Holidays in Greece

Greece lies at the junction of Europe, Asia and Africa, which is reflected in the heady mix of cultures found here. The birthplace of the Olympics and an unrivalled architectural and cultural heritage that will satisfy even the most ardent history lover. If you're looking for beautiful sandy beaches, stunning scenery or calm azure waters then Greece has it all. Its 1400 islands are scattered like jewels across the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea with each island group possessing its own special characteristics.

• Country Profile - Greece Holidays
• Getting Around Greece
• Climate for Greece Holidays
• Places of Interest in Greece
• Eating/Drinking in Greece
• Activities in Greece
• General Information for Holidays to Greece
• View Google Map of Greece

View a map of Greece

Country Profile - Greece Holidays

Greece and it's islands have been ever popular with British holidaymakers since the 1960s and continues to attract millions of visitors each year. Visitors become enchanted with all Greece has to offer and continue to return year after year.

With such a wide variety of islands all offering slightly different types of holidays there is an island or resort to suit everyone, no matter how discerning the customer.

Holidays to the Ionian Islands: Lying off the west coast of Mainland Greece this group of islands receives above average rainfall thanks to mild wet winters, resulting in a spectacular verdant green mountainous landscape thickly carpeted in cypress trees, olive groves and wild spring flowers. The absence of the Meltemi wind that slightly cools other islands during the summer months means that these islands are perfect for holidays on the numerous stunning beaches each island offers. In addition to offering the holidays to the more well known islands including holidays to Corfu, holidays to Kefalonia and holidays to Zante. Olympic Holidays can also take offer holidays to quieter and lesser known islands inclduing holidays to Lefkada, holidays to Paxos; and peaceful holidays to Ithaca, perfect for experiencing holidays away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Holidays to the Cyclades Islands: Bright white sugar cube houses precariously balanced upon dry, arid mountain sides. Windmills and tiny churches glistening in the glorious bright sunshine characterise this beautiful group of islands which lie south east of the mainland. We offer you holidays to Mykonos and holidays to Santorini, two of the most popular islands of the Cyclades. Holidays here can be as energetic or as relaxing as you like but are sure to provide an experience never to be forgotten.

Holidays to the Sporades Islands: The Sporades Islands are situated to the east of the Greek mainland and comprise of 11 islands of which 4 are inhabited. Olympic Holidays takes you to 3 of these islands where you can enjoy holidays to Skiathos, holidays to Skopelos or holidays to Alonissos. Boasting some of the best beaches in Greece coupled with lush dense vegetation, crystal clear seas and pine-fringed bays. The only difficulty you'll have is deciding on which of these island gems you wish to take your holidays!

Holidays to the Dodecanese Islands: Olympic Holidays offers you the choice of several fantastic islands within this group. From the well known islands you can enjoy holidays to Rhodes and holidays to Kos. Or discover the lesser known gems including holidays to Symi, holidays to Halki and holidays to Kalymnos. The Dodecanese are at the most eastern point of the Aegean, some situated quite close to Turkey. This has the effect of making them some of the most multi-cultural of all the islands. Famous for their ancient archaeological sites, Byzantine churches and artifacts from the Venetian era these islands are perfect for exploring. All of this together with quaint villages with their narrow winding streets, fabulous beaches and an enviable climate make the Dodecanese Islands a perfect place to spend your well earned holidays.

Holidays to Crete: Book your holidays to Crete and discover the largest island in Greece and here you can find a multitude of different resorts to suit your needs. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere where you can party into the early hours or a relaxing evening in a traditional Greek taverna Crete has it all. Whether it's a relaxing day lounging on the beach or explore the unspoilt landscapes again Crete has it all. Wherever your holidays take you on Crete you won't be disappointed.

Holidays to Mainland Greece: Often overlooked for holidays (except by the Greeks!), mainland Greece offers everything that that the islands do. Holidays to Halkidiki are very popular and you will arrive at this well known area on the mainland is Halkidiki in north eastern Greece, but we also offer holidays to Peloponnese, holidays to Parga; and holidays to Sivota. Peloponnese is often described as 'true Greece'; here you will find the birthplace of the Olympics in Olympia along with many tiny traditional villages and great beaches. Parga, on the west coast has a very low-key tourist industry, which along with it's beauty adds to it's appeal, and Sivota, just north of Parga is located in an area of outstanding beauty full of pine forests and olive trees, one of the most unspoilt resorts in Greece.

Capital: Athens

Population: 11 million (approx.)

