Greece Travel Tips and Guide

With the choice of basing yourself on the historic mainland or on one of the multitude of spectacular islands on offer, you are sure to easily find the perfect place to spend your holidays in Greece.  There are in fact over 70 islands with at least 100 people living on them, so whether you want a really quiet retreat or a big and brash lively resort the possibilities are endless. 

No matter where you end up, the summer season which runs mainly between May and October in Greece will usually ensure that you will be able to enjoy a hot and dry holiday.  It is not recommended though to travel in the winter months if you’re in search of the sunshine because the temperatures are very likely to plummet.  Many ferry services are available between the islands, meaning that it’s straight forward hopping from island to island if you fancy exploring still further.

Greece is also one of the best places around to find cheap holiday deals for single travellers who are looking to get themselves away.  Many places don’t charge under occupancy supplements which hinder single travellers so much in other destinations.  Many of the main tourist islands such as Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, Zante, Santorini and Skiathos (to name but a few) have a plethora of jaw-dropping, rugged scenery to enjoy with many beautiful bays on offer also.  

In Greece, you are certain to receive a warm and welcoming greeting from the friendly locals who will make you feel relaxed and able to forget all about your worries as you embrace their fascinating culture.  And despite the strong position of the euro against the pound, you will find holidays in Greece more affordable than you’re expecting as food and drink are both priced reasonably here, allowing you to make the most of your time away.

The island of Mykonos is part of the Cyclades, a group of islands nestled in the southern and central Aegean Sea. In recent years, Mykonos has positioned itself as a trendy place to visit, rivaling even some of the swishiest locales such as Capri or Hawaii. The island's recent fame is thanks in part to the fact that some of the world's most beautiful people have been flocking here, including Madonna and Mick Jagger.

Among the best reasons to visit Mykonos is that it is a feast for all of the senses. The iconic white architecture, the extremely amenable climate, proliferation of archeological and historical hotspots are all among the many reasons to spend your vacation days on Mykonos. And let's not forget about the magnificent beaches of Mykonos! The island is dotted with stunning beaches to suit the needs of every tourist, even those who prefer to take advantage of the "clothing optional" rule that some beaches have in place.

Of all the beautiful beaches on Mykonos, by far the most popular are Platis Gialos, Psarou, Paranga, Kalafatis, Elia and Agrari. Platis Gialos offers vistors an excellent choice of water sports, while Psarou is home to a first-rate diving center. Kalafatis is the island's largest beach, and Elia is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. On Elia Beach, you'll find many secluded hiding spots, perfect for a romantic moment or just some alone time.

On Mykonos, every street is a postcard image in the making, and around every turn is a new adventure. The scenery here is a study in contrasts, from the stark whitewash of the buildings to the sapphire blue sea, the rainbow-colored windows. The personality of the island bleeds through into its nightlife, too: When the sun goes down, many of the island's taverns, restaurants and discos come alive and are flooded with people, tourists and locals alike. The air is filled with a tangle of music from driving rock to soothing jazz. There's something for everyone.

If you fancy a little retail therapy, Mykonos can accommodate you, too. There are many shops on the island selling all kinds of local and tourist-aimed products of just about any category you can imagine. To soak in a little culture, the island of Mykonos has many museums for your enjoyment.

For a fun day trip from Mykonos, head to nearby Delos. There are organized tours leaving daily from Mykonos for Delos, an island that at one time was the cultural and religious epicenter of all of the Cyclades and for Greece as a whole. (For you legend lovers, the story goes that Apollo, god of the sun, and his sister Artemis; goddess of the hunt, were born on Delos. These days, it's an idyllic island with a very interesting museum and some breathtaking architectural monuments to see. While you're visiting Mykonos, you might as well take a day and see Delos, as well. (Oh, and as a note, the name "Mykonos" has a legend attached to it, too. It is named for Apollo's grandson. Legend also says that the rock terrain of Mykonos was formed by the bodies of giants being turned to stone by Zeus!)

Whether your perfect getaway involves nothing more than lounging on a beautiful beach while you take in the fresh sea air or whether you want to soak up a little culture and history, the Greek island of Mykonos has something to make your vacation the most memorable it can be. Be sure to bring along your camera and lots of film or extra memory cards when you go. Mykonos is a shutterbug's paradise!

