When many of us think of the best Greece holidays, we tend to think of the climate. The temperature here is famously balmy, even outside of summer. As such, it’s a go-to destination for those in search of sea and sand.
But if you’re willing to venture beyond the usual tourist spots, you’ll often discover a kind of appeal that’s less about the weather, and more about the things that really distinguish Greece and its people: including culture and history.
History and heritage: Walk through the ancient world
Greece is inarguably the birthplace of Western civilisation; just about everything that’s been achieved in Europe can be traced back to the thinkers, poets, and historians of Ancient Greece.
Much of that history, naturally, is to be found in the capital, Athens. There, you’ll find the famous Acropolis, and the Parthenon, overlooking the city. But there are also other important sites, like Delphi, where the oracle Pythia consulted the gods, and which the ancient Greeks considered the centre of the world.
A feast for the senses: Greek cuisine beyond the taverna
You might think of Greek food as comprising grilled meat, flatbread and tzatziki. But the truth is that there’s a tremendous amount of gastronomic variety to be found across the thousands of islands that make up the country.
The national dish is Moussaka, which is served just about everywhere, albeit in different forms. Then there’s Pastitsada, which is a braised beef dish served in Corfu, and Bourdeto, an Ionian fish stew made using red-spotted cod.
Countryside escapes: Mountains, monasteries, and small villages
If you’re looking to explore some of the more obscure and beautiful sections of the mainland, then you’ll have a considerable selection of options. Hikers might make time for Zagori, which is a cluster of stone-built villages, surrounded by dense forest and soaring mountains.
In the centre of the country, there’s the Pelion Peninsula, where you’ll find a network of old mule paths connecting traditional villages. If you’re looking for a slightly different perspective on the oracles of ancient Greece, then you might head over to Dodona, or Ancient Corinth.
Combining it all: Planning a Greece holiday that blends beach and culture
Of course, just because you’d like to experience some of the culture and history of this part of the world doesn’t mean that you need to dispense with the traditional beach holiday entirely. Find a beach resort that’s near to a few ruins; you’ll often find that the more impressive ones are quite near to the coastline, anyway!
Beyond the Beach: Discovering Greece Through Culture, Cuisine, and Countryside