Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe and for good reason! With glorious beaches, spectacular sunsets and a fascinating, rich history, it’s no wonder Greece is on the wish list of most travellers and even if you have not yet visited this beautiful country, you may have heard much about Greece from friends.   

Chances are they have regaled you with stories of dining on grilled seafood in the old Plaka district of Athens (followed by dancing to bouzouki music and plate smashing) overlooked by the stately Parthenon, the amazing beaches and nightlife of Mykonos and the golden sunsets over the cliffs of Santorini – another party destination. These must-see places are however victims of their own success - they can get crowded in high season which in turn also tends to push prices up.  

There is however much more to Greece than downtown Athens and the popular party islands. This is the cradle of Western civilisation, the birth-place of democracy as well as Western philosophy, literature, political science, and not least of all, the theatre and the Olympic Games which are celebrated by top athletes around the world.  

Many of the magnificent architectural masterpieces are still intact with some partly restored to give you a feeling of their original importance and grandeur. The good news when planning your Greece holiday is that it is easy to avoid the bustling crowds and discover the simpler and unspoiled gems of this beautiful country. Here are a few tips to plan a great holiday in unspoiled Greece. 

Mainland Greece is about more than just famous Athens. Take an organised tour from 2 to 7 days to ancient historic sites including the famous monasteries of Meteora built on their lofty rocky outcrops, Corinth with its man-made canal, Olympia - the birth place of the original Olympic Games and Delphi, home of the fabled oracle who was consulted on all important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. This tour will take you to beautiful places where our modern existence was molded.  

Choose a smaller and less known island for your beach holiday. Spetses is a good choice close to Athens and is accessible only by ferry; also close to the mainland is Hydra, another small island with a lot to offer, and then there is Paros or even better still Antiparos which is even more intimate and becoming increasingly sought after. There are over 1,000 islands (not all inhabited) to choose from so you need some time to plan your perfect Greece holiday. 

Crete is the largest but not the busiest island in Greece and offers a wide range of opportunities to discover unusual corners of this interesting nation. It is home to the restored Palace of Knossos as well as secluded beaches, tiny vineyards that offer wine tastings and simple tavernas with a warm welcome and delicious food to be savoured over many hours (beware - there is no such thing as a quick meal in Greece). You can rent a car by the day with almost no paperwork and get to see the hidden gems of the island). 

There are also cruises that call at a selection of islands or you can charter a small yacht for a group of friends and drop into islands at leisure for a swim and dinner and then move on. The opportunities are endless.     

Greece lends itself to making up your own itinerary combining the mainland and a selection of islands which can be easily reached by ferry. Chat to us now via WhatsApp or submit a quick enquiry, and start planning the perfect Greece holiday; soon you will be making your own memories of an idyllic holiday on the Aegean Sea.