In this part of our guide to holidays in Greece we focus on the best locations to visit…
Despite being relatively small, Greece offers numerous places for travelers to visit. While the islands are the most popular tourist destinations, mainland Greece also has much to offer. The country’s five top destinations include the mainland cities of Athens and Thessaloniki, and the islands of Crete, Rhodes and Corfu.
Its antiquity and influence as the country’s capital and largest city make Athens a very rewarding destination. The city has many historical sites, as well as major museums and galleries. Most of these are clustered around the central city. Athens also has many sites of natural beauty – parks, hills and mountains – that provide an attractive and restful escape from this sprawling city’s din and bustle.
The country’s second largest city, Thessaloniki, lies in northeastern Greece. This city has a continuous 3000-year history and well preserved architecture, much of which is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Its old town has narrow cobbled streets and historic houses built in a variety of traditional styles. The city’s long, attractive seafront promenade offers panoramic views of the bay. Thessaloniki also has a very active nightlife and a wide range of quality restaurants.
Lying off Greece’s northwest coast, the island of Corfu has a mild climate, beautiful beaches and many historical sites, making it very popular with tourists. Compared to other Greek islands, Corfu is very green, having more than 2 million olive trees. Mount Pantokrator in the north of the island is more than 1000 meters high and has spectacular views of nearby islands.
Lying far to the south of the mainland, Crete is Europe’s southernmost island in Europe and basks in sunshine for much of the year. Being Greece’s largest island, it offers plenty of variety. The coast has long sandy beaches, rocky bays and quiet coves, as well as beach bars and sophisticated nightclubs. The interior offers traditional mountain villages and abundant wildlife, forests and flowers. Many of the island’s plants are unique to Crete.
Inhabited since the Stone Age, the island of Rhodes has a rugged, hilly interior and a rocky coast with many good beaches. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. The north coast has lively nightlife, while the south is quieter, more traditional and rich in historic sites.
