To Greece on your own: useful resources and recommendations. Greece on my own

We will tell you where to go for the first time in Greece. Three areas have been chosen: active rest, lie on the beach and places with cool sights.

Greece just seems like a small country. In fact, each of its regions is a whole world filled with ancient monuments, picturesque beaches and places that remain in memory for a long time. Therefore, when going here for the first time, tourists rightly ask themselves questions: from which island or part of the mainland to start their acquaintance with Hellas? Some prefer a leisurely vacation on the idyllic coast, others do not miss the opportunity to see the legendary monuments of history. Let's try to figure out where to go to Greece for the first time.

See the sights of Greece

Nowhere is the atmosphere of the rich past of Greece felt so much as in Athens. And at the same time, none of the Greek cities can boast of a more rapid development. Megapolis, and once - the center Western civilization, preserved the most iconic landmarks Southern Europe, about which many have heard from school textbooks.

Excursions to the sights of Athens should begin with the Acropolis, the heart of which is the Parthenon and the temple of Zeus. Not far from the Acropolis is the Agora - the center of life of ancient Athens with its temple of Hephaestus.

The capital of Greece is rich in museums. It is difficult to choose one of them to visit - the presented collections are so interesting. But among the most impressive are the Benaki Museum, the Acropolis Museum and the Cyclades Museum.

Even the districts of Athens are attractions with a special atmosphere. For example, Monastiraki with the flea market of the same name or the picturesque Plaka, whose buildings stand on the foundations of ancient structures. There is also Anafiotika - an area with its architecture more reminiscent of the Cyclades.

Are you planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help save money at the stage of preparation for the trip.

If you want to get to know the ancient Greek sights better, you can settle in the Peloponnese. This is an excellent starting point for organized excursions, and for independent travel. The most legendary places in Greece are concentrated in the Peloponnese: the archaeological park of Mycenae, the once mighty Epidaurus, the ruins of Tiryns, Delphi with its sanctuaries and Olympia, to which the world owes the appearance of the Olympic Games.

In the North of Greece, the region of Thessaly extends, past which amateurs cannot pass sightseeing holiday. It is famous not only for its excellent landscapes, but also for its rich history. Here, the most popular object to visit was Olympus - the highest mountain range country covered with legends. Today it has been transformed into national park. Nearby is Meteora, one of the iconic and most important religious sites in Greece. The monasteries, which rise on the rocks and seem to float in the air, receive a stream of believers and tourists all year round.

Relax on the beach in Greece

Greece has been recognized for many years in a row the best country Europe by the number of clean and picturesque beaches. There is no doubt about it: every summer the number of people who want to lie on the Greek coast and forget about the bustle of big cities is only growing.

On the mainland the best beaches boasts the Halkidiki peninsula. Its coastline stretches for almost 500 kilometers, so everyone can choose appropriate place for relax. On the Kassandra peninsula, the palm is given to the beaches of Sani for immaculately clean sand. By the way, the best and most comfortable hotels are concentrated here. A large and long beach will please the guests of the resort of Afytos. It stretches for almost 4 km and will appeal to everyone who is looking for a calm coastline. The Sithonia peninsula is the leader in terms of the cleanest beaches. Vourvourou, Porto Carras, Porto Koufo, Toroni and Akti Elyas are distinguished by their beauty. Advantage beach holiday in Halkidiki - proximity to developed resort villages and any infrastructure.

Going to Greece for the first time, many tourists rely on its islands. You can start your acquaintance with Greek beaches in Zakynthos. It is famous for its turquoise bays and protected areas. Tourist brochures are adorned with images of Navajo Bay, with a small but impressive beach. A much larger scale (9 km) is the beach of Laganas. Its shallow sea and soft sand make it comfortable to relax with children. For a relaxing beach holiday, you need to go to the coast of Gerakas. There is a sandy beach, green landscapes and no crowds even in high season.

Choosing Kefalonia for a beach holiday, it's hard to go wrong. No wonder it's called an island. blue flags. The beaches here are crowded and empty, sandy and pebbly, but they are united by the impeccable purity of the turquoise sea. In Kefalonia, it is worth relaxing on the beach of Myrtos, included in the ranking of the best in Greece. In shape, it resembles a crescent, and around are white rocks with lush greenery. Among the others famous beaches islands - Xi with dark orange sand and well-equipped Antisamos with large white pebbles.

