How can we talk about a country as vast and beautiful as Greece without first showing our readers a map of the country and its neighbouring countries and the seas that border it?
We will start with a map and we will look at each region, with its tourist attractions and all the useful and practical information to fully enjoy a dream trip.
For those who love the Mediterranean, its light, but also its gastronomy, the smells of its plants and scrubland, the warm welcome of its inhabitants, Greece remains in these troubled times, a relatively privileged destination and preserved from the jolts of the particularly convulsive history of this beginning of the 21st century.
Geographical location of Greece
Greece is a vast country of 131,957 km2 with a population of just under 11 million inhabitants spread over 814 cities.
Greece is bordered to the east and north-east by Turkey, to the north by Bulgaria and Macedonia, to the north-west by Albania and to the east by the Ionian Sea.
Southern Greece is a maritime expanse that begins with the Ridge Sea and then the Mediterranean Sea further south and east. Greece extends far into the Mediterranean and the last Greek island is in the Libyan Sea, 111 kilometres southeast of Heraklion,
Indeed, the island of Gavdos is just 289 kilometres from the Libyan coast and is considered the de facto southernmost territory of Europe.
In fact, 20% of the country's total surface area is made up of islands, islets, rocks and other outcrops, of which there are about 6,000 in total. Of the 6,000 entities, only 227 are real inhabited islands and are spread over 6 large archipelagos: the Ionian Islands, Euboea, the Saronic Islands, the famous Cyclades, and the Dodecanese Islands close to the Turkish coast, and finally Crete further south.
Greece seen by centres of interest
Whether you are on a family holiday, a backpacker's backpacking trip, a romantic weekend, or a history and art enthusiast, we do not all have the same tourist appetite. What will enchant one person may be a treat for another, what may seem like the ultimate for one person may seem tacky and cheesy for another. So we have decided to present this magnificent country according to the sensibilities of today's travellers, giving as much practical information as possible for each type of outing or centre of interest, as well as our favourites.
Greece for lovers of culture, history and art
The Acropolis in Athens, heritage of Ancient Greece
The building stands on a rocky plateau of just over 4 hectares, dominating the capital Athens from a height of 100 metres. Built between 300 and 432 BC. This fundamental work, as well as the heritage of ancient Greece, has influenced the work of modern architecture through its champion Le Corbusier. The Acropolis of Athens was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The plateau is the setting for many famous monuments such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion, all of which form a masterly architectural score of ancient Greece.
Where to stay to visit the Acropolis in Athens
You can stay in a Youth Hostel or book a hotel near the Acropolis of Athens during your stay in Athens. From budget to luxury, everything is possible:
The Bedbox Hostel: this is a highly rated youth hostel located 700 meters from the Acropolis. You can sleep in a dormitory bed from 18 euros.
Evripides Hotel: Located 500 metres from Monastiraki Square near the Acropolis, you can stay in a simple but comfortable room from 70 euros per night with breakfast. From the rooftop, you will have a view of the Acropolis. This is a good value hotel.
Wyndham Grand Athens: Located 1.5 km from the Acropolis and close to the metro station, this 5-star hotel offers elegant double rooms from 200 euros. Great amenities include a rooftop swimming pool, SPA and panoramic views of the Acropolis.
Electra Metropolis: With a great location and a direct view of the Acropolis from the roof terrace, this 5-star hotel is located 600 metres from the monument. It has spacious double rooms:
price: 270 euros with breakfast.
Cape Sounion in Attica or the Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion, a 77 km drive from central Athens, is home to the temple dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea. It overlooks the Aegean Sea at a height of 60 metres, and its white colonnades have always served as a landmark for sailors. It was built around 440 BC. Cape Sounion is a natural belvedere that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the islands of Makronissos, Kea and the Saronic Gulf. Cape Sounion was home to two sanctuaries built to the glory of Athena and Poseidon. Homer refers to it in the Odyssey as the tomb of one of the faithful sailors of El'ysse
Where to stay to visit Cape Sounio
On Sounio, there are 2 Cape Sounio Hotels from Grecotel 5* and Aegeon beach hotel 4*.
