Greece fans will love you: the small island of Karpathos – a pearl in the southern Aegean Sea that has retained its originality. Because here there are still traditional mountain villages that have been able to retain their charm despite the increasing number of visitors.

Original landscape

Nestled between the well-known Greek islands of Rhodes and Crete lies Karpathos. It is the second largest island in the Dodecanese and attracts with deserted beaches, picturesque bays and original villages. Karpathos scores with its seclusion and is considered a true insider tip for those seeking relaxation. In particular, the northern part of the island is completely natural and uninhabited. Accordingly, this area is suitable for extensive hiking tours. Especially in spring, a visit to Karpathos for hiking is worthwhile – when the great summer heat has not yet set in, the landscape shines with a true splendour of flowers. Particularly recommended is an ascent to the mountain Kali Limni, which at 1,215 meters is the highest elevation of the quite mountainous island.

Abandoned dream beaches

Natural, picturesque bays with snow-white sand and crystal clear waters are what make the island of Karpathos so endearing. Those seeking peace and quiet will find absolute solitude on almost all beaches of the island. Especially on the east coast, deserted sandy beaches are virtually guaranteed. One of the most idyllic beaches is Kyra Panagia Beach, which is surrounded by bizarre rocks and exudes a very special atmosphere. The dream beach Apella Beach is also in no way inferior to its predecessor. It is rightly considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, because the natural bay with its gently sloping sand is perfect for safe bathing of smaller family members and a wildly romantic pine forest in the background gives the beach an extraordinary fair.

Of course, Karpathos has numerous other beaches. Bathing bays suitable for families can be found in the resorts of Amopi and Arkasa in the southeast of the island and also in the fishing village of Lefkos in the far west of the island. This seaside resort offers several great sandy beaches and is guaranteed to offer a quiet place for bathing fans even in the high season. Popular in Lefkos is the Gialoú sandy beach, which borders the idyllic fishing port. And if you want to feel the Caribbean feeling, you should definitely visit Diakoftis beach in the south. The powdery white sand and the shallow turquoise blue water offer pure romance.

The wind miracle for surf travelers

Who would have thought that Karpathos is considered an absolute insider tip for surf travelers? It is thanks to the Meltemi, the fair-weather wind, that the spots in the south of the island are among the windiest in the world. Just a few minutes from the airfield are the bays of Gun Bay and Chicken Bay, which are popular with surfers. The latter is an ideal bay for beginners in surfing due to its shallow waters. It is also perfect for freestyle and maneuver training.

Pigadia – charming capital with serene serenity

The island’s capital Pigadia, also known as Karpathos Town, stretches out in a round, picturesque harbour bay. Its centre is full of souvenir shops, traditional Greek taverns, cosy cafés, trendy bars and discos in a relaxed atmosphere. On the balmy summer evenings, life also likes to take place along the waterfront. Especially in the high season, Pigadia likes to present itself as a meeting place to start the nightlife.

Centuries-old traditions

Karpathos is also a great destination for holidaymakers who want to discover vibrant cultures. This is because the island has been occupied by many peoples throughout history, such as the Romans or the Ottomans, among others. Later, due to its remoteness, it was considered a place of refuge from pirates and people retreated to the mountain villages. In the past, this led to the most intimate family bonds and traditions that are still lived today. A good example of this is the village of Olympos in the north, located between two rugged mountains. A few decades ago, this place was very isolated and could only be reached by sea. Today, visitors can drive up the steep rocky slopes by car via a gravel road. But the exertions are worth it, because the friendly villagers still await their guests in traditional costumes and offer handmade goods and food for sale. The narrow labyrinth of alleys, which is lined to the right and left by small Greek houses built of sandstone, seems to transport the holidaymaker to another time.

If you want to learn more about the life of the islanders, you should definitely visit the Folklore Museum in the center of the village of Othos. The building, built in the typical island style, shows the life of the inhabitants of Karpathos in the past decades. In addition, numerous handmade objects, musical instruments and, above all, lavishly decorated traditional costumes can be seen. Wax figures recreate the simple life of the islanders.

The Peloponnese peninsula adjoins the Greek mainland to the south. Its name comes from Greek mythology. It is named after Pelops, son of the legendary King Tantalus. But it is by no means only the name that makes the Peloponnese a place that is full of history. A large number of historical sites and ruins give the peninsula its special, historic flair. In addition, it attracts with a beautiful landscape, beautiful beaches and picturesque villages.

Cities and sights of the Peloponnese

The pretty villages and towns of the Peloponnese are a great place to explore the laid-back Greek way of life. Here you can stroll through tranquil alleys, taste the good Greek cuisine in small taverns and explore the past by visiting old buildings and museums. In particular, the many historical sights of the Peloponnese can hardly be listed briefly. Interested visitors to the island should therefore either bring enough time or be spoilt for choice. Among others, the following places of the peninsula are highlights and definitely worth a visit:

Nafplion

For many, this city is considered the most beautiful in Greece. Anyone who has ever admired the picturesque townscape of the coastal town will find this attribution quite understandable.

Corinth

Both the remains of ancient Corinth and today’s modern port city are worth a visit.

Mycenae

It is one of the most famous ancient sites in Greece and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Here you can marvel at the famous Lion’s Gate and the Cyclopean walls, among other things.

Tiryns

Tiryns is considered to be as important and impressive as Mycenae, but is smaller, less known and not as heavily visited. So it’s an insider tip!

Olympia

Of course, visitors to the Peloponnese should not miss the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The ruins of the ancient city with the former competition venues still give a good idea of the old splendour.

