Report about a trip to Greece. Report on a trip to Greece Crete - the most mythical
Surely, everyone is wondering where to go on vacation in Greece? There are so many islands, such as Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Zakynthos and others, as well as the mainland of Greece that can delight you with the sea and high-quality resort areas - Halkidiki (Kassandra and Sithonia).
In my opinion, Greece is a unique combination of a seaside holiday with a rich excursion program to natural and architectural attractions. Someone will say, why is Italy or Spain worse? Absolutely no worse, but! Holidays in Greece are cheaper for tourists than in other European countries at Mediterranean resorts.
Greek resorts are “varied”: those who need a dry climate for health reasons are welcome to Crete, those who are delighted with the lush greenery are Rhodes, those who prefer luxury and comfort are welcome to Halkidiki.
Each island or peninsula in Greece is unique in its own way. Greek hospitality cannot fail to touch even the hardest heart of a demanding and strict tourist.
Let's take a look at the most popular resorts in Greece: the islands of Crete and Rhodes, as well as the Halkidiki peninsula, such as Sithonia and Kassandra (entry to New Athos is only possible for men, and only with a pre-issued permit).
☀ 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 in October +23 degrees.
✈ How to get to the island of Crete
There are two international airports on the island of Crete: Heraklion in the center of the island on the northern coast and Chania in the north-west of the island. Charter flights mainly fly to Chania Airport).
It is better to buy air tickets for the summer period in advance. The closer the high season is, the higher the price will be.
Airfare in the period from May to October starts from 9600 rubles. and up to 19,000 rub. per person in both directions.
You can find cheap tickets to Crete, as well as choose the optimal period of your holiday, using the low price calendar on the website Aviasales.ru.
For your convenience, I have already formed all the summer months in this calendar and set the rest period - 7-12 days 👇
♒ Map of resorts and beaches of Crete
According to Greek law, all beaches belong to the state, therefore, tourists will have to pay for beach infrastructure - umbrellas and sunbeds for 3-5 euros per set per day.
On this island you can find various types of beaches and entries into the sea: narrow rocky and wide sandy, pebble and bays with large boulders, as well as with cold rivers flowing into the sea.
To help you navigate the beaches of the island of Crete, I suggest you familiarize yourself with with an interactive map of resorts and beaches of Crete.
In order to find out which beach is at a particular resort on this sunny island, just click on the flag ⛳.
🏨 Hotels on Crete
Most tourists find it difficult to decide on a hotel - either the beach is rocky or the hotel is not very good. Therefore, I would not recommend that you focus on staying in a hotel, but book a modest but decent 3*-4* hotel, rent a car and drive around all the bays, lagoons - everyone will find a suitable place to their liking, and at the same time visit various towns and villages of this hospitable island.
It’s worth overpaying for hotel amenities, food and smooth sandy sunset only if you are planning your vacation with small children, or this is not your first time 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 be “burning” and you will be able to profitably rent a hotel in Crete. However, remember that when booking a hotel at the last minute, you will have to choose from what is left. And as you know, the best is 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 hotel booking using a search engine RoomGuru.ru.
As practice shows, the best prices and favorable booking conditions are provided by the service Booking.com .
For youth holidays in Crete, Malia and Hersonissos are most suitable. That is, mostly urban beaches, with a large number of bars and 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 Rethymnon (Platanios, Adelianios Kampos - with wide beaches and greenery). Walking around Agios Nikolas, Elounda (considered an expensive and fashionable holiday destination in Crete) will seem wonderful.
For family holidays, as a rule, hotels are built with a family holiday concept, suitable infrastructure, and a gentle approach to the sea (for example, hotels from the Grecotel or Aldemar chain).
Well, now, let’s briefly look at each resort in Crete.
1. Heraklion
★ Heraklion - attractions and entertainment
Heraklion itself is a very small city, despite the fact that it is the capital of the island. The most interesting things are 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 commuter and intercity bus routes start from Heraklion: both in the eastern direction and in the western direction.
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. Thanks to the guides, any attraction 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. Rethymnon
Located 78 km west of Heraklion airport. It is difficult to see the city from the highway - it is hidden in the thickets of blooming oleander. The entire city can be explored on foot in 15 minutes.
This region can please you with its 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 Rethymnon is very clean and awarded the blue flag:
Since the terrain of Rethymno is flat, and is not located in a bay - that is, not protected by mountains and hills, the wind often blows on the beach and there are waves in the sea.
