Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations among Russian tourists, and it is a truly amazing country with magnificent sandy beaches, unique architectural monuments (after all, the cradle of civilization) and most importantly - amazingly kind and sympathetic people. The Greeks have a special attitude towards us, tourists from Russia. A tourist from Russia for the Greeks is not only money, it is sacred. We choose a holiday in Greece.
Perhaps this is historically due to religion, or maybe something else, but the fact remains a fact. My wife and I have been vacationing in Greece for ten years now; we have traveled almost the entire country and gained some vacation experience. For those who are going on holiday to Greece, I advise you to carefully read this article and maybe something will be useful to you.
Almost every fifth Greek has a Russian wife, and the most common female names in Greece are Katerina and Elena. Without delving into this topic, I will say one thing: when you arrive in Greece for the first time, you will immediately feel that you are sincerely welcome here and you will love this country forever.
For those who are going to Greece for the first time, the following holiday criteria are primarily important: it should be warm, sandy beaches with a gentle approach to the sea, the presence of taverns and shops and the presence of a promenade, i.e. places for walking. There are such places in Greece and there are quite a few of them.
Crete. Road in the mountains.
In one of the taverns. It's nice to spend an evening in such a stylized tavern.
When traveling around Greece by car, you can stop at one of these many beaches and take a swim. It's almost a wild beach. The entry into the sea is gentle and in some places there are even sun loungers and umbrellas
In Greece you can not only have a great time on the beach, but also take an amazing journey back in time. No country has such a number of ancient ancient monuments, familiar from childhood from history lessons. Everyone hears names like ancient Olympia
, Delphi, Mycenae, All this and much more, no less interesting, are the most visited tourist places. In any TA there will always be excursion tours to these cities and surrounding areas.
For those who are going to Greece for the first time, you need to know that a beach holiday in Greece is a different story. There are beaches for every taste at your disposal. If you remember the Bounty advertisement, it’s about Greek beaches. Secluded coves with clean sandy beaches, clear sea and stunning mountain scenery. No one has yet remained indifferent to these beauties. Along with this, you need to understand that in Greece the holiday is completely different, not the same as in Turkey or Egypt. I would say that they are fundamentally different. If in the mentioned countries you can get all the pleasures without leaving the hotel, then in Greece all the most interesting things are located just beyond its territory. In addition, in Greek hotels you will hardly find such fun and wild animation as, for example, in Turkey.
Sea of Greece. Chalkidiki.
Early morning on the beach of Zakynthos
Somewhere high in the mountains you will come across a winery of local residents and you will be offered to taste olive oil, wine and the olives themselves. Prices for these products in the mountains are lower than in shops in tourist areas
Navagio Bay. Zakynthos Island
In one of the Greek taverns
Church of St. Dionysius
Inside the church
The swimming season (this is when all age categories can comfortably swim in the sea) in Greece begins in early June. By this time, the water in the sea has already warmed up sufficiently. True, it is not the same everywhere. For example, in Halkidiki (northern Greece) the average temperature in June will be approximately +20C, and in Crete (the southernmost island of Greece) it will already be a couple of degrees higher, i.e. somewhere around +23-24C. Of course, it doesn’t happen once at a time. However, since mid-June, every day the water along the entire Greek coast becomes warmer and warmer, attracting masses of tourists. In this case, the air temperature can reach +35C. If you are a heat-loving plant, then in June it is better for you to go swimming on the island. Crete, o. Corfu, o. or o. Kos. Only Corfu has a more humid climate, unlike Crete. In Crete, although it is hot, it is dry and there is always a refreshing breeze.
The most comfortable time for swimming in northern Greece is from mid-June. However, some people enjoy water procedures even at +19C. The swimming season in Greece lasts until early to mid-October. At this time, the water temperature can be +22-24C degrees, but the weather is already autumn. It begins to rain, and in the evenings without a warm jacket it is already quite cool and the cold wind will not bring joy.
Holidays in Greece are not only about the beach, but also about an amazing journey along the coast by car
, then anywhere along the coast you will find cozy sandy beaches with clear water and a gentle entry into the water. You can really swim wherever you like.
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Cozy Greek beaches. The view is simply amazing.
The island of Crete is the most popular and holiday destination in Greece. However, a characteristic feature of the island is the almost constant presence of waves. Crete is located on the open sea and the sea winds just drive the waves. With the exception of some individual coves, which are protected from the wind. These are places like Elounda or Bali.
Some inconvenience on Greek beaches when entering the sea in some places can be caused by a 2-3 meter stone slab that stretches along the entire coast. In such cases, it is convenient to use rubber slippers, which can be purchased in any resort town. But you can do it without slippers. This plate becomes an obstacle only when the sea is very rough. On calm days, when there are no waves at sea, you will calmly cross it and be able to swim without paying attention to this natural obstacle.
This very slab is visible in the photo.
Basically, all beaches in Greece are sandy and have a gentle entrance. The water, as a rule, is clean and transparent. Spiny sea urchins, which many have probably heard about, are found only among rocks and stones. You should not swim in these places, because... pricking a hedgehog with a needle will bring you a lot of inconvenience. In Greece, all beaches belong to the state and you will not find fences or private areas anywhere. You can swim absolutely anywhere.
