Greek Holidays 2023! 5 things to you must do!

5 Amazing reasons why you should do during your Greek Holidays in 2023!

With its storied history, dazzling islands, incredible cuisine, and picture-perfect beaches, Greece is truly one of the most magical places in the world for an unforgettable holiday. From world-famous historical sites to quaint island villages to epic outdoor adventures, Greece has something amazing to offer every type of traveler.

A vacation in Greece allows you to step back in time while enjoying modern amenities and comforts. You can explore ancient ruins like the Acropolis and Delphi that transport you back thousands of years. Imagine walking in the same footsteps as legendary figures like Socrates and Plato. Greece’s long, influential history is visible everywhere from the heights of Athens to the shores of the Aegean.

The Greek Islands are the ultimate paradise, each with their own unique vibes and attractions. Santorini impresses with black sand beaches and stunning sunsets over the caldera. Party till dawn on the glamorous beaches of Mykonos. Paros and Naxos offer a more laidback charm perfect for relaxation. Explore the beaches, villages, nightlife, and local cuisine on islands like Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and many more. Island hopping by ferry is a must to see Greece’s most beautiful corners.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be in heaven exploring Greece’s dramatic landscapes. Hike through the natural wonder of Meteora’s clifftop monasteries. Trek down the rugged 16 km Samaria Gorge canyon in Crete. Take in amazing views sailing around the Cyclades islands. The Peloponnese region also offers excellent hiking, caving, kayaking, and more for active travelers. Greece has endless options for adventure.

Of course, no trip to Greece is complete without experiencing the amazing food and drink. Feast on mouthwatering Greek dishes from succulent grilled meats, hearty moussaka, spansakopita food, fresh olives and cheeses, and more. Wash it down with the unique ouzo liquor or delicate whites and bold reds produced by local vineyards. Don’t forget to leave room for baklava and other delectable Greek pastries and desserts. Culinary pleasures abound in Greece.

The Greek mainland offers the perfect combination of history, cuisine, architecture and scenery to please everyone. The capital Athens is a cosmopolitan metropolis with world-class museums like the Acropolis Museum and the eclectic neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki. Picturesque villages like Oia on Santorini feel frozen in time with their whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches. Throughout Greece you’ll find warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and timeless beauty.

Spring and early summer from mid-April to June is an ideal time to visit Greece. The weather is pleasantly warm and sunny while avoiding the peak summer crowds. Places like Athens and the popular islands get quite crowded and expensive in July and August. September is also lovely as the sea is warm and the crowds have thinned. No matter when you visit, Greece’s magic shines through.

The Greek coastline boasts some incredibly beautiful beaches. The black volcanic sands and turquoise waters of Santorini’s beaches are unforgettable. Elafonisi Beach in Crete impresses with pink-hued sands and shallow waters. The Peloponnese has great hidden beaches like Papagou near Nafplio. And you can find amazing hidden coves by sailing around the lesser-known Greek islands. Endless beaches await discovery.

Don’t worry about getting around Greece – the public transportation systems are efficient and widespread. Buses, trains, taxis, ferries and cheap flights on Aegean Airlines make it easy to reach Greece’s top sites and islands. In cities, walking or taking the metro is the best way to experience everything. Driving a rental car provides maximum flexibility for hard-to-reach areas. You have plenty of choices for hassle-free transportation.

Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate with dry, sunny summers and mild winters making it comfortable to visit year-round. Spring and fall are pleasant without intense heat while winter offers its own charms such as skiing on Mount Parnassus. Late spring has the advantage of long sunny days, colorful wildflowers, and fewer crowds. Whenever you choose to visit, Greece’s beauty shines through.

From the legendary ruins of Athens to the white sand beaches of the Greek islands, Greece has been enchanting visitors for millennia. The Greek people are renowned for their warmth, hospitality, and leisurely approach to life. Everywhere you turn across Greece’s mainland and over 6,000 islands, you’ll find welcoming locals happy to share their culture and passion for life. Greece offers a holiday like no other.

The brilliant azure waters surrounding Greece’s coastline and islands are crystal clear. Snorkeling and scuba diving reveal schools of colorful fish and ancient shipwrecks. The calm sheltered coves are ideal for kayaking. You can charter boats of all sizes to sail to less accessible beaches and islets. With over 8,000 miles of coastline, the sea adventures are endless.

Many visitors choose to spend their entire Greek holiday island hopping across the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Ferries run daily between all the major islands and make for a quintessential Greek experience. With over 200 inhabited islands, you could easily spend months exploring without running out of new gems. Each island has its own energy and offerings.

