We’re not going to pretend that we aren’t just as enthusiastic about spending our summers lounging on a Greek island as you are. However, there is so much more this lovely country has to offer on top of endless, gorgeous beaches and charming towns. Plus, Greece has a pleasant climate all year round, so summer is not the only time you can enjoy spending your time there. Therefore, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll have difficulty choosing where to start with all available options. To help you plan the itinerary for your upcoming adventure, as your Greece travel experts, we present you the top four active Greece holiday ideas. 

Ideas for the best active Greece holiday ever

If an active vacation in Greece is something you’re after, you can get psyched now. You may do rock climbing and canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, kayaking, and just about everything else, even skiing

However, don’t let the enthusiasm and excitement carry you away too much. Make sure to plan everything and ensure everything’s in order before you head to the airport. Don’t forget to leave your valuable belongings safe while you’re away. The team from vanexpressnj.com suggests temporarily renting a storage unit. That way, you’ll have peace of mind while exploring Greece. Now let’s see what active Greece holiday ideas we’ve prepared for you.

#1 Hiking in Greece is amazing

Most people aren’t aware, but the majority of Greece consists of rugged mountains. Over 40 mountain ranges boast elevations of 2,000 meters or more elevations, making for some truly breathtaking views. There are a variety of trails for hikers to choose from, both along the shore and inland. Your only challenge will be narrowing down your choices and deciding what to visit.

Thanks to the country’s Mediterranean climate and year-round sunshine, visitors to Greece can relish in the great outdoors no matter the season. That is just one of the reasons to visit Greece in October.  The distances between the regions are manageable, and many paths weave together centuries of history and culture.

Here are just some of the ideas for your hiking expedition in Greece:

  • Mount Olympus, the legendary abode of the Greek pantheon, features easygoing pathways suitable for families and more strenuous paths to the mountain’s highest summits.
  • Hikers may explore a terrain unlike any other as they navigate centuries-old monasteries in Meteora, a site often regarded as a natural and human-made miracle.
  • The Cyclades are the most famous Greek islands because of their encircling location around the uninhabited island of Delos. Every one of the Cyclades islands, from Santorini and Tinos to Folegandros, is home to hikes worth remembering.

#2 Enjoy sailing the clear blue waters

Greece is one of the best places to go sailing because of its 16,000 kilometres of coastline, including the mainland, and over 6,000 islands (of which only 227 are inhabited). Due to the favourable climate, four distinct archipelagos, and seven distinct island chains, sailing vacations here are relaxed and enjoyable.

Your sailing vacation will consist of island hopping with plenty of swimming in between, whether you’re visiting the lush Ionian islands (rich in colourful Venetian landmarks) or the more well-known Sporades (home to Mama Mia). The possibilities are endless, and the sights in any given island harbour or seaport will always differ.

Here are, in our opinion, the top sailing experiences in Greece:

  • The Ionian archipelago is excellent because of the closeness of islands like Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Corfu, Lefkada, and Paxi/Antipaxi in the north.
  • Sporades has always been popular with sailors. Alonissos, the first island in Greece to get rid of plastic, is quite close. It’s known for its beautiful marine park with rare animals like the Mediterranean Monk Seal.
  • The Dodecanese islands have been significant to the history of the country. There are 15 big islands and 150 smaller ones, including Rhodes, Kos, and the undisputed hidden gems of the area. 

#3 Try river trekking

Another one of our active Greece holiday ideas is river trekking. The country has more than 2,500 km of rivers, and many run through gorges with waterfalls and freshwater pools where you can swim.

At an altitude of 2,400 m, you could be in the foothills of Mount Olympus or drinking fresh water from springs in the tall Astraka Mountains. With so many beautiful mountains, deep gorges, and winding rivers, it’s no surprise that mountain activities are so popular in Greece.

Here are the top river trekking experiences in Greece: 

  • Once you’ve seen how beautiful and full of life the Voidomatis river is, you may have found your new favourite place in Greece.
  • The Panta Vrehei Waterfalls, whose name means “Always Raining Waterfalls,” is one of the many natural treasures of Central Greece. 
  • The Neda River in the Peloponnese is named after a nymph who was a goddess of water in Greek mythology. The place lives up to its name, with a beautiful waterfall at the end of a hike up the river path.

#4 Rock climbing in Greece is so much fun

When it comes to rock climbing, there is probably no better place in Europe than Greece because of its amazing climate. Climbing enthusiasts will appreciate the diversity of crags, caves, and overhangs made possible by the area’s volcanic origins and high-quality limestone. The iconic Meteora monoliths are only one example of incredible climbing destinations you can’t see anywhere else. 

