7 Reasons to Travel to Greece Now
Despite the ongoing migrant crisis, travel to Greece is up and visitor numbers actually increased in 2015 and are expected to rise even further this year thanks in part to the fears over terrorism in other Mediterranean destinations like Turkey and Egypt. It is true that the tide of refugees has threatened to overwhelm some popular islands in the eastern Aegean (and closest to Turkey), such as Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Leros, Kos, and Rhodes, but the rest of the country including Athens and must-see destinations like Santorini, Crete, and Corfu, have remained unaffected.
Zakynthos Island
Need more reasons to start planning a trip to Greece? Here are a few:
- More and cheaper flights. US carriers have decided to add new routes to Greece this year. United’s new seasonal service will offer daily non-stop flights starting May 25 through October 5 out of Newark and Washington, D.C. (Dulles) to Athens. American Airlines will also commence a seasonal connection between Athens and Philadelphia as of May 6.
- This is a great time to travel to Greece. Because of the financial crisis (and the stronger greenback), you can expect lower hotel rates, less local traffic (due to the higher gas prices), and even warmer Greek hospitality. Not to mention the perennial reasons to travel to Greece – delicious fresh food, breathtaking scenery, azure water, authentic culture, and ancient historic monuments.
Mykonos Harbor
- It is a foodies’ paradise. Mediterranean cuisine is at its best here with fresh local ingredients available everywhere – from olive oil, to feta cheese, to the freshest seafood. When you travel to Greece, you will soon discover that every region has its unique specialty dishes and wines which will keep you curious and wanting for more.
Walking in Greece
- There is something for everyone. Greece offers a seemingly endless diversity of landscapes – from myriad beautiful islands and award-winning beaches, to dizzying mountains, deep gorges, green valleys, and wildflower meadows providing an abundance of active adventures.
- Xenia. (Not to be confused with Xena – the Warrior Princess…) This is the uniquely Greek concept of hospitality, generosity, and courtesy shown to those who are far from home. It is in the Greeks’ very genes and they take pride in receiving guests and offering them the best of what they have – their best food, their best wine, and their friendship.
Retsina Wine
- Relaxation and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Similar to other Mediterranean peoples, the Greeks have a more relaxed mentality and easy-going lifestyle. They have learnt to enjoy and appreciate the moment – whether it is a game of chess or backgammon in the village square, a cup of coffee or a glass of ouzo in the shade of an old tree, or the beauty of the sunset. They take pleasure in the simple things in life – from baking bread to enjoying a meal with family and friends, to sailing out in a fishing boat before sunset.
Meteora Monastery
- Millennia-old history and culture. Everywhere you go, whether it is the capital Athens or the remotest island, you will stumble upon relics from Greece’s illustrious past – from the imposing Acropolis to Santorini’s whitewashed houses, Meteora’s monasteries perched on top of rock towers, the ancient temple ruins, and old mountain villages where centuries-old traditions are still part of everyday life.
Interested? Read some more or get in touch and we will help you plan the perfect trip to Greece!
Oh, I would LOVE to go to Greece, particularly for the food! It looks simply amazing. <3
Thanks Maggie! It really is one of those destinations which are easy to fall in love it, like Italy or Croatia. And the food so fresh everywhere, only local and seasonal…
Greece is definitely a lovely place to visit. I’m heading off to Mykonos later this year (after the summer – the party scene isn’t for me!) and can’t wait to see those blue-and-white buildings and eat my body weight in fresh seafood 🙂
Oh yes, the white churches with the blue domes…I always end up eating more when traveling to Greece, but it is all fresh and local, and I assume you will be moving around and walking a lot, so no worries…!
I have been dying to go to Greece for a couple of years now, and some other country always seems to take priority. Really need to make it happen!
Now is actually a great time to go. Hope you make it there sooner or later…:)!
My friends just came back from Greece and was sharing with us that due to the financial crisis, everything seems to be cheaper.
Yep; this is the information I have as well…And people are even more welcoming as tourism is such a large part of the local economy.
Wow! Glad I found this article! Greece is exceptionally beautiful. Never heard of Xena – thanks for introducing me to that!
My pleasure; glad you enjoyed the post!
This is good information! Greece has been at the top of my list for a while now, and according to your post it seems like the most optimal time to go. Sounds like I need to start planning 🙂
Yes indeed; now is the time to go. Let me know if you need help planning!
These are some great reasons to go to this Mediterranean country. I would love to visit Thassos or Santorini and sip my cocktail at the backdrop of the melting sunset over the azure sea.
Thanks Svetlyo! Wow, this is so poetic – “the melting sunset over the azure sea”…
That made me laugh – not Xena Warrior Princess. I agree, this is a great time to go financially. But I’m not going to lie, recent events have put me off a little. I know it shouldn’t. Greece is absolutely amazing though! Great post.
Well, you know how many people get all their education from TV and comic books, so I just wanted to avoid any misunderstanding…:). I understand your concerns but really, there are so many parts of Greece where they have not seen a single refugee…Glad you like the post!