Besides the classical heyday of Ancient Greece, areas like Crete and Rhodes were also home to advanced Minoan and Byzantine civilizations. The diverse history provides many cultural layers and ruins to uncover during your explorations. Greece has so much heritage right at your fingertips waiting to be discovered.

For those who want an active holiday, Greece has amazing destinations for hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, cycling, caving, rafting and more. Outdoor athletes flock to places like Kalymnos to scale cliffs over the sea. Hike through Samaria Gorge in Crete or the Vikos Gorge in Epirus. The Peloponnese Peninsula also boasts great terrain for activities. Don’t miss out on Greece’s natural wonders.

Soaking up Greece’s legendary culture is a highlight all its own. Attend traditional festivals celebrating music, food, and dance. Experience an unforgettable Greek Orthodox Easter with candlelit processions and fireworks. Visit monasteries on Meteora’s sandstone peaks for a glimpse into tranquil spiritual life. Greece’s customs make every visit special.

If ancient myths and legends fascinate you, Greece provides the perfect destination. Visit the island of Delos – birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. Explore the Sanctuary of Athena in Lindos. Hike Mount Olympus home of the Greek gods. Tour archaeological sites tied to Trojan War heroes like Agamemnon. Greece’s mythical heritage is still very much alive.

For the ultimate Greek island-hopping adventure, sail on a private yacht charter with captain and crew. Choose either a bareboat rental or crewed charter depending on your nautical experience and interests. Visit secluded coves and islands at your own pace in style and comfort. Charter sailboats come in many sizes to match your group and budget.

Greece enjoys over 250 days of sunshine a year on average – perfect for relaxing on the beaches, sightseeing, and open-air dining. Even in shoulder seasons, you’ll get more lovely weather than rain. The climate is generally very temperate without major extremes in summer or winter. Pack your sunscreen and expect mostly blue skies.

Few destinations rival Greece for culinary delights. Food plays a central role in family life and socializing. Local olive oil, cheese, tomatoes, seafood, lamb, and vegetables create unforgettable flavor combinations. Meals last for hours with appetizers, mains and desserts. Dining out is both an art and joyful experience in Greece.

Beyond its rich history, crystal waters, and epic natural beauty, Greece’s people are what make a visit so special. Greeks are renowned for their zest for life, emphasis on family, and laid-back approach. Locals take time to relax, laugh, and savor life’s simple pleasures. Greece’s welcoming spirit invites you in.

The Greek language is considered one of the oldest and most difficult to master. But most Greeks in tourism centers also speak English fluently. You can get by easily with common greetings like “yassas” (hello) and “efharisto” (thank you). Having a phrasebook handy is still useful for venturing to rural areas.

Greece manages to blend ancient historic sites and artifacts with modern luxuries seamlessly. You can start your day exploring ancient ruins then relax in a luxury resort. The crisp, white Cycladic architecture complements both ancient sites and chic restaurants and boutiques. Greece artfully mixes past and present.

The green landscape of Greece dotted with olive groves is a lovely sight. Over 60% of Greece is mountainous with rolling foothills and valleys. The rest consists of idyllic farmland and over 1,400 islands. Vacationers will never grow tired of Greece’s diverse natural splendor and vistas.

The Greek islands each have their own unique energy and ambience. Santorini feels intimate and romantic. Mykonos buzzes with glamour and parties. Paros and Antiparos exude low-key Cycladic charm. Rhodes blends medieval and classical heritage. Corfu recalls Venice. Visit several islands to appreciate their diversity.

When it’s time to relax, Greece has luxurious beach resorts like Elounda Beach in Crete and Sani Resort in Halkidiki. Here you can indulge in spa treatments, infinity pools, and fine dining while enjoying a sublime location. Greece ably mixes leisure, luxury, and natural beauty.

If you’re looking for an active nightlife, Greece ably caters to that too. In Athens, areas like Gazi have buzzing bars and clubs that go late into the night. The island of Mykonos is also famous for its all-night party scene with sexy open-air clubs and beach parties. Ios is another hotspot to dance until sunrise after days spent lounging on the beach.

While the Greek Islands are beautiful to explore by day, they take on an entirely different ambience at night. Towns like Oia on Santorini light up with strings of lanterns. Patios full of candlelit tables open up for romantic dinners and live music. Greece truly comes to life after dark.

History buffs will be endlessly enthralled by Greece’s archaeological treasures. Beyond Acropolis and Delphi, visit the Minoan palace of Knossos on Crete. Explore temple ruins in Sounio, Aegina, Bassae, and Olympia. Immerse yourself in ancient history across the Peloponnese region. New discoveries still continue to be made.

