Greece

We absolutely love Greece! It's like a second home to us, along with Italy. We always look forward to returning there again and again. We were captivated not only by the sights of mainland Greece, but also by the islands and their diversity. As we travel around this country, we are always accompanied by stories of Greek mythology. We retell the stories to the children every time we find ourselves in a place described by a myth, and they, as always, ask too many questions :) Over time, they forget the name of the place, but they still remember the stories, especially the ones featuring Hades, the god of the underworld. These stories help to create the feeling of mystique in each place in this beautiful country. What should you never forget to pack for your trip to Greece? Strong flashlights, optimally headlamps. You never know when you'll stumble upon an intriguing cave you'll want to explore.

 

Greece and history

Greece is a country rich in history, culture and beautiful natural scenery. It is located in south-eastern Europe, surrounded by the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean Seas. It is considered the cradle of Western civilization and home to many famous works of thought and art of the ancient world. One of the most important historical cities in Greece is Athens, the country's capital. Athens is famous for its Acropolis, which dominates the city and is one of the symbols of Greek civilization. In addition to Athens, there are many other fascinating destinations in Greece, including the ancient city of Delphi, where, according to legend, not only the most important oracle was located, but also the "navel of the world".

 

Greece and its thousands of caves

Greece is also home to a vast network of incredible caves, many of which are renowned for their breathtaking beauty and fascinating history. The exact number of caves in Greece is not fully known, which means there are still plenty more to discover and document! It is estimated that there are more than 8,000 of them, with half of them located on one island, namely Crete. There are so many incredible caves in Greece that it's hard to know where to start. You've got the Dikteon cave in Crete, which is linked to the story of Zeus's birth, and the Diros cave in the Mani area of the Peloponnese, which is famous for its crystal-clear lakes and rich archaeological history. And then there's the Melissani cave in Kefalonia and its underground lake, where the sun's rays penetrate. Guided tours are only available for a small number of the caves, but there are still plenty of opportunities to explore these magnificent underground wonders! While most of the caves are accessible only to experienced spelunkers or scientists, this doesn't mean they're off-limits. Many caves are open and free to explore on your own. So, get ready to embark on a journey through history and nature.

 

Greek islands

Greece is also famous for its beautiful islands, estimated to number more than 6 000, of which only about 200 are inhabited. These islands are divided into several groups, some of the most famous being:

• Cyclades: where iconic islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos belong. Santorini is famous for its white houses with blue roofs and breathtaking sunsets, while Mykonos in turn is known for its lively nightlife and beautiful beaches.
• Ionian islands: the most famous are Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia. Corfu is a popular place for family-style holidays, there are amazing beaches and cultural sites. Zakynthos is famous for its turtles, Navagio Beach and Blue Caves, while Kefalonia offers stunning scenery and quiet coves.
• Dodecanese: These islands include Rhodes, Kos and Patmos. Rhodes is famous for its medieval architecture and ancient monuments, while Kos offers beautiful beaches and the history of Hippocrates' birth.
• Sporades: these islands include Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos. Skiathos is known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife, while Skopelos is popular for its natural beauty and green forests. Alonissos is ideal for those looking for peace and tranquility and wants to discover nature reserves and amazing diving spots.
• Crete
• And of course, we mustn't forget the Peloponnese, which is a bit of a special part full of beautiful beaches.

For nature and adventure lovers, Greece also offers many opportunities for hiking, climbing, diving and sailing. Its diverse landscape includes mountains, caves, cliffs and valleys, making Greece the perfect place to explore.

 

So which Greek island to choose?

It is impossible to say clearly which island is the best. Each is unique and offers a different experience.

• If you are a lover of wild landscapes and are looking for a lesser-known place, Kefalonia is the perfect choice for you.
• If you're looking for an island with lush greenery and easily accessible beaches, Corfu is the island for you.
• If, on the other hand, you are looking for an adventurous and active holiday full of hiking and exploring, Crete will be happy to welcome you.
• If you've ever dreamed of swimming with turtles, then Zakynthos is the place for you! There are plenty of videos of people doing just that, and now you can have one of your own.
• If you're looking for a less-visited island with a peaceful atmosphere, look around the islands of Kos, Samos or Naxos.
• If you want to go for history, and you also want beautiful beaches, head to the Peloponnese.

Each island will offer you a great atmosphere, fantastic gastronomy (and a new addiction to tzatziki ), beautiful beaches, friendly and hospitable people, and last but not least a lot of history. After all, in Greece there are fragments of old vases lying everywhere on the ground .

 

Greece and boat rental

Many people don't know that in Greece you can very easily rent a smaller boat. You just need a normal car license, a 15 minute training course and you can take a boat along the coast. It's very easy and surprisingly cheap too. The cost of a full day's hire is around €100, plus another €20 or so for petrol. Renting a boat is the perfect way to explore hidden gems, discover secluded beaches and drop anchor in your dream spot! The best part is you don't need a chauffeur or guide! Not to worry!

 

Athens are dirty and there is nothing to do there - myth or truth?

Many people believe that there is nothing to see in Athens except the Acropolis and that there is only the smell of stray cats and rubbish. However, these people probably just didn't know what to look for and where to go. Yes, there are cats everywhere in Greece and there are a lot of them, more than in our apartment , but that's part of their life. Apart from the Acropolis, the Agora, the archaeological museum and the Olympic Stadium are definitely worth a visit. You really have 3 days to do in Athens. And if you get tired of it, you need to take the car and go exploring. Delphi is an ideal day trip.

 

The Peloponnese is not just beaches or Olympia

The Peloponnese is a fascinating region of Greece that offers a rich combination of history, nature and attractions. In addition to Olympia, the site of the first ancient Olympic Games and the ancient temple of the god Zeus, it is also home to Mycenae, the city of King Agamemnon and the birthplace of the mythological hero Perseus. You will also find the city of Tiryns, which is also linked to the myth of Hercules, the famous hero of Greek mythology. This ancient site was one of the most important Mycenaean palaces in Greece, and its extensive fortifications and important archaeological finds testify to its importance in the ancient period. In addition, the famous theatre of Epidaurus is located here, and the famous Sparta, where the beautiful Helen came from, must not be missing from our list. And if you have children, you can play a game with them and visit several places where Herakles performed his tasks and assign them to search for, for example, the cave where the Nemean lion lived, or just let them compete in the ancient stadium. Among the natural beauties the Peloponnese has to offer are spectacular views, walks around Corinth and, of course, the famous Corinth Canal.

 

Greece is a country that hides many mysteries, beauties and fascinating stories. Why not travel to this picturesque country and discover its secrets for yourself? If you're interested in a particular region or island, select it on the map and read about our itineraries. The purple areas are the traveled areas.