The best resorts in Greece. How to have a quality and inexpensive holiday in Greece

Review of the best beach resorts

Every year holidays in Greece are becoming more and more popular among Russian tourists. Wide sunny beaches, warm sea currents, mountains, mineral springs - Greece has a lot to offer vacationers. Where exactly to go - BiletyPlus.ru will help you figure this out in its review of the most interesting and popular Greek beach resorts.

Crete

Crete is the largest Greek island, located in the very south of the country. The mild climate, various sandy and pebble beaches, mountains - all this attracts respectable tourists, young people, and couples in love. The best beach resorts, which boast ideal service, are located in the northern part of the island. And the water here warms up even faster than in neighboring Turkey.

Crete has several beaches that are considered the pride of a beach holiday in Greece. Firstly, this is Elafonisos, which the Greeks themselves recognize as one of the best in the country, thanks to the wonderful pinkish sand and fine clean sea. And secondly, these are the most magnificent beaches in Balos Bay, which are easiest to reach by ship. Here you can truly feel the beauty of a beach holiday - this is the confluence of three seas, which gives the water up to 12 shades of color. And besides relaxing on the beach, there is something to see here. Ancient fortress, pirate treasures, dwellings sea turtles. Maybe that's why the place for honeymoon Was it Balos who became Prince Charles and Princess Diana?

Mykonos Island

Mykonos is preferred by noisy youth groups, since it is here on the island that the great amount entertainment venues. Mykonos is all about parties, including beach parties, water parks, modern centers entertainment and nudist beaches. According to local residents, nothing should interfere with your rest, that’s how it is here.

The most famous youth beaches on the island are Paradise and SuperParadise. Numerous bars, restaurants, entertainment centers and souvenir shops can be found in every corner of the beaches.

Loutraki

One of the most popular resorts, located in the south of Greece near Mount Gerania, from Loutraki to Athens - 80 km. Both tourists with families and entertainment lovers will enjoy their holiday here. In addition to clean pebble beaches, where vacationers are offered many water activities, Loutraki is famous for its hot mineral springs and Roman baths. There is a hydrotherapy wellness center and the beaches are surrounded by magnificent cypress and lemon groves.

Halkidiki

The peninsula of Halkidiki offers tourists majestic mountains and sandy beaches. Here men have a unique opportunity to climb the holy Mount Athos, where numerous Christian shrines are located. Halkidiki consists of a central part and three peninsulas, “fingers”, protruding into the Aegean Sea. The most popular “finger” for beach holidays is Cassandra. Snow-white sandy beaches and sea air mixed with pine aroma pine forests, excellent service, a variety of entertainment for young and adult tourists attract family vacationers here every year.

Kos

The resort town of Kos is popular with fun groups, as entertainment is provided around the clock. On the coast you can find both sandy and small pebble beaches. Of particular note is the beach, located 10 km from Kos, covered in black volcanic sand, where in addition to a beach holiday you can enjoy swimming in thermal springs.

Rhodes Island

Both beach lovers and active tourists will find entertainment and relaxation here. The island is washed by two seas at once, so you need to choose a place to relax based on your preferences. If you need relaxing holiday on the sandy beach then East Coast Rhodes from Mediterranean Sea will suit you perfectly. And if you are a fan of active water sports and windsurfing, welcome to the west of the island, where the often rough Aegean Sea creates ideal conditions for boarding. There are also various entertainment venues, an amusement park, a water park and windsurfing clubs.

Santorina

Santorini's beaches boast unique black lava sand mixed with volcanic pumice chips, and the sea is clear and calm. On Perissa Beach, when you buy a drink at a local bar, you will get an original sunbathing bed as a bonus. Badminton and volleyball games are popular among tourists here.

The red-hued Akrotiri beach is located in a remote part of the south of Santorini and is also covered with pumice and lava. Not far from the beach is the Faros lighthouse, which is famous for the fossilized turtle lying at the foot of the lighthouse, which is estimated to be 3.5 thousand years old.

The choice for a beach holiday in Greece is truly huge. To decide where to relax in Greece, you first need to decide for yourself with whom and why you are going on vacation. And then go to the website BiletyPlus.ru and organize your vacation according to your taste, starting with booking and purchasing tickets at the most attractive prices, choosing hotels and apartments, and ending with obtaining insurance and renting a car. And remember, Greece truly has it all. Have a nice holiday!

We'll tell you where to go for the first time in Greece. We chose three directions: for active rest, lie on the beach and places with cool attractions.