The Greek Orthodox Church has been hugely influential in Greek culture, language, and architecture. Their ornate cathedrals and monasteries are beautiful to visit. Witness an Orthodox service filled with incense, icons, and Byzantine chants to glimpse their spiritual traditions. Religion is woven into Greek identity.

For families traveling to Greece, there are plenty of attractions to dazzle kids too like water parks in Athens and Crete. Let them run wild on kid-friendly beaches. Show them volcanic craters and rock formations. Kids will love spotting sea turtles on Zakynthos, sailing around islands, and eating Greek yogurt and pastries too!

Greece protects endangered loggerhead sea turtles with conservation efforts on beaches like Zakynthos and in the Peloponnese region. These graceful creatures nest on the shores between May and October. With luck you may spot their hatchlings racing to the sea! Animal lovers will enjoy Greece’s wildlife.

While known for ruins, Greece also has some amazing museums to dive into its storied past. The Acropolis Museum in Athens has artifacts from the site. Thessaloniki’s Archaeological Museum details the northern regions. And the Museum of the Olive tells the story of Greece’s favorite crop. Greece uses its history well to educate visitors.

For easy island hopping between destinations like Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Paros etc, check schedules with ferry providers like Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways. Ferries run multiple times a day in summer and are inexpensive and comfortable for short journeys. Booking ahead for ferries is wise in peak season.

If you’re looking for beautiful towns to use as a base, charming Chania on Crete has a picturesque old quarter by the harbor. Nafplio on the Peloponnese drips with romance and medieval architecture. And Rhodes Town captivates with its walled old city. Base yourself in inspiring locales.

Greece is made up of its mainland as well as over 1,400 islands – however less than 300 islands are actually inhabited year-round. Many visitors want to visit smaller off-the-beaten-path islands for a more authentic Greek escape. Try Koufonisia, Milos, Sifnos, Skiathos, Skopelos and more!

For great boutique hotels with a luxury touch, check out properties from the Elite Hotels and Diamond Collection groups. They have intimate, upscale hotels on Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and other prime destinations. Boutique hotels deliver charm and indulgence.

If you want to catch Greece at its most colorful, visit during Easter when every churchdecorates an Epitaphios bier with elaborate flowers. On Easter Friday,somber processions carry these through town accompanied by beautiful hymns. Greece’s Easter traditions are unforgettable.

As the birthplace of the Olympics, Greece naturally excels at athletics. Try your hand at windsurfing, kitesurfing or waterskiing with ideal wind conditions off the island of Naxos in summer. Hike Mount Olympus which legend says was home to the Greek gods. Embrace Greece’s active side.

Greece shines just as bright in shoulder and low season with fewer crowds and lower prices. Enjoy mild weather and blooming wildflowers in spring or fall. Around Christmas, cities are dressed up in festive lights as locals celebrate the holidays. There’s really no bad time for Greece!

For great boutique and luxury stays, check out Blue Palace Resort on Crete, Canaves Oia Hotel on Santorini, and the Myconian Ambassador on Mykonos which all offer amazing suites, restaurants and pools. Greece caters perfectly to pampering escapes.

If you’re looking for authentic local cuisine, forget the touristy restaurants and find family-run tavernas and ouzeries. These serve classic comfort foods like moussaka, pastitsio, grilled octopus and meze with ouzo or wine. Locals know where to dine well.

Beyond its ancient marvels, Greece also offers natural wonders like the geological phenomena of the volcanic caldera on Santorini. Explore the Corfu caves and lake on Paxos island. Meteoras clifftop monasteries stun sightseers. Greece brims with diverse landscapes.

For the best sunsets, head to Oia on Santorini or Armenistis town on Sifnos. Their westward orientation over the sea guarantees incredible golden hour panoramas you’ll never forget. When planning your trip, be sure to catch Greece at this magical time of day!

Music and dance are integral to Greek celebrations. Watch traditional folk dancing with all ages at local festivals. Listen to authentic Greek musicians jamming with bouzoukis while singing rembetika songs. Greece has a rich musical tradition still thriving today.

Some of Greece’s top modern cities buzz with energy, culture and shopping. The capital Athens offers world-class museums, dining, and nightlife. Northern port city Thessaloniki has a hip art scene. Both blend ancient history with contemporary attractions.

If you love sailing, Greece is on many travelers’ bucket lists. Charter a yacht or catamaran to island hop at your own pace. Join a cruise that docks at key ports like Santorini and Mykonos. Ferry hopping is also a great way to sail between destinations in style.