Active holidays in Greece

Not in Greece best place for outdoor activities than Crete. The island seems to be created for those who are not used to sitting still and prefer any kind of activity. There are many leisure options, but the most popular of them are:

• Gorge trekking. The best way explore Crete - on foot. The island has both well-studied routes and routes accessible only to professionals. You can start with a hike through the gorges of Samaria, Imbros and Aradena;
• mountain biking. On mountainous Crete expanse for lovers of mountain bike tours. You can plan a trip yourself or use the services of special agencies. For beginners, short routes up to 30 km are provided, for experienced tourists - up to 100 km;
• canyoning. This is an option for those who are in search of new sensations. Descents along the canyons of mountain rivers, high rocks, breathtaking landscapes - all this will leave an indelible impression;
• Family fun . Since Crete is popular for family vacation, you can actively spend time in any of the four water parks of the island.

Greece is one of the most underrated windsurfing destinations in Europe. But at the same time one of the most promising. An example of this is Paros, which annually hosts major competitions. During the summer, this island has a steady wind, which creates ideal conditions for windsurfing. From time to time it weakens, and then Paros is the best suited for beginners in this sport. Most popular places for skiing - the beaches of Santa Maria and Golden Beach.

Like snow on his head, fell suddenly. One wonderful evening I was flipping through tapes social networks and then bam - amazing photos of a classmate from Greece. Want Want! I immediately opened the site of one of the travel agencies in parallel and sat down on my ass in surprise - the cost! This prices! And I want to go to Greece with even greater force.

I decide to fly savage, especially in my practice it already was. ;)

Well, what are you with me? Let's fly!

How to travel to Greece on your own

To start, I made plan actions:

• route;
• Schengen visa;
• insurance;
• tickets;
• hotel reservation.

If you act according to plan, then not far off. ;)

Of course, you won’t be fed up with concepts alone, now I’ll tell you how I performed plan independent travel inGreece.

Where to go

At the outset, you need to decide route. To be honest, it was difficult for me, I wanted both in and on Crete warm up the ass, and before Rhodes get. I was literally torn to pieces, as a result, Crete won in my internal duel. :)

Schengen visa

Nobody canceled the visa regime, so the second important thing is obtaining a visa! Of course, if you are the owner of a multi-visa or Schengen visa, then you can skip this section, and if not, then read on. I thought it would be difficult to get a Schengen visa to Greece, but I was wrong, in Embassy of Greece in Moscow me her done without any problems, is very loyal to Russian tourists;).

Insurance

This is obligatory condition If you already have a Schengen visa, you can risk your health and go without insurance.

And if you, like me, needed to draw up Schengen then I want to tell you without insurance it is impossible to get it! In general, if you want to relax in Greece with peace of mind, then I advise you to purchase an insurance policy, if something happens - you will have to pay crazy money for treatment. I think everything is clear with insurance, we move on.

Tickets

Since I flew to tourist season, then from Moscow to the island of Crete itself was straightflight you could say lucky. :) I know from experience that the easiest way to find direct flights with mid May to mid September, at other times there is an opportunity to get to the island with transfer in Athens or Thessaloniki.

Hotel reservation

When the visa and ticket are in your pocket, the route plan has been drawn up, it's time to move on to hotel booking. I always compare the cost of staying in hotels in different booking systems, for example, I choose the most advantageous option where I make the reservation.

So, the hotel is booked, it remains only to pack your suitcase and board the plane, have a nice trip! ;)

Greece is a country where sights with a long history, such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, Areopagus are combined with picturesque islands, luxurious beaches and spa hotels. Add here also the magnificent Mediterranean cuisine, the romance of narrow cobblestone streets, and you get perfect place rest, paradise, which really has everything! Is it possible to relax in Greece and at the same time save a little? You will find the answer in this article.

