Greece Vacation Rentals

In Greece, stay at villa rentals along the beach or traditional white-washed homes on the islands and in the countryside. If you prefer to vacation in the city, you'll love the old apartments in Athens.

Getting to your Greece vacation rental

Most visitors to Greece will arrive by plane at Athens' international airport. The airport is located in Spata, a suburb of Athens. Metro line 3 is the fastest and most cost-effective way of reaching the city center. However, there are taxis located outside the arrival hall if you prefer to take a car. Many connecting flights leave from this airport to other parts of Greece, so keep an eye out for signs once you arrive.

If travelling on the mainland, using the state-run bus and train network is a great way to get around. Journeys to the islands are most frequently made by boat. Consider that in the winter months it's not unusual for ferry services to be delayed due to poor sailing conditions; this is rarely an issue in high season. There are three ports in Athens, all of which serve several islands, so checking the schedules that match your travel plans is advised.

Dolmades and Grilled Fresh Fish

Dolmades, iconic Greek dishes, are stuffed vine leaves in different varieties. Classic versions comprise minced meat and long-grain rice baked in the oven, while vegetarian versions contain herbs, rice, and pine nuts.

Have some of the best fish you'll ever taste at Greece's seaside tavernas. Fresh fish such as sardines and mullet are grilled over coal fires and basted with olive oil and lemon, whereas smaller fish such as whitebait are simply fried.

The Acropolis Museum and the Palace of the Grand Master

The Acropolis Museum in Athens takes you back to the city in ancient times. Browse the many artifacts, which include items unearthed at the Acropolis and other discoveries from Mycenaean times to early Christian Athens.

Venture to the Palace of the Grand Master in the Castle of the Knights in Rhodes. Admire the Roman mosaic floors, the Byzantine artworks from the island of Kos, and the interior yard's many ancient Greek and Roman statues. There's also a permanent exhibition showing the history of Rhodes over the last 24 centuries.

Special tips for Travelling in Greece with Kids

Explore the Acropolis to travel back in time to the world of the Ancient Greeks. Teach older kids about the concept of democracy in the place where it all started. You can take a guided, mythology-themed tour or wander the ruins on your own. If you enter through the main gate, you will be able to see the Parthenon in front of you.

To see a different side of the Greek capital, take the kids to the Athens Zoological Park. Here you can see thousands of species, from dolphins to camels to elephants. The park is also stroller-friendly, with baby-changing facilities and picnic areas.

The beaches of Santorini are lovely for families with children. The waves are typically gentle and kids can spend hours building sandcastles and exploring rock pools. There are also half-day snorkel trips available from Santorini. These will be ideal for older kids to see the myriad of marine life along the coast.

On the island Crete, the kids can spend days at the beaches, playing on the pink sand, and splashing safely in calm water. On days off from the beach, you will find short hiking trails leading to quaint villages all over the island. The Dikteon caves on the Lasithi Plateau are where Rhea gave birth to Zeus in Greek mythology. Today, you can enjoy a guided tour of the caves to see incredible stalactites.

Climb Mount Olympus or Relax on Balos Beach

If you're a fan of Greek mythology, you won't want to miss the chance to climb Mount Olympus, where Zeus allegedly sat on his throne. From the town of Litochoro, you can hike to the top of the mountain or part of the way depending on your fitness level. Alternatively, head to Balos Beach on the island of Crete to swim, surf, and snorkel in the azure water or relax on the sand.

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