I was born in Greece and returned to live there for several years. All the famous places of Greece I already have traveled via cruise ship, ferry boat from Italy, boat from Germany, and airplane. I have been to Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Kavos Beach, Athens, and just about everywhere else you can explore this beautiful country. This blog is a travel guide for visitors to Greece that includes travel tips, cruise ship ports of call to visit when visiting islands like Mykonos, Santorini and Crete along with my reviews of hotels.
The popularity of the greek islands with millions of tourists every year is something that can’t be questioned. It is one of the favorite destinations for visitors coming from all over the world. The reasons are numerous which make the country an attractive destination for travel. It seems like there aren’t any reasons to NOT visit Greece, as it has been a place where time stood still!
Greece is a country with a very rich history.
It is a country with a very rich history. It has been the home of many different civilizations and it was the birthplace of democracy.
Greece has been inhabited since at least the Neolithic era (c. 7500 BC). Its prehistory begins with the rise of the first Greek-speaking civilization around 3000 BC in the area known as Minoan Crete, which was rediscovered after 1900 by German archaeologists and named Minoan after their legendary king Minos. The Minoans were followed by another ancient Greek civilization called Mycenaean, which lasted from 1600 BC to 1100 BC. Its most famous city was Mycenae (near present day Pylos), one of the main centers of Greek culture during this period that gave us such figures as Homer and Aeschylus.
The Archaic period saw several important developments in the country, including:
The invention of coinage c. 600 BC, allowed for easier trading and commerce between city-states and increased trade between them.
Greek hospitality is famous all over the world
Greek hospitality is famous all over the world. This is not only a Greek tradition but also an ancient practice that dates back to Homer’s era. In fact, it was in Greece where hospitality first emerged as a social norm and was practiced by ordinary people as well as by kings and queens.
Greek hospitality has been passed down from generation to generation and remains an integral part of Greek culture today. Greeks love to share their food with friends and family and they believe that no meal should be enjoyed alone.
Greeks are known for their generosity and open-mindedness when it comes to food, so if you’re invited over for dinner or lunch, don’t be surprised if your host serves you several different dishes — or even brings out something he/she made especially for you!
There are some security concerns due to high crime cases reported in some parts of the country, but overall it’s safe to be there.
Greece has the most amazing weather
The Country has the most amazing weather. It’s sunny, hot, and dry in summer, and cool, rainy, and breezy in winter.
Greece has an amazing climate. It’s sunny, hot, and dry in summer, and cool, rainy, and breezy in winter.
The Mediterranean climate means that there are two seasons: a warm one from March to October, when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) on a regular basis; and a cooler one from November to February when temperatures rarely surpass 10 degrees Celsius (50 Fahrenheit). The best time to visit the country is during August or September before the crowds arrive or after they have left – which is also when you will find some of the lowest prices for accommodation and flights.
The weather in Greece is pleasant throughout the year but you might want to avoid visiting during July or August if you don’t like crowds.
Top attractions
The Acropolis, one of the most famous ancient sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city of Athens.
The Acropolis Museum is housed within the Old Acropolis Venue and displays the Parthenon’s metopes, pediments, frieze, and some sculptures.
Athens is home to the National Archaeological Museum and its incredible collection of Greek artifacts spanning more than 4,500 years of history. The museum also houses some Egyptian antiquities.
Ancient Olympia is one of the country’s most popular destinations for visitors interested in its ancient history. It is home to the Temple of Zeus, where the Olympic Games were held in ancient times, as well as other shrines and temples dedicated to various gods.
The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion was built by Pericles for Athenian sailors who died at sea during a plague in 430 B.C., but it was destroyed by an earthquake around 200 A.D., leaving only its foundations intact today.
Mykonos is known for its beautiful beaches, and one of the most famous is Paradise Beach. It’s located on the north side of the island and has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Paradise Beach is a sandy beach with blue waters and plenty of space for sunbathing or swimming. There are also several restaurants nearby if you want to grab some food or drinks after you’ve finished your day at the beach.
Best hotelsÂ
It is a country with a rich history, a stunning landscape and some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. It’s also one of the most popular destinations for visitors, so it’s no surprise that there are so many hotels in the country.
- The Hilton Athens: This hotel offers luxury accommodations with views over the Acropolis and Syntagma Square. It has a spa and fitness center, as well as two restaurants and three bars.
- The Divani Caravel Hotel: This boutique hotel offers luxury accommodation with private balconies overlooking the sea or city skyline. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi throughout their stay at this hotel near the Plaka district of Athens city center.
- Hotel Grande Bretagne: This five-star hotel has been welcoming guests since 1837 and offers beautiful rooms complete with marble bathrooms and antique furnishings throughout its historic building on Syntagma Square in Athens city center.