Planning a vacation

The tourist season in Greece usually starts at the end of April and ends at the end of October. The peak season is July-August. During these two months, many hotels are full, and it is almost impossible to rent a free room, the beaches are crowded, and prices in local taverns and other places of recreation are significantly increased. If you want to get to know Greece "tete-a-tete", avoiding the ubiquitous crowds of tourists, we recommend visiting this country in September or the first half of October. At this time, the main flow of tourists leaves, the hotels are empty, and prices become lower. At the same time, the sea still pampers with its warmth, and local shops offer many discounted goods. Another option for the budget traveler is May - early June. The sea at this time, of course, is a little cool, and you are unlikely to be able to soak up the beach. However, if the purpose of your trip is to get acquainted with the sights, then this period will suit you perfectly.

Choosing tickets

The best option to get to Greece for most travelers, of course, is air travel. Direct flights exist between many "millionaires" of our country and Greek Athens, Thessaloniki, as well as popular islands. The cost of the air ticket depends on which carrier you prefer. The average cost of a flight with Aeroflot is about 20,000 rubles. The local air carrier Aegean Airlines offers to fly for 22,000 - 25,000 rubles. In flight, you will have to spend, on average, about four hours. If you want to see the islands of Rhodes or Crete, then they will come to your aid charter flights, the main advantage of which is a direct flight and relative economy. However, if you are planning your trip in winter or in the off-season, then you cannot do without a transfer - you will be offered a route through Athens or Thessaloniki.

Getting to Greece by train is quite difficult. direct railway communication between Moscow and Athens was terminated many years ago. If you are afraid of flying, then the bus will most likely become an alternative to the plane. Flights are offered mainly to Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece. On the way, you will have to make a transplant, and not even one. For example, in Minsk, and then in the city of Katowice - in the south of Poland. There are also other flights: with a change in Brest, Prague, Vilnius or Sofia. The fare, on average, is about 10,000 rubles, you will have to spend about three days on the road. Such a trip can be economical only in financial terms, but not in terms of time.

If you are planning to visit the islands Aegean Sea, then it is worth knowing the prices for ferries. As a rule, it is cheaper to get to the desired island by flying to Athens and transferring to the ship there. This recommendation will be especially relevant for those who decide to visit not the popular islands of Rhodes or Crete, but small ones, for example, Milos or Santorini. The cost of tickets for the same route can vary significantly, as it depends on many factors: the carrier company, the speed of the vessel you have chosen, and the type of cabin. You can find out the exact cost and book a ticket on one of the specialized sites. You can easily find them on the Internet.

Tricks of an economical holiday

Generally, low prices are one of the undeniable advantages of holidays in Greece. And how nice that costs can be reduced even more. Here are the tricks experienced travelers share with you:

• It is best to book a hotel room in advance. This will save you money, especially if you do it during seasonal discounts, for example, in May or October;
• there are enough all-inclusive hotels in Greece. But if you prefer to eat on your own, then the cheapest option is to dine in local taverns. Here you will be offered homemade food at affordable prices;
• most travel agencies offer discounts and promotions on excursions. Buying them as a “set”, you can get one excursion as a gift;
• do not hesitate to bargain with local taxi drivers if you decide to use their services, and not public transport. They like to overcharge tourists.
• You won't be able to save much on car rental in Greece. Choose a small economical car, because gasoline prices bite here. Oh, and don't forget your international driver's license.

As you can see, there are many ways to save money on holidays in Greece. Armed with our tips, you can get a lot of positive emotions from your vacation here!

In this article, you will learn about where to go on vacation in Greece in the summer, and you will also find many useful information about tours to this country.

The country four seas disposes to rest from the first minutes of arrival at the airport. Beautiful Hellas seems to be created for a relaxing vacation with the family: white and blue colors in the architecture of cities and bright flowers on the narrow streets of Greece alternate with colorful bars and taverns where you can taste local wine. Even in the conditions of modern civilization, this ancient state managed to preserve the mysterious atmosphere of antiquity.

Greece has not only wide sandy beaches with a length of more than 14,000 kilometers, but also many historical monuments, so it is good to combine a beach holiday with a rich excursion program. Add to that the hospitality local residents coupled with incredibly delicious cuisine and amazing beautiful nature and get perfect vacation on the seashore.

