Greece's reputation is well established, and many tourists fly to this destination in the summer. That's why we recommend you go in spring, when the temperatures are pleasant and the crowds have not yet arrived. But where exactly can you go? The country is vast, with no fewer than 6,000 islands! Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Navagio Bay on the island of Zakynthos in the Ionian Sea.
- © eugenesergeeve/123RF
The Cyclades are considered to be Greece's most beautiful destination. This is where you'll find magnificent white and blue villages and incredibly beautiful waters. Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Amorgos, Naxos... You're sure to be charmed by the scenery and the ever-present Greek atmosphere!
View of Santorini's white buildings with blue roofs.
- © Zoomzoom / 123RFIn a slightly different style to the Cyclades, the Dodecanese islands are just as magnificent. This is where you'll find one of the best known: Rhodes. Not far away is the island of Simy, a small port lined with large mansions in yellow, pink and red, overlooking the coast.
The isthmus links the island of Prassonissi to Rhodes.
- © eugen_z / ShutterstockIt's hard not to fall under the spell of the Ionian Islands, located to the west of the Greek mainland. The island of Corfu, long occupied by the Venetians, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit Kefalonia, with its charming, authentic villages in the heart of magnificent natural landscapes and crystal-clear coves.
A typical Corfu beach.
- © Todoran Andrei / ShutterstockThessaloniki is Greece's second largest city. Young and lively, this is where you can experience modern Greek life: strolling along the seafront, enjoying a drink on a terrace, sampling food in the tavernas and shopping in the boutiques. If you stop off in Thessaloniki, don't leave until you've enjoyed an incredible view and a marvellous sunset over the sea and mountains as you climb the ramparts of the old town.
La ville de Thessalonique en Grèce.
- © frantic00 / ShutterstockThe region of Chalkidiki lies in the north of the country, on the mainland. Comprising three peninsulas, Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos, it is a little-known region. Yet it abounds in breathtaking scenery, between sea and nature. It is also very popular with the Greeks. Of the 3 peninsulas, only Mount Athos is inaccessible: it is home to several monasteries, requires authorisation to enter and can only be visited by men.
Un monastère sur le mont Athos en Grèce.
- © Ovchinnikov Pavel / ShutterstockThe village of Monemvasia is one of the most beautiful in Greece. Situated in the south-east of the Peloponnese, Monemvasia is perched on a rock and is only accessible via a bridge. This authentic little medieval village boasts unique architecture and incredible views over the Mediterranean. There is a shopping street in the lower town. In the old town, the best thing to do is get lost in the narrow streets, visit the Byzantine churches and walk around the ramparts.
Monemvasia dans le Péloponnèse en Grèce.
- © Marianna Ianovska / Shutterstock
