Your Travel-Good Guide to Greece in 2021

Relaxation takes precedence in Greece. Dining on fresh olives and feta, sweet peach nectar and hearty moussaka under the warm sun in the sea breeze is exactly the medicine we prescribe after being cooped up for so long. If you have any intention of leaving your sun lounger, there are plenty of options for the culturally curious – from the Acropolis in the Greek capital, Athens, to the ancient city of Mycenae, as well as sights in Olympia, Delphi, Epidaurus and the isolated temple of Apollo Epicurius. If adventure calls, the Vikos Gorge, with its Dragon Lakes, are a great spot for hiking. Maybe try climbing up Mount Olympus or snowboarding in the Falakro mountains.

There’s such a huge range of holiday apartments, ecofriendly hotels and luxurious resorts on offer when you’re Greece.

Lying back and soaking up the rays from the comfort of a sailing boat, listening to the gentle whirr of an outboard engine as you hop from one Greek island to another, sounds like an ideal way to wash away the stresses of 2020. Boat rentals and excursions are available at a range of prices.

For inland exploration, you can travel around the country by bus or train remarkably cheaply. For cities without public transport, there are scooter rentals at €20-€40 (£18-£36) per day. In smaller cities such as Thessaloniki and across the various islands, buses are the primary mode of transport, starting at €2 (£1.78) per ride.

Greece welcomes millions of visitors each year at airports across the country, with direct flights to many of the islands as well as Athens International on the mainland.

“Dance, drink, never sleep” is the slogan plastered on souvenir T-shirts on the island of Mykonos. However, behind the crazy parties, the expensive restaurants and five-star hotels, the island still features charming traditions and hidden spots to enjoy. Enjoy a movie under the stars at Cine Manto, sip afternoon ouzo – the traditional Greek aniseed drink – with locals at the Old Port, or dance by the sea at the local festival of Panigiri.

Santorini, also known as Thera, is one of the best-loved Greek islands. Once devastated by a volcanic eruption, the island’s history is evident all around, but so is its beauty. Take in the classic whitewashed Cycladic splendour of Imerovigli and other charming villages, spend a day at black-sand volcanic beaches such as Monolithos, and watch the panoramic sunset at Oia – just some of Santorini’s highlights.

As the largest island in Greece, Crete is definitely a stop to add to your list. From exploring the Knossos Palace to hiking Samariá Gorge and swimming in crystal-clear waters, there’s no shortage of activities to help you enjoy your time here. There’s also a lesser-known side of the island that’s worth exploring. Experience traditional weaving, visit a former leper colony and join a raki distillation feast.