The stark natural beauty and remnants of ancient civilisations have attracted visitors to Greece for centuries. Its pretty islands cast like precious stones across the Aegean Sea, together with the Greeks’ unsurpassed joie de vivre, combine to make Greece a truly unique destination with everlasting appeal.
In Athens see such classical ruins as the Parthenon and Acropolis. The Greek Isles beckon with Santorini and its violent volcanic history including the enormous volcanic eruption in 1450 BC, said to have destroyed legendary Atlantis.
From Mykonos’ narrow streets, whitewashed houses, churches and a raging nightlife to Crete's high mountains, long sandy beaches and fertile valleys, home to Europe's first advanced civilisation, the Minoans, not to mention Rhodes with a virtual treasure trove of art and history.
Top Highlights
Athens: The Acropolis is now in ruins but the grandeur of the bare marble is still breathtaking. It is quite visible from most parts of the city. The Parthenon, which crowns the Acropolis, is recognised for its much-photographed Caryatids - the six maidens who take the place of columns, are icons.
Plaka is the old Turkish quarter of Athens and is a labyrinth of cobbled streets and tavernas. Syntagma Square, at the heart of Athens is home to hotels and the old Royal Palace. Athens also boasts some excellent museums, including the National Archaeological Museum and the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic & Ancient Greek Art.
Delphi
This UNESCO World Heritage site is located on a precipitous cliff edge, on the slopes of Mt Parnassos, overlooking the Gulf of Corinth.
The ruins of Delphi were uncovered in 1893 and after the removal of huge quantities of earth, the remains of two sanctuaries, dedicated to Apollo and Athena, were uncovered. Outside the Sanctuary, the Stadium, Gymnasium and the settlement of Delphi and its cemeteries have also been excavated. The only monument that could be fully reconstructed from its own building material was the Treasury of the Athenians, which was restored in 1903-1906. Delphi is an ideal day trip ex Athens.
Meteora
The monasteries of Meteora are one of the most extraordinary sights in mainland Greece. Monks built monasteries into and on top of huge pinnacles of rock to provide them with a haven from invaders in the 14th century. The earliest monasteries were reached by climbing articulated removable ladders. Later, windlasses were used so monks could be hauled up in nets, a method used until the 1920s. These days access to the monasteries is by steps hewn into the rocks and the windlasses are used only for hauling up provisions.
The Peloponnese
The southern peninsula of Greece is packed with history and is very scenic. The ancient sites such as Epidaurus, Corinth and Mycenae can be seen on a day trip from Athens.
- Ancient Corinth - sprawling ancient ruins and once the richest city in Greece.
- Ancient Olympia - the first official quadrennial games took place here in 776BC. Tourists flock to view the ancient ruins, visit the museum and take in the atmosphere of this fascinating area.
- Acrocorinth - magnificent fortification towering above Ancient Corinth.
- Corinth Canal - a 6km long and 23m wide canal cut through solid rock to link the Ionian and Aegean islands.
- Ancient Mycenae - ruins located in the mountain foothills; once the most powerful kingdom in Greece.
- Nafplio - picturesque town with narrow streets and elegant buildings towered over by Palamidi Fortress.
- Epidaurus - well preserved classical Greek theatre renowned for its amazing acoustics.
The Cyclades
This group of islands are small and closely grouped together making them an excellent group for island hopping. Their picturesque white-washed buildings nestled into rocky outcrops, bright blue churches, aquamarine seas and stunning sunsets are the Greek Islands.
- Paros is the main transportation hub in the middle of the Cyclades. The busy port town of Parikia is bursting with activity, whilst the stylish fishing village of Naoussa on the north coast hosts numerous delectable eateries and is within easy commuting of the islands’ best beaches. Four hours by hydrofoil from Athens, 1 hour to Mykonos and 30 minutes to Naxos.
- Naxos has managed to retain its quaint character due to the lower number of tourists that arrive here. It is a deeply fertile island and largely self-sufficient - producing olives, grapes, citrus fruit and more. It is great to explore on foot, particularly along the old Byzantine paths between villages. 3 1/2 hours by hydrofoil from Athens.
- Mykonos, the embodiment of the Greek islands, Mykonos is a sun-seekers paradise. A labyrinth of narrow lanes line the town and come alive daily with locals going about their business. Accommodation options include properties in the town, ideal for travellers who like an evening stroll; want to make the most of the nightlife or a quieter beach in the evening. 3 1/2 hours by hydrofoil from Athens.