The island part of Greece is no less interesting. Holidays on the islands invite you to a calm, measured holiday in silence and among picturesque surroundings. On the islands you can go fishing, diving or spend unforgettable hours on a yacht. The most visited Greek islands are Aegina, Poros
and Euboea. From Athens, from the port of Pereas, you can reach them in a few hours by boat. And the famous purely Greek island with white houses, blue shutters and doors and mills is the hallmark of Greece. We are talking about an island.
Not a big port in a fishing village in Greece.
In order to relax in such a hotel on the shore, many are ready to sell their soul to the devil
The most beautiful beach in Greece. Myrtos beach in Kefalonia
The most picturesque and green place in Greece is considered to be the Chalkidiki Peninsula, which consists of three small peninsulas, popularly called “fingers”. In Halkidiki, Greeks prefer to have their own dachas and country houses and come here for a weekend getaway or after the end of the tourist season. The most picturesque peninsula in Halkidiki is Sithonia. There are many pine groves and forests, cozy bays and magnificent sandy beaches. There are practically no noisy and party places in Sithonia. Discos and crazy parties at hotels are rare. By the way, the main difference between Greece and, for example, Turkey is a calmer holiday without animation, focused more on creation than on fun. Of course, in Greece there are hotels similar to Turkish ones, but there are much fewer of them. In addition to the above, 3*** hotels in Greece can sometimes be easily compared to 4 or 5 stars in Egypt or Turkey. Also, in my opinion, most Greek hotels are not so pretentious and fashionable. They are most likely more peaceful. Simple and tasteful, in keeping with national traditions: white and blue.
Greek resort village.
It is very convenient to travel around Greece with a rented car. Unlike other European countries, renting a car in Greece is much easier, especially on the islands. You will not be required to have an IDP (international driver's license) and will not be blocked for a certain amount on the card, as happens, for example, in France or Italy. Read here how to rent a car in Greece. At the same time, Greece has excellent roads, fairly calm traffic and loyal police officers. Traveling by car around Greece will give you nothing but pleasure. Traffic jams sometimes occur at the end of the week, when locals flock to the weekend, and in large cities, for example, in Athens.
Anyone who comes to Greece for the first time simply needs to get acquainted with the local cuisine. I’ll say right away that seafood in Greece is expensive. It's hard to say why this is so. But meat and vegetables are available in any tavern and are not so expensive. The most popular Greek dishes are moussaka (eggplant baked with minced lamb), saganaki - fried cheese, souvlaki (kebab), fried octopus, Greek salad and much, much more. Local olives, unlike our Russian ones (which are sold in stores), are all salted, without concentrates, and are very healthy. Don't miss your chance to devour pistachios. Greek pistachios are the most delicious. Also surprisingly tasty local “kozinaki”. As for drinks, you should try the traditional “” (wine with a tar flavor), local grape vodka “raki”, and aniseed vodka “ouzo”. The latter, well, is very much for everyone, the taste is very special. And, of course, the famous Greek cognac Metaxa. In Greece, the cuisine is so diverse that it is possible to list only the most common and popular dishes. The rest is up to you on the spot. On average, lunch in Greece will cost one person about 15-20 euros with wine or beer. By the way, many taverns have so-called homemade wine. You just need to ask the waiter. In Greece, you are allowed to produce and sell your own homemade wine. There is a wonderful drink called “rakomelo”. This is local grape vodka infused with honey. As souvenirs from Greece, tourists bring olive oil, aromatic soap, cosmetics, all kinds of dishes and much more.
Greek wines.
Serpentine road to Halkidiki for extreme motorists
Santorini
And this is Santorini
I know many tourists who come to Greece on vacation who try to book hotels with only breakfast or breakfast-dinner. They prefer to dine in local taverns. In terms of money, it turns out to be almost the same, but you will probably get a lot of pleasure, become a connoisseur of Greek cuisine and perhaps gain a little weight. - it's all natural and freshly prepared. And getting poisoned in Greece with food that is not fresh sounds like nonsense.
Recently, the tourism business in Greece has been increasingly focused on Russian-speaking tourists. Many shops and taverns are already trying not to hire staff without knowledge of the Russian language. When you enter the store, they will immediately greet you in Russian. It remains a mystery to me how they determine nationality. And since 2011, the Greek embassy began issuing multiple visas to our tourists for six months and a year, which has never happened before.
If, when visiting Greece, you are interested in getting acquainted with ancient Greek history, then it is better to settle somewhere on the mainland of the country, more precisely on the Peloponnese Peninsula. From here it is very close to all the main Greek attractions in any direction. You can book excursions, or you can travel on your own in a rented car or public transport.
