Holidayhomes in Greece

Greece is located in southeastern Europe and is bordered largely by the sea. The country is characterized by numerous islands (around 1400). On these islands you can find many sandy as well as pebble beaches. Greece is particularly a sun and culture destination. In summer the islands are especially popular with holidaymakers. The temperature is pleasant from May until often as late as mid-October. The sea is relatively calm as the Mediterranean does not have a big gap between high and low tide. Greece has a well-preserved history which is often hard to find in today's society. The Olympic Games, marathon and the concept of democracy are all of Greek origin. The foundation for philosophy was also established in Greece. The ancient Greeks built numerous temples and shrines for their gods. These now lay in ruin, but still provide visitors with a good idea of what it was once like. The Greek mainland and the Peloponnese peninsula are separated by the Corinthian Canal, which is 6.3 km long. This is the passageway for many cruise ships. However, since the canal is just 23m wide, the ships must be towed through the canal.

Athens is the capital of the country and is a city with many attractions dating from the ancient Greek period. For example, the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Temple of Zeus to name some of the more famous. Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece. Here you will find plenty of Turkish baths and Byzantine churches. The city of Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great. Halkidiki (peninsula) is an area of beaches and water sports. The main resorts are Kalithea and Hanioti. The Athos peninsula (easternmost part of Halkidiki peninsula) is a monastic republic accessible only by boat. Mount Athos can only be visited by men and only after the issuance of a special permit. Thessaly is located on the mainland. Greece's highest mountain (Mt Olympus, 2917m) is also located here. The city's famous oracle of Delphi is located on the slopes of Parnassus.

The Peloponnese peninsula is the largest in Greece. It is named after the hero Pelops. There are many places of interest here. Corinth was one of the most important cities in ancient Greece and Epidaurus is a small city reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo's son, Asclepius, the god of healing. The sanctuary of Asklepion in Epidaurus is on UNESCO's world heritage list. Mycenae is an archaeological site located in northeastern Peloponnese, 48 km south of Corinth. It is well worth a visit for its citadel, famous Lion Gate and Tomb of Aegisthus. Ancient Olympia hosted the Olympic Games in classical times. Today you can visit Altis, a sanctuary consisting of an unordered arrangement of various buildings of the period.

The Ionian Islands lie to the west of Greece. Corfu is the most important island, with sandy beaches on both the north and west coasts. This island is also known for its many beautiful flowers. Other islands include Paxos, Antipaxos, Levkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia (a beach resort) and Zakynthos (turtle island and a major beach destination). Aegean islands are different. In general, they are beach destinations for tourists.
The Cyclades Islands - Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Andros, Ios, Milos, Sifnos, Siros and Santorini - are also important beach destination. Santorini is a volcanic island with remains from the Minoan times. The Sporades are an archipelago on the east coast of Greece and consist of the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros. The Dodecanese are a group of 12 larger plus 150 smaller Greek islands and include Rhodes and Kos which are main beach destinations. Rhodes is known as the Rose Island and has been famous since antiquity as the site of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The citadel of Rhodes, built by Hospitalliers, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1988. A trip to Lindos, 55 km south of Rhodes, is also worthwhile. Above the modern town rises the Acropolis of Lindos, a natural citadel which has been fortified by everyone from the Romans to the Ottomans. From here you have a wonderful view of the harbor and coast. Kos has the temple of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. Other islands of the Dodecanese are: Kalymnos, Patmos, Karpathos, Leros and Nisiros. The Anatolian Islands are all beach destinations. Lesvos, Samos, Chios, Limnos, Ikaria, Thassos and Thasos are the most famous of the islands.

Crete is the largest island of Greece and is also the main tourist area. Almost all the resorts are located on the north side of the island. The spas include Aghios Nikolaos, Hersonissos, Rethymnon, Kokini Hani, Gouves, Koutoulafari, Stalis, Malia and Elounda. The island has many beautiful things to admire such as the ancient Minoan temple of King Minos and Knossos near Heraklion. Phaestos is the second Minoan temple on the island. The Lassithi Plateau, with its typical windmills, and the gorges of Samaria and Imbrose are also worthwhile.