Author: Rebecca Bailey

.

Parthenon

Arguably the most iconic landmark in the city, this ancient temple presides spectacularly on the Acropolis.

The Parthenon was built in the 5th Century BCE under the instruction of the acclaimed statesman Pericle. It is dedicated to the goddess Athena.

The Agora

Translating to marketplace, an Agora was a meeting place and area for political, social, and religious activities for communities in ancient Greece. 

Situated on the northwest of the Acropolis, this is considered to be the best example of a Greek Agora.

Kerameikos

Once a settlement of ceramists and vase painters, this fascinating archaeological site, located to the northwest of the Acropolis, is one of Athens’ most significant but least visited ancient sites.

The location’s name may originate from the demigod Keramos, son of god Dionysus and mortal Ariadne.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Dedicated to the king of the Olympians, this impressive half-ruined ancient temple stands impressively in central Athens, southeast of the Acropolis and near to the Panathenaic Stadium.

Construction began in the 6th century BCE but was never completed due to political complications.

Theatre of Dionysus

Originally belonging to the sanctuary of Dionysus, this ancient theatre was built in the 6th century BCE and is located on the south slope of the Acropolis, close to the temples of Dionysus.

With civilisation’s very first plays having been performed here, this iconic Athenian theatre is considered to be the birthplace of dramatic performance.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Also known as the Herodeon, this stunning theatre was built in 161 AD on the southwestern slope of the Acropolis. 

This legendary ampitheatre was once expensively roofed with cedar timber, but has been an open-air theatre since its destruction in 267 AD. This ancient site was renovated in the 1950s and continues to hold concerts to this day.

National Archaeological Museum

Displaying a beguiling array of artefacts from pre-history to late antiquity, this spectacular exhibit is considered one of the greatest and most important museums in the world.

Founded as an archaeological museum in 1829, this stunning neoclassical building is enriched with artefacts scoured from all over the Greek world.

Acropolis Museum

The monuments of the Acropolis remained largely intact until the mid-17th century; unfortunately, gunpowder explosions and wartime dismantlement devastated the site.

Having been opened to the public in 2009, this fascinating museum houses hundreds of breathtaking ancient artefacts once preserved on the Acropolis.

Chora, Mykonos

Elegant and charming, the picturesque capital of Mykonos blooms with bougainvilleas and vibrant colours in an entwining maze of whitewashed houses.

Matoyianni Street, the main strip, features a charming cobbled path, crisp white walls, and vivid Mykonian-blue paintwork. The street is lined with boutique stores, bars, and restaurants.

Little Venice, Mykonos

This delightful seafront neighbourhood of colourful little houses is undoubtedly one of the most romantic places on the island of Mykonos.

Visit one of Little Venice’s enchanting seaside bars or absorb the views from the Aegean on a boat tour. Golden hour is the perfect time to soak in Little Venice’s quaint beauty.

Akrotiri, Santorini

This prehistoric settlement dates back to the Cycladic Bronze Age and is a fascinating ancient wonder. 

In the 16th century BCE, the settlement was destroyed in the Theran volcanic eruption and was buried in volcanic ash, preserving a huge number of spellbinding ancient Greek artefacts beneath the embers.

Caldera Kayaking, Santorini

This breathtaking crescent-shaped caldera is globally renowned for its transfixing beauty. It is the world’s only sunken caldera and is home to the ancient mystery of Lost Atlantis.

With its sheer, sweeping cliffs and vibrant red sandy beaches, kayaking is the perfect way to explore the stunning caldera from the water.

Cave of Melissani, Kefalonia

This transfixing underwater cave encloses a vivid cerulean blue lake, one of Kefalonia’s most distinctive and incredible natural wonders.

A collapsed roof exposes the cave to the clear blue sky; the rocky opening is protected by dense green foliage. Sunrays alight the crystalline water, producing the lake’s bewitching turquoise glow.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

This crescent-shaped coastline is the most beautiful beach in Kefalonia. It is somewhat secluded and surrounded by vegetated, sandy cliffs and a small but spectacular Ionian bay. 

The beach is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon when the beach is quiet and the clear ocean waters are calm and invitingly warm.

Cape Drastis, Corfu

These dramatic white plunging cliffs are one of Corfu’s most stunning natural wonders. The cliffs are generously dotted with tiny sea caves and incredible wind-sculpted rock formations.

When reached by foot, the blustery precipice overlooking Cape Drastis offers dazzling views of the island of Corfu and the Ionian Sea.

Tour of Ithica

Known as the kingdom of king Odysseus, the protagonist of Homer’s two epic poems, The Odyssey and The Iliad, Ithica is a beautiful, tranquil, and enchanting Ionian island. 

Reachable by boat from Kefalonia, tour Ithica to discover its remote fishing villages, floral harbours, quaint cobbled streets, and crystalline waters.

Old Town, Rhodes

The historic heart of Rhodes, Old Town is renowned for its excellently preserved and fascinating medieval architecture.

The ancient city walls, majestic fortresses, and charming cobbled streets have enormous architectural and historic significance, earning the area its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Lindos Acropolis, Rhodes

Located at the summit of Lindos, this astounding ancient citadel is one of Rhodes’ most significant ancient sites. It boasts breathtaking panoramic views over Rhodes and the Ionian Sea.

The remains of an ancient theatre can also be found within the Lindos Acropolis, dating back to Hellenic times.

Odeon, Kos

Built around 300 AD, this beautifully-restored, marble, open-air odeon is a stunning example of a traditional ancient Greek ampitheatre. 

The first nine rows, made of restored marble, would have been exclusively reserved for the most important citizens of ancient Greece. The five back rows, made of granite, were for regular citizens.

Nerantzia Castle, Kos

An impressive seaside fortress located at the port of Kos, the so-called Castle of the Knights is a fascinating example of medieval Greek architecture.

Built in the 15th century by the Templar Knights of St. John, the castle earned its name from the Seville orange trees, nerantzi, planted throughout Kos by the Templar Knights.

Saganaki

A delicious and traditional Greek appetizer, saganaki is traditionally pan-seared in a two-handled frying pan.

Although seafood variations such as mussel and shrimp saganaki exist, this quintessential Greek dish most recognisably involves frying cheese, such as Cypriot halloumi or Chios mastello, until crispy and golden.

Souvlaki

This zesty crowd-pleaser is essentially the Greek equivalent of fast food, but it is made with plenty of fresh vegetables and other nutritious ingredients.

Typically, souvlaki involves grilling small pieces of meat and vegetables on a skewer. This can be eaten on its own, but it is often wrapped in pita with fresh tomatoes and tzatsiki.

Baklava

This sweet and nutty Greek dessert is traditionally made with three main ingredients: filo pastry, spiced walnuts, and honey. Traditional Turkish baklava is made with pistachio instead. Many modern recipes use both nuts.

It is believed that baklava has evolved from the ancient Greek dessert gastrin.

Karithopita

Also known as Greek walnut cake, this nutty, syrup-soaked sponge cake often amazes first-time triers with its intense richness and soft, delicate texture. 

Infused with fragrant cinnamon and ground clove, karithopita is full of crunchy, creamy walnuts and generously soaked in a delicious, spiced syrup.