- Santorini, officially known as Thira, this is one of the most spectacular islands in the world. The enormous caldera was formed around 1450BC when a volcano blew out the centre of the island, and now tourists the world over flock to gaze in awe. With breathtaking views, unrivalled sunsets and small domed churches, the scenery all over the island is truly spectacular. Accommodation is plentiful, but a room with a view comes at a price. If you can’t quite stretch the budget, try one close by. A stroll through the town to enjoy the vista will not cost you a thing. 5 1/2 hours by hydrofoil from Athens; and 2 hours to Crete.
- Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands, and is known as the ‘Sun Island’, as it has 300 days of sunshine each year and virtually uninterrupted beaches on the east coast. It consists of a World Heritage listed Old Town, picturesque villages and varied landscapes. 15 hours by overnight ferry from Athens; and 2 hours to Marmaris (Turkey).
- Los is located in the Cyclades and has a reputation as the party island, but it has managed to rise above this of late. The island impresses with excellent sandy beaches, hundreds of chapels, pretty white-washed houses and domed churches. The coastline is adorned with kilometres of soft sand and emerald waters dotted with secluded peaceful inlets. 7 hours by hydrofoil from Athens.
Greek Island Hopping
Island hopping is the best and easiest way to explore the Greek islands, especially for first-time travellers to this part of the world. If clients are uncertain which island best suits there requirements and they wish for a variety of sights and scenery then island hopping is the way to go.
Some Points to note
When should you travel?: Mid July to August are the peak periods for travel, when ferries, hotels and the islands in general are operating at full capacity. Pre-booking during this period is essential to guarantee your hotel and transport requirements. We suggest you try and visit the islands from May to early July or in September, when you can avoid swarming tourists and experience a more peaceful break. Most hotels do open in the months of April and October, although ferry services are limited and restaurants may even be closed at this time. With the exception of Crete and Rhodes, as they are further south, the islands effectively close down for the winter months of October to April.
Which islands should you visit?: Generally speaking, it is easiest to travel between islands belonging to the same ‘group.’ For example, the Cyclades which include Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios and Santorini.
How long on each island?: We recommend clients stay at least 3 nights on each island. Due to ferry and hydrofoil schedules, you will find a minimum of 2 nights is required, unless clients choose to fly to/from an island.
Pre and post hotels in Athens: It is essential to book at least one night before, and one night after, island hopping adventures. Ferry schedules are published in advance, but they are not confirmed by shipping companies until one month prior, so it is important to avoid same day connections in case of schedule changes. A pre-stay in Athens will also give clients time to exchange travel vouchers for ferry tickets.
Island transfers: It can be difficult to locate hotels on some of the islands as they are often tucked away on streets with no names. We recommend pre-booking transfers as this ensures you have assistance with luggage.
Hydrofoil or Ferry?: Adventure World will always book hydrofoils unless only ferries service the specified route. Hydrofoils are slightly more expensive, but they offer a quicker service, allowing maximum time to enjoy the islands. In the cases of overnight ferries, Adventure World will book cabins for a more comfortable journey.
Hydrofoil & ferry times: As previously mentioned, schedules are released in advance, but generally not confirmed until one-month prior. This means that timetables can change without notice, or even be cancelled due to weather conditions. The hydrofoil or ferry will be booked for requested dates, and exact times are given upon arrival in Athens. Adventure World’s local operator will book clients on services that best suit the itinerary and they are on hand to assist if there are any last minute changes and will notify clients accordingly.
Flights: Can be arranged between some islands, contact Adventure World for details and prices.
Crete: Greece's largest (approx 170 kms long) and southernmost island is 12 hours by ferry from Athens. The scenery is varied with high mountains and long sandy beaches separated by fertile valleys. It is also famous for its wildflowers (late Feb/early Jun). Crete was the centre of the Minoan culture, Europe's first advanced civilisation. The palace of Knossos, just outside Crete's largest city, Iraklio, is the most magnificent of Crete's Minoan sites. Hania and Rethymno offer beautiful Venetian buildings.
The climate on the south coast is so mild that swimming is possible from April to November. Crete is particularly crowded in high season but there are still some quieter areas which have not been taken over by tourism. 1 hours by overnight ferry from Athens; 2 hours by hydrofoil to Santorini.