From mythology to your very own summer holiday story

One of the predominant subjects that occupies the minds of the ancient Greek philosophers was the individual and their place in society. Let's just say that when it comes to rules and laws, the individual and his or her well-being are considered to be above all else. In Greece, you'll find that laws and rules are subject to interpretation, and here and there, a little bit of bending, so don't get upset when cars park on the promenade or people smoke in the non-smoking area. Just be prepared and act as if it's normal.

If you're planning to travel around Greece, plan your luggage accordingly. Many people come to Greece with too many clothes. Remember, it's the Mediterranean, the weather is hot! Shorts and shirts will do. And, if possible, opt for a rucksack rather than a wheeled suitcase. Most Greek towns have narrow streets and long flights of stairs, so rucksack will definitely save you some stress.

As for the language, it never hurts to start a friendly conversation. Greet people with a friendly kalimehra (hello) or kalispera (good evening). Say please with the word parakalo and thank you with the word eftharisto. In general, English should be your language of choice if you've run out of Greek. But be warned, off the beaten track you may have to bridge the language gap with your hands and food.

Greece is an ideal year-round destination for a family holiday. If, however, you want to make the most of your trip to this magnificent country, you should focus on the period from mid-April to mid-November. The country and its many hotels are perfect for family holidays during these months. If you want to get out and about and discover a bit more of Greece, we advise you to avoid the summer months, as they can be very hot.

In Greece, there's always something to do for children, as it's one of the most child-friendly destinations in the world. Depending on the age of your children, activities range from poolside entertainment or water park action inside hotel clubs, to discovering the country's wilderness or history. Most hotels offer a wide range of tours and activities in their region. These are often ideal for a day of adventure and discovery, as transport, guides and visits are included.

Discover nature

Since the dawn of civilisation, Greek nature has been the subject of songs, myths, stories and poems. If you're staying in Greece, take the time to discover the landscapes that have given rise to some of the most epic tales ever told.

Visit the blue caves of Paxos Antipaxos - Corfu
Water sports and hiking on the island of Prasonisi, 43 km from Lardos
Paradise at Elafonisi beach - 210 km from Heraklion
A day's hiking in the Samaria Gorge - 180 km from Heraklion

Discover history

Greece has many great monuments worth visiting. It would be a shame to return home without a few stories to share about some of the world's most famous archaeological sites.

Visit the Minoan palace of Knossos in search of the Minotaur - Heraklion
Asklepion, the sanctuary of Asclepius - 4 km from Kos town
Visit the old town of Rhodes - Rhodes City

Discover the gastronomy

If you're a lover of good food and drink, Greece has a lot to offer. Here, in the land of the gods, food and wine are truly special.

A full day of private wine tasting - Corfu
Dinner in one of Heraklion's many typical Cretan restaurants - Herakion
Valley of the butterflies and wine, olive oil, honey tasting - Rhodes, 50 km from Lardos