Where and when to vacation in Greece - an overview of resorts and tourist attractions by month. Where is the best place to relax in sunny Greece Where is the best place to relax in Greece

In Greece with the whole family

Greece is the cradle of all European civilization. It attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the world with its gentle sun, clean beaches and warm sea. This is a country that amazes with the presence of historical monuments, so excursion tourism is very developed here. The climatic conditions of Greece allow you to relax on its beaches all year round.

O. Milos, Greece

The country is washed by four seas: Mediterranean, Aegean, Cretan and Ionian. There are three climatic zones on its territory: Alpine, Mediterranean and temperate. It is the Mediterranean climate that contributes to the development beach tourism: Summers are hot and winters are warm. The number of sunny days per year is 300 days. The hottest months are July and August. The alpine climate is common in the mountainous regions of the country. Winters in the temperate climate zone are relatively cold, and summers are hot but humid.

Greece has all the conditions for a comfortable holiday different types. All that remains is to decide what you would like to get from the trip. The beach season in Greece lasts from April to October. In the north and center the season is shorter, starting in May and lasting until September. May is the best time to travel to Crete and Rhodes.

O. Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes is one of the most popular and most sunny islands. The sun shines here 310 days a year. According to legend, Zeus raised the island from depths of the sea and gave it to Helios. The island has a lot of greenery and cozy sandy beaches with crystal clear water where you can swim and sunbathe. In addition, the island will be of interest to history buffs and simply curious tourists, since on its territory there is a large number of archaeological sites and monuments. Main city islands - Rhodes. It harmoniously combines the features of an ultra-modern metropolis and numerous architectural monuments with winding ancient streets.

View of the city of Rhodes

Crete is the largest island of Greece. Its length is 260 km. The tourism infrastructure here is very developed, so you can find accommodation of any class and for every taste. The island has both expensive penthouses and villas on the coastal area, as well as cozy inexpensive apartments. The island has five airports, so getting to it is easy. Balos Bay attracts many tourists with its amazing beauty. Nature here has been preserved in its original form; this is where three seas merge. Elafonisos beach is very popular among vacationers, thanks to the shallow, surprisingly clean sea and beaches with pinkish sand.

Balos Bay, o. Crete

In Crete, three ridges form a mountainous area that stretches across the entire island. In this part of the island you can only travel by jeep due to the lack of roads. A trip through this territory will provide an opportunity to communicate with the indigenous people and get to know better the life and traditions of the descendants of the great Hellenes. Crete has many historical architectural monuments, including the well-known labyrinth of the Minotaur. There are many secrets and legends associated with the island, this is one of the reasons why the island is so popular among tourists.

The beaches of the Kalamaki resort on the island of Zakynthos are attractive to tourists for their numerous sand dunes - “ammoculums”. In spring, the sand is covered with sea lilies, the scent of which can be heard even far out to sea.

O. Zakynthos

Fans of beach holidays with excursions and families with children will have a good time relaxing in Halkidiki. Olive and pine groves grow on this peninsula. The cleanliness of the water and beaches of this area is confirmed by the Blue Flags of the European Union. Halkidiki has the appearance of Poseidon's trident crashing into the Aegean Sea. The two fingers of the trident represent places that are best suited for families with children. Prices at these resorts are relatively low; almost the cheapest hotels in Greece are located here. At the same time, the level of service and comfort is quite high. There is a very picturesque coastline with comfortable beaches and clean water. Basically, there are three and four star hotels on the peninsula; five star hotels are less common.

Chalkidiki Peninsula

On the third finger of Poseidon's trident there are monasteries. This place with its holiness and positive energy attracts numerous tourists who want to be saturated with the positive energy of these holy places. Here is the sacred Mount Athos, which is not only a holy place, but also a unique museum. It stores ancient icons, church utensils, manuscripts, frescoes, etc.

Katerini is one of the cheapest resorts in Greece. This town with a well-developed tourist infrastructure is located in the north of the country. Service despite low prices, is at a fairly high level. The resort is surrounded beautiful nature with good beaches.

Monastery on Mount Athos

For lovers winter holiday in Greece there is ski resorts. The largest and most popular of them is Parnassus, which is located in the very center of the country, 180 km from Athens. The resort got its name thanks to mountain peak, which was, according to Greek myths, the abode of the muses. The resort has 20 ski slopes with a total length of 14 km. The trails vary in difficulty and are distinguished by colors: red, black and blue.

The cheapest among the islands is Kos. If you choose a cheaper resort on the mainland, then you should pay attention to small seaside towns that are not very popular among tourists.

– this is not just another tourist trip, but a real journey into the past, an opportunity to touch the living history of this country - the cradle of ancient civilization. Moreover, Greece is one of the most favorite beach holiday countries among tourists. It is located in the southern part of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula and consists of more than two thousand islands washed by five seas: Mediterranean, Cretan, Ionian, Aegean, Libyan. At the most large islands: Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Crete, Peloponnese, Halkidiki, Chios, Samos, Mykonos, are the best resorts in Greece.

Rhodes Island- the southernmost island, located next to Turkey, this is a place, since ancient times shrouded in myths, where the Sun God - Helios lived, and also, this is the birthplace of the seventh wonder of the world - the statue of the Colossus of Rhodes. The island of Rhodes is famous for the abundance of sunny days a year, its Mediterranean climate and numerous forests: coniferous, cypress, plane, and citrus. This island is washed by two seas at once: the Aegean in the west and the Mediterranean in the east, and in its center there are mountains.

