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Destination

Greece

Book the best hotels in Greece with Iberostar

You are one step away from discovering the cradle of the European civilization: the fascinating Greece. Homeland of mathematicians, philosophers, artists and politicians, of democracy and the Olympic Games, the Hellenic nation has seen the birth of Western culture. All this without forgetting that this land, located on the shores of the Aegean Sea and composed of a constellation of 6,000 islands, gathers countless tourist attractions that captivate the newcomer. To witness at first hand, the best hotels in Greece are waiting for you.

One of the main attractions of this destination lies in its enviable climate, with mild, wet summers and cool winters, especially in the coastal areas and north of Epirus. At the same time, the region of Attica, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete and the Eastern and Central Peloponnese have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Hence, it is a perfect setting for a family holiday, with friends or with your partner.

However, the most remarkable thing about this legendary country is its generous cultural and architectural heritage, which encompasses the most iconic monuments of the classical era, without forgetting the legacy of Romans, Byzantines and Turks. And what about the exquisite Greek cuisine?

With Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, you can get closer to the myths of the country that changed the course of history.

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What to see in Greece

The best way to discover Greece is to start your tour where the history of Greece also did it: in Crete, the land on which the Minoan culture flourished. It is the largest Greek island and the fifth one in the Mediterranean, as well as one of the main poles of attraction of the Hellenic country. In addition, it was the city where Domenikos Theotokopoulos – better known as El Greco, one of the most important non-Italian Renaissance painters – was born.

Since it is widely used as a transport hub, Crete is an easily accessible place. In fact, it has got the international airports of Heraklion, Kania and Sitia, and harbours in Heraklion, Hani, Ágios Nikolaos and Rethymnon, where the hotels in Crete of Iberostar are located.

Among the tourist attractions of the island you will find the archaeological sites of Knossos – where the mythical palace of Knossos is located –, Phestos, Gortina and many others, the National Park of Samaria and the Venetian castle in Rethymnon.

Nonetheless, if there is symbolic image of Greece, it is without doubt the vibrant capital city of Athens. Among the array of things to do in Athens, whose treasures have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, the National Archaeological Museum, the recently built Acropolis Museum and the districts of Plaka and Psiri.

But the wonders of the Greek peninsular don't end here. Other places in Greece include a route around the region of Argolis, where you will find the majestic ancient theatre of Epidaurus, known worldwide for its extraordinary acoustics. The beautiful seaside town of Nauplia has magnificent coastal landscapes, and you should visit the archaeological site of Mycenae. It houses a prehistoric Acropolis that shows the door of the Lions and the tomb of Agamemnon and a museum full of ancient treasures.

In Olympia you will see the old Olympic stadium, where the most famous athletic event in the world originated. The site includes the museum of Olympia and the largest suspension bridge in the world. Another place to visit is Delphi, where you will be able to contemplate the famous Charioteer of Delphi sculpted in bronze. We can't end things without mentioning other places in Greece such as Kalambaka where the Meteora monasteries are located or Thermopylae where the statue of the King of Sparta, King Leonidas, stands in memory of the battle between the cities of Sparta and Athens.
Concerning the islands that deserve a visit, include in your bucket list Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu, where the Sisi’s Achilleion is placed.

Could you imagine a best plan for your next summer holidays, for Eastern or for Christmas?

Discover the hotels in Greece

Iberostar offers everything needed for you and your family to enjoy the land of Ulysses at the height of luxury. We give you 2 exceptional hotel options in Crete. Both set in the lively town of Rethymno.

In the first of these resorts, the Iberostar Selection Creta Marine you will find everything you need for an unforgettable experience. It's a hotel with direct access to the beach, a choice of swimming pools (including an indoor heated pool), activities for children and teenagers, show cooking demonstrations, a games zone, a gym, a massage service and meeting rooms. Moreover, if you’re travelling to Crete with children, we have a babysitting service available for a small surcharge.

However, the  Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare is no less amazing. Here you can swim or sunbathe on the private beach situated in Panormo. Plus this hotel is equipped with a sauna and a hydro-massage bath and an extensive range of leisure options. From a choice of swimming pools (including a children’s pool) to a hair and beauty salon, a playground, meeting rooms and even a babysitting service (for an extra cost).

Make the most of this and the other facilities on offer, taste the delicious Greek food in the Iberostar bars and restaurants, try the world-famous olives of Kalamata in a fresh Greek salad, an irresistible moussaka, or why not try a Gyros – a Greek specialty made from roasted meat served in pitta bread. To wash it all down, try a bottle of Retsina, a Greek white wine often said to be the national drink. However, if you prefer more familiar flavours, then we also offer a range of international dishes too.

