Greece Travel
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Beautiful, spiritual and fascinating archaeological site in the valley
of Phocis. Delphi was the site of the Delphic oracle, the most
important oracle in the classical Greek world. Delphi was revered
throughout Greek antiquity as the site of the omphalos stone, the
center of the earth and the universe. It has a beautiful temple
dedicated to the Greek God Apollo.
2. Epidaurus:
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Epidaurus is famed for its almost
perfectly preserved, 14,000-seat amphitheatre with its legendary
acoustics built in the 4th century BC. According to Greek mythology
Epidaurus was also the birthplace of Apollo’s son, Asclepius, who was
the god of healing. As a result it became one of the most important
centers of healing in the ancient world and by the 4th century BC,
people traveled great distances to seek medical and mystical cures at
the Asclepius sanctuary. The archaeological site of Epidaurus also
includes a sanctuary of Egyptian gods, a sports stadium, odeon and
bath complex.
3. Mykonos:
Mykonos is a picturesque Cycladic island in the Aegean that is
world-famous and for good reason. It is surrounded by the crystal blue
waters of the Aegean and dotted with countless beaches. The island’s
capital, Hora, with its colourful harbour, has beautiful whitewashed
buildings with blue windows and colourful balconies, labyrinth streets
filled with excellent restaurants, great shopping, quaint palm-tree
courtyards and bars and clubs. In fact, during the summer the island
is a partygoer’s paradise with world class DJs spinning at mega clubs
at night and on several beaches during the day.
4. Delos:
Five kilometers from Mykonos is the sacred island of Delos, which
according to legend, was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Today
the island is uninhabited but has a vast archaeological site whose
superb monuments draw thousands of visitors in pilgrimage to what was,
for a thousand years after the 9th century BC, the political and
religious center of the Aegean.
5. Mycenae:
Mycenae is an imposing site filled with rich legend and history. It
was once a mighty kingdom of Ancient Greece and its ruler, Agamemnon
was considered one of the greatest. It was here that Agamemnon’s
brother’s wife, Helen, was abducted by the Trojan prince Paris and the
famous Trojan War had its origins. Today one can see tombs, an
acropolis, a citadel and the famous lion gate.
6. Meteora:
A rare geological phenomenon, a quirk of nature as it were, created
these looming rocks which thrust skywards from the plain of Thessaly.
Their summits, totally isolated from the rest of the world, were a
refuge for many hermits from as early as the 11th century. Three
centuries later the first monasteries were established. Most of the
monasteries were built or renovated in the 16th century. Presently six
are in use and are filled with ecclesiastical treasures, wonderful
wall paintings, rich libraries with precious manuscripts, and
exquisite icons. The area is also great for hikers and rock-climbers.
7. Mystras:
Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a Byzantine lover’s dream.
It was a fortified town in the medieval ages on Mt. Taygetos and in
the 14th and 15th centuries, it served as the capital of the Byzantine
Despotate of the Morea, and experienced a period of prosperity and
cultural flowering. It was also the last center of Byzantine
scholarship before it fell to the Ottomans in the 1460. Today you will
find rich frescoes, beautiful churches and monasteries, and lovely
Byzantine architecture.
8. Parthenon, Athens:
One of the most famous sites in the world, the Parthenon is a 5th
century BC temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena whom the
Athenians believed to be their protector. No visit to Greece is
complete without visiting the impressive site, which dominates the
skyline of the city. It is an enduring symbol of ancient Greece and
Athenian democracy.
9. Rhodes:
One of the most fascinating and beautiful islands in all of the
Mediterranean, Rhodes is a perfect destination for tourists looking
for it all – sun, sea, history, food, culture etc. Historically,
Rhodes was famous for one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the
Colossus of Rhodes as well as the medieval Old Town of the City of
Rhodes, which has been declared a World Heritage Site thanks to the
impressive buildings built by the Knights of the Order St. John. The
city is very atmospheric with an imposing fortress, churches and
cobblestone streets. Another gem of the island is Lindos. It is here
that you will find an ancient acropolis with spectacular views of the
sea and beach below.
10. Knossos:
Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and
probably the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan
civilization and culture. The famous palace appears as a maze of
workrooms, living spaces, and storerooms. Detailed images of Cretan
life in the late Bronze Age are provided by images on the walls of
this palace. It is a very rich site that gives the visitor a great
insight on what life must’ve been like there thousands of years ago.
11. National Archaeological Museum, Athens
The museum houses some of the most important artifacts from a variety
of archaeological locations around Greece from prehistory to late
antiquity. It is considered one of the great museums of the world and
contains the richest collection of artifacts from Greek antiquity
worldwide.
12. Santorini:
Santorini is a must. Legend has it that it was this island that was
once home to the city of Atlantis before a volcanic explosion caused
most of the island to sink to the bottom of the sea. Today one can
visit the ancient archaeological site of Akrotiri (dating back to the
4th millennium BC) or walk around the atmospheric cities hanging on
the side of the island’s cliffs and enjoy the famous whitewashed
houses and the spectacular views of the sea, especially beautiful at
sunset.