Steeped in rich history, Ancient Greece was one of Europe's first urban civilizations, and is the origin of many arts, language, politics, philosophy, and sports of western society. The cultural heritage, spectacular mountains, whitewashed buildings and picturesque beaches make Greece a beautiful yet diverse country to visit.
There are many islands to visit, so we show you the 6 best places to visit in Greece.
Guest Post by Tom from Kayak Critic
The capital of Greece is one of the most interesting places the world, and a must visit place in Greece. With a history of over 3,000 years, Athens has excessive sightseeing options, including the Acropolis, the New Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, and the Roman Agora. Athens has also been chosen as the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2018.
If you are a history buff, discover the Athenian Riviera or the Theatre of Dionysus, where the first theatrical plays were performed. The theatre was built at the foot of the Athenian Acropolis at the beginning of the 5th century, and is seen as the symbol of Athens and Greece. A rocky mound, you can see the remains of many ancient buildings of great historical and architectural significance. The most famous structure is the Parthenon, which was dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Another top destination in Greece is Santorini that is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world. This place is so majestic, and almost everyone will have seen photos which are used on many websites.
Santorini is among The Cyclades, a group of Greek islands. In the 16th century BC, a volcanic eruption shaped Santorini's rugged landscape. The village houses overlooking the sea, coupled with the picture-perfect sunset seems more like a dream than reality. Its beaches with red, white, and black sand surround the deep blue water providing a spectacle that is a sight for sore eyes. Santorini is home to its own active volcano with its crater in the sea. The island is also a culinary paradise. You can enjoy some famous traditional products like white eggplants, cherry tomatoes, fava, and caper.
Being the center of the Mycenaean civilization, Mycenae is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Greece. It is now a well-preserved archaeological site in the Peloponnese. Mycenae was one of the most ancient and important Greek cities at its time.
If you love the Greek legends and believe in them, this is a site that simply cannot be missed. Mycenae is said to have been built by Cyclops, and King Agamemnon lived and ruled here. Visitors can still see wonders like the Lion’s Gate, the strong walls which once stood 18 meters high, the palace and tomb of Agamemnon. The site is linked to works like Iliad and Odyssey. When at Mycenae, take a walk among the olive-clad ridges that is sure to be memorable.
One of the most surreal places to visit in Greece has got to be Meteora, which means “suspended in the air”, and is a sight to behold! Located on the top of a rock formation, the ancient Meteora Monasteries were a refuge for the monks and people who wanted to live away from civilization.
The view is nothing short of breathtaking, with the monasteries touching the clouds. Only six of them are open to the public, so you really have to visit them. To go up, you need to climb several stone steps that are carved into the rocks to reach each monastery. Inside, you will find religious icons, flickering candles, and burning incense. This place is serene, magical and spiritual. Explore the monasteries along with the museum, where historical relics and high-value religious icons are on display.
Mystras is situated near ancient Sparta and served as Peloponnesus’ capital in the 14th and 15th centuries. It was ruled by relatives of the Byzantine emperor. Throughout the Ottoman period, the site remained inhabited but was abandoned in 1832. Now it is an important archaeological site and consists of a collection of breathtaking medieval ruins of castle, roads and the fortress walls in a beautiful landscape.
When it was an active city, Mystras had many churches, houses, palaces and other structures. Its famous fortresses were considered to be among the best architectural gems of their times and are known as the “wonders of Morea'. There is also a Mystras Museum that you can visit to appreciate the various discoveries from the site.
Corfu is another one of the beautiful islands of the country that joins the Albanian Adriatic coast to the Ionian Sea. Situated in the north-western part of the country, it is perfect for a luxury holiday destination, where you can enjoy its unique character. The island of Corfu is filled with beautiful beaches and charming villages.
Take a stroll along the beach, then explore the elegant architecture and colorful streets of Corfu Town, a world heritage site. Its pedestrian-only streets give off their own romantic and poetic vibes. Corfu town is popular because of yacht sailing the Ionian Sea, and tours to Saranda and Butrint in nearby Albania. Visit the museums in the city where you can explore a collection of Greek coinage, and admire the important finds from the ancient city of Corfu.
When you visit Greece, you have to visit these six places to feel the essence of this country’s rich history and spectacular beauty.
Have you been to Greece? Where did you visit? Is Greece on your bucket list? Tell us in the comment section below.
Tom is a blogger and a nature lover. He is obsessed with traveling and adventures and that too with his family. He believes that water has a steady hold of him. He regularly writes about his experiences at Kayak Critic.
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