Cape Sounio Grecotel Exclusive Resort: a high standard hotel, consisting of bungalows (with or without private pool), surrounded by Mediterranean plants and ideally located on the sea front. Idyllic setting and exceptional view of the temple of Poseidon.
Aegeon Hotel : a hotel with an exceptional location, on the sea front and just below the archaeological site. High quality services.
To book cheap hotel rooms, it is easy to find a hotel in a good area of Athens.
On the Sounio-Piraeus road on Varkiza, the Stefanakis Hotel or the Apollonia Hotel offer rooms from 60 euros per night.
The Peloponnese is home to Zeus in his Olympia
The Peloponnese is actually a peninsula of 21,379 km² with a population of just over 1 million. The pearl of the Peloponnese, its jewel is Olympia, which saw the birth of the Olympic Games in 776 BC, in glory to the God Zeus. Olympia includes an archaeological site which houses the historic site of the Olympic Games built 3000 years ago. The gymnasium where the athletes prepared for the games is still visible. The archaeological museum of Olympia is considered one of the most beautiful and well-equipped in Greece, with full admission at 12 euros and reduced admission at 6 euros.
An important but lesser known museum completes the picture, the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games.
Where to stay to visit the Peloponnese
Travellers often recommend that when visiting the west coast of the Peloponnese: Nafplio, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Monemvassia , you stay in these cities in studio or hotel accommodation in Greece. Nafplio is an interesting city to stay in: more than 290 hotels offer excellent services: like the Hotel Agamemnon *** or the Amalia Nafplio**** with its luxurious rooms...
Think of renting a car at the airport, avoid going through intermediaries, always favour world-renowned brands such as Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Budget... To visit the Peloponnese and all its sites, this is clearly the most practical way as sites such as Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Mystra are scattered throughout the region.
Greece for leisure and relaxation
Whether you're looking for cultural visits, new walks, or relaxation during your stay in Greece, you'll be seduced by the diversity of the panoramas, the wide stretches of paradisiacal beaches of the majestic islands of Greece.
With a Mediterranean climate, Greece offers 300 days of sunshine a year. The sunsets on the western side of the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea on the eastern side are considered the most beautiful in the world. Every evening thousands of tourists come to Oia and the island of Santorini to watch them.
The Cycladic islands and their lunar beaches
The Cyclades are a group of Greek islands in the middle of the Aegean Sea, such as Milos, Santorini, Naxos, Armogos and Los, where the mythical film The Big Blue was shot. The Cyclades offer lunar beaches and indigo blue waters. On a cruise or Seajets ferry, you can explore and recharge your batteries on the 12 islands of the Cyclades.
You'll visit Milos, the island of Venus in the Cyclades, Greece. It was here that the famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered and is now in the Louvre Museum in Paris. This volcanic island offers around 75 original beaches and in the top 10, the first is Sarakiniko, a lunar beach made of pristine white volcanic cliffs and rocky banks.
You won't miss the most beautiful Greek island, some say the most beautiful in the world Santorini also called Thera or Thira (Θήρα / Thíra). It is one of the most populated islands of a small volcanic archipelago and shaped over the centuries comprising four other islands(Santorini archipelago). With Thirassía and AspronissiSantorini is part of the remains of an ancient island that was partially destroyed around 1600 BC during the Minoan eruption. The best time to visit Santorini is by boat in the afternoon. Visit Thirassia, enjoy the local gastronomy in a small and cosy restaurant and finally, enjoy a breathtaking sight: the sunset seen from the sea from the boat.
Mykonos: Greece's party paradise
With its beaches lined with beach bars such as Guapaloca and Tropicana in Paradise Beach and its Beach Clubs where the biggest international DJs mix, Mykonos is an invitation from the party on the beach to the party in town. Paradise Beach is also where the famous Cavo Paradiso and Paradise Club nightclubs are always busy during the summer season.
