Popular activities in Greece

Get to know the underwater world on glass-bottom boats

Glass-bottom boat tours are a spectacular way for singles, couples or families to discover the underwater world of Greece and observe many marine animals in their natural habitats. Whilst admiring the fascinating beauty of the underwater world through a glass bottom, you will pass picturesque coastlines and unique rock formations. A popular tour takes you from the Ionian island of Zakynthos to the small island of Marathonisi off the coast, where turtles lay their nests on Kalamaki Beach.

The boat tour around Mount Athos is also a unique experience: on the only glass-bottomed boat in the region, you have the best view of the depths of the sea, but also of the sacred monasteries on Mount Athos, which are otherwise not accessible to tourists.

Hopping from island to island on sailing boats, there are almost as many island hopping routes as there are islands themselves, as there are over 3000 small and large islets in total around the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Ionian Islands and the Sporades. It is best to have several days to see and explore as much of the Greek islands as possible.

However, it is not impossible to visit more islands in one day. For example, you can get from Mykonos to Paros, from Paros to Naxos, from Naxos to Santorini and from Santorini back to Mykonos in around nine hours. The more you want to see, the longer the itinerary, which is why it is best to plan several days and overnight stays in order to get as many impressions of the beautiful islands as possible.

Enjoy absolute luxury on private yachts and sailing boats

To escape the hustle and bustle on the beaches in summer, you can charter private yachts, sailing boats or catamarans. For example, you can explore the "Small Cyclades", which lie to the east and south of Naxos, on your sailing trip.

Naxos, which is the largest island in the centre, is the perfect starting point to set off in the direction of Donousa, Pano and Koufonisi, Iraklia and Schinoussa - and to visit lesser-known Greek islands away from the tourist metropolis. Another popular option is from the marina in Kos, from where you can sail towards Kalymnos and Leros.

Whether with or without a skipper - on an individual trip, you can decide for yourself which beaches and bays you want to moor at for a swim or which islands you want to explore beyond the seaside resorts.

Discover sea caves with traditional wooden boats

In Greece, kaíki are very common traditional fishing boats that set course for secluded bays and bathing spots in many places. A wonderful tour on one of the wooden boats sets sail from Mastichari to the famous sea caves and the beach of Despotiko. You can book a similar, no less exciting tour if you are on holiday on Zakynthos:

Kaíki sails from here to the Keri caves on the island of Marathonissi, where you can also spot many turtles. Boat trips like this are an unforgettable shared experience, especially for adventurous families with children!

Seeking adventure on pirate ships

There are many providers in Greece that offer round trips on pirate ships - especially around islands such as Corfu, Kos or Crete. Tours take you along the beautiful coast of Corfu, where you can admire the famous Venetian fortresses, the Royal Palace, the bay of Garitsa, the monastery of Vlacherna and the island of Pontikonisi.

While you enjoy breathtaking views of Corfu, your children can borrow hats and swords on board - and play pirate! The length of the pirate ship excursions take you along the coast of Crete - from St George's Bay across the Gulf of Heraklion to Sisi, Malia and Stalis. The half-day tour is more like a cruise, stopping at beaches for a swim or bays for snorkelling.

Family holidays - excursions with children

Greece is a holiday paradise for families with children. Whether toddlers or teenagers, there are countless possibilities on the mainland and on the islands - from exciting hikes through nature to fun times on the beach or in amusement parks to child-friendly tours of important cultural sites.

The Acropolis of Athens, the Valley of the Butterflies, the Smugglers' Bay of Zakynthos or the Corinth Canal: while parents learn more about the history, culture and nature of Greece, children will never get bored! Among the large selection of holiday destinations that are suitable for families with children, we present three particularly family-friendly destinations in Greece!

Crete - the adventure island

Crete may be known as an island for romantics and party people, but it is also the perfect holiday destination for families with children - not least because of the many theme parks on the island! There are many family-friendly accommodations on the island, including classic hotels, but also beach resorts and holiday homes. Ideally, you should stay in a holiday home from which you can explore the lush green island by hire car or bike.