Greece only seems small country. In fact, each of its regions is a whole world, filled with ancient monuments, picturesque beaches and places that remain in the memory for a long time. Therefore, when going here for the first time, tourists rightly ask themselves: from which island or part of the mainland should they begin their acquaintance with Hellas? Some prefer a leisurely holiday on the idyllic coast, others do not miss the opportunity to see legendary historical monuments. Let's try to figure out where to go to Greece for the first time.

See the sights of Greece

Nowhere is the atmosphere of Greece's rich past more palpable than in Athens. And at the same time, none of the Greek cities can boast of more rapid development. Megapolis, and once - the center Western civilization, preserved the most iconic landmarks Southern Europe, which many have heard about from school textbooks.

Excursions to the sights of Athens should begin with the Acropolis, the heart of which is the Parthenon and the Temple of Zeus. Not far from the Acropolis is the Agora - the center of life of ancient Athens with its Temple of Hephaestus.

The capital of Greece is rich in museums. It is difficult to choose one of them to visit - the collections on display are so interesting. But among the most impressive are the Benaki Museum, the Acropolis Museum and the Cyclades Museum.

Even the districts of Athens are attractions with a special atmosphere. For example, Monastiraki with the same name flea market or picturesque Plaka, whose buildings stand on the foundations of ancient structures. There is also Anafiotika - an area whose architecture is more reminiscent of the Cyclades islands.

Planning a trip? That way!
We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help you save money while preparing for your trip.

If you want to get closer to ancient Greek sights, you can settle in the Peloponnese. This is a great starting point for organized excursions, and for independent travel. The most legendary places in Greece are concentrated in the Peloponnese: archaeological park Mycenae, the once powerful Epidaurus, the ruins of Tiryns, Delphi with its sanctuaries and Olympia, to which the world owes its appearance Olympic Games.

In the North of Greece lies the Thessaly region, which amateurs cannot pass by. excursion holidays. It is famous not only for its excellent landscapes, but also for its rich history. Here the most popular object to visit is Olympus - the highest mountain range country covered in legends. Today it has been turned into a National Park. Nearby is Meteora, one of the iconic and most important religious sites in Greece. The monasteries, which rise on the rocks and seem to float in the air, receive a flow of believers and tourists all year round.

Relax on the beach in Greece

Greece has been recognized for many years in a row the best country Europe in terms of the number of clean and picturesque beaches. There is no doubt about it: every summer the number of people who want to lie on the Greek coast and forget about the bustle of big cities only grows.

On the mainland, the Halkidiki peninsula boasts the best beaches. Its coastline stretches for almost 500 kilometers, so everyone can choose appropriate place for relax. On the Kassandra Peninsula, the palm is given to the beaches of Sani for their immaculately clean sand. By the way, the best and most comfortable hotels are concentrated here. A large and long beach will delight guests of the Afitos resort. It stretches for almost 4 km and will appeal to anyone looking for a calm coastline. The Sithonia Peninsula is the leader in the number of clean beaches. Vourvourou, Porto Carras, Porto Koufo, Toroni and Akti Elias are distinguished by their beauty. The advantage of a beach holiday in Halkidiki is its proximity to developed resort villages and any infrastructure.

Going to Greece for the first time, many tourists bet on its islands. Get started with Greek beaches possible in Zakynthos. It is famous for its turquoise bays and protected places. Tourist brochures feature pictures of Navajo Bay, with its small but impressive beach. Laganas Beach is much larger in size (9 km). Its shallow sea and soft sand allow you to relax comfortably with children. For a relaxing beach holiday, you need to go to the Gerakas coast. There is a sandy beach, green landscapes and no crowds even in high season.

It’s hard to go wrong when choosing Kefalonia for a beach holiday. No wonder they call it an island Blue flags. The beaches here are crowded and empty, sandy and pebbly, but they are united by impeccable cleanliness turquoise sea. In Kefalonia, it is worth relaxing on Myrtos beach, included in the ranking of the best in Greece. It is shaped like a crescent moon, and surrounded by white rocks with lush greenery. Among the others famous beaches islands - Xi with dark orange sand and well-equipped Antisamos with large white pebbles.

