Greece is renowned the world over for being the cradle of Western civilization – and this is only natural! With thousands of islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas, it is home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unique gastronomy, and numerous breathtaking beaches. Inspired by its long-lasting traditions and historically rich culture, millions of guests visit the country every year.

We don’t blame them as Greece has literally everything a person might need for a vacation or a special occasion. Curious to find out more?

Have a look at the #AllYouWantIsGreece campaign (https://www.visitgreece.gr/inspirations/all-you-want-is-greece/ ) and see if you get what we mean 😉

Given such a wealth of activities to engage in and natural and cultural wonders to enjoy, it is also not surprising that the country becomes a host to countless events – from international product launches to private luxury parties and weddings – every single year. However, this is precisely where a plethora of equally excellent options might become a hurdle instead of a blessing – the need to choose can be immobilizing for those of us who relate all too well to the proverbial Buridan’s donkey… Fret not, we are here to take care of it! Here is a short guide to the five most popular Greek destinations your clients could be interested in.

Athens

Home to Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, Aeschylus, and many other famous Greeks, Athens is the birthplace of modern democracy, arts, and science. Being one of the world’s most ancient cities (its recorded history spans around 3,400 years), it is yet well-known for its modern infrastructure and facilities. The excellent transportation system, including cutting-edge metro, a wealth of luxury accommodation options, quality shopping opportunities paired with a warm dry climate make it a great destination for history-themed events, mid-year city breaks, and corporate outings.

This Greek city has also served as a film production scene on numerous occasions, being featured in such movies as The Two Faces of January (2014) and For the Love of Benji (1977), and could become a great sight for private or corporate video shootings – from VCR-inspired personal chronicles to large-scale promotional campaigns. Sure, permits handling could get tricky at times, given the city’s status as the capital and many historical sights of national and international importance, however, having the right contacts is crucial.

Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest one in the Mediterranean Sea. Home to the Minoan civilization and the supposed birthplace of Zeus, the island practically breathes the air of adventure and mythology. Glorious beaches and beautiful mountain trails together with rich gastronomic culture are all part of a deal – just as a fairly crowded summer season, which Crete owes to its extreme popularity among tourists. Keeping that in mind, it is probably not the best choice for the clients coming to Greece to indulge in a peaceful event or an off-the-beaten-track experience. However, when planning in advance, Crete may become one of the best options for large-scale destination weddings, as its developed infrastructure, two international airports, and a wide choice of accommodation and celebration venues – from 5-star resorts to exclusive villas, from isolated beaches to cinematic mountains – would certainly blow up any wedding planner’s imagination.

 

Santorini

One of the most romantic places in the world, Santorini features in reviews pretty… everywhere as the most sought-after wedding destination – and for a good reason! Possibly the only volcano on the planet, whose crater, or Caldera, is located in the sea, Santorini is perfect for enjoying the sunset with your second half. However, this is not the only attraction the area has to offer. This Greek region boasts a distinct cuisine with white eggplants, fava, caper, and “hloro tyrí”, a special kind of fresh goat cheese, so the destination would be suitable for any event with a gastronomical touch. The same follows for wine-infused gatherings – Assyrtiko, Athyri, Aidani, Mantilaria, and Mavrotragano are just some of the distinctive varieties that your clients could taste at the island’s famous wineries (some of them operate as a museum as well) or at restaurants during dedicated events. Finally, if you are scouting for breathtaking sceneries for a production project, Santorini is definitely an option to consider.

 

Mykonos

Even if you have never visited Greece and know virtually nothing about the country, chances are, the association you get when hearing people talk about Mykonos is partying. That is a fairly won reputation. In case your guests are looking to have the time of their lives on a glamorous yacht or at a fashionable hotel, surrounded by celebrities and influencers during their events, your search is over – Mykonos is waiting! And once you scratch the surface of its reputation, you also discover that Mykonos can offer much more. Mykonians are known for excellent service, so the island is a perfect spot to accommodate luxury events of a bigger scale, always keeping the standards high. The only piece of advice is to beware of the high season, which lasts all summer (especially August) and try to opt for spring or autumn, with September being the best month for private events and weddings.

 

Rhodes

The capital of the Dodecanese, Rhodes Island is widely considered to offer a variety of activities suitable for pretty much any type of guest. With its Medieval City (a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988) and exciting archeological spots, its diverse cuisine, and beautiful uninterrupted golden coastline, it is one of the most popular destinations among families. On the other hand, this Greek island is also perfect for production projects, as the varied nature could help the team save up on transportation costs.

Rhodes is also popular with trekking enthusiasts: a hiking-inspired event could feature anything from a two-hour route from Filerimos to the coast through a magical pine-tree forest to a trip to the summit of Ataviros, a beautiful six-hour walk for experienced trekkers. Although Rhodes is considered a large island with many busy or romantic options to host an event, the small islands in its close proximity can also be a great choice for a destination wedding or other private function. At the same time, the city of Rhodes has been the hosting place for big corporate events as well.

Overall, a myriad of fantastic spots makes Greece the ultimate destination for any type of event – from weddings to corporate outings, from commercial production projects to lavish private parties. The real question is how to choose the correct option and manage even the smallest details for an exceptional experience your clients will have fond memories of for years to come. This is where Amuse Bespoke comes into play, and we invite you to discover the world of artful creation together with us.

By the way, did you know that the Greek word for “hospitality” philoxenia literally means “friend to a stranger”? Hard to challenge the status of one of the most hospitable countries in the world with such a term in national vocabulary.