How do you choose? suitable hotel
and how to understand his stardom? We do it this way. To begin with, we determine our priorities, what is more important to us, the beach or the “excursion” or both. If we go in the summer, then naturally the beach will come first. If it’s the off-season, then we’re looking for a new place from which it’s most convenient to travel. Those. the presence of public transport stops and, in fact, the attractions themselves. When choosing a hotel with a preference for a beach holiday, we try to ensure that it is located near a small town, so that in the evenings you can go for a walk, drink a cup of coffee or go shopping. We try not to stop in the city itself, just like on the outskirts or on the edge of civilization. Using an interactive map (mostly Google Planet), we see which terrain predominates in the selected area: rocky, flat, open sea or bays. All this can be seen on the interactive map. Then we choose a hotel. Please pay attention to paid or free air conditioning in the rooms, paid or not umbrellas and sun loungers near the pool. We never use sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach; we always take an umbrella with us, and instead of sunbeds we buy straw mats. This is convenient because when traveling by car we can get comfortable in any place we like. Then we clarify whether drinks are paid at dinner if we take a hotel without all-inclusive. If you are going to rent a car, you need to check the availability of free parking near the hotel. Well, and of course we read reviews about hotels. If more than half are positive, then we consider that the hotel is suitable for us.
In Greece at the beginning of summer, especially on the islands, you may be bitten by mosquitoes. Therefore, it is better to take fumitox with you or buy anti-mosquito ointment at the pharmacy on the spot. Such drugs in Greece are of higher quality than our domestic ones and are made from natural products, not chemical ones.
Have a nice holiday! I will be happy to answer your questions.
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Resorts in Greece offer a mild Mediterranean climate, warm waters of the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas, sandy and pebble beaches, small rocky coves, a landscaped coastal area and a developed entertainment infrastructure. In almost all resorts the season lasts from May to October. Many beaches are equipped for water sports. In addition, Greece is rich in architectural and historical attractions that preserve the heritage of different cultures and eras. You can always combine it with excursions in the surrounding area.
Crete is the largest resort area and the largest island of Greece, washed by the waters of the Mediterranean, Ionian and Aegean seas. The main resorts are located in the northern and eastern parts of the island, where the beaches are protected from the southern winds by mountains. Crete consists of 4 administrative units (nomes): Chania, Heraklion, Lasithi and Rethymnon.
The western part of the island, which thanks to the rich cultural and architectural heritage preserved from the times of the Byzantines and Venetians, is called “Venice without canals”. The Venetian port with narrow streets and ancient buildings is a kind of calling card of the region. - the most mountainous part of the island. The beaches are mostly sandy; the largest, over 15 km long, is located in the northern part. Heraklion is the administrative center of the island with resorts for every taste, including a prestigious one with fashionable hotels or one that attracts hippies from all over the world. Resorts attract tourists, especially young people, with a large number of restaurants, bars, clubs and discos. The most fashionable resorts are located in Lassithi, the eastern part of the island. The largest resort in the region is. The beaches of Agios Nikolaos are sandy and pebble, some of them are well protected from the winds and, thanks to the gentle entrance to the sea, are suitable for families with children. The luxury resort offers vacationers highly comfortable hotels and many entertainment venues.
Chalkidiki is a peninsula in the Aegean Sea, shaped like a trident, the three “fingers” of which are the peninsulas of Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. The mountain ranges protect the peninsula well from the winds, so the sea is calm and the water warms up well. Even in the hottest summer months, Halkidiki is covered in greenery. Kassandra is the western “finger” of Halkidiki and is considered the most environmentally friendly resort area of the peninsula. Vacationers have sandy beaches, pine forests and a developed tourist infrastructure at their disposal. Sithonia is the middle “finger” of the Halkidiki peninsula, offering a quiet and relaxing holiday for families with children and those who like to retire. On Mount Athos, the eastern “finger” of Chalkidiki, there is a monastic autonomous republic.
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands, famous for one of the seven wonders of the world - the no longer existing statue of the Colossus of Rhodes and the valley of exotic butterflies. On the west coast of the island there are more winds and waves, the beaches are mostly pebble. Windsurfers especially like to come here. The eastern coast is distinguished by an abundance of bays, calm seas and sandy beaches. Quiet and calm resorts are suitable for family holidays; the resort is for lovers of noisy entertainment and active recreation.
Corfu (Kerkyra) is the northernmost of the Ionian islands. Milder than on the southern islands, the climate favorably affects the growth of vegetation, so it is considered the greenest of all the Greek islands. Many Corfu resorts are elite and respectable. The island has both sandy and pebble beaches, many of which, due to their gently sloping entrance to the sea, are suitable for families with children. The relative privacy of small coves will appeal to lovers of peace and tranquility.
Kos is a resort island of the Dodecanese archipelago in the Aegean Sea. Thanks to the large number of flowering gardens, parks and meadows, it received the name “Garden of the Aegean Sea”. The beaches on the island are small pebbles and sandy, many of them are equipped for water sports such as surfing, yachting, diving and windsurfing.
