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Pocket guide to Greece

Historic cities. Sun-soaked beaches. Lively ports. Endless coastlines lapped by azure waters. It is not hard to see why Greece is loved by so many. What makes Greece so special is that its ancient history is still very much a part of modern life. Comprising over 6,000 islands dotted across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, visitors are drawn to the country not just for its rich history and iconic architecture but for its charm and stunning natural beauty too.

At OROKO, it is our belief that you can enjoy luxury holidays to Greece for incredible value. Over the years spent exploring Greece, we have developed long-standing partnerships with a number of Europe’s top family resorts, hotels, and city residences. Here we shine the spotlight on this much-loved destination with an in-depth pocket guide to some of its most popular islands.

This pocket guide is just a sneak preview, so head over to our dedicated Greece page where you will find itineraries for all of our bespoke Greek holidays.

Athens & Athenian Riviera

Built in the 5th century, Athens is the historical capital of Europe and one of the world’s oldest cities. Overlooked by the imposing Acropolis, which can be seen from almost every part of the city, it is the focal point around which the capital still revolves. Byzantine churches and ottoman architecture define Athens, giving the city a strong neoclassical character. The birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of western civilisation and home of Plato, Socrates, and Euripides to name but a few, Athens should be top of every culture aficionado’s bucket list. Start at the Acropolis Museum, where the glass floor reveals the ruins of an ancient Athenian neighbourhood, before making your way up to the Parthenon, the pre-eminent monument of the Acropolis. The ‘Grande Promenade’ around the Acropolis can be explored on foot or by bike and is an unforgettable journey through history. Explore other historic sites including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Kerameikos and the Agora and visit Hadrian’s Arch, the Byzantine & Christian Museum, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

With a cuisine that’s beloved worldwide, foodies should set aside time in their schedule to sample some of Greece’s finest culinary delights. Head to Kostas, a family-run restaurant to sample their souvlaki, which they have perfected over the last 50 years. Another savoury favourite loved by locals and visitors alike is spanakopita, which can be found at Ariston Bakery and Makedonikon. Follow this with loukoumades (deep fried dough balls drenched in honey and a range of other toppings), which are one of the oldest pastries in the world. Popular spots where you can enjoy these include Ktistakis and Lukumades. Athens’ strategic seaside position means it is the perfect launchpad for a luxury holiday along the Athenian Riviera.

Mykonos

Situated on the Aegean Sea, the whitewashed paradise of Mykonos is the most famous Cycladic island in Greece. Although famed for its St. Tropez-meets-Ibiza party lifestyle and cosmopolitan beach bars, it is also home to fascinating historic sites, hidden coves, and charismatic villages. Stroll along narrow, bougainvillea-lined marble streets, admiring whitewashed houses with colourful doors and secluded churches. Be sure to visit the Church of Panagia Paraportiani as well as the Mykonos Folklore Museum, the Tourliani Monastery, and the Aegean Maritime Museum. Soak up the atmosphere along the bustling waterfront and keep an eye out for the island’s official mascot, the pelican. With miles of sandy beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice for where to unwind or partake in thrilling water sports.

After an action-packed day, head to the photogenic neighbourhood of Little Venice. Look out over the shimmering harbour with a refreshing cocktail and marvel at the stunning sunset views. After dark, head to any of the bountiful bars or nightclubs for which the island is renowned for.

Santorini

The second most famous of the Cycladic Islands, Santorini is immediately recognisable, even to those who haven’t visited. Its landscape is dotted with pastel-hued houses carved into craggy cliffs, snowy-white buildings capped with striking blue domes and volcanic beaches lapped by turquoise waters. Santorini’s capital, Fira, is perched right on the edge of the caldera with spectacular views of the still active Nea Kameni volcano. A visit to the town is incomplete without a trip to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the whitewashed Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral.

Located on the north of the island is Oia, which is world-renowned for its dazzling sunsets. Along with Fira, it is the most popular destination in Santorini. Head to Ammoudi, a tiny port of vibrant fishing boats that lies 300 steps below Oia and offers the best vista of the village, as well as the bustling harbour and vermilion cliffs. Once there, enjoy fresh seafood in one of the waterfront tavernas. Other smaller villages that are also worth visiting during your holiday to the island, are Akrotiri and Messa Vouno, both famed for their archaeological sites.

Rhodes

The largest of the twelve Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes is also the most historically important. With its verdant valleys and idyllic, golden beaches, the island is blessed with natural beauty. Once home to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the history-rich isle still has the power to transport your back in time to the Byzantine Empire as you stroll through the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the largest medieval settlements in Europe. Explore twenty-four centuries of history with visits to the Palace of the Grand Master and the Archaeological & Byzantine museums.

