Greetings from Greece, one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. Greece has over 2,000 islands, each with their own unique culture and individual sun-kissed beaches. One thing they all have in common though is a laid-back vibe! Enjoy the slower pace of island life on your holiday to Greece and visit the cities, beaches and historical monuments all at your leisure. So if you’re after a last minute holiday to Greece or an All Inclusive holiday, Greece offers so much to see and do. There’s a reason these beautiful islands are consistent favourites at Holiday Hypermarket.
Greece at a glance
There are a lot of options when it comes to holidaying in Greece. Corfu is on the west side of Greece and is home to luscious forests, golden beaches and a climate shared with its neighbour Italy. It’s also one of the most historic Greek islands to visit, with a fortified cityscape, Old Venetian Fortress and structures from the Ottoman Empire. You won’t run out of places to explore down Corfu’s cobblestone streets.
On the other side of the coin, Greece’s top islands for nightlife has got to be Zante and Kos! These islands come to life with the setting sun, and are home to numerous bars, karaoke joints, beach parties, clubs, and cocktail bars.
Meanwhile, for peace and relaxation, Santorini cannot be beaten. This quiet island has been the backdrop for countless novels, films and travel posters. Santorini takes things down a notch, with tranquil wine-tasting vineyards, natural beauty and idyllic white-washed buildings built into the cliffs. The views out towards the water will leave you breathless.
Things To Do
Shipwreck Beach
Shipwreck Beach otherwise known as Smuggler’s Cove can be found on the island of Zante along Navagio Beach. This gorgeous cove has a picturesque white shingled shore and inviting blue seas. It’s named Smuggler’s Cove thanks to the rusted hull of a smuggler’s ship that was abandoned in 1980 on these shores. You can go for a swim in these warm waters or explore the famous shipwreck.
The Water Park
Known simply as ‘The Water Park’, this larger than life splash park spreads over 25 acres and its big ferris wheel will give you fantastic views over Rhodes. Spend the day enjoying a full range of high-adrenaline water rides, as well as a pirate ship, and toddler’s pool with Funny Bridge that sprays water on whoever dares cross.
Uncover the history
In 146 BCE the Roman empire invaded Greece and its colonies and left remnants of its occupation throughout the years. Rhodes has numerous Roman ruins all waiting to be explored and, as the historic capital of Greece, also has the oldest inhabited medieval city in Europe. Filled with impressive medieval buildings, water fountains and Byzantine and Gothic churches, you’ll have no end of fascinating historic buildings and monuments to discover on a trip to Rhodes.
Try the famous Cretan diet
Studies have shown that Cretans typically live longer than much of the rest of the world, with suggestions this derives from their diet consisting of plenty of olive oil, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and good quality wine. We don’t know how proven this is, but what we do know is a holiday to Greece will have your tastebuds feeling fulfilled! Venture to Crete and taste your way through the numerous restaurants, serving up Cretan classics like moussaka, fried calamari, fresh fish fillets and seasoned octopus.
Life’s a beach
It wouldn’t be Greece without visiting a few of its beautiful beaches. Kos has over 20 coastlines with pebbles, sand, hot springs and even naturist beaches. The beaches in Kos are well organised and have plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas for hire. They also have restaurants, cafes and shops lining the shore. Spend the day stretched out in the sunshine or joining in with the fantastic water-sport facilities including kitesurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Fun facts about Greece
- Greek people are very superstitious. The most common superstition is the Evil Eye, whose negative vibes bring bad luck to those who see its evil glance. If you do get the evil eye the way to get rid of it is to wear the colour blue and have people spit on you lightly as you pass by – we’re serious!
- No point in Greece is more than 137 kilometres from water. No matter where you go in Greece you won’t be far from a body of water, whether it’s the river or the sea. Greece has almost 15,000 kilometres of coastline, the 10th longest in the world.
- Santa Claus is traditionally Greek. Saint Nicholas was renowned for miracle making and secret gift-giving. Over the years he’s transformed into a jolly red suit wearing man, but his roots are still the kind man who left coins in people’s shoes.
- Greece is the birthplace of the Olympics. The Olympic Games were first held in Greece in 776 BCE, and the winner was awarded with an olive wreath. Today you can still visit the spot that the Olympics first took place, Olympia on the Peloponnese peninsula.
- Much of our modern language comes from Greece. The Greek language is one of the oldest in Europe and has been around for over 3,000 years. Numerous English words are derived from it including telephone, academy and alphabet.
Deals
Considering a Greece holiday? Here are some of our favourite hotels in Greece. There are choices for everyone, no matter if you’re holidaying with your family, partner, friends or solo!
Holiday Village Rhodes
Holiday Village Atlantica Rhodes gets top marks for its pool scene – you’ve got lively ones, quiet ones, and a massive splash park with slides and a lazy river. As for bedrooms, they’re really smart, with design-mag décor.
The restaurant count includes a trio of à la cartes, and when it comes to activities, stuff like kayaking, football and tennis is on the agenda. The beach is only a five-minute walk away.
https://www.holidayhypermarket.co.uk/details/21459/holiday-village-atlantica-rhodes
Sensatori Resort Rhodes
TUI Sensatori Resort Atlantica Rhodes opened its doors for the first time in summer 2018. You can expect design-led interiors from the outset – landscaped pools will blend into sea views on the horizon, and the rooms will be Scandinavian-inspired with colour-pop accessories.
While the interiors will be ultra-modern, the resort’s surroundings are authentic through-and-through. In this part of Rhodes, a sprinkling of traditional tavernas rustle up home-made cuisine, and the Blue Flag beach is right outside the property.
https://www.holidayhypermarket.co.uk/details/49219/tui-sensatori-atlantica-dreams-resort-and-spa
Katerina Palace Hotel
The Katerina’s pool duo is the real talking point. Plus there’s a small pebble beach a few minutes’ walk away. Talking of location, a couple of minutes further and you’ll come to bars and restaurants.
When it comes to food, there’s a Continental buffet breakfast every morning and the pool bar serves a good range of snacks. Meanwhile, the regular Greek night gives you chance to try the locals’ favourite dishes.
https://www.holidayhypermarket.co.uk/details/21511/katerina-palace-hotel
Aqualand Village
The waterpark here lines up adrenaline-pumping stuff like the Black Hole and Kamikaze slides. Plus there’s family rafting, a lazy river and the world’s third-largest wave pool.
Once you’ve dried off, you’ll find a handful of bars and restaurants, plus rooms that come with satellite TV, air-con and private balconies.
https://www.holidayhypermarket.co.uk/details/18322/aqualand-village
Ready for your next Greek holiday? Search for your holiday today and see how much you can save with Holiday Hypermarket.