Active holiday in Greece

There is no better place in Greece for an active holiday than Crete. The island seems to be created for those who are not used to sitting still and prefer any type of activity. There are many leisure options, but the most popular ones are:

Trekking through the gorges. The best way to explore Crete is on foot. The island has both well-explored routes and those accessible only to professionals. You can start with a hike through the gorges of Samaria, Imbros and Aradena;

Mountain biking. Mountainous Crete is a haven for lovers of mountain bike tours. You can plan your trip yourself or use the services of special agencies. For beginners, short routes of up to 30 km are provided, for experienced tourists - up to 100 km;

Canyoning. This is an option for those who are in search of new sensations. Canyon descents mountain rivers, high cliffs, breathtaking landscapes - all this will leave indelible impression;

Family fun. Since Crete is popular for family vacation, you can spend active time in any of the four water parks on the island.

Greece is one of Europe's most underrated windsurfing destinations. But at the same time one of the most promising. An example of this is Paros, which annually hosts major competitions. During the summer, this island has a stable wind, which creates ideal conditions for windsurfing. From time to time it weakens, and then Paros is the best choice for beginners in this sport. The most popular places for skiing are Santa Maria and Golden Beach.

If you go to the sea with children, then a holiday in Greece is an excellent budget option! Inexpensive hotels, mild climate and beautiful beaches will be remembered for a long time. Moreover, this means that you don’t have to stand in queues every year, because you want to return to this country again and again.

What places to choose for a holiday in Greece with children

Perfect for a beach holiday with children greek islands, for educational purposes – mainland Greece. However, if time allows, you can combine them. The most popular destination for a seaside holiday – the island of Crete.

On the island of Crete in Greece

Crete

When is the best time to go to Crete? To swim comfortably, best time for a trip - August, September - but this is also the most expensive time. In May and early June in Crete the sea can be cool, but prices are low and you can have a great and inexpensive holiday with children in. Some people prefer to go to Crete in April - low prices, not hot (15-20C), but very beautiful, everything is blooming. July is a hot month. Holidays in Greece with children in September are especially good: the sea is warm and calm, there is a lot of fruit, the weather is beautiful. In October the weather begins to change, but if you go in the first half of the month, you can catch the best better weather and low prices.

What to see in Crete? Do not miss ancient city Knossos, Archaeological Museum Heraklion and the popular wild Elafonisi beach with pink sand.

In addition, Crete has a large selection of housing for any budget, many comfortable apartments (apartments with a kitchen and everything you need). Which beach to choose on Crete and where is the best place to stay with a child?

1. The best place to relax with small children is Bali (Balion)– a gentle, convenient entry into the sea, the village is calm, the quiet bay is protected from the waves. Livadi – sandy beach; Varkotopos, Limani and Karavostasis are sandy and pebble.

The best family holiday apartments in Bali: Affordable and comfortable SunOrama apartments are located right next to the beach.

2. Rethymnon conveniently located. From here it is best to start getting acquainted with the sights of Crete, see everything and not travel far with a small child. Rethymno itself is already a landmark, especially interesting old part cities.

Rethymnon has a city park, playgrounds, and many shops where you can buy fresh seafood, fruits and everything you need. There is a market on Thursdays.

Top hotels for a family holiday in Rethymnon: The Iperion Beach Hotel has an excellent location. It is better to take rooms with a sea view - the view is amazing.
The Grecotel Plaza Spa Apartments with their own beach even have Russian-language animation for children.

3. Chania. Convenient sandy beach, good promenade, large selection of apartments. The famous port “Little Venice” is also located here. The best beach in this region is Kissamos: calm sea and picturesque bay.

The best apartments for a family holiday in Chania: Suites Pandora apartments with sea views and everything you need are an excellent choice.

4. Hersonissos
If you need children's entertainment, then choose Hersonissos. Children will certainly enjoy the best water park in Crete, Water World, the interesting Dinosaur Park and Aquarium. An excellent beach near Hersonissos is located in the village of Stalida.

Hotel in Greece with a water park, smartline Village Resort & Waterpark, Hersonissos

There are many good ones in Hersonissos - here they are inexpensive and all-inclusive.

5. Malia (Malia) – great beaches and inexpensive hotels
The beach is sandy with convenient entry into the sea.

For comfortable rest choose the apart-hotel Parthenis Beach, Suites by the Sea - with a gorgeous view of the sea, its own clean beach, where traders do not pester you. Near the hotel there is a supermarket and many cafes. The hotel has Russian-speaking staff.

