Greece holidays

The blue island-dotted sea makes this an ideal seaside destination. It is also ideal for lovers of history and archaeology, particularly the Peloponnese peninsula and the island of Crete. Continental Greece and Crete are an ideal adventure playgrounds for hikers. Looking for authenticity ? Relax in a harbour-side tavern and watch the old Greek fisherman return from a fishing trip. Enjoy a glass of ouzo beneath an olive tree to the sound of crickets, or watch a priest play backgammon with some of the older villagers. In the mood to party? Both Athens and the fashionable bars in the Psiri district - haunt of hip young Athenians - are definitely worth a visit any time of year. For their party atmosphere, Mykonos and Paros are also must visits. Santorini and Mykonos are the perfect romantic setting for a honeymoon. You can rent authentic cottages in Crete with friends and family.

Much of what you find on a Greece holiday you won't find anywhere else :
There is history and mythology everywhere you look. Small white villages, blue-roofed churches, whitewashed walls and flower-filled alleyways: there's no doubt that you are in Greece. The country has an unmistakable Mediterranean atmosphere but with a touch of eastern influence. This fusion can be found in the Greek traditions, music, cooking and attitudes to life. At the heart of it all lies a deep rooted sense of hospitality. Inland Crete has olive fields as far as the eye can see, traditional villages with old ladies in black garments, donkeys in the middle of roads, canyons, mountains, archaeological sites and monasteries.

If you only have a couple of days in Greece, make your way to Athens for a complete change of scene. The most popular Greek holidays remain island-hopping voyages of discovery in the Cyclades. We advise you to visit no more than two islands in one week or three over a fortnight, depending on flights, ferry bookings and transfers. Cars and mopeds can be rented locally. For a more cultural discoveries, opt for either the classic sites of the Peloponnese over one week, Central Greece for its gorgeous gorges and Meteora monasteries, or Crete, best discovered by car. Finally, establish a base camp from which to explore by renting a charming Crete cottages.

New islands
With thousands of islands to choose from, why not try somewhere new on your next Greek holiday ? Amorgos is one of our latest top picks for its wild and well-preserved beauty, best appreciated while hiking. Patmos is a little gem that can be hard to access but provides a genuine spiritual break for many. Chios is perfect for lovers of eco-tourism and another one of our latest top picks.

Renting accommodation in Greece
There is a huge range of charming or designer hotels, but also alternatives to traditional hotels such as the cliff-side Homeric Poems apartments for four. Then there's Strass, a three-bedroom guest villa in Santorini, a villa around 300ft from the sea in Agia Irini sur Paros, or an apartment in a village of Crete in Kutsunari.

Revitalise in the Aegean Sea
Enjoy something more bucolic and organic, such as thalassotherapy at the Royal Mare Resort in Agios Nikolaos, Saint Nicolas Bay. Or eat homemade jam and melons from the gardens of the traditional Kamares Houses, or organic and shiatsu cuisine at Elia Hotel & Spa, all found in Crete.