Athens is the Greek capital, harmoniously combining modernity and antiquity. While relaxing at local resorts, you should definitely visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, Ancient Agora, National Museum of Archeology and the old town of Plaka. There are many well-equipped and spacious sandy beaches in the Athens area, many of them suitable for families with children. Vouliagmeni is a respectable resort: five- and four-star hotels, SPA centers, expensive restaurants. In Glyfada, three-star and four-star hotels are located close to the beach. Paleo Faliro is a prestigious area located near the center of Athens. The resort is suitable for both beach holidays and business tourism. Nea Makri attracts vacationers with its long sandy beaches. For a relaxing beach holiday, tourists usually choose the Saronida resort.
The Peloponnese is a peninsula washed by the waters of the Aegean and Ionian seas, the southernmost part of mainland Greece. There are much fewer hotels on the peninsula than in other Greek resorts. The beaches of the Peloponnese are predominantly sandy, less often interspersed with small pebbles. Resorts on the northern coast are more focused on families with children; the southern coast attracts tourists with deserted beaches with picturesque landscapes. The peninsula is famous for its rich historical heritage and architectural monuments of different periods: the temples of Corinth, Olympia and Nemea, ancient Mycenae, the ghost town of Mystras, the fortress in Tiryns, medieval Nafplio, the amphitheater in Epidaurus, etc. It is also convenient to make day excursions from the peninsula to other regions of Greece .
Loutraki is a small resort town on the shores of the Corinthian Gulf, one of the most popular in Southern Greece. Among other places for relaxation, it is distinguished by the presence of a hydrotherapy center with healing mineral waters. The beaches of Loutraki are small and large pebble. There are many taverns, restaurants and nightclubs on the embankment; Loutraki also houses a casino - the largest on the Balkan Peninsula. Lovers of educational recreation are attracted by the convenient location of the city relative to famous historical sites and archaeological excavations: Delphi, Corinth, Nafplio, Mycenae, Olympia, etc.
Zakynthos) is considered one of the most beautiful Greek islands in the Ionian Sea. Tourists can expect sandy and pebble beaches, small picturesque coves and caves, mountains covered with pine forests, olive and almond groves. Laganas, the largest resort center of the island, is famous for one of the longest sandy beaches in all of Greece. The sandy Alykes beach with a shallow and gentle entrance to the sea is suitable for families with children.
The resort of Kastoria is widely known for its fur factories. This small town is surrounded on three sides by the water surface of the picturesque mountain lake Orestiada. It is not customary to swim in it, so there are no beaches as such. The picturesque slopes of Mount Vigla are visible from almost any part of the city. Kastoria has clean mountain air, cool summers (average temperature +25 ºС), excellent conditions for fishing, rowing, water skiing or sailing.
Santorini (Thira) is an island of volcanic origin located in the southern Aegean Sea, and the most famous of the Cyclades islands. The volcano on the island is active, but seismologists strictly monitor its activity, so tourists have no reason to worry. Due to the peculiarities of the terrain, there are no tall buildings on the island, but the unique flavor of the island has been preserved: narrow ancient streets, snow-white houses, blue domes of churches. Santorini has beaches with white, red and black sand, deep waters and a gentler entrance to the sea.
- this is not just another tourist trip, but a real journey into the past, an opportunity to touch the living history of this country - the cradle of ancient civilization. Moreover, Greece is one of the most favorite beach holiday countries among tourists. It is located in the southern part of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula and consists of more than two thousand islands washed by five seas: Mediterranean, Cretan, Ionian, Aegean, Libyan. On the largest islands: Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Crete, Peloponnese, Chalkidiki, Chios, Samos, Mykonos, there are the best resorts in Greece.
Rhodes Island- the southernmost island, located next to Turkey, this is a place, since ancient times shrouded in myths, where the Sun God - Helios lived, and also, this is the birthplace of the seventh wonder of the world - the statue of the Colossus of Rhodes. The island of Rhodes is famous for the abundance of sunny days a year, its Mediterranean climate and numerous forests: coniferous, cypress, plane, and citrus. This island is washed by two seas at once: the Aegean in the west and the Mediterranean in the east, and in its center there are mountains.
Resorts of Greece on the west coast of Rhodes in the Aegean Sea, represented by the cities of Ialyssos and Ixia. If young people and active tourists like to relax in Ialyssos, due to the presence of a constant wave, then the resort of Ixia is preferred by connoisseurs of luxury holidays. The beaches at these resorts are sand and pebble or large-pebble, the water in the sea is very clean and clear. The largest European Windsurfing Center is located here.
Resorts of Greece on the east coast of Rhodes in the Mediterranean Sea, are represented by the cities of Kallithea, Faliraki, Afandou, Kolymbia. People come here for youth, romantic, beach and family holidays. All the beaches are very wide and sandy, with excellent entry into the sea, there are many interesting entertainments for children and a vibrant nightlife, due to the presence of bars, restaurants, taverns, and discos.
Kallithea Resort– quiet and secluded, there are mineral springs, there are many coniferous forests around, all the beaches are sandy.
Faliraki resort– famous for its magnificent sandy beaches - the best on the island of Rhodes. There is a very active nightlife and many shops. The city has a Waterpark and Luna Park.
Resort Kolymbia– a young and developing resort in Greece, suitable for a calm and measured holiday. There are hotels here for both luxury and budget holidays, mostly all hotels are located in a eucalyptus grove.
