Greece is a country that, for its size, seems to have an endless array of options. Location and budget are two factors that most people consider first when planning their trip. And a holiday in Greece is no different. While the country is small, both the mainland and each island offer very distinct experiences. And within each location, there are many options so it's best first to consider the type of holiday that you're trying to create. If you're traveling with a family or want to experience Greece like a local, you may prefer a holiday flat or villa to a hotel. You may not have room service but you may have access to free Wi-Fi or a kitchen. And what better way to truly get to know a place than by staying in your own Greek apartment or villa?
An obvious question is whether you prefer the mainland or an island holiday. But answering that question doesn't determine the type of holiday you will have. Every corner of Greece seems to have its own personality, with plenty of history, culture and opportunities to relax.
Athens is, most likely, a city that you will visit at some point during your holiday. It is full of history, mythology and archeology. You can wander through the Acropolis and the Parthenon, visit the National Archaeological Museum and the new Acropolis Museum. Athens is the capital of Greece and the main arrival city for most tourists. If you want your holiday flat to be close to most of the tourist attractions, consider staying in
Plaka . This area is filled with tavernas, small shops and street vendors. Or you may prefer that your flat is in the very busy
Syntagma Square, an area of Athens with high-end shopping and hotels. For the more exclusive traveler, the
Kolonaki section of Athens may offer all that you're looking for. Step outside your holiday flat and you will find boutique shopping and excellent restaurants. Wherever you stay in Athens, you will find ancient history and fascinating local colour.
If you prefer a lively, island vacation,
Mykonos might be the perfect location for your holiday. Part of the Cyclades, the island has beautiful beaches, museums and a healthy nightlife. Start your evening in a
taverna , meet the locals or other travelers, move on to a beach bar to listen to music and dance by the sea. Sleep late in morning but make sure to awake early at least once so that you can watch the sun rise over the water.
In the Ionian Sea, you may prefer to rent a holiday villa on
Corfu . The island has castles and an old town if you want to soak in some of its long varied history. Parts of the island will let you feel that it's just you on a remote island. On other parts, you may feel that you are in Britain. You can listen to music at the
Philharmonikes or take in a cricket match, a nod to
Corfu 's past relationship with Britain. Your days can be filled with olive oil and wine tasting or cycling up Mount
Pantokrator , and your nights can be spent at your holiday villa, sipping a cocktail by your pool or cooking a meal in your kitchen. On
Corfu , you have many options.
Regardless of which Greece you choose, you will find a mix of ancient and modern, the ordinary and the unexpected. You can spend your days on the beaches, or rushing around to see all that there is to see. And each night, whether after a good meal or just before the sun rise, you can return to your comfortable holiday flat knowing that you will never forget the warmth and hospitality of Greece.