Language: Greek, however English is widely used because so many of the locals have lived abroad, where English is the primary language. Although learning a few basic words in Greek like 'hello' (yassas), 'please' (parakalo) and 'thank you', (efharisto) will make your holidays to Greece a lot more fun as the local people love it!

Currency: Euro

Religion: Greek Orthodox

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Getting Around Greece

Taxis: Metered and in plentiful supply in the resorts.

Interurban buses: Various Bus companies link all major towns with daily routes at specified intervals

Urban Buses: Operate frequently during daytime and in certain tourist areas, during summer, their timetables are extended till midnight.

Bicycles: Can be hired in most resorts.

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Climate for Greece Holidays

Greece Holidays - View 5 Day Forecast

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Places of Interest in Greece

Athens: Greece's capital and largest city, Athens is also one of the oldest cities in the world. Steeped in history Athens manages to marry both its historical past and its contemporary modern present. A visit to Athens isn't complete without a trip to the Parthenon (a 5th century BC temple considered to be the most important surviving building of Classical Greece), which sits on the Acropolis, literally a flat rock rising high above the city.

Olympia: The birthplace of the Olympics, Olympia is situated in the West Peloponnese. The Games began in 776 B.C until 393 AD and were held every 4 years to honour the Greek god Zeus. There are many different things to see such as The Temple of Hera, the Leonidaion (a luxurious guesthouse built in 330 BC), Stadium, temple of Zeus, Prytaneion (site of the eternal flame), the Bouleuterion where athletes were registered, the Treasuries and the Gymnasium. Olympia remained buried under several meters of debris and it wasn't until the 18th century that this historical site was rediscovered.

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Eating/Drinking in Greece

The major resorts offer bars and restaurants to suit everyone, from all night discos and international restaurants to little tavernas serving typical Greek fare. Nightlife in the smaller resorts tends to centre round the latter and has a much more traditional feel. Speciality dishes include Kleftiko (a kind of stew baked slowly in paper to keep the juices in), dolmades (rice and herbs wrapped in vine leaves) and souvlaki (grilled skewers of meat). Try a Greek meze, which is a selection of different Greek dishes in order to taste a little of everything. To compliment your meal Greece has a number of delicious local wines varying from area to area, or try a glass of ouzo, Greece's national drink!

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Activities in Greece

Golf: Although a relative newcomer on the golf scene, courses are springing up and can be found in Rhodes, Corfu, Crete, Athens and Halkidiki.

Watersports: In almost every resort you will find plenty of watersports facilities ranging from paragliding to windsurfing. Waterskiing is very popular here and there are over 30 waterskiing schools in Greece. A great way to spend the day is to hire a small boat and picnic on isolated beaches only accessible by sea.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Snorkeling is pretty much possible anywhere and is a great way to see the plethora of underwater life made easy by the crystal clear water. However if you want to scuba dive you will have to book with one of the many recognised diving schools as independent scuba diving is forbidden.

Hiking: With stunning landscapes Greece is perfect for walking. Almost anywhere you will be able to get off the beaten track and enjoy the scenery. Due to the summer heat the best time of year to go walking is April/May when the spring flowers carpet the mountainsides and the sun is a little less intense, or in Sept/Oct. Try Kefalonia for it's mountainous interior, Crete for it's Samaria Gorge or Symi which has many fabulous walks.

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General Information for holidays to Greece

Time: +2 hours GMT

Electricity: 220 volts throughout Greece. An adaptor may be needed for the round 2 pin sockets.

Weights and Measures: Metric

Banks: Open from Monday to Friday from 08:00 - 14:00 (times may vary slightly) and are not open Saturday or Sunday. In the summer season banks offer a 'Tourist Service', meaning they open in the afternoon or sometimes early evening.

Passport/Visa: Valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay required by all except: (a) 1. nationals of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland who hold a valid national identity card with the bearer's photograph.

Tipping: A 10% to 15% service charge is included in virtually all restaurant bills. (It is no longer shown in a second column of prices next to the menu item.) Nevertheless, it's customary to leave an additional 5% especially if the service is exceptional.

Telephones: If you want to make a phone call, you can do so by purchasing a phone card at an OTE office or at most kiosks. Available in various denominations, from 3 Euros to 25 Euros.

Driving rules: Drive on the right and pass on the left.

Emergencies: For the regular police, dial 100; for tourist police, dial 171. For medical emergencies, first aid or an ambulance, call 166.

Language:

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