The island of Mykonos, Greece, has had the world's imagination captive for more than four decades, it it's appeal isn't showing signs of waning. The draw of the island used to be its cosmopolitan way of life, with its luxury hotels and vibrant night life, but now it is much more than that. There is much to enjoy about Mykonos, but a word to the wise about timing: Avoid travelling mid-July through August. This is peak season and it seems that anyone who is anyone is here at that time. 

But the again, if you thrive off of the energy that can only be given off by excited crowds, peak season may be the best time to go. You'll have to decide that for yourself, but for first time visitors it may be a good idea to visit Mykonos in the early part of July. It's close enough to peak time that it will be somewhat busy, enough so that you can get an idea of what Mykonos nightlife is like, but it won't be so overrun by visitors that you won't be able to enjoy some solitude. Remember that during peak time, even find a table, any table, at a restaurant can be an insurmountable challenge. During high season, if you don't make a reservation well in advance, you'll likely be out of luck when it comes to finding a table.

The "reserve early or else" caveat associated with travelling to Mykonos doesn't just pertain to restaurants, either. Unless you plan on sleeping under the stars (which is frowned upon by the police), book your accommodations well in advance of your visit, especially if you are coming during peak season. If you visit Mykonos in mid-September through the month of October, you'll experience a totally different island. During this time you'll get to know the quieter side of Mykonos. This side of Mykonos still offers visitors lively nightlife choices, but the streets and you won't have to clamor for a table or for room on the dance floor.

Fortunately, unlike many of the other Greek islands, Mykonos has an active cultural and social current year round. Even in winter, when the island hosts numerous cultural events such as a small (yet very enjoyable!) film festival, Mykonos is a great place to visit. If you don't want to brave the summer crowds and are looking for some off-season fun, wintertime is a good option as well. No matter what time of year you decide to go to Mykonos, there are a few things to know about how to get around the island. Since the government decreed that Hora was an architectural landmark, motorized traffic is prohibited on its streets. The best ways to get around the streets on foot, on a bike, or on a donkey! The island also features a good transportation system, so there are lots of ways to get around if mobility is not a concern.

If you prefer to travel by taxi, be warned that inside the town itself you'll be picked up by a scooter, not a car. Car taxis are only available for destinations outside the town itself. The scooters can be found at the port, where they will pick you up and deliver you to your accommodation. It's a good idea to use this service, as most of the island's hotels can be a bit tricky to find. No matter what time of year you decide to visit Mykonos, there will be something fun to do and some beautiful scenery to take in. The choice of when to visit just depends upon whether you want to bump elbows with other tourists, or take in the life of the locals.

Greece, the birthplace of Olympics is also the main civilization of the ancient times. With clear blue skies, blue waters, fascinating history and charming villages, Greece is one of the most favorite holiday destinations. Families flock to Greece year after year and stay in holiday rentals. There are some charming holiday villas, cottages and self catering holiday apartments to rent as holiday accommodation in Greece. Every year more than ten million people go on holiday to Greece. They come here to experience the scenic countryside, the sun soaked islands and the vibrant cities.

To make the most of your overseas vacation to Greece, do not miss the top five things to do. These include visiting the historical sites, partaking in the Hellenic festival and Thessaloniki international film festival, taking a guided tour to Olympia and a few well known islands. While considering the best thing to do in Greece, the foremost thing is to program an itinerary for the capital city of Greece, Athens. The city constitutes of several famous attractions from the parliament building at the Syntagma Square to the Acropolis. Many holiday makers stay in self catering holiday apartments in Athens.

Athens has world-class museums and the Benaki Museum and the National Archaeological Museum are well worth visiting. Touring the museums will further give a understating and insight into the various historic attractions of Greece. In addition, it is possible to go to the ancient agora and visit the Kallimarmaron stadium to experience the place where the prehistoric Panathenaic games took place. Watching the Hellenic festival and the popular Thessaloniki international is the next best thing to do in Greece. In the Hellenic festival the dance and musical performances by national and international artists takes place at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

There are also legendary musical concerts and theater performances at the Little Theater of Epidaurus. The Ancient Theater Epidaurus gives an opportunity to see the recreation of the Greeks. The Greece Thessaloniki international film festival is worth seeing. Here the world eminent actors and directors appear to celebrate the emerging international films. Among all the attractions in Greece, the ruins at Olympia are especially popular. From the city of Pyrgos, you can take a tour of these ruins. It is said to be one of the best tourist attractions in Greece.