For boutique Greek souvenirs, look for olivewood products, evil eye charms, handmade ceramics, silver jewelry engraved with Greek motifs, embroidered textiles, leather sandals, handwoven bags, and painted icons. Quality crafts make wonderful keepsakes.

Greece packs incredible diversity into its relatively small geographical size. You can start your day exploring an ancient temple, sail to breathtaking islands in the afternoon, then dance the night away. Greece dazzles with its endless variety.

The Greek language is melodic, poetic, and unlocks doors to connecting with locals. Learn some key phrases and you may get better service, prices and conversations. Discover why Greek is considered one of the most beautiful languages worldwide.

So if you’re seeking culture, history, natural beauty, adventure, sailing, amazing cuisine, nightlife, luxury escapes, or classic romance, you’ll find it all in Greece. With so many choices across its mainland regions and iconic islands, Greece offers a trip of a lifetime.

• Visit the Acropolis in Athens. 

The Acropolis is one of the most iconic ancient sites in not just Greece, but the entire world. Sitting high above the city of Athens, this ancient citadel contains ruins of several ancient Greek temples that date back over 2,500 years.

The most famous temple on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. This massive marble temple was built between 447 and 432 BCE during Greece’s Golden Age under Pericles. Even in its ruined state today, the columns and intricate carvings of the Parthenon are incredibly impressive. When it was still intact and painted in bright colors, it would have been awe-inspiring.

In addition to the Parthenon, there are other impressive structures on the Acropolis. The Erechtheion temple features porches held up by elaborately carved female figures called Caryatids. The Propylaea is a monumental gateway that formed the entrance to the Acropolis. The Temple of Athena Nike has beautiful, delicate friezes carved into it.

There is so much history visible in the layers of ruins and constructions that date from between the 6th century BCE to Roman times in the 2nd century CE. Visiting the site allows you to walk among the ruins and take in views of Athens down below and the surrounding mountains. Be prepared when you visit – wear good walking shoes, sun protection, and bring water, as it can get hot on top of the Acropolis.

Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore the entire site. Admission tickets cost 20 euros. Or for free admission, go in the off-season between November and March. Go early in the day or late afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Time your visit to catch one of the guides who give free walking tours around the site to learn more about the history. Seeing the ancient Acropolis towering above Athens is an experience you’ll never forget.

Let me know if you need any other details on visiting the amazing Acropolis! I’m happy to provide more tips on the best ways to experience this iconic ancient site and take in the breathtaking views and ruins during your trip to Athens.

• Island hop the Cyclades. 

The Cyclades are a picturesque group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea that are known for their charming whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, stunning cliffside views, and crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and sailing. With over 200 islands to choose from, the Cyclades make for an ideal Greek island-hopping vacation during your Greek Holidays.

Some of the most popular islands in the Cyclades include Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, and Folegandros. Each island has its own unique vibe and attractions. Santorini is renowned for its dramatic cliffside towns overlooking the submerged caldera and stunning sunsets. Mykonos is famous for its glamorous, party atmosphere and winding whitewashed lanes. Paros has a more laidback, traditional charm with lovely beaches. Naxos is the largest and greenest of the islands with Venetian castles and ruins. Milos has an unspoiled quality with colorful rock formations and quaint fishing villages.

The best way to experience the Cyclades is to spend at least 1-2 weeks island hopping by ferry. You can find daily connections between the main islands. It’s easy to combine a few days in each place to get a taste of the differences. Make sure to wander through the quintessential whitewashed villages, relax on the beaches, sample fresh Greek cuisine, and watch the sunset from high vantage points.

The Cyclades have mild weather and are a popular destination from April through October. July and August are the most crowded and expensive time to visit. May, June, and September are good shoulder season options with smaller crowds and lower prices.

Wherever you choose to visit in the Cyclades, you’ll be met with breathtaking vistas of the Aegean Sea, quaint villages, delicious food, and the magical ambience of the Greek islands. Let me know if you need any suggestions on the best islands, places to stay, ferry routes, or sample itineraries to help plan your ideal Cyclades getaway!

• Tour ancient sites like the Oracle at Delphi.

The Oracle of Delphi was one of the most important ancient Greek religious sites devoted to the god Apollo. Located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, Delphi was considered the center of the world and home to a prophetic oracle consulted by people across the ancient world.

The ruins at Delphi today transport you back in time to visualize the monumental Sanctuary of Apollo in its former glory. Walking along the Sacred Way, you can see the foundations and fragments of various treasuries and monuments donated by Greek city-states and foreign kings to win the favor of Apollo’s oracle. The most well-preserved ruin is the 4th century BCE Temple of Apollo, once home to the Pythia oracle priestess who delivered prophecies after inhaling vapors from a crack in the ground.

