Greece is a country that could easily overwhelm first-time visitors thanks to its sheer volume of historic and archaeological sites and there are so many places to see and experience. It’s a country that needs to be seen at least once in a lifetime and if you’re fortunate enough to return, there’s always something new to take your breath away.
Today we reveal our suggestions for the best places to go in Greece.
Before we start… a Sale!
The world is slowly starting to open again for some well-deserved travel experiences and so Donegal Daily and Travel Department want to help you fall in love with travel again in 2022 and 2023.
Travel Department is delighted readers of our titles an extra discount of €50pp of off any 2022 holiday to Croatia, Greece, Montenegro or Slovenia of 7 nights or more using the discount code DON50.
This offer is only available until midnight on 13th May 2022, so book today and secure your spot! You don’t want to miss out on your chance to enjoy the holiday you very definitely deserve. Browse and book here: www.traveldepartment.com/greece-holidays-and-tours
If you have any questions, or would simply like to learn more about their wonderful destinations, why not give one of their brilliant team a call on 01 637 1698
Crete
A holiday to Crete is perfect for those seeking some sun, sea and culture! The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is known for its beautiful climate, wonderful beaches, picturesque towns and mountainous landscapes. Heraklion is the largest city of Crete. Among the most outstanding sights of Heraklion are the fortification walls of the “old city”. Discover the ancient Knossos Palace, the birthplace of the Minos civilisation. According to tradition, it was the seat of the legendary King Minos. The Palace is also connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur, and the story of Daedalus and Icarus.
Athens
The land where civilisation began, when you visit Athens it will feel like stepping back in time to Ancient Greece. See the breath-taking Acropolis, an ancient citadel perched on a hilltop overlooking Athens. This wonderful settlement is home to the Parthenon, a beautiful Doric temple, and the Erechtheion, a temple dedicated to Poseidon. Discover the Panathenaic Stadium, host of the first modern Olympic Games and the only stadium in the world that is entirely built of marble. If you have a few extra days in the capital, one of the top day trips from Athens is a cruise around the Saronic Gulf, where you can visit the three wonderful islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina.
Corfu
Corfu, one of the lushest of the Greek Isles, is surrounded by dramatic blue waters and topped with tranquil hillside villages. Make sure to visit the old quarter of Corfu Town, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site or simply explore the island’s secluded coves and sandy beaches.
Santorini
On our Greek Islands & Aegean Sea Cruise, you can discover Santorini, also known as Thira, part of the Cylades island group. It is famous for its stunning whitewash buildings with blue doors and roofs, which correlates with Greece’s national flag. Many tourists visit Santorini to view the beautiful sunsets, which are the best in the world. On most Greek Islands cruises, there’s usually an opportunity to visit the Ancient Greek city of Ephesus in Turkey. It was famous for its Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today you’ll find the remarkable Library of Celsus, one of the iconic sights of Ephesus.
Thessaloniki
On a holiday to Greece, you must visit Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in the country and the capital of Central Macedonia. With over 3,000 years of history, Thessaloniki is considered Greece’s cultural capital. There is plenty to explore, with monuments and traditions dating back to Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Jewish civilisations. Many of the churches are included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
Rhodes
The Colossus of Rhodes, a Greek statue of Greek sun-God Helios and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was erected in Rhodes. Although the statue no longer exists, you can still find plenty of incredible historic sites in Rhodes. We recommend taking a guided excursion to the Acropolis of Lindos, which is set on a steep cliff and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. If you’re visiting during the height of summer, make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and take lots of water, as there is very little shade at the top. Explore the Medieval Old Town of Rhodes, one the few remaining inhabited Medieval cities in the world and a UNESCO Heritage Site with impressive defensive walls.
Mykonos
When you explore Mykonos, you’ll notice some Italian influence in its architecture as it was ruled by the Venetians. For those who have a passion for Greek Mythology, you will know this was where the battle between Zeus and the giants took place. As the story goes, the giants were turned into the jagged rocks which you can see today on the soft sand. One of the best attractions to see in Mykonos are the iconic windmills, which are dotted across the landscapes and were in operation between the 16th and 20th century. Mykonos is also a popular windsurfing destination, hence the name the ‘Island of the Winds’!
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a sun worshiper, a holiday in Greece has something to offer for everyone and there’s so much to see in this diverse country.
See Greece holidays, dates and prices at: www.traveldepartment.com/greece-holidays-and-tours
Travel with Confidence:
Your holiday is a very special time, and Travel Department craft the itineraries to make sure that you get the most enjoyment. The world is continuously changing, and they have been adapting to make sure that they deliver the best experience for you. Their priority is to bring you a wonderful experience safely. So, when you book with Travel Department, you can do so in the knowledge they’ll look after you every step of the way.
Travel Department is Europe’s leading escorted tour operators with over 25 years’ experience of crafting beautifully curated, inspirational itineraries to worldwide destinations, all accompanied by expert local guides. They offer a wide range of guided group holidays from City Breaks to Solo Travel to active and adventure holidays (including Walking, Yoga and Photography holidays) with their sister brand, TD active Holidays.
Flights are available from Dublin, Cork and Belfast in Northern Ireland.
The holiday mood is upbeat and friendly making for a fun, inclusive group where everyone feels welcome.
Travel Department’s escorted holidays typically include flights, accommodation, transfers and guided tours. They carefully plan your trip, so you experience the best holiday highlights accompanied by a friendly local guide. With Travel Department you see more!
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