Here’s why you need to visit Greece at least once in your life

Located in Southeastern Europe, the country of Greece is made up of 277 islands lying in the Aegean and Ionian seas. Graced with warm Mediterranean temperatures, a historic culture and picturesque views, it’s one of the most popular places in Europe to vacation.

Whether you enjoy a more active and adventurous type of vacation or a more laid-back break that’s slow paced and full of lounging around on the beach with endless cocktails, there’s something for everyone on the islands of Greece. Yet with so many islands, it can often be difficult to decide where to go and what to do.

Below, we’ve got you covered with the top things to see and do when visiting Greece.

Santorini Sunsets

As one of the top romantic destinations in Greece, Santorini is frequently visited by those looking for a romantic break or even to tie the knot. However, it’s also best known for its picturesque sunsets. While the beaches on this island aren’t the sandiest of the Greek islands as they’re mainly made up of volcanic rock, there’s plenty of ideal spots to perch on to watch the sun go down.

Some of the best beaches to watch the sun go down include Perissa, Perivolos, Red Beach and Kamari to name a few.

Hire a boat

Experiencing life on a yacht seems like something exclusively for the rich and famous, right? Well there’s a number of affordable options for hiring a boat in Greece, in which BorrowaBoat has a great selection of boats for experienced sailors and newbies alike.

With over 200 islands to explore, hiring a boat is one of the best ways to see all of the sights in Greece. In the height of summer, you’ll also be able to sail off and avoid the tourist hotspots when you feel like a little extra space.

One of the best options for first time boat hirers is a Catamaran as they’re easiest to maneuver. It’s worth bearing in mind that these boats can be a lot slower than others and can be tricky to maneuver in crowded ports if you’re not used to doing so.

Go wine tasting

Lying in the heart of the Mediterranean, Greece is one of the best places to go on a wine tasting tour. Some of the best vineyards in Greece include:

• Lyrarakis winery
• Douloufakis winery
• Manousakis qinery
• Hatzidakis winery
• Gaia wines
• Manalis winery
• Moraitis winery

While visiting the vineyards, be sure to find out about the Greek winemaking traditions and select out a great wine to take home with you. Greece is also known for producing world class olives and olive oils, which go great when paired with a wine tasting session.

Meteora Day Trip

If you’re staying in the capital Athens then there’s some great opportunities for day trips from this region. The Meteora Monasteries sit on top of the breathtaking sandstone cliffs and are worth every bit of the train or bus journey it takes through the picturesque Greek countryside to get there.

As an UNESCO world heritage site, the monasteries are protected and look largely unchanged, preserving their rich history from the 14th century. For many years, these monasteries remained inaccessible to everyone but the monks that sought retreat there, although they have undergone some restoration and embellishment projects since then.

For those interested in Greece’s rich history, this is the perfect day trip.

Hiking in Crete

The Samaria Gorge in Crete is one of the most picturesque hiking locations of all the islands. Spanning 16km, the towering rock faces make for a slightly challenging hike in the heat, although the views are well worth the effort.

As the largest of the Greek islands, Crete also has a range of other idealistic hiking spots The area of Loutro has a picturesque beach with nearby hikes, many caves to explore and even kayaking for those with an adventurous spirit.

Sougia is also an idealistic place for hikers in Greece with its breathtaking canyon, sandy beaches, historic monastery, many caves to explore and a range of gentle watersports activities.

Find adventure Kefalonia

As one of the most popular islands, Kefalonia can get a little crowded in the height of summer, but it’s well worth a visit. Some of the best things to do on the island include visiting Mount Ainos National Park. If the suns getting a little too much, why not head underground to Drogarati cave where you can discover dragon’s teeth, stalactites, stalagmites, and subterranean creatures.

Visit the historic Olympic Stadium

The Olympic Stadium in Athens was originally built in the 1980’s for the European Athletic Championships. Having been remodeled by famous Spanish Architect, Santiago Calatrava, for the 2004 Olympic games, the stadium is now the largest in Greece.

Overall, Greece is one of the most fantastic destinations to visit when in Europe. From the sandy beaches and picturesque blue waters to the volcanic rocks, sandstone cliffs, historic monasteries, vineyards and fascinating Greek culture, it makes for a trip of a lifetime.

Struggling to choose which island to visit? Why not hire a boat and see them all!