Also located at Delphi are the remains of the Athenian Treasury, the Sanctuary of Athena with its famous Tholos rotunda, the Roman Agora and refurbished ancient theater, the Castalian Spring, and the Stadium for the Pythian Games held in honor of Apollo. The Delphi Archaeological Museum next to the site contains artifacts found during excavation like the magnificent bronze Charioteer of Delphi statue.

Aside from exploring the mystical ancient ruins, a visit to Delphi provides breathtaking vistas from its clifftop perch down to olive groves and the sea. Give yourself at least 3-4 hours to wander around the sprawling site and museum. Try to time your visit for early morning or late afternoon when crowds are smaller. The entrance ticket costs 12 euros. Nearby Arachova village also offers restaurants and shops in a picturesque setting.

Visiting Delphi is a moving experience to reflect on the importance of Apollo’s oracle and its enduring mysteries. Let me know if you need any other tips for planning your trip! I’m happy to provide detailed suggestions to experience the magic of Delphi.

• Hike through natural areas like the Samaria Gorge on Crete. 

Hiking through Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete is an incredible way to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Greece’s longest and most famous gorge. Located in southwestern Crete within Crete’s only national park, Samaria Gorge is a 10 mile long canyon that cuts through towering rock walls up to 1,600 feet high.

The most popular hike is the full-day, 16 km walk from the Omalos plateau down through the gorge to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli. It takes 4-6 hours total to complete the hike one-way. The gorge is open from early May to late October since you have to cross a small stream in the gorge. You must start your walk by mid-morning to make the last ferry out of Agia Roumeli.

As you descend through Samaria Gorge’s narrow winding passageways, you’ll be amazed by sheer cliff faces, pine forests, endangered kri-kri goats clinging to steep slopes, abandoned villages like Old Agia Roumeli, and the turquoise water of the river below. The famous “Iron Gates” narrows the gorge to only 12 feet wide! The hike can be quite strenuous with uneven steps and rocks, so wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.

You can get to the Omalos plateau starting point by public bus or taxi/transfer. Return transportation is available by ferry to Sougia or Chora Sfakion. You’ll need an entrance ticket to access Samaria Gorge National Park. Stop for a rest or overnight stay in Agia Roumeli at the southern end of the gorge before catching the ferry.

Hiking Samaria Gorge is an unforgettable Crete experience and one of the must-do activities for any nature lover visiting Greece. Let me know if you need any other details on permits, transportation, suggested stops, or difficulty level! I’d be happy to tell you more about fully enjoying Greece’s most beautiful and dramatic canyon.

• Eat delicious Greek food!

Greek cuisine is considered one of the most delicious and iconic Mediterranean diets, renowned for its incredible fresh flavors, high quality ingredients, and variety of mouthwatering dishes. Trying authentic Greek food is an essential part of any trip to Greece.

From hearty peasant dishes to elegant seafood, Greece’s culinary traditions shine with simple yet scrumptious combinations. Classics like moussaka, souvlaki, gyros, dolmas, and spanakopita combine herbs, olive oil, phyllo dough, vegetables, cheeses and meats for flavors that burst in your mouth. Sizzling grilled meats and juicy roasted lamb and chicken are seasoned to perfection.

Greek salad with crunchy cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta and olive oil is the perfect summer dish. Appetizers like tzatziki, melitzanosalata and taramosalata are a flavorful way to kick off a meal. No visit is complete without trying Greek yogurt, honey and baklava for a sweet finish.

Coastal regions abound with the freshest seafood. Try sardines, grouper, sea bass or bream simply grilled with lemon and olive oil or in dishes like fried calamari. Octopus and grilled whole fish like lavraki are also popular.

Greece’s islands each have their own local specialties too. Crete is known for minty dakos salad and sweet sfakiano pies. Santorini has fava dip and tomatokeftedes. Corfu has sofrito veal and pastitsada pasta.

Wherever you travel in Greece, sample regional wines to perfectly complement your food. Sip on agiorgitiko reds or crisp white assyrtiko while you dine al fresco overlooking the sea.

The essence of Greek cuisine is its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared in simple, loving ways that let their true flavors shine. Dining in Greece is an amazing culinary experience you’ll want to savor again and again. Let me know if you need any restaurant recommendations or want to learn more about the incredible food you must try on your trip!

 

I hope this guide has shown why Greece is such an incredible destination and how a holiday here would be an experience full of amazing memories to last a lifetime! Let me know if you need any other recommendations or have questions as you plan your perfect Greek Holidays!