The Greek islands and mainland Greece invite you to experience an unforgettable summer holidays.
Every day of Greek summer feels like a celebration – and that’s because it is! Greece celebrates summer from May until October. Hospitable, bright and colourful, it offers incredible treasures to all. Welcome to summer in Greece!
Santorini, Mykonos and Skiathos have all put a cosmopolitan gloss on the classic Greek combination of sun, sea and sand, while Kefalonia and Skopelos offer up beautiful beaches and laid-back towns. Thassos and Samos like to stay out of the spotlight – the beaches here are footprint-free and cypress trees are the only high rises you’ll find.
Discover Historic Treasures in Summer Holidays
Summer in Greece and ancient temples gaze out at the Aegean Sea. Portara in Naxos, Delos, Skarkos in Ios, Faistos in Heraklion, Kreta; famous summer destinations where Greece’s past is illuminated by the Mediterranean sun. Ancient Olympia, Knossos and the Ancient Valley of Gortyna, the monasteries of Mt Athos, Akrotiri in Santorini; all are just a stone’s throw from the sea, and should be high priority on your summer holiday itinerary. As should the archaeological museums, Byzantine monasteries, castles, towers, and ancient trails. In Greece, even the smallest sight has a big history. Discover it.
Authentic moments in the Greek islands
Discover authentic Greece when you travel to the islands of the Aegean and the Ionian. Donoussa, Schinoussa, Anafi, Kimolos, Halki, Kastelorizo. From Symi to Ikaria and Amorgos, Tilos, Kalymnos, Alonissos, Samothraki, Ithaca, Paxi, exotic Antipaxi, and the lush, green island of Lefkada. You’ll share meze, ouzo and local wine with fishermen, friendly villagers, and housewives who bake bread in wood-burning ovens.
Over treats and delicacies like amygdalota (crushed almond shortbread), soumada (almond syrup), mastiha, homemade lemonade, and aromatic Greek coffee, the locals will share the stories of their land. Myths, customs and traditions are still alive today, passed down from generation to generation through word of mouth. They’ll share improvised poems and songs, and you’ll want to hum along. Summer in Greece is generous and pure.
Water sports and boundless energy
For water sports enthusiasts, the Greek summer provides the perfect backdrop; Perivolos in Santorini, Psarou, Paradise and Paranga in Mykonos, Punda Beach in Paros and Mylopotas in Ios.
You’ll knock back shots at the fun-filled beach bars all day long. Multicoloured kiteboards and windsurf sails play in the waves and in the wind. Vouliagmeni on the Athenian Riviera, Paros, Mili and Vassiliki Beaches in Lefkada, Prasonisi in Rhodos, Sigri in Lesvos and Sarti in Chalkidiki; wherever you are, you’re all one under the sun. Beach volleyball and paddle ball, scrabble and backgammon under the shade of your umbrella, diving from the dock, tubing and water skiing. Beautiful bathing suits, colourful sarongs, tanned bodies and smiling faces. Greece’s beaches always emit a positive vibe and infectious vitality, thanks to young people from all over the world.
A taste of Greece and the Mediterranean
Day after day one culinary treat follows another. The Greek summer is overflowing with flavours and aromas; wild greens, fragrant fruits, legumes, vegetables, cheese, warm bread, extra virgin olive oil, fresh fish and seafood, homemade wine. Every place in Greece has its own microclimate. Every village, island and city has its own recipes. Whether you are walking with a slice of juicy watermelon along the beach, or indulging in a gourmet meal made with local produce, whether you’re dipping a slice of bread into pure olive oil or eating an oyster straight from the sea, the delicious flavours will delight your taste buds.
Wind in your sails
Sea routes in the Greek islands: Santorini. Mykonos. Milos. Crete. Lefkada. Corfu. Zakynthos. Paxi. Award-winning marinas, picturesque fishing ports, hidden beaches, and bays with emerald water. More than 6,000 islands and islets, on a coastline more than 14,500 kilometres long – what more could yachting and sailing enthusiasts ask for! The summer winds in the Aegean are perfect for competitive sailing, while the calmer waters of the Ionian are ideal for smooth sailing.
Dive into the fun
Bonfires on the beach, conversations, music, swimming by moonlight in a peaceful sea.
The barman concocts a new cocktail recipe, and treats you to shots with exotic flavours. The music pulses and the dancing begins, the lively crowd all under the spell of a local DJ. Greek summer is synonymous with the nightlife that lasts all night! You’ll go straight from the club to the beach, and with that first dip in the sea your mind and body will be revived. It’s romantic and emotional, without a schedule or obligation. Just live it!
You are all invited…
…to the fairs and festivals of August 15th throughout Greece, with their rituals, lutes and treats… to the traditional weddings, and the bridal procession through the island’s cobblestone streets… to the Saints Day fairs, where the locals serve you homemade food, raki and wine… to the big parties,the cultural events and concerts at the open-air theatres overlooking the sea, or in the mediaeval fortresses…to the gastronomy festivals and ouzo celebrations. Hospitable and open-hearted, Greeks are always ready to welcome you with open arms and give you the best of what their home has to offer. Because they want you to get to know Greece as it is – pure and authentic. And you will invite them into your heart forever.
The hinterland
No matter what beach in Greece you may find yourself on, it’s worth taking a trip into the hinterland. Nearby you’ll find traditional villages with shady squares lined with coffee shops, an archaeological site, an important museum, trails and parks, lakes and wetlands. Popular destinations that offer unforgettable summer experiences include Pelion, Crete, Messinia, Mani, Nafplio, Katerini, Preveza and Parga, Ilia and of course the Athenian Riviera with Sounion. These are just some of the places that will impress you, without ever having to leave the sea breeze.
