Your Travel-Good Guide To Greece In 2021

In southern Europe, the mainland of Greece crumbles into thousands of different islands across the Aegean and Ionian seas. Holidaymakers travel to the nation every year to island-hop and experience the ancient history, traditional cuisine and Mediterranean weather – it’s the perfect destination to visit later this year and unwind post-lockdown. Here’s our inspiration on where to visit, along with a selection of the best places to stay.

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.

Greek cuisine is all about fresh, healthy ingredients – including a lot of fish

Why visit Greece in 2021

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.

Cine Manto Mykonos

“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.

Dine on the beach at Baboulas taverna in the harbour at Mykonos Town

Santorini villages

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.

Classic whitewashed buildings in Oia, Santorini, at sunset

Crete’s ancient archaeology

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.

Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the island of Crete

Places to stay

1. Three Shades Mykonos

Boutique Hotel, Luxury

Just a short drive from Mykonos International Airport and the old city of Mykonos, this cosy, traditional accommodation in a quiet location is a great choice if you’re looking for a sophisticated, relaxing escape. Fully renovated in 2015, Three Shades combines the simplicity of the island’s classic architecture with a touch of luxury, modern design and elegance. Lie back by the pool, sip on a cocktail in the Mediterranean sunshine and let your worries slip away.

2. Splendour Santorini

Resort, Hotel, Luxury

Carved into the scenic hillside of Firostefani in Santorini, Splendour Resort offers elegant five-star accommodation with breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea and the east side of the island. There’s a communal swimming pool with a poolside bar and an on-site restaurant, as well as private pools for each room. Splendour maintains the local whitewashed architectural elements of the Cyclades, while also showcasing a discreet minimalist design.

3. Veneto Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, Rethymno, Crete

Independent Hotel

If it’s Greek island charm you’re after, look no further than Rethymno, a preserved medieval town in northern Crete. After getting lost in the streets of the Old Town, follow the sea air to one of the local tavernas on the harbour, then head back for a well-deserved rest at this luxury 15th-century Venetian-style mansion.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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