Greece Hotels

Between the mild weather, Mediterranean scenery, rich history and world-renowned landmarks, Greece is a tourist paradise. One way to take in all that Greece has to offer is to schedule a cycle holiday where you can take in the rural countryside, coastal trails or city streets up close and personal by bike, while also getting your fair share of heart-healthy exercise.

Blessed with beautiful beaches, azure waters, and a rich historic legacy, Greece is the sort of place that offers a little something for everyone. However, many a visitor never gets past Athens or a cruise of the Aegean, and there is much more to Greece than that. A few places offer well-rounded packages in locations that are well outside of crowded Attica.

Greece is an ancient land that has been deemed the birthplace of Western philosophy, literature, drama and democracy. It was the home of the first Olympic games, as well as philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Greece's warm climate and rich past draw many tourists each year, and a number of the country's cities have a great deal to offer visitors.

Santorini (also known as Thera) is one of approximately 6,000 Greek islands. It is located in the Aegean Sea in southwestern Europe. The island is popular with tourists for its natural beauty, its warm, sheltered waters and its enduring ancient culture. The volcanic island is of great archeological interest as the site of one of the biggest volcanic explosions in recorded history. A well-developed tourism industry means visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation, travel, activities and excursions. Visitors of any ages and interests will find as much or as little activity as they desire on Santorini.

Less than three miles away from the coast of Turkey, Kos is one of the largest Greek islands in the south Sporades region. Surrounded by mountain ranges and the Aegean Sea, this island has a 70-mile long coastline with beaches that many tourists frequent. Aside from its picturesque villages and sandy shores, this place has plenty of clubs and bars where visitors can lounge and unwind after a day of swimming, snorkeling, diving or kayaking.

Take your own Greek odyssey and sail across the wine-dark sea to fabled islands and ruins clustered in the Aegean. A sailboat is a relaxing way to journey from port to port, and choosing a route through the Cyclades includes some of the highlights of Greek tourism. When to go, where to go and who helms the boat are key questions in planning a Cyclades cruise.

Karpathos has a long and rich history that is evident when visiting many of its unspoiled villages and pristine beaches. Prior to the 1980s, Karpathos had very few hotels and a nearly non-existent tourist industry; since then, however, the southern part of the island has been infused with modern construction and a vibrant tourist industry. It is known for its friendly people, picturesque villages, beautiful beaches and a laid-back nightlife. Each of the main tourist areas offers a variety of lodging options.

Greece's unique geography presents problems for travelers with limited time and money to see regional attractions. The U.S. Department of State notes that Greece features more than 1,400 islands within the Aegean Sea. These islands span from Rhodes just south of Turkey to Othoni off the coast of Albania. International travelers can arrange for yacht tours and boat trips of Greece's regional island groups to encounter attractions ranging from ancient to modern.

Bordering Albania, Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of), Bulgaria and Turkey, Northern Greece is often overlooked by tourists in favor of the country’s Mediterranean south and islands. Made up of Epirus, Thrace, Macedonia and Thessaly, this part of the Greek mainland has many cities, natural attractions and cultural heritage spots to explore. Some highlights are its Aegean beaches, Mount Olympus National Park and the cosmopolitan city of Thessaloniki.

Although Greece continues to yield art and artists, such as the 20th-century expressionist painter Theodoros Stamos, Greece made most of its contributions to Western classical art in the ancient period. During this period, from roughly 750 to 146 B.C., Greek art flourished and spread to other lands, where it heavily influenced the art and architecture of other cultures.

Santorini is the southernmost island of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, and is part of Greece. As a result of a volcano eruption about 1500 B.C., 3/4 of the island was submerged. A regular stop for cruise ships and visitors touring the Greek Islands, Santorini, or Thira, offers tourists romantic sunsets and a myriad of shopping venues.

Sun-filled days mixed with cool evening breezes draw tourists to the stunning Greek island of Santorini. Located about 125 miles southeast of the mainland of Greece, Santorini is part of the Cyclades group of Aegean islands. Ideal weather conditions make this one of the world’s top travel destinations.

Mediterranean cruise itineraries often include stops on the Greek island of Santorini. With its white washed walls, aqua waters and dramatic caldera backdrop, Santorini is a stunning location that offer visitors many activities. Whether you prefer sunbathing on black sand beaches, tasting the best wines the island has to offer, or participating in water sports, it's easy to find an excursion in Santorini.

