A travel expert has shared three Greek destinations to visit next year, all offering a rich history, great food and affordable prices.
Even better, it is only a three-and-a-half hour flight from the UK, with many airlines offering cheap flights to the country.
Alonso Marly, travel agent at Skylux Travel said: “When it comes to visiting Greece, there are many spectacular places to add to your bucket list, but as a travel expert of many years I always recommend Athens and Rhodes as my top two favourite Greek destinations for every taste and budget.
“Here are my insights on the best things to do and places to visit during your trip to Greece to make the most of this fun, educational and relaxed holiday in the sun.”
Let’s take a look at the cities in more detail and the sights they have on offer.
Athens
The Greek capital is a popular travel destination among Brits who enjoy immersing in cultural experiences and breathtaking views along the way. In fact, there are not many cities across Europe that hold such a rich historical heritage as Athens.
It is full of ancient monuments, temples, ruins and churches. I recommend starting your weekend trip with a visit to Akropolis, an open-air museum in the middle of Athens that has some of the most important ancient monuments, including the Parthenon temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Throughout the city, you will also find different remains of other temples, and there are plenty of museums to explore, with the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum being among the most well-known.
The capital of Greece is also famous for its squares, such as Monastiráki Square, where you will find a large shopping street. Look for hidden treasures at the antique flea markets or take an afternoon stroll through Anafiotika, a Cycladic village beneath the Parthenon, to catch the legendary Athenian sunset.
Rhodes
Last but certainly not least on this list is Rhodes, a well-known Greek island that is also one of the cheapest to visit for the summer holidays. Located near the coast of Turkey, it boasts a rich history, impressive medieval architecture, picturesque villages and a vibrant local culture.
What makes Rhodes truly special is its dynamic character offering both relaxation and a vibrant party scene with sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The medieval Old Town of Rhodes, listed as a World Heritage Site, is the most spectacular landmark to visit while in Rhodes, and it’s also one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Not to mention the many picturesque hiking trails through natural springs to be found on the more remote western coast of the island.
On top of that, Rhodes is also home to some of the best beaches in Greece. From hidden to more crowded – there’s something for every taste. Anthony Quinn, Faliraki, Tsambika, Kallithea and Agathi are just some of the best beaches on the island I recommend not missing out on breathtaking views and lots of fun water activities to try out.
Rhodes Island has a large number of resorts and all-inclusive hotels that are relatively cheap because of the high competition.
Hotel rooms start from as little as £22 per night for two people in the shoulder season and an average of £50 during the busy summer months, while one night in an all-inclusive for two people can start at around £65, covering the majority of your daily costs.
Also, Rhodes is one of the cheapest Greek Islands to fly into, with frequent flights operating from all major cities across the UK.
