8 MUST SEE DESTINATIONS IN GREECE
Source: www.cntraveler.com
Athens
Inhabited for more than 3,000 years, Athens is widely known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. The city presents a confusing blend of historical and modern features. Athens is famous for its archaeological ruins and monuments such as the famous Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora and the Theatre of Dionysos just to name a few. Do not forget to visit the Plaka district that is located just below the Acropolis and is a splendidly beautiful spot.
Cape Sounion
Situated at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, Cape Sounion is best known as the site of the ruins of the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea. The remains are perched on the headland, surrounded on three sides by the sea. The site is a popular day-excursion for tourists from Athens, with sunset over the Aegean Sea, as viewed from the ruins, a sought-after spectacle.
Zagorohoria
Tucked somewhere in the Pindus Mountains in Epirus, northwest Greece, the isolated region of Zagori is home to a cluster of over 40 stone villages, known as Zagorohoria. Surrounded with breathtaking and scenic landscapes, these villages are perfect for hiking. Very close by, visitors will find the Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest in the world. The other attractions in the region include paragliding, mountain biking and rafting.
Meteora
The Greek word meteora means “suspended in the air”, and this phrase aptly describes the spectacular cliffs that rise more than 1,200 feet (366 meters) into the air overlooking the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in the north central mainland of Greece. What makes these cliffs even more inspiring are the historic monasteries perched along the summits? Dating back to the 14th and 16th centuries, the monasteries at Meteora were built by monks seeking spiritual isolation and freedom from religious persecution.
Olympia
Home to the first ancient Olympic Games, held every four years to honor Zeus, Olympia features among the most important archaeological sites in Greece. In the western Peloponnese, this magnificent site welcomes visitors from across the whole world and plunges them into a distant past, where they can learn all about the Olympic Games, through the exploration of the site, which includes the ancient stadium, the gymnasium, the temples of Zeus and Hera, as well as the workshop of ancient Greece sculptor Phidias.
Delphi
Here is another destination for the history lovers. Delphi, the religious center of the ancient world still clings on even today. Perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, these ancient ruins were once a place which drew even kings, to hear the words of the Oracle. The Oracle of Delphi has been etched into Greek history and the priestess of Apollo’s words has echoed through the ages. The Temple of Apollo still stands and is one of the highlights of Delphi. Along with the Temple of Apollo there is also the Athena Priene, a theatre and an ancient stadium.
Rhodes
The Island of Rhodes, located off of the southwestern coast of Turkey is one of the Greek Islands’ most visited spots. Boasting some of the best swimming spots in Greece, Rhodes has the perfect mix of quaint towns, pristine beaches and archaic history. Whether you want to party the night away in Faliraki or relax in luxury at one of the many 5 star hotels, Rhodes covers every angle. Do not forget that the island’s capital, Rhodes Old Town was once home to a wonder of the world, the mighty Colossus of Rhodes.
Crete
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is a spacious land of pleasing contrasts where landscapes range from stunning coastline to rugged mountains and rolling countryside dotted with olive trees. Bustling metropolitan cities spread beyond to quiet villages centered around outdoor coffee shops. Steeped in history, Crete still bears archaeological traces of the many civilizations that inhabited it down through the centuries.