Active families in particular can cycle through the unique nature of Crete, discovering the rocky and mountainous landscapes as well as the beautiful beaches. For special day trips, there are several attractions for the little ones on Crete:

• CRETAquarium: To the east of the capital Heraklion in the village of Gouves is the CRETAquarium, where you can marvel at metre-long sharks, dazzling fish and giant turtles. The brightly lit pools of the Sealife provide an exciting insight into the colourful marine world of Crete!

Location:Heraklion 710 03, Greece

Opening hours: daily from 9:30 to 16:30

Admission: Adults €10, children €6, free admission for children up to 4 years old

• Aquaworld Aquarium: At Aquaworld, also in Gouves, you can observe countless sea creatures from April to October. Most of the animals, especially the reptiles, are rescued animals that have found a new home in the aquarium. There is a story to tell about each animal, and brave children are also allowed to come into contact with them. Stroking snakes, feeding turtles and monitor lizards - it's all possible here!

Location: Filikis Etirias 7, Chersonisos 700 14, Greece

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm

Admission: Adults and young people €8, children €4

• Dinosaur Park: In the dinosaur park not far from Heraklion, even adults become children again as they discover the life-size replicas, bones and fossils. There are also exciting 3D films to watch before dining in the Dino Snack Bar or having fun together in the playground.

Location: DEKK, Gournes 715 00, Greece

Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm

Admission: Adults €10, children €6, free admission for children up to 4 years old

Corfu - the bathing paradise

Fantastic beaches and secluded bays, idyllic mountain villages and places steeped in history can be found everywhere on Greece and the popular Greek islands in the Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean Seas. When it comes to family-friendliness, however, the island of Corfu stands out, with many excursion destinations to keep not only the little ones happy, but also the grown-ups. Adventurers, water rats and the curious can let off steam on the beaches or by diving.

Avlaki Beach in the north of the island is ideal for swimming, windsurfing and even horse riding. Even more water fun can only be had at Aqualand or Hydropolis Waterpark, where countless slides for all ages are waiting to be tried out. Incidentally, there are discounts for children under the age of 12 almost everywhere on the island, making a family holiday in Greece a little more affordable!

Athens - the cultural metropolis

For slightly older children and teenagers, it can be exciting to go on a short cultural trip through Greece with their parents. Even children who may be sceptical at first will be immediately captivated by the thousands of years of history and the myths and legends of ancient Greece. The whole family should definitely plan a city trip to Athens. Many of the archaeological sites, but especially the museums in the Greek capital, offer child-friendly tours.

Alternatively, you can explore the city away from the ancient sites and visit the Royal Palace Gardens in the heart of the city. Here there is a small petting zoo, a pond with countless turtles and plenty of places to relax in a playground or enjoy a picnic. The best way to get around is by metro and explore the city centre from the Syntagma and Monastiraki stops. It's also exciting to take the city cable car up Lykavittos to rediscover everything you've explored in Athens from above.

Best time to travel for families with children

If you want to avoid the tedious search for hotels and the stress of overcrowded tourist magnets, you should not necessarily plan your family holiday in Greece for the high season. It is more relaxed in the months before and after the main season, i.e. from the beginning of October to the end of April. During these months, families can still or again expect the best holiday weather.

With pleasant temperatures of around 20° C, 12 to 14 hours of sunshine and - as a rule - hardly any rain clouds in the sky: this makes excursions, whether on foot through cultural sites or by bike through the countryside, much more enjoyable!

Active holidays the gentle way

Greece is a paradise for hikers and climbers, as large parts of the mainland are dominated by mountain ranges. The highest and best-known mountain range is the Olympus massif in the region of Macedonia, which according to legend is the seat of the twelve ancient gods. Less well known, but just as popular with hiking and climbing enthusiasts, are the 30 other mountain ranges such as the Pindos Mountains and the Agrafa Mountains or the Taygetos Mountains on the Peloponnese peninsula.

But it's not just the mainland, the islands also boast impressive mountain ranges that you might not expect to find on them. For the adventurous, there are amazing gorges, ancient caves and old, quaint mountain villages to be discovered all over Greece, which can be reached on both easy and challenging hiking trails.

Where is the best place to go hiking in Greece?

