Seas that sparkle in the light like precious stones caress sands of white, cream and gold; pesto-coloured hillsides that roll down to the muted greens of olive groves; island homes like sugar-cubes capped with blue domes – a shade that is brilliant only under the intense sunlight of the Mediterranean. The colours of Greece are some of the most dazzling in the world.

The cuisine of this welcoming nation is also famous – for all the right reasons. Tuck into melt-in-the-mouth local lamb in a dish of kleftiko, a simple and wonderfully fresh yoghurt dip called tzatziki, or a no-fuss chopped salad topped with a huge lump of juicy feta cheese.

And when dinner is done - and washed down with Greek wine or a shot of ouzo - help your hosts to clear up in the local style and send those plates smashing to the floor as the dancing commences (but only if they do it first!).

With long hot summers, a bevy of beautiful islands to choose from, an ancient capital and an easy average flight time of around 3.5 hours, holidays in Greece continue to be popular with Brits. You can book a package break with TravelSupermarket or find cheap flights to Greece by comparing prices via our search tool. Once you have found your flights you can look for the best places to stay in Greece and book your ideal hotel. 

In Greece, hotels range from basic self-catering apartments to five-star, luxury resorts with spas. From family hotels with a host of child-friendly amenities to romantic hideaways by the sea, whatever type of holiday you dream of, it can become a reality in Greece.

It’s not all about beach breaks on the Greek islands, however. Those seeking art, culture and an endless supply of historic sites can journey to Athens, Thessaloniki or Patras, the mainland’s biggest urban areas. Greece is so large and varied that it is quite possible to overlook Athens, its imposing capital city. Almost overwhelmed with historic sites and museums, it is a vibrant and exciting place to be by day or by night. Every quarter of this ancient metropolis has superb restaurants, shops and bars, but if you want to escape the hustle and bustle, head for old town Athens where life takes on a slower pace.

For holidays in the sun, visitors turn their attention to the wonderful islands that pepper the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Crete is the biggest of them all and offers a diverse range of holiday resorts, from the lively atmosphere of Malia and the harbour buzz of Agios Nikolaos to the relaxed pace of Sissi. The southerly position of Crete equates to hotter weather and a longer peak season than islands located further north.

Kos and Rhodes also benefit from being in the south and have an equally enticing mix of resorts that draw different types of holidaymakers.

And while Corfu has long been known as a party island, its northerly spot in the Ionian cluster of islands means you will also find beautiful bays and the intensely green forests that gave the island its nickname: “Emerald Isle”.

Other popular island destinations in Greece include Kos, Zante (also known as Zakynthos), Mykonos, Santorini, Kefalonia and Skiathos.

Find your ideal hotel in Greece by comparing accommodation deals with TravelSupermarket. 

Top five attractions

Acropolis

Crowned by the Parthenon and visible from just about every part of Athens, the mighty Acropolis is one of the great icons of Europe. The Parthenon was built with no expense spared, using the finest marble available.

Delphi

Myth and legend swirl around the magical site of Delphi, which is said to have hosted the gods as they consulted the Oracle. Delphi is considered to be the second most important archaeological site in Greece after the Acropolis and is about two hours by road from either Athens or Patras.

Hydra

Greece has hundreds of islands to explore, but one of the easiest to access from the mainland is Hydra. Just a short boat trip will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into another world. Hydra has no cars and no motorbikes – boats and donkeys are the only available transport on this easy-going island.

Kardamyli

This beautiful coastal town just south of Kalamata is the perfect base from which to explore one of Greece’s finest assets – the Mani Peninsula. Kalamata, although a popular destination, has largely resisted the temptation to become a tourist trap. Instead, you’ll find a peaceful slice of traditional Greece.

Samaria Gorge National Park

Located on the island of Crete, Samaria Gorge appears to be a giant rip in the gorgeous White Mountains. You can walk along the gorge on a journey that can run either uphill or downhill – or both ways if you have the stamina. It is a challenging but incredibly rewarding day out.

Events

Independence Day; March: Just about every business in the country (apart from bars and restaurants, naturally) closes for the day to allow everyone the opportunity to take part in the celebrations which see street parties, parades and concerts across the land.

Easter; March/April: The Orthodox Greek Easter is the biggest and most important holiday celebration in Greece. Locals mark the end of Lent with candlelight processions that go on to huge feasts of lamb and wine. The party mood can last for several days.

Medieval Rose Festival; May-June: If you are on the island of Rhodes at the start of summer, you must not miss this fascinating event. The medieval streets of Rhodes Town provide the backdrop for this adventure into the past, which involves dragons, knights on horseback and lilting medieval melodies.