A Grecian holiday is the perfect definition of the Mediterranean charm, and in summer the magic is even further heightened by the sun ushering in all its generosity and warm grace.
You have it all here under the bright azure sky, be it the pristine sandy sea coast, the vineyards full and ripe, and the wineries to give you the tastiest of wines. The remote destinations in Greece offer virgin beauty and many of them are fresh and clean and not crowded much by travelers’ footprints.
Why Grecian islands in summer?
There are still many surprises to a Grecian summer holiday. The enchanting landscapes and its spectacular mountainous terrain will enthrall you as much as its gastronomic delights. Then you cannot write off its rich history and culture and an elaborate gallery of artworks and one of the most flamboyant architecture. The people are always merry and smiling and mean you a warm reception.
The hospitality comes straight from their core and all these incredibly wonderful features go a long way making this land washed by the sea on its southern part, a tourist’s dream destination. In fact, the quiet islands of Greece get you in a spell. They are a secret rendezvous with the god of beauty itself.
Summer confers upon the Grecian islands some added charm that is missed in other seasons. The right time to cherish the warm summer bliss starts from April and it runs for months until October when you would find the magic hasn’t faded a bit. Then of course with the winter approaching you have these islands bloom into a different definition of enchantment but certainly not what you get under a bright summer sky.
There is ample breeze fanning from the Mediterranean to cool off the sweat in case the hot summer sun wrings up a few beads. The secluded islands of Greece pack a lot of potentials and they are an ideal location for tourists desiring solitude and marvel combined.
Now we have had enough of the preamble, it is time to cut straight to the chase.
Catch the sun at its dying glory, Santorini
Santorini is stealing beauty by the Mediterranean sea. The beach sand is a long smooth carpet of black and red. It literally caresses your feet before you get a wash of the blue and foamy surf. The spectacular seascape from the beach itself gets you riveted with even bigger fun waiting once you get into the water. The bright and sunny sky above and the cool and pampering waters all around you give a feel that you recall for the rest of your life for its sheer rapture.
People have strong national pride and a unique character acquired from their classical heritage.
The hallmark of this exquisitely remote destination in Greece to visit this summer is the rows of whitewashed houses. This is an iconic architecture typically very Grecian and very Sartorinian to be precise. As if the sunshine and the white settlements are a perfect mix that gives the place a magic vibe.
There is more to Santorini than just the exotic beaches. Dormant volcanoes and pulsating nightlife are other attractions. That said, good food and the headiest of drinks add a whole new chapter to your summer Grecian holiday.
If the beaches and the sea and the silent white beachfront houses have fascinated you, a Santorini sunset is entirely a different story. It sets the sky in a surreal canvas! No, words aren’t enough, come along and see it for yourself !!
Captivating Crete
This large Grecian island is one of the most pronouncedly bewitching secluded islands in Greece. It is a complete package by itself for travel aficionados. Quaint little hamlets with their traditional charms would beckon you over and over again as much as the lush green valleys. This is a mountainous terrain with deep gorges and rugged landscapes. Crete’s edifices are known throughout the globe among tourist circles for their romantic connotations.
They have a distinct design philosophy and can fire a passionate medieval nostalgia. Sometimes it is purely Greek and sometimes it is an intricate mix of Greco – Roman style, nevertheless whatever display of monuments you are looking at, they are an absolute pleasure. A piece of frozen melody! The relics of a rich and refined civilization make Crete one of the most sought-after tourist hot spots in a Mediterranean vacation. When it comes to culinary delicacies, seafood rules with all the generous spread of olive and cheese.
Acropolis, the whisper from the past
This is a sprawling acre, full of ancient ruins, and takes you through a sojourn into another time manned by another culture. It is silent, and yet the imposing presence of the grand monuments is intensely felt. While watching the mammoth structures such as the Parthenon on the Acropolis you are transported in time. The trance is powerful and alluring and it takes a bit of loud diversion to bring you back to the current time. It is an archaeological site mounted atop a majestic piece of cornerstone making it one of the most frequented tourist attractions. Acropolis is as popular with the laymen as it is with historians and archaeologists. It is sunny and serene. The huge statue of Goddess Athena is awe-inspiring and somehow its enormous size accentuates your feeling of being right in the middle of an ancient and one of the most celebrated civilizations ever.
The unforgettable Shipwreck bay, Zakynthos, a breathtaking scenery
This is a marriage between the sea and the hills. High vertical cliffs overlook the Azure sea and a fall through a sheer drop of several hundred meters touching the white sand below. And finally rolling into the deep blue sea! From the top, it’s almost vertigo as it is a thrill as well as setting up your adrenaline on a wild race.
You name it, Zakynthos has it. From the mind-blowing beaches to exciting nightlife and from the sun, sea, and surf to its luxury cruises, it is truly a vacation planned in paradise. If you are looking for the most touristy remote destinations in Greece and if you have any appreciation for beauty, leave it to the amazing Zakynthos. It will do the rest. The place is madly popular but all of the travel is within sustainable tourism norms so that the nubile appeal is retained.