★ Rethymnon - attractions and entertainment
The main attraction of Rethymno is the ancient city itself, including the port and the Venetian fortress of Forteza.
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You can find out what excursions you can still visit from the Rethymno region on the following websites:
These are sites where you can sign up for customized excursions from private guides.
3. Bali
The heavenly name of a small resort town 40 km from Heraklion (to the west) has nothing in common with the island of Bali of the same name in Indonesia.
This resort area is characterized by windless bays with a gentle slope. The further inland from the sea, the higher the climb up the mountain. Therefore, be careful when choosing a hotel on the second and third lines - it’s easy to go down, but to go 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 there are regular buses to Heraklion and Rethymno, since all excursions in Crete start from these cities.
4. Chania
This city has its own airport, therefore, when purchasing a package tour to the Chania region, charter airlines will arrive here, and not to Heraklion (150 km).
The city limits of Chania are characterized by beaches with dark golden sand, a gentle slope and a 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 look, 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 white limestone mountains.
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5. Ammudara
Located 10 km from Heraklion airport. This small resort town is suitable for a leisurely family holiday.
The beaches are mostly wide and sandy. The recreational infrastructure is well developed.
There are places to get out of the hotels - 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
Located 15 km from Heraklion airport, as well as Amoudara, it is suitable for a calm, measured holiday. Gouves is characterized by a gentle slope, 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.
Gouves has a 5-kilometer illuminated promenade along the coast with a large number of cafes, bars and restaurants.
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7. Malia, Stalida
The resorts, transforming one into another, are located 30-35 km from Heraklion. The beaches are mostly sandy with a gentle slope 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
Located in the eastern part of Crete, 56 km from Heraklion. Located in the beautiful Mirabello Bay.
Previously just a fishing village, it is now a resort with a touch of luxury. And 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 and palm trees.
The beaches can be either sandy or pebble, mostly small. The entry into the sea is gentle. Everyone chooses a place to relax according to their taste - within the city limits, or along the coast.
In the bay of Agios Nikolaos the water is unreal
crystal, and the landscapes against the backdrop of mountains
Simply amazing!
Agios Nikolaos is a miniature town with a promenade for evening walks. In the center of the city lies the "bottomless lake" of Vulismeni, surrounded by cafes, bars, restaurants and taverns serving delicious seafood.
★ Agios Nikolaos - attractions and entertainment
The main attraction of the resort in Agios Nikolas is Lake Voulismeni. A walk along the Koundourou promenade with beautiful views of Mirabello Bay will bring you great pleasure.
Historical attractions include archaeological museums and cathedrals.
9. Elounda
Distance from Heraklion to the east, 70 km. Located in the prefecture of Agios Nikolas.
It is considered a fashionable resort. The level of hotels is high, the territory is huge. The price range for accommodation here is much higher than in other resorts in Crete.
A beautiful and cozy town, it was founded in the 15th century by the Venetians. The world fame of this resort came after the Walt Disney film studio made a film about local residents in 1977.
The coastline of Elounda is indented with bays, the beaches are sandy, and the slope is gentle. The favorable location of the beaches in bays provides reliable protection from wind and strong waves.
From the coast you can see the island of Spinalonga:
Rhodes Island
☀ 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 begins at 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 end of the season.
Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago. The climatic feature of the island is that on the west coast it is often windy and the sea water is choppy (Ixia, Ialyssos). For a relaxing beach holiday, it is better to book a holiday on the east coast of the island (Kalithea, Lindos).
✈ 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.
🔔 Learn more about how to search for cheap air tickets: .
The minimum cost of air tickets per person in both directions during the holiday season starts from 10,000 rubles. Agree, quite good?
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You can find out how much a ticket will cost for your holiday dates here: "Calendar of low prices for air tickets to Greece, Rhodes island".
♒ Map of resorts and beaches of Rhodes
Unlike Crete, Rhodes is greener, the beaches are surrounded by hills and rocky coves. Beaches can be either sandy or sand and pebbles.
In order to find out about the beach at a specific resort on this sunny island, just click on the flag.
🏨 Hotels in Rhodes
In Rhodes you can book hotels from RUB 8,000. 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 relaxing.
The island is very small, the attractions on it can be counted on one hand. However, there is no less entertainment in Rhodes than in Crete.