For the party in town, the town of Mykonos also called Hora, Chora or Mykonos town is not left out. Don't hesitate to visit this Cycladic town during the day, whether for cultural escapades, church visits or shopping. The beautiful shops and art galleries are already a delight to the eye.
Getting tothe Cyclades: The Cyclades are very well served by its international airport and all ferry companies from Athens to all the Greek islands. There are three major ferry companies that stand out in the Cyclades:
Golden Star Ferries (over 100 trips per day)
Sea Jets (over 230 trips per day)
And Blue Star Ferries (over 70 trips per day)
Where to stay to visit the Cyclades
When staying in the Cyclades Santorini and depending on your travel tour in Greece, choosing the town of Oia to stay in is the right option. Choose Fileria Suites, one of the cheapest hotels for 100 euros per night. In Fira, in the centre of the archipelago, you will also find interesting accommodation offers such as the Antonia Hotel located in the heart of the city and close to the bus lines. In the off-season, room rates do not exceed 50 euros.
Santorini is of course the most popular resort for romantic and party holidays. For a family holiday, we advise you to stay in Milos.
Good accommodation plan : In the eastern Cyclades, on the island of Amoros, Pension Barbara is an excellent choice for travellers who want to stay close to Katapola beach. The establishment is modest but the services are of very good quality at a price of 70 euros per night.
Greece's food and wine
The Mediterranean gastronomy, so healthy and so colourful, recognized for its nutritional virtues!
Did you know that it is classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site?
So well deserved, Greek cuisine is part of the Mediterranean diet, a gastronomy based on sharing, generosity and hospitality, a common value of the peoples of the Mediterranean basin.
Greek cuisine is 4000 years old and has Ottoman, Balkan and Italian influences. It is full of juicy and tasty vegetables, salads with aromatic herbs, all seasoned with excellent olive oil, one of the best in the world. In ancient times, Archestratus, a gourmet poet, wrote a book of poems dedicated to Greek gastronomy which is one of the oldest books on Greek cuisine. Today, a plethora of world-famous Greek dishes are offered in Greek restaurants with proven dietetic qualities. In fact, Greek gastronomy is one of the healthiest culinary heritages in Europe.
FromAthens to Thessaloniki via Mykonos, you can refresh your taste buds with Greek tapas ( mezedes) followed by a Greek salad with the many colours of nature ( tzatziki), spinach and feta puff pastries ( Spanakópita) or a moussaka , oriental pastries ( baklavas) all washed down with a good Greek white wine!
Agriculture, livestock and fishing in Greece
Greece provides agriculture that is as close to the land and nature as possible, thanks to small family-run fruit farms and sheep and goat farms. It ranks 5th in the world in olive production behind Spain, Italy, and Morocco. Greek orchards are the3rd largest producer of peaches in the world behind China and Italy.
It was the agricultural census of 1950 that enabled Greece to join the European Union in 1981, a move that lifted customs barriers and allowed it to obtain funds from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The importance is however marked by secondary farming activities such as tourism.
Greek sheep and cattle breeding for meat production is mainly for dairy products: Greek yoghurts, milk and sheep cheese such as feta.
Greek wine production, a wealth of grape varieties
The cradle of European viticulture due to the richness of its grape varieties, the Greek vineyard today covers around 70,000 hectares (for wine grapes), for an annual production of 4 million hectolitres, 60% of which are white wines. EU membership and subsidies have helped the establishment of small and medium-sized producers of terroir wines. Most of the wineries in Greece are managed by oenologists who have graduated from Greek, French and American universities, which certifies wines of excellent quality. Today, there are approximately 230 wineries in Greece (cooperative and independent wineries).
