Holidays in Greece 2013: where to go, what to pack

Holidays in Greece 2013: where to go, what to pack

If there's a silver lining to the financial crisis - is there a silver lining? - it's that you can go on holiday and feel almost like a philanthropist, given that some countries, especially the warm ones with beaches, could use the extra cash.

With that in mind, is there a better place to be philanthropic than Greece? With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and hundreds of islands to visit, and with an economy that was particularly hard-hit by the financial crisis and suffering high unemployment, it's the perfect combination of need meeting need. Holidays to Greece in 2013 could be a great idea all round. And in fact many tourists have realized it, returning since visits dropped at the height of the financial crisis.

But if you're not in the mood for crowded beaches filled with umbrellas and booze, there are hidden gems inGreecethat will provide all the relaxation and sun you need. Start with Kastelorizo, an island so isolated that, according to one guidebook, it's left off many maps. The island is the easternmost stretch of land in Greece, and is located less than 2km from the Turkish coast. While the rocky, steep coastline means its beaches leave something to be desired, Kastelorizo is still a perfect escape, with Olympic Airlines flying to the island daily fromRhodes. Colourful houses with wooden balconies, a castle and a historic mosque add to its charm.

Other off-the-beaten-path holidays in Greeceinclude a particularly historic and spiritual island called Patmos, where St Johnis said to have written the New Testament book of Revelation. There are dozens of small churches on the island and a large monastery, testament to the island's outsized impact on Christian history. Much of the nightlife is near the town's quaint port and there are also very good beaches on the island. To get to Patmos, fly to Kosand then take the ferry - the only way there. In 2009, Forbes magazine named Patmos one of the most idyllic places in the world to live, noting its “air of quiet tranquillity” which it maintains from its spiritual past.

What to bring toGreece? Very little actually other than the basics, given that most of what you might need, you can buy. Of course, in light of the sunny climate, and how pricey items like sunscreen can be on holiday, bringing sunscreen and other skin creams to take care of sun rash or other ailments is highly recommended.