Plan a Greek Odyssey
Greece will be a popular holiday destination as summer nears. SARAH MARSHALL learns more
A FIRM favourite with British and Irish travellers, Greece is set to become a prime holiday destination this summer, after its government announced it would be welcoming all vaccinated tourists from May.
But where to go? Here’s a selection of some of the most alluring spots.
BEST FOR HIPSTERS: Mykonos
A party isle popular with bohemians since the 1960s, this island was experiencing a renaissance in pre-Covid days, as celebs filled clubs and bars.
Beaches such as Paradise and Super Paradise are magnets for hedonists, but elsewhere on the island, there are more sedate spots. Of the 25 beaches available, family favourite Elia has the longest white sand sweep; Platis Gialos and Kalafatis are great for water sports.
Hora (also known as Mykonos Town) is a maze of narrow bougainvillea-draped streets, packed with boutique shops, cafés and picturesque churches.
BEST FOR ROMANTICS: Santorini
Sunsets are the number one attraction on this Greek island, a flooded caldera carved by a volcanic eruption almost 3,500 years ago.
Take a boat trip to the Nea Kameni and hot springs at Palia Kameni, or head inland to the village of Pyrgos to enjoy the slow pace of local life.
While cruise ships and Instagrammers flock to the north, the opposite end of the island is still sleepy.
BEST FOR CULTURE: Peloponnese
Some of the country’s most important archaeological sites can be found in this scenic mainland peninsula. The birthplace of the Olympic Games in 776BC, Olympia features a temple of Zeus, the ancient stadium, and a museum explaining the story.
At Epidaurus, tourists can wander around a theatre famed for its acoustics, where performances are staged throughout the summer. Mycenae, with its giant stone walls, is famous for its connections to the Trojan War.
Beautiful beaches and seaside towns are an added attraction. Built against the slopes of a large rock, Monemvasia is one of the prettiest.
BEST FOR FAMILIES Halkidiki Coast
Fingers of sandy beaches are backed by forests along the Halkidiki coastline in mainland northern Greece.
While Kassandra is populated by tourist resorts, Sithonia is far less commercial and attracts adventurers to its traditional villages, Blue Flag beaches and secluded coves. But Gerakini and Psakoudia beaches both have a decent selection of tavernas and sun loungers.
Athos, is home to a traditional Byzantine monastic community. Although, only men with special permission can enter the sacred site.
BEST FOR ALL ROUNDERS: Corfu
One of the first islands to establish a tourism industry, Corfu is perennially popular.
Influenced by the Venetians, French and English, baroque and Renaissance architecture characterises the Old Town, declared a Unesco world heritage site.
One of the best beaches to visit is Mirtiotissa, on the west coast between the villages of Pelekas and Vatos. Set against rugged, steep cliffs, its beauty has been applauded by various poets and writers – but privacy has also made it a favourite spot for nudists.