Greece mainland and the Greek islands are one of the favorite holiday destinations in Europe. In fact, Greece comes in the 15th place in the world rating of tourist destinations, since, according to the National Statistical Service of Greece, it receives more than 15 million tourists every year, after countries such as the USA, China, Spain and Great Britain.Most tourists come to Greece from Europe, especially the EU countries, and from the USA, while fewer originate from the other continents. In 1989 and 1991, approximately 90% of the tourists to Greece were Europeans, in particular German and British citizens. Until the mid-1990s, the tourism flow in Greece would not surpass 8 or 9 million; however, 1994 was a determinant year for Greek tourism because more than 10 million people chose Greece and the wonderful Greek islands to spend their summer vacations.
Greece is a famous country, popular for its clean beaches and its long history. There are hundreds of archaeological and historical sites to visit in Greece that gloriously depict the country’s past. Its landscape is mainly mountainous and the terrain is not very fertile, except for some valleys scattered along the Greek mainland. However, Greece is surrounded by water, in particular the Aegean and the Ionian Sea. The country consists of more than 1,400 islands and islets, but only 169 of them are inhabited.
These Greek islands form, one by one, a beauty of nature. They are the most popular Greek destinations, especially in summer. Big or tiny, green or infertile, ideal for cosmopolitan or relaxing vacations, one thing is for sure: all these islands have the necessary requirements and facilities to offer you memorable vacations!
Mykonos, with its cosmopolitan character; Santorini, with the most romantic sunset in the world; Rhodes, the island of the medieval castles, the sun and the butterflies; Crete, with its revolutionary spirit; Ios, with the wild nightlife; Corfu, with its Venetian style; Ithaca, the homeland of Ulysses; Samos, the greenest of all Greek islands; Skiathos, with its long and sandy beaches; all these constitute just a few examples of the most famous Greek paradises.
The Greek tourism started flourishing in the late 1960s and particularly in the early 1970s. The first Greek hotel unit was created in 1968 in Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi, Crete and since then many accommodation options have made their appearance all along Greece. In a slow but stable pace, Greece has today managed to become one of the most favorite tourist destinations among Europeans, Asians and Americans. It is worth mentioning that, according to surveys, the Chinese and the Austrians vote for Greece as the best holiday spot ever!!
The peak season for Greek tourism lasts from May to September, since the third-quarters of the tourism flow choose this time of year to come to Greece. The sunny weather, warm beaches and variable landscapes invite people from all over the world to experience the Greek hospitality and peaceful way of life.
The income from tourism constitutes a large part of the Greek economy. Many new jobs have been created and business has been supported, through setting up numerous gift shops in each area.
A special interest is also given to promote, apart from summer holidays, winter tourist resorts, therapeutic spas, ecotourism, working holidays and discovery holidays.
