Greece
Greece is a sun-drenched Mediterranean favourite where island beaches, ancient ruins, whitewashed villages and warm hospitality create holidays full of beauty and atmosphere.
Excellent
4.7
Greece
Greece has a way of making a holiday feel instantly richer. It is there in the light bouncing off whitewashed walls, the blue of the Aegean, the smell of grilled seafood by the harbour, the sound of church bells in a hilltop village and the sight of ancient temples standing above modern streets. This is a destination that works beautifully for almost every kind of traveller, from families wanting beach resorts and easy island living to couples looking for romantic sunsets, boutique hotels and waterfront dinners.
It can be lively and glamorous in Mykonos, volcanic and dramatic in Santorini, traditional and generous in Crete, historic and atmospheric in Rhodes, green and elegant in Corfu, or relaxed and family-friendly in Kos and Halkidiki. Greece is not just a beach holiday, although the beaches are reason enough to go. It is a place of mythology, food, island-hopping, warm evenings, boat trips, ruins, tavernas and small everyday moments that feel wonderfully memorable. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to discover another island, Greece has that rare ability to feel both familiar and completely magical.
Greece’s Most Popular Resorts and Islands
Greece offers a wide range of holiday bases, from famous island resorts and lively beach towns to quieter coastal villages and cultural city stays. Choosing the right island or region is important, as each part of Greece has its own pace, landscape and personality.
Crete is Greece’s largest island and one of its best all-round holiday choices, known for its beaches, historic sites, mountain villages, lively resorts and excellent food. It suits families, couples and explorers alike, with popular areas such as Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos offering very different styles of stay.
Rhodes is a brilliant choice for travellers who want beaches, history and reliable sunshine in one island holiday. It is best known for Rhodes Old Town, Lindos, family-friendly resorts, long beaches and a strong mix of Greek character and easy holiday comfort.
Corfu is one of Greece’s greenest and most elegant islands, with olive groves, Venetian architecture, pretty bays and a softer Ionian atmosphere. It is ideal for families, couples and returning travellers who enjoy scenic coastlines, traditional villages and a more lush island landscape.
Santorini is Greece at its most dramatic and romantic, famous for its caldera views, whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches and unforgettable sunsets. It is best suited to couples, honeymooners and travellers looking for scenery, boutique stays and memorable dining rather than a straightforward beach resort holiday.
Kos is a relaxed and sunny island with sandy beaches, cycling routes, ancient ruins and a good choice of family-friendly resorts. It works well for travellers who want an easy Greek island holiday, with lively areas, quieter coastal villages and boat trips to nearby islands.
Halkidiki is a beautiful mainland beach region in northern Greece, known for clear water, pine-fringed coves and a calmer feel than some of the busier islands. It is a strong choice for families and couples who want a Greek beach holiday without relying on ferries, with good resorts and a relaxed pace.
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Our Top Destinations in Greece
Greece rewards travellers who choose carefully, as every island and region offers something different. These top destinations give a strong sense of the country’s variety, from ancient city streets and volcanic views to beach resorts and historic old towns.
Athens
Athens
Athens is one of Europe’s great cultural capitals, combining ancient landmarks, lively neighbourhoods, rooftop restaurants, museums, markets and a strong modern energy. The Acropolis is the headline sight, but the city is also worth enjoying slowly through areas such as Plaka, Monastiraki, Psiri and the Athenian Riviera.
Santorini
Santorini
Santorini is one of Greece’s most iconic islands, famous for its caldera views, sunsets, volcanic landscape and cliffside villages such as Oia and Fira. It is a wonderful choice for romance, special occasions and scenic stays, especially for travellers who enjoy boutique hotels, wine tasting, boat trips and memorable evenings.
Crete
Crete
Crete is a destination in its own right, offering beaches, ancient palaces, Venetian harbours, mountain villages, gorges, food markets and resort comfort. It is ideal for travellers who want a Greek island holiday with real depth, as there is enough variety to fill several visits without repeating the same experience.
Rhodes
Rhodes
Rhodes combines sunshine, beaches and history in a way that makes it one of Greece’s strongest holiday islands. Rhodes Old Town, Lindos, coastal resorts and family-friendly beaches give visitors plenty of choice, whether the holiday is focused on relaxation, culture or easy island exploring.
