Greece Travel Tips and Guide

Do you fancy visiting Greece and specifically Greek Islands? If so, you are for certain not alone. Each year, millions of people visits to Greek Islands to fancy the Aegean Sea and everything that it has to offer. Although it is excellent to fancy Greek Islands from the coast, you may want to think about taking it a step further. You may want to think about actually fancy the sea water, from a vessel. There are two options. Either cruising or one of the best vessels to do this is a privately chartered yacht.

Visiting by sea the Greek Islands conjures visions of deep blue skies, clear azure sea, breathtaking scene, white villages, fascinating nightlife, dining in seaside taverns and nothing compares to the freedom and stimulation one feels. Going by water there are different options, first of all there is self-sail, bare boating or bareboat chartering, which means that you will have to skipper the yacht yourself and no hired skipper, cook or hostess will be onboard. Shipping gives you a convenience, which no other holiday and can provide.

Greece has many sailing areas to select from depending on your choice for wind conditions, scene, cultural historic interest, and nightlife. The Aegean Sea Winds usually blow during the summer season, from May to September, but they are specially known for the months of July and August. Greece features more than 2.000 islands and islets of which only the 169 are inhabited, each and every one of them handout original beauty, fascinate and many bays only accessible by boat. The most beautiful itineraries are the Ionian Sea, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Sporades or the Northern Greece area.

In Greece sail vacations are considered the most fulfilling way to uncover the beauty and splendor of her coastlines and islands. Sailing holidays are often organized by companies who are based in other countries and have few or no Greek staff or representatives. Whatever your penchant for yacht charters, Greece will meet or beat your expectations giving you a vacation like none other.

When it comes to shipping a private yacht, there are many individuals who automatically get yachts confused with boats. While they do have a few small similarities, there are quite a few differences. Before you go about charting a private yacht, you are urged to know the difference between a private yacht and a private boat. For the most part, yachts are equipped with cabins under the deck. These cabins not only contain sleeping quarters, but bathrooms, kitchens, and small dining rooms. This is what makes a yacht larger than most traditional boats, because boats do not have all of the previously mentioned amenities.

Due to the fact that yachts are often compared to small apartments or hotel rooms, they are perfect for those looking to take a long, extended trip, as they can offer guest exactly what they need. Due the size of most yachts, you will also find that they accommodate more travellers. That is why the charting of a private yacht is ideal for those who are looking for a unthinkable family vacation, because most have enough room to accommodate even a large sized family.

If you are interested in charting a private yacht for your next romantic getaway, family vacation, or business travel, you will need to find a private yacht shipping company. For the best chance of success, you are urged to use the internet. However, it is not uncommon for your local travel agent to also have information on private yacht companies, specially those that come highly rated and recommended. After after all Yachting in Greece is consider the most unforgettable vacation experience, and the cost for such an experience is also affordable. Following are some prices for different rentals for your consideration. Generally Price varies as same is calculated according to distance and fuel consumption of engine (s).

Prices are per 2-days (minimum hire) and an on-site cash payment of Euros 45 per booking to be made to cover Yacht Damage Waiver, Cleaning and Fuel. Price is: US $1510 or 1680 euro per person sharing double cabin Singles Supplement: US $1890 or 2100 euro, if single occupancy cabin on boat is required Included in the price are the following: Price is: US $990 or 1100 euro per person sharing double cabin Singles Supplement: US $1240 or 1375 euro, if single occupancy cabin on boat is required Included in the price are the following.

Prices for super luxury yachts are in the region of eight to ten thousand Euros a day-but yachts this size are fully staffed with crew and sleep between four and six couples, so the price of chartering is comparable to the price of a suite at a super luxury resort. Not such an impossible idea as one would think, anymore hiring a yacht for a sail round the Greek islands is available from yacht charter companies situated in the capita, or local Islands. Anything from a day to a week or month, yacht hire is one of the fastest growing aspects of the leisure industry and while you're here, why not like a sail? Bare boats or crewed vessels, engine or mast, a variety to suit the variation of the many Islands in Greek waters.

Ancient Greece lifted the souls of men of imagination and thoughts they had wanted to express for ages. But in ancient Egypt there was no time for that; all rules and thoughts of any worth were by decree by the reigning Pharaoh of Egypt. Greece was a land that, like Rome next door did have a winter when the people could not grow crops and had to be able to survive an occasional winter blast unknown in fortunate Egypt.For many months each year in Athens or Rome the weather would not allow crops to grow, and it was a matter of ample food storage.