The Greek grape varieties include 200 vitis vinifera and 70 table grapes. The most important white wine vineyards include: Assyrtico, Athiri, Debina, Malagousia, Malvasia, Moschofiero, Muscat, Robola, Roditis, Savatiano, Vilana. For red wine varieties: Aghiorghitiko, Kotsifali, Liatiko, Limnio, Mandilari, Mavrodaphne, Xynomavro. And more recently the implantation of cosmopolitan white wine varieties such as: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Viognier. (source of information: http: //www.academievin.org/les-vignobles-et-les-vins-de-la-grece-moderne-par-nico-manessis/)
Greece sports and activities: combine tourism and sports
Rich in landscapes lined with paradisiacal beaches and magnificent tourist and ancient sites, Greece also and above all invites you to leisure and sporting activities, both on land and in water. Sports in Greece have a special place, and it should not be forgotten that this country is the cradle of Greco-Roman wrestling and of the Olympic Games (to be seen - in Peloponnesus and its jewel, Olympia). All kinds of sports activities can be practiced in Greece. Combine sports and tourism during your stay in this atypical country.
Water sports, discover kitesurfing in Paros
During your trip to the Greek islands, you will have the choice to practice many water sports: windsurfing, diving, water skiing, snorkeling, surfing, etc. There are many water sports clubs that offer introductory courses if you wish to try these activities. For windsurfing, head to Vassiliki, a popular destination for thrill-seeking windsurfers.
Windsurfing Vassiliki - Lefkada Greece
The professionals of the surfing and kitesurfing discipline meet every year during the Kiteboard Pro World Tour at the beach of Pounda in Paros in the Cyclades. As the water is shallow, it is also the best place for beginners.
Kitesurfing in Paros and staying there
Paros is the place to be for sailing and kitesurfing enthusiasts and for young people who enjoy the festive and family atmosphere in the villages ( Parikia, Naoussa, Marpissa and Lefkes). It enjoys water sports activities and a lively nightlife. You will also find many quality accommodations.
Where to kitesurf in Paros? Go to Golden Beach, opposite Naxos, and to Pounda Beach opposite AntiParos. You can rent your equipment
Learn to kitesurf in Paros: Numerous kitesurfing clubs and schools offer lessons or introductory courses.
For water-skiers, there is plenty to do. There are no less than 19 ski resorts in the Mediterranean area, which cater for both water-skiing enthusiasts and the more experienced skiers. If you're staying in Athens, the nearest ski resort is Mount Parnassos near Delphi, only a two and a half hour drive from Athens.
Leisure and sports activities on Greek soil
If you don't have the sea legs, the terrain and landscape of mainland Greece invites you to enjoy a wide range of family and sporting activities. Hiking, golfing, cycling or extreme sports...everything is possible.
For your walking escapades, take the direction of the small Greek islands, you will meet the history of Greece and the vestiges of its past and the paths to reach them are charming: paved paths dating from the Byzantine era, monks' paths, shepherds' paths... Want to venture into the beaten track, a good advice, bring a map of the Anavasi or Terrain region.
If you are a cycling enthusiast, you will not be alone along the 4100 km of cycleable coastal roads. In fact, bicycles (which can be rented throughout the country) are the preferred means of transport for tourists (cycle tourism).
Discover Greece by bike: the practical guide
The archipelagos of the Greek islands
The Ionian Islands, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese Islands, the Saronic Islands, the Cretan Islands... It is not easy to find your way around the 6,000 Greek islands! They are all very different from each other and deserve to be known when planning your next holiday in Greece.
The Ionian Islands: the most beautiful beaches in Greece
The Ionian Islands are among the most beautiful islands in Greece. They are located in the west of Greece, in the Ionian Sea, south of the Adriatic Sea and cover an area of 2200 km2. Kefalonia, Corfu,Kerkira, Ithaca,Lefkada, Paxos andZakynthos, these islands offer vast, green landscapes and beautiful cliffs. Renowned and appreciated for their soft sandy beaches, they are said to be the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Rich in small fishing ports and monasteries, ancient remains and neo-classical architecture, the Ionian Islands offer a refined and surprising island landscape.
