Tatiana Solomatina

Which resort to choose in Greece?

Hello again, dear readers! It's December and summer is still far away, but many are already thinking about vacation. I would like to draw your attention to sunny Greece.

Kos

Kos is a chic and expensive resort for the elite, it is not without reason that Hollywood stars choose it for their holidays. The island is small, located in the southeastern part Aegean Sea. There is a lot of greenery here, the nature is very beautiful.

Prices are high, so you probably won’t be able to relax on a budget.

Zakynthos

Zakynthos – amazing beautiful island, which you want to return to. Two rows of mountain ranges protect the valley from bad weather. Lush vegetation, steep cliffs, picturesque bays with golden sand closed from the sea - a real paradise for tourists.

Unfortunately, people rarely land on the island; you can only get here local airlines or by ferry.

Santorini

Santorini is a small island of volcanic origin, with a coastline of 70 km. The white houses of local residents are laconically integrated into the mountain landscape. It has its own, kind of aristocratic, cozy atmosphere. Life flows slowly, time seems to stop.

If you go a little away from the tourist trail, you can find wild places and enjoy solitude. The beaches of the island are very diverse, even the sand in each place has its own shade, from soft yellow to bright red.

Holidays on the island are expensive. As a rule, tourists come here for one day as part of excursion groups.

conclusions

There are many resorts in Greece and it is really difficult to choose. Beautiful nature and gorgeous beaches can be found in almost every corner of this sunny country. So where better rest in Greece? How many people, so many opinions. Where one person likes it, it won’t necessarily be good for another.

If you, dear readers, are interested in my opinion, then now I would act in the following sequence:

1. Reading general information about the country and the main resorts
2. We look at prices for tours or accommodation and air tickets (you may come across cheap tickets and it will be more profitable to travel on your own)
3. Based on the second point, we decide how to relax, through a tour operator or on our own. I wrote how to make the right decision
4. Most likely, for my first acquaintance with the country, I would choose one of the islands, focusing on price-nature-quality-easy transfer (in that order). You may have other priorities
5. Having decided on the island, read detailed information about the resorts of this place, based on fresh reviews on the Internet
6. Next, choose accommodation, hotel or house (if not a tour)
7. Now buy a tour or tickets (if you are traveling on your own)

This plan is not suitable only for those who purposefully go to see certain attractions. It’s easier for such tourists; they just need to choose a resort closer to their desired places to visit.

That's all I wanted to talk about, I hope you have a general picture about the resorts of Greece.

You can soon learn about my personal impressions from the stories in the “My Travels” section. In the meantime, I suggest you read the article. It seems to me that this is a relevant question.

In the near future I will write about the island of Rhodes. Subscribe to my newsletter and be the first to receive new publications.

Recently, in some minor magazine, I came across a note that this country will also soon be closed to Russians. Allegedly, they will make a couple of provocations for this purpose. Haven't you heard anything? It will be a great pity. Write in the comments what you think about this. Very interesting read.

And I’ll say goodbye to you for a moment. Share the article on in social networks, convenient buttons are located below.

Tatiana Solomatina

Where is it cheaper to vacation in 2019: Cyprus or Greece? Cheat sheet for tourists - what are the differences between the resorts of Cyprus and Greece.

Greece and Cyprus - these two countries have long been competitors in the tourism market, but it is not easy to compare them. The choice of resorts in Greece is so large that the island of Cyprus will not be able to compete with each of them. However, for those who still cannot decide on a holiday destination in 2019 and are considering both countries, we will try to sort everything out.

Tours to Greece from Level.Travel

Cost of last minute tours to Greece from the largest online service Level.Travel. Prices are indicated from the minimum for the next four months of the 2019 season.

Greece or Cyprus - visa issue

The main stumbling block for those who are planning to spend their holiday is the need to open a Schengen visa. Expensive, troublesome, and in the worst case scenario, the vacation can be canceled at the very last moment. On the other hand, if you are the happy owner of a multiple visa, then there will be no problems obtaining a trip.

