the surroundings of Rethymnon? Also quite good.

I wanted to open a new topic, but here I’m not alone, I’m tormented by the choice between Halkidiki (Athos) and Crete.
Tell me too))
The priorities are: quiet place, clear sea and sandy beach, a moderate number of excursions.
I am going to Greece for the first time, we were in Cyprus.

Was there, and there, and there. Everywhere is good, everywhere there is a good sea and sandy beaches, very kind people, food and full of attractions. Halkidiki, especially Sithonia, is generally a fairy tale, but our TAs give few tours to Sithonia, mainly Kassandra. Crete is expanse for autotourists, there is a lot to see, but with beaches for everyone (the sea is worried, because it is open). Loutraki or Halkidiki? Better Halkidiki. More picturesque. The beaches are the same. On the mainland, in the Peloponnese, there are no less sights. It depends on what to go for: just swim or both. There will be specific questions - I will answer more specifically. In any case, Greece has not disappointed anyone yet. :)))

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Pachimuu?

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This is a no-brainer (of the sea). But anyway.
Halkidiki - is the sea more calm?
And what can be said about the peninsula Athos? "Akratos" is really on the outskirts, but maybe it's for the best? But on the other hand, what is there to do in the evening?

I also agree that Ammudar should be excluded. Not the most the best place in Greece and Crete in particular.
Irina, why Athos, it's so far from everything ....
It seems that they also praised Gerakina in Halkidiki (from inexpensive ones), though latest reviews did not hear.

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Although, everything is relative. Once a friend went, stayed in Amudar here in this hotel http://gr.otzyv.ru/hotel_descr.php?id=8265, took a car and drove around Crete. Those. only spent the night at the hotel. Was very pleased with the trip.

Halkidiki, Thassos, Sporades - it's beauty Northern Greece- pines and White sand- complete bliss and relaxation. Crete is a harsh nature with a warm soul. Well, you can't compare.

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It's very attractive. If for complete bliss and relaxation - what would you recommend from those offered by the agency: Anthemus sea or Lagomandru?

I really liked Halkidiki, I would start with them. The sea is very calm, the beaches are normal in terms of entry, any, even wild. And very beautiful nature, bright colors. Crete is different after all, it was there too. And I went to Yerapetra - I would not have to rest there. The water there is cooler, by the way, than in the north of Crete.
What I like about Halkidiki is that, having taken a car, without straining two “fingers”, you can go around in two incomplete days, with stops and swims, the roads are more comfortable, wider than in Crete. If you still take excursions to Meteora and Mount Olympus, you can still visit Kastoria for free, then look at all Halkidiki, do not miss anything. And all without tension, and you will have enough time to light up, swim. Somewhere in Crete more places, which seem to be worth seeing, so you need more time to travel. On Crete beautiful cities. In Halkidiki, I liked only Kastoria (of course, fur coat production, big money is spinning) and either Kallikratia or Kallithea, I don’t remember. Thessaloniki is a very ugly city, IMHO.

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Excursions are our last concern. We go there just to lie down, like fur seals on a rookery.
Given the fact that we have different age categories (husband 59, me 36, daughter 11), we are all primarily attracted to a relaxing holiday. But at the same time, I would like to be not far from local villages with their taverns, in order to eat not only in hotels in order to diversify and get the maximum idea of Greek cuisine. also to be able to take a walk in the evening.
Service in the hotel is important, the presence of air conditioning is a must.

Greece is located in the southeastern part of Europe and occupies a vast territory, including part of Balkan Peninsula and many islands in the Aegean, Ionian and mediterranean seas. Greece in its various parts borders on Albania, Turkey, Bulgaria and Macedonia. The total length of its territories is almost 132 thousand kilometers, of which one fifth belongs to the islands. Among the largest are Crete, Lemnos, Ikaria, Rhodes, Corfu, the islands of the Cyclades.

