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Greece has long been a hotspot for British tourists. In fact, Brits make over 3 million visits to Greece every year and in 2007, more Brits visited the country than any other nationality. There are many things to love about this country, where ancient ruins punctures stunning blue seas and cloudless skies. Greece is a feast for the senses, offering up inspired music, colourful architecture and delicious cuisine. This page contains a rundown of some of Greece’s most spectacular destinations, from ancient cities to peaceful beach resorts.

 

Located in the Ionian Sea off the north west coast of Greece, Corfu is one of Greece’s more sleepy islands. Whilst it is often known for its hotel resorts and mass tourism that have sprung up since the eighties, further inland there is a whole other world to discover. For example, Corfu’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to an eclectic mix of architecture influenced by the Venetian, French, British and Greek rule it has been under since the 15th century. A lesser known fact is that Corfu is a hub for academia and the arts, being the home of Greece’s first university, philharmonic orchestra and school of fine arts. The island has some unusual surprises, such as an Asian Art Museum, housing artefacts from ancient kingdoms in China, Tibet and Thailand.

 

Delphi is one of Greece’s ancient treasures. In Greek mythology, Delphi was home to Pythia, a wise priestess who was consulted about important decisions made throughout the classical world. Delphi is certainly worth a visit during a trip to Greece, not least because Ancient Greeks believed Delphi to be the centre of the world, and it remains a very sacred and special place for Greeks today. A visit to the Temple of Apollo is a must when visiting Delphi: it is the place where the god Apollo is believed to have shaped the fate of the world. The temple stands at the centre of a much larger ancient religious site, known as the Sacred Way, which also includes smaller temples, the amphitheatre of Delphi and the stadium of Delphi. Located 2-3 hours northwest of Athens, Delphi is a city in the mountains, where you can also enjoy long hikes with spectacular views, or skiing in the winter season. Remember your walking shoes!

 

Santorini is unmistakable: clifftops filled with white washed walls and bright blue roof tops that jut out into crystal clear water. Santorini is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world, largely thanks to its magical sunsets. You can catch amazing views of the sunset from the neighbouring town of Oia, but be warned that you may be fighting for space amongst hundreds of tourists. Instead, why not head to the quieter spots in Skala or Fira, where you can take along a picnic or a bottle of wine to enjoy as the sun goes down. Dozens of agencies are also on hand to arrange almost any kind of tour you could wish for, from wine tasting to food tasting, hiking and sunset tours. To escape the crowds of tourists, head to Thirassia, an unspoiled island accessible by ferry from Santorini. Here you can explore authentic Greek chapels, agriculture and glorious views across the island.

 

Crete is Greece’s largest island, lying to the south of mainland Greece. It is known for the vibrancy and variety of its landscapes, being home to fine sand beaches as well as looming mountains. The White Mountains in the west of the island, are some of the island’s tallest mountains, and are believed to be the birthplace of the Greek god Zeus. Crete’s natural landscape make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities, such as hiking, exploring gorges and caves, or relaxing on the pink sand beach at Elafonissi. There are also plenty of adorable towns and small cities to venture in to: why not wander through the old cobbled streets and the harbours of Rethymno, or explore the traditional lighthouse buildings and bustling markets in Chania?

 

Our list of Greece’s most spectacular holiday destinations would hardly be complete without the country’s vibrant capital city: Athens. Athens was once the heart of the powerful civilisation of Ancient Greece, and the city today is still full of relics from its past. For example, a trip to Athens wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Acropolis, one of the most important sites in the Western world. It contains the remains of some of Ancient Greece’s most important buildings, perhaps the most important being the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. Moving into the contemporary world, Athens is also home to lots of exciting museums, including many dedicated to the history of Ancient Greek culture, and an Islamic art museum, which houses one of the world’s most significant collections of Islamic art.

 

One of the lesser known destinations in Greece, this is an untouched gem worth discovering. With scenes from the hit film "Mamma Mia", this island sports a wide variety of cultural, historical and natural wonders. Maybe you are looking to discover more about the history of the island and its involvement in the Mycenean Empire, Kingdom of Macedon, Roman Empire and Republic of Venice. Alternatively, a trip to its many stunning beaches via sea kayak might be something you prefer. There is plenty of hiking too, with two 500+ metre peaks found on the island. There is something for all in this hidden paradise. Find out more here!