There are a number greek islands(including the most popular - Crete And Rhodes), where a simplified procedure for obtaining Schengen is already in effect.

As for Cyprus, national visas are issued for citizens. They are done completely free of charge. Citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Georgia will have to pay a consular fee.

Entertainment and contingent

For those who are committed to a deep acquaintance with history and culture, it is advisable to buy a tour to Greece - here historical monuments and museums are found literally at every step. Cyprus - perfect place for young people. Young tourists enjoy partying all night long at local discos (the Ayia Napa resort is considered the main party center), and during the day they sleep off or lie down on the beaches.

The main contingent of holidaymakers in Cyprus are British. Greece in this regard is more “international” - you can meet tourists from all over the world.

Tours to Greece and Cyprus - prices 2019

Whether to choose Greece or Cyprus - it all depends on preferences!

There is an opinion that a holiday in Cyprus will cost less than in Greece. Perhaps this was the case 10 years ago, but in Lately hotel prices in Greece have dropped significantly (due to the consequences of severe economic crisis). In addition, the cost of a vacation depends on the region and the popularity of the resort (you can relax in hotels on the mainland of the country much cheaper than on the islands).

Cyprus resorts offer a more modest selection of hotels. Plus, the best deals sell out very quickly. However, in general, the cost of a vacation in 2019 will be approximately the same.

To compare prices for tours to Greece and Cyprus, on the online tour search site (analogous to the Aviasales meta-search engine for air tickets), we chose the first peak of the season - May holidays 2019 then summer months and finally the Velvet season- September October. Here's what we got:

*The sample was made in January 2019. Such prices can last throughout March-April, and then, the closer the season gets, the higher they will rise. Rule early booking always works, but you still have to run for “last minute deals”.

Cyprus VS Greece: nature

Are you planning during peak season? Then keep in mind that at this time of year the heat here reaches +40 °C. Plus, the island has not very pleasant high humidity, which, however, is compensated by warm sea(until it is heated to the state of fresh milk). Lovers of greenery will have practically nothing to admire here, especially in August-September, when the island is already fairly scorched by the sun.

However, the same “desert” can be observed at this time in the Greek Cyclades. Although there are resorts in the country, all year round immersed in lush vegetation are the islands of Corfu, Samothrace, Zakynthos, Thassos, etc.

Reminder for tourists: in Cyprus, drive on the left side

Many of Cyprus are famous for their infrastructure and the presence of " blue flags" The only difference is that in Cyprus there are many sandy beaches with convenient access to the sea, in Greece - it all depends on the resort.

Significant details in the choice

Those who are planning to travel independently and rent a car during their vacation should take into account that in Cyprus, traffic is on the left. This can bring some discomfort to both beginners and even experienced drivers, who may already feel tense behind the wheel in a foreign country. Cyprus is called a sincere and atmospheric holiday destination. Greece is loved because here you have the opportunity to touch ancient history, in one trip you can see many monuments of world significance.

Greece and Cyprus are approximately in the same price category, so the cost of the tour is unlikely to be decisive in your choice. In the end, you can visit both countries: despite the similarity of mentality, each is unique in its own way.

The best as well. Find out when it starts. Resort, village or - where is better?

Before going on vacation, many tourists think, where is the best holiday - Greece or Spain? To find the answer to this question, you need to weigh all the pros and cons of both directions, and only then decide for yourself.

Sunny, bright Spain provides a lot of opportunities for tourists. Centuries-old history, traditions, culture - all this will allow you to get to know one of the popular countries Europe. Ancient museums, palace complexes, temples will take an excursion into history. Spain is different, if Barcelona allows you to enjoy the historical aesthetics, then while relaxing in Mallorca you can plunge into the rhythm of waves and salsa.

Greece allows you to subtly combine excursion and beach holidays.

Climate

The Mediterranean climate dominates the territory of both countries. The average air temperature is + 32 degrees in the summer months.

Visa

To travel to both countries you need a Schengen visa. It can be obtained by contacting tourist agency, and independently. To do this, you will need a passport and proof of payment of the visa fee. You can also obtain a Schengen visa yourself at the country's embassy.

