It is difficult to answer the question of when to go to Greece. It all depends on what purpose the traveler pursues. You can go to see the sights, you can go to the islands to lazily wallow on the beach under the hot sun, or you can take a "fur coat" or spend a quiet family vacation. In the article we’ll try to decide at what time of the year it is better to make this or that trip.
Greece is different
Greece is a unique country of a thousand islands and the same number of resorts where tourists from all over the world strive to get. It is famous for its islands, which differ from each other in traditions, attractions, cuisine and culture, clean well-groomed beaches and ski resorts. In addition, the weather conditions on the islands are different.
The mild Mediterranean climate is formed by seas with cold and warm currents surrounding the islands, and the presence of mountains. But a huge plus is that it is better to go to Greece when you really want to, and at any time of the year. This is understandable, because in island Greece there is something to do and what to see for tourists. Whatever city of Greece is chosen, it will certainly be a resort.
Budget holidays in Greece
Economical does not mean a bad or uninteresting vacation. Usually a budget vacation is popular among young people who want to go somewhere on vacation. In this case, young people are not looking for an exquisite holiday, they are satisfied with rooms in 3-4 * hotels and not necessarily in fashionable resorts. It is not expensive to relax in Greece, where there are good beaches and attractions, it is simply impossible to be away from which, families with small children like it. For them, the priority is the recovery of their children. For relaxing with children, the Sithonia Peninsula, which is a huge park, is best suited. The abundance of greenery and low humidity allow the kids to tolerate the heat well.
On the Peloponnese peninsula, a large network of inexpensive hotels, accommodation in which pleases the supporters of an economical but comfortable stay. Katerini Youth Recreation Center is an inexpensive but comfortable resort. In addition to bathing, young people have fun in local pubs and beyond.
You can relax from the bustle of cities on the island of Kos. Here, not only relatively cheap apartment rental, but also affordable prices in the markets. The climate on Kos is mild. Many coniferous forests and beaches.
Hot tours
Separately, it must be said about the burning tours. Trips to Greece can be purchased a day or two before the start of the tour, but with a good discount. Mostly these tours are bought by young people. They are mobile, so they won’t prepare for the trip for a long time. You just need to have a connection with professional tour operators who will select the best offers at the stock price. The main thing is to tell them what type of vacation you are interested in, the number of people, whether there are children and the number of days of stay.
Historical places in Athens
Perhaps there is not a single traveler, admirer of historical places, indifferent to Athens. This is not only the capital of Greece, but it was here that Western civilization was born. The first prehistoric settlement in the area dates back to 3000 BC. e. What historical events did not happen in Greece, but the ancient temples survived and retained their pristine beauty. The Acropolis is an outstanding monument of art. Tourists will be interested in his masterpieces such as Partheon, the temple of the goddess Nika and the Erechtheion. As the Greeks say, the city is kept by the Greek goddess Athena. Not far from Halkidiki there is a mountainous region Athos. The only Orthodox state in the world of monks.
Crete and Spinalonga
You can enjoy a tourist trip in Greece, not only in Athens. Each of the islands is interesting for its historical monuments and attractions. In Crete, for example, you can see the ancient wonders of Knossos - the labyrinth of the Minotaur, visit the palace of King Minos, visit the potters' village of Frapsano, in the city of Heraklion - the capital of Crete.
There is an interesting optional excursion to Spinalonga. The excursion begins from the beautiful port of Agios Nikolaos in the village of Elunga. The tour takes place on a ship through the picturesque Mirabello Bay. Spinalonga is an island with an interesting history. For a long time he was an outpost, then a leper colony - an island of the living dead. Now this is a place for tourists to visit. On a neighboring island, where tourists will be transported by a ship, you can swim in azure water. On the way back, a dinner prepared by the crew of the ship awaits guests. While tourists attend excursions, they prepare a delicious barbecue and a real Greek salad.
Sea holiday
For lovers of spending time at sea, the best holiday season in Greece is from April to October. Hotels will provide their apartments to vacationers on numerous islands. The best resort areas include Thessaloniki and Kassandra. A good summer vacation in Rhodes, one of the largest islands of Greece. The climate of Rhodes is wonderful for relaxing in Greece in the summer: the sun shines 300 days a year, calm and cloudless. Most of the beaches are pebble, and the coast is not very deep, which allows you to relax with young children.
