Archive for 'Tourist Attractions in Greece'

The Ionian Islands are considered by many to be a true slice of paradise on earth and it's not hard to see why. A group of six larger islands flanked by many smaller satellite islands hugging the West Coast of mainland Greece in the Ionian Sea, this is a land of unbelievably bright hues, stunning scenery, perfect beaches, and large areas that thankfully remain untouched by the intense developments and crowds of mass-tourism. While the island of Corfu was one of the first parts of Greece to begin attracting big tourist crowds, even this part of the Ionian Islands boasts substantial areas that remain unaffected by over-development and many other islands and destinations are very much off the beaten track and hidden gems. It is, however, the great natural beauty of this part of the world that most attracts the visitors who do choose to go for a villa in the Ionian Islands.

If you are looking for some of the most astoundingly lovely coastal towns, unbelievable natural attractions, lush emerald landscapes, turquoise seas, soft sandy white beaches, cloudless and endless cerulean skies, dramatic and gleaming creamy cliffs and rock formations and watercolour sunsets, in particular, then we highly recommend a villa in Zakynthos. With its famous sea caves and turtles, excellent diving and snorkelling, picturesque strands, and more it is, without a doubt, one of the destinations in Greece for those who worship sun and sea. While there are plenty of beaches, in particular, that are worth mentioning and visiting on the island, here is our guide to some of the best beaches to visit while on vacation in Zakynthos...

Heraklion is one of Greece's largest cities and is the economic hub of Crete, if you have found a villa in Crete, it will likely be one of the must-see places to plan a day trip to during your time on the island. While not always orderly or neat, it is picturesque in its own way and is, without a doubt, utterly fascinating. In this city, history is everywhere you look and it is home to some of the most important historical sites and institutions in all of Greece, including the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. If you are interested in the grand and rich historical heritage and the impressive ruins for which Greece is so well-known, it is certainly a representative destination for familiarising yourself with this incredible past. One of the best ways to begin delving into to history of Heraklion is to walk the city's ancient walls.

The stunning island of Crete is a natural gem that boasts incredible beaches, pretty views, and excellent hiking routes. If you have found a villa in Crete and you are interested in hiking, in particular, then you should seek out the White Mountains, or Lefka Ori. The largest and most scenic massif on the island, this is the best place to head for incredible panoramas and a wonderful range of hiking routes that are suitable for a wide variety of levels of experience and fitness in hiking. Whether you want to just go for a stroll and take some photos of this beautiful landscape in Greece that surrounds or you want to spend a whole day hiking and working up a good sweat, you'll find what you're looking for if you head to the White Mountains.

Taking up a good portion of the centre of West Crete, the White Mountains are the main feature of the area and loom large and impressive in the background throughout the area. Made of limestone, they take their name from the fact that their peaks remain dusted in a white cap of snow late into the spring (with some of the highest peaks managing to hold onto some snow right up to June) and that the limestone summits reflect the sun and appear white as a result in the summer months as well. The highest peak is Pachnes at 2,453m but there are over thirty more summits in the range that are higher than 2,000m. In addition, the range is home to endless caves, sinkholes, precipices, meadows, unique landscapes (such as the moon-like desert in the centre and southern part of the range), fascinating rock formations, and more. There are also 50 rocky gorges, the most famous of which is the gorge of Samaria, where trekking, canyoning, and other outdoor pursuits are possible. This diverse landscape is, furthermore, home to a great variety of flora and fauna, much of which is found nowhere else, not even on other parts of the island.

The island of Crete is a truly stunning gem in the Mediterranean that is considered by many to be like a country in its own right and is home to perfect beaches, rising mountains, scenic views, pretty towns, impressive archaeological sites, and more. If you find a villa in Crete, therefore, you will discover that there is really an endless list of things to see and do while on holiday on the island from snorkelling in crystal clear water to hiking along impossibly picturesque routes to eating your way throughout the foodie hotspot that is Chania. However, if you have been really enjoying the coastal pursuits in Crete, in particular, and you want to learn more about the sea life that surrounds the island, then we recommend a visit to CretAquarium, the Aquarium of Crete.

Those who want to holiday in Greece and who like staying active should definitely browse our villas in Crete as there are lots of things to keep you busy on the island. From hanging out on the powdery white sand of the island's picture-perfect beaches, kayaking and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters that lap the shores, exploring cave systems and archaeological sites, and more, there are all sorts of outdoor pursuits to enjoy. Hikers, in particular, will be happy to note that a vacation in Crete means lots of excellent hiking destinations and trails to choose from. One of the most and unique of Crete's hiking trails has to be Imbros Gorge, an 11km long canyon that is located near Hora Sfakion in the south of the island.