Flight

Aeroflot planes fly from Moscow to Madrid several times a day. Approximate travel time is 5 hours.

Flights from various airlines operate from Moscow to Athens several times a day. Approximate flight time 4 hours.

Where are the best beaches?

Of course, both countries are rich in numerous resorts, but Spain is a significant leader in this ranking. The most popular beach regions are:

• Ibiza
• Majorca
• Tenerife
• Costa Brava
• Costa Tropical
• Costa Dorada

On their territory are located snow-white beaches, cool grottoes, luxury hotels, nightclubs and other places of entertainment. Here, all conditions for a good rest on the picturesque Mediterranean coast are created for tourists.

The coastal territory of Greece is washed by five seas, and the length of the embankment is tens of kilometers. The most popular resorts are:

• Rhodes
• Corfu
• Halkidiki
• Santorini

These picturesque resorts provide a lot of opportunities for spending time on the beach. Here it will even be difficult for you to choose where to relax and on which island! A distinctive feature is affordability. Almost all beaches are well-maintained and provide various opportunities.

Entertainment

Spain is primarily about flamenco and bullfighting. Also in demand among tourists water activities, diving, surfing, etc. party lovers will have a great time in nightclubs and bars.

Greek types of entertainment are concentrated on beach holidays.

Here tourists have freedom, they can go on an excursion by renting a yacht, or aquatic species sports.

National cuisine

The cuisine of both countries mainly uses vegetables and olive oil. Seafood comes in second place in popularity. Spanish resorts have many bars, cafes and restaurants. But there are some features, for example, a beach bar in Spain will offer the visitor only cold drinks, when in Greece you can order salads and even main courses. This also applies to restaurants. Spanish establishments offer high service and top quality dishes.

Greece is famous not for its restaurants, but for its cozy taverns. In most cases, such establishments have not one owner, but a whole family. And what does the tavern have to do with changing from one type to another? The atmosphere in such establishments is cozy and homely. If in Spanish restaurants a guest is a client, then in Greek restaurants he is a family guest.

Attractions

In this sense, Greece is the birthplace of ancient Greek myths, legends, and secrets, so in terms of historical artifacts, it is, of course, without competition. The country is home to many historical sites, ancient settlements, and ruins. The most popular cities and attractions are:

• Acropolis
• Rhodes
• Meteora
• Delphic Theater
• Achilleion Palace
• Melissani Cave

Where are the best hotels?

In Spain, most hotels and inns are multi-storey. In Greece, on the contrary, these are mostly cozy bungalows. Service in Spanish hotels is high; even 3* hotels have everything necessary for a comfortable stay. Their only drawback is their small area.

There are more small hotels in Greece. Each of them has a special twist. You can stay in a hotel that has its own vegetable garden or unusual balconies. In this regard, fantasy has no boundaries. The infrastructure in such complexes is moderately developed. You will have access to a standard set of services. But the low cost quite compensates for some of the inconveniences.

Transport

Rental prices in Greece and Spain are approximately the same. There are many car rental points in cities and resorts. To rent a car, you just need to pay part of the rental and provide an international license. The quality of roads in both countries is good. Spanish road signs are close to European ones, but you have to think about the Greek indicators.

Public transport is well developed, but in Spain it is much easier. Since on the Internet you can find any information about the necessary transport. Starting from the flight schedule and ending with the bus model.

Prices and shopping

Where is the best holiday in Spain or Greece? Budget tourists are better off choosing the second option. In Greece, shopping prices are much lower, but the quality of the goods also differs. But, in any case, goods from Greece are much better than the same goods from China. Particularly popular are the so-called fur tours, in which, in addition to visiting the country, you are required to visit a store or buy a fur coat.

When it comes to buying expensive branded items, first of all, after Italy comes Spain. Largest quantity shops of famous brands are located in Barcelona.

Bottom line

Greece is:

• Children's holiday
• Low prices
• Climate
• Possibility of combined holidays
• Peaceful holiday
• Hospitality

Spain is:

• High customer service
• Beach holiday
• Entertainment
• Rich story
• Attractions
• Europe at its best

Spain and Greece provide different opportunities, the main thing is to choose the right resort.

