Greece

Despite recent financial difficulties Greece is a safe-bet for a relaxing summer getaway. With the financial problems there are plenty of great value holidays to be found on the mainland or on one of the many islands.

With one of the world's oldest civilizations and fabulous sunny weather, Greece has much to offer to its visitors. The experiences range from thriving nightclubs to monuments which reflect the golden era of Greek history. The island of Mykonos offers scenic beauty which is unmatched in most of Europe, the sparkling white homes and the blue domes - make for an amazing combination.

Spectacular mountain ranges, endless olive orchards, superb beaches and architecture which carry within it centuries of history, Greece has all this and much more.

There are also pulsating nightclubs, superb hotels and facilities for the tourists, there is accommodation in all shapes and sizes and prices to match every budget. Above all, there is the indomitable Greek sprit, their joy for life and the smile with which they greet every tourist in their country.

Visitor Suggestions:

Must visit:

Delphi - not just for the ancient sanctuary of Apollo, but also for the location of this quaint village on the edge of a cliff.

Must Eat:

Greek food reflects their proximity to the Mediterranean and incorporates within it the influences of its neighbouring countries, Italy and Turkey

Must drink:

For the Greeks, coffee is an essential part of their daily life. Their kafeneia are found in every village, and are popular hangouts among the locals.

When to go:

The best time to visit Greece is spring and autumn, preferably the months of May, June and September and October. During winter most of the tourist facilities close down. Even though peak season is from mid-June till the end of August, the traveller must remember that the temperatures can soar very high and the places are very crowded. If you can travel between the months of Easter and mid-June then you are likely to encounter better weather and fewer tourists and better prices.

Airports:

Athens International Airport located in the suburb of Spata near Athens, is the nation's largest airport and it handles over 17 million passengers annually. There are 16 international airports in Greece, but apart from Athens the other major ones are Thessaloniki, Rhodes and Iraklio (Heraklion) on the island of Crete.

Internal travel can be accomplished by using the ferry or the local bus service. Many people also hire cars and drive around on their own, but then you still have to use the ferry service to travel from one island to the next.