Resorts of Greece on the southeast coast of Rhodes, represented by the cities of Lindos, Lardos, Kiotari, Kalathos.
Lindos resort- the largest resort center, located fifty kilometers from the capital of Rhodes, famous for its cozy bays and the location of the ancient military fort of the Crusaders, as well as the Acropolis, more ancient than the Acropolis of Athens. By the way, this is where the best ceramics on the entire island of Rhodes are made. And nearby is the “Valley of Seven Springs”, where, thanks to numerous springs, flowers are fragrant all year round. For fun people go to Lindos, one of the best resorts in Greece.
Resorts Lahanya and Plymiri, are famous for their sandy beaches and the presence of separate four- and five-star hotels on their territory, offering guests ideal conditions for a relaxing holiday, well-developed infrastructure and the highest level of service.
Corfu Island- is part of the Ionian Islands and is the second largest Greek island, as well as the greenest and most romantic. The capital of the island of Corfu is Kerkyra. The island of Corfu is very interesting and original, as it combines the great heritage of several cultures: Byzantine, Roman, Venetian. Basically, resorts on the islands of Corfu are located in the eastern tip of the island and in the west.
Resort Agios Spyridon– located on the territory of a nature reserve, there is an excellent sandy beach, right on which stands the Church of St. Spyridon. The resort is forty kilometers away from the capital of the island.
Nissaki Resort– located twenty-five kilometers from the capital. It is dominated by picturesque bays and small-pebble beaches, above which rise steep cliffs and Mount Pantokrator.
Resorts of Greece on the northern coast of Corfu, delight travelers with the stunning beauty of the landscapes and their fantastic bays. They are represented by the cities of Roda, Sidari, Acharavi, Kassiopi.
Resorts of Greece in central and eastern Corfu- are famous for their lively nightlife and the presence of a lot of entertainment in bars, restaurants, cafes, taverns, which give the cities a special flavor.
Resort Dassia– all enveloped in the greenery of gardens and groves leading down to the local sandy beaches. It is located twelve kilometers from the capital of the island. This is an ideal place for a family vacation, although in recent years, young people, along with water sports enthusiasts, have often begun to come here.
Resort Kommeno- a very picturesque place on a private peninsula, considered the most elite area of Corfu. By the way, here is the most pretentious and expensive five-star hotel on the island - Grecotel Corfu Imperial.
Resorts Kanoni, Perama and Benitses- offer tourists a calm and quiet holiday, and for active nightlife it is better to go to the youth resorts of Moraitika or Messonghi.
Resort Paleokastritsa– is located twenty-five kilometers from the capital of Corfu and is famous for its clear sea, steep cliffs, greenery and incredibly beautiful bays with sandy beaches. Divers love to relax here.
Kos Island- the third largest in the country, washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea and extremely popular among tourists. There are both sandy and small-pebble beaches. The entire island is covered with green forests and groves. There are many historical attractions and castles. The Greek island of Kos is among the top cheapest beach holiday destinations.
Resorts of Greece in the southern part of Kos island, are represented by the cities of Kardamena and Kamari. There are excellent sandy beaches, very calm sea and clear water. Here in Kefalos Bay is an ideal place for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Psalidi Resort– offers tourists pebble beaches and emerald-colored sea. There are thermal springs a ten-minute drive from this resort. The Turkish resort of Bodrum can be seen in the distance.
Resorts of Greece on the northern coast of Kos, represent the cities of Tigaki, Marmari, Mastichari. They all have excellent sandy beaches. If you like active recreation, windsurfing and wave riding, then pay attention to the Marmari resort, where it is always windy and big waves. But the most popular resorts on the Greek island of Kos are Kardamena and Tigaki. Youth resort towns of Kos - Kardamena, Tigaki, Psalidi.
Crete- leader in the number of vacationers. And no wonder, because it is washed by three seas at once: the Aegean, Ionian, Libyan Sea! A beach holiday on the island of Crete can be combined with an excursion, allowing you to get to know Greece as much as possible, its history, traditions, attractions, exotic nature, gorgeous landscapes and the hospitality of the Greeks. Among other things, it has the longest swimming season in Greece, and the water warms up to twenty-five degrees. The climate of Crete is the mildest and healthiest in Europe, and the sun continues to shine three hundred days a year! Holidays in Crete are recommended for weather-sensitive people, since the atmospheric pressure here practically does not change, which does not force vacationers to waste invaluable time on acclimatization. Holidays on the Greek island of Crete are chosen by both young people and families with children, both newlyweds and elderly people, both lovers of a quiet holiday and extreme sports enthusiasts. Crete is universal and suitable for everyone!
Resorts of the central region of Crete. Heraklion is a developed region, where the international airport is located, as well as the capital of the island, the resort city of the same name, Heraklion. Young people and lovers of active recreation will appreciate such noisy resorts as Stalida, Hersonissos, Malia, thanks to the numerous entertainment in the form of bars, nightclubs, and discos. Local beaches are sand and pebble, entry into the sea is convenient. When there is wind, high waves rise on the Cretan Sea. For a relaxing holiday in this region, pay attention to the resorts of Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Ammoudara, Agios Pelagia. A huge plus is that in these cities there are various categories of hotels and inns, including hostels, which allow you to save money on accommodation and spend it on exploring the historical sights of the island of Crete. Families with children often come here, as there is a Water Park nearby.