How to get to the Ionian Islands Some of the Ionian islands have airports, such as Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos. Otherwise, you can reach them by boat from the west of the Greek mainland(Igoumenitsa, Patras, Kyllini or Astakos). During the summer season, there are many connections by sea between the Ionian islands.
Cruises in the Ionian Islands
With or without a skipper, sailing or catamaran trips, there are more than 1000 boats available for charter and magical cruises on the Ionian Islands.
Rent a cabin on a traditional wooden sailing boat, the Anatolia. The schooner can accommodate a small group of visitors of all ages. In July and August, the Anatolia sails among the Ionian Islands.
To discover the best of Corfu and the Ionian Islands, Heliades has put together an exclusive programme aboard a caique, a small traditional Greek fisherman's boat, from harbours to coves to discover the splendid shores of the Ionian Sea. Embark on the island of Corfu to reach Lakka on the island of Paxos. Then you will sail to Meganissi, an island east of Lefkada with clear, calm and pleasant waters before sailing around the island of Scorpios (a private island that belonged to the Greek shipowner Onassis).
Where to stay to visit the Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands offer a wide range of hotels with excellent facilities at very affordable prices to accommodate tourists. Starting from 70 euros per night, the accommodation offers different types of stay depending on the comfort and type of room. The Louis Plagos Beach Hotel, Aquis Agios Beach Hotel and Bella Studios are well established for the best touring and relaxing tours. The Louis Plagos Beach Hotel is located on Tsilivi beach, while the Aquis Agios Beach Hotel and Bella Studios are located on Achilleio beach.
Cyclades Archipelago
The Cyclades archipelago, with its Greek name(kyklos) around Delos, confirms the picture-postcard scenery with its sunny villages, blue-shuttered houses and bougainvillea-filled alleys. The Cyclades are the most visited of all the Greek islands. These islands are perfect for island hopping: Amorgos, Andros, Anafi, Antiparos, Delos, Donoussa, Folegandros, Ios, Iraklia, Kimolos, Kythnos, Kea, Koufounisia, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini , SchinoussaSerifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros and Tinos. The Cyclades are located in the middle of the Aegean Sea, between Greece and Turkey.
From Athens, by ferry from the port of Piraeus or Rafina, the Cycladic islands are easily accessible. Did you know that many islands, such as Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Milos... have their own small airport? You can fly into Mykonos or Milos, then take a Ferry (F) or Speed Boat (SP) to another island and fly back to France from Santorini or Athens.
Cruises in the Cyclades
Discovering the islands of the Cyclades, the Dodecanese and the Aegean, the Greek island cruises make stops in Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete and Patmos. During your Cyclades cruise, you will discover the mythical archaeological sites of Greece, typical white and blue architecture, and heavenly beaches.
There are as many Greek islands as there are boat trips for unforgettable cruises in Greece. These pearls of the Mediterranean in the heart of the Aegean archipelagos represent all travel dreams and desires: they are cosmopolitan and lively, authentic and secluded, peaceful and unspoiled. On a Cyclades cruise, you will enjoy stopovers full of surprises, breathtaking natural views and a real sense of freedom between land and sea.
Cretan Islands - Crete
An eastern Mediterranean island in the south-east of the Peloponnese, situated in the south of mainland Greece, Crete (Greek: Κρήτη / Kríti; Ancient Greek: Κρήτη / Krḗtē) is one of the largest of the Greek islands. With an area of 8,450 km² and a periphery of about 1,000 km, it is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, Cyprus, Sardinia and Corsica.
With its mountainous terrain, Crete is dominated by three massifs: the Lefká Óri (2,453 m) or White Mountains in the west, the Mount Psiloritis (2,456 m) or Mount Ida massif in the centre (the island's highest point), and the Mount Dikti (2,148 m) massif in the east. On the west side of the island are the Samaria Gorge.
