Greece is a popular choice among British tourists for a variety of excellent reasons. It’s a place that’s steeped in history, but it’s also suited to the needs and habits of modern travellers.
Let’s take a closer look at what the best Greece holidays have to offer discerning travellers looking to soak up some sun and culture on their next break.
A summer climate that supports how you want to spend the day
There’s no getting away from the simple fact that Greece, during summer, is very hot indeed. This has major implications for the way that each day unfolds, with shady afternoons and early starts being typical. Mornings tend to be productive windows, during which work is done and errands are run. When the sun reaches its zenith, Greeks take the opportunity to relax before resuming the day later in the evening.
You’ll enjoy your evening meal late on, and you’ll typically keep your plans loose and flexible. It’s not uncommon for dinnertime to be as late as 10pm, since this is when it’s pleasant to be outdoors.
Food culture that rewards unstructured travel
Of course, the cuisine in Greece is fairly legendary. During your stay, you’ll come to appreciate the variety on offer, and this often extends well beyond the typical combination of kebabs you’ll find in the average takeaway. If you stick to mezze-style dining in small tavernas, then you won’t have to book your table in advance. This means that you’ll be able to keep your itinerary fairly flexible.
In Greece, mealtimes tend to be unhurried. There’s very little pressure to turn over a table, which means you’ll be able to sit for long periods, relaxing after a meal. Pick the right location, and you might also be able to enjoy a stellar view of the sea or some history, too.
Choice without complexity
Much of the appeal of Greece is to be found in smaller towns and islands. But if you want to avoid rushing from place to place, you’ll want to stay at each of your destinations for that little bit longer and to enjoy your surroundings that little bit more. The ‘slow travel’ movement, which emphasises taking the time to savour every moment of your adventure, is a great match for what’s on offer in Greece.
If you want to get the best from your holiday, you’ll want to make your choices in advance while leaving yourself with a little bit of scope for spontaneous adventures. You might book a stay of a few days on each of a sequence of islands and leave at least one of them free for you to pursue whatever activities capture your attention. It might be that you discover something worthwhile along the way.
Why Greece still fits UK summer travel expectations
Food, sunshine, culture, and a relaxed culture all combine to make Greece a great option for UK-based travellers. And that’s before we even consider the history on offer in major cities like Athens. Take the time to learn a little of the language, and treat the natives with courtesy, and you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
