Resorts and beaches in Greece: Crete, Rhodes or Chalkidiki. What to choose? Report on a trip to Greece Corfu or Halkidiki in June
I am not a historian to argue about the main merits and sights and the primacy of their appearance, as well as their importance, in relation to the mainland and all its islands. But in my opinion, in order not only to have a good rest and see the country, but to get to know its essence and at the same time not get lost in the choice, you need to decide what kind of vacation you prefer ...
The peninsula has been repeatedly described by us as the oldest Greek resort. Bizarrely indented coastlines, picturesque views of the coast, wonderful beaches and hotels, orchards and olive groves, It is here that you can plunge into the world of ancient Greece - see with your own eyes Meteora and Olympus, Athens and Delphi, Athos and take boat trips ..
Corfu
It must be said that o. never been under Turkish rule. It was the Venetians who left their mark here - the unique landscapes of the mountain range, in the lowlands of which there are centuries-old olive groves and needle-shaped cypresses.
Here the Byzantines began to build an old fortress, later the Venetians built the first peak of deterra, now at the entrance to the fortress there is a small Byzantine museum, and on the territory there is the Academy of Music.
Little Corfu - a variety of old quarters and streets, squares, buildings of the Venetian, French and English rule. And, despite the variety of styles, the architecture of the city is completely harmonious and only pleases the eye of vacationers.
The famous Liston Street - a symbol of "Corfu Town" with graceful arches of houses, with Venetian lanterns - here you can drink a cup of coffee, chat with friends. Kerkyrian cuisine prevails here, preserving national recipes for centuries.
Corfu town, like an elegant romantic beacon, is the main bead of the island of Kerkyra, meets and escorts cruise liners, ferries and various ships from other countries, and also pulls pilgrims from afar with its bell tower of the church of St. , the extraordinary beauty of the sea and rocks, bays and grottoes that can be visited by boat, the best restaurants and taverns.
Here, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, there is a real paradise for underwater hunters and divers. And on top of the highest mountain there is a Byzantine monastery. On the site in front of the monastery, a cannon from the ship of Admiral Ushakov, the hero of the island of Corfu. In the same bay, you can admire the extraordinary views of Paleokastritsa from the village of Lacones (600m above sea level), where the multi-colored palette of the Adriatic Sea opens with a pier in a small port for yachts and local boats.
On the southeast side of the island there is the famous village of Benitses with ancient courtyards and a museum of the sea, which displays a collection of marine finds raised to the surface.
Not far from the village of Gastouri is the Achillion Palace, built by order of the Empress of Austria Elisabeth, who was fascinated by the island and ordered to build herself a palace worthy of Achilles - this is where the atmosphere of tragedy and beauty of beautiful gardens with a variety of exotic trees and bright flowers reigns ..
And, of course, be sure to go to the village of Kassiopi, where the best taverns and fish restaurants of the island are located. Even the Roman emperors loved to spend their time here! For connoisseurs of antiquity - a fortress on top of a hill.
One of the most romantic places on the island is Sidari. Golden beaches surrounded by bizarre northern cliffs with caves, tunnels and Canaldi Amor. Northmost: Roda and Acharavi - a long strip of sandy beaches, a tourist area where, sitting in a tavern, on the seashore, you can observe the changing colors and colors of the Albanian mountains every day and evening ....
In addition, you can make interesting excursions in Corfu: to Italy - Bari and the mysterious Alberobello, a cruise to unknown Albania, historical Meteora, boat trips to blue caves and small islands, horseback riding and fishing, diving and much more ..
Don't forget to bring olive oil and kumquat sweets with you. And friends can buy natural cosmetics, and maybe even a fur coat ..
Hotels
Magnificent hotel, completely renovated in 2013. With impeccable service and excellent food, various types of rooms with balconies and terraces, several types of restaurants, well-groomed grounds, a beach across the road, but there is also a pontoon and a sand + pebble beach.
