Greece is a delightful country that attracts tourists with numerous antiquities, mythical history, and beautiful sea. Here you will have a great rest with the whole family, recharge yourself with positive emotions and become the owners of a gorgeous tan. However, Greece is not homogeneous: part of the country is on the mainland, part on the islands.
Greece: the historic mainland
The mainland of the mythological country should be chosen by fans of excursions. It is here that the main interesting places of Greece are located: Delphi, Meteora, the Athenian Acropolis, Parthenon, Mount St. Athos, etc. You can visit them both with a rented car and with the help of tourist excursions or local transport.
Greece has a well-developed network of buses running between cities. Many of them "climb" to the most distant villages, where you can get to know the life of the indigenous people and buy fresh food.
If you are a holder of a multiple-entry Schengen visa, it is from mainland Greece that you can travel to nearby countries. Italy is usually the main destination for tourists. Also, fans of "distant" excursions go to Albania, Turkey, Macedonia.
A distinctive feature of the mainland is great shopping opportunities. This is especially true for holidaymakers in July / January. It is at this time that big sales begin in stores. Discounts on accessories, footwear and clothing of world brands reach 70%.
The insular part of the country is the best choice for a beach holiday
The Greek islands are a true example of peace and tranquility. Here you are guaranteed a luxurious vacation. The local population welcomes tourists sincerely, always comes to the rescue, and in a restaurant they will listen attentively and clearly fulfill the order.
The territory of Greece has approximately 6,000 islands. However, in the tourist world, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, Zakynthos have won the greatest popularity. These places are often chosen for recreation by world stars.
The Greek islands really have everything you need for quality relaxation. Beaches, grocery and souvenir shops, restaurants with gorgeous cuisine. Be warned, though: those who like nightlife on the island part of Greece can get a little bored. The most adapted to such a pastime are the resorts of the island of Crete.
There is a sea connection between the Greek islands. If you wish, you can visit not one, but several places and be surprised at their dissimilarity. Colossal contrast is, for example, volcanic, "black" Santorini, fashionable Mykonos and green Corfu.
The inhabitants of the Greek islands are a special kind of people. They are very welcoming, calm and kind to tourists. Even if you do not speak their language, in case of difficulties, they will always come to your aid.
When choosing between the islands and the mainland, some tourists recommend starting from the season. For example, if you are planning a trip in the fall or winter, choose the mainland. This is the perfect time for sightseeing and shopping. For a summer vacation by the sea, it is better to prefer the islands, where, due to the presence of winds, the heat is not so strongly felt.