Wise Greeks know how not only to work, but also to have fun, so it’s quite easy to get to some kind of holiday here or accidentally become a participant in folk festivals. In addition, this is an Orthodox state, so Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians are close to local customs and rituals.

It is not surprising that many residents of the post-Soviet space come to this sunny country to get married in a romantic setting to the pleasant sound of the waves instead of the typical Mendelssohn waltz.

All you need to have a cheap holiday in Greece in the summer is to choose a destination and travel dates, and then choose the right tour.

Brief information

Interestingly, Greece is located immediately on 2 thousand islands and is surrounded by four seas - the Mediterranean, Aegean, Libyan and Ionian. It is located in the southeast of the Balkan Peninsula, which the indigenous people sometimes call Emos. Among the closest neighbors of this hospitable country are Turkey, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania.

The largest cities in Greece, which you should definitely visit at least for a short time, are Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Larissa, Halkidiki and Patra.

Despite the fact that official language The country is Greek, many residents, especially those working in the tourism sector, speak English quite well, as well as French and German. The vast majority of the local population professes Orthodoxy.

From the history of the country

During its long history, Greece managed to be part of the Roman Empire and to be at the mercy of the Venetian and Turkish rulers. However, in 1831, the land of the Hellenes finally freed itself from the shackles of the conquerors, and years later officially became part of the European Union.

Many cities and monuments of Greece today are a world cultural heritage and are protected by UNESCO. Among them: the remains of the Temple of Zeus, the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the monasteries of Meteora, the ruins ancient city Delphi and more. According to Greek myths, the powerful gods of Olympus lived here several thousand years ago. Since then this great country retained the special mystery of antiquity and harmoniously combined it with the modern state structure.

Tours to Greece

Those who want to get the most out of their vacation, enjoying not only a typical beach and sea holiday, but also a wonderful climate, as well as a rich cultural component, should go to the abode of the ancient Hellenes. Ordering a tour to Greece is not difficult at all: experienced travel agency specialists will help you decide on the date of departure and choose the right flight. They will carry out a competent selection of hotels in various parts of the country, and the process of issuing a ticket will take a few minutes. By the way, early booking tour will save you a lot of money.

Comfort lovers

Many tourists traveling with children choose all-inclusive tours, which are most often offered by five-star hotels in Greece. The advantages of this system include the ability to eat on the territory of the hotel almost around the clock. Also in the standard package "Ultra All Inclusive» usually includes unlimited alcohol in hotel bars and restaurants and Additional services(access to the spa, fitness room and sauna).

The land of Hellas offers many UAI tours to various destinations. Russian tourists especially like to relax on the islands of Crete and Rhodes. Relaxing in Greece inexpensively on an all-inclusive basis is a normal desire. A tour operator will help organize a trip there, you won’t even need to think about how to book a hotel and buy plane tickets, everything will be done for you, just choose the appropriate type of vacation using the tour search form located just above.

Minimum package

If you are not going to stay in your hotel room for a long time and do not mind saving a little on comfort, the best option for a tour to Greece may be a minimal package with half board or breakfast alone. In addition, by purchasing such a tour, you can try a lot of dishes. local cuisine because you are unlikely to dine at the hotel.

Choosing such a package, you get hotel accommodation, air tickets to the desired city, as well as medical insurance and transfer. Russian travel agencies also have Special offers, by purchasing which, you can fly to Athens or any other city in Greece on a budget.

Prices for holidays in Greece by the sea next year may change due to constant fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, so we recommend checking the current cost of the tour with tour operators before the trip. And if you want to relax cheaper, you can choose a last-minute tour, only for this you need to be ready to leave at any time.

The best places to stay

Numerous Greek beaches attract tourists with their soft golden sand, and ancient temples and sights keep many secrets and mysteries. This small country is a whole museum under open sky, with which only Italy, Spain and several other Western European states can be compared in the number of monuments and values.

Most best beauty Greece are concentrated in the capital and on the islands, each of which has its own characteristics and rich historical heritage. Holidays in Greece in the summer will be truly unforgettable if you visit one of our recommended places in this warm southern country.

Athens

Traveling to Greece is often associated with the majestic capital of this country - Athens. This city with ancient history spread over the plains of Attica and surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Parnitha, Imittos and Egaleo.