Located on a common territory for two hotels, newer and nicer rooms in the main building. For a good rest of all categories of tourists. The animation is calm, there is a swimming pool with sea water and tennis courts. Gorgeous three storey villas, bungalows are very basic. And again, a plus - not far from Kerkyra.
One of the few nice 2* hotels, very cozy, welcoming, where delicious homemade cakes and pastries are prepared for breakfast, good rooms, all in different colors, studio with mini kitchen, hotel in the pretty village of Benitses, across the road from the sea.
A very cozy hotel with a beautiful area on the first line of the beach, standard rooms do not have air conditioning and TV, there are magnificent bungalows.
Great hotel with a good beach, but almost all hotel services are paid, including sunbeds and umbrellas by the pool
AcharaviBeach 3 * - a very pleasant hotel on the beach in the village of Acharavi, where there is a promenade with taverns on the seashore, shops
The hotel has a large simple park area, fairly simple rooms, but tourists with children love the hotel very much, there is a mini zoo, a water park and children's animation. The rooms are different categories of apartments.
A good family hotel in its category, of the minuses, only a steep climb from the beach to the main building and bungalows and bungalow rooms. Animation for all ages, good kids club, baby food. Theme dinners, Greek evenings and barbecues. Very green, instead of umbrellas on the beach, centuries-old olive trees and palms. Good access to the sea.
One of the best hotels on the island with a large green area on the peninsula with a berth for yachts, for a quality respectable holiday. It makes sense to book villas with private pools facing Corfu. In this hotel you can change dinner for lunch.
Adults only hotel, beautiful, stylish, rooms immaculate. Very nice bungalows and pool area.
Ambiguous in its category, the hotel does not immediately give the impression of being updated and well-groomed. Closest to the capital of the island, excellent sandy beach overlooking the city. In this hotel, you can change dinners for lunches, as well as the advantages of the hotel in the pool with sea water, excellent food and kettles in all rooms.
O. Corfu is a real fairy tale, which absolutely anyone can get into!
Surely, everyone is wondering where to go on vacation in Greece? So many islands, such as Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Zakynthos and others, as well as the mainland of Greece, can please the sea and high-quality resort areas - Halkidiki (Kassandra and Sithonia).
In my opinion, Greece is a unique combination of seaside holidays with a rich excursion program of natural and architectural attractions. Someone will say, why is Italy or Spain worse? Absolutely nothing worse, but! Holidays in Greece are cheaper for tourists than in other European countries in the resorts of the Mediterranean Sea.
Greek resorts are "diverse": those who need a dry climate for health - welcome to Crete, those who are delighted with lush greenery - Rhodes, those who prefer luxury and comfort - Halkidiki.
Each island or peninsula in Greece is unique in its own way. Greek hospitality cannot fail to touch even the most severe heart of a demanding and strict tourist.
Let's take a look at the most popular resorts in Greece: the island of Crete and Rhodes, as well as the Halkidiki peninsula, such as Sithonia and Kassandra (only men can enter New Athos, and then, with a pre-arranged permit).
β Weather and climate in Crete
Crete is located south of other islands and resorts in Greece, so the season on this island begins in May and ends at the end of October.
The average water temperature in May is +20 degrees, the average maximum is +26 in August, and +23 degrees in October.
β How to get to Crete
There are two international airports on the island of Crete: Heraklion in the center of the island on the north coast and Chania in the northwest of the island. In Chania airport, mostly charter flights fly).
It is better to buy air tickets for the summer period in advance. The closer the high season, the higher the price.
Airfare price in the period from May to October starts from 9600 rubles. and up to 19,000 rubles. per person on both sides.
You can find cheap tickets to Crete, as well as choose the best period for your vacation, using the low price calendar on the website www.aviasales.ru
For your convenience, I have already formed all the summer months in this calendar and set the rest period - 7-12 days π
β Map of resorts and beaches of Crete
According to Greek law, all beaches belong to the state, therefore, the tourist will have to pay for the infrastructure of the beach - umbrellas and sunbeds at 3-5 euros per set per day.
