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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Greece This Summer

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Santorini. Credit: Dimitra Damian/Greek Reporter

Greece is the perfect summer destination, and not just because of its famous beaches and countless islands, but also because of its rich culture, tasty food, and fascinating history.

Whether you are a history buff, or prefer a quiet vacation lounging on the beach, or maybe you are looking for an extreme sport-filled vacation — whatever your interests, Greece is sure to please.

Sweets Made with Greek Honey

It’s summertime, you’re on vacation – it’s time to indulge in some Greek sweets! There are so many deserts to select from while visiting Greece, so let’s narrow it down to sweets made with Greek honey.

Some of the most typical and traditional desserts made with honey are found on the Greek islands, where you can sample everything from honey pies to dumplings, which are a fried thin pastry with honey.

Other popular treats are pasteli, or sesame seed and honey bars, and loukoumades, which are Greece’s version of fried doughnuts and honey.

Some other sweets worth checking out are sweet cheese pies made with honey, as well as melekounia, a traditional sweet you will find on Rhodes. Of course, the iconic Greek dessert, baklava, is also made with honey and is something you need to eat at least once on your trip!

The Greek Islands

There are many Greek islands which are ideal for a family vacation. Whether you are traveling with young children or your grandparents, family vacations in Greece can be amazing and unforgettable experiences.

You just need to know where to go, so let’s look at some top destinations.

  • Kokkini Hani, Crete offers different hotels with pools and seashore as well as great activities for the whole family to enjoy.
  • Agios Nikolaos, Crete offers a variety of sights and nearby beaches with shallow, calm waters ideal for young and old alike.
  • Corfu, one of the Ionian islands, offers great beaches and history, and is budget friendly as well.
  • Zakynthos, also in the Ionian islands, offers great beaches, and is great for social teenagers.
  • Milos, in the Cyclades, offers a chance to explore the sea, and is perfect for confident swimmers of all ages.

Visit Greece this summer for the beaches

Greece is a number one destination for vacation-goers wishing to relax, visit ancient ruins and enjoy beautiful beaches — all in the same vacation. Greece recently was ranked second in the world on the 2021 Blue Flag beach quality award list. The country which took first place was Cyprus.

The Halkidiki peninsula in northern Greece, renowned for its golden sand and turquoise waters, swept most of the 545 awards, earning 155 flags.

Crete, with more than 120 green flags, follows and Rhodes is in third place with 63.

History

You can visit so many ruins in Greece that there are truly too many to list. Obviously the major sites, such as the Acropolis and Knossos, are must-sees.

But one of the most enchanting things about Greece is that you can be walking down a street and stumble across priceless ruins from antiquity!

If you would like to experience ancient ruins in a spectacular and unique way, why not swim with the backdrop of the Ancients?

Check out the beach at the ancient ruins of Heraion of Perachora, in the Corinthian Gulf, or the ruins of Agios Stefanos Basilica in Kefalos Bay on Kos, in the Dodecanese archipelago, for some great beaches off the beaten path which boast jaw-dropping views.

Bike Rides

Greece is the perfect place to ride a bike or rent a scooter. One of the best ways to explore the islands of Greece is surely by scooter. For around 15 euros a day you can go where you want, when you want and visit remote destinations well off the beaten path of typical tours.

Many companies offer scooter rentals to visiting tourists because the islands truly are the ideal setting for taking a ride while exploring the countryside.

They all have different insurance policies, so be sure that you know your options and what documents are needed before you rent a scooter in Greece.

When you are looking for an alternative perspective of the Greek islands, plot out a route and take a scooter trip on the less traveled roads.

Greek Culture

Whether you go to a taverna which serves up traditional Greek dishes or a bouzouki club to enjoy traditional Greek music, you will find that there are tons of ways to immerse yourself in Greek culture.

If you want to try something different on your Greek holiday you should consider taking some cooking classes while visiting! It’s the perfect way to learn about the culture and history of one of the most vital elements in Greek society — food!

Nature

Greece has everything from bears to monk seals to sea turtles, which attract animal and nature lovers to the country. The flora and fauna of Greece are as unique as the country itself.

Greece has over 132 regions vitally important for the vegetation of flora and fauna and almost 20 botanical paradises with rare flora.

A perfect way to pass the day in the natural landscape of Greece is by going on one of the many hiking trails which you will find all over the country. Taking one of these hikes will allow you to relax and enjoy nature.

Many times, you will also be able to find campgrounds as well where you can set up a tent and camp out in the unmatched nature of Greece.

Vacations for fitness lovers

Fitness fans and athletes of all types find that there is much more to the mainland of Greece and its surrounding islands than meets the eye.

Did you know that the Peloponnese region of Greece has two of the best hiking trails in all of Greece? Don’t miss hiking Menalon Trail in Arcadia and the trails around the monasteries of Panagia Eleona and Prophet Elias.

There are many companies which offer special group and individual packages for paragliding in Lefkada. The winds are perfect in this region of Greece for amazing paragliding all year round.

The island is also known for other sporty activities such as hiking, rafting, scuba diving, or canyoning.

The summer weather in Greece

There are over 300 days of sunny weather in Greece so it is the perfect place to plan your summer holiday as you are almost sure to not be disappointed by rain or clouds!

Greece does heat up in the summer, so be sure to be prepared for your outings by having adequate water, sun block and hats as well as light, airy clothes packed in your suitcase.

Don’t forget swimwear, because you will be surely tempted to dip into Greece’s incomparable, sparkling turquoise seas!

Experience Greek summer

Really, though, the best reason for you to visit Greece this summer is because the country is like no other. You will find great hospitality, delicious food and unique experiences everywhere you turn — all in the heart of antiquity. Everyone should experience Greece at least once in a lifetime!

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