The perfect holiday destinations in Greece for every type of traveller

Vacationing in Greece is always a good idea. This country has an abundance of beautiful beaches, a relaxed atmosphere and strong sense of family, and plenty of sunny days to enjoy. It’s a destination that rarely fails to impress.

This country is vast and covers an area of 110,496 square kilometres, mostly on the mainland which is often underestimated and not frequently visited. It also includes 227 inhabited islands, as well as countless uninhabited islets. Even if you were to revisit multiple times, you would only scratch the surface of all that it has to offer. This is especially true for those who love Greece, as they often find a place that they love and continuously return to.

Visitors often associate the mainland with Athens, a major cultural hub in Europe where one can find ancient ruins scattered among trendy or fashionable neighborhoods.

“Meanwhile, when picturing the “Greek islands,” one may envision picturesque sugar-cube homes against dramatic, dark cliffs, a trademark look of the Cyclades. However, each island group has its own unique atmosphere, with some boasting lush pine forests or golden sandy beaches. No matter where you go, you can expect to find traditional Greek food and friendly hospitality. Here are some places to begin your exploration.”

Greece’s handsome capital is a must-do city break that works at any time of year – but if you go from May to October, you’ll also find ferries from its Piraeus port, making it easy to tack on a beach or nature break.

Discover the best way to enjoy a day in Piraeus, the revitalized coastal district of Athens.

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During the months of July and August, it is best to avoid the high temperatures by visiting in March, when there is a breeze, or in October, when it is still warm.

During the wintry season, flights are in operation and there is a lower number of tourists in the town. In the month of October, the cost of return flights begins at approximately £80, but by January, it decreases to around £45.

The months of November, January, and February offer the most affordable hotel room rates and the least amount of people.

This Cycladic icon is no secret – ever since the jet-set (and Instagram) found it, this has become the island that launched a thousand selfies. But when you go, you see why: the part-sunken edge of a long-dormant volcano rim, the island’s western (caldera) side plunges down into the sea in a photogenic fashion. Uniformly pretty Cycladic-style hotels and houses are speckled along its tops, many with illuminated plunge pools and ribbons of hot-pink bougainvillea. Stay around Oia and Imerovigli, taking a sunset yacht cruise around the coast, and you’ll feel like you’re starring in a movie.

On other parts of the island, you can find budget-friendly places to stay near flat, dark volcanic beaches and charming towns on top of hills. However, if you’re looking for Santorini’s distinctive appearance, you’ll want to stay on the caldera coast. This area is not suitable for families because of the steep cliffs and numerous steps connecting buildings. Keep in mind that everything here, from hotel rooms to meals and drinks, is more expensive compared to other places in Greece. Is it the most affordable option? Definitely not. Is it worth the extra money? Absolutely.

In September, expect temperatures to reach 25C during the day and the ocean to have retained heat from the previous summer months.

During the spring, summer, and autumn seasons, this island operates as a holiday destination, with many businesses closing outside of these months. However, April and October offer some of the most affordable rates during this time.

During the month of April, you may have to endure cooler temperatures and occasional light rain in exchange for the opportunity to enjoy the stunning vistas of the caldera in peaceful solitude. Similarly, May offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

The focus is on “convenience” here: Corfu boasts the shortest flight duration from the UK and offers a convenient tourist scene for families with young children. Arrive at its east-coast airport, which is easily accessible to hotels through a well-maintained coastal road, and take advantage of the abundance of available taxis. Many popular resorts can be reached within 30 minutes by car, while quieter villas and lesser-known hotels are situated a bit further away along the north and northeast coast.

Many of the best-known hotels nail being both both chic and family friendly (try the Marbella, Ikos or Grecotel groups), with many more that are simply affordable and welcoming. A sprinkling of adults-only finds are a hit with couples. Though the tourist scene is accessible, tried and tested, this huge, forested island is also perfect for hiring a car and exploring. Visit the pretty old port, Corfu Town, the sand-fringed north and west coast, and hop on a boat to Paxos island.

The months of June to August offer scorching temperatures and provide the perfect setting for your ideal beach vacation.