Resorts of Greece on the west coast of Rhodes in the Aegean Sea, represented by the cities of Ialyssos and Ixia. If young people like to relax in Ialyssos and active tourists, due to the presence of a constant wave, the Ixia resort is preferred by connoisseurs of luxury holidays. The beaches at these resorts are sand and pebble or large-pebble, the water in the sea is very clean and clear. The largest European Windsurfing Center is located here.

Resorts in Greece east coast Rhodes in the Mediterranean Sea, are represented by the cities of Kallithea, Faliraki, Afandou, Kolymbia. People come here for youth, romantic holidays, beach and family vacation. All the beaches are very wide and sandy, with excellent entry into the sea, there are many interesting entertainments for children and a vibrant nightlife, due to the presence of bars, restaurants, taverns, and discos.

Kallithea Resort– quiet and secluded, there are mineral springs, there are many coniferous forests around, all the beaches are sandy.

Faliraki Resort– famous for its magnificent sandy beaches - the best on the island of Rhodes. There is a very active nightlife and many shops. The city has a Waterpark and Luna Park.

Resort Kolymbia– a young and developing resort in Greece, suitable for a calm and measured holiday. There are hotels here for both luxury and budget holidays, mostly all hotels are located in a eucalyptus grove.

Resorts of Greece on the southeast coast of Rhodes, represented by the cities of Lindos, Lardos, Kiotari, Kalathos.

Lindos Resort- the biggest resort center, located fifty kilometers from the capital of Rhodes, famous for its cozy bays and the location of the ancient military fort of the Crusaders, as well as the Acropolis, more ancient than the Acropolis of Athens. By the way, this is where the best ceramics on the entire island of Rhodes are made. And nearby is the “Valley of Seven Springs”, where, thanks to numerous springs, flowers are fragrant all year round. People go to Lindos for fun - one of the best resorts Greece.

Resorts Lahanya and Plymiri, are famous for their sandy beaches and the presence of separate four and five star hotels on their territory, offering guests ideal conditions for relaxing holiday, well-developed infrastructure and the highest level of service.

Corfu Island- is part of the Ionian Islands and is the second largest Greek island, as well as the greenest and most romantic. The capital of the island of Corfu is Kerkyra. The island of Corfu is very interesting and original, as it combines the great heritage of several cultures: Byzantine, Roman, Venetian. Basically, resorts on the islands of Corfu are located in the eastern tip of the island and in the west.

Resort Agios Spyridon– located on the territory nature reserve, there is an excellent sandy beach, right on which stands the Church of St. Spyridon. The resort is forty kilometers away from the capital of the island.

Nissaki resort– located twenty-five kilometers from the capital. Here they prevail picturesque bays and small pebble beaches, overlooked by steep cliffs and Mount Pantokrator.

Resorts of Greece on the northern coast of Corfu, delight travelers with the stunning beauty of the landscapes and their fantastic bays. They are represented by the cities of Roda, Sidari, Acharavi, Kassiopi.

Resorts of Greece in central and eastern Corfu- famous for their lively nightlife and the presence of a lot of entertainment in bars, restaurants, cafes, taverns, giving the cities a special flavor.

Resort Dassia– all enveloped in the greenery of gardens and groves leading down to the local sandy beaches. It is located twelve kilometers from the capital of the island. This perfect place family vacation, although for last years, young people began to come here often, along with amateurs aquatic species sports

Resort Kommeno- a very picturesque place on a private peninsula, considered the most elite area of ​​Corfu. By the way, here is the most pretentious and expensive five-star hotel on the island - Grecotel Corfu Imperial.

Resorts Kanoni, Perama and Benitses– offer tourists a calm and quiet rest, and for active nightlife it is better to go to the youth resorts of Moraitika or Messonghi.

Resort Paleokastritsa– is located twenty-five kilometers from the capital of Corfu and is famous for its clear sea, steep cliffs, greenery and incredibly beautiful bays with sandy beaches. Divers love to relax here.

Kos Island- the third largest in the country, washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea and extremely popular among tourists. There are both sandy and small-pebble beaches. The entire island is covered with green forests and groves. There are many historical attractions and castles. The Greek island of Kos is among the top cheapest beach holiday destinations.

Resorts of Greece in the southern part of Kos island, are represented by the cities of Kardamena and Kamari. Great ones here sandy beaches, very calm sea and clear water. Here in Kefalos Bay is an ideal place for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Psalidi Resort– offers tourists pebble beaches and emerald-colored sea. Ten minutes' drive from this resort are thermal springs. visible in the distance Turkish resort Bodrum.

Resorts of Greece on the northern coast of Kos, represent the cities of Tigaki, Marmari, Mastichari. They all have excellent sandy beaches. If you like active recreation, windsurfing and wave riding, then pay attention to the Marmari resort, where it is always windy and big waves. But the most popular resorts Greek island Kos are Kardamena and Tigaki. Youth resort towns of Kos - Kardamena, Tigaki, Psalidi.

Crete- leader in the number of vacationers. And no wonder, because it is washed by three seas at once: the Aegean, Ionian, Libyan Sea! A beach holiday on the island of Crete can be combined with an excursion, allowing you to get to know Greece as much as possible, its history, traditions, attractions, exotic nature, gorgeous landscapes and the hospitality of the Greeks. Among other things, it has the longest swimming season in Greece, and the water warms up to twenty-five degrees. The climate of Crete is the mildest and healthiest in Europe, and the sun continues to shine three hundred days a year! Holidays in Crete are recommended for weather-sensitive people, since the atmospheric pressure here practically does not change, which does not force vacationers to spend invaluable time on acclimatization. Holidays on the Greek island of Crete are chosen by both young people and families with children, both newlyweds and elderly people, both lovers of a quiet holiday and extreme sports enthusiasts. Crete is universal and suitable for everyone!