How to get to the Cretan islands: The islands of Crete are very easy to reach. Two international airports in Chania and Heraklion offer direct flights from France (Paris and province). From Athens, you can also choose a night crossing by ferry, the prices are interesting and the cabins comfortable.
More information on ferry routes to Crete on the Ferry Hopper website
Cruises to the Cretan Islands
Head to Dia Island for a wilderness cruise in Crete: easily accessible and beautifully located 45 minutes sailing time from the port of Heraklion, the Cretan capital in the north-central part of the island. Legend has it that the shape of the island of Dia represents a giant lizard that wanted to eat Crete but was destroyed by Zeus himself. Rich in wild coves, Dia Island is a real spot for lovers of water activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving in the crystal waters.
- Take a cruise to Balos: the jewel of Crete: located at the northwestern tip of Crete, it is a must for unforgettable cruises and stays on the water in Crete. You will embark on the port of Chania, and the two Cretan islands of Balos and Gramvoussa, with their Caribbean landscapes and natural wonders, will leave you breathless.
Where to stay to visit the Cretan islands
Crete, a beautiful setting of natural wonders, is one of the top destinations for travellers wishing to visit the Greek islands. To discover the Cretan islands, put your bags down in Heraklion. It has everything you need for any type of stay. It is an idyllic and dynamic place with beautiful beaches, villages and monasteries for cultural visits and festive nights.
Chania (Chania) is the second largest city in Crete after Heraklion and has a wide range of accommodation for all categories and budgets. Whether it's a hostel, hotel, rental flat or Airbnb, you're bound to find accommodation that suits your budget and expectations.
Dodecanese Archipelago, unspoilt islands
The Dodecanese islands are often called "12 islands" (in Greek δώδεκα / dōdeka) and islands ( νήσος / nēsos) and sometimes referred to as " southern sporadic". Discover Rhodes, Symi, Astypalea, Kalimnos, Karpathos, Kassos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Leros, Nissyros, Patmos, Tilo. Located along the Turkish coast of the Aegean Sea and stretching between the Cyclades, the Dodecanese archipelago comprises more than 160 islands and islets, most of which are uninhabited. A crossroads of civilisations in ancient times due to its proximity to Asia Minor, the archipelago was heavily influenced by the Byzantine and Ottoman empires and the Venetian occupation. In Rhodes, you will be able to cross one of the 7 wonders of the world: the path of the colossus. Each island, very different, is well connected to each other. Visiting the Dodecanese will undoubtedly leave you with an unforgettable experience.
How to get to the Dodecanese islands: by ferry, the two main islands Rhodes and Kos serve as a hub for ferries and offer almost daily connections to the other islands. To avoid a long crossing (12-13 hours by ferry) transfer from Athens airport from Piraeus. There are air links from Athens to most of the islands via Aegean Airlines or Olympic Airways.
There are also 8 airports in the Dodecanese: Astypalea (JTY), Kalymnos (JKL), Karpathos (AOK), Kassos (KSJ), Kastellorizo (KZS), Kos (KGS), Leros (LRS) and of course Rhodes (RHO, daily), which has direct flights from France in summer (Transavia and easyJet).
Cruises in the Dodecanese Islands
The Dodecanese archipelago is made up of fifteen main islands and numerous islets with majestic beaches and sunny landscapes. A cruise in Greece is one of the best ways to discover the archipelago and its wonders. The true charm of the Dodecanese islands lies in the intense variety of landscapes and travel experiences. Spend a day partying in the bustling city of Rhodes, then make the short crossing to Karpathos, one of the most traditional and peaceful islands in this Greek archipelago.
Book your flights and cruises in the Dodecanese early enough to choose the itinerary that suits you best. Discover hundreds of sailing holidays in the Dodecanese islands. Book a place on board and enjoy a unique experience with a local skipper.
How to get to the Dodecanese Islands: From Athens, where regular and low cost flights are numerous and inexpensive, it is easy to reach the Dodecanese by plane or by boat.