A short drive from the Old Town brings you to the iconic Acropolis of Lindos, perched on a clifftop and offering stunning views of the pristine coastline. Another popular tourist attraction is the Valley of the Butterflies, which comes to life in summer with colourful butterflies, drawn there by the resin emitted from storax trees. Sprinkled along the island’s coast are a handful of small villages that entice visitors with their peaceful beaches and authentic Greek restaurants. Lapped by the tiffany-blue waters of the Mediterranean, Rhodes promises a picture-perfect getaway.

Saronic Islands

Situated in the Saronic Gulf, just off the coast of Athens, the Saronic Islands comprise Aegina, Angistri, Poros, Hydra and Spetses. Like all Greek islands, each of the Saronics has a different ambience and culture, making it the ideal island-hopping destination. Home to the Temple of Aphaia and the remains of a Byzantine village, an exploration of the ancient island of Aegina is a must for history buffs. The pocket-sized, pine clad Angistri is perfect for those who want to simply unwind on the beach or get out in nature. Due to its small size, it can easily be explored by bike. The beautiful island of Poros charms its visitors with lush pine forests, serenity, and picturesque Old Town. Be sure to check out the iconic clocktower as well as the Temple of Poseidon. Hydra is undoubtedly the star of the show. The stunning, car-free island is framed by pretty pebbled beaches and a port of well-preserved stone buildings. Top attractions include Kimisis Tis Theotokou Cathedral and Lazaros Koundouriotis Historical Mansion. Spetses is the southernmost of the Saronics and has a vibrant nautical history. Stroll along the Old Harbour, marvelling at the Agios Nikolas Monastery, the boatyards, and Bouboulina’s Museum before heading to one of the myriad aqua coves.

Halkidiki

Mountains or seaside? Beach bars or secluded coves? Traditional villages or deluxe resorts? Whatever it is you are after on your luxury Greek holiday, the northern region of Halkidiki has it all. With an unlimited expanse of unspoilt sandy beaches framed by the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, dense pine trees that reach right to the water’s edge, small coves buzzing with fish tavernas, cafés and beach bars, spectacular archaeological sites (such as the awe-inspiring Petralona Cave), charming historic villages and high-end beach resorts, sun-soaked Halkidiki is the perfect luxury holiday destination for couples and families alike.

Crete

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is a never-ending feast for the senses, renowned for its tapestry of idyllic beaches, wild natural beauty, sumptuous cuisine, rich culture, and history. The Cretan scenery is bewitching, with valleys and picturesque villages bounded by the sun-drenched beaches to the north and the weathered canyons, cove-carved and cliff-lined coasts of the south.

Take it all in on a luxury self drive holidays . With so much to do, from trekking through Samaria (Europe’s longest gorge), hiking to the cave where Zeus was born, cycling among orchards on the Lasithi Plateau to swimming, snorkelling, boating, or kayaking in the crystalline waters, Crete caters to every taste. A trip to the island would be incomplete without visiting some of the most significant attractions in Greece, such as the Minoan palace of Knossos, Phaistos, Fortezza, Arkadi Monastery, Gortyna as well as the Heraklion and Hania Archaeological Museums.

Foodies will be in their element here. Many of the rural tavernas produce their own meat, cheese and olive oil and catch their own seafood. Enjoy signature dishes like egg-lemon lamb, artichoke hearts, graviera (a piquant cheese) and kalitsounia (sweet cheese pastries), washed down with a glass of locally produced wine or a shot of fiery raki.

Peloponnese Peninsula

Situated on a large peninsula, at the southernmost point of mainland Greece, the Peloponnese Peninsula is a destination for all seasons and home to timeless villages, historic monuments, medieval castles, rich history, stunning natural beauty, and spectacular beaches. The region is a celebration of contrasts – soaring, snow-capped mountains and vast gorges are framed by dramatic, golden coastlines of idyllic beaches and secluded coves lapped by azure waters. This very topography that kept invaders at bay for many centuries, now entices visitors of a different kind, those who want to learn more about its rich and varied past. You will be transported to another time as you explore Mystras, Ancient Mycenae (home of Agamemnon), Ancient Olympia (the birthplace of the Olympic Games), Nestor’s Palace, Ancient Messene, and the Theatre of Epidavros to name but a few.

Beyond the bountiful historic and cultural sites, Peloponnese also provides ample opportunities to relax and rejuvenate. The coastline is dotted with exotic beaches such as Elafonisos, Voidokoilia, Kardamyli, Old Epidaurus and Porto Heli, as well as two internationally renowned resorts on the Costa Navarino.

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