In addition, several climbing areas are close to bodies of water, making it possible to unwind with a refreshing dip after a long day on the rock. Afterwards, you’ll be even more eager to try delicious traditional Greek food

Here are just some of the places for the best rock climbing experiences in Greece:

  • Kalymnos has become a mecca for climbers of all skill levels because of its breathtaking surroundings and tens of thousands of well-kept sites (such as the jaw-dropping Grande Grotto).
  • In Meteora, skilled mountaineers will find a once-in-a-lifetime climbing destination.
  • Leonidio is a premier climbing destination in the eastern Peloponnese, thanks to its high-quality limestone crags, which offer climbers a wide variety of single and multi-pitch routes.

Have fun on your active holiday in Greece!

We hope our active Greece holiday ideas inspired you to plan a vacation you’ll remember fondly for years to come. Or better yet, you can always really on experienced travel experts when booking your exciting holiday in Greece. We will help you best plan your holiday so you can make the most of your time in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. 

Photos used:

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Greece Small escorted group of Canadians: 17 Days in Greece.
Thank you all. I had a wonderful time with you
Apostolos
What lovely memories we have! Thank you Apostolos for making it all happen – the beautiful places, the wonderful food… This trip rates a 10/10!
We’ll treasure the memories and will tell everyone about you.
Best Regards
Frances
I’ve been telling friends and family about my wonderful trip to Greece. I feel that we have seen what is the best Greece has to offer. The sites , the food and the Greeks. Apostolos did a wonderful job with the itinerary and went beyond to show us some hidden treasures, to places most tourists never see and only a true native would know about.
Many thanks for making it so very special and memorable.
Best wishes,
Juliana

Olympia_Philippion_TempleAncient Classical Greece Tour Vacation Package and a taste of Greek Islands!
Enjoy the beauties of Aegina, Poros and Hydra in our Mini Cruise. Admire the harmony of Ancient Greece Monuments in our 4 days Classical Greece Bus Tour visiting Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nauplion, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora.

DAY 1: ATHENS: Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of Athens_Metro_Dafni_Stationday at leisure.


Acropolis Museum Athens GreeceDAY 2: ATHENS: Morning sightseeing tour of Athens including all famous monuments: House of Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Adrian’s Arch, Temple of the Olympian Zeus, the Royal Palace, the Academy, the University and the National Library. Tour will end by visiting the Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum, “State of the art” in museum construction and very rich in content. On Mondays the new Acropolis Museum is closed.
Afternoon free to visit Plaka (The old Athens city) with lots of souvenir shops, restaurants and taverns.


DAY 3: ATHENS-AEGINA-POROS-HYDRA:  This small cruise will take you to Hydra, Poros and Aegina and bring Hydra_Island_Greece_Boyyou back in the evening full of fun and with the taste of the Greek islands.
Morning transfer to the pier of Piraeus, to embark your cruise ship for your full day cruise to the islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. Good opportunity to know a little bit of Greek Islands and visit a small part of Ancient Greece in the optional tour to the temple of Aphea Athina in Aegina.
On the return trip you enjoy a program with Greek music and songs and join the dancers on Greek folklore dancing. Included is the transfers to and from the port, port taxes and lunch on board.

Olympic_Flame_Lighting_Olympia_Greece   DAY 4: ATHENS-OLYMPIA: Leave by the Coastal Road to the Corinth Canal (short stop). Drive on and visit Epidaurus which was a small city  in ancient Greece, at the Saronic Gulf. Reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son Asclepius, the healer, Epidaurus was known for its sanctuary, the cult of Asclepius at Epidaurus is attested in the 6th century BC.as well as its theater, which is once again in use today.
The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The theatre is marvelled for its exceptional acoustics, which permit almost perfect intelligibility of non amplified spoken word from the proscenium or scene to all 15,000 spectators, regardless of their seating.
Then proceed to the Town of Nauplion ( short stop) drive on to Mycenae. and visit the Archaeological Site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Departure for Olympia Through Central Peloponnese and the Towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. Dinner and overnight in Olympia, the Cradle of the Olympic Games.