Resorts of the central region of Crete. Heraklion is a developed region where it is located international Airport, as well as the capital of the island, the resort city of the same name, Heraklion. Youth and amateurs active rest, will appreciate such noisy resorts as Stalida, Hersonissos, Malia, thanks to numerous entertainments, in the form of bars, nightclubs, discos. Local beaches- sand and pebbles, entry into the sea is convenient. In the presence of wind, the Cretan Sea rises high waves. For have a relaxing holiday in this region, pay attention to the resorts of Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Ammoudara, Agios Pelagia. A huge plus is that in these cities there are various categories of hotels and inns, including hostels, which allow you to save money on accommodation and spend it on exploring the historical sights of the island of Crete. Families with children often come here, as there is a Water Park nearby.

Lasithi Resort- is located an hour and a half drive from the airport. This is a place for a relaxing and luxury holiday on sandy beaches located in cozy, gently sloping bays with convenient access to the sea. Nearby is the most respectable resort of the island of Crete - the city of Elounda.

Resort Rethymno– located in the north of the island of Crete. The beach here is sand and pebbles, with a gentle entrance to the sea. The audience that comes to this resort is different: families with children, young people, retirees.

Chania resort- located in the western part of Crete, you will have to travel to it along a serpentine road. But the nature here is simply stunning: dense vegetation, a riot of bright flowers. Local beaches are wide and sandy.

Zakynthos Island– famous for its natural beauty: cliffs, green mountains, olive groves, snow-white beaches and unique underwater world, under a layer of transparent blue water. There are a lot of beautiful secluded bays and bays, mysterious underwater caves and ancient sunken ships. The island of Zakynthos, with a couple of small islands, is included in the territory of the marine natural park-reserve, being natural environment habitats of dolphins, various seabirds, monk seals, snails, caretta-caretta turtles, porcupines, iguanas. The island of Zakynthos is located eighteen kilometers from the Peloponnese peninsula. Resorts, for the most part are located in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the island. There are many hotels of different categories here. The capital of the Greek island of Zakynthos is the city of Zakynthos, which is the center cultural life islands, rebuilt after the earthquake that occurred in 1953. They often pass here music festivals, various cultural programs.

Tsilivi Resort- is located fifteen kilometers from the capital of the island and is famous for its wonderful sandy beaches, which have the Blue Flag award. There is the opportunity to engage in all types of water activities, a lot of attractions, beautiful olive groves and gardens.

Alykanas resort– located eighteen kilometers from the capital, it is a center of attraction for young people and lovers of water sports, extreme and active recreation.

Santorini Island – business card, with its snow-white houses perched on steep cliffs and blue domes of churches, like the Aegean Sea itself. Santorini is the only volcano island in the world that has given shelter to people. It is covered in ancient legends and myths about the sunken Atlantis. Thanks to a volcanic eruption that occurred more than three and a half thousand years ago, nature created amazing local landscapes. Everything here still reminds of this eruption, including beaches with black volcanic sand, and unusual colors: red and black, rocks, and incredible-colored water in cozy coves. Santorini is one of the Cyclades Islands, more precisely, it is not one island, but a group of five islands connected in a ring around a central lagoon. The beaches of Santorini with red, black and white sand are occupied by numerous tourists who, from May to mid-October, enjoy the warm waters of the clear Aegean Sea. There are the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises, extremely hospitable locals, delicious Greek cuisine and excellent wine. The island of Santorini is an unusually romantic place that attracts newlyweds or lovers who decide to hold a wedding ceremony in this wonderful corner of the planet.

Oia Resort– a picturesque village, an ideal place to spend honeymoon. There are narrow quiet streets, old mills, endless stairs, church domes, and numerous small hotels. And the famous sunsets of the Oia resort are visible only in the western part of the resort, overlooking the Gulf of Ammudi. From the eastern part you can see the stunningly beautiful Gulf of Armenia, where it is pleasant to watch the sunrise.

Fira resort- the capital of the island of Santorini and great resort, located on a steep cliff. It’s very cozy and colorful here, like in a fairy tale. In order to get from the port to the historical center of the city, you need to climb eight hundred steps, but if such an extreme is not for you, then a small gray donkey or a classic funicular will come to your aid.

Chios Island– this Greek resort appeared as beach destination on the Russian tourist market recently, since for many years it was an elite holiday destination for the Greeks themselves. Chios is washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea. Here beautiful beaches, picturesque mountainous hills and clear dark blue sea.

The island of Chios is a “Mecca” for people looking for a calm and quiet holiday, for families with children. There is no noisy nightlife here. And the peak tourist season is July and August. Thanks to the perfect climatic conditions, volcanic soils, the island is rich in fruits and honey. The beaches of the Greek island of Chios are most often sandy, but there are pebbles and mixed ones, including black volcanic sand. There are fifty beaches in total.

Limya Resort– the ancient port of Volissos used to be here. Today the settlement is famous for its authentic taverns and the long sand and pebble beach of Managros, as well as the sandy beach of Lefkatia. As for the development of infrastructure, there is almost none here. However, lovers of solitude highly value their holidays in this resort of Chios.

