Travel & Leisure in Greece
Mykonos
Mykonos, also known as “the island of winds”, is the glamour island of Greece.
Mykonos has earned a reputation for its world-class clubs such as the Super Paradise Beach Club and the Cavo Paradiso. In the “Ibiza of Greece” you’re never far from a party at any point in the day (U.S. News). But there’s so much more to this island than its energetic nightlife and the unique fashion boutiques: the Mediterranean natural beauty, the year-round sunshine, the golden-sand beaches (Psarou, Paradise) and turquoise waters.
Little Venice is one of the most romantic and beautiful places in Mykonos. Walk along the seafront and take a seat on the flagstone patio as waves crash over your feet. Here, bougainvillea-draped balconies adorn the waterfront houses and it’s easy to see why this area, built around Alefkandra beach, has long attracted artists (Culture Trip). You can enjoy the sunset while relaxing with a drink in one of the cozy restaurants and bars. The famous windmills of Kato Mili are overlooking Little Venice and are within walking distance.
The Cycladic-style buildings of Chora, seaside towns where you can taste traditional Cycladian delicacies, ancient temples (nearby island of Delos), beautiful churches (Panagia Paraportiani, Tourliani Monastery), the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos and Mykonos Folklore Museum give the island a more traditional character.
Multiple art galleries feature works by both local and international artists.
Santorini
The most famous of the Greek islands, Santorini, is known for its breathtaking sunsets, whitewashed houses, stunning view from the caldera-edge cliff tops and colourful beaches.
Santorini is one of the most romantic destinations for couples and honeymooners – and for good reason. The dreamy backdrop of the deep-blue Aegean Sea and the northern village of Oia offers picture-postcard sunset views (Culture Trip).
A massive volcanic eruption around 1650 B.C. forced the center of what was then a single island to implode and succumb to the sea. Today, Santorini consists of two inhabited islands and several islets (U.S. News).
Hiking along the caldera edge to enjoy the view, swimming and sunbathing at the island’s spectacular volcanic-sand beaches (Red Beach, Vlychada, Kamari etc.), exploring the ancient ruins of a Minoan city, visiting the Museum of Prehistoric Thera are only a few examples of activities that will offer you a unique holiday experience in Santorini.
The volcano and hot spring cruise to the islands of Nea Kameni and Palia Kameni is the best way to explore the unique volcanic landscapes and enjoy a bath in the hot springs.
If you are seeking a quiet and relaxing holiday, the east coast of the island is ideal; Santorini’s east coast is lesser known than the celebrated, elevated west coast. Here, the caldera-edge heights have sloped down to sea level, and volcanic-sand beaches and resorts offer a very different drawcard. East coast resorts such as Kamari and Perissa have a more traditional (and more affordable) island-holiday appeal: sunlounger-filled beaches, water sports, bars and taverna-lined promenades (Lonely Planet). Thirassia is also ideal for a daytrip.
The local products such as the wines, the olives and olive oil, the cherry tomatoes (especially the sun-dried), the white eggplants and so many more fruits and vegetables, attribute their taste and high quality to the combination of the volcanic soil and Santorini’s climate and are the reason that will make all of your meals memorable. Wine tastings in the local wineries is a must-do activity for those who love to eat and drink.
Santorini can be reached by ferries and high-speed catamarans, from Piraeus and other islands of the Aegean, and Santorini Airport operates all year round.
The peak season is from June through August but since Santorini is a year-round destination, it is best to visit from September to October and April to May when there are fewer travelers, the weather is warm and the prices are low.
Zakynthos
Off the southwest coast of Greece, lapped by the Adriatic Sea, Zakynthos is home to beautiful beaches – including the popular Navagio Beach – dramatic cliffs and lush green olive groves (Culture Trip). Surrounded by turquoise blue water and easy to access, Zakynthos (or Zante) is one of the top tourist destinations in Greece.
The Venetians called Zakynthos Il Fiore di Levante (meaning the Flower of the East).
The island has a lot to offer and can satisfy even the most demanding traveler. Visiting the dreamy beaches, swimming in the bright blue waters, discovering the traditional rural villages, enjoying the delicious traditional Heptanesean cuisine, exploring hidden caves by boat to name a few.
