They say the light in Greece is unique, and it’s certainly much loved by painters, artists and photographers. To help us get outside and appreciate it, we invited Oliver’s Travels to share their fave things to do out and about on holiday.
With over 300 Blue Flag beaches, several notable national parks and a rugged coastline to admire, Greece has a whole host of outdoor sports and activities to enjoy. With so much choice you can be as relaxed or as active as you like.
Whether you prefer to spend your holiday lounging on a catamaran or hiking through the mountainous landscape, it’s a good idea to keep these activities in mind when browsing for villa accommodation in Greece, so you can be sure to select a holiday home near to your favourite things to do.
Here are some of the best outdoor activities to try in Greece.
1. Scuba dive in the Med
With over 9,000 miles of coastline, there’s a wealth of opportunity to scuba dive in the Mediterranean and the Ionian Sea. Delve below the water to see what mysteries lurk beneath. From ancient shipwrecks to vibrant coral reefs, there are a number of specialised dives you can join onto which vary depending on difficulty. So, whether you’re proficient in diving or a total beginner, you can still experience something spectacular. Greece has some of the clearest waters in the Med with plenty of marine life to discover no matter where you choose to stay.
2. Take a sea kayak along the coast
Greece is famous for its stunning beaches and island paradise getaways. With a rugged coastline, take to a sea-kayak to unearth its secrets. With sea caves, hidden coves and blue lagoons, Zante is a great destination to explore. With an iconic shipwreck beach, you can take a boat or kayak through the clear waves to see how much wildlife and birdlife you can spot. In the north of Zante, kayaking through the arches of the famous Blue Caves is a must. With mysterious illuminating waters, the Blue Caves are a real sight to be seen.
3. Sail and tour the islands
Lounge on a catamaran, enjoy luxury on a yacht or take up an adventure on a sailing excursion; one of the best ways to explore Greece is from the coast. Whether you want to take up a sailing lesson, jump from a charter into the turquoise waters or simply take in the sea air in the sunshine. From Santorini, you can take a cruise around the Cyclades Islands to see the stunning Caldera cliffs with its mountainous villages from the shoreline. You can also set off from Athens and tour the Saronic Islands to dock and explore the historic sites. If you’re thinking of taking a week-long sailing holiday this guide is a great introduction. Otherwise check for boat tours and trips near your accommodation.
4. Hike through the national parks
With a rugged landscape, through the sandstone mountains, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. There are several notable national parks in Greece that act as a great retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist resorts. Mount Olympus National Park is on the mainland near Thessaloniki and carries a historic and natural connection. Opened in 1938, the park is said to be significant to the mystical Greek Gods. It has several peaks, but its highest, Mytikas stands at 2,918 metres high. Explore its landscape to marvel over the array of plant species and to wander through the thick forests.
5. Water sports on the beach
If you’re travelling with the family, you may be interested in partaking in water sports while you’re in Greece. With many popular resorts on the islands of Kos, Rhodes or Crete luring families to their beautiful beaches, you’ll find plenty of water sport centres along the shore. Whether you want to climb onto a SUP board, windsurf among the waves or float high up in the sky, parasailing. With a picturesque setting, there’s no excuse not to experience adventure in beautiful Greece.