Things to do
Must See Places in Greece
Athens: The Capital city in Greece, Athens, where the Acropolis stands proun and tall with the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Temple of Athena Nike, is an absolute must see. For history buds there is the Archaeological Museum, Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The Plaka District has always been a favourite due to its old-world charm, marble buildings and traditional tavernas serving up some of the most delicious and authentic Greek dishes.
Mainland Greece: Mainly known for its ancient sites, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus (the well preserved theatre, famous for its remarkable acoustics), Nafplio, Olympia, Delphi (home of the Oracle and centre of the Ancient world, rich in natural beauty and history), and the magnificent Meteora Monasteries, mainland Greece is often overlooked on European getaways! Don’t underestimate the beauty of the ancient wonders that are peppered throughout the mainland, visiting these stunning sites will leave you with memories and pictures you will never forget. Other major cities, like Thessaloniki, Ioania and Kalamata are also worth a visit!
The Greek Islands
Greece has over 200 islands. They are categorised into groups... The islands that are on the Aegean sea, are called the Aegean Islands, and within the Aegean islands there are the cyclades, the Dodecanese islands, Crete, sporades, saronic islands. The other islands, in the Ionian sea, between Greece and Italy....
The Saronic Islands: Another must visit place in Greece is the Saronics, a small group of islands located close to Athens. Aegina, Poros and Hydra are the most popular of this group of islands. Hydra is most favoured due to its distinctive architecture, its ruggedness and the various colours in the landscapes.
Cycladic Islands, also known as the Cyclades: Most famous for its stunning white-washed buildings and crystal-clear beaches, the Cyclades are always a must see on your trip to Greece. Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios and Santorini are the most visited islands, not just within the Cyclades, but within all of Greece. Don’t miss a visit to the lesser known islands within this area though, especially is you want to experience the same stunning landscapes and towns while avoiding the constant rush of tourists. The lesser known, yet still unquestionably spectacular islands withing the Cyclades include Syros, Milos, Sifnos and Folegandros.
Island of Crete: Taking the top spot as the largest of the Greek islands, Crete is one of those places that everyone must visit at least once in their life… although we guarantee you will want to keep going back! Crete’s capital, Heraklion, is best known for its close proximity to the famous ruins of Knossos, the mythical labyrinth palace of the Minoan ruler King Minos. In Greek mythology, it is believed that the labyrinth was built by the king to house his son, the Minotaur.
Dodecanese Islands: The easternmost of the Greek islands, the Dodecanese comprises of 12 unforgettable and history rich islands. Due to the constant sunshine and size, Rhodes is the most popular. There are also many ferries and flights that travel to Rhodes, making it an easily accessible destination. Here you will find stunning beaches with water sports great for the whole family to enjoy, and a looming Crusader castle. Kos is another popular island in the Dodecanese and is known as the birthplace of Hippocrates. Patmos, while a stunning island with great beaches and cute towns, is most famous as the place where St John wrote his book of the apocalypse. Here you will be able to visit the cave where the saint received his visions, slept and prayed. This attracts many tourists on religious pilgrimages, but a must see for all no matter how religious. Check opening times before visiting as the site tends to close for a few hours around midday, even in peak seasons.
Ionian Islands: Located on the western side of Greece, the Ionian islands boast some of the most remarkable must-see beaches in all of Greece. The main islands include Corfu, Paxi, Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos (known for the famous Navagio beach, otherwise known as ship-wreck beach).
Sporades Islands: The Sporades islands lie north of Athens and mainly include Skiathos, Skopelos, Allonissos and Skyros. If you’re looking to live out your ABBA fantasies, the popular 2008 movie Mamma Mia was filmed on Skopelos.