And always, there was ample fresh food in Egypt, where the frosts never followed.Three crops a year were common, and to hungry people to see the abundance of crops and figs and dates dropping from their trees onto the ground uneaten, caused visitors such wonderment. Egypt was the bread basket of the Mediterranean, where ships would line up at the mighty wharfs created by Alexander to supply the known world within this vast sea, and pull in and enjoy the riches. But being free to speak your mind was not allowed in ancient Egypt. Nor, for long was free speech allowed in Roman times. The idea of theaters to act out actual events led to free discussions in Athens between free men, some at least.

Thomas Jefferson and others saw in America a new Greek Democracy of free Men in a New World, and it has come to be, imperfect but evolving well. The founding fathers of what came to be America considered the ways of Imperial Rome and Democratic Greece. Wisely, they chose the democracy of Greece and a vote for all. This would be a far superior means of creating a nation. Gone should be the days of a Caesar or Kaiser or Czar or Emperor. When free, the First Founding Father George Washington did as no Napoleon would ever do. He refused to be crowned king, and stepped down after two terms, in order to not set a precedent, or appoint a son as his heir.

And now, as the Adam Smith example of Hong Kong and Japan and Singapore and Malaysia proved that well regulated free capitalism provides more riches than the common poverty of state control by those who understand party politics but have long lost connection by a fair election to hear what the people want. A court mandarin who does not need to face the people for approval in elections can make many decrees and have the army carry them out. Up to a point.

Democracy is not in China yet, but in these storms we notice a very nervous leadership out there with a megaphone asking forgiveness for the weather and that the army was not quicker to help. If you were the Mighty Khan inside the Forbidden Temple might you also not quake. The times are most certainly changing. And we feel that is a good, if belated thing. As we have had the good fortune to have been brought up to understand capitalism and democracy as if it is a given. And around the world in too many places it is not that yet at all.

Yet it is coming. And hopefully one day other grand parents can share the joy of one such as I, who is amazed at this new generation again. My grand daughters are on the net more often than at the mall, or watching the television. History would seem to make it inevitable that free speech and this range of personal choice will soon make it through the remaining shreds of the bamboo or silk curtain. And we think that is a very good thing.

The Greek Islands consist of more than 6000 islets and islands belonging to Greece out of which only 227 have been inhabited. The most populous and largest Greek island is Crete and the second largest one is the Euboea. The islands have been traditionally grouped in the following the following clusters: Cyclades, Argo-Saronic islands, North-Aegean islands, Dodecanese, Sporades and Ionian islands.

In accordance to the tourist attractions, things to do and facilities available the top 10 Greek islands are Santorini, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Mykonos, Paros, Skiathos, Los, Naxos and Sifnos. Greece has a lot to offer to all those who travel to its shores. Many holiday makers come to the Greek Islands and stay in holiday rentals. There are many holiday villas and self catering holiday apartments that can be rented as holiday homes. Self catering holiday accommodation is a great and cheap way to experience the Greek Islands to the full. By renting holiday homes in Greece you are able to use them as a base to explore the local culture.

There are several ruins and museums in almost all cities of Greece and the Greek islands are incredible with their golden beaches and deep blue waters. The first thing you can do on the Greek islands is to step on a dream cruise which will take you from the Aegean Sea to the distant shores out of which the above mentioned islands are the most favorites. The second best thing to do that most travelers look forward to is shopping in the Greek islands. There are many booth and sidewalk stores that are laden with items that you can buy and present them to your family members back home.

Almost all types of goods are included in these shops including clothing, pottery, post cards, jewelry and local soaps. Although the variety of goods is huge, they are available at such a low cost that you will find it hard not to buy something. The third attraction for which a large number of people visit the Greek islands is its cuisines. Gyros is one of the most favorite Greek cuisines which consists of a slice of meat from a huge roast which can be chicken, lamb or beef.

There are several restaurants that serve this popular dish and also several take out stands which serve this dish in pita bread as sandwich. Calamari is also one of the Greek seafood specialties which is found in the menus of almost every restaurant. It is a fresh squid deep fried and cut into rings. Whether you are looking for an unspoilt deserted beach or an action-packed resort lined with several lively bars and tavernas, then you can explore the Greek islands here and enjoy whatever you are looking for on its beaches. Some of the beaches are even awarded for their excellence and cleanliness.

The fourth thing you should not forget to do on the Greek islands is to relax on their beaches and have a luxurious walk on their stunning coastlines. With this, you will be able to explore the past meadows and rural villages of the Greek islands that are full of spring flowers for the delight of the visitors. The fifth thing to do on Greek islands include its sports activities including banana boating, jet ski riding, wind surfing, fishing, water skiing, kayaking, surfing and parasailing. Other than water activities, you can also enjoy mountain biking, tennis, golf and horse riding on the Greek islands.