What place to choose in Crete for a holiday with children? Perhaps, the best option- this means stopping not in one, but in several places, in order to see everything and not torment the child with long journeys. The most popular itinerary for families: a week in Hersonissos, a week on the beaches of Bali and a week somewhere secluded, which you will find as you drive around the island. By the way, renting a car in Greece is not a problem, so don’t forget to take your driver’s license with you.

On the other hand, if you rent a car, you can organize your vacation at a higher level: rent an entire villa with a private pool. We recommend taking a closer look at the inexpensive Villa Panagia - next to one of best beaches Crete, where there are few tourists.

The pool is clean, there is a comfortable, well-kept area. Very beautiful view from the terrace. The hospitable hosts bring the freshest seafood upon request.

The villa has everything you need. See prices

And this wonderful island Santorini, which is located near Crete:

Did you know that from Crete you can sail to the island of Santorini in just 1.5 hours? And it's the cheapest.

Halkidiki

5. Cassandra
Convenient location on the coast Aegean Sea– Kassandra is only 60 km from Thessaloniki airport. Sandy, ecologically clean beaches, many shops, cafes and first-class hotels.

for a holiday with small children, choose Sani Beach - the first line by the sea and all rooms have sea views.
If you need an inexpensive hotel, then Rahoni Cronwell Park Hotel has Russian animation for children. The hotel itself is very cozy and calm, there are few tourists, the beaches are uncrowded. The hotel is located 5 minutes from the beach, there is a shuttle service.

6. Sithonia
This is the best place in Greece if you like a secluded holiday and want to take a break from the bustle of the city with your children. Picturesque landscapes, pine trees, and pine air are conducive to walks. High-quality service and uncrowded cleanest beaches make your vacation civilized and unforgettable. No one can offer such beauty package tour, only discerning independent travelers come here.

The best hotels for families: Blue Dolphin Hotel has family rooms, playgrounds and entertainment for children, as well as private beach; meals “breakfast + dinner”.

Houses and villas are great for family holidays in Sithonia: prices start from 50 euros per night, for example, George`s House.

Peloponnese coast

7. Peloponnese
This Greek peninsula is suitable for an educational holiday with school-aged children. Most of the famous events of the ancient Greek epic took place here.

The Peloponnese is home to some of the most beautiful tourist spots.

Nafplio is a city on the Peloponnese peninsula, one of the most picturesque in Greece.

You can see many attractions of the ancient period and relax on the sandy beaches.

The best hotels for families: inexpensive hotel New Aegli Resort Hotel - there is no special entertainment for children, but a very low price, cozy rooms and the beach right outside the hotel, most rooms have a sea view. There is a children's playground.

Rhodes Island

8. Rhodes
There are many good sandy beaches in the eastern part of the island. And also in Rhodes you can visit the Aquarium and the Butterfly Valley.

Best hotel for a family holiday: Lindos Princess Beach Hotel – accommodation in cozy bungalows, all-inclusive meals, varied food, large beautiful area, children's animation, playgrounds, many water slides for children of all ages.

Kos Island

9. Kos suitable for a relaxing family holiday.

The best hotels for families: Neptune Hotel Resort – a huge area with a garden decorated with works of art; The beach is sandy, there is shallow water for kids, as well as a games room and a children's pool.

Corfu Island

10. Corfu is located in the Ionian Sea and is considered one of the greenest and beautiful islands Greece. Turquoise waters, orange orchards, olive groves - there is everything here for those who appreciate nature.

The best hotels for families: For a relaxing family holiday, Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa is ideal for even the most picky.
For those who want to relax on a budget, we recommend family hotel Eleni Family Apartments with apartments. This small hotel is calm and cozy, and most importantly there are playgrounds and water activities for even the youngest travelers. The warm, homely atmosphere creates the feeling of being with good friends.

Zakynthos Island

11. Zakynthos
Magnificent landscapes and cozy beautiful lagoons are suitable for a family holiday with older children.

Navajo Bay, Zakynthos

People go to the island of Zakynthos not only to sunbathe and swim, but also to visit national park, the most beautiful bay Navajo, go with a little cruise to neighboring islands, swim with turtles. – reasonable price, “all inclusive”, first line, private sandy beach, bay protected from waves. Large beautiful area. Not far from the hotel you can even see turtles on a wild beach.

