”The sea was sapphire coloured, and the sky burned like a heated opal through the air; We hoisted sail; the wind was blowing fair” …
It’s nice to see everything in Greece, but these places in particular…
Olimpia
One of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, Olympia is located on the western side of Peloponnese. This was the place where the ancient Olympic Games were organized and this is why an entire sanctuary to god Zeus was constructed next to the athletic installations to honor the gods before the beginning of the games. The spirit of the ancient Olympic Games inspired their revival in modern times. Next to the ancient site is a traditional village with lush greenery and many tourist facilities.
Reccomended: https://www.greece.com/destinations/Peloponnese/Olympia/
Santorini
Santorini, known since ancient times as Thira, is one of the most famous islands in the world. The fact that you can sit in front of the caldera, enjoy local dishes, a drink or a coffee while gazing at the remarkable beauty of an active volcano is priceless!
Santoriniš – an unforgettable views, stunning sunsets from Oia townš
The island is actually a group of islands consisting of Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni in the southernmost part of the Cyclades.The island may have a dry climate, but its people have managed to successfully cultivate high quality crops like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, fava beans and many more that are popular all over the country. The island’s wine production is also highly acclaimed, since some of its vineyards date back to the ancient times and produce wines like Assyrtiko, Nychteri and Vinsanto which are widely popular and have been awarded worldwide.
There are many reasons why the small Greek island of Santorini is so popular as a holiday destination, with its stunning turquoise waters and picturesque villages, great activities including wine-tasting, authentic Greek cuisine, regular boat excursions due to its ideal location for island hopping.
Reccomended:
View the weather per month.
https://www.hotels.com/go/greece/best-beaches-santorini
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/greece/articles/blissful-beaches-to-visit-in-santorini/
Peloponnese
Whether your tastes skew toward Homer or Hollywood (think of those sparring Spartans in 300), youāve likely encountered the Peloponnese, the peninsula at the southernmost tip of Greece that was the heart of ancient Hellenic culture. A mythic land where gods and heroes walked, the Peloponnese still evokes epic qualities fit for laurels and lyrical poems. With a beguiling mix of classical ruins, wild landscapes, and some of the best culinary treasures the country has to offer, itās an attractive alternative to well-trod tourist routes around Athens and the Greek islands.
Reccomended: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g189483-Activities-c61-t52-Peloponnese.html
Mykonos
Mykonos has been attracting an international crowd like a magnet since the 1960s and has been voted a top summer holiday destination time and again for good reason. Exceptional beaches, award-winning restaurants, legendary parties, expensive yachts, dreamy villas, luxury hotels and 5-star serviceā¦ if it makes you feel like a celebrity, youāll find it on Mykonos.
Mykonos is home to lots of Greek and European restaurants, but its perhaps most famous for its Mediterranean cuisine, fresh seafood and mezze dining culture. Dishes unique to the island include kopanisti, a spicy cheese with an aromatic taste, and louza, which is made from thin slices of cooked, spicy pork. Local favourites include pastitsio, which is often called the Greek lasagne, and gyros, Greeceās answer to the burger.
Mykonos restaurants:
https://bluemythrestaurant.gr/
Hydra
So close to Athens that you can hop across whenever the mood takes you, this small, hilly island in the Saronic Gulf has over the years mesmerised its visitors with its quaintness, rich history and cultural allure.
The moment you arrive on Hydra, you instantly feel the change of pace. The main port is cosmopolitan and elegant, with its 18th-century mansions, captainsā houses, old churches, wells and marble-covered alleyways that fan out everywhere. Everywhere you look, water taxis buzz around the island like bees.
The main town, Kaminia, Vlichos, Molos, Episkopi and Mandraki are just some of the highlights of an island which nurtured a revolution that won independence for an entire country.
Recommended restaurants: https://www.greekgastronomyguide.gr/en/12-gastronomika-stekia-stin-ydra/
Peloponnese
The Peloponnese (pe-lo-po-nih-sos; Ī ĪµĪ»ĪæĻĻĪ½Ī½Ī·ĻĪæĻ) is the stuff of legends. Literally. It is here that Hercules fought the Nemean lion and gods walked the earth, meddling in mortal affairs; itās from here that Paris of Troy eloped with Helen and the Argonauts set sail in search of the Golden Fleece.
Celes- tial and mythological charms aside, this region bears tangible traces of the many civilisations that once called it home, wit- nessed in its classical temples, Mycenaean palaces, Byzantine cities, and Ottoman, Frankish and Venetian fortresses.
Nafplio
Nafplio is one of Greeceās prettiest and most romantic towns. It occupies a knockout waterside location beneath the towering Palamidi fortress, and is graced with attractive narrow streets, elegant Venetian houses, neoclassical mansions and interesting museums. Itās also chock-full of tavernas, posh boutiques and comfortable hotels and guesthouses. Because it’s a popular destination for locals from Athens, it fills up on weekends and gets overcrowded in high season.
Recommended: https://www.greeka.com/peloponnese/nafplion/eat-drink/
Kardamyli
Kardamyli is a charming village with added attraction of Old Kardamyli [see below] which is hidden behind the modern town. There are several cafes, tavernas and hotels dotted around the main street and the sleepy side streets that lead to the waterside and small harbour. There are also some lovely shops and boutiques. I buy my olive oil from a tourist shop towards the north end of the town. I can never remember the name of the shop, [itās next to Kimbo Cafe I think]. They sell their home produced olive oil at 5 Euros a litre, tucked away on a shelf on the right as you enter.
Recommended:
1.BEACHS
https://kardamili-greece.com/en/amenities/beaches/beaches.html
2.BARS & CAFES
https://kardamili-greece.com/en/amenities/barscafes/barscafes.html
Monemvasia
Monemvasia is a uniquely preserved medieval town that is carved into the majestic grey rock like a sculpture. By land, there is only one way in, via a causeway, as the origin of its name (one entrance) implies. The āGibraltar of the Eastā or a āstone shipā about to set sail, as the famous Greek poet Yannis Ritsos described his birthplace, beckons you for a journey through time, wandering through vaulted alleyways and past churches and aristocratic mansions.
Recommended:
Mani Peninsula
Mani is an arid region and it has a rough edge to it, unlike many other regions in Greece. Its stone houses often look more like small forts, while its Byzantine churches, tiny coves and awe-inspiring caves complete a picture worthy not only of travel books, but history books as well.
Mani is a āclosedā society, which has been ruled for centuries along the lines of blood and gender. Perched on the steep slopes of the southern Taygetos mountains and constantly on the alert for invasions over the centuries, the people of Mani developed a very strong sense of autonomy.
Greece was a muse. It insiperd creativity in magical ways that I can’t even begin to understand or explain.š