On this island you can find various types of beaches and entry into the sea: narrow rocky and wide sandy, pebble and bays with large boulders, as well as cold rivers flowing into the sea.
In order for you to navigate the beaches of Crete, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with an interactive map of the resorts and beaches of Crete.
In order to find out which beach is at a certain resort of this sunny island, just click on the flag β³ .
π¨ Hotels in Crete
Most tourists find it difficult to choose a hotel - either the beach is rocky or the hotel is not very good. Therefore, I would not recommend you to get hung up on relaxing in a hotel, but book a modest but decent 3 * -4 * hotel, rent a car and ride through all the bays, lagoons - everyone will find a suitable place for their liking, and at the same time visit various towns and villages of this hospitable island.
Overpaying for hotel amenities, food and a smooth sandy sunset is only worth it if you are planning your vacation with small children, or this is not the first time you are vacationing in Crete.
It is profitable to book a hotel, as well as air tickets, either in advance or closer to departure - suddenly the last places will "burn" and you will be able to profitably rent a hotel in Crete. However, remember that when booking a hotel at the last moment - you will choose from what is left. And as you know, the best always sold out first.
The best prices, in my opinion, as well as profitable promotions and special offers can be found on the website Booking.com.
Initially, I analyze prices for all service sites for booking hotels using a search engine. RoomGuru.ru.
As practice shows, the best prices and favorable booking conditions are given by the service Booking.com .
For youth recreation in Crete, Malia and Hersonissos are most suitable. That is, mostly urban-type beaches, with a large number of bars, discos.
For lovers of rocky beaches with waves - Kalymnos, for divers - Alonissos.
For lovers of a calm and measured holiday, it is better to give preference to the surroundings of Rethymno (Platanios, Adelianios Kampos - with wide beaches and greenery). Walking along Agios Nikolas, Elounda (considered an expensive and fashionable place to stay in Crete) will seem wonderful.
For family holidays, as a rule, hotels with a family holiday concept, suitable infrastructure, and a gentle entry into the sea are built (for example, hotels from the Grecotel or Aldemar chain).
Well, now, a brief look at each resort in Crete.
1. Heraklion
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Heraklion - attractions and entertainment
Heraklion itself is quite a small city, despite the fact that it is the capital of the island. The most interesting is concentrated in the city center and closer to the port.
The main attraction of Heraklion is the Palace of Knossos, which is a 15-minute drive from the city.
The ancient architecture of the city, museums, cozy cafes and taverns, a market with souvenirs - this is what characterizes Heraklion.
For those who independently plan their trip around the island by bus, you should know that most suburban and intercity bus routes start from Heraklion: both east and west.
The main thing is not to forget about the color of such KTEL buses - cream or green. The average cost is from 2-15 euros per ticket.
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If you want to do more than just look at "dead" architectural objects and silent monuments, book excursions organized by local Russian-speaking residents of the island. Any attraction, thanks to the guides, will come to life, breathing in a breath of history.
You can sign up for excursions from Heraklion on the website, here is a list of the most popular:
2. Rethymno
Located 78 km west of Heraklion Airport. It is difficult to see the city from the highway - it is hidden in the thickets of flowering oleander. The entire city can be explored on foot in 15 minutes.
This region can please with a developed infrastructure of resort areas, as well as a variety of beaches from wide sandy to narrow sand and pebble.
Even the city beach of Rethymno is very clean and awarded with a blue flag:
Since the terrain of Rethymnon is flat, and is not located in a bay - that is, it is not protected by mountains and hills, the wind often blows on the beach and waves in the sea.
β Rethymno - attractions and entertainment
The main attraction of Rethymnon is the ancient city itself, including the port and the Venetian fortress of Forteza.
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You can study what excursions you can still visit from the Rethymno region on the websites:
These are sites where you can sign up for individual excursions from private guides.
3. Bali
The heavenly name of a small resort town 40 km from Heraklion (to the west) has nothing to do with the island of the same name Bali in Indonesia.
