Holiday Guide to Greece

A popular destination for travellers form the Middle East during the summers months (April-September) is Greece – known for its beaches, the black sands of Santorini and the party resorts of Mykonos. With over sixty inhabited islands, historic sites that span four millennia, idyllic beaches and towering mountain ranges there is a wide variety of tourist attractions in Greece to explore. It has everything that a traveller could ask for, starting from history and culture, huge mountains, golden beaches and ancient ruins.

What To See, Where To Go

Santorini

Situated 200 kilometres from mainland Greece, Sontorini was formed after a large volcanic eruptionand is a popular tourist destination famous for its idyllic views, picturesque sunsets, romantic destination weddings and an active volcano.

Athens

Athens, the capital city, is also the largest city in Greece and its architecture if reflective of its mix of ancient history and mocernity. As an important city in one of the world’s most ancient civilisations, Athens is a major tourist attraction that offers a wide range of tourist activities and sightseeing opportunities.

Mykonos

Mykonos is another beautiful Greek island situated in the middle of Aegean Sea known for its summer party atmosphere. Mythology belief says that Mykonos was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules and took its name from the grandson of Apollo, “Mykonos”.

Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece and fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea separating the Aegean from the Libyan Sea. It is know for its mild weather, pristine beaches, great offerings for foodies, hundreds of ancient sites, breathtaking landscapes and hiking paths and a pulsating nightlife.

Where to Stay

Here is a list of hand picked luxurious hotels in Greece that will be suitable for travellers from the Middle East. These are some of the most luxurious places that I have handpicked to provide you a memorable travelling experience:

Andronis Luxury Suites, Oia
Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites and Spa, Oia
The Romanos Resort, Costa Navarino
MarBella Nido Suite Hotel and Villas, Corfu
Ikos Dassia, Corfu
Porto Zante Villas and Spa, Zakynthos

Daios Cove Luxury Resort and Villas, Crete
Tainaron Blue Retreat, Mani
Amanzoe, Porto Heli
The Rou Estate, Corfu
Melenos Lindos Hotel, Rhodes
Elounda Beach Hotel and Villas, Elounda

Best Time To Visit Greece

The best times to visit Greece is during spring and fall as the weather is extremely pleasant, accompanied by beautiful wildflowers growing all over the place. You can escape the summer heat as well as the damp winters. Most festivals take place during this time, making it even more favourable. The beaches are best visited during spring while people can go to the mountains in the month of October for a cooler feeling.

How To Get There

You can reach Athens International airport and then move around by plane, bus/car, train or ferry. Some popular locations have an international airport (Santorini, Mykonos and more) and you can fly directly there and from there, you can take a ferry to another island.

Visa Requirements

Depending on the duration and purpose of your journey to Greece, you may apply for a short-term “Schengen visa” or a long-term “national visa” for a stay of longer than 90 days.

Getting Around

How Long to Stay in Greece

We recommend that you spend at least seven days in Greece to be able to comfortably explore Athens and one or two Greek islands. With more days to spend, you can obviously explore more destinations and less-visited islands.

Itinerary: Editor’s Suggestions

Here is a suggestive itinerary for those planning a holiday in Greece from the Middle East:

Day 1–3: Athens
Day 4-5: Hydra
Day 6-7: Delphi
Day 8-9: Nafplio, Epidavros, Mycenae
Day 10-11: Olympia, Monemvasia
Day 12-13: Kardamyli and the Mani Peninsula
Day 14: Homebound