This monumental place is the cultural, historical and political and economic center of Greece, where one third of the population of the entire country is concentrated. From ancient times to the present day, Athens bears the name of a sea power, because dozens of ships pass through the famous port of Piraeus every day, and from the Greek capital you can get by sea to the islands.

Athens is shrouded in ancient legends on all sides. In the homeland of democracy, there are hundreds of places that deserve the attention of tourists.

It would be nice to start with the grandiose Acropolis - a real treasure ancient history. Councils of Elders, which were a judicial body, have long been organized here. Ancient Greece and served as the beginning of the development of world democracy. Climbing the Acropolis, take a look at the sacred temple of the Parthenon, dedicated to the Olympian goddess Pallas Athena. Despite numerous restorations, this majestic building and to this day has retained almost its original appearance.

Another mandatory item of the program is the National Archaeological Museum, where more than 20,000 different exhibits from all over Greece are presented. The highlight of the museum is a unique collection of Greek vases.

Finally, in Athens, you should definitely visit the Olympic Stadium, the size of which will amaze your imagination. It can accommodate up to 75,000 people, but it is best to come here on days free from concerts and matches, because then you can get a good view and photograph this architectural masterpiece, which came out from under the hand of Santiago Calatrava.

In addition, the following equally popular attractions deserve the attention of travelers:

• Museum of Numismatics
• Field of Mars
• national park
• Houses of Parliament
• Syntagma Square
• Cape Sounion

If you have the desire to continue your journey, after visiting this pearl of the ancient world, you can look at the Greek islands.

Crete

The largest island of Greek lands is also the fifth largest in the entire Mediterranean. Crete is surrounded by water three seas- Cretan, Ionian and Libyan. In addition to luxurious beaches and cozy sea coves, travelers will find here many Byzantine temples and ancient sights, including the labyrinth of the Minotaur, known throughout the world according to Greek legends.

This place combines ancient civilization with modern infrastructure. AT resort villages and the cities of Crete have everything you need for a carefree vacation: from shops and markets to hotels and water parks. There are 2 airports here international terminals, so you can fly here directly from many cities in the world. Crete is considered one of the most popular seaside holiday destinations in Greece in Europe.

Rhodes

This colorful "pearl of the Mediterranean" is the fourth largest Greek island, which is also washed by the Aegean Sea. The city of Rhodes is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich history. Here are the most valuable monuments of various times: medieval knight's fortresses and ancient monasteries, in particular, the temple of the goddess Athena.

Fragrant orange orchards and fragrant rose flower gardens interspersed with narrow Greek streets and cobbled embankments. Beach holidays in Greece can be combined with active spending time on the island of Rhodes in the form of diving, surfing and rock climbing.

Corfu

If you are looking for privacy and luxury, this Greek island- a good choice. The island of Corfu with the emerald water of the Ionian Sea is considered one of the elite resorts in Greece. Luxurious deluxe hotels have their own beaches and vast areas with green spaces.

However, in the island villages, you can still feel the delights of traditional village life by tasting real homemade wine and dishes cooked in extra virgin olive oil. Arriving in Corfu, it is worth taking a walk in the private sector among cypress and oak groves, as well as admiring the natural beauty of tangerine orchards and vineyards. By the way, Old City Old city in Corfu - included in the list of objects of the world cultural heritage UNESCO.

Already in the first hours of your stay on this wonderful island, you will feel the touch of the sun's rays and the light aroma of coniferous trees in the air. One of the seven islands of the Dodecanese archipelago, it is famous for its pleasant climate without hot heat and cool waters of the Aegean Sea. A beach holiday in Greece on the island of Kos would be incomplete without surfing and other sports. What's more, it's cozy sea ​​bays, decorating the golden beaches of the island, as if they were created for this.

On Kos there are a number of monuments of ancient culture, including the plane tree of Hippocrates, the temple of Asklepion and many others. Moreover, convenient geographical position this green corner of nature makes it possible to make an excursion to other islands of the Dodecanese archipelago.

