Greece
WHITE BUILDINGS: Flowers on a Mykonos street
Picturesque villages tumbling whitewashed into the startling blue of the Mediterranean Sea, ancient ruins washed mellow yellow by the low light of a summer evening and an ancient culture that sparked the birth of Western civilisation.
The achievements of Greece sit easily alongside some of Europe’s best beaches, a lively sense of pleasure, a distinctive cuisine and a rattling, revitalising selection of wines and spirits. Mainland Greece has seen a range of world-class developments transforming a previously unsophisticated coast. On the islands an untouched simplicity still sets the tone with an array of sympathetic properties that seem to have grown out of fishing villages that can trace their origins back 2000 years. Greece still cultivates Mediterranean ease where boats are still useful alternatives to road travel, small restaurants serve retsina and domestica against a backdrop of fishing boats, whilst widows wear black and the men cluster round harbour front bars playing dominos and backgammon. The greatest signs of ancient civilisations are scattered around the capital Athens, with the Acropolis an unforgettable sight.
Our properties stretch from the mainland to encompass various island groups: the lively nightlife that pervades the Cyclades, at its most exuberant on Mykonos, the gem-like perfection of the Ionian islands of Zakynthos, Cephalonia and Lefkas, the countless Greek and Roman ruins of the Peloponnese, a selection of properties that bring out the varied landscapes of Crete, volcanic Santorini with the clarity of its breathtaking views and Pelion, mountainous and home to many Greek myths.
For a sense of Greece’s rural identity, the unspoilt Halkidiki peninsula near Thessaloniki is definitely worth a visit. The deep blue waters of the Saronic Gulf provide a stunning contrast to the lush greenery of Lagonissi. In both these locations we present beautiful beach resorts catering for couples and families alike.
FLIGHTS & FACTS
Fly to: Athens (British Airways direct or charter). Crete (Heraklion), Mykonos, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Lefkas (Preveza), Zakynthos, Pelion (Volos) (British Airways to Athens, onward with Olympic Airways or charter).
Villa arrival days: Mainland - Saturdays, Crete - Tuesdays and Sundays, Lefkas - Sundays, Mykonos – Sundays and Thursdays, Pelion, - Fridays, Santorini - Thursdays, Zakynthos - Sundays.
Flying time: 3 hours +
Time difference: GMT + 2
Bets time to travel: May – October
WEATHER
Greece has a warm Mediterranean climate. Spring is again a good time for touring the area before some parts just get too hot. In Greece and the islands, temperatures reach an average maximum of 25 °C in May, sometimes enhanced by the presence of the Sirocco, a hot wind from Africa. In summer, dry hot days are often relieved by stiff breezes, especially in the north and coastal areas. Athens can be stiflingly hot, so visitors should allow time to acclimatise. The evenings are cool. Winters are mild in the south but much colder in the north. November to March is the rainy season.
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