Greek's ancient history and modern beach resorts explain why many holidaymakers return to this Med hotspot year after year. For history and archeology fans, a visit to capital Athens, with the Acropolis, Roman Market and Temple of Poseidon, is a must.Meanwhile, gorgeous islands dotted about the Aegean and Ionian Seas offer shimmering olive groves, simple, tasty cuisine and a friendly welcome.
There's a huge variety of accommodation, from luxury villas to simple self-catering apartments and resorts to suit everyone - whether you're a party animal, activity junkie or just seeking a quiet, sunny retreat.
Beaches in Greece
There is a veritable plethora of beautiful sandy beaches in Greece and it's virtually impossible to single one out as having better beaches than another. On the mainland Halkadiki is a firm favourite, while islands like Rhodes, Kos, Corfu and Crete all have numerous popular beaches. Many of the most popular resorts are spread around these islands and places such as Faliraki, Lindos, Kos Town, Kavos, Gouvia, Ipsos and Malia can be noisy and crowded in peak months.
However if you pick your island and resort carefully enough it's perfectly possible to avoid the crowds even at the height of summer. Kefalonia and Sifnos are quieter and more laid-back. Santorini, with its spectacular submerged caldera (crater edge), is famed for its beauty and its beaches are great for families.
There is a veritable plethora of beautiful sandy beaches in Greece and it's virtually impossible to single one out as having better beaches than another. On the mainland Halkadiki is a firm favourite, while islands like Rhodes, Kos, Corfu and Crete all have numerous popular beaches. Many of the most popular resorts are spread around these islands and places such as Faliraki, Lindos, Kos Town, Kavos, Gouvia, Ipsos and Malia can be noisy and crowded in peak months.
However if you pick your island and resort carefully enough it's perfectly possible to avoid the crowds even at the height of summer. Kefalonia and Sifnos are quieter and more laid-back. Santorini, with its spectacular submerged caldera (crater edge), is famed for its beauty and its beaches are great for families.
Sightseeing in Greece
If it's history and archaeology you're after, head to Athens, and drink in the magnificent ancient Acropolis, Parthenon and National Archaeological Museum.
Crete's Royal Palace of Knossos was discovered 100 years ago and gives visitors a fascinating insight into life in 2000 BC. Other Minoan sites on Crete include Phaestos, Malia, Gournia and Agia Triada.
Don't miss the mainland's surprisingly verdant and mountainous interior, where you'll find the ancient Oracle of Delphi, the rock pillar monasteries of Meteora and the lush hilltop villages of the Pelion Peninsula.
Active bods can hike to the top of Mount Pantokratoras for amazing views to Albania and even Italy.
If it's history and archaeology you're after, head to Athens, and drink in the magnificent ancient Acropolis, Parthenon and National Archaeological Museum.
Crete's Royal Palace of Knossos was discovered 100 years ago and gives visitors a fascinating insight into life in 2000 BC. Other Minoan sites on Crete include Phaestos, Malia, Gournia and Agia Triada.
Don't miss the mainland's surprisingly verdant and mountainous interior, where you'll find the ancient Oracle of Delphi, the rock pillar monasteries of Meteora and the lush hilltop villages of the Pelion Peninsula.
Active bods can hike to the top of Mount Pantokratoras for amazing views to Albania and even Italy.
Family attractions in Greece
There are numerous watersports on offer in beach resorts, many of which will be suitable for all ages. Horse-riding, hiking and birdwatching are also popular.
More populous resorts have built water parks to cater for families. These include Aqualand and Hydropolis in Corfu, The Water Park in Faliraki, Rhodes and Acquaplus near Hersonissos in Crete.
There are numerous watersports on offer in beach resorts, many of which will be suitable for all ages. Horse-riding, hiking and birdwatching are also popular.
More populous resorts have built water parks to cater for families. These include Aqualand and Hydropolis in Corfu, The Water Park in Faliraki, Rhodes and Acquaplus near Hersonissos in Crete.
Day trips in Greece
It's possible to visit another island in a day, depending on where you are. From Mykonos you can visit the ancient archaeological site of Delos, a 20-minute boat ride away, where the remains of an ancient city - including mosaics and lion statues - can be found.