Lasithi Resort- is located an hour and a half drive from the airport. This is a place for a relaxing and luxury holiday on sandy beaches located in cozy, gently sloping bays with convenient access to the sea. Nearby is the most respectable resort of the island of Crete - the city of Elounda.
Resort Rethymno– located in the north of the island of Crete. The beach here is sand and pebbles, with a gentle entrance to the sea. The audience that comes to this resort is different: families with children, young people, retirees.
Chania resort- located in the western part of Crete, you will have to travel to it along a serpentine road. But the nature here is simply stunning: dense vegetation, a riot of bright flowers. Local beaches are wide and sandy.
Zakynthos Island– famous for its natural beauty: cliffs, green mountains, olive groves, snow-white beaches and a unique underwater world, under the thickness of clear blue water. There are a lot of beautiful secluded bays and bays, mysterious underwater caves and ancient sunken ships. The island of Zakynthos, with a couple of small islands, is included in the territory of the marine natural park-reserve, being the natural habitat of dolphins, various seabirds, monk seals, snails, caretta-caretta turtles, porcupines, iguanas. The island of Zakynthos is located eighteen kilometers from the Peloponnese peninsula. Resorts are mostly located in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the island. There are many hotels of different categories here. The capital of the Greek island of Zakynthos is the city of Zakynthos, which is the center of the cultural life of the island, rebuilt after the earthquake that occurred in 1953. Music festivals and various cultural programs often take place here.
Tsilivi Resort- is located fifteen kilometers from the capital of the island and is famous for its wonderful sandy beaches, which have the Blue Flag award. There is the opportunity to engage in all types of water activities, a lot of attractions, beautiful olive groves and gardens.
Alykanas resort– located eighteen kilometers from the capital, it is a center of attraction for young people and lovers of water sports, extreme and active recreation.
Santorini Island- a visiting card, with its snow-white houses, paved on steep cliffs and blue, like the Aegean Sea itself, domes of churches. Santorini is the only volcano island in the world that has given shelter to people. It is covered in ancient legends and myths about the sunken Atlantis. Thanks to a volcanic eruption that occurred more than three and a half thousand years ago, nature created amazing local landscapes. Everything here still reminds of this eruption, including beaches with black volcanic sand, and unusual colors: red and black, rocks, and incredible-colored water in cozy coves. Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands; more precisely, it is not one island, but a group of five islands connected in a ring around a central lagoon. The beaches of Santorini with red, black and white sand are occupied by numerous tourists who, from May to mid-October, enjoy the warm waters of the clear Aegean Sea. There are the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises, extremely hospitable locals, delicious Greek cuisine and excellent wine. The island of Santorini is an unusually romantic place that attracts newlyweds or lovers who decide to hold a wedding ceremony in this wonderful corner of the planet.
Oia Resort– a picturesque village, an ideal place for a honeymoon. There are narrow quiet streets, old mills, endless stairs, church domes, and numerous small hotels. And the famous sunsets of the Oia resort are visible only in the western part of the resort, overlooking the Gulf of Ammudi. From the eastern part you can see the stunningly beautiful Gulf of Armenia, where it is pleasant to watch the sunrise.
Fira resort– the capital of the island of Santorini and an excellent resort located on a steep cliff. It’s very cozy and colorful here, like in a fairy tale. In order to get from the port to the historical center of the city, you need to climb eight hundred steps, but if such an extreme is not for you, then a small gray donkey or a classic funicular will come to your aid.
Chios Island– this Greek resort has recently appeared as a beach destination on the Russian tourist market, since for many years it has been an elite vacation spot for the Greeks themselves. Chios is washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea. There are beautiful beaches, picturesque mountainous hills and clear dark blue seas. The island of Chios is a “Mecca” for people looking for a calm and quiet holiday, for families with children. There is no noisy nightlife here. And the peak tourist season is July and August. Thanks to ideal climatic conditions and volcanic soils, the island is rich in fruits and honey. The beaches of the Greek island of Chios are most often sandy, but there are pebbles and mixed ones, including black volcanic sand. There are fifty beaches in total.
Limya Resort– the ancient port of Volissos used to be here. Today the settlement is famous for its authentic taverns and the long sand and pebble beach of Managros, as well as the sandy beach of Lefkatia. As for the development of infrastructure, there is almost none here. However, lovers of solitude highly value their holidays in this resort of Chios.
Vrontados Resort– located in a very picturesque place, in the middle of fragrant gardens, olive and almond groves. There is a very beautiful embankment, many old windmills, narrow streets, and neat houses simply surrounded by greenery. The resort has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, many attractions and excellent beaches that attract many vacationers.