Travel Tips for Visiting Greece
Greek islands can feel very different from one another, so choose the destination that matches your holiday style rather than assuming every island offers the same mix of beaches, nightlife, culture and resort facilities.
If you are planning to island-hop in summer, book ferries and key accommodation in advance, as popular routes and well-located hotels can fill quickly during peak travel periods.
May, June, September and early October often give the best balance of warm weather, pleasant sea temperatures, good atmosphere and fewer crowds than the height of summer.
Island hopping sounds simple, but ferry schedules, distances and weather can affect timings, so keep itineraries realistic and avoid trying to squeeze too many islands into one short holiday.
Greece is best enjoyed at its own pace, with later dinners, relaxed service, warm evenings and time left for wandering rather than overloading every day with strict plans.
Island hopping sounds simple, but ferry schedules, distances and weather can affect timings, so keep itineraries realistic and avoid trying to squeeze too many islands into one short holiday.
Transport Options in Greece
Flights
Greece is served by a wide network of airports, with Athens International Airport acting as the main gateway for the capital, island connections and mainland touring. Many popular holiday destinations also have seasonal or international flights, including Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos and Thessaloniki, depending on departure airport and travel dates.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are one of the easiest ways to reach your accommodation, especially on larger islands such as Crete, Rhodes and Corfu where resort areas can be spread out. Pre-booked shared transfers can offer good value, while arranging them before travel helps avoid delays after landing.
Private Transfers
Private transfers are ideal for travellers who want a direct and comfortable journey from the airport or port to their hotel, villa or apartment. They are especially useful for families, honeymooners, larger groups, late arrivals or anyone staying in quieter resorts where public transport may not be convenient.
Car Hire
Car hire is a great option in many parts of Greece, particularly on larger islands such as Crete, Rhodes and Corfu, or in mainland regions such as Halkidiki and the Peloponnese. Having a car makes it easier to visit hidden beaches, mountain villages, archaeological sites, viewpoints and local tavernas, although it is less necessary in central Athens or on smaller islands where taxis, buses and boats may be easier.
Irish citizens travelling from the Republic of Ireland do not need a visa to visit Greece, as Greece is a member of the European Union. Travellers should have a valid Irish passport or passport card for the duration of their stay, and it is always sensible to check expiry dates before booking, especially for children’s passports. Entry requirements can change, so Irish travellers should check the latest Department of Foreign Affairs advice before departure and make sure they have suitable travel insurance in place.
Greece has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers, mild winters and plenty of sunshine through spring, summer and autumn. June to September is the main beach season, when the islands are lively, the sea is warm and long evenings are perfect for outdoor dining. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, so they are best for travellers who want a full summer atmosphere, while May, early June, September and October are often the most rewarding months for those who prefer warm weather with fewer crowds. Spring is excellent for sightseeing in Athens, island walking and cultural touring, while autumn is a lovely time for sea swimming, food, quieter resorts and softer light. Winter is quieter and better suited to city breaks, cultural travel and mainland touring rather than classic island beach holidays.
Things To Do in Majorca
Majorca is much more than a beach destination. From scenic coastal drives and pretty mountain villages to historic landmarks, local markets, boat trips and family attractions, the island offers plenty to enjoy between relaxing days in the sun.
Things to Do
Cultural Highlights
Things to Do in Greece
Greece is full of unforgettable experiences, from ancient ruins and island sunsets to boat trips, beaches, local food and dramatic landscapes. The best holidays usually combine relaxation with a few standout moments that bring the country’s history, scenery and island spirit to life.
Visit the Acropolis in Athens
The Acropolis is Greece’s most famous ancient landmark and one of the most important historic sites in Europe. Rising above Athens, it offers a powerful sense of the country’s classical past, and it is best visited early in the day or later in the afternoon when the heat is softer and the light over the city is at its most atmospheric.
Watch the Sunset in Santorini
Santorini’s sunset is famous for good reason, especially from Oia, Imerovigli or a caldera-view terrace. The experience is about more than the view alone, as the whole island seems to slow down in the evening light, with whitewashed houses, blue domes and the Aegean creating one of Greece’s most romantic scenes.