• Mount Olympus
  Mount Olympus is not only the most famous, but also the highest massif in Greece. Even those who are not following in the footsteps of the ancient gods will be rewarded with wonderful hiking trails and marvellous views on a day trip through the mountains. Those who make it to the summit of Mytikas have an incredible panoramic view over Greece from a height of almost 3000 metres.
  
  
• Western Greece
  If you don't want to climb Mount Olympus, there are many other mountain landscapes in Greece where you can hike through breathtaking natural scenery. In western Greece, which includes the northern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula, there are 18 hiking and long-distance hiking trails alone. Highlights include the path to the Mega Spileon monastery or the routes from Diakofto to Tripolis or Kato Zacklorou.
  
  
• Crete
  For many holidaymakers, Crete means sun, beach and sea, but there are also many hiking trails on this popular holiday destination - especially to spectacular gorges such as the Samaria Gorge, the Pastos Gorge or the Imbros Gorge. On the routes, some of which are only recommended for experienced hikers, you can explore idyllic forests, picturesque mountain villages and the odd secluded bay.

What are the most popular hiking routes in Greece?

Mount Olympus on the east coast of Greece

There are certainly many who want to climb Mount Olympus - or more precisely the 2,916 metre high peak of Mytikas - directly. But there are also easier, no less marvellous routes in Greece's largest mountain range. Mount Olympus is a national park through which the E4 European hiking trail, whose most popular route runs along the Enipeas Valley, also passes.

On this route, depending on how far you climb, you can experience the full range of Greek flora - from black pines and fir trees to the rare robolo tree and countless wildflowers - mainly in spring.

Vikos Gorge in north-west Greece

The Vikos Gorge in north-west Greece is the deepest and longest gorge in Europe - and therefore a favourite destination for many nature lovers and hikers. The approximately six-hour route through the gorge starts in the village of Monodhéndri and leads to the village of Viko.

The sometimes very steep path is quite demanding in places, as there are many ascents and descents over very uneven ground. However, the exploration tour through the national park, through whose meadows the Aoos meanders picturesquely, is well worth it! If you are looking for more adrenalin, you can book rafting tours in some of the rivers in the Vikos Mountains.

Samaria Gorge on Crete

Another breathtaking gorge can be found on Crete: the Samaria Gorge in the south-west of the island. It is a true natural wonder that stretches over 13 kilometres and can be a challenge even for experienced hikers.

This is one of the reasons why there are easier, guided tours that nevertheless lead to the narrowest part of the gorge and the picturesque village of Agia Roumeli. Typical of the gorge are the Kri-Kri goats that live freely here, which you are very likely to catch a glimpse of during the hike.

Taygetos Mountains in the Peloponnese

The Taygetos Mountains are located on the Peloponnese peninsula and offer a variety of trails through forests and alpine terrain. Due to the gravel paths that lead up to the Maganiari spring at 985 metres above sea level, many mountain bikers can be found on this route.

The well-signposted tour finally leads to the summit (2,404 metres), from where you have a panoramic view of the rugged mountains, Sparta and the Mani coast.

Cape Asprókavos on Corfu

Cape Asprókavos is located a few kilometres outside the tourist resort of Kávos at the southern tip of Corfu. Leaving the island's party town behind, you reach the remote ruins of the Monastery of Our Lady of Arkoudíla, from where you can enjoy unforgettable views of the steep cliffs.

On the way there and back, you can enjoy the wonderful, unspoilt nature, where olive and fruit trees, cypresses and pines thrive. An ideal circular route for nature lovers!

Discover Greece by bike

There are currently over 160 cycle routes, offering recreational athletes and active holidaymakers a wide and varied choice.

Whether on the mainland or on the Greek islands, every Greek holiday destination has a few cycle routes in its back pocket that are suitable for leisurely tours as well as challenging round trips. As is typical for Greece, there is a wonderful mix of nature, culture and history to discover!

Cycling on the Peloponnese peninsula

The Peloponnesian Peninsula is almost entirely mountainous, but offers beautiful long beaches on the west coast and famous ancient sites that can also be visited by bike.

