During this season, the weather in Greece is ideal for holidays. The countryside takes on an autumnal glow, the sea stays warm enough for swimming, the resorts become a bit quieter, and the earth delivers its bounty of olives and grapes, oil and wine.

Autumn will give you countless opportunities to try something really different. Towards the end of September and early October - for a more rustic and intoxicating experience, try to find out who’s making raki out of the skins and stalks in Crete.

Autumn holidays in Greece mean quiet cosmopolitan islands, exploring the Argosaronic islands close to Athens and visiting the lush, green Sporades for a weekend sojourn. Hop over to Evia’s long beaches and thick forests or go up to Pelion, where you can combine beach and mountain pleasures. Autumn is perfect too for sailing in the Aegean or Ionian seas, since August’s north winds have calmed down.

To read this article in full, please visit: Discover Greece

Leros is ideal if you want to visit an island that is small, green, laid back, but full of history and cultural traces from different eras. It is also an ideal island to visit if you are travelling on a small motor or sailing boat, since it has a great marina and lots of natural harbors. Whether you visit now or later, Greek TV shares their perfect 48-hour itinerary!

Take your first swim in Porcelana beach, a small hidden beach near the exit of Lakki harbor. The harbor of Lakki is the second biggest in the Mediterranean, it really makes you think you are around a lake. That is why it was given the name Portolago during the Italian occupation.

Did you know that the movie “The Guns of Navarone” waw inspired by the battle of Leros? After the early swim you can visit the Leros War museum in Merikia. The museum is hosted inside a tunnel constructed for defense purposes by the Italian army during WWII and it is a very interesting exhibit by itself.

Don’t miss fresh seafood plates in the Fish Taverna. You can sea local fishermen bringing in the food you will have in your plate half an hour later.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek TV

The tireless Mediterranean sun doesn’t stop to rest even in winter. In Greece, the light warms up the landscapes, people and the chilliest spirit even on the frostiest days of winter. These clear bright days are so beautiful that the Greeks call them ‘the joy of God.’

Discover Greece shares the best destinations to experience winter in Greece, as well as tips to make your winter holiday extra special. From ski resorts to archaeological sites, Greece is still a magical country to visit in the winter months.

During your winter holidays in Greece, wear your warmest clothes and visit one or several of the many winter destinations you’ll find on the map – the famous mountain villages in the north or the Peloponnese. Walk down their cobbled lanes and admire their traditional architecture. In your comfy B&B or cosy taverna, seated by the fire, you’ll find that Greece’s classic products – cheeses, hand-kneaded bread, olives, extra-virgin olive oil – taste even better than in the city.

To read this article in full, please visit: Discover Greece

 

Photo Credit: Discover Greece

“Firs and tamarisks, imposing mountains and endless beaches, fish and game, “drakospita” (dragon houses) and lighthouses, the Edipsos thermal springs, old monasteries, waterfalls, ravines, industrial monuments, stone-built guesthouses, the Cavo Doro Cape… and one capital, Chalkida, friendly and affordable, ideal for endless promenades by the sea. Yes, Evia, one of the most impressive greek islands, with its unique beauty, looking out towards the Aegean Sea,” Discover Greece takes you on a holiday of a lifetime!

There is a magnificent beach hidden around every bend on Evia. In the north, discover the beaches of Edipsos, Politikon, Limnionas, Kavos, Gregolimanos and, of course, everyone’s favorite, Agia Anna – Agkali.

Famous since antiquity thanks to the unique properties of their waters, the Edipsos springs help heal the body and soul.

For those who love adventure, Evia is a paradise on earth. In Chalkida you can kayak the turbulent Evripos waters. On Eretria’s mainland, at Malakonta, you can go horseback riding. At M. Nikolaos mountain lodge you can rest after hiking the area’s trails.

To read this article in full, please visit: Discover Greece

 

Photo Credit: Discover Greece

The secret is out that Greece in fact does have a winter and while it may not be as popular as summer, the country boasts some beautiful winter destinations. Put on your warmest winter clothes and join Greece Is who shares the top 10 places to visit this winter!

This is a time to experience a different sort of Greece – one of rivers, mountains and glorious natural landscapes as yet undiscovered by mass tourism. One that is emptier, wilder but also comforting in its own way, insulated from the rush and chaos of the modern world.

 

 

 

Forming the lower part of the huge Pindos range in northwestern Greece, the Tzoumerka mountain chain is a series of peaks that effectively form a giant ridge running roughly north to south along the boundary between the regions of Ioannina and Arta.

To take your hit of the natural beauty of Epirus cut with a dose of well-mannered culture, the small and tidy stone-built town of Metsovo near the Tzoumerka mountain range may be more your speed. An important military and trading post in centuries past, Metsovo flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, developing trade links to key cities throughout Europe.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greece Is

Packing can be overwhelming especially if you are traveling lightly and unsure about the weather. Luckily, Greece in the summer is usually steady sunshine and warm days, but there are a few things to keep in mind when packing for the Greek Islands. Rebecca Hall from Life Beyond Borders shares her packing list and recommendations on what to bring!

T-Shirts and/or Tunics - Great for traveling and can be worn over leggings or even as a dress.

Flip Flops and Sandals - It's important to have one pair of beach shoes (flip flops) and a nicer pair of sandals for going out. Rebecca loves the Tea brand because they are great for walking up those steep and uneven cobbled lanes that the Greek islands are known for.

Several Swim Suits - As a good Greek will tell you, there's nothing worse than drying yourself in a wet swimsuit. All Greeks go to the beach with at least one change of swimwear.

All Purpose Dress - A light, cotton dress is perfect for day or evening wear. You can dress it up or down.