Explore Knossos in Crete
The Palace of Knossos near Heraklion is one of Crete’s most important archaeological sites, linked to the ancient Minoan civilisation and the myths of King Minos and the Minotaur. It is a fascinating visit for travellers who want to understand Crete beyond the beaches, especially when paired with the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion.
Wander Rhodes Old Town
Rhodes Old Town is one of the most atmospheric places in the Greek islands, with medieval walls, stone streets, historic buildings, shops and restaurants set within a beautifully preserved old quarter. It is a must-see whether staying in Rhodes or visiting for the day, especially in the evening when the streets feel cooler and more atmospheric.
See the Monasteries of Meteora
Meteora is one of mainland Greece’s most remarkable sights, where monasteries sit on towering rock pillars above the Thessaly plain. It is a powerful and memorable experience for travellers who want scenery, spirituality and culture in one visit, and it shows a very different side of Greece away from the islands.
Cultural Highlights in Greece
Greece’s cultural appeal is extraordinary, shaped by ancient civilisation, mythology, Orthodox tradition, island identity, food, music, maritime history and village life. Exploring its cultural highlights gives a holiday more meaning and helps visitors understand why Greece has influenced art, architecture, philosophy and travel for thousands of years.
Delphi Archaeological Site
Delphi was once considered one of the most important sacred sites in the ancient Greek world, and its mountain setting adds to the atmosphere. Visiting the ruins, theatre and museum gives travellers a powerful sense of history, mythology and landscape working together.
Epidaurus Ancient Theatre
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is one of Greece’s greatest cultural landmarks, famous for its remarkable setting and enduring sense of harmony. It is a wonderful stop for travellers exploring the Peloponnese and offers a deeper look at the role of drama, performance and public life in ancient Greece.
Byzantine Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is one of Greece’s most interesting cultural cities, known for its Byzantine churches, waterfront, markets, food scene and layered history. It is a rewarding choice for travellers who want a city experience that feels less obvious than Athens but still full of depth and character.
Palace of Knossos, Crete
The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important cultural sites in the Greek islands, offering insight into the Minoan world and Crete’s ancient identity. It is a must for history lovers and gives added context to a holiday on an island often loved first for its beaches.
Meteora Monasteries
The monasteries of Meteora are among Greece’s most distinctive cultural and spiritual highlights, combining religious heritage with astonishing natural scenery. They are worth visiting not just for their architecture, but for the silence, scale and sense of wonder that surrounds them.
What are the best things to do in Majorca?
Popular things to do include visiting Palma’s old town, exploring the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, taking a boat trip along the coast, visiting traditional villages and spending time at the island’s beaches and coves.
Is Majorca good for families?
Yes, Majorca is a great family destination, with sandy beaches, shallow waters, family-friendly resorts, waterparks, boat trips and plenty of relaxed places to eat.
Can you explore Majorca without hiring a car?
Yes, many resorts have good local facilities, and buses, taxis and organised excursions make it possible to explore without driving. A car can be useful for visiting quieter beaches, villages and mountain viewpoints.
What is Majorca best known for?
Majorca is best known for its beaches, sunshine, scenic coastline, relaxed resorts, historic Palma, pretty villages and the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
Is Majorca only for beach holidays?
No, Majorca is also great for sightseeing, cycling, walking, food, shopping, culture, romantic escapes and luxury hotel stays.
Why Greece Is a Must-Visit Destination
Ancient history, island beauty and unforgettable Mediterranean warmth
Greece is a must-visit because it offers sunshine, culture and atmosphere in a way few destinations can match. It has beaches for lazy days, islands for romance, ruins for history lovers, tavernas for long evenings, villages for wandering and cities that connect the ancient world with modern life. It can be simple and relaxing or rich and exploratory, depending on how you choose to travel.
For families, Greece offers friendly resorts, good beaches, boat trips, waterparks and easy island holidays. For couples, it brings sunsets, boutique stays, harbour dinners and some of Europe’s most romantic views. For groups, there are lively islands, beach clubs, nightlife and plenty of choice across the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian Islands and Crete. For culture lovers, Greece is exceptional, with ancient temples, Byzantine churches, archaeological sites and historic old towns woven into the holiday experience. Greece remains so loved because it gives travellers both the holiday they want and the memories they did not know they were looking for.
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