by Greece Traveller on June 17, 2010
Can’t quite decide where to go in between Greece or Spain for your next vacation? Don’t fret our guide is here to help you out.
Greece, known for its crystal blue waters and it alluring Mediterranean climate, provides the perfect marriage of luxury in a relaxed and sophisticated environment. Greece has the largest amount of islands in Europe, each providing a unique opportunity that will satisfy even the most experienced traveler.
Greece provides an unparallel combination of luxury cosmopolitan accommodations in Athens with beautiful beach resorts in the Aegean islands. The Porto Zante Villas and Spa in Zakynthos is a five star resort featuring private villas with private heated pools, a lavish Mediterranean cuisine and a Spa specializing in Thalassotherapy. In Santorini, the La Mer Deluxe Hotel & Spa, located in the small village of Kamari, offers a mixture of privacy and luxury. In Athens, the Hotel Grande Bretagne has been a stable for luxury accommodations for over 130 years. This hotel, situated in the middle of Athens, is within walking distance to the Parthenon, Syntagma Square, Kolonaki, the old city of Plaka, the mount of Lykavytos and other sites of cultural significance. For more ideas check out the Greek tourism board.
Spain boasts the same flexibility between private island resorts and cosmopolitan luxury lodging. The Hotel Arts in Barcelona is a five star hotel owned by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. It is the preferred hotel for many presidents with spectaculars views of the city and the sea.
The Hostal Reyes Católicos, located in Galicia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest hotels in Spain. It features an architectural combination of gothic, renaissance and baroque styles and is a historic site unto itself, combining rustic elegance with luxury Spanish cuisine. The Hotel Puente Romano in Marbella has rightfully earned its place as one of the Leading Hotels in the World. With its exceptional service and bungalow style villas, it provides immediate access to the beach, with the pool area overlooking the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean Sea. You can also find Luxury hotels in Barcelona which will be sure to amaze and dazzle you in this great city. Also check out the Spanish tourism board for more ideas.
Greece and Spain both offer the utopian style vacations expected by luxury travelers, but with Greece maintaining a more subtle luxury in a very culturally engaging environment. For those seeking a more lavish, over the top experience, Spain provides all the elements for such a travel.
by Greece Traveller on June 8, 2010
The avoidance of peak travel times and crowds can be achieved by visiting the Greek isles between March and June. Ancient tourist sites and local beaches are unfettered, and accommodations will prove inexpensive and readily available during these off season months.
Peak season starts in mid June and ends in August as the season begins winding down. You will find that conditions are once again idyllic from August until about mid-October.
Tourism in Greece goes into sleepy hibernation between October and April with the exception of thriving ski resorts on the mainland. Other than that, few restaurants, tour industries, and hotels remain open for the winter season.
by Greece Traveller on September 13, 2008
The unrivaled Greek islands to visit for ecological endeavors would include Zakynthos, Chios and Crete. Activists and volunteers will revel in eco-tourism opportunities with the Earth, Sea & Sky Center (or) the Sea Turtle Protection Society on Zakynthos. Immerse yourself in eco-tourism activities that ‘count’ as you work with mastic trees that are prevalent in Chios, or even explore opportunities with Masticulture in Mesta. Crete offers secluded mountains at Milia where naturists can enjoy solar powered energy, organic farms and a total unification with nature.
Culinary enthusiasts will find great pleasure on the islands of Folegandros, Corfu, Lesvos, Samos and Crete. Lesvos is celebrated for its production of olive oil, which in recent days, has become widely known for its versatility and tremendous health benefits. Lesvos is particularly attractive offering ouzo restaurants, also known as ouzeries, which combine Turkish and Greek culinary influences to create some of the world’s best seafood specialties. A traditional dish of aperitif is served with appetizers and accompanied by sweet Muscat dessert wine, which is produced locally in Lesvos and Samos.
by Greece Traveller on September 11, 2008
Tourists who fancy a leisurely scenic stroll will find several of the Greek isles to their liking. Among the favorites are Alonnisos, Naxos, Skopelos and the largest of the Greek isles, Crete. Create boasts a diverse landscape ranging from mild sloping plateaus infused with windmills, to weathered canyons and magnificent mountain ranges. Hiking is a decadent pleasure as you journey through wild goat territory, the Kri Kri, or through forested rivers at the southern region of Plakias. In the forest laden isles of Alonnisos and Skopelos, you will notice an abundance of wildflowers and quaint orchards just waiting to be discovered. The lush island of Naxos brings you upon Byzantine churches, Hellenistic towers and primordial temples rich with ancient culture.
