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A land of great myths and otherworldly raw beauty awaits. 

Greece Vacations

Passions are sparked and fulfilled in the playground of the ancients. 

An echo of humankind's greatest thinkers and historians must permeate the warm air where the lightening god, Zeus and the monstrous Minotaur, the Oracle and the Minoan bull jumpers once roamed. 

The birthplace of organized sport in Olympus and sanctuaries and palaces fit for gods with a taste for pleasure and drama, soft sand beaches and dramatic cliffs leading to warm waters: Greece delivers. The peacock blue Aegean has hosted boats on its undulating waves; from the ancient wooden triremes to modern slick yachters, Greece cradles four seas for your amusement. No wonder the great poet, Homer, three millennia ago was inspired by this classic fairyland where names like, Troy and Delphi seduce the imagination. 

Laying at the Southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula Greece is the only European Union country not to share a land boarder. To the north is Albania, Macedonia and Bulgaria, to the east Turkey. With 169 Greek islands divided into the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Sporades, Ionian and the Saronic Gulf, influences from Egypt and Persia, Venice and others left their art, style and fuelled the fantastic tales to be found on these dreamy islands were legends of monsters and goddesses fire the imagination. 

The Dinaric Alps form the backbone of the mainland, while Athens as the heart of art and history drum an endless beat which continues to awe and mesmerize the modern visitor. Swim over a submerged white column off of the possible site of Atlantis in Santorini, hike the open-air museum of Delos where Artemis and Apollo were born and only ghosts remain, party like a rock-star on Mykonos where the best greasy gyro can be had after midnight when liquorishy ouzu needs to be absorbed so the dancing can continue. 

Sitting at a kafenio (coffee shop), sipping an unfiltered strong Greek coffee, you may feel more inclined than ever to sit back and listen to the wind through the gnarled olive trees and wonder if you “know thyself” as Socrates mused once upon a time, maybe right where you are seated.

At a Glance
Population10,335,282
LanguagesGreek
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
CapitalAthens
Places To Go

Handcrafted journeys to our most popular places in Greece.

01Athens
The Acropolis of Athens, Greece, with the Parthenon Temple during sunset
02Rhodes
Aerial photo of beach goes and boats in the bay
03Santorini
Famous Oia blue dome churches at twilight
04Corfu
Aerial view of the coastline shot from the air, showing deep blue colours of the Mediterranean Sea.
05Crete
Amazing view of lagoon with magical turquoise waters, lagoons, tropical beaches of pure white sand
06Mykonos
Mykonos port with boats and windmills at evening
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Captivating tapestry of awe-inspiring antiquity and adventure.   

There’s a reason Greece continues to be one of the top travel destinations in the world; the country is gorgeous, gregarious and full of mystery. The Cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy, Ancient Greece was a crossroad for multiple civilizations over the centuries and their impact can still be seen today. Beyond some of the best archeological sites on the planet, Greece’s many islands rising out of the Aegean and Ionian Seas and its mountainous mainland dotted with the artistic remains of advanced peoples is bound to lead to unlimited adventure.

Aerial view of the beach and Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

The Culture

The sun shines warmly in Greece and the people who live there seem to embody this warmth with each other; it isn’t odd to find friends embracing, linking arms and walking the streets, chatting affectionately. Generous hosts and intensely patriotic about their impressive cultural heritage, the Greeks pride themselves on their filotimo (dignity and honour) and their filoxenia (hospitality). Family life is hugely important and great respect and attention is paid to elderly family members.  

Predominantly Greek Orthodox, the church is part of the cadence of daily life, with locals entering churches to light candles and seek ethereal support from saints who represent their dilemmas. While many monasteries and churches have shawls and long pants to loan tourists, it is ideal to dress with shoulders and legs covered out of respect when visiting.   

