Greece holiday planner 2011 - Telegraph

Greece holiday planner 2011 - Telegraph

Last year was not a happy one for Greece. Public protests against austerity measures turned nasty in Athens, and strikes caused shortages and delays. But, as far as holidaymakers were concerned, things didn't turn out as badly as some feared. And, as one tour operator explained to us, travellers here are used to this kind of thing: "In the 36 years or so that I have been featuring Greece, I cannot remember a year when we have not had at least one general strike or air traffic control strike to cope with every month."
So, Greece has always had its downsides, but once you arrive, there are few better places to spend a summer holiday. The islands in particular with their spectacular coastlines, brilliant light, azure seas and a pace of life that verges on the soporific, combine matchless beauty with an enduring sense of peace. And if you want culture or adrenalin rather than r & r, they can provide that too.
Over the next six pages, we guide you through all the options, but first, here is a taster – 10 reasons to choose Greece this summer.

1 Accessible archaeology
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From the Acropolis (with its new museum) to Delphi, Olympus and Knossos, the ruins of Greek antiquity are second to none. Specialist historical and archaeological tours led by experts are the best way to enjoy them. This year, to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian invasion, The Traveller (020 7269 2770; www.the-traveller.co.uk) has a new tour tracing the invaders' route from Delphi to Marathon, in August. It's just one example of many.

Crete and The Minoans

Fabled in myths and The Odyssey, Crete has a fascinating history dating back to the Neolithic Period. This journey explores the Minoan world in depth, the colourful Bronze Age civilisation which flourished there between 3,000 and 1,050 BC. Olga’s personal insights from her long standing relationship with the island as her second home will prove invaluable.

http://www.the-traveller.co.uk/group-tours/europe/90/crete-and-the-minoans/Tour+Overview


2 More luxury hotels
Although Greece has been slow to raise its standards at the top end of the market, the choice of luxury hotels is improving. Olympic Holidays has introduced two new five-star hotels in Rhodes for this year, and the luxury operators have plenty more offerings on other islands, in particular Mykonos, Santorini and Crete.
3 Fine wine
Greek winemaking has been hiding its light under a bushel for many years, but its reputation is starting to grow. Leading specialist Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours (01730 263111; www.winetours.co.uk) has launched a new tour of leading estates near Athens and the Peloponnese to help you get a taste for it.

Greece: Wine

Greece is the oldest wine-producing region in Europe. In classical times, the trade in wine became extensive, it was transported from end to end of the Mediterranean; Greek wine had especially high prestige in Italy under the Roman Empire. In the medieval period, ‘Malvasia’ wines exported by the Venetians from Crete, Monemvasia and the Cyclades, fetched the highest prices for any wines in northern Europe. The trade of sweet Greek wines to the west largely died out after the Cretans Wars between Venice and the Turkey. However it continued to Russia until at least the late 19th century and revived to France in the 20th Century. The Island of Samos actually has 25% of the French domestic ‘Vin Doux Naturel’ market!...

http://www.winetours.co.uk/destinations/view/41/greece
4 Fine walking
The footpaths aren't as well marked as in, say, France, or even Italy, but the scenery can be stunning and there is usually a delicious sea breeze to keep you cool. At least a dozen operators now offer escorted or independent itineraries. Head for islands such as Crete, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese for idyllic inn-to-inn or single-base walking holidays.
5 Cheaper touring
Last year the typical price for a week's rental of a two-door car with air-conditioning was more than £250. This year, prices are down by a fifth to under £200.
6 Bargain islands
While some islands look expensive compared with, say, Turkish resorts, there are plenty of good value ones if you know where to look. For a beach holiday pick Naxos rather than Mykonos, or choose less-developed Alonissos rather than pricey Skopelos for good restaurants and picturesque waterfronts at lower prices.
7 Cheap flights
Low cost airlines easyJet (www.easyjet.com) and Jet2.com (www.jet2.com) now have a wide range of scheduled services to Athens and the major islands from London and Manchester (and a handful of regional airports). Book early for return flights as low as £70.
8 Superb sailing
A long-standing favourite with sailors, the Greek cruising grounds – especially around the Ionian, Saronic and Dodecanese islands – are among the best in the world. Explore by flotilla, skippered yachts, or for experienced sailors, bareboat-charters. New this year, specialist Sailing Holidays is exploring the Gulf of Amvrakia – the only company offering sailing in this quiet, unspoilt area.
9 And beach clubs
If your prefer to sleep on dry land, Greece has some excellent beach clubs offering a broad range of watersports. Neilson Holidays (0845 070 3460; www.neilson.co.uk) offers the biggest selection with a choice of six – new equipment makes a big difference; its Lemnos centre will be newly refurbished for summer 2011. Sheltered water and steady winds at Vassiliki Bay on Lefkas is the best pick for family windsurfing and learn-to-sail holidays.
10 Spectacular birdwatching
In spring and autumn migrating birds including hoopoes, wagtails and bee-eaters can best be seen on Lesbos. Several operators are now offering ornithological holidays here.
More information
Greek National Tourism Organisation (020 7495 9300, www.visitgreece.gr).