The Island of Mykonos
Also famed as the ‘ White Island ‘, Mykonos is one of the tiniest islands in the eastern Cyclades. Its cosmopolitan character makes it unique and much of the island’s revenue comes from tourism. Owing to the infertile ground and a dearth of irrigation water, there isn’t much choice left other than to depend heavily on the influx of travelers from abroad. A common sight typical to the island is the cruise ships moored at the pier just bordering the coastline. It has an efficient airways and ferry network with mainland Greece for its tourism significance.
Mykonos is the most happening and colorful island of Greece, a favorite haunt for young people looking for round-the-clock fun though older groups are as much welcome.
Some of the spellbinding tourist spots here on this beautiful island are the sunset from Little Venice and a wide-angled panorama from the windmills perched on the higher grounds.
Meteora Monasteries, hallowed ground of reverence
It has all the elements to be one of the remote destinations in Greece to visit this summer. It is spiritual and quiet, miles away from the hustle and bustle. Meteora Monasteries are set in diversity. While the imposing structures are laid out along a high-altitude rocky bed, a view from the top gives you an astounding glimpse of the surrounding green belt. It is a rare setting where history, architecture, and divinity are all wonderfully blended in a crucible to invoke respect and spiritualism all of it directed towards a force supreme.
Epidaurus Theatre- a classic specimen of Greek architecture
This building is well conserved and well thought out while translating the blueprint to execution, maintaining harmony and aesthetics. The interiors are well laid out to give the best sound effects and to accommodate a large audience with the most fastidious having no room to grumble. The theatre has a splendid surrounding all thick with lush woods well-groomed. You can have a jaw-dropping glimpse of the valley far below which is another treat in its own right.
Summer shows are brilliant, the theatre stays packed staging a plethora of colorful stage shows many of which are from ancient Greek mythologies.
Kefalonia, the place of sandy coves and arid topography
If you are all out on a hunt for serenity and looking for some of the quieter islands in Greece, put Kefalonia in your bucket list without further delay or doubt. This beautiful destination sits on the Ionian sea and boasts of some of the most popular beaches. Its clear water washes the shores and landscapes offer a magnetic charm. The hamlets come straight out of a picture postcard. They throw a vibe of simple and unspoiled rustic life. The villages of Agia Efimia, Fiscardo and Assos are not to be missed. They are irresistible and in summer they bloom to their rustic best. The story of Kefalonia doesn’t end here unless the two cave lakes of Drogarati and Melissani are done. Their magic is incomparable.
Rhodes, an island for the lovers in arms
This tranquil island is marked for its medieval value. The setting is enchanting and the beaches are lovely. The island ensures some private space where you are not troubled by distractions. This is one of the primary reasons why it is a lovers’ paradise. No one interferes and still, everyone proffers their helping hand. The beaches are very clean and organized. They remind you of being far from the madding crowd.
Corfu, an island of flawless charm
This island is located on the Northern Ionian sea. It has been the first to recognize its tourism potential and has been milking the revenue from travel since then. The resorts are highly developed suiting the needs of an ever-expanding crowd. However, growing tourism has never been a nuisance. All fronts are managed efficiently and with enough foresight and dedication to give the travelers value for every dime they spend.
How safe is it to travel?
Sunny Greece has always been in a globetrotter’s head. Now that the Covid pandemic imposing worldwide travel restrictions, there is a lot of constrained demand. Lift the flood gate and it will rush into a surge in inflow of tourists crowding the beaches and the monuments.
How far is Greece prepared for this? Are its borders still shut down for the tourists?
The country has certainly weighed out outcomes for chances of further tourism-triggered spike against loss of business.
Tourism has been one of its mainstays and the nation just cannot afford to sit back. There must be some action. Some major effort to guarantee safe travel into the country with necessary precautions and protocols keeping the crowd insulated from coronavirus.
Remote destinations in Greece place you right in the middle of a culture and art seasoned by the summer sun. It has indeed been seasoned well!
The nation has already started to press vaccination passports into a strict mandate to be rolled out soon.
Tourists who have been vaccinated against Covid will have a hassle-free entry. This holds for travelers having antibodies or been tested negative.
The bar has been lifted for the bordering nation of Israel. It can’t just afford to keep off the crowd and lose the summer Euro. Sanitization is in full swing covering restaurants, hotels, spas and public places. Facilities are touchless so far as feasible, the tourists reach out for the services and get them without physical contact.
- Lip Smacking Grecian cuisine
It is typically a Mediterranean spread with a lot of olive oil, meat, seafood, bread, and cheese. The most food-friendly wine and music will keep you company along your gourmet adventure.
A typical Grecian food draws on Persian and Turkish influence and a lot of herbs go with the ritual to give it its a basic flavor. Oregano, basil, thyme, and fennel to name only a few which give the Grecian food so delectable taste!
Greek summer cuisine packs a punch! For the food lovers, there is quite a lot to celebrate on the table. Shrimp saganaki, dolmadakia , gemista, Mpriam simply stay with you long after they have conquered your palate. Wash them down with your favorite mead and wine. They are healthy and have been farmed, prepared, and bottled from the best of vineyards nurtured under a Grecian summer sun.
How do I get there?
Accessibility isn’t an issue at all. Getting from one island to the other and even plying across to mainland Greece you may avail of ferry service. If you make it a little private you can even charter a yacht. Optional flight services exist as well for getting to and from the mainland. Ferries come cheap and book it online at your leisure. Main Greek islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu have an international flight network.
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