The cycling enthusiast will be enthralled with the island of Evia. Evia has delightfully winding country roads that make for a relaxed and meandering journey through the countryside. Kos is another favorite with tourists, and includes an assortment of well-equipped bike rental shops. Bicycling enthusiasts will also delight in the forested trails of Thasos, the site of a popular international cycling race.
If snorkeling and scuba diving get your blood pumping, then behold the island of Karpathos. Karpathos Diving School offers organized dives into caves that are brimming with vividly colored marine life. Leros is a lush island that offers guided reef tours and shipwreck dives that are not to be missed. If real world adventure is what you crave, then Diving Center Milos will acquaint you with dolphins, seals and mysterious creatures of the deep with their professional diving and snorkeling explorations. The island of Paros and the secluded island of Kastellorizo offer amazingly serene snorkeling opportunities for the quietly laid back explorer.
by Greece Traveller on September 10, 2008
Greece is comprised of more than 2,000 islands and is virtually unrivaled in ecological and cultural diversity. Crete, the largest of the Grecian islands, is practically a continent in its own right and resides at the heart of the ancient Minoan civilization. History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike will find a multitude of activities to enrich their experience on these glorious islands, which are rich with historical significance and natural beauty. A typical day might include bicycling, an abundance of water sports, enchanting festivals, and food sampling of local fare.
The leisure traveler will enjoy some of the most extraordinary beaches in the world. Several of the best ‘beach’ islands include Crete, Lipsi, Kefallonia, Skiathos, and Mykonos. If tranquil turquoise waters beckon you, then try the quiet island of Lipsi where you will find Platys Gialos, Kambos beach, or the breathtaking bay at Myrtos Beach in Kefallonia. People watchers will be mesmerized by any one of the 65 beaches of Skiathos, or Koukounaries Beach, which plays host to a variety of tourists. In southern Crete resides Frangokastello Beach where a delightful Venetian Castle colors its spectacular landscape. Alternative beaches such as the nudist-friendly Little Banana Beach and the legendary Super Paradise beach call Mykonos their home, and are popular with the gay and lesbian throng.
The unsurpassed islands for discovering ancient history include Patmos, Rhodes, Delos, and Corfu. In the city of Gape on the island of Rhodes, exists a 14th century Palace of the Grand Masters. The small island of Delos was once dedicated to the Greek God Apollo and mystical shrines to the gods exist in historic harmony with the present age. Mosaic rich architecture captivates the eye at every conceivable turn as you meander through these ancient dwellings. French, British and Venetian architecture can be enjoyed in Corfus for those who enjoy taking a step back in time. The island of Patmos offers almost otherworldly historical implication as you visit the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, and explore the cavern where the book of revelations was brought to life.
by Greece Traveller on September 7, 2008
The fastest, easiest and most economical way to reach Greece from northern Europe is to fly. We are finding that scheduled flights are competitively priced and searching for bargains on charter flights is an unnecessary waste of time.
Should you fancy yourself a sea farer, there are ferries to Patra from Trieste, Bari, Brindisi, Ancona, and the beautiful water city of Venice. Buses and trains between northern Europe and Greece are considered expensive and tenuous, and virtually an extinct method of travel nowadays.
There are ample opportunities to enjoy the convenient array of public transport systems within Greece which include trains, ferries and busses. Methods of travel depend on your mood, and pocketbook, and how you would like to experience the wealth of attractions that Greece graciously offers.
by Greece Traveller on September 6, 2008
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