This resort area is characterized by windless bays with a gentle approach. The farther from the sea inland - the higher the rise uphill. Therefore, be careful when choosing a hotel on the second and third lines - going down is easy, but going up after swimming in the sun ...
Bali Bay is a region for a relaxing holiday, there are no attractions as such. This place is also convenient because buses run regularly to Heraklion and Rethymnon, since all excursions in Crete start from these cities.
4. Chania
This city has its own airport, therefore, when buying a package tour to the Chania region, the arrival of charter airlines will be here, and not in Heraklion (150 km).
The city limits of Chania are characterized by beaches with dark golden sand, gentle entry and not very wide beach strip. Outside the city - the beaches become a little wider and are located in small bays.
People go to this resort mainly to walk and watch, and not to relax near the sea in a hotel. Almost every building in Chania is an architectural monument (Venetian port, market, fortress). The city itself is very green, surrounded by mountains of white lime color.
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5. Ammoudara
Located 10 km from Heraklion Airport. This small resort town is suitable for a leisurely family vacation.
The beaches are mostly wide and sandy. The infrastructure for recreation is well developed.
From the hotels there is where to go - cozy little streets with cafes and restaurants. Water City Water Park is 20 km away.
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If you buy tickets in advance online, you can get a 15% discount:
6. Gouves
It is located 15 km from Heraklion Airport, as well as Amoudara, suitable for a calm, measured rest. Gouves is characterized by a gentle approach, sandy beaches and developed infrastructure.
Unlike the previous resort, located in a bay and reliably protected from the winds, in Gouves the area is open, the bays are not deep, there can be waves and wind.
In Gouves, a 5-kilometer promenade along the coast is equipped, illuminated, with a large number of cafes, bars and restaurants.
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7. Malia, Stalida
Resorts, passing one into another, are located 30-35 km from Heraklion. The beaches are mostly sandy with a gentle entry into the sea.
During the day it is a quiet place to relax, with good quality hotels, and at night it is a noisy, party place. Especially popular among the British and Scandinavians. Lots of bars, shops and discos.
8-10 km away is the Aqua Splash water park (27 euros / adult and 16 euros / child).
8. Agios Nikolaos
It is located in the eastern part of Crete, 56 km from Heraklion. Located in the beautiful bay of Mirabello.
It used to be just a fishing village, but now it's a resort with a touch of "luxury". Indeed, the city is decorated with colorful houses, ancient quarters, two embankments - one near the sea with salt water, the other with fresh water. And all this beauty is framed by mountains, palm trees.
The beaches can be both sandy and pebbly, mostly small. Entry into the sea is gentle. Everyone chooses a place to relax according to their taste - in the city, or along the coast.
In the bay of Agios Nikolaos the water is unreal
crystal, and landscapes against the backdrop of mountains
Simply amazing!
Agios Nikolaos is a miniature town with a promenade for evening walks. In the city center is the "bottomless lake" Voulismeni, surrounded by cafes, bars, restaurants and taverns serving delicious seafood.
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Agios Nikolaos - attractions and entertainment
The main attraction of the resort in Agios Nikolaos is Lake Voulismeni. A walk along the Kunduru embankment with beautiful views of the Mirabello Bay will bring you great pleasure.
Of the historical sights, one can single out archaeological museums, as well as cathedrals.
9. Elounda
Removed from Heraklion to the east, 70 km. Located in the prefecture of Agios Nicolas.
It is considered a fashionable resort. The level of hotels is high, the territory is huge. The price category for accommodation here is much higher than in other resorts of Crete.
A beautiful and cozy town, founded in the 15th century by the Venetians. The world fame of this resort came after in 1977, the film studio "Walt Disney" made a film about the locals.
The coastline of Elounda is indented with bays, the beaches are sandy, the sunset is gentle. Favorable location of beaches in bays, reliably protects from wind and strong waves.