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Editor: Irina

Greece or Türkiye? We were both there and there – only once, though. And because It’s impossible to make an objective comparison based on such experience; it was decided to ask friends and acquaintances and delve into the forums.

And let the numbers for 2018 seem to hint at something:

🇹🇷 Türkiye – 5.9 million tourists from Russia
🇬🇷 Greece – 950 thousand

...we tried to present everything as impartially as possible :)

Addressed to non-Muscovites. Is there a flight from your city? - a question that can dispel any argument in favor of a particular country. And to top it off - are you ready to go to the nearest city where air traffic is established? There are no problems with Turkey in this regard, in the summer it is everywhere and from everywhere, but Greece... thank you if there are flights to Rhodes and Crete once a week.

You can inquire about tours and make sure in advance about the flight program to Greece or Turkey for 2019 at:

The services analyze the databases of all leading tour operators, compare offers and show the lowest possible prices - convenient for calculating where it is cheaper.

Visa differences

A visa to Greece with a clean passport was given for six months

🇹🇷 Türkiye is captivating because entry for 60 days is without a visa. The main thing is that the passport is valid for at least 4 months after arrival in the country.

🇬🇷 Greece “repels” with necessity presence of Schengen. Without a valid sticker abroad, it will not be possible to pick up and fly away tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. Schengen visa to Greece:

• processed at the consulate/accredited visa centers, which is not available in every city
• done within 7 days after submitting documents
• costs - at best - 35 euros (consulate). For regions – from 55 euros ( visa centers GVCW). Free for children under 6 years old

Flight and distances

Türkiye or Greece - which is better tolerated if you count the hours spent in the air? Almost equivalent.

🇹🇷 The flight from Moscow to any coast of Turkey lasts 3.5 hours.
🇬🇷 To Greece: mainland – 3-3.5 hours; islands – 3.5-4 hours.

A group transfer from Antalya Airport to a hotel on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey takes an hour and a half (but two or three to Alanya). But on the Aegean coast it may take the same amount of time, but it will take a lot of time - coastline heavily cut.

In Greece, the longest journeys are in Crete (from Heraklion airport to the resort of Paleochora in the south - 3 hours) and Halkidiki (from Thessaloniki airport to the south of the peninsula - about 2.5 hours). On other islands the bus rides don’t last longer than an hour and a half :)

For independent tourists: We resolve the transfer issue through . Especially if we travel with a group. So in Greece, in Athens, a car from the airport to the hotel costs the price of a bus ticket - 6-8 euros per person.

Where is the best place to relax in summer and spring? Seasons in countries

Is the weather similar in Turkey and Greece? In order not to burden you with definitions of where the climate is, let’s say it’s hot everywhere in the summer. Please note that the range of sensations from the heat is revealed depending on the humidity.

• Resorts with high humidity:
  🇹🇷 in Turkey - the entire Mediterranean Sea (Side, Belek, Alanya, Fethiye, Kemer is especially “atrocious”)
  🇬🇷 in Greece - the island of Corfu and Chalkidiki
• With a reduced temperature, and even blown by the winds:
  🇹🇷 Aegean Sea (Bodrum, Marmaris, Kusadasi)
  🇬🇷 islands of Kos, Rhodes, Crete

The drier, the easier. We vacationed in Rhodes in June - it felt like the sun was getting hot, but the wind was a great help (no, we didn’t have to freeze when leaving the water). And we vacationed in Side in August... can we not remember these +35 degree days and sticky evenings?

However, in Turkey on the Antalya coast - longest season, starting early, in May, and winding down late, in November. In Greece, Rhodes and Crete stay the longest (June-October).

What to choose?