From Kos, it's only 20 minutes on the hydrofoil to Bodrum in Turkey, with services running daily between May and September. From north-eastern Corfu, you can visit Albania, a mere two miles away, with its villages, ancient sites and bustling markets.
It's possible to visit another island in a day, depending on where you are. From Mykonos you can visit the ancient archaeological site of Delos, a 20-minute boat ride away, where the remains of an ancient city - including mosaics and lion statues - can be found.
From Kos, it's only 20 minutes on the hydrofoil to Bodrum in Turkey, with services running daily between May and September. From north-eastern Corfu, you can visit Albania, a mere two miles away, with its villages, ancient sites and bustling markets.
Eating out in Greece
Tavernas serving the best fresh seafood and local specialities are popular eating places with locals, but they are more than happy to welcome more adventurous Brits looking to experience traditional Greek dishes such as lamb pilaf, stewed rabbit and sweet ricotta pies. Other tasters include souvlaki (kebabs) and mezedes, the Greek version of tapas which includes taramasalata, tzatziki and spanakopita (spinach pie).
If you're in Athens, head to the picturesque Plaka area where you'll find a number of reasonable tavernas. Of course, most touristy beach resorts cater for Brits who prefer to stick to English fare, with pubs and restaurants doing fry-ups for breakfast and a roast on Sundays.
Tavernas serving the best fresh seafood and local specialities are popular eating places with locals, but they are more than happy to welcome more adventurous Brits looking to experience traditional Greek dishes such as lamb pilaf, stewed rabbit and sweet ricotta pies. Other tasters include souvlaki (kebabs) and mezedes, the Greek version of tapas which includes taramasalata, tzatziki and spanakopita (spinach pie).
If you're in Athens, head to the picturesque Plaka area where you'll find a number of reasonable tavernas. Of course, most touristy beach resorts cater for Brits who prefer to stick to English fare, with pubs and restaurants doing fry-ups for breakfast and a roast on Sundays.
Nightlife in Greece
Given that many 18-30s are going away to get drunk, dance all night and bake in the sun all day, there are plenty of places to incorporate all three into your one-or two-week beach break.
Traditional resorts for this kind of nightlife include Kavos and Ipsos, as well as Roda, Gouvia and Dassia. On Kos, Kardamena is the place for all-night action, while Kos Town comes alive at night, with hundreds of clubs and pubs to choose from around the Main Square. If you are gay, head to hyper-cool Mykonos, where there are some great nightclubs for cool trance or cheesy fun.
For a memorable cultural evening, visit one of the numerous summer festivals, such as the Athens Festival, which takes place in June/July, and Rhodes's Cultural Summer, between June and September.
Given that many 18-30s are going away to get drunk, dance all night and bake in the sun all day, there are plenty of places to incorporate all three into your one-or two-week beach break.
Traditional resorts for this kind of nightlife include Kavos and Ipsos, as well as Roda, Gouvia and Dassia. On Kos, Kardamena is the place for all-night action, while Kos Town comes alive at night, with hundreds of clubs and pubs to choose from around the Main Square. If you are gay, head to hyper-cool Mykonos, where there are some great nightclubs for cool trance or cheesy fun.
For a memorable cultural evening, visit one of the numerous summer festivals, such as the Athens Festival, which takes place in June/July, and Rhodes's Cultural Summer, between June and September.
Shopping in Greece
Greece isn't the place to come if shopping is one of your main pastimes. Yes, you'll find some delightful local handicrafts such as leather goods, pottery, jewellery and woven bags, but it's not like Spain, where high-street stores like Zara and Mango are great for bargains.
Mykonos is probably the exception, and the trendy designer boutiques boast cutting-edge fashions without the bargain element. Gourmets can stock up on good-quality, fair-priced olive oils and there are also nice natural soaps and sponges on offer.
Greece isn't the place to come if shopping is one of your main pastimes. Yes, you'll find some delightful local handicrafts such as leather goods, pottery, jewellery and woven bags, but it's not like Spain, where high-street stores like Zara and Mango are great for bargains.
Mykonos is probably the exception, and the trendy designer boutiques boast cutting-edge fashions without the bargain element. Gourmets can stock up on good-quality, fair-priced olive oils and there are also nice natural soaps and sponges on offer.
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