The best hotels in Greece for families

We are all different and everyone chooses hotels according to some of their own criteria, but there are 3 points that you must pay attention to when vacationing with children:

Hotel location.
It is better to give preference to hotels located on the first line by the sea or within a 5-10 minute walk. So be sure to look at the map when booking. Pay attention to whether there are any expressways or railways between the hotel and the beach - such a “trifle” can significantly increase the road to the beach.
If you choose a hotel that is not on the first line, then find out if the hotel is located on a mountain, otherwise it may turn out that every day you will have to climb the stairs up the mountain to get to the hotel - this is very inconvenient if you are with a stroller.
Entertainment for children.
Please see the description for the availability of children's clubs and children's animation. Additionally, read reviews to see how good these activities are and whether they are suitable for your child.
Meals for children at the hotel.
Some hotels offer special baby food. It’s good if the menu includes porridge, and not just sausages and fried potatoes. Always read reviews about the hotel - this is the only way you can get a complete picture of what children are actually fed at the hotel.

Don't have time to look for a hotel? Pay attention to the hotels described above - these hotels were specially selected and tested by our readers, experienced mothers who are traveling with children more than once.

If only the price is important when choosing a hotel, then here are the special offers for hotels in Greece:

We continue to compile a list of the best places and hotels for family holidays. We help each other and advise each other

Don't know where to go to Greece for the first time? We have selected for you the 4 most popular and favorite destinations among travelers from all over the world, talked about their features and shared tips on how to spend time, where to stay and what to see. Read and make your choice!

Where to go for the first time to Greece?

In Greece, you can experience ancient culture and mythology, enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Aegean Sea, soak up the Greek sun on the white sandy beaches of Greece, walk in the mountains with the purest air, admire white buildings and taste delicious Greek cuisine.

If you are going to Greece for the first time and don’t know where to go, this article is for you. Here I have selected the 4 most popular destinations:

First time to Greece: Mykonos

Mykonos is the most famous and cosmopolitan island of Greece. It is here that the well-known white buildings, so unusual to the Russian eye, are located. But keep in mind that Mykonos is quite an expensive island compared to the rest of Greece. The capital of the island is the city of Chora, here you can get acquainted with the famous Greek architecture.

Where to go and what to see

Church of Panagia Paraportiani;
"Little Venice"
an area with 18th-century buildings, where the mansions of great captains with colorful balconies and stylish windows are everywhere;
weird windmills, impressively located on the slope;
snow-white sandy beaches stretching along the perimeter of the island.

Where to stay

Mykonos is a tourist island, and therefore you will not have problems finding accommodation. – from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses and hostels, you can also search for hotels using the form on the left. For the truly budget conscious, there is Couchsurfing.

Things to do

In Mykonos summer time Many holidays and festivals are held, all this is accompanied by rivers of delicious wine and mountains of delicious food.
Also, this “Wind Island” is a paradise for lovers water sports, surfers and sailors flock here from all over the world. Mykonos has a large selection of windsurfing beaches. The best beaches are considered to be the most isolated ones: Kórfos, Fteliá, Meyáli Ámmos and Kalafátis. Almost all beaches teach surfing.
In Mykonos you can play tennis or mini golf at Ayios Stéfanos, beach volleyball at Ayia Ánna, skydiving or jet skiing at Eliá or Kalafátis. Even diving enthusiasts will not be left out and will be able to explore the beauty of the underwater life of the Aegean Sea.

Mykonos is a standard choice for both partying and partying. interesting excursions, and enjoy your beach holiday to the fullest. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Greece for the first time, and your budget allows, visit Mykonos, you will not be disappointed.

First time to Greece: Paros

Paros is one of the most popular places for recreation among young people. Unlike Mykonos, this island is more budget option. Unrivaled natural beauty developed tourism infrastructure, beaches with clear waters, Byzantine walking paths linking traditional Greek villages, breathtaking scenery and pulsating nightlife - all this awaits you on the island of Paros.

Parikia is the island's capital and is home to its famous whitewashed rectangular buildings and impressive neoclassical mansions.

Where to go and what to see

the village of Naoussa, where the ruins of a Venetian fortress stand at the entrance to its small port;
Lefkes is also a village, it is built into a mountain and is surrounded on all sides by greenery, located in the very high point the islands of Paros, from here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the island;
Márpissa is a traditional village with a strong medieval character, dating back to the 15th century;
marble quarries in Maráthi, where the famous Parian marble was mined.

Where to stay

It all depends on how much you plan to spend. There are options for every taste and budget.