Don't hesitate to check out the offers for hotels in Greece and book one of its rooms. For your holidays in Greece, it guarantees you a wonderful time in the country of the gods, so that when you go home you’ll feel like a god yourself!

Events in Greece

The most important Greek holidays and festivals

  • In Greece, January 8th is a festive day held near and dear to the Greek ladies. On this day, women leave their homes and spend hours in local bars while the men are left in charge of the housework and to care for the children. At the end of the day, the men may join the women to celebrate the remainder of the celebration.
  • Greek Independence Day, celebrated on March 25th, is lavishly celebrated throughout the country with parades and marches to commemorate the liberation of the Greek people from the Turks, who occupied the land for more than 400 years.
  • Easter is especially important in Greece. During this time, different religious and traditional customs are celebrated everywhere. The holiday attracts a multitude of faithful who join to celebrate Easter Sunday, the most important day of Holy Week. Lambs roasted in the authentic Greek style are prepared and wine flows abundantly. Additionally, everyone has their own mini-Easter egg battles, in which red dyed eggs are hit together. Whoever’s egg cracks the least receives good fortune.
  • On August 15th, Greece commemorates Panagia, or the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. On the Greek isle of Tinos, celebrants participate very devoutly. Thousands of pilgrims crawl on their knees to the church that houses a miraculous, holy icon. 
  • Plenty of small Greek towns also have festivities for the summer solstice, wine culture, and other popular traditions.

What to shop in Greece and where

  • In Greece's capital of Athens, tourists will encounter every type of shop imaginable from fashion clothing and luxury boutiques to souvenir stands and other stores where visitors can buy authentic national products. Artisan and souvenir shops are typically found in other cities and towns throughout the country.
  • Perhaps the most striking of merchandise is the handmade artisanal jewellery. Beautiful pieces are crafted from precious metals like gold and silver according to timeless ancient techniques.
  • Greece is also well known for its textile and leather work, which produces many elaborate items. In the quaint markets, you will encounter vibrantly coloured and detailed tapestries, fabrics, and embroideries handmade by artisans, as well as leather handbags and shoes.
  • Orthodox culture is also an integral part of Greek shopping. In most shops you will see many different traditional and eye-catching Orthodox icons. Similarly, ancient Hellenic tradition permeates the shopping scene. Tourists are often seen buying earthenware, ceramic, plaster, copper, and silver pots and sculptures. 

What to do in Greece

Sports in Greece

  • Greece is a dream destination for water-sport enthusiasts. Majestic areas like the islands of Mykonos, Rhodes, and Paros in the Aegean and Ionian Seas are ideal for kite-surfing, windsurfing, and scuba diving.
  • Another highly sought after sport is golf. It is a favourite outdoor sport among tourists thanks to the combination of Greece's warm, moderate Mediterranean climate and the nation's extensive offering of top of the line golf courses.
  • Nature also plays an important role in Greece's many sports outings. The rugged landscape and accompanying scenery are perfect for pleasant strolls or hiking trails and even better for cycling. The adventurous types can even try scaling any of Greece's highest peaks. 

The Greek gastronomy

Greek culinary specialties

  • Greek cuisine is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Mediterranean cookery, drawing influences from Italian, Balkan, and Turkish origins. Preparations are simple and high quality ingredients are always used. Olive oil, for example, is a primary ingredient that is rarely left out of any Greek recipe.
  • Some of the most savoury and world renowned Greek specialties are moussaka, layers of eggplant and ground lamb in a tomato sauce flavoured with cinnamon and red wine, and avgolemono, chicken with rice, eggs, seasoning, and lemon juice. Fish, seafood, and grilled meats are also widely eaten. Appetizers often include keftedes, or spicy meatballs, or tzatziki, a yogurt, cucumber, and pickle sauce. Among the most famous of Greek pastries are baklava, which are layers of honey, vanilla, and nuts.
  • Greek salads, of course, have risen to international fame due to their freshness and easy preparation. Perhaps the most recognizable food in the country, Greek salads traditionally contain olive oil, tomato, cucumber, and feta cheese. Greek olives are also a common addition.
  • Two classic beverages contribute to authentic Greek gastronomy: retsina and ouzo. Retsina is a special wine prepared with pine resin harvested from pine trees, and ouzo is an aniseed liquor that turns cloudy when added to water.