Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Greece
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| | | A friendly welcome |  | Why go on holiday to Greece?
Greece has a long and colourful history, and its legacy is all around you. The people are famously welcoming and the islands a delightfully relaxing destination.
How much does it cost?
Depending where and when you go, self-catering or villa packages start at about £250 for seven nights and from £400 for seven nights half board in a good hotel. Flight-only deals to Athens start at about £150 and hotel rooms are cheap (from £10 per night), clean and easy to find when you arrive, particularly on the islands, though if you're travelling in high season, rooms (domatia) will be harder to find.
When should I go?
Summers are long and hot - average 32C (87F) - so it's best to go then. During the mild but wet winters (15C /59F), many tourist facilities shut, especially on the islands.
The Athens Festival runs from mid-June to the end of August and includes classical music concerts and dance performances by national and international dance companies and orchestras.
* Feeling inspired? Book a break to Greece.
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| | | Islands in the sun |  | What should I do while I'm there?
Visit the ancient historic capital Athens to see the stunning ancient Acropolis, the Parthenon and the enormous National Archaeological Museum. A handful of smaller museums are also worth a look, such as the National Art Gallery.
There are three main parks in Athens which provide a shady refuge during the summer: the National Gardens, Zappeio Gardens and Areos Park. See Greek folk dance by the Dora Stratou Dance Company on the western side of Filopappos.
What else is on the mainland?
The Peloponnese used to be part of the mainland until a canal was built separating it in the late 19th century. It is now joined by a bridge and is worth visiting for mountains, citrus groves, cypress trees and many fine beaches.
If you visit northern Greece, you could climb Mount Olympus and feel at one with the ancient Greek gods.
Most tourists neglect central Greece with its mountains, greenery and wetlands, but the spectacular rock pillar monastries of Meteora, the ancient oracle of Delphi and, the lush mountain villages of the Pelion Peninsula are well worth a look.
How about the islands?
Most holidaymakers go to one of the 1,400 or so islands. The most well-known include Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Mykonos and Kos. These islands are big package tour destinations and in the summer months are brimming with British visitors.
Although they cater to these tourists - nightclubs, British food and wet T-shirt competitions abound - they have by no means lost their authenticity and it is usually possible to find a relatively quiet beach.
However, islands such as Hydra, Kefalonia and Sifnos are prettier, more tranquil and relatively unspoilt.
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| | | Delicious food | | Where's good for nightlife?
Nightclubs can be found in big cities and resort areas, especially on the bigger islands. Even the small islands have bars and small clubs.
Some clubs in Athens such as Plus Soda and Kingsize operate only in the winter months from October to April (in the summer the action moves to coastal suburbs such as Ellinikon and Glyfada).
The main rock venue in Athens is Rodon Club at Marni 24 Omonia which hosts bands most Friday and Saturday nights and jazz fans should head for Half Note Jazz at Trivonianou 17, Mets, to catch live jazz bands.
What's the food like?
Your visit to Greece will not be complete if you don't sample some of the local food, which relies on fresh ingredients.
Specialities include tzatziki - a cucumber and yoghurt dip, Greek salad - consisting of feta cheese, olives, peppers, onions and tomatoes with oregano and olive oil and dolmades - stuffed vine leaves.
Fresh fish dishes are also popular on the islands and vegetarians are often surprised at how easy it is to find food to their liking.
What should I buy?
The area west of the Plateia Monstirakiou in Athens is the main shopping area and consists of a few shops selling high quality goods, and a huge flea market on Sunday mornings. You will find everything here, new, second or third-hand goods.
If it's local produce you're after, then The National Welfare Organisation's Hellenic Folk Art Gallery on the corner of Apollonos and Ipatias is great for handicrafts such as knotted carpets, rugs, cushion covers, pottery, copper and woodwork.
Most of the islands have small shopping areas where you can buy groceries and souvenirs, including local handicrafts.
What is there for children to do?
In the resorts there will be no shortage of things for children to do, what with all the beaches and the hotel organised activities.
In Athens the Children's Museum in Plaka is a bit like a playgroup with its games rooms and exhibits for children to explore. In the Museum of Children's Art, also in Plaka, kids can let loose their creative energy with free crayons and paper.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London W1S 2DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
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| | Available rental properties in Greece |
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| |  | | VILLA AGNANTI
LUXURIOUS VILLA 4 STARS, 13 ensuite BEDROOMS accommodating up to 30 pax.Picturesque location near Athens ideal for BEACH HOLIDAYS & visits to ATHENS.Pool, jacuzzi,butler service staff 24 hours.
|  | | VILLA SANTORINI VOLCANO VIEW
THIS IS VILLA -CAPTAIN HOUSE, WITH BREATHTAKING VIEW OF THE VOLCANOS AND THE OCEAN. IT IS LOCATED IN OIA AND ACCOMMODATES 8 PERSONS
|  | | Villa Challis, Kokkino Chorio, Crete
Three bedroom detached house with air conditioning, private pool, half an acre of land and beautiful views of the Mediterranean and mountains. 10 minutes from the blue flag sandy beaches of Almyrida
|  | | The Stonehouse
The stonehouse is a villa with private pool overlooking the bay of Keratokampos on the quiet south coast where life is laid back and relaxing with plenty to do around this beautiful island
|  | | Medieval Center of the Old Town in Rhodes
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE CITY medieval Old Town, within the old town wall 13th century,wireless,150 m Synagogue/Museeum/Phone/Supermarket, 500 m Seehorse fountain,Restaurants ,Shopping,Beach ,Diving
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