Greece is the land where history, culture and modernity come together to make it one of the most popular travel destinations of the world. It has so much to offer that no matter how many times you visit, there is always something new and exciting to experience. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets of Santorini, gorge on delicacies on an Athens food tour, book yourself a date with ancient Parthenon, soak in the sun at the balmy beaches and live your dreams with a Greece vacation. Here are some of the most amazing things you just cannot miss.
A tryst with history
The ancient Greek civilisation was a sophisticated and highly developed culture which was rich, prosperous and gave the world some of the earliest and finest art, architecture, philosophy, and literature. It was a time when knowledge and the scientific quest were given utmost importance and here in Greece, you can take a trip to this beautiful era of culture at various sites of the civilisation and its ancient monuments which are alive with the rich historical past. Visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Delphi, Mycenae, Epidaurus Theater etc. and marvel at the ancient culture and its several monuments of glory. The ancient Greek civilisation is often called the cradle of the Western civilisation and it is rightfully called so, due to its immense advancements in science, art and architecture. Visit the popular museums in Athens to see a curated glimpse of this period. The Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Agora etc. are some of the most notable ones which cannot be simply missed.
Gorge on Greek food
No trip to Greece is complete without a thorough Athens food tour as the city is packed with mouthwatering delicacies that will transport you to heavenly delights. The Greek cuisine is a rich gastronomical experience which makes use of tons of meat, the freshest greens, light and flavourful Greek olive oil, choicest herbs and spices, cooking wine, best quality grains, delectable cheese and fresh yogurt to create some of the most amazing food that you have ever tasted in your life. Make sure your Athens food tour also has ample space for the heavenly desserts, which are mostly dominated by fresh fruits, locally sourced honey, crunchy nuts, oodles of butter and so much more. Our absolute favorite? Loukoumades of course! It is a very typical dessert made of fried dough that the locals know since they are kids. Ask for the supplements: melted chocolate and hazelnuts granola on top. But your Athens food tour won’t complete without a drink of ouzo, a Greek specialty of unique dry anise-flavored aperitif, which is the national drink of the country. Say, ‘Opa’ and down a glass of it to whet your appetite for your gastronomical journey.
White Santorini
Famous for its uniformly whitewashed houses and picturesque streets, Santorini is one of the most Instagram worthy places you will ever come across. Overlooking the blue sea, the island of Santorini is the most perfect romantic getaway that you can imagine. While Athens offers you a burst of gastronomy and culture, Santorini is famed for its white little houses and the beautiful romantic restaurants. Looks like something straight out of a movie scene, this town is as dreamy as it gets. The azure waters offer some excellent snorkeling opportunities. You can also hike up to the village of Imerovigli which is famous for its sublime sunset, and hence has been christened the “balcony to the Aegean”. The houses here are built amphitheatrically around the caldera which looks absolutely stunning. Visit the local winery and enjoy its walking tours and wine tasting for an exquisite romantic experience.
Sunbathe at the balmy beaches
Greece has some of the most amazing white sand beaches with azure waters that are perfect for unwinding and going for a dip. Put on your swimsuits and take a refreshing swim in these waters, enjoy a quiet afternoon at the beach with a book and you will be invigorated. While some beach towns like Mykonos offer you an excellent nightlife, some others offer great water sports options: Prassonísi for windsurfing and rock climbing in Kálymnos are just 2 examples. The coves of Milos are excellent for swimming in the transparent waters while Zakynthos Island offers you a chance to see an 1890 shipwreck up close.
Visit the Abode of the Gods
Known as the abode of the ancient Greek gods, Mount Olympus is a treasure trove for travellers who want to explore Greece beyond the popular crowded tourists spots only. Mount Olympus is a heaven for hiking enthusiasts as it nestles in its lush green hills numerous small and pristine hamlets which are not frequented by hoardes of tourists, thereby ensuring that they are relatively undisturbed. This is where the trails cross and the hikers meet for a unique experience. Hike up to Dion, ancient Macedonia’s holy city at the foot of Mt Olympus, the most significant spot of worship in old days where the sacrifices to the Olympian Gods were made. There are several other spots such as Litochoro, Ano Skotina, Palaios Panteleimonas etc. that you can hike up to for exquisite panoramic views as well as to witness some of the most stunning relics of the glorious past of the Greek civilisation.
Over the recent years Greece has seen a substantial rise in tourism from all over the world. Owing to its extremely affordable travel options, better flight connectivity and a push from the Greek government to promote tourism, this seat of history, nature and beauty is one of the most popular destinations for travel, especially for young honeymoon couples.
A lot of Americans don’t realize that Greece is the beach destination for a good part of Europe like Mexico is for the USA. This means that going in the off season = big discounts. Thanks for sharing, did you also take those photos? They are amazing and the one of the beach on Zakynthos makes me wonder where the hell you were standing to get that breathtaking view.