The A to Z guide to Greece

A-F

A is for Athens

Not only is Greece’s capital one of the world’s oldest cities and the home of ancient ruins like the Temple of Zeus, it’s also been dubbed ‘the cradle of Western civilisation’ and ‘the birthplace of democracy’. #winning.

B is for beaches

Sand, shingle, or pebble – however you like your beach, Greece serves up the lot. What’s more, an almighty 430 of them were awarded the Blue Flag for quality in 2016.

C is for Crete

Crete – the biggest of the country’s thousands of islands – packs slow-paced fishing villages, historical towns, and stunning mountain ranges into its mega size.

D is for DJs

There’s a lot that Greece does well, including a good old knees-up. Check out our Scene holidays if you don’t believe us – they’ll put you up in clubland veterans, Malia, Kavos, Faliraki, Laganas and Kardamena.

E is for escapes

With all those islands up for grabs, Greece was made for a secluded getaway or two. Have a look at Zante’s famous Smugglers’ Cove, where you can kick back on pure-white sands in the shadow of a shipwreck.

F is for feta

Think Greece. Think food. Think feta. Right? It’s almost impossible to go for dinner and not see this crumbly white, sheep’s milk cheese on the menu. Mmmm… Cheeeeeese…

G-L

G is for gyros

You can forget everything you thought you knew about ‘the best kebab ever’, until you wrap your lips around Greek gyros – shreds of meat are stuffed into a pita with tomatoes and lashings of tzatziki.

H is for Halkidiki

Ironically shaped like Poseidon’s trident, Halkidiki’s three prongs offer completely different experiences. One’s spot on for beach breaks, one’s all about the rugged nature, and one’s a monastic state.

I is for islands

We’ve all heard of Greece’s key players – Corfu, Kos, etc., – but did you know that around 6,000 islands and islets lie off the country’s coast? That gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘island hopping’.

J is for JSI

Please don’t ask us why (we don’t know), but this is the international airport code for Skiathos Island National Airport. Bear it in mind, and make sure you don’t book a flight to SKI – you’ll end up in Algeria!

K is for Kefalonia

This Ionian island has Hollywood credentials – the big-screen adaptation of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed here. Flop down on Myrtos Beach’s white-pebbled shore, and you’ll see why Kefalonia made the cut.

L is for luxury Greece knows a thing or two about luxury. In fact, we chose the country for the setting of our very first Sensatori resort. Six pools, seven restaurants, and swim-up rooms are Sensatori Resort Crete’s big draws.

M-R

M is for mythology

Greece’s mysterious background of gods and heroes still fascinates us to this day. Disney’s Hercules, the cult TV show Xena: Warrior Princess, and even The Hunger Games all nod to Ancient Greek mythology.

N is for nature

We know Greece lays on the natural beauty in droves – jade-green forests, sapphire-blue seas and all. But did you know the country is also home to turtles, dolphins, lynx, and even bears?

O is for Olympia

The very first Ancient Olympic Games took place here in the 8th century BC, in honour of the god of gods, Zeus. Who would’ve thought that, millennia later, we’d still be competing in the games?

P is for Parga

This place is as popular with Greeks as it is holidaymakers. That’s all down to its postcard-pretty looks – think quiet cobbled streets, whitewashed hillside houses, and a harbour filled with colourful boats.

Q is for quiet side

If you’re looking for the quieter side of life, you’ve got plenty of options in Greece. In places like Paxos, Samos, Thassos, the beaches are footprint-free, and high-rise hotels are a no-no.

R is for Rhodes

A-grade beaches, sights that date back to the time of the Trojan War, and big names to please the clubbing crowd. It’s really no wonder why Rhodes is the most popular Greek isle.

S-Z

S is for spanakopita

Spinach pie topped with flaky pastry, and filled with a mouth-watering mixture of spinach, feta cheese, fresh onions and seasoning. It might be hard to say, but spanakopita is almost too easy to eat.

T is for tavernas

If you can peel yourself away from your hotel’s restaurant, duck into a local taverna for an authentic taste of Greece. Expect mama’s kitchen-style food, and al fresco tables under cutesy awnings.

U is for UNESCO sites

Thankfully, the Ancient Greeks left plenty of landmarks behind for us to marvel at in the modern day. And UNESCO moved in to preserve lots of them, like Athen’s hilltop Acropolis and Corfu’s fortressed old town.

V is for volcanoes

Unsurprisingly, lots of Greek islands were born as volcanoes. Santorini’s the most famous – here, the beaches are ash-black, and warren-like villages cling to the cliff-face overlooking the caldera.

W is for windmills

Cosmopolitan Mykonos is known for two things – its super-trendy night scene, and its iconic windmills. Most of the chunky white towers were built by the Venetians, way back in the 16th century.

X is for Xenia

It seems as though Greece truly was built on tourism. The Ancient Greeks lived by a concept of hospitality called xenia, or ‘guest friendship’. Zeus was even the protector of travellers, don’t you know?

Y is for year after year

Endless tanning spots. Rich history and culture. Lip-smackingly good food… and plenty of places to have a cheeky drink. It really is a no-brainer why we get back on the plane to Greece year after year.

Z is for Zante

Aside from being famously good-looking, this Ionian island is one of Greece’s clubbing hotspots. Don’t just take our word for it – check out the video below, which comes courtesy of the hook-up between our nightlife-heavy Scene holidays, and fashion know-it-alls, ASOS.

All Greece-d up?

Have a look at our Greece holidays.

Author: Lee Dasilva