Greece

Greece is a country immersed in ancient mythology, archaeology, art and history. Greece is made up of a series of idyllic islands that are surrounded by stunning blue seas and covered in whitewashed buildings and beautiful coastal towns.

Athens is the capital of Greece, a busy city with one of the world’s most impressive sights. Dominating the skyline is the Acropolis, a must-see for visitors. With its Doric columns and spectacular temples, the Acropolis is lined with paths that let you walk around and enjoy the highlight of this monument, the stunning Parthenon. The Acropolis Museum is one of the most popular modern attractions in Athens. Opened in 2009 and made of cutting-edge glass and steel, it houses some of the most famous artefacts in Greece. Near the Acropolis, you will find the Ancient Agora. This area used to be the centre of the city and now houses important buildings, shops and markets. Monastiráki Square is particularly popular, with several churches and museums. Athens has lots of museums, but the National Archaeological Museum has one of the largest and most comprehensive collections in all of Greece. Other areas to visit include the Plaka, with its village feel and narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafés, tavernas and tiny shops selling their wares. Syntagma Square is in the modern part of Athens, where you will find the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The tomb is guarded by soldiers, and every hour there is a changing of the guard.

Mount Olympus is probably one of the most famous mountains in the world. In Greek mythology, it is known as the spot where Zeus sat on his throne, as well as the place where Hades ruled the Underworld.

Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, it was a popular pilgrimage spot in days of old for those who came to pay homage to Apollo, the ancient Greek god of healing, music, light and prophecy. Followers would come here to seek guidance from the Oracle at Delphi; today, however, you will find temples, a theatre and an impressive stadium amongst the ancient ruins.

Meteora is known for its monasteries. There are six monasteries in Meteora, although at one stage there were 24. As a result, this is one of the most spectacular religious sites in Greece. Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a mesmerising group of vertical rocks reaching up to 300 metres high, which time has twisted into bizarre and beautiful formations. It is one of the most haunting and beautiful landscapes in Europe.

When in Thessaloniki, a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, which is owned by the Ministry of Culture, is a must. The building dates back to 1962 and is a modern Greek treasure in itself, a wonderful example of new architecture in Greece. At the museum, you will find artefacts from Macedonia (not the country), an ancient civilisation of Greece, separated into seven sections that you can walk through and that tell the story of this part of the country.

Situated on the Chalcidice Peninsula is Mount Athos, considered a place of great importance in Greek history. Home to 20 monasteries that dot its scenic slopes, it is a central point of worship in the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith. The most amazing detail about the monasteries here is that they are still in full working order, making them the oldest monastic community in the world today.

Mycenae is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and was made famous in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Homer claimed that Mycenae was built by Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae, and that it belonged to the Royal House of Atreus. Mycenae was founded in the 6th Century BC, and its highlights include the mighty Lion Gate and the Royal Cemetery, as well as the Agamemnon Palace and the Great Court.

Ancient Corinth is impressive, as it is situated in a village that emphasises the contrast between modern-day surroundings and the ancient ruins, which are a mix of Roman and Greek relics. This was once the home of Jason of the Argonauts, who stole the Golden Fleece. Some of the sights include the Temple of Apollo as well as the Peribolos of Apollo and an ancient theatre. Much of the complex is Roman, but one Greek addition is the Doric Temple of Apollo, which dates back to the 5th Century.

One of the most astonishing feats of engineering in Greece is the Corinth Canal. Taking centuries to build, it was started by Nero, the ancient Roman emperor, before finally being finished under the French in the late 19th Century. The canal is cut through a section of rock and spans 6 kilometres, with sides up to 90 metres high.

Epidaurus, in the region of Argolis, is home to the Epidaurus Theatre, a ceremonial space dedicated to the famous god of medicine, Asclepius. The Sanctuary of Asclepius is located next to the theatre, and you can visit both at the same time. Dating back to the 4th Century, the theatre has stone tiers where you can sit and imagine watching a performance here in days of old.

There are 6,000 Greek islands and islets scattered across the Greek seas, of which only 227 are inhabited. These islands are a mecca for tourists, with their sun-kissed scenery, pleasant climate and stunning azure waters, and they are dotted with quaint fishing ports and historic villages. For more information on some of the islands, please look under Greek Island Hopping.