Thinking of a Holiday in Greece? 10 Reasons to Visit Soon

Greece is one of the most fascinating countries on the planet. The country was the cradle of Western civilisation, and as if that isn't enough reason on its own to visit, here are 10 other good reasons to make a trip to Greece soon.

Greece is a country where no-one is in a hurry: time becomes a series of moments to enjoy in serenity. The sun warms you from early in the morning to the glorious sunset. It's a place to enjoy freshly caught fish and local wine by the water's edge, as the local Orthodox priest chats with villagers while cats rub against your legs looking for a tasty morsel of food. Greece is one of the most fascinating countries on the planet.

Greece was the cradle of Western civilisation, and as if that isn't enough reason on its own to visit, here are 10 other good reasons to make a trip to Greece soon.

Beaches:

With dozens of inhabited islands and plenty of choice on the mainland too, you're never far from an inviting stretch of sand or shingle lapped by the warm Ionian or Aegean seas. Resorts come in all shapes and sizes so there's bound to be one or many to suit you.

Nightlife:

From cosmopolitan Athens to the larger resorts which really get into the swing in July and August, there's plenty of choice. Whether you want the full-on sounds of Malia in Crete or just want to practise a Zorba the Greek dance with someone you've just met, it's here and happening.

Food:

Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of Greek cuisine, including fish, lamb, pork and of course Greek salad with feta cheese and olives, and dips such as tsatsiki. More sophisticated restaurants have sprung up in larger resorts and cities.

Wine:

The most distinctive is the resin-flavoured white wine retsina, but if that's not to your taste there are many other local and wines to savour. Fine wines come from regions such as the island of Santorini, from grapes grown in lava fields.

Archaeology:

Ancient Greece was one of the greatest civilisations, and you can visit wonderful ruins in Athens, Delphi, Olympia, the Peloponnese peninsula, Crete and many other places. Cities: Athens is not only an ancient wonder but a vibrant modern metropolis, transformed before hosting the 2004 Olympic Games. Also check out Thessaloniki in northern Greece, a fascinating mix of influences close to the beaches of Halkidiki.

Nature:

Much of the mainland is covered by pine forests, and mountains such as Mount Olympus. You should not miss the spectacular gorges in the north-west of the country.

Island hopping:

The country's dense network of inter-island ferries and hydrofoils means that one of the delights of the country is to land somewhere and simply take off and let serendipity rule. Discover small islands you've heard of only in dreams.

Shopping:

Don't forget something from the wide range of handicrafts, plus local herbs and honey.

Touring:

The mainland is a treasure trove of history, landscapes and good times, with the main touring routes being the Peloponnese and north-west. Crete is also worth discovering in depth.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jimi St. Pierre, working with travel correspondent Penny Church, writes for the map-based holiday destination and flight finder Travelwhere. With Travelwhere, you can find find cheap flights to Greece plus lots of additional holiday infomation - including the brochures of tour operators to Greece.

Holiday in France? - Here are 10 tips for Visitors

France is a country of warm, friendly and welcoming people where village life goes on much as it has done for decades. France is also a landscape of incomparable beauty and contrast, punctuated with chateaux, vineyards and all the other aspects that make it so unique. Here are 10 good reasons to visit, to help you with ideas on how to plan and enjoy a French holiday

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France is a landscape of incomparable beauty and contrast, punctuated with chateaux, vineyards and all the other aspects that make it so unique. It is a place with warm, friendly and welcoming people and where village life goes on much as it has done for decades. The pace of French cities may be frenetic, but is maintained with a certain panache.

Here are 10 good reasons to visit the country, to help you with your plans for a great French holiday experience.

Cities:

Paris epitomises France. It oozes Gallic spirit and charm from its iconic attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame to the street artists of Monmartre and the cafes and bars of Monparnasse. Also check out monument-filled Lyons, France's largest seaport, Marseilles, and Nice - grande dame of the Cote d'Azur.

Nightlife:

The French are night owls. They eat late and the night life often doesn't get going until many other nations would be putting up the shutters. Even shopping malls stay open until well into the night, and there are many night markets.

Food:

France's gastronomy is a national treasure. It is the standard by which all other country's cuisines are judged, culminating in the much-coveted Michelin stars for those who attain the highest levels. Even we Brits no longer joke about frog's legs as we try to beef up our own cooking. Try searching out local food markets, wherever you are.

Wine:

What better to wash down the best dishes with some of the world's best wines? Its Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux wines are peerless, as are the products of many other wine regions - despite growing global competition. Take a leisurely tour of a vineyard, and savour the nectar.

Art:

With the Louvre France's biggest cultural attraction, it is no surprise that the French take art to their hearts. After all, cave paintings date back to Palaeolithic times, while the Impressionism movement was initiated in France after Monet painted Le Havre in the mist.

Nature:

France has the most diverse natural environment of any country in Europe. It has six national parks, four of which are in Provence plus the Pyrenees and one in Languedoc, and 43 regional parks including the Auvergne volcanoes.

Beaches:

A coastline of 2,000 miles bordering the English Channel, Atlantic and Mediterranean means that France has beaches on three sides. While many of its most famous ones along the Cote d'Azur are actually more shingle than sand, there are long stretches of glorious, sandy beaches in Normandy and Brittany, in the Vendee, along the Aquitaine coast and in Languedoc.

History:

France's chequered history has left it positively littered with vestiges of the past, going back to Roman times. The 30-plus UNESCO-listed world heritage sites include the historic centre of Avignon with the Palace of the Popes and the bridge from the song, with other treasures including Gothic cathedrals in the north and ornate chateaux the Loire and beyond.

Shopping:

As the capital of haute couture, it goes without saying that Paris is also a shopper's heaven. Its most well-known department store is Galaries Lafayette. Head to Lille's Christmas market by Eurostar for some pre-Christmas gifts and local produce.

Touring:

France is close enough to take your own car over by ferry or the Channel Tunnel and hit the roads. Popular touring areas include Brittany, the Loire, Normandy and Provence.

Cheap flights to France from the UK are always readily available, and the country is well served with flights from all over Europe (and of course, excellent rail links), and so a holiday in France remains affordable - and always possible whether as a planned longer stay, or an impulsive short break.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jimi St. Pierre, in collaboration with travel correspondent Penny Church, writes for the map-based holiday destination and flight finder Travelwhere. With Travelwhere, you can find cheap flights to France along with a wealth of additional information - including the brochures of specialist tour operators to France.