Theatre, music, and dance have been a central part of the social lives of Greeks since Hellenism and traditional Greek dances, plays, and music, reminiscent of the marble sculptures holding lutes and harps, or dancing in a circle, arms linked, are still performed and every region has their own styles and traditions. Modern music and dance clubs, especially in Athens and on the island of Mykonos, showcase how the Greeks of today still know how to party like the Ancients.  

Politics and social issues are hotly debated among Greeks but their passion for a good argument is based purely on pleasure, as friendliness and curiosity, a lust for life, and knowledge is all part of the wonderful Greek psyche.  

What is the visiting etiquette in Greece?

The history of hospitality in Greece dates back to Ancient Greece, where being a philoxenia, or a friend to a stranger was supposedly expected, in order to avoid the wrath of the king of all gods, Zeus. Today, hospitality continues to rule modern Greek life as a source of pride. Greeks willingly open their homes to guests, and on all occasions are ready to spend time with family and friends, and celebrate life.

Upon meeting new acquaintances, shaking hands, smiling, and making eye contact is sufficient. A customary kiss (or two!) on the cheek is a greeting reserved for family and friends. When visiting someone’s home, bringing a small gift is customary. Be prepared to raise a glass and toast to yamas (our health) before a meal. This expression emphasizes connection and friendship, celebrating the art of living. Greeks take pleasure in sharing a meal, and they won’t hesitate to keep serving you extra servings as an expression of generosity.

What is Greece best known for?

Stunning historic sites and monuments tied to Ancient Greek mythology capture the delight of travellers, whether seeking an up close look at Zeus’ Mount Olympus or the Parthenon built in honour of goddess Athena. Mythology continues to be relevant in modern day Greece, as its tales birthed democracy, shaped beliefs, and influenced culture. 

The Cyclades Islands with their iconic whitewashed houses, set above the glistening Aegean Sea are on the bucket list of many globetrotters. It can be hard to decide which one to visit, as each has their own personality, but rest assured you’ll consistently find enchanting streets to wander, great beaches, and unique cultural experiences.

What are some Greek traditions?

With roots in Ancient Greece, lively Greek dancing, also known as horos, can be found at nearly every celebration, also at restaurants and social gatherings. There are thousands of Greek dances, but one of the most famous ones is the Syrtaki. You will dance to traditional Greek music that starts off slow, and gets faster, and faster, while in a circle linking arms with one another. Don’t hesitate to join in, your willingness to participate will be admired!

In Greece, coffee is a tradition and part of culture. The coffee is traditionally prepared in a briki, and known to be thick with a strong bold flavour. Meeting up at a coffee shop will involve sitting with friends and chatting for hours.

The largest national celebrations happen during Easter week, filled with rich traditions that reflect Greece’s cultural and religious identity. Families will travel to their home villages to spend time together and celebrate with carnivals, big feasts, and at church.

What are Greek people like socially?

It's a priority for Greeks to enjoy life and spend lots of time with family, and friends. Hospitality and socializing is ingrained in their lives. Greeks are often warm, and willing to chat or answer the questions of travellers. After asking a quick question of a local, you may receive even more advice about where to visit, explore, or eat!

Greeks are known for their lively communication, incorporating amplified body language and tone. Don’t be surprised if you encounter those speaking with hands, standing close, patting backs, and even touching arms. Spirited conversations can be surprisingly loud, but they are not a sign of disagreement, just an attempt to passionately convey emotion and thoughts. Greeks enjoy friendly and curious dialogue, as there is a genuine interest in the well-being of each other. Don’t be surprised if by the end of an evening the farewell is lengthy, brimming with well wishes, and caring embraces.

What language does Greece speak?

Greek is the language of the land and although English is often spoken by the younger generation as Greeks typically start learning English in elementary school. you will find many locals that speak English, especially in areas frequented by travellers. Italian, French, and German are also commonly understood. A friendly kalimera (good morning) or efcharistó (thank you) will go a long way as Greeks take deep pride in their language and appreciate visitors who attempt to speak it.

Travel Stories

Get inspired about Greece.

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