• in spring

  At the end of April: Türkiye, from Kemer to Alanya. Swimming is possible (+20°С), but for sunbathing – excellent (+27°С)

  The cheapness of “package” Greece continues further, the price of trips for a week is more star hotels– below or at the level with Turkey:

  	3 stars	4 stars	5 stars
  Greece	from 42 000	from 45 000	from 60 000
  Türkiye	from 46 000	from 47 000	from 58 000

  The whole irony is in the equivalence of hotels. A typical “Turkish” reservation – on all inclusive, with a huge territory, its own sandy beach and active animation - the request of every second tourist. And the most profitable way to satisfy it is in Turkey (for example, in 5* for 70,000 rubles in October). In Greece, such Wishlist will cost an order of magnitude more (as in 5* for 120,000 rubles). And if you check the ultra all box, you will be surprised not so much by the difference in price as by the choice: relatively speaking, if there are 150 such hotels in 🇹🇷, then in 🇬🇷 there are only 10!

  Why then do they go to this Greece? They're going for active recreation, for independence. They stay in hotels without “all inclusive”, rent a car, communicate with the locals. The height of assimilation is to book air tickets (from 12,000 rubles roundtrip per person), rent an apartment near the beach you like (from 4,000 rubles per night) and not depend on anyone!

  Excursions and attractions

  If you choose where it is better to go - to Turkey or Greece, based on the excursion and educational component, then it is more difficult here. Each country has an equal share of historical and natural attractions and entertainment. The only thing is that Greece is a little more varied; you can’t travel around it even ten times. Just look at its 1000+ islands with azure coasts!

  Prices for excursions (per person):

  🇹🇷 Türkiye	🇬🇷 Greece
  Outside the resort/country, for 1-2 days
  Northern Cyprus: $200-250 Rhodes, Kos (Greece): €20-45 – for Aegean coast Israel: $250-300	Marmaris, Fethiye (Türkiye): €20-45 Its nearby islands (for example, from Rhodes to Symi: €23) Santorini: €200-250
  Overview of the resort, for the day
  Tours around Antalya and Alanya: $20-40	Island tour: €50-60
  Local hot spots
  Pamukalle: $50 Ephesus: $6.5 – for the Aegean coast	Entrance to the historical site: €10-12

  Were you surprised by the excursion from Turkey to Greece? Schengen is not required for this cruise. It is enough to apply for an island visa on the spot (photo, passport and 35 euros), and in an hour and a half by ferry you can find yourself on the opposite shore (and check for yourself where it is better). Of course, if you sail from Greece to visit Turkey, you don’t need any visa.

  Please note that renting a car is a direct way to save money on excursions. But specifically in Greece, where you can find a car for €20-25 per day. In Turkey, for comparison, $35-50 per day. Exactly the opposite is the case with public transport: in Turkey, trips within the city or close intercity will cost 5-10 liras, in Greece - €3-4.

  Holidays with children - Türkiye or Greece?

  

  The next question on the agenda: Türkiye or Greece - which is better with children? This is probably one of the rare moments when you cannot argue with the opinion of the majority.

  It’s really easier in Turkey with a child. There are many hotels with a club concept, where the territory has everything you could want; Children's animation (Russian-language!) is developed at a high level. But we would add an age range: with a child from a year and up to 10 years old. With those who are younger or older, you can fly to Greece. The first one doesn’t care where, the main thing is the mother, the second ones are already adults, so they can survive car/bus trips to sights and travel on schedule :)

  As for... We will list the obvious pros and cons:

  – less common, but more “biting” in cost all inclusive
  – even on all inclusive, sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach may be paid for. The entire coastline in Greece is municipal, so private sandy beaches I'll have to look for it too
  – the hotel infrastructure for children’s recreation is meager: animation, water park slides, and carousels – not everyone will offer this

  Lots of apart-hotels and apartments with kitchens - in case you need to cook
  + food, it seemed to us, was clearer; in stores - quality products

  Where is a safer holiday?

  Talking about security is too subjective, especially about Turkey. What does a tourist see when vacationing in a strictly limited area (hotel-beach)? Smiles, service, serene vacationers. You won’t find the police or military like that, but everything is guarded with reinforced concrete.