Greece can satisfy even the most demanding of its visitors. It has beautiful scenery and great man made establishments, it has sea but also mountains, it has archaeological sites and night clubs as well, it has crowded areas but it also has nice and quite places. The best of all is that all these are not far away from each other. I don't think its an overstatement to say that Greece is a traveler's paradise.

Where can you find such places.

If you want to find fancy restaurants and Hotels and all the comforts a man can get those are the services every known place has and they are actually difficult to miss. Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu, Crete, Athens, Thessaloniki, Samos are among the most visited destinations in Greece. If you need luxurious accommodations, fancy restaurants, loud music, packed cafes, lots of visitors you can find them here.

Places that are not crowded but still have lot to offer are more difficult to find. There are less services and less money to be gained from visitors and therefore are not heavily promoted. If you are looking for those places don't ask at your local travel agent. Don't arrange a Cruise hoping to find them. The are usually very close to the crowded centers but not much is mentioned of them.

Lots of smaller islands that are not heavily advertised, and island satellites to famous ones usually fall under this category and would be ideal places for people that want to explore the alternative Greece. For the sake of the discussion I am going to mention Gaudos, Paxoi, Fournoi, Sifnos, Ikaria, Chios but this is not extensive by any means. These places are usually recommended from people that have already gone there. If you have not had such recommendations then I would advise you to prepare your trip to the most favorable location leaving some room in your schedule for visiting places that the locals will undoubtedly suggest. An inquiry to a local Greek travel agent or a Greek Habitant might reveal some hidden treasures around the area. Keeping in mind the pros and cons presented right after, one can easily recognize such places.

With quiet destinations you avoid the mass tourism and the noise and you enjoy more the nature and the hospitality of people simple and not caught up at the great rush of our times. Nature is purer and the food is fresher and atmosphere is unspoiled and healthier. The prices are cheaper too. One great disadvantage is that such places don't have many means of transportation to and from them and not to many comforts should be expected when looking for accommodation. Some of them don't even have air connectivity with mainland Greece. They might have boat or bus connection 3-7 times a week from the near by Town.

Travel off high season

Greeks usually take their summer vacation around the 15th of August that is the biggest festivity in the Orthodox Christian world, commemorating the Assumption of Theotokos (Mary the mother of Jesus). Around these days everything gets very busy with boats running full and extra flights being added and all types of accommodation running at full capacity. These period makes for some very tiresome vacation and I would definitely avoid it if I had the choice. Planning either before or after August is probably the smartest thing one can do when traveling to Greece. You do avoid the headaches and prices are a whole lot different.

Almost all destinations in Greece are connected through Athens, so this gives an opportunity to the traveler to explore the Athenian lifestyle and Acropolis if he/she so chooses. Some alternative routes include Italy which has daily direct boat connections to the Ionian islands and Turkey which has daily boat connectivity to the nearby islands of the Aegean.

Arranging your car rental before hand

Small places usually luck the public transportation of the big and famous cities. Buses usually run not very frequently and planning your excursions around them usually is not an easy chore. The more crowded places will probably have cars booked fully for the high season times. So if you are planning on using a car arranging it ahead of time is always good choice.

Alternative accommodations for rent

If you are not interested in the standard services of a hotel (food, everyday cleaning/towels/sheets pools and restaurants) you can rent villas or homes at cheaper prices. Usually the such places provide a high level of service compared to what you pay for them.

Are you getting ready to go on vacation? When you go on vacation you deserve to enjoy a little special treatment. Find that special treatment in Europe. This year, take the time to plan and book the European vacation of a lifetime. Be treated the way you deserve. Create memories that you will never forget. Europe may be the second smallest continent in the world, but it contains a wide variety of unique countries, each with its own distinct culture and each with that something special that makes Europe one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.

The continent is made up of 48 countries total, offering travelers an almost unparalleled variety of languages, foods, climates, landscapes, religion and traditions to make their vacation experience one of a kind. When you travel to Europe you will be blessed with the opportunity to sun yourself on the beaches of Greece, snuggle up in a log cabin in Norway, ski the Alps in Switzerland, eat pasta in Italy, enjoy genuine Russian vodka in Russia, dance the salsa and run with the bulls in Spain or visit Santa in Lapland.

The island of Cyprus is among the most popular vacation destinations in Europe. With crystal blue Mediterranean waters, soft sand and lush meadows just sitting and waiting to be enjoyed, Cyprus is the personification of a postcard getaway. Cyprus offers fantastic opportunities for you and your family to explore or for you and your spouse (or significant other) to slip away for a romantic getaway in one of the most exotic locations on earth.