Among the many possible routes on which you will see much of the nature and culture of this region of Greece, we recommend the following:

Patras - Pirgos - Kiparissía - Pýlos - Methoni

This route takes you along the west coast of the Peloponnese, from the northern to the southern tip. If you cover the entire route, it is almost 300 kilometres. One detour you should definitely make from Pirgos is to ancient Olympia.

The ancient site is around 20 kilometres away. On the rest of the route, you will pass through dense pine forests, beautiful sandy beaches with turquoise-blue water and breathtaking bays. Highlights on the route include the beaches of Pirgos and Pylos, the bay of Navarino and - last but not least - the fortress in the sea at Methoni.

Corinth - Mycenae - Árgos - Epidauros - Nafplion

The route from Corinth to Nafplion is a wonderful scenic route. On this route, which is over 100 kilometres long, you can stop off at the highlights of antiquity - the port of Corinth, the ancient archaeological site of Mycenae or the ancient theatre of Epidauros.

You reach your destination in the small town of Nafplio (Nafplio), where the first Greek parliament briefly met in the 19th century. If you have more time, you can turn the route into a round trip and cycle along the coast from Nafplio back to Corinth.

Kalamáta - Mani - Gýthio

Another picturesque route, characterised by the high mountains around Profitis Ilias, leads from Kalamata to Gythio. You will cover a few metres in altitude on this route. If you want to, you can take the road to Ano Verga shortly after Kalamata and climb an additional 1000 metres to ride along the steep slope.

However, the actual route leads southwards through the villages of Megali, Kardamíli and Agios Nikolaos. You can make a few stops along the way to explore the typical, barren and wild landscape or visit sights such as the caves of Pirgos Dirou. Finally, you end up in the small town of Gythio on the eastern side of the middle finger of the Peloponnese - back in civilisation.

Cycling in the Cyclades

Most of the islands in the Cyclades are too small to undertake long-distance cycle tours; they are more suitable for short excursions by bike or for hikes. The most popular of the islands, Mykonos, in particular, does not need to be explored by bike. Nevertheless, there are a few highlights on the Cyclades islands of Paros and Naxos. Paros is one of the few islands in the Cyclades where you can take a complete tour around the island.

The island can be easily circumnavigated in a day - the best way to do this is to drive along the various picturesque and beautiful beaches. The beaches around Santa Maria, Golden Beach and Agios Nikolaos beach are well worth a visit. However, cyclists must be prepared for northerly winds, which can make the tour more difficult under certain circumstances.

On the largest island of Naxos, there are longer flat areas in the east, south of the capital, where you can cycle in a relaxed manner. If you are looking for more of a challenge, you can cycle the rest of the island, which is hilly to mountainous. If you cycle along the coast, you will find many quiet bays with picturesque sea views where you can jump into the water for a refreshing dip.

Cycling on the Sporades

Cycling options on the Ionian Islands are very diverse: on the one hand, you can cycle on flat routes through amazing green forests, while on the other hand, you can climb a few metres in altitude in mountainous regions. In one way or another, cyclists are rewarded with wonderful views of the coast and its beaches and bays as well as the neighbouring islands.

• Corfu: one of the most popular of the Ionian Islands, is known among cyclists for its challenging, scenic routes. There are hardly any really flat plains on Corfu. Instead, you can cycle through the mountainous, rocky landscape, in the north to wonderful beaches, in the west to secluded bays.
  
  You can also drive up the highest mountain, the 1000 metre high Pantokrátoras. At the top you will find a monastery with impressive frescoes and a unique view that, in good weather, stretches as far as Albania.
  
  
• Zákynthos: On the island, it's fun to navigate the narrow roads, past vineyards and olive groves, through dense forests and small, quaint villages. At the same time, there are also a few metres of altitude to climb in the interior of Zakynthos.
  
  If you want to cycle downhill as well as uphill and cover different levels of difficulty, you can also cycle around the island on a route of around 130 kilometres. For example, you can start from Zakynthos and cycle to Agios Nikolaos in the north, Agios Leon on the west coast and Korakonisi in the south.
  
  
• Lefkáda and Kefalonia: Lefkada is a small island that is also home to many Greeks in the summer months. The best way to cycle is on the east coast road from Lefkada via Nikiana to Poros or Vasilikí.
  
