Travel, Leisure and Recreation

What does Alexander the Great, Homer, and Moussaka have in common? They all trace their origins to Greece. It is the land of Delphi, Acropolis and Olympia, just to name a few among the myriad varieties of mythological travel adventure that Greece has to offer. From beaches to museums to monuments to discos, you name it; Greece has everything to offer to satisfy your ‘wanderjahre.’

Since it is impossible to dwell in depth on all the amazing tourist attractions of Greece in just a few words, I am just going to let you have a quick peek. Now, if you are not tempted to see Greece after you read this, I guess you have not been bitten by the travel bug yet. So let the adventure begin!

Acropolis!

It’s been said 100 times, and it will be told countless times again. Acropolis will always be the number one destination in Greece. Parthenon, the sacred temple of Athena situated here, is the highlight of the Acropolis. It’s great to visit all through the day, but give the sound and light show a miss. I didn’t much like it; it sounded puerile compared to the historic gravity of the Acropolis.

National Archaeological Museum, Athens:

Ok! So you hate museums! But I am sure you will swoon for the amazingly handsome looking Greek gods and goddesses.  If you want to get cultured, this is the place to visit, with its amazing collection of artifacts, enigmatic kouroi, and well displayed antiquities.

Olympia:

The site of the very first Olympic Games, a trip to Greece is incomplete without a visit here. Visit the temples of Zeus, and Hera, the Stadium, the Bouleuterion where athletes were sworn in, the Prytaneion (site of the eternal flame), the Treasuries, the Gymnasium and the Leonidaion (a guesthouse dating from 330 BC) to get the feel of a bygone era.

Delphi:

Delphi was considered the “navel of the earth” in Greek mythology. It is here that you can come across the Temple of Apollo, where the famous oracles were told in mythologies. Also visit the Corycian Cave (on Mount Parnassus above Delphi, sacred to Pan and the nymphs) and the Castalian Spring (where poets used to come for inspiration).

Balos:

Greece is not all about monuments and mythologies. Greece has got some of the finest unspoilt beaches in the world. A trip to Greece without soaking in the sands of the beaches here is rather a half-done trip only. Of the many beaches here, Balos (Crete) is one of the best. White sandy landscape cuddled by blue, crystal waters, set against the background of dramatic islets and mountains are a picture perfect destination for honeymooners. Although a little further from the main land (but that’s the beauty) it’s easily accessible from Kissamos. To add magic to your trip, drive down or take a river cruise to the castle in the nearby island of Gramvousa. The beautiful beaches of the Aegean, the clear blue sky that inspired a hundred Greek poets into rhapsody, and the white sands lapped by the pale blue waters, these are delightful things that move even the most hard hearted tourists.

The Island of Santorini (Thira, Fira)

Romantic sunsets, good local wine, fine restaurants, scary stories, volcanic mountains and tourists one too many just about sums up this island. But the best part would be to arrive by sea, so that you can savor the beauty of the banded cliffs of brown, black, and red crowned by lava, like a cherry on a cake. Don’t miss that sunset over the sea; it is especially beautiful here.

Island of Mykonos

There is a reason why Mykonos is the most famous Greek island. Apart from the famous nude and non-nude beaches, it has got some great shopping spots, and colorful nightlife. And if you are tired of the frenzy and yearn for a quite spot, just move over to the other side of the island for open country, and charming private chapels.

Shopper’s paradise:

Greece is a shopaholic’s dream destination. From ceramics to fur to leather to jewelery to rugs and wood, the range for shopping here is mind-boggling. Crete, Rhodes, and Skyros are known for needlework. While Athens and Rhodes sell expensive fur stuffs, check out Kastoria, in northwestern Greece, which is the hub of all fur products. Local leatherworks are famous in both Rhodes and Crete and you can pick anything from leather sandals to handbags, and from belts to jackets. For the trendy, Athens has some of the largest malls in Europe.