Vrontados Resort- is in very picturesque place, in the middle of fragrant gardens, olive and almond groves. There is a very beautiful embankment, many old windmills, narrow streets, and neat houses simply surrounded by greenery. The resort has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, many attractions and great beaches, attracting many vacationers.

Mykonos Island– here are some of the best Greek resorts offering luxury holidays in the heart of the Cyclades islands. The island is washed by the Aegean Sea. The entire coastline is indented the most beautiful bays with amazing sandy beaches. World celebrities prefer to relax on Mykonos, because here they offer the most expensive and pretentious vacation on the islands, and its vibrant nightlife is famous throughout the world. This island managed to preserve pristine nature, it's very clean beaches, and all resorts are world class. Holiday season Mykonos starts at the end of April and ends in October.

Beaches of Mykonos varied, there are both sandy and pebble.

Paradise Beach, located four kilometers from the capital of the island, it became famous for its unreal parties, because here is the largest nightclub under open air and music is constantly heard. Part of the beach is reserved for nudists, although you can safely sunbathe “topless” on the main beach.

Elia Beach- is the longest on south coast islands. There is white and soft sand, convenient entry into a quiet and calm sea, clear and clean water. A huge plus of relaxing here is the absence of crowds, but there is also a minus - it is difficult to get to: buses rarely run, so we recommend arriving here by boat from Paradise Beach.

Panormos Beach- an ideal place to retire and be in silence. It is located six kilometers from the capital, and can only be reached by taxi or car. This is precisely the secret of his privacy.

Peloponnese Peninsula- washed by the Aegean and Ionian seas. The Greeks themselves love to visit its resorts for their excellent sandy beaches, but there are mixed pebble and sand beaches here.

Larissos resort– famous for the excellent sandy beach of Kalogria, which is located in the protected lagoon of Prokopos, next to the protected forest of Strofilia. The beach stretches for nine kilometers and its width is eighty meters. Here you can practice water sports, learn to windsurf, skydive, and water ski.

If you want to explore the surrounding area, you can rent a car, motorcycle, or bicycle. This beach has a Blue Flag award. Nearby is wild beach“Gianiskari”, which was chosen by nudists and people seeking solitude. It is famous for its golden sand and is surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Resort Lakopetra– a small settlement with a complex of bungalows, an ideal place for a family holiday with a sand and pebble beach - the owner of “ Blue Flag" The beach stretches for half a kilometer and is thirty meters wide. The resort area is decorated with palm trees, tamarisk bushes, violets, and lilies. There is a water sports station where vacationers can rent equipment, learn to sail, take windsurfing lessons, and rent a mountain bike or car.

Chalkidiki Peninsula– the most beautiful corner of Greece and the most environmentally friendly tourism center. They grow everywhere here pine forests, olive groves. In its outline, the peninsula is similar to a “trident”, forming the peninsulas of Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. The resorts of Halkidiki are washed by the Aegean Sea. There are comfortable hotels, excellent beaches, amazing nature and numerous historical attractions, as well as Christian shrines - objects of mass pilgrimage.

Resorts of the Greek Kassandra Peninsula- the most suitable for holidays with small children, as there are a lot of playgrounds, parks, developed infrastructure, sandy beaches and a gentle entrance to the sea. But, nevertheless, it is in the resorts of Kassandra that dynamic life reigns, setting the tone for the entire peninsula. The best Greek resorts in Kassandra: Nea Moudania, Kallithea, Pefkochori, Hanioti, Nea Fokea.

Resorts of the Sithonia Peninsula- an ideal place for a secluded holiday, with numerous quiet coves, clean sandy or pebble beaches, surrounded by leafy or pine forests. There is no such developed tourist infrastructure as in Kassandra. The most popular coastal resort villages are Agios Nikolaos, Vourvourou, with perfect beach, Neos Marmaras, Nikiti.

Resorts of the Athos Peninsula– attract lovers of silence and connoisseurs natural beauty. This is an ideal option for people who have planned and have permission to visit Holy Athos - the only Monastic Republic in the world where only men are allowed to enter. Since the Athos region is located at a distance from Thessaloniki airport, traveling here with a small child will be tiring and impractical.

In conclusion, it is worth saying that Greece is good for everything: well-developed infrastructure, numerous historical and cultural monuments, comfortable climate, hospitality local residents, amazing beaches, so everyone will find a vacation to their liking here!

Do you want to holiday in Greece in 2017? I want to, and therefore I carefully approached the planning, and at the same time I decided to tell you exactly how you need to plan a vacation in Greece, what nuances should be taken into account, how best to choose the time and place for your vacation, so as not to regret your choice even once.

Once upon a time, Greece was a stronghold of culture and even spirituality, which served as a kind of base for the formation of the culture of all of Europe. Now it is a good and inexpensive resort area that attracts vacationers with children from all over the world.