DAY 5: OLYMPIA-DELPHI: Olympia was a sanctuary of ancient Greece,  known for having been the site of the Delphi_Greece_Tholos_Athina_ProneaOlympic Games in classical times, the most famous games in history.
The sanctuary, known as the Altis, consists of an unordered arrangement of various buildings. Enclosed within the temenos  are the Temple of Hera (or Heraion/Heraeum) and Temple of Zeus, the Pelopion and the area of the altar, where the sacrifices were made. The hippodrome and later stadium were also to the east.
To the north of the sanctuary can be found the Prytaneion and the Philippeion, as well as the array of treasuries representing the various city states.
Olympia is also known for the gigantic ivory and gold statue of Zeus that used to stand there, sculpted by Pheidias, which was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Antipater of Sidon.
Then drive on through the plains of Eliad and Achaia until the magnificent bridge which is crossing the Corinthian Bay from Rion to Antirion. Pass by the picturesque Towns of Nafpactos (Lepanto) and Itea, arrive in Delphi . Dinner and overnight.

Meteora_Monasteries_Holy_Monastery_of_Varlaam   DAY 6: DELPHI-METEORA:
Delphi was the centre of Ancient World – the “Omphalos” (Navel of Earth) – whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic World.
On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios.
Visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the Museum containing such masterpieces of Ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias.. Depart for Kalambaka, a small Town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora, gigantic rocks. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: METEORA-ATHENS: Meteora is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox Thermopylae_Greece_Spartans_monument_of_Leonidasmonasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. Among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art. The six monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars, at the north western edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains, in central Greece.  The Meteora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (visit the Leonida’s monument). Arrive in Athens early in the evening.

DAY 8: ATHENS-AIRPORT: According to your departure flight, you will be transfrred to the airport
 
 

Santorini Island GreeceFirst and foremost, we both would like to express our sincerest appreciation for the excellent service that you provided in arranging our vacation. Being our first visit to Greece, we did not know what to expect, but after this vacation we will in all probability make a return visit. Thank you very much for putting this fantastic vacation package together, we were thrilled with what you organized for us.
While in Athens, the tour packages were very informative and educational. Our tour guides were always knowledgeable and extremely courteous. To be able to open our curtains at the Astor Hotel and look directly up at the Acropolis is a vision that will remain with us for the rest of our lives. The central location close to Syntagma Square could not have been better.
Santorini was breathtaking and was beyond our wildest dreams. We rented a car for a week and were able to tour the whole island. Our stay at the Villa Odyssey was a speical higlight of our vacation. Our hostess Maria made us feel like we were special guests in her home. We highly recommend that you add Villa Odyssey to your list of preferred accommodations on Santorini Island.
Paros was also relaxing and we rented a car for a day touring the island. The beach in Parikia was excellent.
Transportation provided by the taxis for our pickup at the hotel, airport, ferry ports was very precise and the drivers were always punctual and waiting with our name on a placard.
Once again thank you very much for arranging our memorable worry free vacation We will not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone from our area that may be interested in visiting beautiful Greece.
Sincerest best wishes,
Edd & Dianne
Canada

Mykonos Island was selected for one more year as the most popular island destination in Europe by the readers of American publication of Condé Nast Traveler. Mykonos exceeded once again the most competitive islands of Mediterranean and Southern Europe in the category “Best European Island”, between Ibiza, Kapri, Madeira and Majorca.
The results of research for the opinion of readers of magazine, for the period starting April 2010, are announced analytically in the November copy of magazine.
“We feel satisfaction but also compurgation that our island gained once again the preferences of American tourists. This means that the common effort of Municipality, professionals and all residents is in the right direction and has the recognition of thousands of readers of most recognized  travelling magazine of world “, declared for the rewarding the  Mayor of Mykonos, Mr. Athanassios Kousathanas – Megas.
High grades, however, in the preferences of American readers gained also Greek hotels resort, in the category of Best European Resort. Specifically in the  category  of best 20  were found Mykonos Grand Hotel Resort (in the beach of Saint Ioannis) and the Elounda Mare of Elounda SA, occupying the 15th and 17th place respectively.
The rewarding took place in a  black tie Gala event at the IAC Building in New York, at the presence of  personalities of World Tourism, important Americans tour operators and popular actors and television presenters. The ceremony of rewarding presented the actor Liev Schreiber and the model and actor Angie Harmon, while participated  Matt Dillon, Marcia Gey Harden, Kate Rutherford, Kerry Washington, Penn Badgley and the composer Marvin Hamplisch.
The Easytraveller Team

Greek Tourist Market The  British Posts  published and this year the results of their research for the cost of vacations in various destinations of British tourist (the Post Office Holiday Cost Barometer). In this research is recorded the cost for various expenses: – in Bar/Cafe (coffee, beer Heineken, Coca-Cola), – in Super Market (bottled water, tuning oil, anti mosquitos custard, cigarettes Marlboro), – in local Restaurant (a dinner of 3 dishes with wine, for 2 individuals).

