THESSALONIKI ONE OF THE BEST 5 DESTINATION IN GREECE

The Top Five Destinations in Greece

Despite its relatively small size, there are numerous places for those taking a vacation in Greece to visit during their stay in the country.

The Greek islands are the most popular destinations for tourists but mainland Greece has much to offer too. The major destinations include Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Crete and Rhodes, and here are details on each of those places…

Greece is relatively small but it offers a wide range of places attractive to travelers. The islands are the leading tourism destinations, but the mainland is also worth visiting. Greece’s five most popular tourist destinations are Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes and Crete.

Athens, as a result of its antiquity and influence, is full of historical sites, museums and galleries, most of which can be found within a relatively small area surrounding the city centre. It also offers sites of natural beauty in the shape of its many parks, hills and mountains, which are ideal for those looking to escape the noise and commotion of the sprawling city streets.

Thessaloniki, the second largest city in the country, has a continuous 3000-year history and is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The picturesque old town, offers spectacular views over the bay and features traditional old houses and small cobbled streets, and there is a great seafront promenade. It is also considered a gourmet city and has a very active nightlife.

The island of Corfu, located just off the West coast of mainland Greece, is a popular destination for holiday makers because of its excellent beaches, rich history and mild Mediterranean climate. It is very green compared to other Greek islands (containing over 2 million olive trees) and boasts a 1000 meter high mountain which offers breathtaking views across to neighboring islands.

Crete, Greece’s largest island and the southernmost one in Europe, is bathed in sunlight for much of the year. Its mountain villages, long sandy beaches, rocky bays, quiet coves, and a big selection of beach bars and nightclubs, make it a popular travel and vacation destination, as do its abundance of wildlife, plants and flowers, many of which are unique to the island.

Inhabited since the Stone Age, the island of Rhodes has a rugged, hilly interior and a rocky coast with many good beaches. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. The north coast has lively nightlife, while the south is quieter, more traditional and rich in historic sites.

The best time to visit these places is from April until November, as during that time all over Greece is hot and dry, and enjoys near-constant sunshine. Some destinations do tend to get very crowded during this time, especially between May and September, but it is normally possible to find a quieter beach or resort, should that be your preference, anywhere, so long as you do some research before making a booking.

Flight and accommodation prices tend to be more reasonable than other Southern European countries and, if you spend a little time looking through travel websites and contacting different travel agents, you can normally get a good package deal price that is lower than what is listed in travel brochures.

If you liked this, try: Holidays In Greece – A Free Online Guide

Article from articlesbase.com

THE NEW MAYOR OF THESSALONIKI BUTARIS IOANNIS

THESSALONIKI IS ONE OF THE 41 Places to Go in 2011 voted by NEW YORK TIMES

Salonika, Greece
Out of the country’s economic woes, a new wave of artists.

It may come as cold comfort to the Greeks, but the country’s financial woes have made it prime territory for bargain-hunting tourists. The coastal city of Salonika, often overlooked by tourists in favor of Athens, has been gaining momentum for the last several years with its prolific cultural scene. Now, with British Airways adding a direct route from London and a new mayor pushing forward a spate of major cultural and tourism initiatives, Salonika is hotter than ever.

The newest wave of culture makers in the laid-back city include the nonprofit Dynamo Project Space, which gives a platform to up-and-coming local artists, architects and designers, and Sfina, a self-appointed “urban prankster network” that instigates flash mob-style events in public spaces. Since it opened last summer, the eco-conscious design firm 157173 has garnered attention for its offbeat minimalist lamps, mobiles and other design objects that are equal parts Bauhaus and Joan Miró.