Tourists in Greece enjoy a wonderful climate, an abundance of cultural and historical monuments, as well as a well-developed infrastructure aimed at travelers. Why holidaying with children in Greece is a good decision:

• very mild climate - there is a fairly low level of humidity, it is rarely stuffy, and the island is simply buried in greenery;
• amazing natural landscapes put you in an elevated mood, and the stunning beaches and amazing sea introduce you to an atmosphere of relaxation and fun;
• the local population itself is very friendly and hospitable, which makes the holiday simply fabulous;
• there is practically no crime in Greece;
• unlike Turkey, so beloved by tourists, childhood infectious diseases are rarely found here - it’s really safe to vacation with a child;
• as in many popular tourist countries, there are a lot of Russian-speaking employees here - there is no feeling language barrier and helplessness;
• many hotels offer special conditions for vacationers with children - for example, a special menu;
• the cost of the holiday is quite affordable for most families, and many hotels do not require payment for children (almost all hotels do not charge for children under 12 years old, many do not require payment for children under 14-18 years old);
• a large amount of excursion material - Greece is simply full of historical places that are associated with myths, world history and literature;
• Many hotels provide special conditions for children's recreation— at the hotel, a family with a baby will be offered a special crib and high chair, will be provided with a stroller for walks, and will also provide children with the attention of animators;
• Almost all hotels are equipped for families with children.

The main thing to do is to choose the right resorts or islands in Greece for your holiday, which can meet any wishes of parents with a small child.

By the way, it should be said separately about “adult” holidays - it is clear that any parent wants to provide the child with the most comfortable holiday, but the Greeks do not forget about their parents - a large number of excursions, good water parks, beaches and swimming pools, as well as bars and discos for everyone who are eager to take a little break from parenthood will warmly open their doors to every vacationer.

Choosing a place

Where is the best place to relax in Greece? In fact, you can relax here almost anywhere - it will still be of high quality, sunny, fun and tasty, but, of course, different resorts have their own differences. So, the resorts of Greece can be divided into mainland and island. If you want to relax on the mainland, then welcome to Chalkidiki or the Peloponnesian Peninsula.

If you are wondering where to relax in Greece and see on the map something resembling a trident - this is Chalkidiki.

Each “prong” is a peninsula, Kassandra, Athos and Sithonia. The peninsula is washed by the Aegean Sea. Most often, a trip to Greece on the mainland means trips to Halkidiki. The sea is not too deep, beaches with the purest white sand and a large number of attractions. The Kassandra resort will appeal to those who would like to combine a family holiday with an active nightlife.

Sithonia - a green peninsula, where there are not many people and quite quiet. Here you can find quiet solitude, lazy beach holiday, as well as many pine forests and olive groves.

Here time flows completely differently, and you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest, even if it lasts just over a week.

Athos - a popular place in the religious world. Specific, to be precise. The fact is that Holy Athos is located here - it is a monastic city in which there are about 20 operating monasteries of different faiths. It's difficult to get there.

In the central part of Halkidiki there is a town Unknown Callicracy - small hotels, nice beach made of a mixture of sand and pebbles, as well as a large number of shops and clubs.

Another peninsula called Peloponnese More suitable for holidays with children of middle school age - they will be interested in getting acquainted with ancient sights.

There is also a resort on the mainland called Pieria — it stretches along the foot of Olimko. There are more cultural events and activities, as well as unique nature (most of the territory is under state protection).

Island resorts

Among the islands, the most popular are Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and Santorini.

Crete boasts diversity excursion program, here are several resort regions, which differ significantly from each other. It makes sense to choose by hotel - good hotel for a holiday with small children will make your vacation simply unforgettable.

Many are also attracted to the islands of Corfu, Zakynthos and Rhodes. The Ionian Sea will allow you to get acquainted with marine life, and it is also worth considering that there is quite a rich club life here.

However, Rhodes in its eastern part is quite calm - here you can enjoy a leisurely holiday on the beaches with the purest sea sand, visit an amusement park with your children or visit a huge Aquarium. Rhodes can also boast of the Valley of the Butterflies.

How to decide where to go:

• choose the main indicators for yourself - in my case, this is the possibility of fast sea travel and an average pricing policy;
• weed out those resorts in Greece that are not suitable;
• To choose one of the remaining ones for your vacation, look at the photos and compare reviews.

This way you can understand which Greek island is right for you, as well as where to go on holiday in Greece to the mainland resort.

If you are planning to go to Greece and Thessaloniki on your own on vacation, then the airport is located there.

Make your own list of preferences and you will understand where in Greece you will like best.

Choosing a time

You also need to think about when is the best time to vacation in Greece. In Greece, the holiday season never ends, however, in tourism business there is a concept high season- from May to October, and find inexpensive tour It's quite difficult at this time.

To travel to Greece without going broke, consider two ways to save:

• early booking (if you have a vacation planned with strict dates, it is better to start planning a few months in advance);
• last minute trips (suitable for that category of tourists who are not tied to dates and can easily get ready for vacation in a couple of days).

in winter

In January and February, all kinds of carnivals take place here - varied entertainment, costumed masquerades and general fun are guaranteed. During this period, many vacationers come to Greece. In winter it makes sense to go to mountain resorts. And many girls go to Greece in winter for shopping in January - the season of big discounts attracts all fashionistas.

In March-April

An excellent period for an introductory trip. Everything is blooming, the sun is not hot and gentle, it is not yet hot and already warm. By the way, vacationers who go to Crete and Rhodes in April swim.

May and June

Great time for a beach holiday. The ambient air is heated to approximately +30, and the water in the sea to +24.

July and August

Traveling with small children, and even more so with infants, should not be planned at this time - these are the hottest months. At this time, a sailing regatta takes place, and if you are lucky, you can get to the wine festival.

September October

The velvet season begins in September and continues throughout October. There are few tourists, but it is still warm, and the water in the sea is at a pleasant temperature, but thanks to the fresh winds, solar activity is much easier to bear. The beach season closes at the end of October.

