Gradually the magic of the island settled over us as gently and clingingly as pollen. Each day had a tranquillity, a timelessness, about it so that you wished it would never end. But then the dark skin of night would peel off and there would be a fresh day waiting for us, glossy and colourful as a child’s transfer and with the same tinge of unreality.
Gerald Durrell, My Family and Other Animals
Greece holiday experts at WEXAS will tailor-make all aspects of your itinerary to create a Greece holiday, personal to you.
Greece, the mainland and its islands, covers a vast range of landscapes and cultural activities. Major historic sites, such as the Parthenon on the Acropolis, are found in Athens and its surrounds, though Greece’s classical heritage is visible just about everywhere, to some degree. The splendour of Delphi stands out as one site not to be missed.
Of its islands, Crete offers the best opportunity for hiking, with walks across its rolling landscape in spring, when fields are covered in lush wildflowers, being a highlight. White and blue villas characterise the Aegean islands, while Mykonos stands out as the party island, with a large gay following.
In the Ionian Sea, Corfu remains the most popular, and is the most developed by way of throbbing nightclubs, but those requiring a more tranquil surround will prefer Kefalonia – though visitors here have increased significantly since Louis de Bernières’ Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Neighbouring Ithaca is still awaiting its tourist boom after the publication of Homer’s Odyssey…
Contact a Greece expert to prepare a personal itinerary and a no-obligation quote.
Greece facts
Capital: Athens
Language: Greek.
People: Greek.
Religion: Greek Orthodox.
Size (sq km): 131,957.
Population: 10,706,290.
Population density/sq km: 81.1.
Etiquette
With a strong sense of history and culture, customs may vary throughout the country, but the people retain a great sense of unity. The Greek Orthodox Church has a strong influence on rural people's way of life. Throwing the head back is a negative gesture. Smoking is prohibited in public.
Shopping
Lace, jewellery, metalwork, pottery, knitwear, furs, rugs, leather goods, local wines and spirits.
Food & drink
Charcoal grilled meat and kebabs, dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), moussaka and avgolemono (chicken broth with rice, eggs and lemon juice) are found everywhere. They are often preceded by a selection of meze (appetisers). Retsina wine is made from pine-needle resin. Spirits include ouzo, which is aniseed-based.
International Airports
Athens (ATH) 14 km from the city. International airports on most major islands.
Internal travel
Cheap and easy to travel round the islands on frequent ferry and boat services. Good road network on the whole. Train services from Athens to northern Greece and Peloponnissos. Buses connect to most small villages as well as larger towns and cities.
Red tape
Visas
(UK/US) None.
Vaccinations
Hep A, Hep. B, TBE
Driving requirements
National driving licence acceptable for EU nationals, otherwise an International Driving Permit and contact with ELPA (Automobile & Touring Club of Greece). EU nationals taking their own cars must obtain a Green Card for stays over three months.
Reps in UK/US
UK: 1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP, tel (020) 7229 3850, fax (020) 7229 7221, email political@greekembassy.org.uk US: 2221 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 939 1300, fax (202) 939 1324, email greece@greekembassy.org.
UK/US reps in Greece
UK: 1 Ploutarchou Street, 106 75 Athens, tel (210) 727 2600, fax (210) 727 2720. US: 91 Vasillisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens, tel (210) 721 2951, email AthensAmEmb@state.gov.
Currency
Euro (€) = 100 cents.
Finance
Credit cards and traveller's cheques widely accepted.
Business hours
0800-1430 Mon, Wed, Sat. 0800-1400, 1730-2030 Tue, Thu, Fri.
Safety & life expectancy
Safety information
Safe.
Life expectancy
Life expectancy: M 76.85, F 82.06.
Useful websites for travel
www.greekembassy.org.uk, www.gnto.co.uk, www.greekembassy.org, www.greektourism.com, www.hri.org/infoxenios, www.athensguide.com, www.athens-today.gr, www.crete.tournet.gr, www.ionian-islands.com, www.helios.gr/rhodes.
Local media
The Athens News is printed in English.
Tourist boards
UK: 4 Conduit Street, London W1S 2DJ, tel (020) 7495 9300, fax (020) 7495 4057, email info@gnto.co.uk. US: Olympic Tower, 645 Fifth Avenue, 9th floor, Suite 903, New York, NY 10022, tel (212) 421 5777, email info@greektourism.com.
Below is a selection of some ideas for holidays to Greece. This is simply a taste of what we can offer. If you're interested in a specific Greece itinerary then please call one of our consultants on 0845 643 6563.
Built in an enchanting location, this exclusive hotel with its strong emphasis on privacy and intimacy has its own private sandy beach and stunning infinity pool overlooking the azure Mediterranean and is just 2km from Aghios Nikolaos....
Nestled on the famed coast of Elounda on the island of Crete, the Blue Palace boasts spectacular views of Crete’s coastline and relics of Spinalonga Island. A stylist, charming resort, the Blue Palace Resort & Spa is the perfect hideaway to combine a... Please call 0845 643 6563 for price details.
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Visit the land of myths and legends and discover the scenery and stories that surround the Roman domination, the Byzantine Empire, the Crusades through to modern times as centuries of Greek history unfolds in front of you.... Price from £800
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Take advantage of these 2012 special offers from 5-star Oceania Cruises... Price from £999
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The Grace Mykonos is an intimate, exclusive, boutique hotel located just north of Mykonos Town above the sandy and protected beach of Agios Stefanos.
... Please call 0845 643 6563 for price details.
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Enjoy champagne breakfasts each morning in what Condé Nast Traveller's Gold List has called the 'Best Location in Europe'.
Almost any Santorini hotel worth its salt is set on a hillside, but the Grace is giddyingly high, cascading down a st... Please call 0845 643 6563 for price details.
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Take advantage of these 2012 special offers from 5-star Oceania Cruises... Price from £1216
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Mykonos and Santorini are the jewels in the crown of the Greek Cyclades islands. Combine the cosmopolitan and heady island Mykonos, famed for it's beaches, restaurants and nightlife with the romance and beauty of Santorini in this luxury 7-night tailor-mad... Please call 0845 643 6563 for price details.
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Aldemar Royal Mare Village is located near the traditional tavernas, cobbled streets and local craft shops of the lively Old Town of Hersonissos on the northern coast of Crete.... Please call 0845 643 6563 for price details.
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Warm Mediterranean climate with dry hot summers (April-September). Most rain falls between November-March.
GMT +2.
Euro (€) = 100 cents.
Get foreign currency online