In the most popular beach, Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, organized base-jumping events take place from May to September. The beach itself is only accessible on boat trips but you can admire it from above (Lonely Planet). The island’s caves are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving or simply hiring a boat or booking a tour to admire their stunning beauty. On the northern tip of the island, at Cape Skinari, you’ll find the most spectacular so-called Blue Caves. Inside, the bright blue sea reflects the color of the sky, which is mirrored off the walls of the caves and creates an absolutely magical azure and sapphire light scheme (PlanetWare).
Zakynthos is an ideal destination for nature and animal lovers. Authorized boat tours, by the National Marine Park, give you the unique opportunity to observe the rare Loggerhead Sea turtles (Caretta Caretta Turtles) since Zakynthos is one of the most important endangered sea turtle nesting grounds and habitats in the world. The National Marine Park of Zakynthos, stretching from the Cape of Marathias to Gerakas Beach, is the best place to spot some of the island’s endangered wildlife. To get up close to turtles and monk seals in an ecofriendly way, book a day trip to Marathonisi, better known as Turtle Island. Before you go, read up on proper etiquette at the Exhibition Centre of the National Marine Park in Agios Ioannis, and make sure to never disturb the turtles (Culture Trip). At the Askos Stone Park, in the northern part of the island, you can see animals, such as deer, peacocks, ponies, raccoons and many others, up close.
For people who enjoy the historical and cultural heritage of their travel destination, the Byzantine Museum of ecclesiastical art, the Bóchali Venetian Castle, the museum at the Church of St Dionysios, the Helmi’s Natural History Museum, the Museum of D. Solomos and Other Eminent People of Zakynthos and the Roma Mansion are a must-see.
Zakynthos is also a popular party destination. Enjoy your summer cocktails in one of the world-renowned nightclubs in Laganas (the Mecca of Zakynthos’ nightlife). If you want something more relaxed and lounge you can try one of the bars in Zakynthos Town.
Meteora
The picture of Orthodox monasteries perched atop sharp cliffs will likely come to mind when you hear of Meteora, Greece. Meaning “suspended in air” Meteora is home to some of the world’s most distinct sandstone rock formations, which the monks have been climbing and inhabiting for centuries (Paste magazine). Centrally located in mainland Greece, Meteora is relatively close to Greece’s major cities – 4 hours from Athens and 3 hours from Thessaloniki. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a lot to offer to the traveler: rich history, stunning scenery and various activities to enjoy. And even a mushroom museum.
The distinctive rock formations, rising into the sky, have sheltered Greek religious orders for almost 1,000 years. Of the original 24 monasteries, only six remain today (two hosting nuns, four monks), all of which can be visited by travelers hoping to explore this incredible attraction (Culture Trip), admire the churches’ frescoes, with the beautiful iconography, and the religious manuscripts and relics that are on display at the monasteries’ museums.
Meteora is ideal to visit whether you are adventurous and want to explore the mountain biking and rock-climbing routes or you want to experience the breathtaking scenery by hiking, following the numerous trails, and discover the abandoned hermitage caves.
In the nearby town of Kalambaka and the quieter village of Kastraki you can enjoy delicious traditional Greek dishes and take advantage of the budget-friendly accommodations, whether it’s a hotel or a small guesthouse.
Spring and fall are the best times to visit. Summer sees hot days (up to 90 degrees) and many pilgrims descending on the monasteries from tour buses. And winter is rainy, with January and February temperatures dipping to freezing at night (TravelAwaits!)
Best places / areas to go shopping in Athens
- Glyfada (Metaxa str)
- Kifissia (Kassaveti str, Levidou str, Panagitsas str, Kolokotroni str, Kyriazi str)
- Kolonaki (Voukourestiou str, Skoufa str, Patriarchou Ioakeim str, Tsakalof str, Solonos str)
- Chalandri
- Ermou street
Shopping malls
- Avenue (41-47 Kifissias Av., Marousi)
- The Mall Athens (35 Andrea Papandreou str, Marousi)
- Golden Hall (37A Kifissias Av., Marousi)
- notos (Stadiou str & Aiolou str, Athens)
- Attica (9 Panepistimiou str, Athens)
Mediterranean Diet
Greece is world-renowned for its authentic, delicious and healthy Mediterranean cuisine. You can choose among many of the recommended restaurants and enjoy exquisite meals at exceptionally affordable prices.