You can choose the optimal location of the hotel, and also decide on a specific option on a trusted website Booking.com.
💡 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 balance between excursion and beach holidays. The city of Rhodes itself can suit both history and nightlife lovers.
2. Faliraki
The most party place on the island. Beaches are sand and pebble. 5 km from Faliraki is Afandou Beach - the longest beach on the island. The village of Afandou itself is buried in cypresses, pines and oaks. This is a very ancient village built in traditional Greek style.
The relief around the beach is flat, but the seabed, on the contrary, is characterized by changes. Afandou Beach is considered deep-sea, so the water in the sea is cool. The landscape near the beach is “bald”, it is very difficult to find shade.
3. Kolymbia
Kolymbia is located exactly in the middle, between the capital and Lindos (25 km). It's only about half an hour from Rhodes airport. 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 flanked by a tavern, port and chapel.
The advantage of Kolymbia beach is its location in the bay. A gentle slope, virtually no waves - an ideal place for families with children.
Kolymbia is a good place for active tourists to relax. From this point it is easy to reach 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. Gennadi
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 the flavor of a Greek settlement. There is all the necessary infrastructure (cafes, exchange offices, shops, pharmacy). The beach is mostly sandy, sometimes there are pebbles.
Halkidiki
Weather and climate in Halkidiki
The Aegean Sea washes Halkidiki. This sea is “cooler” than the Mediterranean, so the swimming season begins a little later than, for example, on the island of Crete, and ends earlier - towards the end of September it already begins to rain.
The average air temperature in October in Halkidiki drops to 20-21 degrees. In addition, the Halkidiki half is located a little further north than the Greek islands.
Unlike the islands, Halkidiki is less windy, since the “fingers” reliably protect each other from the wind. Another difference is humidity - Halkidiki is a greener island, the climate here is humid. That is why June and September are considered the best months for vacation, since the “humid” heat is more difficult to bear 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. During peak months such as July and August, air tickets can cost up to RUB 18,000. per person.
Hotels and apartments in Halkidiki
Unlike a holiday on the islands of Greece (Rhodes, Crete, Kos), the cost of a holiday in this part of mainland Greece will be somewhat more expensive.
The price for apart-hotels (hotels with rooms with a kitchen) and 2* hotels starts from 11,300 rubles. per room for a week.
You can choose apartments in Halkidiki on the website Booking.com.
The cost of accommodation in hotels with breakfast included starts from approximately 15,000 rubles. per room for a week.
You can compare prices for hotels and apartments on the website RoomGuru.com.
Map of resorts and beaches of Halkidiki
The beaches in Halkidiki are mostly sandy, with a smooth sunset and windless bays.
Just like in any other resort in Greece, there are city beaches and those 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 Chalkidiki peninsula is divided into three parts: Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos.
➤ Kassandra Peninsula
The most popular resort among tourists. The Kassandra Peninsula has a well-developed recreational infrastructure. As a rule, hotels are located at a distance of 50-115 km from the airport.
Kalithea village
The most popular beach in this resort is Kriopigi Beach, which has been awarded the Blue Flag.
Most cafes and taverns open at 11-12 noon and stay open until late.
It should be borne in mind that there is a steep descent down the stairs to the pristine sandy beach.
Four kilometers from Kallithea, there is the town of Afitos, a walk through which will bring you no less pleasure than visiting the historical sights of the area.
Nea Potidea
It is also 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, night clubs.
There are not many attractions, except perhaps the 19th century Village Church. It is in Pefkochori, in apiaries, that the famous Greek honey is produced.
Afitos
The village of Afitos enchants at first sight: cozy streets, “homely” hospitality of hotels, measured pace of life.
An ideal place for those who are tired of the city bustle. There is a lot to see in Afitos: the Church of St. Demetrius, the Katsanis mansion, 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 transformed into a full-fledged resort with its own tourist infrastructure.
Suitable for a relaxing and leisurely holiday. Among the attractions is the Byzantine tower of St. Paul.
Nea Moudania
It is a dynamic town with its own industry and agriculture.
Residents of Thessaloniki have built their dachas along the coastline of this area.
Suitable for those who prefer urban recreation - going to the shopping center, cinemas, and attending festivals.
➤ 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 it will appeal more to romantics, 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 unite the wonderful peninsula of Sithonia.