The landscape of Greece is a bizarre mix mountain peaks and endless sea surface. The most high point The country is located on Mount Olympus in the Central mountainous region, at an altitude of almost 3 thousand meters. sunny valleys, densely overgrown with greenery, and the mountainous heights of Thessaly and Macedonia, a bizarrely indented coastline and an abundance the most beautiful islands- all this makes Greece attractive for many tourists.

Diversity flora directly dependent on the area. coastal area replete with orange and olive trees, date palms, grenades and figs. A little higher above sea level there is a forest - black spruce, oak, beech and walnut. And finally, on the most high peaks settled coniferous forest and wild flowers. Greece, a country with no less rich fauna, here are just some of its representatives - lynx and jackal, fox and marten, wild boar and bear, deer and chamois, hawk, pheasant and pelican.

In Greece, several major cities: Athens - the capital of the country with a population of about 3.7 million people, Thessaloniki, Piraeus, Heraklion, Larissa and the Peloponnese. Form state government- Republican. The executive power is represented by the president and the government, headed by the prime minister. National currency- drachma.

The history of Greece is one of the most ancient. Already in the 3rd century BC, a very highly developed civilization appeared on the territory of the present country with three separate cultures: Cretan, Mycenaean and Peloponnesian. Over the centuries, these three states have changed several forms of government, from the monarchy to the republic. For several centuries in a row, Greece was ruled by various empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. In 1821, the Greek people began to fight for their independence, and in 1829 won the victory and the status of the Kingdom of Greece. After the country waged several more local wars for the right to possess the territories of Macedonia, Crete and part of the Balkan Peninsula. The result of these wars was the increase in the lands of Greece. The republican form of government was finally adopted in the 70s of the XIX century.

Today Greece is a member of the UN, IMF, ILO, Council of Europe, NATO and other major organizations. According to data at the end of the 90s of the XIX century, the total population of the strange is about 10.7 million people, among them 98 percent are Greeks, the remaining 2 percent are Turks, Albanians, Armenians and Vlachs. Official official language- Greek, within it there is a division into colloquial and formal. In addition, in the course of English and French. The vast majority of the population (98 percent) are adherents Orthodox Church, the rest profess Catholicism, Judaism, Islam and Protestantism.

The main source of income to the state treasury of Greece, no doubt, is tourism. It brings in more than 3 billion dollars a year. Athens, Crete, Kos and Rhodes are the most visited by tourists who want to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the country. Many islands have a range of attractions. Rhodes is the owner of the palace of the Grand Masters, the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and the statue of the Colossus of Rhodes, which is recognized as one of the wonders of the world. Heraklion is famous for its Greek and Armenian churches. Crete - ruins ancient city Knossos, where, according to legend, the Labyrinth of the Minotaur was located. Architectural monuments, relating to the Byzantine era of the development of Greece, can be observed in Thessaloniki. This is the Basilica of St. Helena, and White Tower, and the church of St. George with its mosaic icons.

Greece is famous for its museums, with their wonderful antique collections. The most famous of them are the National Archaeological Museum, Byzantine Museum, Old Archaeological Museum, Acropolis Museum. The world's largest collection of ancient Greek artifacts is kept in the Old Archaeological Museum. The Archaeological Museum in Candia contains many works of art belonging to Minoan civilization. The custodians of monuments of a later period can be called the national art gallery, the Alexander Soutzos Museum and the Benaki Museum. The world-famous Acropolis in Athens deserves special attention, with its amazing beauty ancient temples.

This beautiful sunny country open to tourists all the way to the last island. You can relax and gain new impressions in almost any corner of it. Therefore, it is difficult to unequivocally answer the question of where it is better to relax in Greece. It all depends on what exactly you expect from the holiday.

beach holiday

If you want to enjoy the sun, sea and air, then you have a very wide choice. A suitable place can be found both on the mainland of Greece and on the island. But if your vacation falls at the end of April or the beginning of October, it is better to go to the islands. It's a little warmer there and that's why holiday season lasts a little longer.