It was the location for ancient Olympic Games, where you can easily find remnants of the sprinting track and old stadium in addition to the ruins of grand Temple of Zeus. The great Temple of Zeus used to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Greece is a wonderful country with dramatic landscapes and stunning beaches. It has picturesque gorges with soaring mountains and beautiful countryside. Greece boasts various well-known islands including Ithaki Island and Naxos Island. The Ithaki Island is home to the famous Ulysses and possesses little beaches as well as huge fields of olives.

The Naxos Island is one of the biggest Islands in the Aegean Sea. The main highlight of this Island is the Apollo Gate, the isolated gate that stands alone on the top of Pallatia Peninsula. It is the sole remain of the ancient Apollo Temple, which makes an amazing frame for the sunsets. Other famous Islands of Greece not to be overlooked are Olympia, Delphi, Rhodes and Cefalonia. Wherever your Greece adventure takes you, you are able to stay in holiday rentals to suite all tastes and budgets. Greece is home to some of the best self catering holiday accommodation in Europe.

Greece is located in Europe, surrounded by the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas. It is a peninsula country. Windsurfing in Greece is a very popular sport. It became so because of Nikos Kaklamanakis during the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996.This mountainous country, with plenty of Islands offers ideal wind conditions in which to enjoy windsurfing.

The PBA, which is also known as the world association for professional windsurfers, has met every year since 1993. The World Championship windsurfing competitions have been held in the islands of Greece, and especially on the lovely Golden Beach. As one of the prominent mecques of windsurfing in Greece, Golden Beach graces the island of Paros, which is in the Cyclades, with amazing windsurfing opportunities.

The best area to practice windsurfing is the regions of the Aegean Sea which are blew by a summer wind coming from the North. These winds are called the Meltemi winds. These winds blow from May to September and their wind force is strongest during July and August. The fierce intensity of these winds will vary depending upon the region. Such winds are found in islands Naxos and Paros, found in the Cycladic Islands. Because of these helpful wind conditions, thousands of windsurfers flock here every summer.

There are other popular watersports that people enjoy in Greece. There is one called Kiteboarding. Kiteboarding is a blend of elements of windsurfing, surfing and what is known as wakeboarding. This is a rather new sport that first became really popular back in the 90's, and is also called kitesurfing. Depending on the size of the kite, you can kiteboard at different wind strengths. The bigger your kite is, the lighter force of the wind you can enter in and this can go the opposite way. Kiteboarding is actually easier to earn than windsurfing or just plain surfing. Surprisingly to the students, they are able to get up on their boards after only two lessons form a certified instructor.

Another watersport enjoyed in Greece is what is known as wakeboarding. It is very like water skiing, the most familiar watersport, in which the wakeboarder is pulled behind a boat at speeds of up to 24 mph. main difference between plain waterskiing and wakeboarding is that the boarder uses a single board, resembling a snowboard instead of skis, with bindings. This is fast becoming very popular sport all over, especially in Greece.

For surfers who would like to join a club, there are a variety of windsurfing clubs in Greece. One popular example is the Paros Kite Boarding Center. This Club is a shoreline with a sandy bottom, shallow water and perfect wind conditions. This beach is good for levels beginner through advanced kiteboarding and windsurfing. The Paros Kite Boarding Center has certified, expert windsurfing instructors that can start out the beginner and even teach novice surfers new tricks, all at the learner's own pace.

Something to consider when particpating in any watersports while vacationing in Greece is to think about the weather. The weather in Greece is has mild winters, warm summers, and is cooled by a variety of seasonal winds. Their summers are delightfully sunny and is met with very little rainfall! These weather conditions easily lend themselves to a very enjoyable summer holiday in Greece. Greece is an amazing country with lots to offer the tourist. The most popular attractions of the country is the many picturesque beaches dotting its shores. With 13,676 km of coastlines, one will definitely find the beaches of his dreams

It would not be difficult for a visitor to find the ideal beach to visit and participate in their favorite watersport when there is up to 13,676 KM of scenic shorelines. The beaches themselves offer a lovely picture for people to sit quietly and gaze upon. there are beaches that are covered in sand so white you might be blinded if the sun hit just right, with crystal-clear, turquoise waters. You might also see beaches hugged by huge cliffs or fragrant pine forests, or even palm trees.