Located in the South Eastern region of Europe, Greece has earned a reputation as one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. The country is actually an island in its own right. It is surrounded by the Aegean Sea on the eastern side, the Mediterranean on the southern and the Ionian Sea on the western border. A fifth of the country is mainly islands.

Greek Island of Thassos by Ronald Saunders

The reason the islands are popular is because they are so many of them that one is usually spoilt for choice as to which to visit. They all have beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes and support an array of fun activities. Visiting Greece may be one of the best things you ever treat yourself to. With a rich culture, wealth and good food, you can never get bored in Greece. Moreover, the natives are naturally friendly and will make you feel right at home!

The main highlight of Greek tourism is the ancient and rich civilization. The amazing landscape has also created a perfect tourist attraction feature. This is one of the countries that are exciting to tourists and this keeps them coming back for more.

Different islands

Each island in Greece has its own individual beauty and different tourist attractions. Some of the most revered islands by tourists are Paros, Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Andros.

These islands are also popular among couples on honeymoon. They provide a quiet, fun and romantic place to be. Most hotels in the islands have honeymoon packages that make the couples’ stay easier. Travel agents also provide tourists with visits to several islands. Due to the moving around, Greece has been considered by many as an expensive holiday destination. However, with proper planning, it is a cost that is manageable.

Little Venice – Mykonos island, Greece by Allan Henderson

Other major attractions in Greece are the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens and the most popular Temple of Delphi. Another thing that attracts people in large numbers to this country is the beautiful serene sun kissed beaches with its white sands and the pine and palm forests. A holiday to Greece is not just refreshing, but totally incomparable and unforgettable. There are many hotels to choose from. Choose one that is within your budget but one with all the desirable amenities that will make your stay there fun. As you move from island to island, you can also change the hotels to widen your experience of the area.

Cuisine

Greece has one of the richest cuisines in the world. Their food is usually made from fresh ingredients that make the food more tasty and tantalizing to the taste buds. It is recommended that you eat in the local tavernas as these will have food at a cheaper rate, compared to the 3-star and 5-star hotels. There is food for everyone, even the vegetarians. Most of the hotels along the beach serve their food outside. This creates a perfectly romantic setting for those on honeymoon. Greece is a package that promises fun, fun, and more fun!

The next time you think you deserve a holiday, think Greece!

Touristorama is a Greece tourism website that specilaises in providing information about Greek isalnds such as Paros, Syfnos, and many more.

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Tennyson Trail, Isle of Wight / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by David Jones

The world is filled with stunning and breathtaking landscapes, but did you know that some of the best are right on your doorstep? If you are anything like me you’ve probably spent your whole life living in the UK but have yet to see all of this small isle’s best beauty spots. From picturesque locations ideal for an afternoon stroll to more challenging hikes set against a fantastic backdrop, here is my run down of the top 7 must-see, must-do walks in the UK…

Tennyson Trail, Isle of Wight (14 miles)

One for experienced hikers, this difficult but rewarding trail is so named because the poet Tennyson loved this challenging, up-and-down walk for the whole 40 years that he lived on the island in the 19th century, describing it as ‘noble down’.

Follow this marked trail and go back in time and you follow in Tennyson’s footsteps and view the scenery that inspired some of his best work, from the forbidding Carisbrooke Castle that imprisoned Charles I before he was executed in 1649, to the towering heights of Alum Bay which is the perfect spot for a lunch break before you head back down to Earth.

Ridgeway and Watlington Hill, Oxfordshire (8.5 miles)

For a more manageable walk suited to newer hikers, the beautiful Chiltern Hills are a hidden gem of the English countryside. From Lewknor village you move to a stunning nature reserve that is arguably Oxfordshire’s finest spot of natural beauty. Continue through the almost deserted Wormsley Valley with nature as your only companion, before heading through a delightful forest and up onto the chalky landscapes of Watlington Hill.

The Roaches, Staffordshire (8.5 miles)

Close to the famous Peak District lies this often-overlooked location, the perfect alternative when you want to avoid well-trodden paths and discover a quieter but no less beautiful area. Similar in length and pace, this dramatic landscape provides a stark contrast between the towering rocky summits and the lush green plains that you will see stretched out for miles and miles before you from the summit, Hen Cloud.

Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (10 miles)

The ideal choice for the amateur hiker, this relatively easy hike can be walked in around half a day and then a Hopper bus will take you back to the starting line at Great Malvern for a much deserved cup of tea in this picturesque Victorian spa resort. Following the gently sloping path upwards from St Anne’s Well you will traverse some of the UK’s finest woods and cross a beautiful open plain before reaching the hill’s summit, where a relaxing walk along the ridge will lead you to the bus service.

Malvern Hills, Worcestershire / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by TomGough

Coast to Coast, The Lake District (190 miles)

Not for the faint of heart, this 12-day walk is an absolute must for any true lover of the great outdoors. At just under 200 miles this trail is challenging but unmissable, offering breathtaking scenery and a last glimpse at an area of the UK that has not been tarnished by industrial development.  Start at St Bee’s head in the West where the walk is harder but the scenery is all the more stunning, reaching some of England’s highest grounds. Then leave the coastline behind you as you make for the famous Yorkshire moors, following through to an easy but delightful walk across the Eastern side to a grand finale at the historic Robin Hood’s Bay.

Manningtree to Dedham (4 miles)

The perfect beginner’s hike, this short and peaceful trail through the flat, open lands of South-East England starts at Manningtree rail station and passes across the wildlife-rich, rural marshlands of Flatford that was the inspiration behind Constable’s better-known words such as The Mill Stream. Literary walkers will want to stop at the National Trust’s Bridge Cottage on the way to discover more about this great author, before returning to Manningtree.

Preseli Mountains, Pembrokeshire (9 miles)

From the idyllic seaside town of Newport this lovely trail takes you up the side of the heather-wrapped mountain Carn Ingli. Continue across open moors and lonely woods in the deserted Gwaun Valley, before doubling back on a different set of ancient paths that lead back down the mountain to Newport.

Preseli Mountains, Pembrokeshire / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Felix O

Have you been on some great hikes recently? Tell us all about it!

Kate Dawson is a keen writer who blogs for Optegra on a regular basis. Optegra are specialist eye care providers who provide many treatments such as cataracts treatment for a number of eye conditions, such as glaucoma.

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