  Border between Syria and Turkey: all resorts are far from it. Yes, the number of police officers has been increased, checks have been stepped up at airports and at the entrances to them. But the war is on This is already the sixth year, and the flow of tourists is only increasing. If Greece is also afraid of the Syrian issue (for example, Rhodes, which is like an island bordering Turkey, i.e. a “window to Europe” for migrants), then here personal experience- There are no refugees at all. And we visited many nooks and crannies.

  Thefts: It’s interesting that even in Italy – on hotel grounds, not to mention beaches and cities – thefts are not uncommon. In this regard, Türkiye and Greece are much calmer.

  Driving: what tourist reviews emphasize is that there is a certain extravagance in Turkish drivers. They're driving recklessly, driving, traffic rules? (no, we haven’t heard). In Greece it is quieter - measured, with understanding. Perhaps also because there are more holidaymakers on the roads.

  Beach holidays and sea

  Want White sand– where is the best place to go? Türkiye or Greece? The beaches here and there can be found both sandy and pebble. But the sand, alas, is yellowish in color, not Maldivian.

  It seemed to us that if in Turkey it’s not so easy to stumble upon pebbles (except for Kemer and the Aegean Sea), then in Greece it’s the opposite - you need to know where to choose a hotel near the sandy coast. But this is also a plus, clear water is a direct result of small pebbles, there is no cloudy suspension of sand.

  What other differences? In Greece, hotels do not have own beach, with very few exceptions. You can also count on one hand the beach bars that are dear to the hearts of Turkish fans (where everything is free, if on all). But the Greek coast is more picturesque! These cozy bays and the blue-blue sea - for the sake of this you can put up with a towel and the absence of a mojito :)

  Cost of 2 sun loungers and an umbrella: in Greece a set costs ≈ €7; in Turkey, if you manage to get to a public or paid beach - 15 liras.

  Resorts in countries

  Which vacation do you like more - lying on the beach or walking around the sights and the city? It’s clearly the latter for us :)

  Most likely, you know how categorical reviews from tourists can be. And when it comes to contrasting one “pop” resort with another, the quietly peacefully emerging discussion quickly slides into a whole battle, where those participating do not hesitate to express contempt in a free form. And behind this, all the valuable information that could be lost is lost...

  In the case of Turkey and Greece, such topics are very hot 🙂 Against the first, “weighty” arguments are given in the style of “a low-budget vacation spot in Tagil” or “a potbelly vacation in an ollo-factory with a fattening until the elastic of your panties breaks.” Well, about Greece they write something like “they wander around with children in the heat, looking for where to eat”, “cook themselves, wash towels”, “travel public beach with some mats." In general, you can see who is affected by what.

  Therefore, opinions should be formed on facts. Which we hope we have clearly stated in each of the sections.

  And to summarize, let’s do this approximate “to whom and where”:

  It seems that you are in Türkiye!
  If:

  – ... for the first time abroad. Get comfortable, look around, understand whether you need all-inclusive on vacation
  - ... the weather and the sea are important, but to make it hotter - it’s warmer in Turkey at any time of the year
  – ... we need a lazy reboot, i.e. sunbed, food and sea, and even more so in a luxury hotel
  - ... you’re going to hang out and sunbathe, but it’s cheap
  – ... vacation in November or May, but I want to swim
  – ... the budget is strictly limited, and it is more convenient for you to pay for everything at once, rather than look for places according to the principle “where can we eat inexpensively today?”
  – ... you are planning to fly with a child from 1 to 10 years old and you hope that you will be able to entertain him, feed him, and bathe him
  -... you haven’t been there yet

  

  Looks like you're in Greece!
  If:

  – ...were in Turkey and you doubt whether to return
  – ... tour operators offer last-minute tours in both directions, and you have Schengen
  Explanation: we are afraid to go to a 3* Turkish all-inclusive (and, as a rule, they are on fire), but we have no doubt about a Greek 2* without meals. In the end, the concept of “five level three” and “three level …” is applicable only to Turkey.
  – ... lounging on the beach is not for you; you love to walk a lot, climb both on foot and by car to historical ruins and natural attractions
  - ... terrified of anthill hotels, you can’t stand them group transfer and hate being tied to a hotel because it’s “paid for” - in short, for complete independence
  – ... do you like how this plan sounds: “let’s rent a car, see all 28 places that are marked (and also sail to the islands), be sure to try Khoriatiki/moussaka/meze/kleftiko, relax in the evenings with wine and olives”