  It is more challenging through the mountains inland. From Vasilikí you can take the ferry to Kefalonia, where you will find very mountainous, scenic regions.

Cycling in the Dodecanese

Among the Dodecanese, Rhodes is particularly worth a trip for cyclists, as you can cycle all around the island. There are around 250 kilometres of beautiful tours that show the island from all sides. The diverse topography with its mountainous island interior, the coast with its sandy beaches and several rivers and lakes is revealed along the way.

There are also some cultural highlights along the way, such as the Moni Thari Monastery or Asklipio Castle. If you prefer shorter, less demanding tours, you can explore the tip of the island - around Rhodes Town, around the east coast towns of Ammoudes and Faliraki or around Kremasti and Pastida at the foot of Mount Filerimos. There are 38 cycle routes in total, which are suitable for leisurely cycle tours as well as sporty round trips.

Cycling on Crete

Similar to Rhodes, the topography of Crete is also very diverse. The island consists of four mountain ranges that divide the island: the Lévka Óri, the Ída Mountains with the Psiloritís, the Díkti Mountains and the Thrípti Mountains.

At the same time, there are also many sections that are very flat and even. Cyclists can enjoy a tour of the mountains (those who are not trained can hire an e-bike). For example, through the picturesque Lassíthi plateau. Starting from Ágios Nikólaos, you can take the road to Kritsá, stop at the ancient church of Panajía Kéra and finally ride up to the 950 metre-high Katharon.

Apart from this mountain tour, most of the other routes lead through the east, west and north of the island - there is no continuous coastal road in the south.

Experience the magic of the underwater world

Sailing, surfing, kite surfing or wakeboarding: the coasts and islands of Greece are popular destinations for water sports fans. The crystal-clear water and the view of the vastness of the sea and the beauty of the landscape make for unforgettable times on holiday in Greece!

Greece is also a favourite among divers, as the consistently beautiful weather and water temperatures mean that diving in Greece is possible all year round. In summer, the sea is 22-26 °C. Even in winter, the water rarely gets colder than 15-18 °C, which is why you can still go diving with wetsuits in the winter months.

There are many diving areas in Greece where underwater caves, reefs and amphorae are waiting to be explored. And even if you are an experienced diver, it is worth diving with experts from one of the many diving centres and schools to find the many highlights underwater. We introduce you to some of the most interesting diving spots in Greece!

Diving in the Cyclades

With more than a dozen islands, there are countless dive sites around the Cyclades. Sometimes it is difficult for recreational diving on the Cyclades islands, as there are many marine reserves. However, there are more and more dives, especially guided dives, where you can explore the many unexplored regions.

Mykonos: One of the most popular destinations for divers is Mykonos, where some of the most famous shipwrecks lie at the bottom: the "Peloponnisos", the "Anna II" and the wreck off Kalafatis. On guided tours, you can swim around the hull and even take underwater photos. The coral reefs at Paradise and Super Paradise Beach and around the neighbouring island of Rhenia will also amaze you!

Santorini : On the coasts of Santorini you will also find excellent diving areas and another impressive shipwreck, the Taxiarchis wreck. The diving areas of Santorini are so spectacular because they are characterised by the volcanic origin of the island and you can also discover the rocky volcanic landscape under water. Popular diving areas are located off the volcanic island of Palea Kameni and at Cape Tripiti on Thirasia.

Paros: The Cycladic island of Paros has several underwater areas that are attractive to divers. These include the beaches around the village of Santa Maria in the north, the bay off Makronisi in the south-east and the region around the port of Pounta in the west, as far as the neighbouring island of Antiparos.

K&ea cute;a: An insider tip for divers is the island of Kéa, which lies off the mainland in the Saronic Gulf. When diving off Koundouraki Beach, you will find a surprising underwater paradise with countless colourful fish!

Diving in the Sporades

The Sporades, located to the west of the Greek mainland, are primarily known for their large marine park of Alonissos. The marine park also includes six other islands where you can discover the incredible underwater diversity of fish, corals, sponges and grasses. Diving in this region is also worthwhile for many, if you are lucky enough to spot the rare monk seals!

