Greece has long been a favourite destination of ours, equally brilliant both for honeymooners looking for a tranquil escape, and for families avoiding the rain of the English summer. So, we have put together a list of our top five best experiences in Greece, ranging from monasteries on the mainland to sailing off the coast on the Ionian Sea. It's time to start planning your next Greek holiday and begin working your way down the list...
Monasteries of Meteora
While the islands tend to steal the Grecian limelight, inland the country has just as much, if not more, to offer. A prime case in point is the remote region of Meteora, famed for its monasteries. These religious buildings are so extraordinary because they sit in seemingly inaccessible locations, perched high up on rocky cliffs. They truly are a sight to behold, unique not just in Greece but in the whole of Europe. If you hadn't considered exploring inland Greece before, you should definitely reconsider.
Sunset in Santorini
Santorini was formerly known as 'Kalliste' or 'the beautiful one', and it's not hard to see why. Often considered the most scenic of the Greek islands, Santorini is a sea of white and blue buildings set on rugged volcanic slopes. This spectacular setting unsurprisingly results in some very special sunsets stretching across the horizon over the edge of the caldera; with the town of Oia being the ultimate spot to get the best sunset views on the island. By day, take a boat trip out into the caldera to truly appreciate the size of the volcano that created this island.
Deserted Beaches of the Peloponnese
Another often overlooked Grecian gem is the Peloponnese, but the very fact that this region is underrated is exactly what makes it so special. Here you'll find blissfully secluded coves and bays with white sand beaches and sapphire waters, contrasted with mountainous scenery and rolling hills dotted with olive trees. Head out on a boat from your hotel to find a deserted cove and spend your days flopping in and out of the sapphire waters without a soul to disturb you.
Party in Mykonos
Mykonos has all of the charm and beauty of other Greek islands, with its whitewashed buildings and trademark windmills, but added into the mix on this island you will find some of the best clifftop clubs in Europe. It's no surprise that Mykonos has a reputation for being the 'party island', and if you want to combine idyllic Greek island life with a night or two out on the tiles, there is nowhere better.
Sailing in the Ionian Sea
The islands of the Ionian Sea are some of the most beautiful in the entire Mediterranean, with water so blue it almost doesn't look real. While there are some fantastic hotels on land overlooking the sea, we say go one better and stay aboard a luxury yacht to get even closer to these azure waters. Spend your days sunbathing on the deck, stopping off at beachfront tavernas for a lazy lunch and making use of the water sports equipment stowed away on board.
