Greece is a destination which has long been popular with tourists. Bursting with ancient archaeological sites and blessed with glittering seas and clear skies, Greece has plenty of appeal for travellers of all kinds. Mainland Greece sometimes gets overlooked in favour of the many wonderful islands dotted off the coast, but for those who stay longer than a day or two, a pleasant surprise waits.
What To Do in Greece
From idyllic beaches to towering mountain ranges and from bustling seaside towns to historic sites that date back over 4000 years, this country has incredible diversity. Subjected to invasion by several different rulers throughout its history, Greece has been left with many interesting sites to visit. Mystras, once the capital of the Peloponnesus and ruled by Byzantines, was also inhabited later by the conquering Ottomans. The ruins today are remarkable.
There are many monasteries in Greece, but none as fascinating as Metéora, and no visit to this country is complete without a trip to the Parthenon, the construction that has been a temple, fortress, church, and mosque.
If the pull of the islands is too much, a visit to the charming medieval Lindos in Rhodes makes for a lovely day out, while for the more active traveller the Samariá Gorge in Crete has a great 10 mile hike just waiting to be conquered. Santorini is an island paradise boasting whitewashed houses and a rocky coastline that is gently lapped by azure blue waters, while Mykonos takes cosmopolitan to another level.
Local Cuisine
Thanks to its Mediterranean climate and plentiful coastline, Greece boasts some wonderful ingredients. Its dishes today are intrinsically linked to its history and the cuisine is varied, healthy, and delicious – especially when washed down with a glass of the local tipple, ouzo!
Grilled meat and fish are staples here, as are the stuffed vine leaves. Lamb and aubergine moussaka, octopus, and feta cheese salads also feature regularly on menus. Dips, such as taramasalata, which is made from delicate fish roe and traditionally served with flatbreads, are great snacks too.
Climate
Temperatures on the islands are at their highest from April until October. This coincides with the tourist season, which peaks in July and August. The northern part of Greece has a different weather pattern and only caters for visitors in those two months.
October is known as the ‘summer of Αgios Dimitrios’ on the Aegean Islands, when the temperatures and climate are very pleasant. Autumn can be perfect for walking and exploring, as the fierce heat has waned and the air is fresher. December to March are the coldest months, with the mountains covered in snow from November to May. Rhodes has the mildest winter climate.
How to Get to Greece from the UK
By far the easiest way to travel to Greece is by plane, and if you book in advance there are some excellent bargains to be had. easyJet fly direct to Athens from London Gatwick and Manchester, and also offer some great deals to some of the islands’ airports, such as Heraklion Airport on Crete. The local Aegean Airlines are also competitively priced and offer several direct flights from the UK to various airports in Greece. Shuttle Direct offer a reliable transfer service from any of the major arrival ports to your destination.
Travelling by train is not very practical today, as many routes have been closed. Having said that, you can still take the trip. The most direct route from the UK is to cross France and Italy before taking a ferry from Bari to Pátra. From here a local bus will get you to Athens.
Travelling to Greece? Don’t Miss…
Athens Half-Day Sightseeing Tour is a great way to combine the sights, both historical and modern, of this glorious city. The 3 1/2 hour coach trip is guided and takes in plenty of the main sites, which you can jump off to visit.
Oia, pronounced ‘ee-ah’, is a stunning example of how Santorini was rebuilt after the 1956 earthquake. This beautiful, elegant Cyclades village is simply delightful.
The Monasteries of Metéora are astounding. Built onto huge rock pillars, they were a place of sanctuary for the monks escaping the bloodshed in the 14th century. You can visit by climbing the many steps – a recent replacement for rope ladders.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct offers low cost transfers to and from airports and cruise ports all across Greece, and throughout Europe and North Africa. Pre-book your transfers to and from airports, cruise ports, and major bus and train stations via our secure online booking system, and all your onward travel arrangements can be in place before you leave the house.