Santorini is a member of the Cyclades Islands off the coast of Greece. According to Frommer's, the island is also known by the name “Thira.” The harbor of Santorini was actually formed around 1500 B.C. When a volcano erupted and blew out the center of the island. The harbor is part of the crater, or caldera, that was formed as a result of the eruption. If you are anxious to see the clear blue waters of the caldera there is more than one way for you to get to the island.

The art and architecture of a civilization exist in multiple forms. Whether it is expressed in the visual arts, the artistry of the intellect and imagination or the construction of buildings that reflect religious and civic practices, the creative works of Greece depict its history and the character values of its people. At one time, Greece was a powerful force in the world. A study of these ancient disciplines allows insight into the society from which the culture of Greece evolved and the influences they had on future civilizations.

The volcanic island of Santorini is located in the southern Aegean Sea and is the largest island of the Santorini archipelago. A natural lagoon, nearly 400 m deep at its center, forms Santorini's only harbor. A number of yachting companies operate from the island's capital, Fira, which is situated on a cliff overlooking the lagoon.

With more than 2,000 islands from which to choose, picking a Greek island to visit requires careful planning and a commitment to what activities you wish to pursue. The islands are divided into six groups, including the popular Cyclades, the more remote Northern Aegean islands and the southernmost Dodecanese. All except the Ionian Islands can be accessed via a network of ferries from Athens' Piraeus port. Ferries from the mainland of west Greece serve the Ionian Islands, which are popular with package tour operators that fly direct from northern Europe.

Greeks believed that all art was derived from godly beings called the muses. In fact, the word music was originally used for all forms of art, even though today the word only refers to art created through the production of sounds. Ancient Greek art is commonly referred to today as Classical art, although the influence of those master artists has survived throughout the ages.

Mykonos is one of the most popular Greek vacation islands. It is a year-round destination, although the peak season is from May to October, when the weather is warmest. Mykonos has something for everyone, with archaeological sites, picturesque villages, traditional Greek food, beautiful coastline and a lively entertainment scene. The island's beaches range from small, quiet coves to wild party beaches, and one of the best-known is Agios Ioannis Beach, which was the location for the movie "Shirley Valentine."

Greece has both an ancient history and a dynamic present; from archaeological sights to film and music festivals, there's a lot to see and do. You can view the marble statue of Aphrodite at the National Archaeological Museum, check out the indie rock scene in Salonika and marvel at the contemporary art in Athens' small galleries.

Greece straddles the southeastern fringes of Europe and the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea, offering travelers a wealth of holiday options. Known as the birthplace of western civilization, Greece brims with ancient architecture and impressive ruins. The country also boasts a smattering of fine beaches, upscale resorts and chic nightlife venues, providing a diverse array of attractions for vacation-goers to select from. Understanding the Greek transportation infrastructure and climate will help tourists gauge their itineraries to make the most of this country's splendid destinations.

Cruising through Greece and Turkey is a fantastic way to see the cradle of Western civilization like the ancient seafarers once did. Many of the major cruise lines offer vacations that range from seven to 21 nights aboard their ships. Most of the cruise itineraries concentrate on the Greek Isles but will always include the Western coast of Turkey in their voyages.

Sailing in Greece is a prominent tourist activity that allows visitors to explore the mainland and islands from a whole different vantage point. Instead of cruising around the islands on a ship with a specific itinerary set to accommodate hundreds of people, when charter sailing in Greece, you get to choose where to go, what to do and how you want to see Greece.

Of all the world's living cultures, Greece's is among the most ancient. Ethnic Greeks have inhabited the area since 1000 B.C., and the nation as we know it today dates to 1830, when it won independence from the Ottoman Empire. Greece is among the most homogeneous nations, with 98 percent of its population sharing an ethnic identity, as well as a strong Greek Orthodox religious tradition.

Greece often is referred to as the birthplace of Western civilization. With a vast wealth of archeological ruins, museums and architecture, this Mediterranean country has many castles, or fortresses, built by the Ottomans, Venetians, Byzantines and ancient Greeks. These structures, many constructed to protect the locals from outside attacks, now are open to tourists; some even have theaters for concerts and other performances.

Greece, known as the birthplace of democracy, has many well-preserved ancient monuments throughout its cities and on its islands. Remnants of the Greek and Minoan civilizations provide destinations for travelers along with an intimate glimpse into how people lived in ancient times. Those considering Greece as a vacation destination should note that as of April 2011, the U.S. State Department cautioned travelers about Greece's political volatility, urging tourists to exercise caution within the country and to bypass areas where citizens are holding demonstrations.