Cheap flights to Greece from RM 1,574

Drinking ouzo, smashing plates, swimming in a warm sea at midnight, eating a late supper on a vine-drenched terrace, relaxing under olive trees, visiting the Minoan palaces or the ruins of the Acropolis, or even visiting the gods on Mount Olympus are all possible ways to spend your time in Greece.

Arguably the birthplace of the civilised world, Greek history spans four millennia. Greece gave the world literature, drama and philosophy, not to mention the Olympic Games. As well as the Ancient Greeks, the country contains the history of many other great powers, including the Romans, Arabs and the Byzantine Empire.

But the country is not just a museum of great civilisations. Travellers book flights to mainland Greece to visitsome often overlooked wonders of spectacular natural beauty alongside historical sites. Lakes, mountains and volcanoes can all be explored.

More than 100 of the famed Greek islands are inhabited and hopping from one to another is the perfect beach holiday. Partying, quiet contemplation and everything in between is catered for somewhere on one of the islands. Most Greece flights arrive via Athens, but many of the islands have their own airports and plenty of ferries operate between them.

Greece climate

Greece’s Mediterranean climate allows for long, warm summers with 11 hours of sunshine per day. The hottest days are made more bearable by seasonal winds called meltemi. Winters are mild in the low areas, but the mountains are cooler and snowy. Athens averages a temperature of 10 degrees in January and February.

Getting around Greece

Trains run on the mainland only and have daily services to most destinations but the routes are limited. They are run by Hellenic Railways Organisation.

Buses are the best method of public transport – even the smallest towns are connected to the bus network. KTEL is the intercity coach service.

Cars and scooters are readily available for hire.

Greece has an excellent network of connection by sea travel with ferries, hydrofoils and passenger boats. All of the islands and mainland are all well-connected and it is very easy to get a boat.

Flights are easy to catch between islands or from Athens to the islands. Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines both have domestic Greek flights.

What is good to know if travelling to Greece?

• Mainland Greece is often overlooked, apart from Athens and Mount Olympus. One place worth discovering is the Peloponissos, which has a spectacular landscape of mountains, caves, volcanoes, the sea as well as beaches. The Diros Caves, five miles south of Aeropolis, are part of an underground river. Five thousand metres has been exposed and you can take a boat trip among the huge stalactites and stalagmites.
• Smoggy Athens is home to some of Greece’s most historic sites: the Acropolis, the theatre of Dionysus, the Roman Forum, the Temple of Zeus. But while you’re there, don’t forget to see some of living Athens. The 2004 Olympics gave the city a much-needed facelift, making the capital much more appealing to tourists. Visit the ancient neighbourhoods, especially Plaka, the oldest section of the city. A particularly lively time to visit is during Apokries, or carnival, in the run up to Lent.
• Crete is the largest and most popular of the Greek islands, with two international airports and a huge variety of tourist destinations. But though the northeast coast is getting overdeveloped, head inland and you’ll still find towns and villages largely undisturbed by tourists. It’s the perfect island if you want to combine lazing on a beach with exploration of historical sites – Crete was the home of King Minos who ruled the Ancient Greek world.
• Zante or Zakynthos, on the Ionian islands, is another popular holiday destination. The beautiful and verdant island is nothing short of idyllic – except if you’re stuck with hordes of tourists. To enjoy it on your own, stay clear of Laganas, the biggest resort on the island, and try to visit any popular attractions – such as the Blue Caves or Shipwreck Beach – in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday rush.
• Trivago is a useful website for information about accommodation in Greece. The site contains user reviews and recommendations on a range of hotels across the country, including those in Athens, Crete and Zakynthos.