From the coast you can see the island of Spinalonga:
Rhodes island
β Weather and climate in Rhodes
The island is washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea from the west, and from the east by the Mediterranean Sea.
The season in Rhodes starts from the end of May, but the water temperature becomes comfortable for swimming from mid-June +21 degrees.
The swimming season lasts until mid-late October, the sea is still warm +24, +22 degrees. But keep in mind, it is always wet at the beginning and at the end of the season.
Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago. The climatic feature of the island is that it is most often windy on the west coast, the water in the sea is restless (Ixia, Ialyssos). For a relaxing beach holiday, it is better to book a holiday on the east coast of the island (Kalithea, Lindos).
β How to get to the island of Rhodes
On the island of Rhodes in Greece, planes land at the airport of the same name in the city of Rhodes, in the north of the island.
π Learn more about how to find cheap flights: .
The minimum cost of air tickets per person in both directions during the holiday season starts from 10,000 rubles. Agree, very good?
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You can find out how much a ticket for your vacation dates will cost here: "Calendar of low prices for flights to Greece, the island of Rhodes".
β Map of resorts and beaches of Rhodes
Unlike Crete, Rhodes is more green, the beaches are surrounded by hills and rocky coves. Beaches can be both sandy and sandy-pebbly.
In order to find out about the beach at a certain resort of this sunny island, just click on the flag.
π¨ Hotels in Rhodes
On Rhodes, you can book hotels from 8,000 rubles. per room for a week or more. Again, it all depends on your preferences and needs: proximity to the city, distance from the beach, what type of vacation you like - active, sporty or calm.
The island is very small, the sights on it can be counted on the fingers. However, entertainment in Rhodes is no less than in Crete.
You can choose the optimal location of the hotel, as well as decide on a specific option, on a trusted site Booking.com.
π‘ If you are planning your trip for the first time, then I advise you to study the article: "How to find hotels in the price-quality category, where to look for them and how to book".
Resorts of Rhodes
1. Rhodes
Rhodes is located in the north of the island of the same name. The optimal ratio of sightseeing and beach holidays. The city of Rhodes itself can suit both lovers of history and nightlife.
2. Faliraki
The busiest place on the island. The beaches are sand and pebble. 5 km from Faliraki is Afandou Beach - the longest beach on the island. The very same village of Afandou is buried in cypresses, pines and oaks. This is a very ancient village built in the traditional Greek style.
The relief around the beach is flat, while the seabed, on the contrary, is characterized by drops. Afandou Beach - is considered deep-water, so the water in the sea is cool. The landscape near the beach is "bald", it is very difficult to find shade.
3. Kolimbia
Kolymbia is located exactly in the middle, between the capital and the city of Lindos (25 km). From Rhodes airport it is only about half an hour drive. Kolymbia beach is 3 km away from the main highway. A path leads to this beach through a beautiful eucalyptus grove. The southern part of the beach is framed by a tavern, a port and a chapel.
The advantage of the Kolymbia beach is its location in the bay. Gentle sunset, almost no waves - an ideal place to relax with children.
Kolymbia is a good place for recreation of active tourists. From this point it is easy to get to both Rhodes and Lindos, as well as the valley of the seven springs.
4. Lindos
It is 56 km away from the capital of the island of Rhodes. Lindos is a small provincial town with narrow streets and sidewalks paved with snow-white stone.
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Lindos is characterized by sandy beaches with picturesque lagoons, excellent infrastructure for recreation: cafes, restaurants, bars, discos, and a market. In the city you can see both ancient buildings and churches with ancient icons.
The beach strip of this part of the east coast lasts almost 30 km, the nature around is picturesque.
5. Gennady
A resort in the south of Rhodes, 18 km from Lindos and 64 km from the capital.
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This resort town is located on a flat area, 500 meters from the sea. It attracts tourists with its narrow streets, cozy atmosphere and color of the Greek settlement. It has all the necessary infrastructure for cafes, exchange offices, shops, a pharmacy). The beach is mostly sandy, sometimes there are pebbles.
