Planning a Vacation to Greece

If you are planning a summer vacation to Greece be sure to make plans to visit the Greek Islands. There are over 6,000 islands that are located in the Aegean Sea, only 227 of which are inhabited. The islands are part of one of the following clusters: the Argo-Saronic Islands, the Cyclades, the North Aegean Islands, the Dodecanese, the Sporades and the Ionian Islands. Thousands of these islands are within minutes of the Grecian shore and all of the islands have their own unique personality and sights to see. With a little research, you won't be asking yourself what to see in Greece when you arrive.

The Island of Crete is the largest and most inhabited of the Greek Islands and offers a taste of Europe's ancient past. Crete is home to the famous Samaria Gorge, which is part of the Greece national park system. Visitors to Samaria Gorge can find Roman influence and evidence of other ancient civilizations that inhabited this island centuries ago and find many endemic species of animals, trees, flowers and other wildlife. Many visitors make Crete part of their Biblical Pilgrimage since it has related significance to Scripture. Crete has its own unique culture, including its own dialect, poetry and music traditions. Many famous writers, actors, and others have come from Crete and history buffs will want to visit the historic site of the WWII Battle of Crete. Many touring companies and hotels offer transportation and tours to the island. Try a cruise to the Greek Islands for breath-taking panoramic views of the scenery.

While the country of Greece offers great accommodations, more than fifty percent of lodging is found on the islands. Almost one third of the Grecian coasts offers beautiful beaches and majestic sunsets that surround the Greek islands. The Greek Islands are a water lover's dream and the Blue Flags of Europe Program lets visitors know which beaches are safe to enjoy sailing, scuba diving, swimming, snorkeling, wind surfing, and more.

Planning a vacation in Greece in advance will give you an opportunity to decide what islands you would like to visit and which local foods you'd like to sample. Discover a variety of dining experiences from authentic Greek dishes, Turkish dishes, Italian dishes, and other delicacies depending which culture you wish to savor.

There are many options for those who love the great outdoors for a leisurely bike ride, walk or hike. Enjoy organized tours where you can take advantage of local favorites with majestic mountain scapes, winding canyons, and gentle river streams. History buffs will be able to walk in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul or see where the Apostle John wrote the book of the Revelation. Europe's oldest roots can be found among the Greek islands. You can visit some of the archaeological sites for a taste of history.

When is the best time to visit Greece and the Greek islands? The locals will tell you that the peak season for tourist is through July though August, when the weather is at its warmest. Greece enjoys four seasons so any time you visit you will find an ever-changing landscape. The end of spring and early fall will bring pleasant warm weather. Fewer crowds travel from December through March due to the cold weather season. As spring approaches visitors to the more northern mountainous areas might see snow covering the peaks. April is probably the best for taking pictures for new flowers in bloom and the new landscapes that cover the region. Ionia, Crete, and the Peloponnese are southern enough to enjoy swimming during the early spring months. Package rates top out from July to September but travel deals can be had year round. Rates may be higher during the peak season and service may not be the same because of the number of tourist that have come for a visit. On the other hand, a visit to the mountains, countryside or less visited areas might keep you away from the crowds during the peak tourist season and still give you a unique vacation experience.

While no trip to Greece is complete without a visit to the Greek Islands, inland Greece has many sights and attractions that should not be missed. Visit historical sights like the Acropolis, the Agora, the Pika, and the National Archaeological Museum. There are also numerous ancient sites, villages, and historical places in Athens, Thessaloniki, Pabra, Kalamata, Volos, Ioannina, Kavala, Sparta, and Alexandroupolis. Stay as long as your budget and your schedule allow for a step a few days back in time. Begin planning your trip to Greece and the Greek Islands today!