Where to stay to visit the Dodecanese Islands
As with all of Greece, there are plenty of rooms and studios, family-run guesthouses and hotels to help travellers plan the best tours to the Greek islands. You can also rent a spacious flat (to be shared by several people) in the most touristic places. Hotel rates are affordable in the off-season, starting at 25 euros, 50 euros for a double room.
The advantage of choosing the off-season period is the possibility of negotiating accommodation prices, especially if you stay several days.
Northern Sporades
The Sporades islands, which means "the scattered ones " in Greek, are located off Volos and thePelion region in the heart of the Aegean Sea. They are also known as the Northern Sporades, the Northern Sporades or the Thessalian Sporades. This archipelago consists of four inhabited islands Skiathos, Alonissos, Skopelos and Skyros and some wild islands. Unlike the other Greek islands, the Sporades offer a typical Mediterranean environment, a picture made of pine and olive trees, hillside villages and numerous beaches. With a history dating back thousands of years, from the Thracians to the Ottoman Empire, Athens and Byzantium, discovering the Sporades will certainly appeal to you.
How to get to the Sporades: The Sporades islands are not easy to reach. However, the island of Skiathos has an airport that connects the other two islands.
Cruises to the northern islands
Taking a boat is a must for visiting the Sporades islands and discovering hidden treasures such as the beach of Lataria which is only accessible by sea. By catamaran, sailboat or yacht, several cruise companies offer to explore the island. These boat trips will offer you the view of incredible panoramas of the Skiathos coastline.
- Cruisers-Yachts Cruisers Yachts with skipper
- All inclusive holiday in Sporades - Bavaria 50 Cruiser
Where to stay to visit the northern islands
Finding accommodation in the northern Sporades is not so easy, although the most important accommodation is in Skiathos at very affordable prices. But here are some good addresses of pensions and hotels on the different islands:
In Skiathos :
Pension Xaros in Troulos (on the beach)
Hotel San Remo near the port
In Skopelos :
Pension Limonari in Limonari beach (car required)
A great tavern Perivoli (main town not far from the port)
In Alonissos
Pardise Hotel in Patiri (port)
East Aegean Islands
For globetrotters and travellers who want to take their time, Eastern Greece will be a delight to do the best multi-week travel tours. This part of the country offers the most beautiful coastline along the Aegean Sea, a lush environment of extreme scenic beauty and sublime beaches. The ferries offer regular connections to discover all the islands and islets between land and sea in the eastern Aegean.
Discovery Tour from Rhodes Island in the Dodecanese
Explore the old walled city on the north side, visit the acropolis of Lindos and the remains of the fortresses. Take a day trip to Samy with its pastel-coloured houses, pretty harbour, Moni Taxiarhou Mihail Panormiti Monastery, the Archaeological Museum and the Naval Museum of Symi.
From Rhodes, head to the island of Tilos, a popular destination for hikers who take the cobbled paths leading to the small coves. Further north, peaceful Leros offers Italian-inspired architecture, join the hiker's paradise of Samos, a refreshingly wooded environment with beautiful forests and waterfalls. Heading northeast to the Aegean Sea, you'll reach Chios and wander through the labyrinthine streets of Mesta village. Inland, the panorama is fruity: orange and lemon trees stand in the shade of the mountain ranges.
The next stop is Lesbos (Mytilene), the city of the poetess Sapho, where you can taste the best ouzo and olive oil. Revealing a landscape of great diversity, discover its cultural and historical attractions: the museum of modern art and the Byzantine monastery Moni Ypsilou perched on the edge of the volcano. Continuing on to the island of Agios Efstratios ( 10 ) with its volcanic sand, take the night boat to Athens.
