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Greece: Things To Do

  • 05/12/2020

Each year more than 30 million people visit Greece to experience the infusion of ancient mythology, history, art and philosophy all in the backdrop of the enigmatic convergence of mountain and sea, soaked in the bright lights of the Mediterranean sun. The UNESCO heritage sites will leave you inquisiting for more while the sunset on the miles long azure coast will keep you mesmerized. Here are some of the most popular things to do while in Greece:

  • Athens:

There is nothing more remarkable than a sunrise. Especially in Athens. It is in the morning, when the Greek god Helios drives his Sun Chariot into the sky, it is the part of day which most enhances the beauty of Greece’s landmarks.

The Panathinaiko Stadium, the cradle of the first modern Olympic games, which took place in 1896. Pass by the Greek Parliament in the former Royal Palace of Syntagma Square and watch the fanciful Evzoni Guards in their amber tunics. Fall in love with the stately Zappion Conference Center in the National Gardens of Greece before passing the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arc and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by more Evzones. Then there is the Arch of Hadrian, the lush Zappeion gardens, the magnificent Royal Palace and, of course, the famous Academy, named after the Academy founded in the distant past by the philosopher Plato.

  • Santorini:

The intense volcanic activity during the ancient times resulted in the formation of this crescent shaped Cycladic island and is renowned for the dramatic views of the Aegean sea and a rocky caldera that rises 1,100 feet above sea level.

Perched on the top of the island are the towns Fira and La that cater to some spectacular and enthralling sunset watching opportunity across the bay. The romantic ambience of the island makes Santorini a very popular wedding destination.

  • Acropolis:

Visit to the old plateau of the Acropolis, where the ancient remains of the outstanding Parthenon can be seen standing alongside other manifold symbols of the graceful classical Greek era. Yet Athens’ claim to fame doesn’t lie solely in the past; it often overlaps with the present. Acropolis is an archaeological wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most instantly recognizable landmarks of Athens. Explore the ancient Greek temple of Parthenon which is dedicated to Athena, the goddess of war as well as Propylae, the temple of Athena Nike, Erecheion and Herodes Atticus from the top. Towering over the capital, Acropolis is a very impressive sight, and walking around on its grounds, gives the visitor a feeling of awe and a true sense of the greatness of the ancient Greeks.

  • Mykonos:

Greece’s most famous island is the quintessential party paradise that attracts an impressive number of A-list celebrities and jet-setters. The picture postcard views of the Chora, the luxurious hotels with infinity pools, the high-end boutiques and beach clubs, and the clubs that blast music through the night prove that Mykonos lives up to its name. There’s a quieter side to the island, but in the summer months you need to look hard to find it; visit the more traditional settlements like Ano Mera and its monastery.

  • Mount Olympus

If Greek Mythology is on your to do list, Mount Olympus is a sight not to be missed. Mount Olympus is known in Greek mythology as the spot where Zeus sat on his throne as well as the place where Hades ruled the Underworld, so as you climb you can imagine the legends that are interconnected with this mountain.

If you want to climb the mountain then you will need to travel to Litochoro where you can trek part or all the way to the top depending on your ability and fitness levels.

  • Delphi:

Famed for the uncanny accuracy of the Sibyl, a fortune-telling priestess, Delphi’s fame grew and attracted travelers seeking their fortunes from all over the ancient world.

Visit the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, and learn the story of this brave god’s triumph over the dragon that guarded the omphalos. This mysterious ‘navel stone’ marked the very centre of the world and gave the Sibyl her powers by making her the voice of Apollo. Visit the marble Treasury of the Athenians, built to store the rich offerings of grateful kings. See the stadium where the ancient Pythian Games, precursors to our modern Olympics, were lost or won. Visit the temple of Apollo, where the eternal flame burned in the gloom. Then explore the on-site museums where you can see the omphalos stone itself as well as masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture such as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias.

  • Acropolis Museum:

One of the most important museums in Greece has a total area of 25,000 square meters and includes archaeological treasures dating to pre-historic times. The museum is divided into 4 main galleries and offers the opportunity to the visitor to view archaeological artifacts and learn about the Acropolis site.

The Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis houses finds from the sanctuaries that were founded on the slopes of the Acropolis, as well as objects that Athenians used in everyday life from all historic periods. Continue to the Archaic Acropolis Gallery and view exhibits from all sides as three-dimensional exhibits. With the benefit of the changing natural light, you can discern and discover the delicate surface variations of sculptures and select the vantage point from which to observe the exhibits. At the final Gallery, you will admire views of unique works that became prototypes for subsequent periods from antiquity to today. For the first time ever, it is possible to view the coffered ceiling of the Propylaia and the sculptures from the parapet of the temple of Athena Nike, and finally, the Caryatids – or Korai of the Erechtheion at close proximity on the balcony overlooking the Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis.

The main monuments that constitute the Classical Acropolis are the Propylaia, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. The exhibition concludes at the north side of the first floor gallery where you will see numerous statues were placed on the Acropolis, which represented gods, heroes, mythological themes and portraits of famous men including the Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia.

  • Meteora:

Meteora is known for its monasteries that sit on top of towering rock formations. The monks that live in the area are Eastern Orthodox and fled to Meteora as a result of the invasion of the Turkish army. There are 6 monasteries in Meteora, although at one point there would have been over 20, and as a result this is one of the most spectacular religious sites in Greece.

Meteora is crowded with ancient boulders and monolithic pillars and this is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the rock formations offer one of the most haunting and beautiful landscapes in all of Europe.

  • Cape Sounion

Journey along the coastal road, passing the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni & Varkiza to the most Southern point of Attica, Cape Sounion, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon stand. On the way, you have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf and the little islands offshore. After visiting the Temple of Poseidon, you have time to walk at leisure on the rocky promontory of Sounion.

and Many More