Things to do

Visiting a religious festival is a great opportunity to taste sweet wines produced in the Monemvassiá and Mantilariá vineyards. On August 15, one of these events is traditionally organized near the Panayia Ekatontapyliani church.
Explore the island on horseback. There are two horse rentals here, one near the sea in Ambelás and the other in Ystérni. This walk around the island is a great way to see with your own eyes the most Beautiful places Paros.
The sun-drenched beaches of Chrissí Aktí, Santa Maria, Poúnda and the crystal clear waters of the sea will captivate all beach lovers. You can also go surfing here.
Kalóyeros Beach, surrounded by red and green clay rocks, will provide you with an effective and natural spa completely free of charge. Cover your body with clay and let it dry in the sun, after a while wash the clay into the sea - your skin will be soft and velvety.

Price statistics for tours to Greece

If you are not yet ready to travel on your own, then price statistics for tours to Greece will help you. Here you can find the lowest prices for holidays to Greece from leading tour operators.

First time to Greece: Skiathos

Skiathos is the most popular resort island in the Northern Sporades. Despite the rapid growth of the tourism sector, it is still picturesque and unspoilt. The island is decorated with more than 60 beaches with absolutely clear waters, the most famous of which is Koukounariés beach, which is rightfully considered the third most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. Add to all this the vibrant nightlife and you can see why thousands of travelers flock to this island every year.

Where to go and what to see

the capital of the island is the town of Skiathos with its stone-paved, cozy streets and white buildings;
a picturesque harbor surrounded by 4 islands;
the small island of Boúrtzi, where the ruins of a Venetian fortress nestle among dense vegetation;
the house and now museum of the famous author Alexandros Papadiamantis;
Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, which houses 4 museums.

Where to stay

Skiathos has many hotels, hostels and rooms at affordable prices. You can also stay at Camping Koukounariés.

Things to do

Every summer the island hosts colorful cultural events, concerts and art exhibitions.
Walk along a breathtaking route starting from Asélinos, past the Kounistra monastery, the small beach of Asélinos and Alygariés beach, ending at Kehriá beach.
All the island's nightlife is concentrated on the street near the Old Harbor. Bars and nightclubs are open here all night until the morning and are always full of young people having fun. The Ammoudiá area often hosts outdoor parties (easy to find, just follow the road leading to the airport).

First time to Greece: Chios

The island of Vos is almost in no way inferior to the famous and sometimes overrated Mykonos and Santorini. Stroll the picture-perfect streets, admire the elegance of the buildings, swim in the warm, clear waters of the world-famous beaches of Mylopótamos and Maganári, and taste the outrageously delicious Greek delicacies.

Where to go and what to see

Be sure to visit Hóra, located on the famous hill with its snow-white cubic buildings and covered alleys.
See 12 windmills.
Panayia Gremiótissa (Madonna of the Cliffs) is located at the highest point of Hòra, with amazing views of the bay and neighboring island Sikinos.
Byzantine castle Paleókastro, built at the very top of the hill.
Summer theater "Odysseas Elytis", built in one of the favorite places of the poet Odysseas Elytis and well preserved from 2800 BC.

Where to stay

There are many wonderful hotels and hostels, and there are cozy family pensions near the beaches. There are also several camping areas on the island. Keep in mind that Chios does not have the luxury of Mykonos and Santorini, but it does have many wonderful places to walk.

Things to do

I think you already understand that August 15th is a special day for the Greeks, Ios is proof of this. On this day, one of the most impressive celebrations, Panagia Gremiotissa, takes place here, when a procession carries the famous icon of the Virgin Mary around the Hora, all accompanied by a banquet, playing traditional instruments and dancing.
Walk along the ancient paths of Ayia Theodóti-Hóra, Ayia Iríni-Valmá beach, Hóra-Pýrgos-Psáthi, Hóra-Áyios Spyridonas-Perivolia-Áyios Prókopas-Pelekaniá, which are still used by local shepherds, and you will see the most beautiful locations of the island.
The mountains of Ios are ideal for climbing, mountaineering or cycling. On the peaks you will have an unforgettable view of the island and the endless expanse of the Aegean Sea.
On the beaches of Mylopótamos and Manganári you can rent equipment for aquatic species sports, the same surfing, water skiing, diving. Here you can learn how to surf and canoe.
There are plenty of clubs, bars and restaurants on this island. Every day, crowds of young people enjoy colorful cocktails, dancing until dawn and night swimming.