The border with the mainland, unlike Kassandra, is very arbitrary.
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 in 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 own embankment, helipad and promenade is Porto Carras 5*.
Toroni
A crowded and popular town. The beaches are wide and sandy and pebble. Also, this place will be interesting for those who want to see the ruins of the Toroni fortress and take colorful photographs of the 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, you can often see octopus tentacles drying near restaurants. At the exit from this town there is a small embankment and a mini-port in the bay.
On the road along the coast of the Sithonia Peninsula, you can also come across beaches with campsites.
Vourvourou
Considered one of the best beaches in Sithonia. Vourvourou is a complex of villas and cottages. It gets very crowded in high season.
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In the vicinity of the beach you can find strangely shaped stone blocks hewn by water. One of the resort's popular beaches is Karidi Beach.
Which resort in Greece to choose for your holiday is up to you to decide. I just briefly talked about each of them to help you find a guide in finding “that” place for your ideal vacation.
I wish you crystal clear waters and eucalyptus groves!
Yours, Valentina Sorokina,
Greece is heaven on earth! Sun, clear sea, beaches with Blue Flags, stunningly beautiful sunsets, delicious and healthy cuisine, wine... Mmmm! There are also many wonderful family hotels operating on an all-inclusive basis with entertainment for children and adults, as well as world-famous cultural attractions. The only difficulty with a holiday in Greece is deciding on a holiday destination. 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 very best: Kos, Zakynthos, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, Crete, Skiathos and tell you how they are all different, what to see and what to do at each ;-)
Santorini - 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 on the globe 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 knows…
What is worth seeing: the village of Oia with snow-white houses nestled on the mountainside and temples with piercing blue domes, the ruins of ancient Thera, the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri and mesmerizing sunsets - many come here just for them!
Things to do: lie on beaches with red, black and white sand, sit at a tavern table on the edge of a cliff and taste charcoal-grilled fish with a bottle of Assyrtiko, sail on a boat to a blazing hot volcano and, burning your heels, walk to the very crater and back!
Corfu - the most emerald
Surrounded by olive and pine groves, cypress trees 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. There is also a youth beach in Corfu - Sidari.
What's worth seeing: the elegant town of Corfu with its palaces, Byzantine churches and Venetian fortresses, Pontikonisi - the green “Mouse Island” and the Blachernaean Church.
Things to do: swim with your other half along the Lovers' Channel so that you will never be separated, become an avid diver and explore the underwater beauties off Nissaki Beach, swallow a swordfish and eat a rooster in wine and a small red mullet, try tsitsibira - ginger beer and Kumquat liqueur, 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 home to 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 sunbathe. And also a perfectly preserved medieval fortified 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 a blast on the attractions of the giant Water Park in Faliraki and surf in the breeze in Ialyssos.
Zakynthos - the most tortoiseshell
Now take me for a ride, big turtle! Yes, more happiness for Zakynthos and no - sunbathe on an incomparable beach surrounded by amazing coastal rocks and huge sea turtles! A true beach paradise, this Greek island is famous for being home to the Caretta Caretta turtles. Just the sight of these giants will take your breath away! The fantastic nature of Zakynthos with its many wonderful, secluded bays makes your heart skip a beat.
What's 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: take a sea voyage to Navajo Beach (the most beautiful in the world!), also called “Smugglers’ Cove”, admire the impressive Blue Caves carved into steep cliffs, scuba dive, listen to Zakynthian romances and shake the paw of the famous tame turtle Satyris from the resort town of Laganas .
Crete - the most mythical
Exactly on Crete, the largest island of Greece, was the setting of many ancient Greek myths. Zeus the Thunderer himself was born here, Daedalus and Icarus soared to the sun, Theseus defeated the Minotaur and left the labyrinth along Ariadne’s thread. The ancient Minoan civilization arose on the island of Crete. And today there are a huge number of ruins of this era, architectural and archaeological monuments.
What's 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 amazing beaches and swim to your heart’s content in the bays of the northern coast, where the warmest currents are, drive around 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 find relict Caretta-Caretta turtles and Mediterranean seals. In general, the only thing missing is us – those who love to lie blissfully on the warm sand.
What to see: 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 Neratzias fortress, built by the Knights of St. John and the cult place for all Greeks Asklepion - the Temple of the healer god Asklepios.
