Set in southeastern Europe, and boasting thousands of breathtaking islands in the Aegean and Ionic Seas, Greece is a country that remains virtually unrivalled in the sheer volume and diversity of its historical and cultural repertoire. For centuries visitors have been drawn to the country’s spectacular natural landscapes and rich archaeological sites, which contain the relics of four millennia of ancient culture. From the bustling nightlife of Mykonos to the breathtaking sunsets of Santorini and exquisite turquoise waters everywhere you look, Greece’s islands are arguably its biggest drawcard. Must-see heritage attractions include the numerous ancient structures of Athens; Meteora Monasteries, one of the world’s most remarkable ecclesiastical sites; the towering Mount Olympus, home of the gods; and of course Delphi, Greece’s most sacred site where the oracle once answered the questions in the temple of Apollo.
Out of all of the Cyclades - the group of islands that surround the sacred Greek island of Delos - Mykonos is perhaps the most famous. It is known for its gorgeous green rolling hills, exquisite beaches and the glamorous, cosmopolitan crowd that typically vacations here. While Mykonos makes for an ideal base for archaeological day trips to the nearby islands, the island itself has plenty to offer. Spend your days exploring the quaint winding alleyways strewn with iconic whitewashed houses; sailing around the picturesque harbour and out into the glistening Aegean Sea; unwinding on the idyllic beaches, and dining in the numerous fine restaurants. If it’s unforgettable nightlife, a bit of luxury, and plenty of natural beauty you are after, Mykonos is undoubtedly the destination for you.
Situated in the Aegean Sea, the Greek island of Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades Archipelago. Its fertile landscape features ancient ruins, quaint mountain villages with sheep-dotted slopes, and vast stretches of magnificent beaches. With their crystal-clear waters, soft white sands and watersports such as swimming, windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing on offer, the beaches here provide the ultimate holiday experience, while the island’s lush interior makes it an ideal destination for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts. Make sure to visit the mysterious Cave of Zas, filled with incredible stalactite formations and dedicated to Zeus in ancient times. The wide variety of historic attractions includes breathtaking Venetian mansions, Byzantine country churches, and the medieval old quarter of Kastro, with its centuries-old stone paving, arches and buildings.
Set in the Cyclades Archipelago at the heart of the Aegean Sea, the paradise-like Paros Island is renowned for its spectacular beaches, idyllic traditional villages and exciting nightlife. The island boasts 38 magnificent soft, sandy beaches, characterised by white sand lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters and fringed with restaurants and beach bars. The eastern beaches are perfect for windsurfing and kite surfing, and there are numerous magnificent scuba diving spots, as well as guided trips to the uninhabited islets of the Aegean Sea, close reefs and old wrecks on offer. Historic attractions include intriguing castles, ancient monasteries, a Mycenaean Acropolis, Byzantine Museums, two folklore museums, a wine museum, and more. Nature lovers will delight in the chance to explore the Valley of Butterflies, where butterflies reproduce in the summer months.
Classically known as Thera and officially Thira, the picturesque island of Santorini dots the South Aegean Sea. Some destinations have stunning beaches and breathtaking natural landscapes, while others have extraordinary ancient cities and excellent restaurants. The popular Greek island of Santorini is blessed with all of these attractive features and more. This lovely volcanic island in the Cyclades lies in the middle of the Aegean and is well known for its strikingly white cliff-side homes with their pretty deep blue rooftops. Visitors will be treated to dramatic ocean views, pristine beaches, traditional Grecian architecture, many fascinating historical sites, fine dining, and excellent local wineries. With all of this on offer, it is little wonder that this remarkably romantic island has become one of the world’s most popular island getaways.