Cruises in the Aegean Islands
At the end of June and the beginning of September, the crossing of the Aegean Sea and the discovery of its 164 islands will give you the opportunity to discover a complete panorama of Paros, Naxos, Iraklia, Amorgos, Levitha, Astipalaia... With their archeological and classical riches, their breathtaking landscapes, the long stretches of sandy beaches, you will be seduced by the environmental diversity of these islands far from the tourist pressure.
Where to stay to visit the Aegean islands
While online booking applications to find accommodation, hotels or guest houses in Eastern Greece are a must, especially in high season, the rest of the year, it is not necessary to book. Upon arrival in the ports of the islands, tourist agencies at the ports and in the towns offer a wide range of accommodation for overnight or multi-day stays. Another popular way for travellers, typical of the Greek islands, is to go to the "Room to Rent", where locals hold up their signs at the ferry arrivals to attract travellers. The advantage of this solution is that you will usually be taken directly to your accommodation.
The advantage of this option is that you will usually be taken directly to your accommodation, so there is no stress in staying overnight on an island during your trip to the Aegean islands. For the price, count between 35 and 70 euros/day for a nice equipped studio with air conditioning and terrace in high season.
Saronic Archipelago or Western Sporades
Between Attica and the north-eastern coast of the Peloponnese, 2 hours from Athens, a charming little group of disparate islands forms the Saronic archipelago. A popular destination for travellers, the islands of Agistri, Aegina, Poros, Salamis, Spetses, Hydra and the region of Methana, impress with their preserved history and traditions as well as their small beaches and wild coves. Indeed, thanks to their short distance from each other and the regular connections with Piraeus, it is easy to visit the islands of the Saronic Gulf.
How to get to the Saronic Islands: The Saronic archipelago is very easy to reach from Athens and is regularly served by ferry or fast boat. Embark at the port of Piraeus by express boat for a 40 minute to 2.15 hour fast crossing.
During your escapades on each of them, the hiking trails will lead you to atmospheres and landscapes of character: Agistri with its peaceful setting and beautiful green beaches, the very popular Aegina rich in pine and olive trees, Poros cosmopolitan with its unique beauty, Salamis the historical one, Spetses the island of the fishermen, Hydral the charming island with its four hoofed taxis, Methana the volcanic beauty.
Cruises in the Saronic Islands
Enjoying a proximity to the port of Athens, discover the wealth of the Saronic Islands under sail with a professional skipper: visits to the islands of Hydra, Spetses, Leonidio in 4 hours of navigation from Athens. Sail to the ancient Greek temples and archaeological sites, and discover the coves that are only accessible by sea. Dolphins will guide you along the way.
Where to stay to visit the Saronic Islands
The Saronic Islands are ideal destinations for a weekend or a short stay. Organise your stay from Engine Island, located in the centre of the Saronic Islands. Leave your bags in Poros , the Olympus of the islands, this seaside resort links many cities in Greece by sea. The island of Poros is very close to the coast of the Peloponnese. It is located just opposite the town of Galatas. It is the ideal place to spend an authentic holiday, to experience the beauty of nature. As soon as the ferry approaches the coast, you will be able to admire the pine trees that cover the small hills and beaches.
How to get to Poros on the Saronic Archipelago?
By boat from Athens: by taking a ferry or hydrofoil from the port of Piraeus. Connections are daily. You will dock in the heart of Hora, the town of Poros. Book your tickets on the Ferry Hopper website.
From the other islands of the Saronic Gulf: to get to Poros, take the hydrofoil from Hydra (30mn crossing) or from the island of Spetses (1h30 crossing).
If you don't have a car, choose Hora to spend the night. You will find a wide range of accommodation on holiday rental websites: Booking and Airbnb.
A few kilometres from the port, the Sirene Blue Resort, situated on the seafront around the pine forests, is an idyllic place to relax. You will also like the Saga Hotel: this family hotel run by Takis and Zefi Alexopoulos will give you the best welcome. The service is excellent and the rooms very comfortable.
Read also:
Visit Saloon Park in Karpenisi, Greece
Knossos Palace near Crete, Greece
