Visit Greece, country which is famous for its ancient philosophers, like Plato, Pythagoras, Socrates, and Aristotle, to name a few.
It is known as the birthplace of democracy in the West; they invented the Olympic Games and theater. Ancient Greeks invented monumental temples with Greek columns.
Within easy reach of magnificent archaeological sites are breathtaking beaches and relaxed tavernas serving everything from ouzo to octopus.
Wanderers can island-hop to their heart’s content, while party types can enjoy pulsating nightlife in Greece’s vibrant modern cities and on islands such as Mykonos, Ios and Santorini.
Add welcoming locals with an enticing culture to the mix and it’s easy to see why most visitors head home vowing to come back.
Travellers to Greece inevitably end up with a favourite site they long to return to – so get out there and find yours.
Places that are at the top of the list to visit
The Acropolis, Athens
Over the centuries, the Acropolis was many things: a home to kings, a citadel, a mythical home of the gods, a religious center and a tourist attraction.
It has withstood bombardment, massive earthquakes and vandalism yet still stands as a reminder of the rich history of Greece.
Meteora
The Meteora (/ˌmɛtiˈɔːrə/; Greek: Μετέωρα, pronounced [meˈteora]) is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos.
Meteora is a unique area in Greece, and quite possibly the world. The wider area is full of impressive, massive rock formations.
These rocks were formed millions of years ago. Over time, they were further shaped by the wind, rain and other natural phenomena.
Athens
Athens has been a city for 3,500 years but its greatest glory was during the Classical period of ancient Greece from which so many buildings and artifacts still survive.
The 5th century BC in particular was a golden age, when Perikles oversaw the building of the Acropolis.
Within the Byzantine Empire and under Ottoman rule, Athens played only a minor role.
It returned to prominence in 1834, when it became the capital of Greece. Today, it is a busy and modern metropolitan centre.
Santorini
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.
This might sound strange today, but the whitewash used to paint the houses contained limestone.
Limestone is a powerful disinfectant, and not many others were in common use at the time.
Greek citizens thus whitewashed their homes to help sanitize them and reduce the spread of cholera.
Ancient Delphi
Arrive early to catch the magic of the sun’s rays pouring over the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea at Delphi, the centre of the ancient Greek world.
Only three columns remain of the magnificent sanctuary, but that’s enough to let your imagination soar.
Nearby, the Sacred Way meanders past the Temple of Apollo where the Delphic Oracle uttered prophecies that sent armies to battle and made lovers swoon
Samaria Gorge
The Samaria gorge was created during the Quaternary period.
The dolomite beds of which the rock formations of the area are composed have been fractured by a variety of factors (glacial action,
karstic phenomena etc.) which are particularly marked in the Gingilos area as well as around the ‘Gates’.
Rhodes’ Old Town
Rhodes has been famous since antiquity as the site of Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The citadel of Rhodes, built by the Hospitalliers, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, which in 1988 was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Colourful Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second biggest city in Greece, after Athens! Nestled in the heart of the Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki Greece serves as a commercial, business, and transportation hub for the northern side of Greece.
A city with a long history and rich culture, Thessaloniki is a very interesting place to visit.
Either as a holiday destination or as a part of a road trip between the nearby Kavala, Halkidiki, and Pieria, Thessaloniki should be in your bucket list!
The most popular spot in the city is the Beach Promenade. There, both visitors and locals enjoy long walks, marvel at the sea view, and watch the sunset.
Apart from the beach promenade, Aristotle Square, which is located right in the city center, is another famous spot.
Around this square is the commercial center of Thessaloniki, where you’ll find all kinds of shops, restaurants, coffee places and, of course, the renowned pastry shops of Thessaloniki.
What’s more, in the city center, you’ll find a great selection of hotel.
Hydra
Everyone approaches Hydra by sea. There is no airport, there are no cars.
As you sail in, you find, simply, a stunningly preserved stone village with white-gold houses filling a natural cove and hugging the edges of surrounding mountains. Then you join the ballet of port life.
Sailboats, caïques and mega-yachts fill Hydra’s quays and a people-watching potpourri fills the ubiquitous harbourside cafes.
Here, a mere hour and a half from Athens, you’ll find a great cappuccino, rich naval and architectural history, and the raw seacoast beckoning you for a swim.
Knossos
Knossos (pronounced Kuh-nuh-SOS) is the ancient Minoan palace and surrounding city on the island of Crete, sung of by Homer in his Odyssey:
“Among their cities is the great city of Cnosus, where Minos reigned when nine years old, he that held converse with great Zeus.” King Minos, famous for his wisdom and, later, one ..
Preveli Beach
Preveli is one of the most significant daytrip destinations on the south coast of Crete.
The name stands for a unique beach and a wild canyon, where hundreds of palm trees line the shore of a tumultuous mountain brook.
The Climate of Mainland Greece
The mainland climate varies most between the coastal lowlands and the mountainous inland regions.
The mountains of western Greece and the Peloponnese get heavy snow in winter, rain during autumn and spring, and hot days in summer.
The Ionian coast has milder temperatures, but is the wettest part of Greece.
Language and Culture
During the centuries of domination by Venetians and Ottomans, the Greek Orthodox Church preserved the Greek language, and with it Greek identity, through its liturgy and schools.
Greek language, Indo-European language spoken primarily in Greece. It has a long and well-documented history—the longest of any Indo-European language—spanning 34 centuries.
Greek families
The family is still the basic Greek social unit. Traditionally, one family could sow, plough and reap its own fields, without need of cooperative work parties.
Today, family-run businesses are still the norm in urban settings. Family life and social life are usually one and the same, and tend to revolve around eating out, which is done more often than in most of Europe.
Shopping in Athens
Shopping in Athens offers many delights. There are street markets, quiet arcades, traditional arts and crafts shops, and designer fashion boutiques to rival Paris and New York.
Most Athenians go to the
triangle which is formed by Omónoia, Sýntagma and Monastiráki squares to buy everyday household items, clothes and shoes.
For leather goods, bargain hunters should head for Mitropóleos, Ermoú, Aiólou and nearby streets.
Along the smarter Stadíou and Panepistimíou, there are worldclass jewellers and large clothing stores.
Visit Greece and create memories for a lifetime!