Chalkidiki
Weather and climate in Halkidiki
The Aegean Sea borders Halkidiki. This sea is "cooler" than the Mediterranean, so the swimming season starts a little later than, for example, on the island of Crete, and ends earlier - towards the end of September it already rains.
The average air temperature in October in Halkidiki drops to 20-21 degrees. In addition, half of Chalkidiki is located a little further north than the Greek islands.
Unlike the islands, it is less windy in Halkidiki, as the "fingers" reliably protect each other from the wind. Humidity is another difference - Halkidiki is a greener island, the climate here is humid. That is why June and September are considered the best months for a holiday, as the "wet" heat is more difficult to endure than in a dry climate.
How to get to Halkidiki
There is no airport on the peninsula itself, so all tourists fly to Thessaloniki. Flights from Moscow are operated both with transfers (Athens, Heraklion) and direct. Direct flights are operated by the following airlines: Aeroflot, Elinair (Greek Elinair), Aegan Airlines (Agen Airlines).
From Thessaloniki Airport, drive about an hour to the beginning of the peninsulas (about 60 km).
You can buy the cheapest tickets to Thessaloniki for 7,700 rubles per person for the month of September. In peak months, such as July and August, airfare can reach up to 18,000 rubles. from a person.
Hotels and apartments in Halkidiki
Unlike holidays on the islands of Greece (Rhodes, Crete, Kos), the cost of holidays in this part of mainland Greece will cost a little more.
The price for apart-hotels (hotels that have rooms with a kitchen) and 2 * hotels - starts from 11,300 rubles. per room per week.
You can choose apartments in Halkidiki on the website Booking.com.
The cost of living in hotels with breakfast included starts from about 15,000 rubles. per room per week.
You can compare prices for hotels, apartments on the website RoomGuru.com.
Map of resorts and beaches of Halkidiki
The beaches in Halkidiki are mostly sandy, with a smooth entry and windless bays.
Just like in any other resort in Greece, the beaches are urban and located in secluded places, in small towns and villages, as well as wild beaches - without any infrastructure for tourists.
To get information about the place you are interested in, just click on the flag on the map.
The Halkidiki peninsula is divided into three parts: Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos.
β€ Kassandra Peninsula
The most popular resort among tourists. The infrastructure for recreation is well developed on the Kassandra peninsula. As a rule, hotels are located at a distance of 50-115 km from the airport.
Kalithea village
The most popular beach of this resort is the beach of Kriopigi, which has been awarded the blue flag.
Most cafes and taverns open at 11-12 noon and work until late.
It should be borne in mind that a steep descent down the stairs leads to the purest sandy beach.
Four kilometers from Kallithea, there is the town of Afytos, a walk through which will bring you no less pleasure than visiting the historical sights of the area.
Nea Potidea
Also, it is considered attractive to young people. The city of Poseidon itself is located on ruins, so it will also be of interest to connoisseurs of cultural heritage.
Pefkohori
Literally translated as "a village built in a pine grove." This village is also called "Sosnovka". All the necessary infrastructure for recreation is developed - restaurants, taverns, pizzerias, cafes, nightclubs.
There are no particular sights, except perhaps the 19th century Rural Church. It is in Pefkohori, in apiaries, that the famous Greek honey is produced.
Afitos
The village of Afytos captivates at first sight: cozy streets, "home" hospitality of hotels, measured pace of life.
An ideal place for those who are tired of the bustle of the city. There is something to see in Afitos: the church of St. Dmitry, the mansion of Katsanis, and you can also go on a boat trip, excursions to parks and reserves.
It should be noted that Afytos is located on a steep slope, so the descent to the beach and the ascent are very tiring.
Nea Fokea
Nea Fokea is a former fishing village, which over time has turned into a full-fledged resort with its own tourist infrastructure.
Suitable for a relaxing and unhurried holiday. Of the attractions - the Byzantine tower of St. Paul.
Nea Moudania
It is a dynamic town with its own industry and agriculture.