Sweater - Surprisingly, it can get cool at night on the islands. There's usually a breeze and when the sun goes down, you can definitely feel a chill in the air. Be sure to bring a light sweater if you plan on staying out at night.

The Greek islands are not just for visiting during the summer months. September and October, and even November, can be the best time of year to visit. Don't miss Rebecca's packing list for Autumn!

To read this article in full, please visit: Life Beyond Borders

Romantic holiday or not, who wouldn't want to find a secret cove or a hidden beach where all you will find is yourself and the sea? Luckily in Greece, there are plenty of islands to find a secluded paradise and Greek City Times is here to help! Below is a list of 6 secret beaches in Greece you will definitely fall in love with.

Ithaca, the destination of Odysseus and the symbolic end of his adventures, is one of the greatest islands of the Ionian Sea, with so many reasons to visit it! Afales beach is one of the most charming ones and totally secluded.

Ikaria is an island known for its wild beauty, but most importantly, known for its population’s longevity. One of the most magnificent beaches is Seychelles, with bright white and grey pebbles, blue- turquoise water, surrounded by cove scenery. Seychelles is located approximately 25 kilometers from Agios Kirikos, near the village Manganitis.

The island of Antipaxos is a small one near the well known Paxoi. The truth is that during the last years Antipaxos is becoming popular and due to its small size and easy access from Paxoi, it is often crowded. Nevertheless, Voutoumi beach tends to differentiate. It’s a quiet and hidden part, which you can access by a pathway.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek City Times

For many Greeks, Easter is one of the biggest religious holidays of the year, with celebrations having a direct connection with the Orthodox faith. Preparations have already begun for Easter with Kathara Deutera, or Clean Monday, which takes place 40 days before Easter. This religious holiday has also become a celebration of Spring, the season of hope and rebirth.

There are four main traditions associated with Easter, like the dying of red eggs on Holy Thursday, the funerary procession of the Epitaphios on Good Friday, and so on, but there are some places in Greece that celebrate Easter in their own way. From Greece Is, here are 11 of the most unique celebrations in Greece!

The competition between these two gems of the Saronic Gulf is quite intense. On the island of Spetses, the Epitaphios processions of each of the four main churches of the island converge on the square in front of the Poseidonion Hotel on the evening of Good Friday. The young people strive to lift the heavy, decorated biers as high as they can so they may earn a special blessing.

In cosmopolitan Syros, the two main religious dogmas – Orthodox and Catholic – come together to celebrate in unison. In an atmosphere of solemnity, the Epitaphios of the Catholic Evangelistria and the three Orthodox churches (the Assumption of Mary, the Transfiguration of the Savior and Saint Nicholas) meet at the main Miaouli Square, where they join in prayer. The youths participating in the Orthodox procession often carry spears, or sponges – clear references to the passions of Christ.

Its Easter traditions also differ in that they have a heavy focus on honoring the Virgin Mary. The locals clean and whitewash their houses in preparation for the passing of the icon of Mary. Starting on Holy Saturday, the icon is taken past all the houses to the sounds of fireworks and the exchanges of wishes.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greece Is

It's one of the oldest countries in the world and once the pinnacle of civilization. People flock from all over the world to Greece, with the country boasting a sunny Mediterranean climate, gorgeous beaches, quaint villages, ancient ruins, and much more. If you ever find yourself in Greece, be sure to check these places out!

According to the Guardian, you should check out:

Peloponnese

"Peloponnese was traditionally called Morea which means mulberry leaf. This name fits Peloponnese perfectly as it is shaped like a large leaf. It is located in the southernmost region of Greece with a wide peninsula connected to the mainland by the Rio-Antirrio bridge. Peloponnese boosts an extensive history with echoes of ancient events and cultures all around it."

Meteora

"The Greek word Meteora translates as “suspended in the air” which perfectly describes these magnificent cliffs that rise over 1,200 feet into the air overlooking the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in the north-central mainland of Greece."

Thessaloniki

"As the second largest city in Greece and the capital of the Macedonian region of Northern Greece, Thessaloniki is always buzzing with life and is known as the cultural capital of Greece."

To read this article in full, please visit: The Guardian

It's one of the most popular summer destinations in the Mediterranean with Athens as a great city break destination and hundreds of islands ready to be explored. The country also offer better value for your money than other countries like Spain and Italy. From Forbes, here are 10 places in Greece you must visit this summer!

Lake Vouliagmeni

"Mysterious Lake Vouliagmeni is just 15 miles outside Athens but a world apart. Its name derives from the Greek word vouliiazo, which means “submerge” and indeed the mesmerizing lake formed when a huge underwater spring let loose and caused a massive cave roof to collapse."

Milos Island

"This Cycladic island stunner is where many Greeks go on their honeymoons or just to get away from it all for a few days. Like the celebrated and in summer overcrowded island of Santorini, Milos is volcanic in origin. The unique geology has endowed the island with a wealth of gorgeous beaches, including Sarakiniko with its surreal white landscapes. Milos is about a three-hour ferry ride from Piraeus."

"If you're looking for great beaches, good food, a hint of glamor and great value for money then look no further than the Greek island of Paros. It's located south of the more famous (and much more expensive) Mykonos, but is a favorite vacation spot for the Greeks themselves. The cosmopolitan town of Naoussa has loads of great seafood restaurants and tavernas and is near an array of fine, uncrowded beaches."

Karpathos Island

"While Rhodes is the biggest and most popular of Greece's Dodecanese Islands, it's also the most touristy. Unless you're a big fan of medieval history (its main town is exceptionally well-preserved), I would say skip it in favor of the second largest island of the Dodecanese, Karpathos. While Patmos, another island in this Aegean archipelago, has attained more of a following as an in spot in recent years, slender Karpathos is arguably more authentic and has better beaches, too."

To read this article in full, please visit: Forbes