Epidaurus

In ancient times, this place was a health resort and place of worship. Today it is one of the most important archaeological features of Greece. The theatre in particular is breathtaking.

Mystras

This Byzantine ruined city, nestled in a mountainside, is of particular beauty and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989.

Distraction and relaxation between mountains and sea

As unique and impressive as the historical sites of the Peloponnese are, there is still a need for distraction and relaxation every now and then. And that can also be found here.
The Mediterranean appearance of the peninsula can be described as rich in contrasts and downright contradictory. Impressive, barren mountain landscapes and fertile, green valleys characterise the landscape and offer active holidaymakers the opportunity for a wide variety of activities. Climbing, hiking or cycling tours are a wonderful way to explore and experience the surroundings.
Nemea, an important Greek wine-growing region, is particularly recommended. About 45 wineries are located here and the endless, gentle, vine-planted hills of the dreamlike landscape invite you to take walks or hikes – and to enjoy a good drop of wine in the evening.

Of course, the wonderful beaches and picturesque bays should not go unmentioned, which make the Peloponnese a bathing paradise in the summer months. Among other things, one of the most famous beaches in Greece can be found here: the so-called “Ox Belly Bay” is almost circular and attracts with fine sand and clear, blue water. The “Simos Beach”, which consists of a fascinating double bay, is also one of the highlights for beach lovers.

A trip to the Peloponnese…

The Peloponnese has always been a popular travel destination – and quite rightly so – but without being overcrowded. It has a correspondingly developed infrastructure. The peninsula can be reached directly by plane or from the Greek mainland. Visitors arriving from the mainland will already see a special highlight on their arrival, when they cross the famous Corinth Canal – over the bridge or by ferry.

The choice of accommodation is rich, so there should be something for everyone. From the classic small hotel with typical Greek flair, to the modern furnished holiday bungalow, everything is possible. By the way: Camping enthusiasts will also find excellent conditions here in many places!

A visit is worthwhile almost all year round. Enthusiastic beach holidaymakers will find ideal conditions in the summer months with hot, dry weather and pleasant bathing temperatures in the Mediterranean. For active holidaymakers who want to do and visit a lot, spring and autumn are recommended, when it is pleasantly warm but not too hot. Outside the high season, things are quieter and the sights can be explored in peace and without crowds. Only very early in the year, in the months of January and February, is the travel weather rather uncomfortable.

So, let’s go to the “Island of Pelops”!

Because of the warm climate, beautiful beaches and history, tourists are very happy to choose cheap flights to Greece. Because this is precisely the place that is the cradle of our civilization. Wonderful architecture from which people drew in the following epochs, the birth of philosophy, the beginning of the Olympic Games or the emergence of the foundations of science are just some of the achievements that we owe to the ancient Greeks. If we also mention the wonderful natural conditions, we get a ready-made reason to book cheap flights to Greece as soon as possible and plan our vacation there.

Why are flights to Greece so popular?

If you are planning a trip to Greece, you should determine the character of your stay in advance. It is good to decide whether you want to focus on the history of the country during the trip or on carefree recreation under sea waves. It is recommended that travelers visit the capital at the beginning. For lovers of the Mediterranean climate, a trip to a Greek island, such as Crete, Zakynthos or Samos , is suggested.

We start to visit Greece – the most important sights in Athens

The history of the city of Athens dates back about 7000 years. The most important attraction and at the same time a must-see point of any travel program is the Acropolis – the hill that spreads over the city. In the beginning, the Acropolis was supposed to serve a protective function, but over time it became the cultural center of antiquity. This is one of the best preserved temple complexes. The most important temple on the hill is the Parthenon. Symmetrical shape and wonderful architectural decorations created by Phidias give the building lightness and harmony. The Acropolis is also home to the Theatre of Dionysus, the Temple of Nike and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus – a Greek theatre made of stone, kept in good condition. You can also visit the temple of Hephaestus, a rebuilt classical stoa and a park.

Athens is not just the Acropolis. The second place that is most visited by travelers is the Agora. In the past, this was a gathering place – an equivalent of today’s market. Everyday life, popular assemblies and trade took place here. The square has become famous because of Plato’s dialogues, which made the Agora the place where Socrates asked his philosophical questions.

Before you come to Greece, you should also consider other sights in your travel program. These can be, for example, Hadrian’s Library, Hadrian’s Arch, Olympieion or the oldest district Plaka with its classic buildings and numerous restaurants. Good to know is that admission to the museums in Athens is free on some days. You should keep this in mind when booking cheap flights to Greece .

Greek beaches and other tourist attractions

The Greek islands are magical. Zakynthos is considered the most beautiful island. It is part of the Ionian Islands. It is known for azure waters, golden sand, grottos and rampant flora. This is a good direction for water sports enthusiasts and street festival lovers. Great attention should be paid to the island of Samos . It is located in the Aegean Sea and is one of the most beautiful islands in this district. Paradise bays, cliffs and blue sea give the island an immanent magic. In addition, the meadows here bloom with orchids in spring, which gives it a magical character. If the goal of the trip to the Balkans is nature, one should visit one of the islands mentioned above.

The best time for cheap flights to Greece

The Mediterranean climate is significantly warmer than the climate in the majority of European countries. The best time to travel to Greece is early spring, i.e. between April and June, or autumn, between September and October. Then the weather is usually warm and it does not rain, which is of great importance for the visit. In addition, the plane tickets are cheaper because fewer tourists plan their vacation during this period. Flight tickets to Greece are considerably higher in the summer, when many people choose the Greek islands for the unforgettable and relaxing vacation.

Source: eSkyTravel.ch.

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