That’s all, if you are going to Greece for the first time and don’t yet know where to go, listen to our advice. IN

It is difficult to find a traveler who would be completely indifferent to the ancient beauties of Greece, its beaches and clear sea, aromatic coffee and spicy cuisine, lively dances and unreal sunsets. The country is accustomed to the attention of tourists, knows how to receive them, and offers relaxation to people with different budgets and capabilities.

In the last few years, when the economy of Hellas not only shook, but very dangerously “frozen”, prices for vacations went down sharply. However, the problems did not affect the quality of rest. The only inconvenience for tourists is that it is better to come here with cash; ATMs are often completely empty.

All the numerous ruins and museums are in place, the sun is still warm and gentle, and the sea is clear. You can get a Schengen visa yourself by adding a completed application form, insurance, tickets and a hotel reservation to your passport (they will ask for 35 euros for the visa). Everything is fine? Let's fly!

Budget season

For modern Greeks, tourism is the only straw that saves the country from complete economic collapse. This circumstance forces us to keep enough high prices for accommodation and other services during the high season. It begins in early June (prices in May are already different from April!) and continues until the beginning of September (in September prices are somewhat lower, but not yet the most budget-friendly). It is expensive to vacation in Greece in January (Christmas is a popular time for tourists).

For those who consider only beach pleasures a real vacation, it is best to come to Hellas in April or in the second half of September. And for those who come to Greece for the sake of ancient antiquities, the best time is October-November or February-March. At this time, air tickets will be the cheapest.

Acropolis of Athens- a rocky hill with a flat top.

Road

The cheapest flight from Moscow to Kos, Crete or Rhodes will cost approximately 190-250 euros. These are prices for Ellinair tickets, outside the scope tourist season. The ticket price may be significantly lower if you fly from Vilnius or Kaunas, which can be reached by bus or own car. A plane ticket costs from 120 euros round trip (Rhodes, Athens), which is cheaper even taking into account a bus ticket to Vilnius from Moscow. The secret to cheap tickets is simple - direct flights from Kaunas and Vilnius to Greece are provided by RYANAIR, known for its budget prices.

You can save even more on travel costs if you try to get to chartered flight, which serves tourists who have purchased tours. You can apply for a ticket at any large company. In this case, a ticket will cost hardly more than a hundred euros round trip. But this method of travel is unreliable. Free seats It may not be available, or there may not be a flight on the required day.

The best housing option: hotel or apartments, guest house or apartment?

Resort accommodation is expensive in any country. In Greece, it all depends on how close the hotel or apartment is to the sea. Outside the season Double Room in a mid-level hotel it will cost no more than 30 euros. In a higher category hotel, a double room with breakfast costs from 45 euros/day (half board - from 65 euros).

Weekly housing costs will not exceed the amount of 100-120 euros (provided that the sea is more than 300 meters away) if you rent an apartment or stay in a family boarding house - this is the most budget option.

Hotel Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso (Vouliagmeni, Athens)

Restaurants, cafes, taverns, supermarkets: cuisine features, prices for food and products

The Greeks have always loved to eat delicious food. Restaurants delight customers with huge portions, low prices and very tasty dishes.

In Greece you should definitely try:

moussaka - a type of “lasagne” with layers of eggplant;
fried sardines;
octopuses;
Tzatziki is a thick sauce made from yogurt and garlic.

As for drinks, in addition to a wide variety of excellent quality wines, you can’t do without:

ouzo - aniseed brandy;
Retsina - wine with the smell of pine resin.

As everywhere else abroad, you need to choose those food establishments that are designed for local residents. IN resort areas This is not easy, here every eatery counts on wealthy and generous visitors. The main rule when choosing a cafe or restaurant in Greece is that the farther from the sea, the cheaper. However, the quality of the dishes is the same.

If you make it a rule not to eat on the beach or near it (you should walk 700-800 meters from the sea), then your lunch or dinner with wine will cost no more than 7-9 euros per person.

Self-catering in an inexpensive apartment resort town or village is even more budget-friendly. A trip to the supermarket (or market) and a week’s supply of food for a family of three people costs 60-70 euros. Taking into account the fact that you will only use olive oil, and fruits will be a mandatory addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ancient sights, natural parks, nightclubs - what to choose?

Several volumes could be written about tourism opportunities and attractions. In our case, we will stay at the resorts of Northern Greece, as well as on several islands of the archipelago, where holidays are the cheapest, and the opportunities are not inferior to the most “promoted” resorts.

