Greece's rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality captivate the soul. Here, ancient ruins meet luxurious resorts at idyllic beaches and fresh and exciting cuisine. Stroll the vibrant streets of Athens, luxuriate in the serene island beauty, and explore the historical depth of its mainland. This is Greece, a destination that invites exploration and promises memories to last a lifetime.
One of the world's most iconic symbols, the Acropolis, stands proudly overlooking the city of Athens. Its crowning glory, the Parthenon is dedicated to the goddess Athena, for whom the capital city is named. Use the opportunity to explore the history of Athens going back to the 5th century BC. Enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the hill. Fill in any history gaps with an Acropolis Museum visit to view statues, King Tut’s tomb and ancient artifacts.
Beyond the Acropolis there is much more to behold. The ancient theatre of Epidaurus in the Peloponnese region which is 2300 years old is a must-see site as it has been carefully preserved with bafflingly incredible acoustics. The Knossos Palace in Crete is nearly 4000 years old and was one of the mains sites of the ancient Minoan culture which predates the Greeks. This was a matriarchal society where women held positions of power including acting as priestesses.
The Greek Islands are famously beautiful with crystal-clear waters, stunning landscapes, and charming villages. Each island has a distinctive character, from Crete’s Venetian & Minoan history to Paro’s trendy shops and sandy beaches. The history, cuisine, and warm hospitality guarantee an unforgettable holiday.
Greece is a dream destination boasting a wealth of opportunities for cultural enrichment and landscapes beyond description. For most travelers, the capital city, Athens, is the starting point of most Greek holidays. With a history going back to 5BC, the city houses some of the world’s most important archaeological sites, including the Acropolis. Here, the Parthenon proudly represents this country’s ancient architectural and cultural achievements. In historic Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods, stroll charming streets lined with neoclassical buildings, vibrant markets, and traditional tavernas serving delicious Greek cuisine.
Greek charm extends way beyond the streets of Athens. Greece is famous for its many islands (over 6,000).
Paros, a gem of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, is renowned for its blend of traditional charm and natural beauty. The island boasts stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages like Naoussa and Parikia, where whitewashed buildings and narrow streets create a classic Greek atmosphere. Naxos next door is equally stunning and less touristed.
While the islands often steal the spotlight, mainland Greece is equally captivating. The Peloponnese, a historical and cultural gem of Greece, is a peninsula connected to the mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth. This region, steeped in ancient myths and legends, boasts breathtaking landscapes, including rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and charming villages. Home to iconic sites like Ancient Olympia, Mycenae, and Epidaurus, the Peloponnese offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and traditional Greek hospitality.
Greece’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in its traditions, from music and dance to religious festivals, as well as the cuisine which is the highlight of any visit. Enjoy fresh seafood, grilled meats, and an array of mezes such as hummus, tzatziki, dolmades and taramasalata which will surely tantalize your tastebuds. Don’t miss the opportunity to try local specialties like moussaka, souvlaki, keftedes (Greek meatballs), avgolemono (like grandma’s chicken soup with a lemony flavor). Finish it all off with baklava, paired with a glass of ouzo, raki or Greek wine, their whites can be quite exceptional.
Greece awaits. Join Girls’ Guide to the World on the next exclusively woman’s small group tour of Greece. Experience the beauty and culture of this ancient county among friends on a similar mission.
Enjoy an evening of live bouzouki music, a staple of Greek nightlife. These performances often feature rebetiko, a genre of urban folk music that conveys the emotions and stories of the Greek people. Join in, or watch traditional Greek dances like the Sirtaki (Zorba’s Dance) or Kalamatianos at local festivals. These dances are often accompanied by lively music and are an integral part of Greek culture.
An Athens food tour will introduce you to Greek cuisine’s bright, light flavors. Traditionally mealtimes in Greece are important social events to savor and enjoy with family and friends so join into the spirit of things and take your time over a long meal washed down with a glass of Greek wine.
When packing for Greece, consider the season and destinations. For summer, bring lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton dresses, shorts, and t-shirts to stay cool in the Mediterranean heat. Pack a swimsuit for beach days and a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
Comfortable sandals or walking shoes are ideal for exploring ancient sites and cobblestone streets. Pack modest clothing like a scarf or shawl to cover shoulders for church and monastery visits. Include a light jacket or sweater.
Begin in Athens with visits to the Acropolis and Parthenon. Then pick an island or two. We focus on less traveled destinations in Greece so as not to add to the overcrowding of those two islands you’ve likely already heard about.
If you’re a UK, USA, New Zealand, Australian, or Canadian passport holder you will not need a visa to enter Greece for stays of less than 90 days. Other passport holders should check the visa requirements with the Greek authorities.
The Euro is the official currency in Greece. Though you should take some cash, ATMs are widely available, so it is easy to exchange currencies in Greece. Most Greek businesses accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
Ensure that your normal vaccinations are up to date. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Rabies vaccinations are also advised.
