Introduction
With countless islands to explore and a mainland with a solid year-round tourism industry, history-rich Greece is as popular with modern holidaymakers as it was with the Grand Tourists of the 17th and 18th centuries. There’s something here for every holidaymaker, from keen walkers to history buffs to sun-worshippers.
On this page you’ll find links to Greece articles from Travel Weekly and elsewhere on the web, plus travel facts, key resorts and travel agent reviews from Gazetteers.com.
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Key resorts
This is a brief overview. Get links to in-depth details, including reviews from other travel agents, on Gazetteers.com.
To subscribe to Gazetteers.com freephone 0800 731 0163 or +44(0)208 652 4526.
Laganas
Location: On the south coast, five miles soutwest of Zakynthos and three miles southwest of the airport.
Market: For the young and lively who want to dance the night away. Also for families who don’t mind some noise from discos and bars. The centre of the resort is not for those who want a quiet or peaceful holiday.
Malia
Location: On the north coast. Four miles east of Hersonissos. Five miles west of Sissi. 20 miles east of Heraklion airport.
Market: Young singles, couples, families – all fun/sun seekers who want a full-on party town at a value price. In high season it appeals mainly to rowdy British youngsters – anyone over 22 is likely to feel old.
Sidari
Location: On the western part of the long north coast. 4 mls west of Roda. 26 mls northwest of Corfu Town and its airport.
Market: Safe, quiet, family package-holiday destination, towards the budget end of the market. British orientated. Walkers will appreciate the gentle hills and impressive inland scenery.
Hersonissos
Location: On Crete’s north coast, 17 miles east of Heraklion and 23 miles northwest of Aghios Nikolaos. 16 miles east of Heraklion airport.
Market: The main resort is a busy town with an attractive waterfront and healthy nightlife. Less suited to beach connoisseurs or those looking for a traditional town. The outlying hill villages and agricultural areas offer a quieter, less commercial environment. Predominant nationalities are German, Scandinavian and Irish.
Lassi
Location: On the southwest coast. Two miles southwest of Argostoli; three miles northwest of the airport.
Market: Middlemarket and upmarket couples, singles and families in search of sun, sand and comfortable surroundings but not an authentic Greek experience. Visitors are predominantly British. Anyone looking for wild nightlife will be disappointed.
Tsilivi
Location: Towards the centre of the north coast, four miles northwest of Zakynthos and six miles northwest of the airport.
Market: A family-orientated resort, also suitable for couples. Predominantly British with a smattering of German and Dutch. Lots of Greek visitors in July and Aug.
Skiathos
Location: In the Sporades group of islands, just three miles off the mainland coast in the Aegean Sea.
Market: Middlemarket, families and couples. Younger singles prefer Megali Amos.
When to go
The holiday season runs from Easter to October. Temperature ranges from twenty to thirty degrees.
Summers are hot with a distinct three month dry period.
Winter is the wettest season, and is generally mild although cold spells can occur. It brings frequent snow to the mountain regions. Snow is not uncommon on the rest of the mainland, but rare on the islands.
Spring and autumn are short seasons with changeable weather.
Facts and figures
Where?
- Location: Southern Europe
- Capital: Athens
- Time difference: Three hours ahead (March-October); Two hours ahead (October-March)
Basics
- Language(s): Greek. English is widely spoken.
- Dialling code: 30
- Driving: Driving is on the right. EU driving licence valid for 1 year. Minimum driving age is 18.
- Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Money
- Currency: Euro (EUR 1 = 100 Cents)
- Notes: EUR: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500
- Coins: EUR: 1, 2. Cents: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50
- Tipping: Around 10% for restaurants and taxis.
- Credit cards/Travellers cheques: Widely accepted.
Etiquette and customs
Many executives speak a second language. At meetings Greek coffee will be offered. People often use gestures when speaking. Head nodding or up and down movement may indicate no. Smoking is generally accepted but is restricted in public buildings and on public transport.
On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be reasonably punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 18 years.
Travel agents’ resort reviews
Laganas
Stayed here in September 2008 with club 18-30 and had a brilliant time. Watch out for pick pocketers, we saw some in action and they are usually Greek kids. The beach is nice and has a lovely gently shelving sea. There are lots of men trying to sell you sunglasses, CDs, jewellery etc! No water sports are allowed because of the loggerhead turtles so book a trip to St Nicholas beach.
Malia
Malia was absolutely fabulous the strip is massive there are so many different bars and clubs to suit all tastes. There are lots of restaraunts and on your way back from your night out you can buy big slices of pizza for 3 euros which were beautiful. The carvery at the Red Lion on a Sunday was to die for.
Sidari
I was disappointed with the size of the resort, there is only one main street and when I went (late August) there were more shops closed than open! And bars actually. The beach is nice though. But I have to say that it was a fairly clean resort.
HersonissosI went to Hersonissos for the first time in May 2002, returned another two times that summer because I loved it so much! It gets very busy in high season with loads of Dutch and British young people coming over. In 2003 and 2004 I stayed there all summer and worked in a bar close to the harbour. Great atmosphere and not too big, excellent for young people going away for the first time!
Lassi
Having read Captain Corellis Mandolin back in 1996 I was inspired to make my first visit to Kefalonia, and was not disappointed! We stayed in Lassi, a mid-sized resort with a fabulous white sandy beach and crystal clear waters.
Skiathos
I have been three times now! This island is a gem! It doesn’t matter where you stay or what style of accommodation you have as there is plenty to do. The best place to stay is either Skiathos town or Koukounarias.
Reviews taken from Gazetteers.com.
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