There is enough entertainment both on the mainland and on the islands. But if you still want more quiet, secluded, measured rest, island resorts preferred. Young people who love nightlife often travel to the mainland.

And now - specifically on the beach places.

• Crete. Designed for coastal recreation eastern region an island called Lassithi. There are many comfortable sandy and pebble beaches, amazingly beautiful nature (fir and cypress forests) and almost always clear weather. Quiet, calm, comfortable.

• Kefalonia. There are several famous beaches on this island: Lourdes, Yialos, Makris, Poros, Spartia, Skala and others. The most popular of them are Xi (here the sand is red) and Myrtos - pristine, surrounded by picturesque rocks.

The beach, famous for its reddish sand color, is an extraordinary place.

• Rhodes, Kos and other islands from the Southern Sporades series. They attract with a variety of beaches. There are beaches with white, yellow and even black (volcanic) sand. Windsurfers have chosen the beaches of the resorts of Ialyssos and Ixia on the island of Rhodes.

• Loutraki. This resort can be considered the answer to the question of where it is better to relax in Greece on the mainland. It is located 83 kilometers from Athens. The beaches here are as white and clean as on the islands. Moreover, it is well developed entertainment infrastructure: many restaurants, discos, which makes this place very attractive for young people. It is perfect for those who want to improve their health. This is facilitated by the presence mineral springs. Those who want to combine business with pleasure will also be satisfied: all historical sights are very close.

• Halkidiki. This peninsula is located in the north of Greece, it is washed by the waters Aegean Sea. Considered one of the most environmentally friendly clean resorts Europe. From it, like three fingers, the peninsulas of Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos grow. It's incredibly beautiful here! You look to the right - the blue sea plays in the sun, the bright yellow sand blinds your eyes, you look to the left - they shine snow-capped peaks mountains

Where is the best place to relax in Greece with children

For family vacation the island part is more suitable. Here all conditions are created for this - both by nature and hospitable hosts. The warm shallow sea, gentle slopes, many attractions, sports grounds, parks make the resorts located on the islands very attractive for parents with children.

Rhodes, Crete and Lesvos. These major islands with a well-developed infrastructure (there are both shops and hospitals) are classic destinations for families. On Crete it is worth stopping in the cities of Rethymnon or Agios Nikolaos. While on this island, it is recommended to visit Botanical Garden- the children will have very vivid impressions. They will see how olives, avocados, passion fruit, pepino and other exotic fruits grow. They admire the numerous waterfalls, lakes, rivers located on the territory. And for a long time they will remember the wild animals living in the zoo. And in Rhodes you need to see the Colossus of Rhodes - giant statue Sun God and the Palace of the Grand Master.

Corfu continues the list of islands in Greece where it is best to relax with a family. local resorts Benecis and Glyfada will gladly accept little vacationers with their moms and dads. On the greenest Greek island a whole complex was built with family hotels, restaurants and water parks. For children, there is a variety of entertainment. The hotels have playrooms with staff, you can use the services of a babysitter. So that the children will have a good time, and parents will be able to take a break from the children.

Family-friendly hotels - cottages right by the sea

Kos. paradise Aegean Sea. The island offers inexpensive and quiet rest away from the noise of civilization. The resorts of Kardamena and Marmari have family hotels.

Peloponnese. Here is the resort of Tolo, very cozy and comfortable for family living. Safe beaches are located very close to the hotels. In addition, from here you can quickly get to Nafplion, a town with rich history. It is here that such attractions as the castle of Plumidi, ancient Mycenae, as well as the ancient theater in Epidaurus are located. Children will be delighted with the animated pictures from the history textbook.

ancient greek castle centuries of history simply attracts tourists with its secrets

Cassandra and Sithonia. The two "daughter" peninsulas of Halkidiki boast specially organized beaches for families. Shallow sea, gentle slope, pure water without jellyfish and others marine life, as well as safe sand for children's games are included.