We only have to turn on the news or look at our Facebook feeds to see how the situation in Europe is getting worse, and some people are concerned about the idea of traveling to Greece next year due to the rough economic climate.
However there are still plenty of reasons to visit Greece, and you’ll probably enjoy lower prices, fewer tourists, and the chance to take incredible pictures.
Sure, the financial crisis has increased the difficulty of life for everyday Greeks, but it’s great news for tourists looking for a good deal and the country is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, culture or history. Greece has everything, including mouthwatering food, deep-blue water, incredible scenery and ancient history.
Approximately 15% of Greece’s GDP is tourism each year, due to the openness, friendliness and hospitality of the Greek people. Many Greeks speak at leat a little English, which makes it easy for tourists to travel throughout the country to see Delphi, the famous Acropolis, Peloponnese, and explore wild landscapes dotted with the ruins of temples, palaces and castles.
The Greek islands are also incredibly popular with tourists from around the world. And with so many options to choose from, you’re bound to find one that fits your budget and needs. You can take ferries throughout the day from island to island, with a shuttle bus transporting you in the harbour. Greece is the perfect place to island-hop and plan a great itinerary around the islands which have easy connections to each other.
Here are some of the best Greek Islands to visit:
Santorini
This is the most popular island in Greece, with some of the most incredible sunsets in the world and some of the best wine as well. This is where many of the best travel photos are taken, and it’s the perfect spots for honeymooners.
Lesvos
Lesvos seems more like a country of its own, and is a good place to visit if you’re watching your budget since it has cheaper food and accommodation than other islands. This is the third largest of the Greek islands, and boasts pine forests, plenty of fresh fish, and numerous olive groves. This is the place to go if you want to see a variety of Greek landscapes including mountains, beaches and inland seas.
Mykonos
Mykonos is a favourite amongst royalty and celebrities, with white buildings, stunning beaches and plenty of places to party. This island isn’t reserved for the rich and famous, and is also an ideal destination for college students, families and those celebrating anniversaries.
The current economic climate in Greece may seem worse than it actually is. There are no major concerns for people traveling to Greece next year, and banks and ATMs are open with no withdrawal limits for visitors with accounts from overseas. In fact tourists are unlikely to notice any “crisis”
Travellers generally aren’t targeted for violence in Greece, although you should still exercise normal caution when traveling abroad. Protests are generally peaceful and Greeks are curious and friendly when it comes to visitors.