The inhabitants of Thessaloniki built their dachas along the coast of this area.
Suitable for those who prefer city holidays - trips to the shopping center, cinemas, as well as visiting festivals.
β€ Sithonia peninsula
It is impossible not to fall in love with the crystal clear waters of small coves and bays, wild beaches, pine forests and olive groves.
Compared to Kassandra, Sithonia is less lively, so romantics will like it more, as well as those who are tired of city noise and dust.
A huge number of attractions, places of cultural and architectural heritage, temples, churches combines the wonderful peninsula of Sithonia.
The border with the mainland, unlike Kassandra, is very conditional.
Nikiti
A small resort town with its own infrastructure: apartments and hotels, restaurants, sandy beaches.
Neos Marmaras
Large town in Sithonia. If you plan to rent a car and come here on it, parking will be problematic.
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Good developed infrastructure combined with ecological places for recreation.
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One of the most luxurious hotels with its promenade, helipad and promenade is Porto Carras 5 *.
Toroni
Crowded and popular town. The beaches are wide and sandy and pebbly. Also, this place will be interesting for those who want to see the ruins of the Toroni fortress, take colorful pictures of landscapes and wild beaches.
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Sarti
Sarti is also characterized by wide sandy beaches, many hotels, restaurants, bars and taverns.
By the way, often, near restaurants, you can watch how the tentacles of octopuses dry out. At the exit from this town there is a small promenade and a mini-port in the bay.
On the way along the coast of the Sithonia peninsula, you can also meet beaches with campsites.
vourvourou
It is considered one of the best beaches in Sithonia. Vourvourou - a complex of villas, cottages. Very crowded during high season.
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In the vicinity of the beach, you can find bizarrely shaped blocks of stone hewn with water. One of the resort's popular beaches is Karidi Beach.
Which resort in Greece to choose for your vacation is up to you. I have only briefly discussed each of them to help guide you in your search for "the right" place for the perfect vacation.
I wish you crystal clear waters and eucalyptus groves!
Yours, Valentina Sorokina,
Greece is heaven on earth! Sun, clear sea, Blue Flag beaches, stunningly beautiful sunsets, delicious and healthy cuisine, wine⦠Mmmm! There are also many excellent family hotels operating on All Inclusive and with entertainment for children and adults, world-famous cultural attractions. The only difficulty with a vacation in Greece is to decide on a vacation spot. In addition to the mainland, the beloved Halkidiki peninsula, there are also amazing islands. There are about one and a half thousand of them! And how not to miss the choice? We have selected the best: Kos, Zakynthos, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, Crete, Skiathos and tell you how they all differ, what to see and do on each ;-)
Santorini is the most romantic
If Romeo and Juliet were alive, they would give up Santorini! Newlyweds and lovers from all over the world come here. The island tops the TOP 5 most beautiful places in the world and surpasses Bali in Indonesia and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia with its amazing landscapes and landscapes. They say Santorini is part of the legendary lost Atlantis! Who knowsβ¦
What is worth seeing: the village of Oia with snow-white houses and temples with piercing blue domes nestled on the slope of the mountains, the ruins of ancient Fira, the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri and mesmerizing sunsets - many people come here just for them!
Things to do: lie on the beaches with red, black and white sand, perch at a tavern table on the edge of a cliff and taste fish fried on coals with a bottle of Assyrtiko, sail on a boat to a hot volcano and, burning your heels, walk to the very crater and back!
Corfu - the most emerald
Surrounded by olive and pine groves, cypresses and orange orchards Corfu famous for its lush, idyllic nature. Golden beaches with soft sand and small pebbles, warm turquoise waters attract lovers of a calm, peaceful holiday. You can go to the northern part of the island with children, even small ones - the sea is shallow, the entrance is gentle. Corfu also has a youth beach - Sidari.
What is worth seeing: the elegant city of Corfu with its palaces, Byzantine churches and Venetian fortresses, Pontikonisi - the green "Mouse Island" and Blachernae Church.