Mykonos Island– here are some of the best Greek resorts offering luxury holidays in the heart of the Cyclades islands. The island is washed by the Aegean Sea. The entire coastline is indented with beautiful bays with amazing sandy beaches. World celebrities prefer to relax on Mykonos, because here they offer the most expensive and pretentious vacation on the islands, and its vibrant nightlife is famous throughout the world. This island has managed to preserve its pristine nature, the beaches are very clean, and all the resorts are world class. The Mykonos holiday season starts at the end of April and ends in October.
Beaches of Mykonos varied, there are both sandy and pebble.
Paradise Beach, located four kilometers from the capital of the island, it became famous for its unreal parties, because here is the largest open-air nightclub and music is constantly heard. Part of the beach is reserved for nudists, although on the main beach you can safely sunbathe topless.
Elia Beach- is the longest on the southern coast of the island. There is white and soft sand, convenient entry into a quiet and calm sea, clear and clean water. A huge plus of relaxing here is the absence of crowds, but there is also a minus - it is difficult to get to: buses rarely run, so we recommend arriving here by boat from Paradise Beach.
Panormos Beach- an ideal place to retire and be in silence. It is located six kilometers from the capital, and can only be reached by taxi or car. This is precisely the secret of his privacy.
Peloponnese Peninsula- washed by the Aegean and Ionian seas. The Greeks themselves love to visit its resorts for their excellent sandy beaches, but there are mixed pebble and sand beaches here.
Larissos Resort– famous for the excellent sandy beach of Kalogria, which is located in the protected lagoon of Prokopos, next to the protected forest of Strofilia. The beach stretches for nine kilometers and its width is eighty meters. Here you can practice water sports, learn to windsurf, skydive, and water ski. If you want to explore the surrounding area, you can rent a car, motorcycle, or bicycle. This beach has a Blue Flag award. Nearby is the wild Gianiskari beach, which is favored by nudists and people seeking solitude. It is famous for its golden sand and is surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Resort Lakopetra- a small settlement with a complex of bungalows, an ideal place for a family holiday with a sand and pebble beach - the owner of the Blue Flag. The beach stretches for half a kilometer and is thirty meters wide. The resort area is decorated with palm trees, tamarisk bushes, violets, and lilies. There is a water sports station where vacationers can rent equipment, learn to sail, take windsurfing lessons, and rent a mountain bike or car.
Chalkidiki Peninsula– the most beautiful corner of Greece and the most environmentally friendly tourism center. Pine forests and olive groves grow everywhere here. In its outline, the peninsula is similar to a “trident”, forming the peninsulas of Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. The resorts of Halkidiki are washed by the Aegean Sea. There are comfortable hotels, excellent beaches, amazing nature and numerous historical attractions, as well as Christian shrines - objects of mass pilgrimage.
Resorts of the Greek Kassandra Peninsula- the most suitable for holidays with small children, as there are a lot of playgrounds, parks, developed infrastructure, sandy beaches and a gentle entrance to the sea. But, nevertheless, it is in the resorts of Kassandra that dynamic life reigns, setting the tone for the entire peninsula. The best Greek resorts in Kassandra: Nea Moudania, Kallithea, Pefkochori, Hanioti, Nea Fokea.
Resorts of the Sithonia Peninsula- an ideal place for a secluded holiday, with numerous quiet coves, clean sandy or pebble beaches, surrounded by deciduous or pine forests. There is no such developed tourist infrastructure as in Kassandra. The most popular coastal resort villages are Agios Nikolaos, Vourvourou, with an ideal beach, Neos Marmaras, Nikiti.
Resorts of the Athos Peninsula– attract lovers of silence and connoisseurs of natural beauty. This is an ideal option for people who have planned and have permission to visit Holy Athos - the only Monastic Republic in the world where only men are allowed to enter. Since the Athos region is located at a distance from Thessaloniki airport, traveling here with a small child will be tiring and impractical.
In conclusion, it is worth saying that Greece is good for everything: a well-developed infrastructure, numerous historical and cultural monuments, a comfortable climate, the hospitality of the locals, amazing beaches, so everyone will find a vacation to their liking here!
There are countless resorts in Greece, most of them have excellent tourist infrastructure.
5.Astypalaia (Αστυπάλαια)
An island rich in history, traditions, with picturesque churches, beautiful white houses and courtyards with bougainvilleas.
Astypalea is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday. The capital of the island, Chora, and its port stand on a rock jutting out into the sea, forming two bays. On the one hand, it is a port, and on the other, a bay. The island is divided inside and outside by a sandy strip called Steno, 100 meters long. If it were not for this narrow strip, Astypalaia would have been divided into two neighboring islands.
Numerous beaches are located in the bays around the island - Agios Konstantinos, Kaminakia, St. John, Panormos, Pahia Ammos. Small boats await visitors who want to enjoy the secluded beaches. The island of Astypalaia is ideal for a summer holiday as it offers peace and coolness and lots and lots of fresh fish!
6.Chania (Χανιά)
Chania is the second largest city in Crete, after the island's capital, Heraklion, and the capital of the prefecture of Chania. The city of Chania is a beautiful coastal city that has the largest port on the island of Crete.
