The contrast of its whitewashed houses, decorated with blue domes with the Aegean Sea in the background is even more surprising to contemplate on the spot than on the postcards. With its archipelagos and ancient buildings testifying to a past several thousand years old, Greece is an invitation to stroll, relax to the sound of the cicadas and learn at the same time, while rereading episodes of mythology or the exploits of Ulysses and Hercules.


Beauty and variety of landscapes, rich historical remains, mild climate, coastline and thousands of heavenly islands, healthy cuisine, developed tourist infrastructures with a warm welcome as a bonus, here is what best sums up Greece. A trip to Greece It is a unique opportunity to go back to the roots of Europe, whose civilisation first emerged in Crete. This island preserves vestiges of the Minoan period (2600 B.C.), before the Mycenaean then Greek civilization imposed itself around 800 B.C. Everywhere, temples bear witness to the worship of different gods, Jupiter at the head, while the walls recall the many wars against the Persian then Byzantine and Ottoman invaders, the war against Sparta or the conquests of Alexander the Great. Orthodox worship adds spice to the architecture of more recent churches, with their bulbous roofs. We can also take a flight to Greece only for idleness by the sea, enjoying the sun and the beauty of its Ionian islands (Corfu) or the Aegean Sea so different each time: Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos being the most known, but there are many others less touristic and more authentic.

Greece is made up of a continental and mountainous part in the North, which touches Albania and Bulgaria and whose climate hardens as the relief rises (up to 2900 meters on Mount Olympus). The Peloponnese peninsula, also mountainous, opens its four fingers to the south. Everywhere, the climate is mild and rainy in winter, warm in summer, with temperatures sometimes hot. Spring and autumn are therefore the best times for a pleasant stay.

This country is full of traces dating from the Bronze Age, tools, weapons or vases, and remains in Crete, Mycenae and Thessaloniki. Of course, it is a treasure of sanctuaries, temples and theatres dating from the Greek Golden Age (5th century BC). Besides the Acropolis of Athens, several other archaeological sites are classified as world heritage sites by UNESCO such as Aigai (today Vergina, former capital of Macedonia), Olympia, Delphi or the sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidauros. In Mistras, the traces of the Byzantine occupation have left astonishing medieval ruins. The islands of Delos, Rhodes and Corfu are worth a visit.

It is also a country of monasteries both on the islands (Chios and Patmos, among others) and on the mainland, with the famous Meteora buildings, built by monks withdrawn on top of inaccessible rocky peaks. It is therefore a treat for lovers of history, architecture, civilization or mythology. Homeland of Homer and Socrates, this land was at the origin of current philosophy, sculpture and theatrical art.

In addition, Greece has several national parks around the Olympus, Parnassus and Ainos mountains, the latter being located on the island of Kefalonia. Another amazing place: the Vikos gorges, which are one of the deepest canyons in Europe! Many caves can also be visited, ideal for cooling when the thermometer exceeds 30 degrees. Besides this rich cultural and historical heritage, it is a Mediterranean country where it is good to live, relax, stroll along the narrow streets of whitewashed villages with their characteristic blue roofs and sip a glass of Ouzo.

Art and culture in Greece
Most festivals take place in the open air, during the summer months and often in the unique setting of ancient theatres. Theatre, dance and music are in the spotlight in Athens, while Thessaloniki hosts an international film festival and the ancient theater of Epidauros of opera from June to September. Performances of classical concerts, opera and contemporary music are numerous throughout the country. These include Patras, Naxos and Réthymno. Training in sports activities led to the creation of the first stadiums and especially the Olympic Games.

What to visit in Greece
First hotel holidays in Greece? It is absolutely necessary to see the Acropolis which overhangs Athens and its temples, notably the Parthenon but also the Agora, an ancient public square at the foot of the hill from where the first democratic republic was born. Unforgettable, the temple of Poseidon, perched on the promontory of Cap Sounion, from where you can admire the gulfs of the coastline .