Greece

Experience these destinations authentically by getting under the skin of these countries is how we want you to experience these short breaks.  These include spying wildlife in Costa Rica’s national parks to cooking with locals on a little-visited Greek island.

With attractions to charm even the most demanding traveller, the Greek region of Thrace will fascinate you with its wild beauty, breathtaking scenery and unique Byzantine, Ottoman and medieval heritage.  The region of Thrace sits to Greece's east, at the gateway of the exotic north. This is a land of jaw-dropping landscapes, with the majestic Rodopi mountain range standing guard over the Nestos and Evros rivers, as well as richly diverse wetlands, lush forests and white-sand beaches.

Okay, so you’ve eaten the freshest fish in the beachside Taverners, you swam in sparkling blue sea, and you soaked up thousands of years of ancient history. But there’s heaps more to explore in Greece – especially when it comes to action and adventure.

Sure, you could sunbathe; but did you know you could ski? And do you know you can snorkel, but what about rock climbing to an ancient monist tree? No matter what type of adventure you’re after, you’ll find it in Greece. Here are some ideas…

Beyond Greece’s whitewashed villages lies a whole world of history, Natural beauty and culture that just right for exploring.  Most of us will be Familiar with the stereotypical Greek island setting, with traditional stone buildings going against an azure sky. And wow this beautiful backdrop is very loved for a reason, there is a whole different side to this patient, mythical land that you might not have seen it.  Here are just a few of the under the radar activities you could get up to…

In search of this promised slice of heaven, we've meandered off the path from the pretty village of Ai Nikitas on the west coast of the island of Lefkada into thick scrub. Scratched and sweaty, we poke our heads through a clearing and the 1km-long, sandy and almost deserted beach of Kathisma appears like a mirage.  "Rebecca, this is the best beach in the world," implores Anthi. That's a pretty rich claim to make to an Australian, but I dare not doubt her. This petite but fiery Greek is frighteningly proud.

Sprawling, bustling and just a little bit grimy, Athens is one hell of a city where ancient wonders meet modern metropolis. Visit this time of year and discover hugely discounted hostels and hotel rooms, and fewer tourists. The cooler temperatures mean you can enjoy viewing ancient sights without suffering the searing heat of the summer months.

There isn't much the Greeks didn't invent, from the Olympic Games to medicine and modern philosophy. They have also cornered the market in picture-perfect holidays.  Think ancient remains and pristine beaches, lush mountains that tumble down into waters of piercing blue, and islands of pretty, whitewashed villages draped in dazzling fuchsia bougainvillaea.  There is something for everyone, from the sophisticated glamour of Mykonos to the rugged mountains and soft sands of Kos and the delectable cuisine of Crete.

Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, with a history that spans more than four millennia, so it should come as no surprise that there’s plenty to discover. Athens became the leading city of Ancient Greece in the first millennium BCE, and its cultural achievements during the 5^th century BCE laid the foundations of western civilisation.