Local kitchen

Overview of the best beach resorts

Holidays in Greece are becoming more and more popular every year. Russian tourists. Wide sunny beaches, warm sea currents, mountains, mineral springs - Greece has a lot to offer vacationers. Where exactly to go - BiletyPlus.ru will help you figure this out in a review of the most interesting and popular Greek beach resorts.

Crete

Crete is the largest Greek island, located in the very south of the country. Mild climate, various sandy and pebbly beaches, mountains - all this attracts respectable tourists, young people, and couples in love. Best beach resorts, which boast perfect service, are located in the northern part of the island. And the water here warms up even faster than in neighboring Turkey.

Crete has several beaches that are considered the pride of a beach holiday in Greece. Firstly, this is Elafonissos, which the Greeks themselves recognize as one of the best in the country, thanks to the wonderful pinkish sand and fine and clean sea. And secondly, these are the most magnificent beaches in Balos Bay, where the easiest way to get there is by ship. Here you can truly feel the beauty of a beach holiday - this is the confluence of three seas, which gives the water up to 12 shades of color. And besides relaxing on the beach, there is something to see. ancient fortress, pirate treasures, dwellings sea ​​turtles. Perhaps that is why the place for honeymoon Balos became Prince Charles and Princess Diana?

Mykonos Island

Mykonos is preferred by noisy youth companies, since it is here, on the island, that a huge number of entertainment venues are located. Mykonos is parties, including beach parties, water parks, modern entertainment centers and nudist beaches. According to local residents, nothing should interfere with rest, as it is customary here.

The most famous youth beaches on the island are Paradise and Superparadise. Numerous bars, restaurants, entertainment centers and souvenir shops can be found in every corner of the beaches.

Loutraki

One of the most popular resorts, located in the south of Greece near Mount Gerania, from Loutraki to Athens - 80 km. Holidays here will appeal to tourists with families and lovers of entertainment. Beyond clean pebble beaches, where vacationers are offered a lot of water activities, Loutraki is known for hot mineral springs and Roman baths. There is a wellness hydrotherapy center here, and the beaches are surrounded by magnificent cypress and lemon groves.

Chalkidiki

Halkidiki peninsula offers tourists majestic mountains and sandy beaches. Here, men have a unique opportunity to climb the holy Mount Athos, where there are numerous Christian shrines. Chalkidiki is the central part and three peninsulas, "fingers" protruding into the Aegean Sea. The most popular "finger" for a beach holiday is Kassandra. White sandy beaches and sea air mixed with pine aroma pine forests, excellent service, a variety of entertainment for young and adult tourists every year attract family vacationers here.

Kos

The resort town of Kos is popular with gay companies, as entertainment is provided here around the clock. On the coast you can find both sandy and small-pebble beaches. Of particular note is the beach, located 10 km from Kos, covered with black volcanic sand where, in addition to a beach holiday, you can enjoy swimming in thermal springs.

Rhodes island

Both lovers of lying on the beach and active tourists will find entertainment and relaxation to their liking here. The island is washed by two seas at once, so you need to choose a place to stay based on your preferences. If you need relaxing holiday on the sandy beach, then East Coast Rhodes mediterranean sea will suit you the best. And if you are a fan of active water activities and windsurfing - welcome to the west of the island, where the often rough Aegean Sea creates ideal conditions for boarding. Various entertainment venues, an amusement park, a water park and windsurfing clubs are also located here.

Santorina

The beaches of Santorini boast unique black lava sand mixed with crumbs of volcanic pumice, and the sea is clear and calm. On the beach of Perissa, when you buy a drink at a local bar, you will get an original sunbathing bed as a bonus. Badminton and volleyball games are popular among tourists here.

The red-hued beach of Akrotiri is located in a remote part of the south of Santorini and is also covered with pumice and lava. Not far from the beach is the Pharos lighthouse, which is famous for the petrified turtle lying at the foot of the lighthouse, which is estimated to be 3.5 thousand years old.

The choice for a beach holiday in Greece is really huge. To decide where to relax in Greece, you first need to decide for yourself with whom and why you are going to relax. And then go to the BiletyPlus.ru website and organize a vacation to your liking, starting with booking and buying tickets at the most attractive prices, choosing hotels and apartments, and ending with insurance and car rental. And remember, Greece really has everything. Have a nice holiday!