The research took place  in 30 destinations, included also Greece, from Canada up to Indonesia and from Brazil up to Japan.

According to the analysis of data made by the  GBR Consulting, Greece occupies the 18th place,  in total of cost, in the list of  the 30 destinations with total expense 63,4 Pounds. In the individual categories however, it occupies: – the No. 1 place in the category Bar/Cafe with total expense 11,83 Pounds – the No. 16 place in the category Super Market with total expense 13,73 Pounds, – the No. 23 place in the category Restaurant with total expense 37,86 Pounds.

In absolutely numbers for the total of mentioned before expenses, and concerning our direct competition, the research shows that Greece is considerably more expensive than Spain (44,84 Pounds in the total), roughly in the same levels with Egypt (60,76), Croatia (62,44), Portugal (64,21) and Malta (64,95) and considerably cheaper than Cyprus (72,42) and Turkey (75,21).

In the last year’s research between 18 destinations, Greece occupied the 8th more expensive place on the total, while in the individual categories: – the No. 1 place in the category Bar/Cafe – the No. 9 place in the category Restaurant – the No. 13 place in the category Super Market/Tourist Shop

That is to say, the number one more expensive for the  tourists –with the repercussions for the total picture for the Greek tourist product – are Bar/Cafe while in the Restaurants and the Super Market Greece are straightly competitive.
Considering that  this research was made with the exchange parities of 4 January 2010 and since then the Euro has weakened considerably (from 0,9 British Pounds in 0,84 and from 1,44 Dollars in 1,23) it is clear that  destinations with Euro, as Greece, are now more attractive.

Posted by The Easytraveller Team

Beach in Greece Almost all coasts of Greece, Cyprus, France and Portugal fulfill the  microbiological criteria for safe swimming and are found in the top of 20.000 coasts and internal waters of swimming of Europe, according to evaluation of  European Committee, that is expected to be published shortly. The Greek coasts represent roughly the 10% of total of Europe.

The Committee confirms very important improvement of quality of coasts in all Europe at the last 20 years when  the percentages of suitable coasts were increased at this period from  80% to 96%.

Posted by The Easytraveller Team

Apostolos

I am very pleased to provide you with feedback on our Greece holiday which you organised for us.

I liked the way you organised our trip with the minimum fuss and involvement on your part. Everything worked smoothly from the time we reached Athens right up to the time we left. I have no hesitation in recommending your services …to any traveller who wishes to engage you to organise their visit to Greece.

Thank you very much for all you have done for us.
Best wishes & kind regards.

Kalyan
United Kingdom

Monasteries of Meteora GreeceMost people think that these days with exposure of the Internet and the plethora of information and the ability to search and find almost everything would not be any need to contact a travel agency for your vacations.
Well might be like this but still many people trust their travel agents for the organization of their vacations and they have very good reasons for doing this like:
a. The time for searching and finding all the information and the contacts and to communicate with all the service providers is very much and in most cases not worth it.
b. For a smooth run of a vacation there are many things involved and this makes the whole package a complicated planning

Santorini Thira Island Greece
c. Local travel agents know their places better and can communicate very easily with the service providers
d. In most cases, to be accurate with the information they provide, they have inspected the places before recommendation.
e. Travel agents when they contact the service providers they are dealing on behalf of all their clients and in this way are getting better prices.
f. Nowadays the competition is very high and travel agents always try to give clients the best price so they get the business
g. When you book a vacation package you only have to deal with one agency and hold them responsible for the whole operation and not with all the service providers.
h. If there is any irregularity the local travel agent will act more accurately and in a shorter time to solve the problem

The church of Aghia Sophia in Istanbuli. In case of any last moment cancellation the travel agency might deal better with the hotels or the other involved parties while these parties will be tougher with the direct client
j. By booking a vacation package you keep control of your expenses as you know from the beginning the total cost of all the services.
k. If everything is planned you win time because you do not have to be always looking for transportation, timetables, or schedule changes… and this way you see more places and go conveniently.
l. Using a local travel agency you can be an easytraveller because you have not to worry about the whole organization of your vacation and the only thing you have to care about is to have a good time and enjoying the places you visit

We wish you all good trips and unforgettable vacations

The Easytraveller Team

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