Things to do: sunbathe on the most popular, divine Paradise Beach or go to the less crowded exotic beach of Langada, take a breeze around the island on a boat, try local honey and master windsurfing in Mastichari.
I am not a historian to argue about the main advantages and attractions 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 not get lost in the choice, you need to decide what kind of vacation you prefer...
The peninsula has been described more than once 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 Meteora and Olympus, Athens and Delphi, Athos with your own eyes and take boat trips..
Corfu
It must be said that Fr. was never 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 cypresses.
The Byzantines began to build an old fortress here, later the Venetians built the first peak of the deterra, now at the entrance to the fortress there is a small Byzantine museum, and on the territory there is a Music Academy.
Little Kerkyra - a variety of old quarters and streets, squares, buildings of Venetian, French and English rule. And, despite the variety of styles, the architecture of the city is completely harmonious and only pleases the eyes of vacationers.
The famous Liston Street is a symbol of “Corfu Town” with graceful arches of houses, with Venetian lanterns - here you can drink a cup of coffee and chat with friends. Corkyrean cuisine predominates here, preserving national recipes for centuries.
Corfu town, like an elegant romantic beacon, is the main bead of the island of Kerkyra, meets and sees off cruise ships, ferries and various ships from other countries, and also draws pilgrims from afar with its bell tower of the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimythous.. One of the most beautiful places on the island - the Paleokastritsa region , 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, is a real paradise for underwater hunters and divers... And on the top of the highest mountain there is a Byzantine monastery. On the site in front of the monastery there is 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 Lakones (600m above sea level), where the multi-colored palette of the Adriatic Sea opens up with a pier in a small port for yachts and local boats.
On the south-eastern side of the island there is the famous village of Benitses with ancient courtyards and a museum of the sea, where a collection of sea finds raised to the surface is displayed.
Not far from the village of Gastouri is the Achilleon Palace, built by order of the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, 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 on the island are located. Even Roman emperors loved to spend their time here! For connoisseurs of antiquity, a fortress on the top of a hill.
One of the most romantic places on the island is Sidari. Golden beaches surrounded by quaint northern cliffs with caves, tunnels and Canaldi Amor. The very north: Roda and Acharavi - a long strip of sandy beaches, a tourist area where, sitting in a tavern on the seashore, you can watch the changing colors and colors of the Albanian mountains every day and evening...
In addition, in Corfu you can take the most interesting excursions: to Italy - Bari and the mysterious Alberobello, a cruise to unknown Albania, historical Meteora, boat trips to the 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 you can buy natural cosmetics for your friends, and maybe even a fur coat...
Hotels
A magnificent hotel, completely renovated by 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 area for two hotels, the rooms in the main building are newer and nicer. For a good holiday for all categories of tourists. The animation is calm, there is a seawater swimming pool and tennis courts. Magnificent three-story villas, bungalows are very simple. And again, it’s a plus - it’s not far from Kerkyra.
One of the few nice 2* hotels, very cozy, welcoming, where they serve delicious homemade pies and pastries for breakfast, good rooms, all different colors, a studio with a mini kitchen, a 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 or TV, there are magnificent bungalows.
Excellent hotel with a good beach, but almost all hotel services are paid, including sun loungers 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 park-like area, fairly simple rooms, but the hotel is very popular with tourists with children, there is a mini zoo, a water park and children's animation. The rooms are of different categories of apartments.
A good family hotel in its category, the only downside is the steep climb from the beach to the main building and bungalows and bungalow rooms. Animation for all ages, good kids club, children's food. Themed dinners, Greek evenings and barbecues. Very green, instead of umbrellas on the beach there are centuries-old olive trees and palm trees. Good entrance to the sea.
One of the best hotels on the island with a large green area on the peninsula with a pier for yachts, for a quality, respectable holiday. It makes sense to book villas with private pools facing Kerkyra. At this hotel you can change dinner for lunch.
Adults only hotel, beautiful, stylish, rooms immaculate. Very nice bungalows and pool area.
The hotel is controversial in its category, but does not immediately give the impression of being updated and well-maintained. Closest to the capital of the island, excellent sandy beach overlooking the city. In this hotel you can change dinners for lunches, also the advantages of the hotel are a swimming pool with sea water, excellent food and kettles in all rooms.
O. Corfu is a real fairy tale that absolutely anyone can get into!