A Greece vacation guide needs to cover all the bases – and hit all the right beaches.
While all European countries are steeped in history, offering many “firsts” to visitors looking for a historic step back in time, few can match the cachet of Greece. A visit here is like going right to the source – of literature, theatre, democracy, philosophy and so much more. Nowhere else can you walk in the ring where the first Olympics took place. It doesn’t get more original than that.
The first thing you hear from people who visit Greece is the balmy beaches and the almost constantly blue skies – the weather here is about as perfect as you can get, high season and low. The second thing is the aforementioned connection to the birth of Western civilization and the iconic archaeological sites, with ancient history so real you can reach out and touch it. And the third? The natural beauty of the majestic mountains and miles of coastline, with volcanoes to hike and Byzantine trails to explore.
Best times to travel: April-June, September-October
Beautiful view over the sea beach in Corfu island, Pelion, Mylopotamos, Greece
While mainland Greece is a whirlwind of sights and sounds, the Greek Islands need to definitely be on your list. There is an abundance of ferry companies, but let us do the research in advance. Whether you’re into scuba diving or rock-climbing adventure, soaking up the beach bar culture, partying the night away at the popular islands and sleeping until noon, or just sitting quietly with a few good books – there’s all the time in the world. And if you’re bringing your family, the islands of Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu are family-friendly vacations just waiting to find their way into your scrapbook.
Despite some of the austerity enacted during the financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent thrashing some industries took during the pandemic, Greece is on the rebound, one of the first to reopen, with ample luxury to cushion your time here. As well, most hospitality industry people speak English, so there’s seldom a language barrier to worry about.
Elouda Villa in Crete, Greece
Tully Luxury Travel Designers can help set you up for sunny success, your companionable guide to Greece, a country best enjoyed by arranging everything in advance. Top luxury Greece travel tips include visiting during the shoulder seasons (April to June and September to mid-October), always carrying some Euros as some places don’t accept credit cards, and letting someone else do the driving so you can relax.
Which way to the beach, you say? In every direction except up.