November December

Vacations in November and December can be recreational or skiing. Around the island of Santorini, there are healing springs on the small islands, almost all hotels have spas and saunas, and you can also enjoy strolling through the autumn fairs.

Visas

So, you have found out when is the best time to vacation in Greece, how and where to vacation on the mainland and islands, and now we will find out how to get a visa for a vacation in Greece with children and whether it is possible to get to Greece without a visa.

In fact, in the summer, you can actually get to Greece for a couple of weeks literally without obtaining a visa - when traveling by plane or arriving by ferry (for example, from Turkey), polite customs officers will issue a visa right on the spot.

Last year the cost of such a visa was about 30 euros, the duration was up to 15 days. However, if you are traveling to Greece with children, it is better not to risk it and request a visa in advance.

The procedure for obtaining a visa is usual - you need to send everything Required documents and come to the embassy on the appointed day. If you are planning to go on a tourist package, then the registration is usually handled by a representative of the travel company.

Please note that according to the new rules, when traveling with a child (when only one of the parents is traveling), written permission will be required. And if both parents are traveling with the child, but their last names are different, you will need to provide a marriage certificate.

Nuances

If you are planning a beach holiday in Greece, then be sure to take care of protecting your child from sunburn.

Do you want to organize an independent holiday at sea in Greece? Look for accommodation in advance, because most of the villas that are suitable for family holidays (especially if a child is going on holiday) are booked by travel agencies.

A good campsite is an excellent alternative to a beach holiday, especially since Greece has a whole network of excellent campsites, which is organized by the Greek Tourism Organization.

Can't decide where to go? Choose places where the beach is marked with the Blue Flag for the cleanest shores and waters.

Looking to find a cheap mainland holiday in Greece in the summer? Pay attention to all kinds of festivals - most often they offer inexpensive accommodation and an interesting cultural program.

Of course, every vacationer is free to choose a vacation spot to his taste and spend it the way he likes, but, in my opinion, in the situation with Greece everything happens differently - you choose a country, and it opens its arms to you and offers many options for relax.

Have you been thinking for a long time about where to go to unwind, and in the end you chose the homeland of olives? Greece is a wonderful and diverse country with a lot of entertainment for both young people and those who are “older”. This article contains information not only about which ones are right for you, but also information about temperature conditions from April to October in different cities of this country. So, let's figure it out, on the islands or the mainland, where is the best place to relax? Greece , what kind of cities can rightfully be called “ best places holidays in Greece «?

Greece is not just a land of ancient myths and echoes of the past, but also an amazing place for tourism. Some of the local beaches deserve to be in Blue Flag lists. However, in addition to most interesting excursions and tourists are in for surprises in the quality of food, because Greek cuisine is simply magnificent! And what images will remain in family photo albums after unforgettable walks along Greek streets and a ride on a boat on the blue surface of the water!

When is the best time to go on holiday to Greece?

Due to the presence of three seas, there is a favorable Mediterranean subtropical climate. In the winter months it is damp and raining everywhere, in the spring it is pleasant, in the summer it is hot and not very “high”. The most comfortable time of the year is autumn. For children and older people, trips in May, June or September are suitable. If you like a holiday with a lot of excursions, then best time for him it is October and April.

The official opening of the beach season falls in April; you can climb, but it’s cool. At the very end of March, the swimming season opens, as do several other islands. The air temperature during the day is about +25C. The sea warms up to +19C. The beach season lasts about five months until mid-October.

By May it is a little warmer, the temperature is +24. +28C, and the water heats up to +22C. By June, the thermometer slowly moves to +33C, but for now it is tolerable for excursions. It is better to rest in these months Northern Greece.

northern Greece, Halkidiki

In July and August the heat comes, during the day the air is about +35C and above, and the sea is +25C. It is best to visit during this period, because it is located in the north of the country and the temperature there is more benign. There is still a lot of vegetation and you can always find salvation in the shade of dense thickets. The humidity is low, the summer sea breeze makes it easier and pleasantly refreshing.

The ideal weather can be called in September, when the heat subsides and usually does not exceed +33C, and the sea is still warm, it is pleasant to relax in absolutely any city Greece. The closer the end of September is, the better it is to be in the southern part of the country, where it is warmer and still dry. The rainy season begins in November.

The best Greek resorts in Greece, according to tourists

Holidays in this country- a holiday on the mainland or a holiday on the islands. Best vacation in Greece- this is spending time in the most common cities among vacationers: ; , on the peninsulas; Peloponnese and islands; ; ; And . Tours to Cyprus, but more on that another time.

Islands of Greece

Cultural leisure in Greece

Have you come not only to fry, but also to attend various excursions? If yes, then you need to think and distribute your leisure time in order to have time to enjoy the sea and enjoy a beach holiday and spend time culturally. One of the main favorite among tourists, is temple complex— . However, if you believe the reviews, the trip is not for everyone, because in order to see this historical monument You need to climb the mountain for a long time, in the summer, and in the heat, there are practically no places for photographs, and there are also huge crowds of tourists. But if you are a connoisseur of art and ancient history, then this is a chance for you to touch the past.

At the resorts of the peninsula Peloponnese it is very convenient to combine business with pleasure: the presence provides pleasant conditions for the body, and the opportunity to visit Olympia is the cradle of the well-known Olympic Games, the fortress Naployen, And Ancient Corinth- will increase the level of your knowledge.

Quite tedious, but no less interesting are excursions to monastery complex in Meteora and ascent to the abode of the ancient gods - Mt. Despite the fatigue, you will get a sea of ​​bright and unforgettable impressions.