What to do 
The best way to get to know the country is by exploring its fantastic islands. The mainland offers plenty of attractions, too, from ancient ruins to modern cities. And don’t forget about its turbulent history!
The Acropolis and other ancient sites
No trip to Athens is complete without visiting the Acropolis, where some of the most important monuments of ancient Greece stand. The Parthenon and Erectheion are among the most iconic buildings in the world, while the Propylaea and Temple of Athena Nike offer a glimpse into a different era. You can also explore the Agora, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and Theatre of Dionysus.
If you’re looking for something more recent, there’s plenty to experience in Athens: The National Archaeological Museum houses some of Greece’s most precious artifacts; Glyfada is one of Europe’s first seaside resorts; and Plaka is one of Europe’s oldest neighborhoods, packed with restaurants and shops.
Crete has a wealth of attractions as well: Knossos Palace has been called “the most famous archaeological site in Europe”; Chania has been home to many civilizations throughout history; and Rethymno boasts an impressive Venetian castle that overlooks.
How to get aroundÂ
It is a large country, and its transportation network is extensive.
Public Transportation
There are several public transportation services that you can use to get around the country. The most convenient are buses and trains, which often connect major towns to one another and to airports. There are also some ferries that connect islands to the mainland.
Buses
Buses are the cheapest way to get around Greece, with tickets costing very little (about $1) and runs between major cities being frequent. However, they can be crowded and uncomfortable given their small size and lack of air conditioning (which is only available on some routes). Buses do not run late at night or early in the morning, so they’re not a good option if you’re going after dark or want to leave before dawn. Taxis tend to be more expensive than buses but offer more comfort as well as flexibility in terms of scheduling your travel plans.
Trains
Trains are another common form of public transportation in Greece and can be a great option if you’re looking for something more comfortable than buses but less expensive than taxis or rental cars. The trains operate on a national scale (though there aren’t many connections between cities)
The best way to get around the country is by car, but if you don’t have one, there are also buses and trains.
How to get around Greece by car
Renting a car in Greece is easy and affordable. If you plan on driving around the country, I would recommend renting from one of the big international companies like Avis or Budget. But if you want to save money, check out local rental companies such as Autoreisen or Europcar.
Some things to keep in mind when renting a car:
Make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) with you when driving in Greece. You can obtain this from your local AAA or CAA office (many countries require one).
Cars are not allowed on toll roads unless they are equipped with a vignette (a sticker that you put on your windshield), which costs approximately €5 per week. Make sure the rental company will include this in your rental fee if they know where you’re going! It is illegal for them to charge extra for this service, but some do.
You must be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in Greece; however, most major companies have an age limit of 25 or 26 years old.
Best time to visit
The best time to be in Greece is during the summer. However, if you are planning to Greece during this time, be prepared for crowds. The weather in Greece is warm and sunny, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F).
If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful holiday, plan your trip for autumn or spring instead.
Best things to buy in Greece
f you’re headed to Greece, you will want to know where the best things to buy are.
Greece is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. But it’s also a great place to shop!
There are plenty of places to buy souvenirs, from small shops in local towns to large department stores in Athens. Here are some suggestions for what you should buy:
Antiquities — Ancient artworks like vases and sculptures can be found all over Greece. Many were created by famous artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci when they were hired by wealthy patrons during their journeys through the region. You can find these pieces at museums or in antique shops throughout the country.
Ceramics — Greek pottery is one of the most famous types of ceramic art in the world. The designs on Greek ceramics may include flowers or animals, but they’re always unique because each piece is handmade by local artists who have been perfecting their craft for generations!
Jewelry — Greece has long been known for its gorgeous jewelry designs. When shopping for jewelry while visiting Greece, look for pieces made out of gold or silver that include semiprecious stones like turquoise or coral.
Some other popular things you also can buy in Greece: Olive oil, Olives, Wine and spirits, Spices (saffron, bay leaves, oregano), Feta cheese.
Wrapping Up
If you’ve still never made tours to Greece, or have never considered going, we hope this article has dispelled any myths about the country (at least in terms of safety) and intrigued you about the other aspects that make Greece one of the most beautiful and historic travel destinations in the world. With easy travel from major European cities and a wide array of choices for hotels, there’s no reason why your trip to Greece shouldn’t be coming soon!
From mild weather to spectacular scenery, beautiful coastline, old villages, striking history and culture, special delicious food, and great wine, there are dozens of reasons to visit Greece! Don’t forget to take travel insurance and check the latest travel guidelines due to covid 19 restrictions before entering this wonderful country. Take your passport, apply for a visa, book tickets, and hotels, and bang in there!