Greece is a country of ideal holidays. In Greece, you can fully enjoy not only ancient sights, but also swim in the clear sea, sunbathe on the beach, and try local cuisine. There are plenty of options for entertainment in Greece. People come here both alone and with the whole family. In this article we will look at some of the best places to relax and tell you about each of them in more detail.
Where else is better to relax if not in the capital of mythical Greece? Athens is the capital of Greece, combining not only mysterious antiquity, but also no less attractive modernity. There are many excellent white sand beaches, ideal for relaxation. Tourists with small children often come here. Vacationers should definitely visit the Parthenon and Acropolis.
Luxurious restaurants, five-star hotels and spa treatments await you at the resort of Vouliagmeni. Cozy three- and four-star hotels near the beach can be found in Glyfada. Paleo Faliro is a particularly prestigious place, located near the center of Athens. Perfect for corporate tourism and for a simple beach holiday under the scorching summer sun. Saronida Resort is ideal for swimming in the sea and getting a glowing tan.
Heraklion is the center of the world famous Greek island of Crete. It received this name in honor of Hercules, who performed a feat here. Thanks to the developed infrastructure, there are also many different boutiques and small shops where you can buy souvenirs.
Heraklion is not only about modernity. This is a city with an interesting history. Tourists can see with their own eyes the excavations of Minoan cities, the famous labyrinth of the Minotaur and other interesting places.This Greek resort also attracts young people who love nightlife. There are many bars, discos and clubs here.The nature of Heraklion is striking in its beauty. Mountain slopes above the sea, clean beaches, gardens with olives and grapes will not leave anyone indifferent.
Rethymnon is a Greek resort famous for its sandy beaches with a total length of 15 kilometers. Located close to Heraklion, the center of Crete. It is suitable for both lovers of tranquility and true party-goers. Quiet small streets, the beauty of the local nature, hills and cliffs, the old port - all this will definitely appeal to tourists. There are also many quiet villages on the coast where you can relax from the hustle and bustle of the world alone or with the whole family.
Chania is a charming Venetian-style port city in Greece, also located in Crete. Although getting here is a little more difficult and the holiday here is more expensive, this place is worth a visit. The Venetian harbor and the old town delight people from all over the world with their beauty. In Chania there are many different shops with interesting things, beautiful beaches. The famous Balos Lagoon, a favorite among tourists, is also located here. The resort has preserved Venetian-style houses, many of which have become hotels. Despite the comfort and large size of the rooms, staying in this corner of Greece is very inexpensive.
Lasithi is a region in Crete famous for the most fashionable and modern resorts. Here is Mirabello, the most beautiful bay in all of Greece. The richness of natural landscapes and the unique beauty of nature are what attract vacationers here.
The well-developed infrastructure has contributed to the creation of the best hotels, restaurants, and cafes here. The level of service for tourists is high, so famous people from all over the world often vacation here. Lasithi is famous for the prestigious resort of Elounda and the town of Agios Nikolaos near a deep lake with crystal clear water.
Another place where you should relax in Greece is Halkidiki. This is a trident-shaped peninsula in the Aegean Sea. The sea here is calm and the water is warm, thanks to the mountain ranges that protect the peninsula from the wind. Green nature pleases the eye all year round. Halkidiki is divided into 3 small peninsulas: Athos, Kassandra, Sithonia.
Athos is an ideal place for a spiritual holiday in Greece, because there are many Orthodox monasteries here. Kassandra is the most ecological part of the peninsula. Here, travel lovers can enjoy pine forests and local beaches with warm sand. The infrastructure here has been widely developed. Sithonia is an ideal place for a peaceful holiday, rejuvenation, and solitude with nature.
Rhodes is one of the largest and most fertile resort islands in Greece. Here everyone will find entertainment to their liking. Frequently beautiful sunny weather allows you to sunbathe on the pebble beach and swim in the clear sea. Walking through the narrow local streets of ancient cities is also a lot of fun.
The northern part of the island is especially famous for its tourist resorts. Many travel lovers from all over the world come here, so the staff speaks English almost everywhere. Among them you can even find your compatriots who speak Russian.
Corfu is the northernmost island of Greece, washed by the Ionian Sea. Corfu is considered the greenest island in Greece, as the climate here is milder and conditions for plants are better than on the more southern islands. Many of the local resorts are considered elite. Lovers of silence will appreciate the privacy of small coves, and numerous beaches are suitable for families with small children, since the entrance to the sea is not steep, but gentle.
Loutraki is a small resort town in Greece. Located on the shores of the famous Gulf of Corinth. It is famous for its hydrotherapy center with crystal clear healing mineral waters. Local beaches are full of small and large pebbles. In this city you can improve your health and find peace of mind.
Nightlife is in full swing here: taverns, restaurants, nightclubs are full of people. For lovers of excitement, there is a casino here - the largest in the entire Balkan Peninsula. But lovers of history and antiquity usually visit such famous places as Corinth, Olympia, Delphi, etc.
I hope the article helped you decide which resort in Greece is best to relax at. Although, besides these resorts in Greece, there are others that are no less beautiful and attractive.