IN Greece Orthodoxy was born and therefore there are countless Orthodox churches and holy places, visiting which will make your trip unique. If permission can be obtained, men will be able to visit the monastery on the mountain Athos.

The most famous attraction on the island is, of course, the well-known Minotaur labyrinth, located in . The legend of this labyrinth is truly terrifying, which is why it is interesting. Cave of Zeus causes no less excitement; vacationers also love to walk around the city with the Venetian architecture of Chania. boasts its palm trees, but the beach with pink sand is considered even more popular among tourists. In a couple of hours, by ferry, you can sail to the island, which contains cities with the most romantic streets: And I And Fira.

Turtle Beach, on the island, is very famous. And if you are interested in the knightly theme, then a lot of architectural monuments have been preserved, reminiscent of that heroic era; it is not for nothing that this island is considered the main center of medieval knighthood. Palace complex is just as interesting to visitors.

The best places to travel with a child, based on reviews from families, are different. All these cities have safe sandy beaches and hotels with playgrounds for your children and other joys for little tourists, especially for family trips. On location Dinosaur Park And Aquarium, all this will be interesting to visit for both children and their parents. If you are traveling with very little children, then make sure that the location you choose is on the first line and has a safe, sandy, gentle, not sharp entrance to the sea.

Young people prefer the resort Hersonissos. Here you will find thousands of clubs, extreme water activities and hotels in an affordable price range. You are also welcome here dive centers And aquapark. And if you suddenly want to attend a live performance, unusual show or a stormy concert, that is, there is one bohemian place here - Chania.

Resorts for seniors in Greece

The most quiet places, in which elderly tourists will be comfortable are, Rethymno And Loutraki. IN Loutraki you can combine swimming in the sea with treatment using mineral water, it will not only be pleasant, but also useful. In addition, the Athens monuments are only 80 km from Loutraki.

Greece is a beautiful country where you can find a comfortable place to relax regardless of your finances, age or time of year.

It is difficult to find a traveler who would be completely indifferent to the ancient beauties of Greece, its beaches and clear sea, aromatic coffee and spicy cuisine, lively dances and unreal sunsets. The country is accustomed to the attention of tourists, knows how to receive them, and offers relaxation to people with different budgets and capabilities.

In the last few years, when the economy of Hellas not only shook, but very dangerously “frozen”, prices for vacations went down sharply. However, the problems did not affect the quality of rest. The only inconvenience for tourists is that it is better to come here with cash; ATMs are often completely empty.

All the numerous ruins and museums are in place, the sun is still warm and gentle, and the sea is clear. You can get a Schengen visa yourself by adding a completed application form, insurance, tickets and hotel reservation to your passport (they will ask for 35 euros for the visa). Everything is fine? Let's fly!

Budget season

For modern Greeks, tourism is the only straw that saves the country from complete economic collapse. This circumstance forces us to keep enough high prices for accommodation and other services during the high season. It begins in early June (prices in May are already different from April!) and continues until the beginning of September (in September prices are somewhat lower, but not yet the most budget-friendly). It is expensive to vacation in Greece in January (Christmas is a popular time for tourists).

For those who consider only beach pleasures a real vacation, it is best to come to Hellas in April or in the second half of September. And for those who come to Greece for the sake of ancient antiquities, the best time is October-November or February-March. At this time, air tickets will be the cheapest.

The Acropolis of Athens is a rocky hill with a flat top.

Road

The cheapest flight from Moscow to Kos, Crete or Rhodes will cost approximately 190-250 euros. These are prices for Ellinair tickets, outside the tourist season. The ticket price can be significantly lower if you fly from Vilnius or Kaunas, which can be reached by bus or your own car. A plane ticket costs from 120 euros round trip (Rhodes, Athens), which is cheaper even taking into account a bus ticket to Vilnius from Moscow. The secret to cheap tickets is simple - direct flights from Kaunas and Vilnius to Greece are provided by RYANAIR, known for its budget prices.

You can save even more on travel costs if you try to get to chartered flight, which serves tourists who have purchased tours. An application for a ticket can be submitted to any large company. In this case, a ticket will cost hardly more than a hundred euros round trip. But this method of travel is unreliable. There may be no free seats, or there may not be a flight on the desired day.

The best housing option: hotel or apartments, guest house or apartment?

Resort accommodation is expensive in any country. In Greece, it all depends on how close the hotel or apartment is to the sea. Outside the season Double Room in a mid-level hotel it will cost no more than 30 euros. In a higher category hotel, a double room with breakfast costs from 45 euros/day (half board - from 65 euros).

Weekly housing costs will not exceed the amount of 100-120 euros (provided that the sea is more than 300 meters away) if you rent an apartment or stay in a family boarding house - this is the most budget option.

Hotel Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso (Vouliagmeni, Athens)

Restaurants, cafes, taverns, supermarkets: cuisine features, prices for food and products

The Greeks have always loved to eat delicious food. Restaurants delight customers with huge portions, low prices and very tasty dishes.

In Greece you should definitely try:

• moussaka - a type of “lasagne” with layers of eggplant;
• fried sardines;
• octopuses;
• Tzatziki is a thick sauce made from yogurt and garlic.

As for drinks, in addition to a wide variety of wines of excellent quality, you cannot do without:

• ouzo - aniseed brandy;
• Retsina - wine with the smell of pine resin.