Eat your way through Greece-literally! Greece is chock full of mouth watering foods. Take the opportunity to try authentic baklava, tzatziki and fabulous ouzo while appreciating the glorious scenery and architecture that is uniquely Greece. If Greece is your destination be sure to bring your camera to immortalize the rich history that surrounds you. Your children will enjoy the opportunity to experience many of the most famous moments in history hands-on while you and your loved one absorb the romance that haunts the streets of Greece.

In Greece you and your family will enjoy getting up close and personal with visions of brilliant sunsets reflecting off of the dark blue waters and a glass of wine. Relax. Enjoy every moment. Get lost in the pleasures of Greece. If your destination is not the mainland but rather the Greek Islands, you are in for a real treat. Stay in one place or take advantage of the fine sailing to go island hopping. Travel the clear blue waters on a sailboat or a yacht and discover the unique treasures each island has to offer. You will enjoy the opportunity to meet the native islanders and expand your palate with cuisine unique to each individual island. The Greek Islands offer a vacation experience that is educational, interesting and, most importantly, fun. 

Because of the huge variety of countries and cultures found in Europe, the most difficult part of your European vacation is often not deciding whether or not to go to Europe, but deciding exactly where in Europe you want to go. Regardless of where you go in Europe, you are going to find a great hotel. If you happen to be an experienced traveler, weeding your way through the wide variety of hotels that Europe has to offer is not going to be difficult. If you are not, however, here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding where to spend the night:

Enjoy vacation the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Be treated the way you deserve. Create memories that will last a lifetime.

Attica is a subdivision in Greece which contains Athens and has been sub-divided into Piraeus, West Attica, East Attica and Athens. The climate of Attica is typically Mediterranean having hot dry summer seasons and low amounts of rainfall. Winters are pretty cool, mild in low-lying areas near the sea and harsher in the mountains.

Attica has a great selection of splendid holiday villas, self catering holiday apartments and holiday cottages. In recent years holiday rentals have grown in popularity in this part of Greece and many families now come here and rent holiday homes as their self catering holiday accommodation. There is just about a holiday villa or self catering holiday apartment to suite almost every taste and budget. Many of these holiday rentals are situated on the beautiful beaches of Nea Makri, Glyfada and Sounio. If you are more interested in concerts and theatrical performances, then it is wise for you to stay in a self catering holiday apartment in the Athens town area.

The sights in Attica are a great experience as the visitors can enjoy the archaeological sites in Acropolis in addition to several other museums. But if you are visiting Attica on a business purpose, then there are some of the greatest conference centers in the area which will definitely satisfy the most demanding needs of your customers. Pleasure and business can be easily combined at places such as Athens and Attica.

If you want to enjoy your nights to the fullest, then there are several bars, music clubs, concerts, dance clubs and late dining places in Attica. This travel destination has a vibrant scene of live music offering music for all tastes. The area looks especially great during the nights as the monuments are illuminated and everything seems to be too smooth and calming. There are several venues that present music and art from every part of the world, usually in interactive and multi-media presentations. If you are a real night bird, there are several pubs, taverns, coffee shops and entertainment venues that stay open late.

If you are an avid shopper, then there are several shopping districts, markets, flea markets and galleries for your shopping spree. The Ekonomeas Gallery is an extraordinary gallery situated in the Plaka area which caters especially to the tourists. If you are a lover of the ancient art, then the masterpieces available in this gallery will really captivate you. While if you are more interested in shopping, then the Mall Athens is a foreign shopping mall for you consisting of several shops, cinemas and restaurants. You can spend time enjoying Attica by going sightseeing. 

Some of the places you should not forget to visit include the temple of Zeus, Tower of Winds, temple of Poseidon, Roman Agora, Plaka and Kerameikos Cemetery. Apart from these ancient Greek attractions, there are several modern attractions also which include the New Acropolis Museum, National Gardens and the Attica Zoo. The Zappeion is a beautiful architecture which evokes what Greece would have been in the ancient times. By spending some time in the National Gardens, you will be able to unwind. The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is a must-see museum in Greece which boasts of a wonderful collection of ceramics, statues, gold jewelry and also an amazing gift shop.

It is now easy to see why this area of Greece is so popular with families and tourists staying in holiday rentals. By renting a holiday villa or self catering holiday apartment you are able to sample the local food and culture. Attica is a place that has so much to offer and will keep holiday makers busy the whole time that they are staying in holiday rentals in this beautiful area of Greece.