Things to do: swim with your soulmate along the Canal of Lovers, so as not to ever part, become an avid diver and explore the underwater beauties of Nissaki beach, swallow swordfish and eat a rooster in wine and a small red mullet, try tsitsibira - ginger beer and Kumquat liquor, and then start dancing in the crazy "BuzzBar".
Rhodes - the sunniest
Rhodes rightfully bears the title of the sunniest island in Europe! The sun shines here 365 days a year. In ancient times, the island was dominated by a giant statue of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, erected in honor of the sun god Helios. Among today's wonders of radiant Rhodes: picturesque bays with pristine nature and secluded beaches, where it is so pleasant to take sunbaths. As well as a well-preserved medieval walled city!
What is worth seeing: the famous Street of the Knights in the old town of Rhodes and the Palace of the Grand Masters - the former residence of the Knights Hospitaller, the Acropolis with the temple of Athena in Lindos and Mount Filerimos with a gigantic cross on top.
Things to do: Climb Mount Monte Smith and find the remains of the temple of Apollo, chase butterflies in the beautiful Petaloudes Valley and enjoy the freshness of murmuring waterfalls, have fun on the attractions of the giant Water Park in Faliraki and surf with the breeze in Ialyssos.
Zakynthos - the most tortoise
Now roll me, big turtle! Yes, more happiness Zakynthos and no - sunbathe on an incomparable beach surrounded by amazing coastal cliffs and huge sea turtles! A true beach paradise, this Greek island is famous for its Caretta Caretta turtles. The mere sight of these giants is breathtaking! The heart stops in delight from the fantastic nature of Zakynthos with many wonderful, secluded bays.
What is worth seeing: the main square of the capital, similar to San Marco in Venice, the Byzantine Museum and the Monastery of St. Dionysius and, of course, winged giants gracefully maneuvering in the waters of the quiet Ionian Sea.
Things to do: go on a sea voyage to the beach of Navajo (the most beautiful in the world!), also called "Smugglers' Bay", admire the impressive Blue Caves carved into sheer cliffs, go scuba diving, listen to Zakynthian romances and shake the paw of the famous pet turtle Satyris from the resort town of Laganas .
Crete is the most mythical
Exactly on Crete, the largest island of Greece, the action of many ancient Greek myths developed. Zeus the Thunderer himself was born here, Daedalus and Icarus soared to the sun, Theseus defeated the Minotaur and left the labyrinth along the thread of Ariadne. The ancient Minoan civilization originated on the island of Crete. And today there are a huge number of ruins of this era, architectural and archaeological monuments.
What is worth seeing: the palaces of Knossos and Phaistos, the labyrinth of King Minos, the Archaeological Museum - one of the most interesting in Greece, the miraculous icon of the Mother of God in the Byzantine monastery of Moni Kardiotis and the Venetian castle in Rethymno.
Things to do: of course, sunbathe on the delightful beaches and swim plenty in the bays of the northern coast, where the warmest currents are, drive around the pristine Crete on a nimble bike or jeep, climb to the top of Mount Psiloritis and die of delight, and then dive to the bottom of the sea - in " Elephant Cave.
Kos is the most peaceful
Kos called the "Island of Tranquility". Quiet azure sea, serene skies and natural beauty in abundance - grace! An ideal place for a family holiday. In winter, flamingos fly here, and in summer you can meet relic Caretta-Caretta turtles and Mediterranean seals here. In general, only we are missing - lovers of blissfully lying on the warm sand.
What is worth seeing: the resort town of Kos and the ancient plane tree, which is two and a half thousand years old and under which Hippocrates himself sat, the fortress of Neradzias, built by the Knights of St. John and the cult place for all Greeks Asklepion - the Temple of the healer god Asclepius.
Things to do: sunbathe on the most popular, divine Paradise Beach or go to the less crowded exotic beach of Langada, take a boat ride around the island with a breeze, taste the local honey and master windsurfing in Mastichari.
