The dramatic beauty of the Cyclades, the golden beaches of
Halkidiki, the pulsating nightclubs of Mykonos, the ancient
grandeur of Delphi: Greece offers such a huge range of experiences
it's difficult to know where to begin.
Athens is as good a place as any, its hazy sprawl belying its
importance as the epicentre of the cradle of Western civilisation.
At its heart though are its most famous attractions, the
magnificent Acropolis and the iconic Parthenon.
Ancient Greece's empire was built its dominance of the sea, as
you'd expect with its generous scattering of islands - and that
deepest of blue waters remains a powerful attraction today.
Whether it's viewed from the whitewashed serenity of
oh-so-beautiful Santorini or the rugged slopes of a Cretian olive
grove, it dominates any stay here and adds an irresistibly tranquil
rhythm to an already relaxed lifestyle. Add the warm hospitality of
the people and the undeniable beauty and charm of its landscapes,
and is it any wonder it's a destination that is as popular today as
ever?
Flying time: Athens - 3 hours 40 minutes
Heraklion - 4 hours Mykonos - 4 hours Santorini - 3 hours 50
minutes
Time difference: GMT +2 Hours
Getting there: Direct services operate to
Athens with British Airways and Olympic Airways. Services to
Heraklion, Mykonos & Santorini operate with various charter and
low-cost airlines.
Currency: Euro
Vaccinations: Not required. However, please
contact your doctor for up-to-date information.
Visas: British passport holders do not require
a visa. All other nationals please check visa requirements with the
embassy.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are the
best times to visit Greece; specifically May, June, September and
October. Most of the country's tourist infrastructure goes into
hibernation during winter, particularly on the islands. Mid-June to
the end of August is high season. It's party time on the islands
and everything is in full swing. It's also very hot - in July and
August the mercury can soar to 40°C in the shade just about
anywhere in the country; the beaches are crowded; the ancient sites
are swarming with tour groups. The high season starts to wind down
in September and conditions are ideal once more until the end of
October.