During May, the weather is still pleasant and mild, with temperatures reaching the low 20s. A self-catering apartment holiday typically costs £500 per person per week during this time, but prices can increase to around £800 per person by mid-July.

Choose a more adventurous vacation in February-March or late October-November; during the latter, there will be fewer tourists, but the locals will still be swimming in the warm sea.

The island is quite large, with a driving time of approximately five hours from end to end. This means that even if you have visited a beach town or region, there is still plenty more to discover. One thing that stands out on the island is the incredible food. Crete has a strong history of farming and values fresh, seasonal ingredients and their origins. The island also has its own unique salads, local cheeses, and is a leading producer of olive oil. In other parts of Greece, the trendiest restaurants often draw inspiration from Cretan cuisine.

You will arrive at either Chania or Heraklion, both located on the north coast. They are over two hours away from each other, so be sure to choose the one that best fits your accommodation needs. The great thing about a large island like this is that there are many options and varieties to choose from. There are affordable beach towns that are family-friendly, trendy port cities, historical archaeological sites, and secluded coves that can only be accessed by boat. The downside is that it requires some research and careful planning.

From June to August, the sun shines the brightest during peak summer months. However, Crete experiences warm weather well into September, which is great for adults looking for a peaceful and quiet getaway.

In April, there is a great opportunity to stay at a luxurious beach hotel for a week starting at £730 per person. The price increases to £1,100 per person in June. The temperature during the day will be between 17-21C.

From November to March, cooler weather brings a decrease in visitors. However, there are still plenty of exciting activities, delicious culinary adventures, and historic landmarks to keep you entertained.

Crete and Kefalonia are both popular destinations for backpackers and solo travelers. While Crete has a well-developed bus system, Kefalonia’s landscape offers a diverse range of historic towns, stunning beaches, and a variety of accommodation options. This expansive Ionian island also has a few bus routes, which allow travelers to explore charming coastal towns like Assos, Fiskardo, and Poros for just a few euros. These towns also offer boat connections to smaller islands nearby. Ferries to neighboring islands like Lefkada and Ithaca can be quite affordable, with some trips costing as low as £10 or £15 each way.

Reworded: The combination of affordable apartments, unique landmarks, and various transportation choices make this area ideal for impromptu exploration and travel. It is also considered one of the most picturesque islands in Greece, with charming pastel houses, rocky cliffs inhabited by mountain goats, sparkling sea caves, and untouched beaches. To better understand the island’s history, bring a copy of the novel “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin,” which takes place here.

It is not surprising that the most popular time to travel is between June and August as the weather is ideal. Those who are able to take trips outside of school holidays will receive the best bargains.

Flights that go directly from the UK are most commonly available from May to September. Within those months, the most affordable prices can typically be found in early June and late September.

Similar to the island of Crete, you can take a flight through Athens to reach Kefalonia during the off-season. Travel in October to experience temperatures still reaching 24C and the opportunity to swim in pleasantly warm waters with fewer crowds of tourists.

Although tourism has been gradually increasing in this often overlooked area for many years, it has only recently gained recognition in the popular holiday destination market. Nestled southwest of Athens, this peninsula resembles a hand and is filled with fragrant pine-covered mountains, old and decaying monasteries, secluded villages, and pristine sandy beaches, particularly in the Mani Peninsula and Cape Malea.

A vehicle is required to discover this rough area, which boasts attractions such as Mystras, a Byzantine city from the 13th century situated near the renowned warrior state of Sparta; the ruins of Mycenae; the amphitheatre at Epidaurus, listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site; and the citadel of Monemvasia, known for its honey-colored buildings. Along the way, you can also relax at remote spa resorts and charming seaside towns.

During May and September, there is an abundance of sunshine and temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s, making it an ideal time to visit outside of the peak summer season. However, December should be avoided as it is the wettest month in this location.

There are non-stop flights available to Kalamata gateway airport from May to October, but it is also possible to drive from Athens. Consider booking your trip in October for the most affordable deals on flights and accommodation.

In the month of April, right as direct flights are about to commence, you will experience pleasant sunny weather and temperatures reaching 21C during the day. This is ideal for taking hikes and seeing all the tourist attractions.

Source: independent.co.uk