Greece Travel Tips and Guide

Greece has been at the top of the traveling list for many years now. With all its islands surrounded by the amazingly clear blue of the Mediterranean Sea traveling around before was a bit of a challenge and not so convenient. Luckily, in present time there are several ways to find Greek yacht charters to spread the sea from one island to the next. Finding a yacht charter to travel around the Greek islands is made simple and along with the yacht a high quality service is provided.

There are many yacht charter companies looking to help with the decision of one's trip around Greece, to make the voyage more incredible than ever imagined. One can go online and see the many options. What is great is that one can read all about the company online and view comments from clients to make their choice easily.

Almost all companies, online, will have a membership area where one can keep in touch with others, see what is going on or just get an idea of past experiences. Within the membership area one can go to its facebook group, an updated section, see picture comments and more. Once deciding on the ideal company the next thought will probably be about the yacht. Most of us are not at all familiar with yachts, how they run, or where anything is located on one.

Never had sea experience? Do not fret. The yacht will have a very well experienced skipper and crew. Often the itineraries are organized for one to two weeks; however, one could always extend this if longing for a lengthy trip. This allows for a less stressful and no risk vacation time. Advice is given, for free, about the yacht itself, dealing with locations or other aspects.

Now feeling comfortable with the yachts one should begin to contemplate which islands to see, where on the islands and in what order. The captain and crew will be very helpful to any questions. However, try to get an idea through research. The Greek islands are broken down into sections because there are so many. An interesting fact that many may not know is that there are more Greek islands free of inhabitants than those with a high volume of activity. The Cyclades Islands, made up of 11 islands, the Dodecanese, six islands, the Eastern Aegean Sea, five islands, the Sporades islands, three islands, the Ionian islands, six islands, the Saronic Gulf, four islands, the Crete island, four islands, and so much more. More than 2,000 Greek islands and islets, 169 inhabited, are easiest seen by boat, of course.

Travel to Greek islands by yacht to get the best possible experience and have the opportunity to see more islands and islets than most. Paros Island, Greece, Cyclades where the beaches are sandy washing up sparklingly clear water have a traditional atmosphere of white cubic village houses and narrow alleys; and, known mostly for its unique marble. The nightlife here arouses exciting interest. Kos Island, Greece, Dodecanese is the second most popular while being the third largest and is very well organized for tourists. However, the tourist ambiance does not take away from the charm of its alluring villages and sandy beaches with a rocky background. Excursions are available here while also rich in architecture, history, museums and more.

Those are only a few ideas of the hundreds, into the thousands, of islands and islets that one can voyage to by yacht. Be prepared to open up the door to a lifetime opportunity. To travel Greek islands by yacht one will reach Greece like never before. The only thing left to do is plan the trip!

Vacationing in Greece is a pleasure in any season. Most folks opt to visit Greece during the summer months, when the sun is high and the surf is warm. But little do people know that a visit to Greece during the winter months can be equally as exciting and fulfilling, and even more steeped in pure Greek culture. The benefits of visiting Greece in the winter months (considered December through March) are that while most of the other tourists are off vacationing elsewhere, those who call Greece their home embrace the off-season tourists with a first-hand look at what it means to be Greek.

For those of us who enjoy a little less of the tourism factor in our vacations, Greece in the winter is the ideal get-away. Hiking, biking, any exploration of nature is easier now, with the slightly cooler weather, and the number of other tourists at a minimum. Winter is the time to delight in the food the locals savor, to enjoy the nightlife known only to the locals and to participate in some activities and celebrations the locals relish only with their own.

Skiing in Greece is an after thought, or nonexistent one for most looking to vacation, while in fact, Greece provides some of the best skiing mountains in the world. Macedonia, Pelion, the Peloponnesus, Pelion and other cities to the north have ski centers and chalet type buildings in the mountains that provide ski lifts for downhill as well as cross-country runs. Because Greece is blessed with such a temperate climate and beautiful natural environment, sailing in the winter is also a preferred sport by some. The cooler weather and less hustle and bustle from tourist crowds make it easier and even more enjoyable to sail and enjoy the natural surroundings. Whether it is bird watching, or ruins exploration.

Island culture abounds in the winter months, when tourists do not outnumber the locals. The usual tourist spots that are open in the summer months tend to close come wintertime. This means that the establishments that are open, are regular spots the locals visit. In turn, this generally means better Greek food to enjoy, and better yet, deeper, richer Greek culture including dog slide races, river wild rafting, and Alpine skiing. Another great positive for enjoying Greece in the off-season, is of course, the lower rates. Traveling over seas is already costly enough, but if Greece is calling you, add lower rates on everything from airfare to hotel rates to the list of positives.

Apokreas, or carnival season, takes place in Greece around the end of February. The island of Skyros, Athens and Patras hold huge celebrations at this time of year. Apokreas refers to the time right before the 40 days of fasting before Easter begins. This involves feasting, celebrating, drinking and dancing - every night. What better way to see Greece than during this time, when many locals are celebrating more than they do the rest of the year?

More reasons to enjoy Greece in the wintertime is that ferries are always running to and from the mainland to the islands. If the weather becomes questionable or nasty, travel may become difficult, but for the most part, winter weather still tends to be quite exceptional. The ruins are much more enjoyable to visit during the winter. The crowds are not in place, and neither is the heat. So it is easy to linger among the ruins, such as the Acropolis, the monasteries on top of the rock towers in Meteora or the Oracle of Delphi. One of the most amazing views of Athens can be seen from the Acropolis at sunset. Part of the reasoning behind visiting Greece is, no doubt, to explore the history of the native land, and the ancient ruins, so why would not someone want to take as much time as possible?

The picking of olives and production of olive oil is an important aspect of living in Greece. Homer referred to it as a "liquid gold" which is more a true statement today then he could have ever believed. A full 60% of Greece's cultivated land is devoted to growing olives. The fruit is hand picked by families and even relatives and neighbors join in on the fun. Since this process generally starts toward the end of the year, those visiting Greece during the winter can help pick olives themselves, and really be a part of Greek family traditions. With so many reasons to visit Greece during the winter months, how could anyone who is thinking of planning a trip not be seduced by the history and natural beauty that are in abundance in this amazing Mediterranean country.