  

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I definitely recommend Greece. I'll try to explain why. Going to Greece just to frantically explore the tourist attractions or just lazily lie on the local beach is a crime. In this country you can and should enjoy your holiday: food and wine, warm sea, interesting communication with local residents and pleasure amazing nature, the antiquities of Hellas and silence, cheerful discos and fun. Everyone at once - there is simply no other way to relax in Greece.

Sunny Greece is closer to Russia than it might seem to you when studying its location on the map. In fact, if we forget for a while about unmistakably precise parallels and meridians, it turns out that our countries are very similar in mentality, and Greeks and Russians, in addition to the Orthodox faith, have much in common.

It is not surprising that Greece in our country has already developed its own and quite a considerable army of loyal and constant fans, to which I include myself. First of all, these are those travelers who intend to fully taste the delights beach holiday"Mediterranean style" and enjoy the historical excursion program, while being among like-minded people, feeling like you belong everywhere.

Winter guests in Greece will enjoy comfortable warm weather, no influx of tourists, a huge number of year-round attractions and ideally developed tourism infrastructure. And also, the popular “fur coat tours” do not disappear in winter, beautiful nature and the opportunity to relax on one of the country's many islands. Significantly reduced prices in the country's spa hotels during the off-season will pleasantly complement the picture.

In Mediterranean Greece it will be hot and dry in the summer, the number sunny days- more than 300 per year. The very hot season is from July to August, so those who like to relax in moderate air temperatures are better off coming to Greece in May or June, as well as in September or October. And it is better to choose Crete or Rhodes. But it will still be hotter on the islands than in the northern part mainland Greece. In Athens there will be the same average temperature as on the islands, but their climate is milder, and therefore the heat will be easily tolerated. At the beginning and end of summer, it can even be cool here at night due to the constant breeze. Season active tourism By the way, on the islands it begins much earlier than in northern Greece, and lasts from April until October. In northern Greece, the season lasts from early May to September. But the mildest periods for stay are May-June and from September to October.

Please note that all beaches in Greece are only municipal. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for an additional fee (about 4-6 euros per day), but many hotels provide them for free. The vast majority of beaches here are sandy, but pebble ones are rare. Beaches on the mainland are noisier than on secluded islands; in the latter there are many pleasant cozy bays and often the sea is calmer.

Greek cuisine deserves special attention. This is an abundance of vegetables and herbs, all kinds of fresh dairy products, olives and oil made from them, bread and wine. And from the “heavy” meat, poultry and lamb are most often prepared here, but they do not shy away from beef and pork. I definitely recommend trying a real Greek salad, grilled octopus, “moussaka” - a kind of eggplant casserole with minced meat and tomatoes, “pastitsio” - similar to lasagna, “stifado” - a stew of meat with onions in a wine-cinnamon sauce, finally, “spetsofai” - sausages with fresh tomatoes.

Anywhere in any area Greek city There will definitely be some kind of snack bar, pastry shop or just a coffee shop. Restaurants serving international and Greek cuisine are also everywhere, and the portions served will definitely not offend even the hungriest travelers.

Well, what kind of purchases can be made in Greece? In addition to fur coats and fur products, it is profitable to purchase good knitwear, leather goods and leather shoes. It’s not for nothing that many tourists go to Greece on shopping tours. In addition, here you can find high-quality and quite varied gold jewelry. Antique lovers will love the Athens antique markets. As souvenirs, figurines made of marble or alabaster, as well as other ceramics, lace or embroidery, will be economical. One of the products that tourists most often buy in Greece is olive oil. It can be bought both in supermarkets and at the airport in duty free. It is worth paying attention to honey, olives, and ouzo. They often replace tourists with souvenirs and gifts for friends.