There are four regions in Crete: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lasithi. In all regions on the coast there are beautiful hotels with the longest beach season interval among the islands. Bathing starts from the first of May and ends at the end of October. On the coast of Crete, a lot of beaches, and it’s hard to say exactly where the sea is warmer in Greece.
Greece is a place where you can spend your shopping time to good use. From here you can bring products from furs and leather, high-quality olive oil, cosmetics based on it and beekeeping products.
Holidays at sea in June with the most favorable weather and with a temperate climate - on the Halkidiki Peninsula. In July and August, usually the peak of the beach season, but the air temperature approaches + 34 ° C. Therefore, it is best to choose the northern regions of Greece, such as Corfu, Thassos and Halkidiki, for recreation.
Seas of greece
Since Greece is an island state, each island is washed by the sea. Some by two or even three seas. In the waters of the Ionian Sea are the islands of Corfu, Ithaca, Zakynthos, Lefkada. In winter, water in the Ionian Sea does not fall below + 14 ° , in summer it is + 26 ° . Swimming on the beaches of these islands lasts from June to October.
The Mediterranean Sea is also called gentle because of its tranquility. Beaches on the coast of this sea with a well-developed infrastructure that allows you to engage in various sports. The water temperature on the beaches is from + 22 ° C in June to + 23 ° C in October, with a slight rise of 2-3 degrees in mid-summer. The Mediterranean Sea is considered one of the warmest seas on earth. Strong tides are not observed on it. Very good for relaxation and diving. Of course, for beach lovers it is better to go to Greece when you can enjoy swimming in the sea.
A unique phenomenon in Greece is the spit connecting the islands of Rhodes and Prasonisi. It is washed by two seas. On the one hand - the blue Mediterranean Sea, on the other - the Aegean turquoise. The Aegean Sea is the cleanest, with clear water and wonderful sandy beaches. The water in it has the same temperature as the Mediterranean Sea throughout the beach season.
Two in one - hobbies and relaxation
If there are diving enthusiasts among vacationers, then it is more reasonable to immediately get permits to Greece on the islands of Crete, Thassos or Samos. The coast of the Aegean Sea has a developed infrastructure for water sports: surfing, diving, yachting. Aegean Sea - Mecca for divers. The cleanliness of the sea allows you to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world for both beginners and professionals. The presence of waves at sea allows you to surf and windsurf. Those who want to learn how to dive to the depths can learn this at international schools in Crete and Corfu and receive a special certificate. Your favorite hobby can be combined with visiting interesting places on the islands.
Greece in winter
Holidays in Greece are more familiar in the summer, but the country is not only interesting for beaches and historical ruins. The comfortable winter weather awaits the guests of Greece, while the ski resorts of Kaymaktsalana and Vasilitsa will welcome enthusiasts of outdoor activities for whom "only mountains can be better than mountains."
In 1995, the Kaimaktsalan ski center began its work. It has 16 runs. Of these, three are green, seven are blue and six are red. Naturally, you should not bring your ski outfit to Greece. In the center there is a rental. Tourists who want to learn how to ride, in the center there are two schools: ski and snowboard. For lovers of outdoor activities and skiing, it is better to go to Greece when the season opens, and this is from mid-December to mid-April.
The ski resort with the interesting name "Three-Five Springs" (Tria-Pende Pigadia) is also interesting for relaxing in winter. And the name comes from the location of the sources. At an altitude of 1,430 meters there are three springs. From this place begins the resort area. Above, at an altitude of 1800 meters, another five springs. From a height of 2005 meters, the highest point of the resort, overlooks the peaks of Olympus. Ten tracks of this resort provide an opportunity to ride for both beginners and experienced skiers.
In the summer, tourists who prefer an active holiday to the beach are given the opportunity to do hang gliding, mountain biking, mountain climbing or hiking.
Nightlife in Greece
Greece is a country famous for its nightlife. You won’t be bored here at any time of the year. Until late at night, discos, restaurants, and bars are open. In the music halls you can listen to national music, your favorite artists and participate in dances. Among the programs offered to tourists there is an interesting excursion "Cretan evening". An unforgettable evening can be spent in the village of Anopolis. The village is 20 km from the city of Heraklion and 8 km from Hersonissos. Throughout the evening, Greek and Cretan dances will be performed to national musical instruments: lyre, lute and bouzouki. Those who wish can join. This unique atmosphere of Greek hospitality will be remembered by everyone who has visited Greece.