Welcome to BuyAssociation.co.uk

Greece in two weeks - Azzam Alkadhi, HolidayLettings.co.uk

Greece in two weeks

Greece - a country heaving with culture, sunshine, beaches and Ouzo. Its mainland is a veritable melting pot of natural and historical wonders - the diverse landscapes of the Peloponnese, the ancient sites at Delphi and the fortified city of Mycenae, Macedonia in the north, and Olympia, birthplace of the modern games. And then there are the mere 1400 islands that make up the remainder of the Greek territory.

Yet with so many things to see and do, deciding where to go for a two week break can be as stressful or difficult as finding out how to get there.

The obvious and inevitable starting point is Athens. Quite apart from the main attractions, such as the Acropolis and the stunning views from Lykavittos Hill, the cosmopolitan capital has plenty to offer for a brief sojourn. A buzzing nightlife, a rich cultural heritage, and a thoroughly fresh outlook fuse to produce its unique character, a blend of modernity and history that is rivalled by few of the world’s major cities.

Perhaps the best way to sample the outstanding diversity of the country is to head to the islands. Once again, the vast array can make any decision-making process seem daunting. The simplest and most hassle-free way to avoid this is to head to Piraeus, Athens’ main port, and get on the first available ferry, picking at random one of the many destinations. If you are short on time, head to the Cyclades or the Saronic Islands, the closest to the capital.

Santorini (otherwise known as Thira), about 15 hours away by slow ferry, is a great place to begin. It boasts breathtaking landscapes and views that can be enjoyed far from the hordes of tourists in Fira, the island’s capital.




Nearby Sikinos will offer a wonderful change. Characterised by its unspoilt villages, pristine white buildings, narrow streets and its stunning cliff-side castle, here you will find the tranquillity that you would expect from an island with a population of little over 200. If this serenity overwhelms you, it is close enough to Ios that you can go for a night of revelry before catching the first boat back.

Milos, a larger, more industrialised island, still retains a certain relaxed character. With hundreds of beaches to choose from, this is the sun-seeker’s isle.

And if you have a few days to spare, Kythnos is worth a visit. Not immediately inspiring, this island combines chic and shabby effortlessly. Loutra on one side is home to the yachts of Athens’ rich and famous, while the port at Merihas is heaving with bars and a nightclub atop a hill, all frequented almost entirely by locals. Indeed, this is not somewhere that tourists would be keen to visit, but perhaps that is its fascination.

If none of these islands sound appealing to you, there are hundreds more to choose from, each presenting the visitor with a unique experience, and a chance to get a flavour for Greece’s charm and variety.

Azzam Alkadhi

Azzam is a customer service advisor at Holiday Lettings and has been with the company since November 2009, where he has gained valuable insight into the world of holiday home letting. A travel junkie to say the least, Azzam has spent time living and working throughout Europe and South America.

More pages

Page 1: Greece in two weeks

Travel insurance with Staysure - the over 50's expert

The best villa holidays from James Villas with our hand-picked villas and all the support you need in resort, we're the number one choice

Find your perfect holiday home - over 250,000 homes worldwide

Click here for 50% off European city hotels - with laterooms.com

4 & 5 Star holidays made simple plus exclusive holidays with YouTravel.com