On the mainland

Northern Greece is a combination sea air and the aroma of pine forests, beaches and monasteries, ancient ruins and modern nightclubs. The Peloponnese is proud of its numerous monuments ancient civilization on the continent, beaches, nightlife and eco-tourism opportunities. Here you can improve your health, relax in style, learn about fifty myths and legends and take with you the most pleasant memories of shopping.

Among the budget resorts of mainland Greece, we especially highlight:

Halkidiki is one of the “three teeth” of the peninsula, the most budget holiday possible in Sithonia (middle tooth), among the attractions it is worth paying attention to Mount Olympus, hometown Zeus Dion, caves, monastery on Mount Athos, monastery of St. Panteleimon (one-day tour of natural and cultural attractions - from 50 euros, three-day tour - 175-200 euros);
Peloponnese is a large peninsula in the southern part of Hellas, best places for recreation - the Gulf of Corinth, Laconia region. You need to see the ruins of the Olympic Stadium, the ruins of the Temple of Hera, ancient Corinth, and the ruins of Sparta. Sightseeing tour - from 35 euros (three-day - from 140 euros). The region is rich in nightlife— clubs TREZOR, SUMMER LIFE, WAVES will not let even the most demanding traveler get bored.

Islands

It is on the islands of the Greek archipelago that the most famous and popular resorts Hellas. Most of them (Santorini, Mykonos, Lesbos, Samos, Rhodes) are different high level prices and a complete lack of budget housing. Wealthy businessmen, Hollywood stars and politicians with their families relax here.

You can save a lot of money if you vacation on the islands:

Kos - Not big Island off the coast of Turkey. The birthplace of Hippocrates - among the attractions are the ruins of an ancient hospital. Picturesque fishing villages, delicious fish dishes in restaurants, opportunities for surfing, many inexpensive villas and guest houses for tourists;
Crete is a large island with a pleasant warm climate, an abundance of comfortable beaches, perfect place for lovers of windsurfing and horse riding. Quantity ancient monuments huge. The size of the island allows you to take a week-long trip around it (tour - from 350 euros). Grottoes, caves, ancient royal palaces and labyrinths - the list of entertainment is far from complete;
Euboea is an island separated from Attica by a narrow strait. Besides the beaches, warm sea and an abundance of attractions, here you can undergo mud therapy and other healing procedures (treatment in major centers can be very expensive, but there are many small spa hotels on the island where you can buy a course of treatments for 50-70 euros). It is from here that the easiest way to get to Athens is within one day tour(from 50 euros).

Two words about the crisis

After 2012, Greece is trying with all its might to overcome negative trends in the economy. The country is periodically shaken by banking collapses, problems in paying salaries to government employees and other troubles.

Most of these problems do not affect tourists in any way, but you still need to know some rules:

ATMs, especially on the islands, are often empty, and you can pay with a card in budget places not always possible. Exit - cash;
unemployment, especially in major cities, contributed to the flourishing of petty crime - wallets, cameras and documents must be stored especially carefully;
in stores, and especially in markets, you need to bargain until you are completely exhausted, only in this case can you achieve an adequate discount ( experienced tourists they never make any purchases in the first days of their holiday in Greece, only properly, after sunbathing on the beach you can safely go shopping, the sellers will be much more accommodating);
You can buy any tours exclusively in the offices travel companies or in hotels. A trip purchased from a sociable guy on the street will result in an ordinary loss of money, albeit small.

Excursions outside Greece

While vacationing in the North of Greece, you can go to Sofia and Plovdiv. Buses from Thessaloniki to largest cities neighboring country enough. The journey takes from 5 to 7 hours. Tickets start from 20 euros. If you are planning to stay in Bulgaria for a few days, then it’s worth buying ready-made tour in one of the hotels in Chalkidiki or Thessaloniki - from 200 euros (meals and hostel accommodation included - 3 days and two nights).

The island of Kos is only a few kilometers from Turkey. Sightseeing tour west coast Malaya (monuments from the era of Alexander the Great, picturesque bays of the Aegean Sea, the legendary baths of Diana) is very cheap. But in this case, you need to clarify what kind of visa is in your passport. Turkey is located outside the Schengen zone; it is possible that once you leave Greece, you will not be able to return there.

Since ancient times, hospitality has been the main characteristic of the Greeks. Tourists all over the world can confirm this. A traveler will always be helped to find the way to an attraction, recommended a restaurant or cafe, and in a small town or village they will definitely be invited to visit for a cup of coffee, which may well turn into a hearty lunch.

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