Alonissos : Alonissos is home to Greece's first marine park, which is also the largest marine park in Europe. It was founded in the 1990s to protect the endangered Mediterranean monk seal and other rare animal species. Some boat tours depart from the neighbouring islands of Skiathos or Skopelos and stop in Alonissos and some other islands of the marine park, such as Kyra Panagia, to go diving. In addition to catching a glimpse of the seals and turtles that live in the Sporades, you can also dive into the Blue Cave of Alonissos to see the impressive stalactites.

Peristera : Two of the most important shipwrecks in the world lie at the bottom of the Sporades island of Peristera. With the discovery of the "Pethamenos" wreck, scientists have been proven wrong about the shipbuilding techniques of the ancient Greeks. The second wreck, which lies in the bay of Vasilikos, is the largest Byzantine shipwreck in the world.

Diving on the Ionian Islands

The islands of Corfu, Lefkada and Zakynthos are also ideal for diving. But the smaller islands of Kastos, Atokos and Arkoudi also offer wonderful spots where you can discover the lively underwater life. Many of the Ionian Islands are protected by a marine park, not least to protect the sea turtle Caretta caretta and the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachu.

Kefalonia : The largest of the Ionian islands, Kefalonia, is still unknown as a diving destination. However, it is a wonderful region for divers who want to discover beautiful caves, sunken wrecks with ancient remains or breathtaking freshwater grottos. Scuba diving has been permitted for some years now, so you can experience diving spots around Kefalonia with visibility of up to 40 metres. The Melissani cave is a particularly popular excursion destination, where you can take a boat tour with your own captain!

Zakynthos : If you want to go diving with your children, Zakynthos offers the best conditions. Some diving schools offer family-friendly tours to the hotspots around the Ionian island. There are also impressive reefs, steep walls, caves and grottos to discover here, which you can also dive to as a beginner!

Diving in the Dodecanese

You feel like you're in an underwater museum when you dive off the islands of the Dodecanese. There are a total of 20 dive sites around the islands, from which you can dive down to the colourful seabed. The diving regions around the island of Kalymnos, which has a long tradition of sponge diving, are particularly worth seeing.

Kalymnos: If you are on Kalymnos, you should definitely take a dive along the 12-kilometre-long coastline from Therma to Pithari! Thanks to the long tradition of diving and especially sponge diving, the locals are experts in sea diving. They will show you the sponge farms of Kastello or Kambi, take you to dive the remains of old wrecks or teach you more about the rich underwater world.

Kos: One of the most popular islands in the Dodecanese is Kos, which has several diving and scuba diving centres on its coasts. We recommend the diving areas at Paralia Kardamena, Kefalos and Paradiso Beach as well as the harbour of Kos.

Diving on Crete

Among divers, Crete is primarily known for its many underwater caves, through which you can usually swim and dive. During a cave dive on Crete, which is also suitable for beginners due to the generally slow ascent, you will also discover the breathtaking reefs, which are home to octopuses, lobsters, tuna, moray eels and sea anemones, as well as many unique sponges and mussels.

El Gerco C ave: One of the most famous caves is El Gerco Cave, for which you have to dive 15 metres deep. Not only can you discover unique animals and plants, but also impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The mixing salt and fresh water creates a unique iridescence and sparkle underwater!

Mononaftis : About 50 metres off the coast of Crete is Mononaftis, a boulder that rises above the surface of the water. Translated, Mononaftis means "lonely sailor". Many diving centres offer tours that explore the underwater world around the rock at night.

Messerschmitt wreck: One of the most famous dive sites on Crete is the wreck of the MESSERSCHMITT 109, a German fighter plane from the Second World War. It lies 800 metres off the coast at a depth of 24 metres. The best way to reach it is on a 70- to 80-minute boat trip from Agia Pelagia. As the wreck is so deep, the dive is only possible for advanced divers.

Big Anchor: In the region of Agia Pelagia, divers can also dive down to a huge anchor, accompanied by many curious fish. The clear water allows visibility of up to 30 metres, which is why many fish - including groupers up to 1 metre long - can be observed from a safe distance. Night dives are also possible at Mononaftis, where you can encounter octopuses, moray eels and conger eels, squid, crabs, seahorses and a special kind of nocturnal sea anemone.