Autumn is a great time of year to explore the hidden side of Greece that few visitors know exists. The sun is still warm and shining, however, due to the cooler temperatures walking becomes one of the best ways to explore the country this time of year.

Greece is a nature lover’s paradise and her forests are rich in deciduous trees so as the days shorten, the quiet green palette of summer foliage is transformed into a vivid array of autumnal reds, oranges, golds, and browns. The hiking trails are covered in soft beds of pine needles and autumn leaves. The hillsides resonate with the sound of wood being chopped for winter and the distinct smell of wood burning in the fireplace hangs in the air. A peacefulness and silence spread over the landscape and wherever you visit, the crowds have long since dissipated as life for the locals has returned to 'normal' after the busy tourist season.

Greek food in autumn takes on a whole new meaning. Removed are the summer tourist dishes of moussaka and pastitsio and in come the healthy staples of legumes, wild mushrooms, and greens. After a day’s hike, you can sit by a log fire enjoying a hearty bean soup, local soft cheeses, freshly-picked and pressed olive oil accompanied by home-made, thick crusted bread - all washed down with local home-made wine. Mornings are greeted with herbal mountain teas, local honey and home-made marmalade. The Greek palate changes from season to season, however, it always holds fast to fresh, seasonal ingredients which are found in her fertile land.

Find your perfect location for an Autumnal break with our stunning selection of villas across the Greek mainland and islands. 

One of the best things about Greek cuisine is that each table offers an opportunity to sample many different dishes. A range of dishes are often placed in the middle so every gets to helps themselves to a sample of each dish. Finally, the delicious juices can be mopped up with a hunk of crusty bread. Sardeles Lemonates is the perfect dish for sharing and should be a staple at any table. 

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Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway to one of Europe’s most historic cities, or a luxurious island escape Greece has something in store for everyone. From the mainland to the thousands of surrounding islands Greece is the perfect destination for every type of traveller.

For those looking for a city break to one of Europe’s most vibrant and bustling cities Athens provides the ideal location. Athens is a city that is full of history and culture with so many famous landmarks it is almost impossible to fit them all into one trip. However if you prefer to take it slower of your holiday then look further afield at what the rest of this gorgeous country has to offer. 

Outside the centre of the capital, life goes on as it always has in a picture postcard environment, with stunning views over an azure sea and surrounded by a dramatic landscape. Green mountains, punctuated with pretty flowers plunge towards the shore, white sandy coves with crystal clear waters, the colours of Homer, the land of Odysseus, this is Ellada, this is Greece, unchanged and just as beautiful as it has always been.

The country is varied with each island differing from its neighbour and each island group having its own unique personality. The fertility and vibrancy of colour found in the Ionian Islands change dramatically as we move north to the mountainous regions of Epirus and beyond with their alpine scenery and pretty stone villages lost in the annals of time.

As we move east across the mountainous region of the Peloponnese where ancient civilization flourished, we find an area of outstanding natural beauty where the shores and foothills are a garden of citrus and olives.

Moving on across the Aegean sea to the islands of the Cyclades with their white cubist architecture and villages perched dramatically on the edges of cliffs, offering beaches exotic, remote and serene.

The Sporades with their pristine nature and stunning beaches, and UNESCO World Heritage towns, and Crete steeped in history, with miles of beaches and mountain scenery is another jewel waiting to be discovered.

Greece is varied, a collection of micro cultures all shining under one flag and one mother tongue. Of course the country needs support and it needs change, but it is still and always will be a fantastic place for the traveller where one can explore without feeling threatened and where families and friends can holiday in a safe environment.

Pretty Greek Villas has a wide range of villas all across Greece and the surrounding islands meaning you’ll find the ideal location for your holiday.