As everywhere else abroad, you need to choose those food establishments that are designed for local residents. This is not easy in resort areas, where every eatery counts on wealthy and generous visitors. The main rule when choosing a cafe or restaurant in Greece is that the farther from the sea, the cheaper. However, the quality of the dishes is the same.

If you make it a rule not to eat on the beach or near it (you should walk 700-800 meters from the sea), then your lunch or dinner with wine will cost no more than 7-9 euros per person.

Self-catering in an inexpensive apartment resort town or village is even more budget-friendly. A trip to the supermarket (or market) and a week’s supply of food for a family of three people costs 60-70 euros. Taking into account the fact that you will only use olive oil, and fruits will be a mandatory addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ancient sights, natural parks, nightclubs - what to choose?

Several volumes could be written about tourism opportunities and attractions. In our case, we will stay at the resorts of Northern Greece, as well as on several islands of the archipelago, where holidays are the cheapest, and the opportunities are not inferior to the most “promoted” resorts.

On the mainland

Northern Greece is a combination of sea air and the aroma of pine forests, beaches and monasteries, ancient ruins and modern nightclubs. The Peloponnese is proud of its numerous monuments ancient civilization on the continent, beaches, nightlife and eco-tourism opportunities. Here you can improve your health, relax in style, learn about fifty myths and legends and take with you the most pleasant memories of shopping.

Among budget resorts mainland Greece we can especially highlight:

• Halkidiki is one of the “three teeth” of the peninsula, the most budget holiday possible in Sithonia (middle tooth), among the attractions it is worth paying attention to Mount Olympus, hometown Zeus Dion, caves, monastery on Mount Athos, monastery of St. Panteleimon (one-day tour of natural and cultural attractions - from 50 euros, three-day tour - 175-200 euros);
• The Peloponnese is a large peninsula in the southern part of Hellas, the best places to relax are the Gulf of Corinth, the Laconia region. You need to see the ruins of the Olympic Stadium, the ruins of the Temple of Hera, ancient Corinth, ruins of Sparta. Sightseeing tour - from 35 euros (three-day - from 140 euros). The region is distinguished by its rich nightlife - the clubs TREZOR, SUMMER LIFE, WAVES will not let even the most demanding traveler get bored.

Islands

It is on the islands of the Greek archipelago that the most famous and popular resorts Hellas. Most of them (Santorini, Mykonos, Lesvos, Samos, Rhodes) are distinguished by high prices and a complete lack of budget housing. Wealthy businessmen, Hollywood stars and politicians with their families relax here.

You can save a lot of money if you vacation on the islands:

• Kos - no big Island near the coast of Turkey. The birthplace of Hippocrates - among the attractions are the ruins of an ancient hospital. Picturesque fishing villages, delicious fish dishes in restaurants, the opportunity to go surfing, many inexpensive villas and guest houses for tourists;
• Crete is a large island with a pleasant warm climate, an abundance of comfortable beaches, perfect place for lovers of windsurfing and horse riding. The number of ancient monuments is enormous. The size of the island allows you to take a week-long trip around it (tour - from 350 euros). Grottoes, caves, ancient royal palaces and labyrinths - the list of entertainment is far from complete;
• Euboea is an island separated from Attica by a narrow strait. Besides the beaches, warm sea and an abundance of attractions, here you can undergo mud therapy and other healing procedures (treatment in large centers can be very expensive, but there are many small spa hotels on the island where you can buy a course of procedures for 50-70 euros). It is from here that the easiest way to get to Athens is within one day tour(from 50 euros).

Two words about the crisis

After 2012, Greece is trying with all its might to overcome negative trends in the economy. The country is periodically shaken by banking collapses, problems in paying salaries to government employees and other troubles.

Most of these problems do not affect tourists in any way, but you still need to know some rules:

• ATMs, especially on the islands, are often empty, and you can pay with a card in budget places not always possible. Exit - cash;
• unemployment, especially in major cities, contributed to the flourishing of petty crime - wallets, cameras and documents must be stored especially carefully;
• in shops, and especially in markets, you need to bargain until you are completely exhausted, only in this case can you achieve an adequate discount (experienced tourists never make any purchases in the first days of their holiday in Greece, only properly, after sunbathing on the beach you can safely go shopping, sellers will be much more accommodating);
• You can buy any tours exclusively in the offices travel companies or in hotels. A trip purchased from a sociable guy on the street will result in an ordinary loss of money, albeit small.

Excursions outside Greece

While vacationing in the North of Greece, you can go to Sofia and Plovdiv. Buses from Thessaloniki to largest cities neighboring country enough. The journey takes from 5 to 7 hours. Tickets start from 20 euros. If you are planning to stay in Bulgaria for a few days, then it’s worth buying ready-made tour in one of the hotels in Chalkidiki or Thessaloniki - from 200 euros (meals and hostel accommodation included - 3 days and two nights).

The island of Kos is only a few kilometers from Turkey. Sightseeing tour west coast Malaya (monuments from the era of Alexander the Great, picturesque bays of the Aegean Sea, the legendary baths of Diana) is very cheap. But in this case, you need to clarify what kind of visa is in your passport. Turkey is located outside the Schengen zone; it is possible that once you leave Greece, you will not be able to return there.

Since ancient times, hospitality has been the main characteristic of the Greeks. Tourists all over the world can confirm this. A traveler will always be helped to find the way to an attraction, recommended a restaurant or cafe, and in a small town or village they will definitely invite you to a cup of coffee, which may well turn into a hearty lunch.